Home again...

Two Sleepy boys on the way to the airport

Schottey Family photo op while waiting for our plane home

So Joshua tells me he wants to see Silas before we take off. Then he says, "Momma, let's sing to him. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world."

Tandem

So far we have had two infant boys two weeks apart doing living their Lisa in sync with one another sleeping, eating, going potty and smiling.

Tired Travelers

It's hard to be away from home sleeping in someone else's bed.

Pirate take St. Joes

We walked around downtown St Joesph's Michigan and it just so happens that they were having pirate themed art. It was nice scenery and good friends. It was a nice night.

Leaving on a jet plane

The Schottey family jumped on a plane bound for Michigan. It has been over two years since we had been there.

I was nervous about the two hour plane ride with a two and a half year old and a 6 week old, but they both did very well.

Here's hoping the ride home goes just as smoothly.

CTK Family Night

Wel

Family night is back starting with the men in the kitchen.

Vicar, principal Loberger, pastor Phil and councilman Michael

How great to be part of a wonderful church family!

Joshua's First Story

This morning Joshua said he wanted to tell me a story. After he told me I asked if he could tell me again. The second time I took dictation.

Without further ado, Joshua's story


"One day the captain was walking through the forest. An alligator tried to chomp to the captain. Mr. Smee save the captain. The captain could not find his mommy. The captain road on the bike through the jungle. Monkeys were swinging through the trees trying to catch the captain."

Beach baby

We finally got to the beach!

I probably shouldn't say finally, I did have a baby and it has been hot.

We went to the beach where Joshua enjoyed the sand, Silas sat in the shade and Michael and I each for a chance to play in the water.

The flags were yellow and my worry wart husband was cautious about me going out. It was terrific!!! I will admit to going face over feet more than once as a reminder that I am only a small part of God's wonderful creation.

I hope to get back soon.

Smiles have started!

Taking a Step Back...

My dear Joshua has had a hard time transitioning into spending time at school. He wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed as we walked to his classroom saying he didn't want to go.

I slid him off into the arms of one of his teachers.

Later I peeked outside to see him wandering around teary eyed.

During their nap one of the teachers came over to make her lunch. I could tell by her look Joshua was struggling. "He's having a rough day." He was defiant about using the bathroom. Peed on the floor. Wandered around teary eyed saying, "I just want Silas." and "I miss my family." Needless to say the tears flowed freely from this momma upon hearing that.

When I went over to get him I was greeted with the best embrace ever!
"I love you so much Momma! I missed you and Daddy and Silas all day. I love my parents and my Silas."

The heart twisting continued.

Later Silas was fussy and getting ready to eat when I heard Joshua in a sweet  soft voice say, "Don't be sad! I love you so much!"

At school the teachers suggested going to pull-ups instead of the undies. With all the changes happening for Joshua using the bathroom is something he can control, so for now we're going to give him some control and let him realize, it's much easier to just use the toilet.

Slow down!!!

There was an ad on the radio the other day that talked about this "back-to-school" season. It's only July isn't it?!?

As much as i don't want to admit it, School is right around the corner and I'm clinging to every bit of summer that is left.

Spending time in my classroom has been bittersweet. I am excited to start fresh again and have a set routine. I'm not excited about less time with my boys.

50 Shades of Magic Mike

With the publicity and popularity of spicy books and movies for "ladies," I couldn't help but write about having three men in my bed.

Scandalous right?!?

There's something special about snuggling with my husband and two boys. Scandal-less.

See you Later...

Alligator!

While my family was here, we went to the RiverGrille. Joshua loves the big alligator in the front and there are two treasure chests. "This is pretty cool!"

Me and the boys

Samuel eating alligator. He didn't know it was alligator until later...

Samuel isn't the only one who ate alligator...

Grandma tried it too!

John had lobster. This was a very curious thing for Joshua. We went to Flagler Fish Company a couple of weeks ago, and someone ordered lobster while we were standing next to the tank. Joshua watched as the waiter pulled it out and carried it away to the kitchen. When I told Joshua someone was going to eat it for dinner he was a little concerned. So seeing John eat the lobster was very interesting to him. Then came, "I want to eat lobster too!" to which Michael replied, "Lobsters are for daddies to eat, when you're a daddy you can eat lobster."

Uncle Sam

Samuel came this time to visit and meet Silas.

Samuel seemed so big compared to my two little boys especially since I remember Samuel being so small. 

Samuel was very interested in Silas and wanted to help with feeding, changing, and snuggling. 

Uncle Sam didn't leave Joshua out of the mix. He played with Joshua as well. Samuel wanted to have Joshua's trust in the water. It took him a while but Joshua rode around on his back. 

Before my family left, I took Samuel and Joshua to the movies. It was Joshua's first time at the movie theater and Samuel had been begging to see the movie. I hope that Samuel was ok that Joshua went too. He told his dad that he couldn't come because it was just going to be him and me having some brother/sister time. 

3D glasses at the movies!

Samuel took a walk with my mom and the boys and even looking at the picture you can see that he is glowing with pride that he is taking some of the responsibility of pushing his nephews.

Pool

Family visits led to time spent at the pool!

I had been promising Joshua that we would get to the pool when Grandma came to visit. (Mainly because Michael didn't like the idea of me taking both boys to the pool alone.)

Shortly after she arrived he asked when we were going to the pool. 

Extra sets of eyes and hands meant that I could get in the water too and enjoy some time with Joshua just being silly. 

Joshua playing with the boat Grandma spoiled him with 

Silas hanging out poolside

Joshua wanted Goggles so badly. He wore them maybe 3 minutes before they became a toy.

Grandma- regretting not wearing her suit

Fluke?

Silas rolled over! He rolled over from his back to his tummy. Usually rolling starts from tummy to back, but Silas put his feet up in the air the used the weight of his legs to help him turn over.

Now we're waiting to see if this was a one time deal, or Silas is just a man in a mission.

I scream

So there is this ice cream shop down by the beach. When Caleb and Amanda were visiting for Silas's baptism and for their honeymoon, we went to dinner followed by ice cream. 

There were tiny little ice cream cones. Joshua loved them. Perfect sized! And the ice cream was delish! 

Reunited

Considering that Joshua and Gwen see each other more often than not 7 days a week, when the Huebner family was in Wisconsin for 2 weeks it was hard on Joshua. He missed Gwen! 

They were so excited to play together again!

Born Again

Silas was born again by water and the Word on Sunday June 8. He squirmed as Pastor Phil pour the water over his head, but made no noises. He did a great job! With so that I could say about the day, I'll choose to be glad in such a beautiful service to remember the day my son became God's child. What an amazing blessing!

One Handsome young man!

Parents and Sponsors 

Newly Weds and Sponsors 

Our Family with Pastor Phil

Boys in the Bath

Between waiting for Silas's umbilical cord to fall off and then his circumcision to heal, tonight he got to take his first real bath.

I waited for Joshua to ask about Silas. He usually does.
"Silas come with to church?"
"Silas watch me eat lunch?"
"Silas listen to bedtime stories?"
Tonight:
"Silas take bath?"
"Yes!!!!"
"We all take bath together!" (because at two and a half you and your brother make "we all")

Joshua was thrilled!

I warned him that Silas might cry, but I wasn't hurting him and I would keep him safe.

I gathered up all the supplies, put Joshua in followed by Silas.

initial reaction

Silas was not excited at first. He cried, but quickly calmed.

Almost too calm for my comfort.

Joshua said he needed a rubber ducky

too intrigued to waste time looking at me

I got to take my quick pics and then I got Silas out and snuggled up.

I couldn't help but include more of these crazy curls. :)