Limitless by Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs and has found an amazing hope in trusting God's plan. This devotional book has short, encouraging reading options. Vujicic speaks very honestly about his struggles, about the hard days he has walked through, and then gives encouragement to others. He has great wisdom and uses scripture to really encourage.

I appreciated this book and the daily devotional. Vujicic is very passionate and that comes through in his writing. Some of the devotionals were especially encouraging during some tough days and I appreciated his perspective on the world and on how God is working. Overall, it is a great book.

a glimpse of summer's activities

Our camera broke this summer and before we got a new one, I spent some time on a camera break. So summer includes fewer pictures but we had a great one. Ugh that it seems almost over! Addelyn starts kindergarten in a week and a half. I'm holding tightly onto our summer moments. Here are just a few:

Sturgis Falls Celebration- this is such a fun weekend every year. Being that I'm not a CF hometown girl, it really had to grow on me. And it has! I love going down there, eating junk food, watching the parade, sitting in the park, listening to music. Not gonna lie, that whole sitting in the park, listening to music idea, didn't happen this year with a two year old runner boy. But again someday, right? We were down there a few times throughout the weekend but I only got a few pictures. The first of the Big Wheel Race. We first did the Kiddy Parade and then planned to do the Big Wheel Race and our kiddos both changed their minds. Addelyn has always been too nervous so I wasn't surprised by her decision. Jace is so little, I don't think he understood the concept of the race but he really wanted to do it. Kept talking about it all day before the race. Then by the time it was his turn to go (all the big kids go first), he didn't want to wear his helmet. We had a tantrum and he ended up not doing it. Oh well, another year!

Kiddy parade outfit- Addelyn chose her leotard and carried a baby. She was a "Mom." Everyone wanted to know if that is the type of outfit I wear around the house? 

Her with one of her favorite buddies, Austin.

Another summer activity, chasing our neighbor's chickens. Our neighbor boy got chickens and every day they ended up in our yard. The kids loved it- and spent hours chasing and holding them. 

Yes, this boy loves animals. And chasing them!

A few of my small group gals got married this summer so we hit up some weddings. I like to think we clean up alright once in awhile! It is crazy that these gals are getting married, when did we get so old??

The pool- this summer has been brutal. Rainy, cool, just not a great pool summer. On the hot days (there have been some!) we spent as much time as we could at the pool. Addelyn had swim lessons and somewhere during the never ending weeks of lessons, she became a little fish. Now she is swimming under water, between Mark and I. It is fun to watch her get older and become more confident in the water.

This boy at the pool is another story! No fear, running and jumping into the deep water. Going on the elephant slide. His only fear, the bucket. My fear at the pool this summer- keeping this kid's head above water. Maybe it was a blessing that we haven't been able to be there as much as we'd like. I'm hoping next summer will be easier at the pool, at least he may be a better listener by then:)

This summer we also threw a fun baby shower for my sis. I'm excited- her and her hubby are expecting any day now. The shower was fun, I loved the chance to spoil her and focus on this little baby girl coming soon.
Oh summer days, please don't end!

the bday party

The night before Jace's party Kathy and I had some fun getting things ready. I worked hard on his cake, remember I have a cake thing. I really want to make my kid's cakes- too bad I am not a master decorator:) I also have great plans and things seem to go downhill, usually last minute.

I had fun with his cake this time and I think it ended up turning out great, if I do say so myself! It helped that all I had to do was make it look like dirt and mud and corn and then throw a tractor on top. Whatever works! This kid might have a tractor cake every year!

The party arrived, along with it- Preggo little sister and Uncle Levi. My kids love these two so much. Can't wait for their little person to arrive!

The party in the backyard!

The birthday boy opening presents. Most common 2nd birthday present for Jace= a tractor. Who would have guessed? 

Big sis was always up and in the middle of the action. Welcome to this two year old's life!

Blowing out candles.

Love this little Punky (my nickname for my boy) that somehow showed up one day and seems to come out of my mouth often.

Seems about right that you would eat your second birthday tractor cake with the loader of a tractor! Perfect! What a fun and special birthday party for our little guy.

A two year old!

On this sweet two year old's birthday, he woke us up early (as always!) to celebrate! Here he is opening his few gifts from our family. Addelyn got him the zebra pool (Aldi special- it has provided lots of good times for our kiddos this summer). 

His next gift from Mom and Dad- a combine "bombine" and tractor. Thanks to our friend Kara for donating us a bunch of tractors! We now have birthday and Christmas presents for this boy for awhile! My sweet little farm lover.

This boy- I love him and his sweetness. He is such a good little boy. He is sweet hearted, funny (probably going to be a class clown!), loves to make people laugh, a runner (often into the street or in parking lots or at the pool, ya know, just the places the freaks momma out). His vocabulary has expanded so much in the past few months and he surprises us with how much he is saying. He is starting to say much more in sentences. I think it helps that he has a chatty big sister. He loves tractors, anything farm related, animals, dance parties, Daddy, his Papas, riding in the tractor with Papa Marvin, sleeping with two Elmos, a baby doll, and a sleep sack every night, eating taco shells, rice cakes, and any sweet (cookies, candy, ice cream). This kiddo brings a lot of joy to our family each and every day! Love him!

cheese confusion

Addelyn has never been a big Chucky Cheese fan. She really doesn't like any mascot. She hides behind us and shakes in fear. She got an invite this week to a birthday party at Chucky Cheese and announced that she is not going- because she is too scared of Chucky Cheese. We dropped the subject and nothing more has been said.

Today for lunch, Addelyn requested mac and cheese (often called mac and noodles at our house for some reason). When I told Jace we were having mac and cheese for lunch, he freaked out and started saying over and over, "No mac and cheese! No mac and cheese! I scared! I scared!" I was really confused as to what it was about until he said, "No cheese, Addelyn say he scary!" Haaaa the word confusion. Gotta love his connections though. With all of Jace's food aversions and issues, it would make sense he would be more scared of a food than a person in a large mouse costume!

little buddy

We love our little buddy Chivon and enjoy the chances we have to invite him to play with us! Chivon fits in well at our house, except for when Jace has to share toys- that is a hard reality. 

(But a good one for that two year old boy!)

He loves being in our backyard- with Snow White, the swings, the bike- he is a content little guy.

Jace considers how to share in this picture.

How cute is this boy?! Just love that little smile.

my children

This is a classic picture that captures my children so well. Addelyn's goofy face as Jace picks his nose. 

I love my kids.