The craziness that is our life

 This summer flew by, and fall seems to be doing the same! I really thought I would get better at blogging when I had a kid to talk about, but turns out I have less time now due to all the snugglin' of that kid.

Peyton is growing so fast, it's all I can do to cling onto each moment before he is off doing something new and exciting. He is crawling, and walking around furniture. He loves cheerios and jabbering about who knows what. He loves going room to room exploring and playing with his toys - although his favorite is by far car keys.

We have been busy celebrating birthdays. Audrey turned FOUR on the 12th. We went to the pumpkin patch and had cupcakes, had lots of snuggles and played with fwiends. [I had my 'five' kiddos in one spot and can I just say I was in heaven!] The weather was perfect and Jeremy bought us deep fried oreos. Pure Perfections!

We also celebrated my 25th birthday last Sunday. This is my first birthday with little man and waking up to him and my man 'singing' happy birthday with a candle was the best! What better way to wake up! Drew got me an iPhone which I am already in love with due to seeing people's faces while talking to them! I know, I'm a few years behind, I've never used this thing called Skype but I'm a fan. Drew also showed of his patience and creative skills by making me a card with our 'family tree' on the front. After many tries he successfully got Peyton's hand print on it! What a guy.

We have also made many trips to Winston-Salem to see my family. Audrey had a Pinkalicious party, who wouldn't want to attend that?!? :) I LOVED spending the day with the birthday girl, her mama and brother. Then that evening we headed to a fall festival where the kiddos were Buzz, Woody, and miss ladybug and I got to get brother hugs from Jeremy! (excuse the phone pics, I left my camera at home)

Drew and I finished our first 8 weeks of the school semester. I only have 3 classes left until I am DONE with my bachelors! I am taking theology of the family and humanities this coming 8 weeks. Then all I have is a basic math class this spring and I am finished! YAY! Drew is still trucking away at his Masters in Discipleship and should finish this spring, although he might have to take one class this summer. He of course isn't just passing, but acing all of his classes. He is one of those sicking people who loves to learn and grades come easy for him. I say 'good for you, get your doctorate and roll in the dough!' HaHa, that's funny you see because in the ministry you're never really 'rolling in the dough.' :)

Peyton also celebrated his friend Kaehlen's first birthday party. We sure do love her and her parents!!

We've been super busy enjoying life. I'm sure there is more to tell for another day but for now, I'm off to relax a few moments before my cutie wakes up!

Birthday Days

Growing up we have always thoroughly celebrated birthdays. It isn't just a day where at the end of it we have dinner and eat cake with family. It is a group of days where lots of cake is consumed and much hanging out occurs. It makes me happy. Drew and I have already decided that birthdays deserve to be super special times. We have already figured out a budget for birthdays for our family, and they are bigger than our Christmas budgets. Because birthdays are about that person, Christmas is about our Jesus!!

DAY 1:
Started last Thursday when Drew decided he just HAD to give me a present early. Gifts are his thing, and the fact he bought them ahead of time cause the secret to drive. him. crazy. I love him for it.

DAY 2:
My mom and I started a tradition many years ago where instead of buying presents for me, she took me shopping. She told me the budget and I was able to get whatever I wanted. It included a meal and just spending uninterrupted time with her. This year I had Thursday off, so we headed out and it was just as great as it always was.

That evening, as you already know, we have bible study on Thursday nights, and this week Drew took me to Chick Fil A where we met up with Christine and ate dinner. Then to a movie where the 3 of us met up with Lewis. After that we devoured a delicious cookie dough ice cream cake at Coldstone with Starr.YUM-O

DAY 3: 
My husband, the ever-eager gift giver, decided that midnight, right when it turned my birthday would be the perfect time to open my presents. So I did and it was wonderful. I kept the card that he hand-made for me until that morning. ;) It was worth the wait, he is a sweetie. (Yes, this sweetie also captured me in pain due to Peyton... I am afraid the look below is a fairly normal occurrence in this household.)

I took the kids to Chuck E Cheese, so while a big mouse did NOT sing to me, I thought it was pretty amusing I was spending my 24th birthday there. :)

The evening included some homework wrap up, as today is the last day of the 8 weeks.  Then we headed to Shakers to have dinner with my dad and Dreama. Delicious, relaxing, and nice. I was stuffed!

We ended the evening at Target, where we ran into two of our favorite people (The Maxwells) and ended up chatting with them a good while. I love them.

DAY 4: 

My grandma always cooks a meal every week, but makes a big deal out of it anytime it is a Farmer's birthday. We get to pick the menu and cake and all be together. I'm a fan. :) This Sunday lunch we had a great meal for mine and Audrey's birthdays, and then we had a baby shower for baby Peyton which was equally wonderful. ;) Lets just say a TON of sugar was consumed, along with snuggles and some great gifts that make me excited to have Peyton in my arms!

The End. I think. I would say that was a successful 24th birthday. Oh, and I found out tonight we have a week in between classes. So I have this week to relax and catch up with some random house stuff before I start my Genesis and Philosophy classes. oh joy.

I have amazing friends!!

I had a great birthday celebrating with friends. I started out spending the day with Mason and Kylee and ended with some of my favorite people. Starr made my favorite meal (chicken and dressing casserole) and mom made a great cake (chocolate with cream cheese icing)! We watched you tube videos and played taboo. Yes, I know it was laid back, and I LOVED IT!!

Drew enjoyed playing with Lucy... even though he doesn't like cats. She is pretty great.

It sure was a pretty birthday!!

Monkey Business

I have so much to catch up on, but I have decided not to stress!! I know, I know I'm brilliant!!

October 12 we celebrated Audrey's 2nd birthday! Drew, mom, Katie, Jeremy, Owen, Audrey, and I headed to celebrate this wonderful 2 year old! We went to the NC Zoo were we saw lots of great animals, got tons of hugs, laughter, exercise, and pictures! :) Audrey loved the mister the best, but it was a great atmosphere to hang out with family! We were hoping that all of the walking would cause Owen to make an appearance but no luck so far!! He will definitely be well worth the wait just like his sister was!