ALL boy!

Today was quite possibly Luke's most favorite day EVER.  I have never seen such joy on his face as I did while he was digging and climbing all over a pile of dirt Michael had made while killing all the weeds in our quasi-garden.  Yes, you heard right.   Michael has officially aged 25 years since we moved in last week and has decided gardening sounds really exciting!  It's unbelivable, but has the potential of being awesome since we might have some fresh tomates, herbs, onions, etc. in a little while.  

Well, Luke was out there "helping" Michael with the weeds and I heard "grab the camera quick" and this is what I walked outside to.  The pictures don't even do the mess justice.  The one with his toes in his mouth gives the best idea though.  He is ALL boy I tell you.  

The North vs. The South

This is Luke blowing on the flowers.  He does this when you ask him to smell them.

So I already miss the South y'all.  It's different up here in these parts.  We're doing great and really loving the house!  We even got out yesterday and had a cook out with one of Michael's soon to be colleagues and his wife and kids.  How dorky is that word by the way??  

Now, where was I?  I'm finally feeling pretty settled and have been able to start with the fun part - decorating!  For some reason I have been annoyingly indecisive (and that's my own feelings, not Michael's).  So much so that I can't even decide on a darn shower curtain!!   However, we did buy a couch and a chair this evening for the front room of the house - a formal living room that won't be too formal.   

Anyways, back to my title.  I wanted to make a list:

Things to note about the North:

1.  Today at 12:30 in the afternoon it was only 59 degrees.  What??  That's what I call winter. 

2.  They have Meijer's.  It would be like combining HEB and Walmart.  The produce and fresh foods from HEB with a really solid homegoods section. 

3.  They have Chipotle. 

4.  Starbuck's and Dunkin Donuts are everywhere.  Apparently Dunkin Donuts has great coffee. I'll have to try. 

5.  It really is tulip season up here and they are beautiful. 

6. It stays light until after 9:00pm. 

7. Basements are AWESOME!

Things I already miss about the South:

1. Chick-fil-a

2. BlueBell icecream

3. Not having to pay a monthly fee to have your trash picked up.   Isn't that what taxes are for?

4. Our families.  

5. Wearing shorts and flipflops in the summer. 

Michael just told me the high on Wednesday is 60!!  Brrrrr.  Texas, how I love thee.  That is all for now. 

We're here!

After 27 hours in the car (over three days) we made it to our HOME!  It doesn't feel much like a home yet but I trust it will with time.  We are taking our time unpacking and it feels so good to have more space than our tiny apartments. 

Highlights of this week: 

-Pulling into OUR driveway for the first time (sweeter still after such a long car ride.)

-Opening all of our wedding gifts that have been packed away since, ummm our wedding!  

- Watching Luke explore every last corner of the house.  I think we got his approval with his favorite room being the basement of course.  :)  

Our internet is spotty hence the short post.  Pictures to come!  

16 for 16 on the 16th

In honor of Luke's 16 month mirthday I thought I'd pick up where I left off quite a few months back.  I want to remember all the quirky things about him because everything changes so fast:

1.  He loooooves to go outside.  To tell us he says "keys."

2.  He is picking up on a lot of baby signs.  Today he was trying so hard to do the sign for friend.

3.  He has eight teeth but I think two of his molars are coming in.  

4.  His favorite book right now is one about Texas (Thanks Paul and Michelle) and he likes to point out everything in the pictures.  (Forever a Texas boy I hope)

5.  He loves to share his food and toys!  Yay.

6.  As soon as he wakes up he walks in the bathroom and points to where the "brruuu" is to brush his teeth.  (what great hygiene?)

7.  After brushing his teeth he says eat and does the sign over and over again until we have breakfast.

8.  Everyday he seems to pick up a few new words.  Today he said gold (for goldfish), girl, tractor (sounds more like cracker), and spoon.

9.  We put this book together that's full of pictures of our families and he likes to go through everyone's name probably five times a day. His favorite picture is one of him with Uncle Jonathan because there's a golf club in it. 

10.  He is starting to take one really long nap from about 12:30 till 3:30.  I LOVE IT!

11.  He loves to wrestle with Daddy and thinks he is so strong. Nothing gets him laughing harder.

12.  He has the messiest eating habits because he loves to feed himself but he's still not good at using a spoon. 

13. He likes to color.  Aunt Lisa got him some cool toddler colors for Easter and he loves to use them.  The only bad thing is he doesn't like to color in the books or on paper. He prefers the table so we don't get to play with those for too long.

14.  The most favorite part of his day is probably bath time.  He could stay in there for hours.

15. We have been Skyping with my mom and sisters and every time I open my laptop he looks at the screen and says HI  thinking somebody is on there to talk to.  

16.  Everything round is a ball and he LOVES balls. 

We love you Lukey Bear.  Happy 16 months.  

Luke's latest...

A great day

After waking up to breakfast in bed (my favorite-french toast), a sweet card, and flowers, I didn't think my Mother's Day could get any better.  I quickly realized it could when Luke (or Michael) told me to go read the blog because apparently they had hijacked it.  I felt like the most loved mommy in the world.  

What we did the rest of the day was up to me and with a little help from Michael's mad planning skills we had our day planned in no time.  We went on another hike close to the condo here and then let Luke take a good nap because those hikes seem to have a sleepy effect on him for some reason.   When he woke up we went to this cool town not far from Telluride called Ouray, "The Switzerland of America" we were told.  We hiked to Box Canyon Falls, had chocolate before dinner, and ate outside in the middle of the most beautiful mountains.  It was a great day and I felt very celebrated.  I couldn't love being a mommy more and feel so honored that the Lord has chosen me for such a noble calling.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Dear Mommy,

I haven't yet mastered the skills of typing, but Dad agreed to help me out this one time. So, here goes:

I am the luckiest kid on the planet to have a mommy like you. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and cry because my teeth hurt, or I am scared. You're never upset that I've woken you from sleep, and you always make me feel better. Sometimes when I am really having a bad night you even lay on the floor in my room with me until I feel better. I may not know a lot yet, but I don't think many other kids have mommies that love them as well as you love me.

Lately I have been into climbing, and while I am getting better, sometimes my bravery gets the best of me. Although Dad constantly reminds you that falling is the only way I am going to learn, I am glad that you are around to keep me from acquiring too many bumps and bruises. You have an innate ability to know when I'm in trouble and you always seem to catch me before I fall. Thank you for watching me so closely and always being proud when I accomplish new feats.

Also, I appreciate that you are sympathetic to my needs. When I cry you are always able to figure out what is wrong, and you're willing to make me feel better no matter the circumstance. On our 20-hour drive to Colorado, you probably spent 12 hours in the back seat playing with me because you knew I wasn't enjoying my car seat. And every day you're willing to tolerate my favorite Baby Einstein DVD before I go to bed.

The thing that I love most about you is the example you are setting for me. I'm not too young to understand that you love Jesus and that you draw all of your love from Him. Thank you for following Him with all of your heart, and for teaching me to do the same.

I love you Mommy!

Luke

P.S. The picture of me and Mommy is from her friend Hailey.  She's really good.  You should use her too! :)  Karey Miller Photography.

Tough little guy

Not so tough in this one.  :)  

He may think he's getting big and tough but to me he's still my sweet little baby.  

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

We are having a great time relaxing in Colorado but I already miss seeing our family so much.  All of these were taken a while ago but they were some favorites.  We miss all of you bunches (those not pictured too). 

Our morning hike

We made it

After a long two days of traveling we finally made it last night around 10:00.  We ended up taking the long route and after some tears were shed (by guess who??) and a very quite last two hours of the trip we finally arrived!  

We were warned ahead of time that it is muddy season in Telluride since the snow is melting and the rivers are raging. They weren't kidding and as a result it is very quiet around here.  I plan to get lots of reading, relaxing, and picture editing done.  Though, I'll have you know Michael is busy making an itinerary for our time here as we speak.  I think it includes daily hikes, a hot air balloon festival, a visit to Ridgeway National Park, and who knows what else.  I love that my husband likes to plan.  :)  We will not be lacking in the adventure department. I'll keep the pictures and videos coming as promised.   

The ones at the top were from our trip to the park this morning.  It is practically right outside our door so I'm sure we will be making daily visits.  

On the road

After early morning goodbyes with our families and a looooooong day of traveling, Michael, Luke and I are in Amarillo, TX for the night. Right now I am doing surprisingly well emotionally since it feels more like we're going on a vacation than moving across the country. I'm sure it will hit me harder when we are headed to Michigan and not back home.

As a married couple, Michael and I have now driven this route from Houston to Telluride FOUR times and this is our first time to stop in the middle.  Praise the Lord we did this time though. Traveling with a VERY active fifteen month old is a whole new ball game folks!  :)  Luke was a major champ today and didn't ever get too fussy thanks to a long stop at Walmart in Vernon, TX.   We should be in Telluride by early tomorrow evening.  More to come of our adventure....