After baths, pj time, and reading stories...John says,

"Daddy, watch Top Gear."

Matt was on top of the world...

Top Gear was than watched :)

Family baking night at the Turnbough's...it is always interesting with a 2 year old and a 5 month old!

(Those of you that will be eating these cupcakes...I didn't put the spoon back in the batter after John got a hold of it!)

"'I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.' And he worshiped the LORD there." I Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)

I read this verse the other morning during my daily devotions. This is a prayer from Hannah. Hannah wanted a child so badly and after many years and many prayers, God granted Hannah a child. Hannah had high hopes for Samuel. She had promised God that she would give back Samuel and that is exactly what she did.

Often times, my prayers for my kiddos are to keep them safe, learn to behave, not throw so many fits, or to just sleep through the night so that I may rest. I have even prayed...please let this be a long nap! Often these prayers are cried or said in desperation because parenting doesn't come with a manual and we are learning step by step.

After reading this verse, I realized that I need to have higher hopes with my kids and look towards God more. My prayers have now become more fruitful and more about my children becoming a man and woman of God. Hannah dedicated Samuel to God FULLY. There was no selfishness in her prayers. She was completely devoted to being a mother to Samuel and letting God take the lead in their lives. In the past few days, I have learned that I am setting the bar for my children...what they see me do to strengthen my relationship with God, to become a better parent, and what I hope and expect for them needs to be seen daily.

I have gotten a little behind...but here is a catch up!

Can you believe how big she is getting?? She loves sitting up at all times and she sometimes tries to fling herself back in her Bumbo. Her little legs are so chubby that we have push them in the seat...it is flexible, so it doesn't hurt...and then the seat comes up with her when you take her out.

So slobbery!

John loves toast with jelly every morning. He is also in love "macaroni". He would eat it every meal!

Mr. Cool at Deanna Rose Farmstead.

John loved feeding the baby goats at the farm. He thought it was great!

John and Madeline...two little best friends...sometimes :)

Sophia is not a fan of rice cereal. She pretty much just spits it out. So we tried some carrots...if she could talk I think she would say "not to bad".

This is the beautiful pie my mother in law made me for my birthday...DELICIOUS!

Sophia grabs for anything that is in her reach. She loves getting a hold of stuff... especially her brother's hair. I think she is getting him back from when she was first born and he was so rough.

Daddy took John and Sophia to Bass Pro today...I guess they had a ball.

John felt he needed to be a part of Sophia's feeding...so he gave it a try. He did a pretty good job.

It was my birthday week...

I love birthdays. I think everyone should celebrate their birthday to the fullest. My birthday was on Wednesday. It was a crazy day...first day of school, first day of master's classes...it was cram packed. However, my friends and family made sure that it was a special day for me. The birthday was filled with Starbucks, chocolate filled cream puffs, a new NETBOOK!, and a chocolate bag with friends...who wouldn't love that?

Thank you to everyone who helped make my day/week special.

Dear God,

Tomorrow is the big day! It is the day that 21 students become 5th graders in Mrs. T's class. Prepare my heart and my mind for this year. Lord, give me the patience and love that I need. Help to see through the eyes of my students. Remind me to take the time to form relationships with each of them. Slow me down when they need someone to hear them or just to give them a hug. Help me to know that sometimes it isn't words they need to hear, but ears to listen to them or arms to wrap around them. Lord, prepare me for what is to come this year. Let me enjoy the scenes from the "mountains" and to get through the "valleys". I pray for each of my students. Let them get rest tonight and enjoy tomorrow. Lord, keep them safe and to be able to find someone they can confide in this year. Thank you for each and everyone of the kiddos that walks through the school doors tomorrow. Be with all the teachers and staff members as they are starting this new year. Thank you for giving us this chance and new beginning each year.

Amen

First day back at school...it was only a teacher day...but I am tired! This working business kind of cuts into my day. However, it is good to be back. It is exciting to be back in my classroom (3 years in a row!), it is nice to see all my teacher friends, and it is great that I am going to meet my students so soon!

John and Sophia went to Jewell's house today. They hadn't been all summer so I wasn't sure how it would go. I made Matt take them because I didn't want to see crying. I know I am terrible. Yet, John didn't cry. He was a little shy but ended up going straight to Jewell when she mentioned food. He had a great day. He made a new friend, Brielle. They played all day and took a 2 1/2 hour nap next to each other on their mats. Fia didn't want to nap, but she was a jewel all day. She wanted to sit up and see all the action.

Seeing them at Jewell's helps me know that I am suppose to be teaching...it is a nice feeling.

My sweet man, Matt, and I went out on a date to complete my summer break. We headed down to The Melting Pot's happy hour on Thursday to enjoy some time together. If you haven't been to the Melting Pot...you need to! They have a happy hour from 4-6 Sunday through Thursday. It is 3.75 per person, per course. So Matt and I spent $15 on food for our date! Isn't that amazing! We got a yummy cheese fondue and a fabulous chocolate fondue...still dreaming about it.

I would like for you to meet Kampbell Joesph Jensen! We have been waiting so long to meet him and he is finally here! This is Matt and I's new nephew. John and Sophia are proud cousins! He is precious!

Our dear friend, Brandon Shultz, did the kids pictures. He did a fantastic job at capturing precious expressions from John and Sophia. I tried to pick my favorite ones for the blog and it was almost impossible. I hope you enjoy these selected ones.

If you would like to see the rest...they can be found at this link

Sophia is 5 months today!

I can't believe that 5 months has went by since this little girl enter into our lives. It is like she has always been a part of our family...a perfect fit. I remember being so nervous about having a 2nd baby. I really didn't know if I could do it. But after looking back at these 5 months...it just all worked out. We couldn't be more blessed to have the children that we do. They love each other and make Matt and I smile each day.

Here are 5 things that I adore about Miss Fia Bee-ah...

1. I love when she laughs at John because he is being silly.

2. I love that she talks to the TV, her toys and the things are the exasaucer.

3. I love dressing her in dresses and that she still lets me put bows on her. (She doesn't even try to take them off.)

4. I love when she sees a bottle...she gets REALLY excited. That is why she is probably over 17 llbs! It is funny because she gets excited even when she sees a water bottle.

5. I love how she LOVES her toes. She pulls those toes up and goes to town on them!

We got to try yummy ice cream at Glace Artisan Ice Cream today. It is a recommendation! John and I shared Strawberry Sour Cream and Venezuelan Dark Chocolate. Matt had Mint Chocolate Chip with real mint and Venezuelan Spiced Chocolate. AMAZING! We also got to go with our good friends, the Beards . It was a good time had by all!

First Friday Art Walk was tonight and we hadn't been in so long. Beautiful art, awesome pottery, time with friends and a satisfying breeze...a great night.

John is in training for changing diapers. He is getting pretty good at it...for a 2 year old. He is actually a little obsessed with it.