To Blog or Not to Blog?!

So, I've fallen off the blogging bandwagon lately for 2 reasons really.  The main reason being that my blog is public, and to make it private would require that the reader login using a password.  I'm not even sure that some of my readers would find it worth the hassle?!  So I've considered posting a blog per month and then taking it down before the next post... not sure what that would solve other then limiting the amount of time our information is available to the public?  So I don't know, but I do know... I miss it!
So I'm back.  The other reason for my absence was that I was busy playing Bob the Builder!  Putting in new flooring and wainscotting, tile in the master bath, paint, etc...

As many of you already know, we've been living in limbo here for 4 years.  Not knowing whether or not we should stay or go.  Whether we should buy or sell.  Not knowing what will happen with Jeff's job from one day to the next.  One day we're worried about him losing his position all together, the next we're hopeful for a promotion.  One day we're thinking of selling the house, the next we are refinancing!  Which we did on Friday!  So we are committed to staying here at least another 2 years, and if we need to sell before then, we'll still be fine!  I have to say, after 4 years, it feels darn good to finally make the house a home!  Even if we are still mid-process.

Another reason for my absence is that I've had my nose in a bible a lot lately... a first for me!
I am happy to announce that I am now a Christian.  I'm not sure what I was before, whatever the label is for someone who believes in God, but not Christ?!  I'm not much interested in labels, but more in the transformation this revelation is making in my life and in the lives of our family.  Jeff was very resistant at first.  But came around when he realized I wasn't as much interested in church or religion, as I was in Salvation and Christ in general.  Somehow, when we can focus on the love and not the fear of God... as so many well meaning religions tend to do... it's palatable.  
The cutest thing is that the boys now say their prayers in unison, every night before tuck in.  And they each have a cross that they cherish with out any prompting from Mom!  The spirit is in them, and it's through them that I feel it most!
Hard to think of much else important beyond this.... but I'm sure I can ramble and post a few random pics from our lazy summer days thus far!

Maddie is 10 months old, today!  It's both bitter and sweet!  She's crawling, or her version of it (butt scooting) around, pulling her self up and falling lots! And when she falls, she cries.  And when she cries, she really CRIES, and cries.... oh wait, and then she cries some more!  It's lots of drama this one, but she is so sweet!  Let's just say I can definitely see the difference between girls and boys! :)  In addition to all this, she also has the best dimples I've ever seen!  But boy does she have the hot Italian temper, whew!  She is a little lady who knows what she wants, and knows how to get it!  By screaming, twisting, kicking, turning and arching her back!  ALREADY! (Lord help us)  I'm already dreading the teen years! :)  I am so blessed and grateful to have a daughter, and also glad that I only have one!  They say the Lord only gives you what you can handle, and the good Lord must know that one girl is all I can take!  She's our little princess!

Austin is almost 5 now, and as sweet as always.  He just amazes me the way he thinks and speaks.  He's so wise!  He's nervous about starting school in the fall and soaking up summer while he can!  He's a fantastic big brother and an amazing manipulator (whoops, I mean negotiater).  He'll make a great business man someday!

Then there's Jack, our little sweetheart!  He turned 3 in May, and is almost as tall and possibly thicker then his older brother!  He's our big teddy bear!  A quick learner, quieter... but when he speaks up, look out!  He will have you laughing, hard!  He finally got to see Toy Story 3 at the drive in this summer, which he has been waiting a year for!  Buzz Lightyear is his hero! He can recite all the great one liners from Toy Story 1, 2 and now 3!! We also discovered he has an allergy to mosquitoes, when his eye swelled shut from a bite on the forehead!  Poor little guy!

We had our annual 4th of July party this year, which (like past years) got rained out.... but was still a good time!  We've enjoyed long lazy days of fun in the sun and kiddie pool, watermellon, popsicles, pop corn and smores!  Campfires, bbq's and running through sprinklers.   Trying to soak up the precious memories, just as we soak up the precious sun!  My mom was here in May also for a much needed visit!  They're never long or frequent enough, our visits!  Hoping for another in September!
Next on the calendar is vacation!  I'm heading back to California, just Maddie and I the 22nd through the 26th to stand next to one of my dearest friends as she says, "I do!"  I'm very excited for this, as I'm always a bride and never a bridesmaid! (Just kidding)  Seriously though, it will be my first experience as a bridesmaid... and I'm truly honored and can not wait!!  Jeff will stay here with the boys, and do whatever it is that boys do when they're(with the exception of Jeff) underage and not under supervision?!
Have lots of fun and junk food I presume?!
Then we will all head up to Michigan for a few days to visit my aunt and uncle, and the beautiful, breathtaking beaches!! 
It's good to be back, in the blog-o-sphere... hope this finds you all well!  LOVE!

Beautiful quilt made by Great Aunty Lynda!!!  Thanks so much!!

Maddie's first 4th of July!!

   Jack's choo choo train - 3rd Birthday Cake!!

right eye swollen shut due to "Skeeter Syndrome" - Mosquito Allergy... poor lil' guy, but he's such a trooper, still smiling! :)