Finally some sunshine

We took Noah to school this morning (honestly he would rather be there with his friends most days) and we took our Luke and Anna to the park and to ride his bike. 

A little exercise.

walking on the sahill

Luke found a dog to pet, and well that made his day.  I have been talking about one day in the future we would like to get another Great Dane (maybe way in the future) but it got the boys thinking about pets.  For now we will stick to just visiting the street dogs at the park.  They are clean enough, i think. 

Luke tried the monkey bars, with a little help.  

Anna finally loves swinging, and not longer screams with we push her. 

I was so happy, this was one of my favorite things as a child.

Later that day after naps we lounged around and did some reading. 

And Anna spotted Aunt Ali's pic and just walked around the house carrying her for a while. 

Luke did manly things like played with tractors. 

I love down days like these, makes me appreciate being a Mom and how much I can focus on my children.

Momma's 33rd

My birthday eve the boys piled in the bed for post bath snuggles.  I loved every minute.  

Anna was sure she wanted to join in too. 

I woke up to sweet cards from all my guys.  

Complete with our family portrait and some pink hair for me. 

Noah made Drew stop by the grocery store to pick out my gift before school one day.  And then once he was home he promptly told me that he had picked out the perfect gift for me.  He was so proud.  Even if it was only 9tl ($4.50) it was so precious to be thought of.  

Drew tried his hand at homemade donut holes and well I honestly liked them better than Krispy Kreme.  I know it sounds extreme but they were amazing.  

The day was filled with smiles and I loved having my family around me for my birthday. 

I got some birthday kisses too.

That night we went out to eat, and Drew took me to pick out some Mavi jeans.  

Just an almost normal day

My sweet girl is climbing on everything.  She get in her brothers' school chair and can't quite get turned around.  So we have to help her every time.  

Brother hugs before he heads to school.

And while Momma isn't looking this one likes to draw on himself every chance he gets.  He told me that he was drawing about "the isululites and jesus" and well I just can't be made then. 

And at bed time Anna has decided she wants to stand on the stool all by herself and brush her teeth.  Like her brothers.  She may just like the taste of the toothpaste. 

She can almost see herself in the mirror.  

A Day Out

My girl, thinking she's a big girl.  

We headed to the mall today to get Noah more shoes, Anna had fun too.  

look at all these gorgeous orchids. 

And this neat old building, they are I'm sure about to tear it down.  

Fun with Anna when we got home. 

My boy and girl, dancing before bedtime.  

My funny valentines'

We have just found strawberries again in our city and while they are still a little expensive (because they are not quite in season) we splurged for valentines day.  It was Anna's first time to try them by themselves and she loves them.  

Drew and I usually (well have never while we were dating/or married) don't celebrate Valentines day, but with kids it's fun, to show them how to show love to one another, but mainly think of others and make special effort for them.  

We made mini omelettes with bacon and cheese (scrambled eggs for the kids, and one over easy fried egg for Momma) and pancakes with banana and strawberries.  

Anna loved also and had lots of practice using her utensils. 

Noah and his card from Mimi. 

We all had great Bible studies and uninterrupted time with Jesus, well some what uninterrupted time. Luke joined me with the Turkish version. 

"Momma i'll be real quite!"

And Anna did a little cooking herself.

"I LOVE" moments

Winter break is over and this youngin is headed back to school.  

I looked at him as he got ready to walk out the door and hoped I would remember his little face today, forever.  He was so excited and ready to get back to see his friends. 

Luker man surprised me today by doing his chores before I even had to ask him.  

I love his thankful heart. 

If you could hear this picture it would sound a lot like "AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh", she was so ready as soon as she knew she was being photographed.  She is her mother's daughter, and loves picture taking. 

And posing

My most favorite times are when they still let me hold them. And cuddle a little before the squirming starts.

My Noah and Anna dancing together.