Happy Easter! What a great day we had! It ended with a backyard bonfire where I had smores for dinner - yum! Nate loved the marshmallows and Henry wanted straight Hershey's chocolate. I am growing everyday and feeling lots of kicks & moving around. Monday is my ultrasound where I will finally know (hopefully) whether it's a boy or a girl. I think I actually want it to be a boy now. The boys have their first soccer game tonight & I can't wait because I will probably laugh the entire time. They are so funny out there. Soccer is the last thing on their minds. Bryan has built the boys a sandbox and they love it! They even remember to cover it up so kitty won't poop in it!

Sledding in March

You don't need snow to do a little sledding - the boys love to slide down this hill on whatever they can find. Last night was "Jump into Kindergarten" and we jumped in!! I can't believe Nate will be going to big school in the fall. I am excited because he is going to a smaller school in the county with wonderful teachers. Henry was right there "jumping" in too. He is going to be a little upset when Nate goes & he doesn't.

Beach

We had a long weekend at Myrtle Beach this past weekend and despite cold weather we had a great time & managed to come home with 3 starfish, a sea urchin & lots of shark teeth.

Soccer started this week. Nate was really into practice last night & did great. Henry kept flirting with the 3 female coaches. Once I caught him showing them the edge of his Batman underwear.

I must admit that there have been many times during the past 3 years that I have had my hands quite full with 2 boys 21 months apart, but it's all working so great now. They are officially best friends (tonight) and have been often here lately. They play together so good & are never lonely. The year that we spent changing diapers on both of them is just a faint memory now replaced by moments like long happy baths together and seeing them pile up in the bed together and take care of each other. Hopefully they will always be this close.

Good reads

I am reading 2 great books right now. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll. Just wanted to share those titles with you in case you are looking for something interesting....

Top 10 Reasons Not to Exercise While Pregnant

I loved these from Girlfriend's Guide & thought I'd share:

10. You will get fatter anyway.

9. Exercising will not make labor & delivery easier. The uterus is a difficult muscle to train in a gym.

8. Gravity is hard enough on your voluptuous breasts and butt when you're standing still, let alone when you're hopping up and down in an aerobics class.

7. It's not good for the baby or you to get overheated, it starts to feel like a hard-boiled egg.

6. Your ligaments are looser, and you can twist your knees or ankles with one wobbly movement.

5. Your body is working full-tilt manufacturing a human being; don't distract it with low impact cardio weight class.

4. You might endanger the pregnancy. Even if you don't, if a problem appears at any time during gestation, you will always wonder if it was that squat machine that caused it.

3. Our compulsion to exercise when we are pregnant is a reflection of our inability to surrender and let nature run its course. Let the subscriptions to your fashion magazines lapse till further notice.

2. You are too tired.

1. Do you really need an excuse?

It looks like a boy to me.....

I am so excited to report a great dr.'s visit today! Look at what a beautiful 12 week, 5 day baby I have. The ultrasound tech wouldn't make a guess whether it was a boy or girl, but it sure looks like a boy to me. I'm smiling right now typing this. I love God's sense of humor. I can totally see me with 3 boys! Will keep you updated.

The prize box

I have a prize box.
Bryan and I have always laid down with the boys to get them to sleep at night. Henry is now wanting to sleep in his own room & it's starting to require both of us to get them to bed and it's taking hours. Well, my prize box has some great stuff in it. Things like a small bug habitat, chocolate twizzlers and a book called "what is a wookie." If you go to bed by yourself, you get a prize the next morning. Nate is doing great. He's gotten a prize 7 out of 8 nights. Henry however said the very first night that he didn't want a prize out of the prize box, he wanted me to lay down with him. So, he has gotten no prizes. But one of them going to bed by themself is better than none. Oh, Nate also gets a flashlight that he can keep on all night if he wants to and a really bright night light. I'm surprised he can even go to sleep it's so bright in there!
Wednesday is my ultrasound - it's actually a test for Down's syndrome & some other stuff, but they may be able to tell the sex!!! Will let you know......

Jewel is back!

Just when I'm getting bored with my music, my most favorite artist, Jewel, comes out with a new song! For those of you who are fans, check out Stronger Woman.
Also a few other great things to check out: Suave Professionals shampoo & conditioner for sleek hair. And if you're looking for a good kids dvd try Superfriends - The all new superfriends hour. Yes, it is the one we watched as kids with Superman, Batman, Aquaman, WonderWoman and the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna, with their spacemonkey Bleep.

Cheez-Its, Lemons and Tomato Sandwiches

My cravings are strong & completely unpredictable. Yesterday all I could think about was lemons. Lemons squeezed on food, lemons in my water, finally I gave in and just ate a lemon. This morning I had a tomato sandwich for breakfast, yum... Right now I am working on a box of cheez-it sticks. Yeah, get your own box.

I survived the dentist appt.!

Well, I'm glad today is behind me. Henry handled the dentist like a champ. He drank his medicine & the fillings took about 20 minutes! He did cry on the way home because he didn't understand the numb feeling and he was still a little woozy, but now he's forgotten about everything & seems to be back to his old self.

My stomache is still in knots though. Between pregnancy symptoms & nerves I am ready for some saltines & tea!

Here are some pics of the boys enjoying the beautiful weather yesterday.

I must admit that for the past several weeks I have done nothing but lay around, napping, eating & feeling miserable. This morning I got out there and walked for 40 minutes and I feel like I am coming out of a fog. It's hard to believe that I was running 10 miles at a time just a couple of months ago. Funny how much children change your life. Even before they are born. So, I am feeling a little more positive today.

I am dreading Monday. Henry is going to the dentist to have fillings done on his teeth. He can't have anything to eat or drink after midnight and then we have to drive all the way to Easley. Let me remind you that this is the boy that drinks a half gallon of chocolate milk before the sun comes up each morning. Then, I have to convince him to take some medicine to make him groggy. This will probably be the most difficult part. No wait, the most difficult part will be the 2 hours that I get to sit in the waiting room listening to him cry. Ahhh! Thank goodness my bible study was about how God gives you enough grace to make it through that particular days challenges. I will be collecting a lot of manna Monday morning, and I will survive.

Snow!

The excitement of snow falling is up there with Christmas Eve for Nate & Henry. Snow fell Wednesday night and the boys woke to a beautiful white wonderland. We were out playing in it before 8am (which was a good thing because it had already started melting & was wet & slushy). The only problem, is that we weren't equipped for snow. The boys wore layer after layer of sweat pants & long underwear. So, everytime they fell down they were soaked. We dried our clothes and attempted it again and I think we all had our fill by the afternoon. Here are a few pics of the fun.

Baby Duncan #3

Great news at the Doctor yesterday. The baby was just beautiful - heart beating and moving just like she should be. I am 8 weeks, 3 days, due August 26 with a c-section to be scheduled around August 19. Yeah! Can't wait to meet this little one.

Sick kids...

Well, yesterday was day 10 of a long sick stretch at our house. Nate brought home a flu like virus a week ago Friday, then he ended up with pneumonia. Then Henry ran a 105 degree fever with the virus, then me and Bryan ended up sick. As I was changing the bed sheets where Nate threw up this morning at 1am, I thought to myself, how would I handle a third child right now? I'm so glad that God doesn't give you more than you can handle at a time. Maybe this baby will rarely be sick. My first doctor's visit is today. I think I am 8 weeks. So excited to see what we find.

Nate turned 5 years old yesterday! We celebrated with a Sponge Bob cake made by DeeDee. and lunch at Subway (Nate's choice) seemed to be enough for him. Here is a picture of Nate sporting his Batman undies from Memaw and Papa.

goodbye passies!

Well, Bryan and I have spent the day collecting & throwing away all the pacifiers we could find in the house. Henry is a passy addict. He has to have 2 at all times. He switches them back and forth. He even sits down at the dinner table holding his passy, I will say "Henry, eat your food." and Henry will say, "Let me suck on this passy first."
So, cold turkey, we have tossed them all. He seems to be fine. He asked for it at naptime, but didn't even cry for it. So tonight will be the true test.
Pregnancy update: I am miserable. Indigestion, morning sickness, sleepy, feeling ugly and gaining weight. I'm not complaining, just updating.

Goodbye 2007!

Well, it's another exciting New Year's Eve. The boys are watching a little Tom & Jerry in the bed & we just returned from dinner at our neighbor's Eric & Elizabeth. I am hanging out with some popcorn & the Clemson game about ready to hit the sack.
As I recollect New Year's Eve's of the past I recall spending some on an airplane, some on layovers alone, some at exciting parties, but this kind of New Year's Eve suits me fine.
I have been very sick today, thus leading me to believe that it's a girl.
New Year's Resolution #1: I will not stop my running. I ran 5 miles on Saturday and 3 today. I am a little slower than before, but I'm going to try to keep on until I can't anymore. I had worked up to 10 miles before pregnancy and although I won't go that far, I hope to keep up some endurance.
New Year's Resolution #2: I will dig in deeper to bible studies & try to keep learning & growing. I will also try to get up at least 30 minutes before my children to have devotions/prayer in the am.
Hope you are all having a nice evening bidding 2007 goodbye. Can't wait to see what 2008 has in store....

I am the type of pregnant person that seems to be hit by all the symptoms immediately. In the past 2 weeks I have already gained 2-3 pounds, I am tired and feeling a bit queasy. For all of you who just love being pregnant, I am envious, because I don't enjoy it one bit.
But I am looking forward to blogging all about this pregnancy. This week's craving has been soup. Soup of all kinds! Salmon stew on Christmas, chicken noodle yesterday and today I made a huge pot of vegetable soup.

Hope you all had a great Christmas. Ours was wonderful. Today the tree came down and the floor was mopped. Almost all the toys have found a place to go and the boys are ready to play.

They are both excited about a new baby. Henry wants a brother and Nate wants a sister.

Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas this has been. There was lots of toys, food and exciting news in my family. I am going to be an aunt! My brother Mark and his wife Denise are expecting a baby boy due in May. And to add to the excitement, Bryan and I are pregnant also!! I am figuring an August due date. So our family willl have little cousins close to the same age, getting to play together. Yeah! Hope your Christmas was Merry!

Bragging Parents

Nate & Henry had their first real speaking parts in a Christmas program at church tonight. Nate was a sheep with curly horns. Nate's line was: I gave him my wool for his blanket warm and He wore my coat on Christmas morn.

Henry was a camel and his line was: Over the desert upon my back, I brought Him a gift in the Wise Man's pack. They had their lines memorized and of course, Bryan and I thought they were perfect!!

Here they are singing a song about bells and enjoying every minute of it.

Here is a blurry picture of them just getting on stage.

And, finally the proud parents standing in front of the most beautiful stage I've seen in a long time. It was a bunch of Christmas trees, almost like being in a Christmas forest.

Good night!

O Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition I look forward to every year. Around mid-November I get the fever to go ahead and put it up. However, this year I made myself wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate. Oh the excitement when you unpack those decorations from last year. I just love the look in Nate & Henry's eyes when they open a box of ornaments and are in awe of their beauty. Nate especially appreciates beautiful decorations.

So finally you get the lights out and we all know what a pain they are. By the time I am stringing lights on the tree, Bryan and the boys are completely involved in another activity that is more exciting. Here is a picture of me trying to string lights. Scary, huh.

The boys did help put ornaments on the tree and each day I am delighted to see what may be added to the tree that wasn't there the day before. Last night we made one of those construction paper chains. It was on the tree, then strung around Nate's room and now I'm not sure where it is now.

Aaaahhhhh!
Now, that is a great holiday! Thanksgiving. You don't have to worry about gifts, decorating or having a tan. Highlights of my holiday:]

Our friends Robin, JD & kids Trace & Tara drove hundreds of hours from Florida to spend the day with us. Oh what fun we had together!!

I made crock pot mac & cheese for Granny's house & accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and it turned out like a dessert.

I made a new recipe called "oops I dropped it again - sweet potato pie cobbler" the recipe calls for a sweet potato pie cooked as directed, dropped (accidentally) on the floor and then smushed into a corning ware dish. Yum.

Needless to say, the food only plays part of a role in the celebration. However, my favorite Thanksgiving treat is mixing rice, dressing & turkey all together and then covering it with gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving. What Joy is thankful for:
My Salvation & my evolving relationship with Jesus
My wonderful family
My health
The beautiful place I live - isn't fall great??
Good Food!

Fall

I am in such complete awe of the beauty of autumn. It seems the upstate of SC is even more beautiful this time of year than it usually is. As I look at the landscape, the colors seem so vivid. It reminds me of a song by Watermark that I love. It talks about how all of nature praises God in its own beautiful ways, but how God cherishes our praises above all.

I'm already thinking about that great photo opportunity for the "Christmas Card Picture." Which is often the only family picture we have that year. It's sort of become a tradition for us to take a family picture & then send Christmas cards. Timing is everything. You don't want to forego Thanksgiving and take the picture too early, but you can't wait until the last minute, unexpected bad (buzz) haircuts or cuts or bruises on the face come into play. Remember, this is a house full of boys. So, I will keep you updated on this. Maybe an early snow would be a perfect setting --- ahhh! If only....

Legos

Nate has discovered Lego blocks. He just loves them. Here is a picture of him with his first creation. I think this was a ship. He had a great time crashing it into the wall and then trying to build it bigger. Henry, however, isn't quite ready for legos yet. Nate waits until naptime to pull them out so Henry won't tear anything he's built up.

Happy Halloween!

It was a low key Halloween for us. The boys have been sick with a cold all week and now Bryan has it. But we did go to a few neighborhood houses and scored just a few pieces of candy. I thought we had 2 spidermen, but a last minute change of costumes (thanks to TJ Maxx & Dee Dee) meant a knight & pirate graced the streets. Here are a few pics.

A trophy!

Today was the Oktoberfest 5/10K and what a great morning it turned out to be! I brought home a trophy! I got third in my age division in the 10K. Bryan got second in his age division for the 5K. This was Bryan's first race and he loved it! Elizabeth & Christy also ran & we all enjoyed each other's company & the beautiful scenery Walhalla has to offer! Hope to see you at the Oktoberfest!

Joy flying Delta

What fun it was to be on the airplane again after so long. I found myself paying close attention to the safety demonstration, making note of the emergency exits around me, I realized the closest exit was behind me. I tried not to be needy during the beverage service, and I couldn't help but notice the fantastic red dress that is now part of the Delta uniform.

Here are some pictures for the record.

Disney's Race for the Taste 10K

What a great weekend!! Here is a picture of me and Robin at the 10K in Orlando on Sunday. We didn't set any records for speed, however we did have a blast. The boys enjoyed a long weekend with both sets of Grandparents (thank you for babysitting!) I can't wait to share more pictures from the trip. However a very large pile of laundry is calling my name.

Guys love chainsaws! Bryan is actually behind me with his chainsaw, gloves & safety glasses getting ready to cut down a tree. They love to be just like dad!
What a beautiful day it's been here. We have had so much fun hanging out today. I love this time of year when you can't decide if you need long sleeves or if you'll be okay in shorts.
Big plans for the weekend! Bryan and I are headed to Punta Gorda Florida where we'll visit our friends Robin & JD and their kids and then on to Orlando (without kids) to run in a 10K with Robin that goes through Epcot! I can't wait. I haven't flown in over a year. To think that I would fly 20-30 flights a week just five years ago! Of course we will be on Delta!!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Mark!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Mark! We love you,

Bryan, Joy Nate & Henry

Check out these soccer pictures!!

The boys are playing under 6 soccer. Which means Henry is by far the youngest player on the team. In fact, I had to get special permission from the YMCA director to let him play. He just doesn't understand that he isn't 4 years old, like Nate. Henry loves the attention, he spends most of the "game time" giving kisses and hugs to us on the sidelines. Nate, however, is all about the "game." He is serious. He gets mad when someone else scores, even when it's someone on his own team.

Oh what fun it is to watch these boys learn about life. To be a kid again...

Well, our week has been quite full! The boys have discovered fun at the Clemson football games. They had a blast on Saturday rooting for the Tigers (while wearing Furman shirts - Bryan is currently attending Furman). Soccer is in full swing with our first game tomorrow night!! The weather is finally cooling off some and we are enjoying the great outdoors (again).

What a difference it makes to have high temps in the 80s instead of the 100s!

One of those days...

Today was one of those days where I feel like I've been scolding or screaming at one of my children most of the evening.

They must be tired. Right. Maybe they're hungry. Probably. Maybe they're just trying to aggravate me and they're doing a fine job of it.

They are asleep now. Precious and innocent(looking).

As I laid there trying to get them to sleep I prayed and asked God to give me more patience and maybe a few more ideas on promoting good behavior.

I will go to bed having faith that my prayer will be answered. In the meantime, I will thank God for the 3 quiet hours preschool gives me.

1st day of preschool!

The first day of preschool has arrived, and it was great! The boys go to an excellent preschool at Golden Corner Church and had a blast the first day. What a change from last year. Some of my first posts on this blog tell of how both the boys cried quite a bit getting used to school last year. But today went great. They both have fantastic teachers (of course all the teachers at GCC Preschool are fantastic) and they seem excited about the coming year. I know I am!

Bald Heads

My children are bald. Bryan asked me late Thursday (while I was half asleep) if they could all 3 buzz their hair. Well, they did. There is nothing left except a little stubble. I almost cried when I saw them and had to remind myself that it is only hair and it will grow back.

So, if you see 3 bald heads running around in our yard don't be surprised.

On another note, we had our first backyard bible club this morning at an apartment complex in town. It was so great. The children were precious and I know we got just as much out of it as they did. Jesus was undeniably there. Can't wait to go back!

Check out this cute picture of Henry when he had lots and lots of hair!

Just thought I'd share a few adorable pictures.

Here is Nate - age 1 1/2 (left)

And Henry - 9 months (right)

Still hoping my camera will turn up. Or maybe someone will give me one for a birthday present (but that isn't until October).

Daniel

"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone."

I am doing this AMAZING bible study by Beth Moore called Daniel. It is teaching me history & prophecy. If you ever have the opportunity to do this, seize it! And if you are really interested, let me know, I have the materials.
Anyway, I can't keep this verse out of my mind. I keep repeating it. I am so excited about all the interesting things I am learning.
PS - Loving that Kia Rondo more and more everyday!!

Well, I lost my camera this weekend in the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. So any posting until I find it/get another camera will be using old pictures (but favorites!!).

Ever heard of a Rondo? Well that would be the name of my new car. Check out http://www.kia.com/ and look at the Rondo's. I love it! 4 -cylinder, 30 miles a gallon, seats 7 and still lists for under $17,000 new!! A big step down from my Honda Pilot, but I'm spending less money for car & gas and I feel like I'm doing less harm to our environment. Rock on Kia!

The reality of 40 has set in now for Bryan and he seems to be enjoying this new decade of his life immensely. We drove the Kia to Atlanta for an overnight on Saturday and went to Ikea (if you haven't been, go now, it's great) and then took the boys to World of Coke - my personal favorite tourist attraction in ATL.

We are enjoying the last few days of summer before school starts - 2 weeks until preschool. Nate & Henry seem to be excited. Hope their teachers are.

Here is an adorable picture of Nate just hours after he was born. Dad's buddy already.

Oh Brothers!

I have 3 very cool brothers, 2 of which live nearby and the other is currently attending Yale and lives in CT. He came to visit last week and we had so many fun times together. So did Mama. Doesn't she look like she's in heaven with her 3 boys holding her up!!! Each of my brothers is unique, enjoying different activities and having different interests. They are all three very smart and devoted Christian men and we all get along beautifully, most of the time. Here they are tattooing my kids. No, it didn't come off in the bath!!

Happy Birthday Bryan!

My dear husband turns 40 this week! Trust me he still acts & thinks he's 20. I had him and his mom (who also turns 60 this week) a joint surprise birthday party Friday night. I totally pulled it off. They didn't have a clue. And I had a great time. October will be my 34th birthday! I really still feel in my mind like I did in high school. My body however, it starting to have a few aches & pains. Guess 40 isn't too far off for me either. Thanks to all of you who were able to come Friday, it meant so much to Bryan and his Mom.

Best Friends & Worst Emenies

How can 2 boys be best friends & worst enemies at the same time? Well, Henry can hit Nate or pull his hair until I begin to discipline him. Then, they both get mad at me for scolding Henry. They are beginning to gang up on me. 3 men & 1 woman in the same house, I can see it now that I am going to be outnumbered.

Krispy Kreme

The men in my house love donuts! Hot and now! Krispy Kreme! Here is the proof:

Kids say the cutest things!

I need to post the cute things Nate has said before I forget them.

Last night, as we were laying down in bed, out of the blue he says, "I have a milk cow. I milk it the old fashioned way. I sit down on a stool and put a bucket under the udders. Then, I just pull down on the udders and milk comes out." Bryan and I were both interested/fascinated in what made him think of this and that he knew how to milk a cow by hand. Bryan asked him what do baby horses do? Nate says, "They just lay around taking naps." "But what do they eat?", Bryan asks. Nate says, "Milk, of course, from cows."

While driving in Myrtle Beach I was enjoying a little rock and roll from the early 90s and Nate says, "Mom, that music is making me drive crazy." Which I took to mean that Pearl Jam drives Nate crazy.

Okay, so I think the things they say are priceless. Just wanted to share a few.

I have so much to blog about but never enough time to get it in. Maybe I will do a few short posts the next few days. We just returned from a beach trip with Bryan's parents. Lots of fun! On the drive down, we stopped at a convenience store for a bathroom break and low & behold in the candy section was candy cigarettes! Bryan and I hadn't seen them in years. Of course, we had to get the boys a pack, which they had a blast with as you see here in the picture.

Henry has officially potty trained himself. I had nothing to do with it. In fact, I really wanted to wait until his 3rd birthday so it would be easy. But, everyday he insists on wearing underwear. He ask me, "Mom, do working men wear underwear?" and I'll of course tell him yes. I have, on occassion tried to convince him that sometimes working men wear pull ups. He doesn't believe me.

So, the beach as expected, was a blast. I do love Myrtle Beach. It doesn't matter that I've been there every summer at least once for the past 33 years, it is so much fun!

Wesleyan District Conference

I have had the honor of being a delegate to our church's district conference for the past few years. This is a meeting at Table Rock that lasts all day with representatives from all the Wesleyan churches nearby. They vote on issues & people that will make decisions in the coming year. I am likely a delegate because no one else really gets that excited about going, who likes to spend 9 hours sitting at a table voting & listening to reports, but that's fine with me. I like it. The first year I went I remember my Papa calling me that night wanting to know all the details of what went on at the meeting. It was something very important to him, because it involved our church. He has since passed away, but I hope that I will make him proud by continuing to be involved in the Wesleyan church. Welcome church was so important to him and it is now so important to me.

There's nothing like a wedding with bubbles and chocolate! Here are the boys at Dustin & Hannah's wedding blowing bubbles and of Nate enjoying the chocolate fountain. Congratulations Dustin & Hannah! We love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness! Thanks for sharing your special day with us!

4th of July

Happy 4th of July! Nate & Henry love fireworks so much. We watched them Wednesday night on the boat, which was really cool. All the way around us we could see different firework shows. Here are 2 pictures from our 4th of July party at church. It was lots of fun, only a few things missing: Matt & Ashley, Dustin & Hannah. It just wasn't the same without you guys!