My baby is now closer to One than he is to being born, and with everyday he has something new to accomplish. Don’t they learn so quickly?! Time is flying by and some days I wish it could stop, but other times I think the big “One” couldn’t get here soon enough. (I know, I already hear your gasps)

I will let you celebrate with me the milestones that little 8 month old Jonah has accomplished in the past weeks…

He cut his first tooth (along with his first fever of 102) the Saturday of Coram Deo. His fever finally broke three days later with the cutting of tooth numero 2 up top. This was a very trying time.  Jadon cut his teeth with ease.  His only side effect was drool.

He took his first “real” crawling scoots, and the best part of it was Jon was the first to see it. That’s pretty special for a dad.  Because I stay home, I get to experience most of the boys’ “firsts”

He is also clapping and waving.  Though he only claps with one of our friends, Brian.  I don’t know what it is, but he refuses to clap with anyone else.  His wave is probably my favorite because he does it as we walk and everyone loves it.

I’m looking forward to all the fun stuff he’ll be able to do by the end of summer.

Happy Thursday!

Recently I have been inspired to do many things. Unfortunately, when this happens I do not have enough money to finish what I start. So I have had to change my perspective, and here is my new “green-ly” inspired list of to do’s. I guess you could call this is my self-evaluation sheet of being a mom (and wife). I like doing this because it makes all of our lives around here better.  

• Menu planning for our family meals - This is hard to do every night, but I’m getting the hang of it with our schedule.  Hopefully I will share some new recipes and ideas here soon.
• Coupon clipping like *this* - I need some helpful hints for this area from my local moms.  There are not many easy ways to do it around here.  We have Wal-mart and Harps.
• Making Jonah’s baby food - working on it, and just found out my friend Amy is going to help me!
• Spring Cleaning - I was kicked into gear by Simple Mom.  (You need to check out this site if you haven’t!)  It has taken me twice as long to get everything together, but I have almost finished.
• Women’s Bible Study - A group of us moms decided we would all go together, and I am stoked (and there is childcare!)
• Attempt a “Garden” - Hopefully my few little plants will survive!
• Get Out of the house - We have been going to the park almost every other morning to walk and ride the train.  I also bought a pool for Jad.  
• Potty Train Jadon - Well, you know how that one is going. 
• Have the best summer possible!  I want to have so much fun with my family.  I don’t care if it’s crazy busy like the last few weeks.  That is how our life is and I have learned that I can’t change it.  

Overall, my goal is to become a better home manager this summer. I am satisfied with this list (for being a mom of two little ones).   I’m sure that many interesting posts will come from my adventures…

Do you have any tips?  What have you been inspired to do lately?

What was your child’s first word?  Or if you do not have children, what would you assume a child’s first word would be?  Most of you moms would roll your eyes and say his/her first word was “Da Da,” and then there are the few happy mothers out there who heard their name first.

Not my son.  His first words were “Arf, Arf.”  Yes, he rocked back and forth on all fours barking.  There was no “Ma, Ma”  no “Da, Da,” just a high pitch yelp.  

With that stated, these pictures should not come as a surprise to you.

Sunday night at his Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Grant’s house:

Jadon at 9 Months with his Poppy:

Wow, so much has gone on this weekend and I have so many pictures it’s hard to choose what I want to show!  Friday and Saturday we had a great time with the boys up at Branson.  Here are some of the highlights…

Jad definitely inherited mine and Jon’s genes for adrenaline rushes on amusement park rides.  I can’t believe how many rides this boy rode!  (I’ll put of the video of him on the giant swings later)

 Every time it bounced Jad said *ri-bit, ri-bit*

The Butterfly was not as spacious as the Fog.  I wish Jon would have rode this one!

Since Jonah only likes to be held, and Jadon walks too slow.

Mmm…Ice Cream

This is Jon’s attempt to fix the shoulder straps on Jonah’s carrier with a POWER CABLE.  He thought they needed to be closer for support, and he proceeded to tell me it looked normal.  I told him to take a picture to show me “normal”  Needless to say,  I made him untie it.

What do you do for Mini-Vacations? 

Jadon loves Guitar Hero World Tour.  I know  you are asking yourself how much can a two year old play?  We just set it on freestyle and let his creative juices flow. 

It wouldn’t be complete without his “Rock-face“