Curtis-y of Tootie

It was slightly cooler today, and thought we should probably take advantage. After Lil Sluggers, Mom, Reece, and I headed to Chip's for a GOOOOOOOD burger. As we passed Curtis park on the way, I knew it was the day for a picnic in the park.

Mouth-watering burgers, 3 generations, a beautiful park, a pond complete with ducks and swans, oh and I think a playground. ; ) Yeah, it was good.

Be forewarned, there are quite a few pics. I like each for different reasons, and because I know this time is short where I'll have an extra hand to photograph my mom, my guy, and what I see. So, bear with me. Expect to see this one on the Eyes blog sometime.
Don't you love that old, grumpy, tree stump face?I've been cherishing this time even more with Reece, and was glad mom grabbed my camera to capture a few of the still, quiet, sweet moments with me and my little guy...soon to be my big guy. ; )I was showing Reece the swan's webbed feet, and didn't realize how close I was to his beak. It lunged toward my finger thinking I was giving him more bread. My digits remained in tact!Another one that may make it to the Eyes blog one day.
All I could see was a cross between the tree...see it?
Oh yeah, and there was a playground there. ; )Reece climbed a bit and then made 'mochas' out of mulch for Tootie and I. Not quite as good as the real thing, but the giggles and precious expressions from us 'drinking them up' was better than any mocha.

Wonderfully made

Saturday morning as I was frantically readying for my maternity photo shoot, Reece and his daddy were dancing up a storm in Reece's room.I was up late and up too early and so uncertain about what to bring and wear. It was a busy day, albeit a great one. Just much to do. I was racing around and grumpy when amongst the clamor I heard the sweetest words from my little boy's lips:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Reece had put in his Deliberate Kids cd. There's a break in 'He's Got A Plan', where just words are spoken. But not just words, God's word. We've played and danced to that cd so many times before. During the break, I recite those words, but I've never heard Reece say them. I didn't even know he heard them clearly, much less knew them.

Now, I do not think he understands them all, but those words from his lips were the sweetest sound I've heard in a while. And, it was just what I needed a reminder of today.

God knit Reece together in my womb and now has done that again with this little bitty baby boy growing inside. It's crazy wonderful. Today is a celebration of what God's done, and how gracious and loving He is.

God, thank you for your plans. I still can't believe this is what you had in store for me all along. And, I look forward to Reece learning more and more about your goodness, your love, and your plan for him. <3

Long road

Today we went on the long road (what Reece calls the highway) to Grandmama's house. Technically, we went on 4 long roads.

We loaded up and headed to the pool soon after we got there, upon Reece's request.
D, Reece, Becky, Ben and I all swam. It was fun.
I did get hot, though, and had to take a few breaks, and then required some AC.

Sorry I didn't get any pics of our swimming adventure, but we had a good time together.

I think the ride home explains how much fun Reece had.

Rocked

Sunday evening we played in Bailey's pool with smiles and water balloons.Bailey seems ready for the new life about to emerge into her world. We think that baby sister could come anytime now.

She was infatuated with Palmer and even walked sweet Ainsley home when it was time for Ainsley to have dinner.Sooooo dear.

Reece has been talking a good game too. He's excited about his brother and talks about how he's going to help take care of him. I know his world will be rocked, though. But, I hope he still feels loved, because he so is. <3

Waterboy

Banana pancakes

Darren only requested two things for Father's Day. A morning run and banana pancakes. He got both.

After banana pancakes, he opened cards and presents.
He got a Sportsman's Bible (God's word covered in camo, now that's cool) and a hip new cycling jersey...with a six pack to match. ; )

A fruit and a veggie tale

Started a very small potted garden at home a few months ago, sort of in conjunction with our community garden at Angela's. (Just to be clear, I say community garden, but clearly she's done a majority of the tending...especially now that I'm big and hot.)

At home we planted tomatoes, lima beans (mostly for the excitement of the quick growth), green beans, zucchini, and cilantro. I've cooked w/ the cilantro already, and it was sooo yummy. I love having fresh herbs and plan to plant more.

Today, we routinely watered the plants...and then I spied a little something red underneath.A handful of green beans had been ready to pick, so we gathered them as well. Reece didn't want to taste the tomato, as he shares a hatred for them with his daddy. But, he did want to try the green beans...We agreed to cook them. ; )

Tonight's dinner was steak and grilled asparagus, so rather than roasting or steaming them, we threw them on the grill.We cook them differently next time, but it was still so neat to eat something we grew. I haven't been much of a green thumb EVER in my life, so was more of an experiment and a hope than an expectation of fresh fruits and veggies. Yet, so far, so good!

I ate the tomato later and it was unbelievably good - much better than even the ones on the vine that I buy at the gstore. Looking forward to more sprouts and more veggie tales.