Camp Harlyn

Camden was invited to his first birthday party by sweet Harlyn in his preschool class. He and Harlyn are great friends, so much so, that he picked her to sit with him at lunch when he was line leader I was told. Awww. Their family goes to Victory and I thought this would be a good first birthday to attend. I was a littel nervous about how he would act.

But he did great. Well, besides the fact, he kept asking to go inside, when it was clearly an outdoor party. That was a little embarrassing. I know he just wanted to play with Harlyn's toys. Oh, and he made the announcement that he did not like corndogs. But so did a few others.
The "Camp Harlyn" party was adorable-Lindsay should really be a party planner! Maybe I can pick her brain for Camden's party coming up in January!

Little Learner

The son of 2 teachers doesn't have much of a choice when it comes to learning... But he isn't complaining! He loves practicing his letters and numbers. And who knew youtube had so many neat videos? Here he is watching the nursery rhyme Five Little Monkeys on my school laptop. I hope he always loves to learn!

 

Kyle Wedding

On Saturday night, we attended the wedding of Chris and Sharia Kyle. Todd was the best man and what a handsome best man! But, then again, I am a little partial. I also have Chris' son, Ethan and Sharia's daughter, Madi in my class this year, so we had a fun evening of good food, dancing and fun!

The making of a jack-o-lantern

Pumpkin carving 2012-the pictures pretty much tell the story...

Victory Nursery Bonfire

I feel very blessed to be a part of the nursery team at our church. These four women, Teresa, Andrea, MaryJo and Laura (not in the picture) have been an huge blessing to me and it is a joy to serve with them heading up the nursery. I have always heard people talk about how it blesses them to serve and I can say I know that feeling working with these amazing ladies!

This past weekend was our annual Nursery Bonfire and it was huge success. To quote MaryJo, "God kept the rain away just for us!" We had at least 150 people come. Todd and I invited, Camden's buddy, Lincoln and the boys had a terrific time!

Hillsboro Homecoming 2012

Last Friday night was Hillsboro's Homecoming. The Hawks won 49-7 and Camden and Grant, Coach Sucharski's son played some football of their own on the hill.They are in Ms. Sue's class together. It was a fun night and Friday night football is becoming our family tradition. Camden's favorite part is going to see Daddy on the field after the game. All the coaches' kids play on the field together. I am so happy to see Todd doing what he loves finally-teaching and coaching high school kids. I am so proud of him! 

Gettin' him trained....

Don't mind the mess of clean laundry in the background.

I am so proud of this guy!  He is catching onto my thrifty craze. He got an email from a fellow teacher today that she had a bunch of boys clothes she was giving away. He forwarded it to me and said, "Guess I am going shopping!" He came home with a bag of clothes and was so excited to show me and Camden. As I exclaimed over how cute the stuff was, he said, "And it was free!" What a guy!

Fire Engine Visit

When I picked Little Man up from preschool today, Ms. Kim, the assistant director, said "Can I have your phone number?" Hoping everything was okay and kinda wondering why, I said, "Of course!" Then she said "I took this cute picture of Camden at the fire truck visit and went to send them to you and realized I didn't have your phone number." Is that sweet or what? To this scrapbooking and blogging momma, it made my day-I was so excited!


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I love it that Camden goes to preschool at our church and so many of the workers know  and love him. Ms. Sue is also awesome about sending pictures and she sent all the parents this group one. Love it!

the Library

Camden was feeling a little sad this morning because Daddy has had 3 football games in a row this week and he hasn't been home much. So, while there was laundry to be done and a house that needed to be cleaned, I knew what was more important. So, Camden and I spent some one on one time together this morning. We went to Great Clips to get a haircut (Side note-he has the fastest growing hair ever!). Then, we headed to the library. He was so excited when I told him where we were going. I started reading him a book and I must have been a little loud because he said, "Shhhh! It's  quiet in here." He loved all the different puzzles. When he picked up the United States puzzle, he told me that this was about the news and asked where we live. I showed him Missouri and then, also Minnesota because he knows that is where he was born.

I love seeing his mind grow with each day. He learns something new almost daily! On his first library visit, he checked out Go to Bed, MOnster!, Llama, Llama, Mad at Mama and an All About Cars dvd.
To wrap up our time before Daddy got home, Camden got to take a nap with Mommy in Daddy and Mommy's bed. He was excited to sleep in Daddy's spot. And after his three hour nap, I am wondering if maybe we shouldn't try that more often!
One of my greatest challenges as a mommy has been to remember that he won't always be little. He may need me alot now and I may feel pulled in too many directions. But one day, I want to be able to look back and have no regrets! Like Hannah, "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27" and I want to treasure every minute I have with him. Thank you, God, for my sweet boy, Camden Joseph.

First friends

Camden and Isabella were born just days apart, so Johnna, Beth's friend, and I were on maternity leave together. She brought Isabella over for a visit and we joke that they were each other's first friend. We took these pictures that day.

Fast forward to 2 years old and they ended up in the same class at Victory Children's Center together.
now, Johnna is Emily's kindergarten teacher and was at Emily's 6th birthday party last night. I snapped this picture of Camden and Isabella at almost 4years old. I told Johnna I hope we can keep getting pictures of them together as they grow up!