When the kids are away...

Thanks to both Andy's parents and mine, Andy and I have had the opportunity to spend some time just the two of us lately. What a joy it's been to complete sentences and even conversations without interuption (except for my regular potty breaks, hmm... interesting, it hadn't ocurred to me until now that even baby C is getting involved in the act). Last weekend, Andy's parents took the boys overnight friday and while they got to play in the woods and ride on the 4-wheeler, Andy and I enjoyed a romantic dinner and sunset on Lake Michigan, here in Charlevoix, the beautiful! Thanks so much Mom and Dad Bo! Then this friday, the kids headed to a Beach Bums game with my sister and parents. They had a blast there too! Andy and I ate out again, but we also received an offer on the house that required a lot of discussion and thought and while we didn't get to celebrate our anniversary, having quite as much fun as I had hoped, it was a relief to have the boys in the responsibility of others while Andy and I hammered out a lot of finiancial decisions and potential life changes yesterday. We haven't heard back for sure as far as where we are with counteroffers, but we'll let you know when we know more for sure. Thanks to my parents and sister too for your help this weekend. Even though both weekends didn't end up being the 'getaways' for Andy I had envisioned, because they included doing some work or working through some stresses, I think it worked out that way by design. It was a great reminder, that Andy and I work so well together. We make a great team regardless of the task we face, whether it be a construction project (obviously Andy carries more responsibility as far as that goes) or childbirth (I like to think I can take a little more credit for that load), we come out a stronger team than we started and with a completed project more impressive than I imagined. He knows just how to deal with my crazy emotions when I crack under pressure, as I did yesterday. I'm so grateful to have found my life companion and have rested easy every night for the last 6 years knowing we're in this thing together and that he will do everything in his power to take care of us. As I vowed I would 6 years ago Andy, I live today treasuring the gift of you! Thanks for making every moment of the last six years sweeter by being my greatest encourager. Do you see my goofy hubby's head snorkling in front of the Beaver Island Ferry to the left of center a bit? Friday night in Charlevoix, during our swim date at the beach, Andy took a few pics of baby and I. What an absolutely beautiful place! Are we sure we want to move?
Noah absolutely loves smelling things! He loves smelling laundry deteregant, lotions and shampoos, while we shop. This morning while we were outside playing I turned around to find him smelling the flowers, it was the most precious moment, just him being curious about the world around him, I love it!

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Andy's birthday was a week ago now and all week I've been thinking about what to write about him. I wanted to write about the man that he is and not just the husband he is to me and I had a hard time seperating the two. But I think that's the very reason I love him most, he's the same guy with me, with stangers, or when no one is looking. That's his charecter, he lets it shine through regardless; he is a man with very high standards for himself. He doesn't stop until the job is done and done well. I think part of that too, is his confidence in himself for many reasons but first and foremost because he desires to be the man God intends him to be. It's a trait that I aspire to and am so glad that my boys have such a good example of that to look up to.

Don't get me wrong there is a silly side to Andy Bogard whom can make me smile until my face hurts, but who he is truly is kind, absolutely loyal, and rarely stops short of perfection. So happy 34 years love, I'm so excited to see all that God has for you in the next 34, because with that work ethic, I wouldn't be surprised to see mountains move.

This picture was taken two weeks ago, when Andy and I had a date kayking on the Jordan River. I think this was mid-cartwheel, but I guess it could have been a bow stall, you'll have to ask him.

The Best Summer Ever!

We've been doing our best to enjoy the best summer yet as a family. It's so fun with the boys being the ages they are now to see them enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer in the summertime. From enjoying the natural resources like hitting the beach and enjoying the lakeshore to the biking trails through the woods, we've truly been enjoying every minute as a family. And then of course the festivities...

What a couple of fun little dudes, these two! They make me smile so many times each day, just by being themselves. Noah has gotten to the point that he's talking just to converse instead of just to communicate his needs and it's great to hear all that he's discovering and making sense of. Fisher is very into telling stories right now, they usually start out, "The other day with my friend..." He'll go on to tell us of some imaginary adventure he and his friend had. It's been great to see how just in the past few weeks as I have been thinking more often about the dynamics of bringing a new little guy into the picture, I've seen more and more the boys' ability to play well together and each of their growing independence. It's really a little bittersweet, but something that brings me a peace about all of us embracing the amazing change that will inevitably be ocurring in -oh my, less than 6 weeks. A few days ago as I was wearily trying to corral the boys into the house with hands full of groceries we were barely in the door when Noah said, "Mama, help me take my shoes off?" without thinking about it Fisher said, "I'll help you Noah," and he took great pride in helping his brother! It's at moments when I get intimidated about bringing a new babe into the picture that God melts my heart by saying, "It's my plan for all of you, Sara, this baby is going to bless the four of you in ways you can't even imagine yet!"

I'll be posting soon about celebrating the love of my life...