Over and Under

Why is it that all children (especially boys) want to climb under, over and in anything they possibly can? Caleb has discovered so many new fun places to play like under the table, inside the kitchen cabinet, the drawer of the stove, and onto the couch (to name just a few). I have to constantly keep my eyes on him so he doesn't get stuck or fall off of something. I am currently reading a book by Dr. Dobson called Bringing up Boys. This book and the previous book I read on boys by Robert Lewis called Raising a Modern Day Knight have given me some insight on what the next 18+ years are going to look like. I highly recommend both books, but especially Raising a Modern Day Knight (which is geared for Dads). It is very exciting and scary all in one. It looks like we are in for quite the adventure and challenge as we try to raise Caleb up to become a man. Which brings up a great question from one of the books. When does a boy actually become a man? Many people have lots of different answers for this question. Wives, ask your husband this question--when did they consider themselves a man? It makes for an interesting conversation.

10 months old!

Caleb turned 10 months old on March 2nd! I can't believe it is already time to plan his first birthday party! As you can see in the picture above, Caleb's hair is still standing up all over his head. We are enjoying this fun hair so much and are stopped about 20 times a day to talk about it with complete strangers. Caleb has never met a stranger so he loves all the attention when we are stopped. He is also showing off his four teeth in the picture which are being used so much right now to try new foods like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, noodles and anything else he can sink them in. As I mentioned above, Caleb has never met a stranger and will do anything to get someone's attention if they are not looking at him. Currently, he will laugh, say "Hey" or make a noise until he can get them to look at him and talk to him. We have quite the socialite on our hands. Caleb has taught himself how to turn around and get down the stairs properly and off a bed or couch as well. He has also figured out how to stand up in a highchair and stroller if he is not strapped in just right. Caleb can say many new things like bye-bye, gog (which means dog), ba ba (which means bottle), and of course mama, dada, and Hey. Caleb loves animals and currently growls at every animal whether they are alive or in a picture (thanks Pappy)! He is the joy of our lives and brings so much laughter to our family. We are so proud of you Caleb and our hearts swell with pride because of you!

While we were gone......

We just returned back to AZ after being gone for about three weeks to caddy and to visit family and friends. We flew into ATL and then Caleb and I drove to WR for a couple of days to visit my parents and my sister's family. We had a great visit with them before we returned to ATL to fly down to Palm Beach, FL.


As you can see, Caleb enjoyed his time at the beach so much. Daddy even tried to show Caleb how to build a sandcastle....his attention span only lasts so long though and we will have to try that one again another time!

From FL we were able to fly back to ATL and spend a few more nights in ATL & WR before heading back across the country to Newport Beach, CA. We had such a great time in CA visiting with Josh's parents and watching Pappy play golf. While in CA, Grammie, Caleb and I happened to find another carousel in the mall and Caleb had the best time riding it!

Caleb was a trooper flying all over the country...even after several hours of delays in ATL due to snow! That is the second time our flights have been delayed or canceled this winter due to snow in ATL. I know Spring will be welcomed by all once it arrives!

Arizona....Josh says it best

I have recently realized I have been blogging about being in Arizona, but have not really shared how we even got out here in the first place. It is really a neat story that can be contributed to one thing...God. God is the reason we believe we are currently in AZ and we have just said "Yes" along the way. Josh explains it best in his blog www.moxygolf.com or go directly to this link http://moxygolf.com/category/faith/

It has been a fun journey so far and I am just glad to be a part of it. Currently, I am reading a book titled What Happens When Women say Yes to God. It is really a great read for those of you looking for a new book to read. I have been challenged with what it really means to say "Yes" to God. I really do want to be a part of the plan He has for my/our life and I know that there are times when I have said "Yes" to Him and there are probably many more times when I just ignored Him. My desire is to be more aware of His promptings and be prepared to say "Yes" when I feel that He is moving me to do something, say something etc. Part of that I am learning is being still enough to get to know Him better so that I am more in tune with His promptings. Being still has never come easy for me. I really enjoy doing things and visiting with people. Since we do not know many people out here (and we are sharing one car) it has really forced me to be still more. This has been a great challenge and lesson for me. Hopefully, I can remember the values of this in the future when I am back in a place with more distractions & things to do.

Public Library

Since moving out to AZ, Caleb and I have been to the nearby public library about 2 times each week. Fortunately, we are in walking distance and are able to enjoy a stroll to the library. We only have one car to share here so this has been a great outing for Caleb and me. Public Libraries are great...not only can you check out books for free, but they have a huge selection of movies to check out and yes those too are free! That is not why Caleb and I have been going 2x/week, but we usually leave with a few of those items. We go to their programs they have for babies called Story time and Shake, Rattle, & Roll. They are geared for little youngsters and have nursery rhymes, singing, musical instruments, puppets and short stories. Caleb has loved this time and I have enjoyed it just as much. So for those of you that are serious readers, don't forget you may be able to check out a book instead of purchasing it and same goes for those movie buffs. For those mothers out there that are looking for something to do outside of your house, go check out your local library and see what they have to offer for children. Not only has Caleb loved our weekly outing, he has started to read...OK he really just likes to chew on books right now, but hopefully he will realize soon books are so much more than just a good teether!

9 months old

Yesterday I turned 9 months old! Mommy can't believe how quickly this time has gone by. I am now doing many things like crawling, pulling up, walking around everything (holding on), waving, saying "mama" and "da da", playing on my own and into everything. I have four teeth and crazy, fun hair that stands up everywhere :) I love swinging, playing in the kitchen cabinet, bath time, being outside and knocking down stacked blocks. I am now over 23 pounds (quite the chunk) and am already wearing 12-18 month old clothes. I am very social and love going out and about with mommy. I take two naps a day. Each one lasts around an hour to an hour and a half. I am drinking four bottles (every four hours) at 8 oz each. I will also eat other foods 2-3 times during the day. I really like bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, yogurt, icecream, cheerios and bread. I sleep from 8pm till 7am. I am an early bird :) Well I have to go to bed, so that is all for now :)

Cupcakes, Sundaes and frozen yogurt

We have had quite the sweet tooth since coming out to AZ! I must say there are some really yummy desserts out here. We first started off by having a sundae/banana split at this old diner that is in "Oldtown" Scottsdale. I knew it would be delicious the minute I entered the diner because everything was pink inside (their booths, menus, doors). This diner, The Sugar Bowl, is where the writer for the Family Circus did a lot of his drawings etc. You can see Josh went for the biggest item on the dessert list and enjoyed every bite.



Our next favorite sweet stop was at Sparkles for cupcakes. Yes, that is plural. We had to get 4! Sparkles started in CA, but has opened up stores in many areas including Phoenix. They were worth every calorie! Our next sweet stop was in Beverly Hills, CA where Josh found his favorite frozen yogurt at Pinkberry. You get to add as many toppings as you would like for one flat fee. It was great and very fresh! Who knows where we will go next, but I can't wait to find out :)