The Strawberry Patch

 It was a beautiful day for strawberry picking.  This was Jeremiah's first time.  We went with a group of friends and a lot of children.  Jeremiah's favorite thing to do with the berries- squish them.  By the time we got to my friend's house- some kids had given him berries and he had them all over his face and pants and was sitting on them.  He loves his berries.

Visiting Louisville

 A few weeks ago, we visited Louisville.  We got there just in time for graduation on a Friday.  Jeremiah loved to watch them take down the chairs n the afternoon.

 We then visited a sweet friend, Bonnie M and her sweet little ones that I had not met yet.  It was so neat to see these sweet children as Bonnie and I had spent time praying almost every week praying for patience and God's will in waiting for children.

 My dear friend Anne was such a great help with Jeremiah- as she always is.  We had a little get together with some friends for Michael's birthday at good old Cherokee Park.  It was so much fun.

 Here is  Uncle Manny who is now officially going to his Residency.

 The Reigels allowed us to stay in their apartment at their beautiful house in the country of Kentucky!  We loved it!  Jeremiah had been there last May when he was a wee little lad.  It was fun to visit with Seminary and church friends down in Louisville.

Michael's Birthday Fun!

 We have had a great week celebrating Michael's birthday!  On Sunday night, I hosted a family birthday party for Michael!  My first attempt making Pork BBQ and everyone brought some of his favorite sides, green beans, Laura Lyons' sweet potato casserole, Grandma's Jolly green jello, fruit salad and Butter finger Oreo Ice Cream Cake (Made lovingly by Mom Lyons)!

 On his birthday on Tuesday, I made Michael breakfast and then he went off to school.  For lunch I surprised him with a Gluten Free LaRosa's pizza!  He is loving that LaRosa's has finally put out a Gluten Free pizza!  :)  Even Jeremiah had his first taste of the pizza and he LOVED it!!!

 We got Michael a few much needed resources, grilling tools, fritos, candy and Jeremiah got him- My First Hebrew Word book- he says he is ready to begin learning some words esp. as our trip to Israel is coming very soon!!!

 Tuesday night, we were going to go to a Reds game to celebrate but a sweet dear man of God at our church died on Saturday with a quick battle with pancreatic cancer.  His memorial service was Tuesday night and what a blessing to join with the church of God to give glory to God!  It truly was a God honoring service!

 So Wednesday night, Jeremiah stayed with Grandma Lyons and we headed downtown in our gear!  It was the perfect night and with a perfect guy!  :)  We had so much fun and it was tied until the Reds scored a game winning home run in the bottom of the 9th inning- pretty amazing!!!  Hoping my hubby felt loved and appreciated for his birthday!  We love reasons to celebrate in our home! 

Happy 30th Birthday to Michael!!!

 Happy 30th Birthday to Michael Lyons!!!  He is such an amazing husband and daddy and leader of our home!  The Lord has truly blessed me with such an amazing hubby!  Among the many things, I am thankful for how he leads our family, his thoughtfulness, his patience and caring nature.  He does such a great job at balancing many responsibilities to give me the amazing privilege of staying home with Jeremiah and I do not take that for granted!  I praise God for giving me such amazing husband and friend, a true gift and something I do not deserve.  And Jeremiah says, he loves to teach me many things...

Like how to put bowls on my head :)

He cooks eggs for me every morning and I try to help with the cooking.

So maybe he does not teach me how to play with the remote- we don't even have a remote, that is Grandmas.

He pushes me in the rocker, reads to me and above all wrestles me and makes me giggle and laugh with glee.  :)  I sure love my daddy!

Cousin Love & Children's Museum

We are enjoying having Ben & Laura living so close to us and of course, Cousin Jonathan.  Here are some pics from a few weeks ago when we had the two boys together.  So fun that they have matching outfits. 

We also enjoyed going to the Children's Museum last Tuesday with Mary and her 3 boys.  This was our first time at the Museum and we are definitely going back.  Jeremiah LOVED the ball pit and the water works station.  And he loved the Tiny Tots section where he could push lots of things.

Camping

On Friday night, we went on our first camping trip.  I had grown up going camping with my family in a pop-up camper but this was our first time as a married couple.  We left the little man behind at Grandma's for the night and headed out on our adventure.  At our wedding, we received and registered for a tent and camping gear- we had high hopes of camping all around the country.  Well, almost 6 years later and we had still not been camping.  So we decided we have to go.  We packed our things which took a long time and headed to Miami Whitewater, not too far from our house for the first time.  We had such a great and refreshing time and enjoyed grilling and making a fire and roasting s'mores.  I even found gluten free graham crackers.  Though I missed the little man, it was nice not to have to run after him and actually enjoy sitting and reading for an hour with my hubby.  I think next time though we will take the little guy.  I hope that we will enjoy many memories camping together with our children.  I did find that the key to camping in a tent is using an air mattress which I know some of you might be really laughing about. 

Also, a week ago, I enjoyed meeting up with a sweet college friend Erin Taylor (ET).  It was fun to meet up with her at the Creation Museum. 

The Garden

 Last night, Michael and Jeremiah put the finishing touches on the garden.  We are trying to put poles and a fence up to keep rodents out.  We will see how it goes.  Jeremiah loves being out in the back and playing with sticks and anything he can find- even these poles.  It has been great having an expert gardener, Laura L, around to ask questions.  She has given me lots of helpful tips. 

 These are some of my flowers around the house- my Dad gave me this cute little garden bee. :) 

15 Month Old Boy!

 We can't believe this boy is 15 months old today!  Where has our little baby gone?  He is now a toddler!  Jeremiah has been such a blessing and joy to us.  He keeps me busy- lately he has enjoyed being outside and playing with water and putting stones in cups.  He loves to throw rocks and push anything he can- even his cousin in a big stroller.  He loves to be with other children- especially his cousin Jonathan and other big kids too.  His favorite word, kinda, is "Uh-Oh."  He definitely is preferring saying Dadda at this point as well.  He loves to run and dance and shuffle his feet when any kind of music comes on.  He loves to spin in circles until he falls down dizzy.  What a funny little boy.  We are so thankful for the blessing he is to our family! 

 Last week when we went to Storytime for the kids, I let Jeremiah pick out 3 books- so what did he pick out- a Hunukkah Book and a Farm book.  Hmmm. :) 

 Last week, Jeremiah and I went with some friends to a park.  As we walked with Stephanie L. and her 4 kids- Jeremiah was dragging a little behind but he loved picking up sticks and pointing to any bushes he could find.