Lunch Conversation

I love the little moments when God gives you the opportunity to see that what you are doing with your children is paying off and that they do hear you and understand you.

At lunch today, we were talking with Drew about his Bible Story from church today.  He told us that it was about Baby Moses' sister putting him in the river to try to hide him.  We then told him that Moses' mom, dad, and sister trusted that God would take care of Moses.  We told him that just like Moses' parents, we trust that God will take care of him.  He looked up at me and said, "Just like God took care of me during swim lessons."

Yes, buddy ... just like God took care of you during swim lessons and any other time that you are afraid or nervous.  Keep learning and keep growing sweet Drew!  We pray every day that you have a heart for the things of God!

Swim Lessons

Ugh ... I so hate that I haven't kept this blog up and I am so going to renew my energy to try again!  The reality that Brooks is turning two a week from today has been even more aware of how precious these days are and how fast they go.

Last week we had a week of swim lessons.  This was Drew's second week with Miss Glendy.  The lessons in August were rough and the first few days this past week were not easy either.  Drew is like his momma and can get himself so worked up before facing anything he is even a little afraid of.  Miss Glendy was so patient yet firm with him and by Wednesday of last week he was jumping in and swimming across the pool!  It was so encouraging for me as a mom to see the rewards of helping him push through something that scared him and overcoming it. We also prayed and prayed and prayed last week and then praised and praised and praised for the way God brought us through!

Brooks on the other hand, wasn't interested in doing anything but floating!  He refused to kick his arms and legs and actually floated for over 4 minutes on his own! That is SO his personality ... he isn't going to do anything that you try to force him to!  One day, I will appreciate that trait, but right now it is rough.

Turkey Cupcakes

Since next week is Drew's birthday weekend and then we will be headed to Laurel for Thanksgiving, we got a jump on our Thanksgiving celebration and made Turkey cupcakes tonight.  Drew loves helping me in the kitchen and really loved doing these cupcakes!

18 Months

This little man is 18 months old.

• You are my late sleeper.  Before the time change messed up your routine, you would sleep until almost 8:00.  The last week or so you have been trying to drop your morning nap, but your momma just isn't ready for that yet.
• You LOVE to open and close doors.  Cabinet doors, room doors, car doors, doors on a toy ... you really don't care what kind of door it is.
• You run everywhere you go.  
• You are an indepenedent little thing and want to try things by yourself.
• You can use a fork pretty well, but get frustrated if you can't get it in your mouth fast enough.
• You love to find your shoes and bring them for momma to put them on.  Then we take them off and bring them back to momma to put on.  Then we repeat it again.
• You want to talk and communicate SO badly.  We have had a few rough days and a few fits as you have tried to get us to understand what you are saying, but your vocabulary is growing every day.  A few things you say: sock, please, more, milk, car, ball, dada, momma, bubba, snack, on, off, Noah, trash, bump, and door.
• You love to dance.  Your favorite songs are "Who Build the Ark?" and "Be Careful Little Eyes."
• You love to laugh at us when we discipline you ... Lord Jesus help us! :)

Brooks Ramsey you are a complete joy!  You make us laugh on a daily basis.  You are stretching us as parents, but we wouldn't have it any other way! 

Shirt, Shoes, No pants needed

Pumpkin Patch

I always love going to a pumpkin patch in the fall.  It is fun to look back at the pictures from the last few years to see how the boys have grown.  This year going to a big patch didn't work out, but on the the last day of a patch at a local church, I threw the boys in the car and we headed out.  Brooks was not feeling well and it was WAY too hot for the clothes they were in, but we tried!

The best pic I have of them together. :(

Drew loved pulling the wagon!

And pics from memory lane!

2009

2010

2011

2011

2011

2011 Year in Review

Earlier this year, I started working on a photo book for 2011 and I FINALLY finished it!  I hope to do a book like this for each since we were married.  Hopefully they won't all take this long!  The link below will take you to the finished product.

The Ramsey Family 2011

Bubblin' Fun

I know I will be ready to be in a larger space, but we are enjoying our time in the apartment.  Drew and I stepped outside this morning to play with bubbles.  Bubbles were loads of fun but so was posing for silly pictures. :)

Look closely in the back and you will see the big machinery working on Bagby Street that runs in front of our apartment.  Both boys love watching them work!

Hello from Texas

It is has been an eternity since I blogged on either of my sites.  Wife. Mother. Banker. Daughter. Those jobs have kept me pretty busy for the last six months.  That is the only excuse I can offer.  I am sad that I haven't recorded more of Brooks' first year, so today I will start here again.  If nobody else reads it, I will have it to look back on in 20 years.


Here is the 30 second Ramsey update: We are in a temporary apartment in mid-town Houston until July 20th when we move into our rental house in Pearland where we will be less than 15 minutes from Hal's plant.  Our Mississippi house is set to close on Wednesday.  We are humbled and amazed when we look back on how God has provided for us in this transition.  


Hal:


Hal is loving being back with Cooper (who is being purchased by Eaton but we will save that for another post).  I can't tell you how nice it is to see him truly enjoying his job.  I know the stressful days will come, but it has been nice to have a break from it.

Does he look stressed to you?

Drew:


My sweet Drew has really handled all of this crazy transition so well.  He is glad to be back in Texas and gets very excited to tell me that every time he notices a Texas license plate.  He doesn't quite understand when the "big truck" will bring his "wooden trains" to his "Texas House," but we are working on all of that.

First trip to the Houston zoo

Brooks:


My Brooksie is changing everyday.  He is running everywhere and into everything.  He is fearless and determined.  He keeps us laughing with his sweet smile.

Momma:


Momma is good.  I am enjoying the smaller space of the apartment.  Less toys and less mess to keep up with.  Life has been so nuts since April that I am looking forward to this next month before we move into the house.  I am praying it will be a time for me to get some much needed rest and solid time in God's word.


That is the quick update.  And a few more pics to enjoy. :)

Such a mess!

Playing hide and seek w/ Grammy (look behind the tree)

Brothers in grampy's chair

My Boys

I need to make myself post once a week.  I am missing way too much.

Drew:

• You are almost 3.  It blows my mind.
• This is a typical conversation. "First we go potty, then we get dressed, then we go store and buy Jake Neverland Pirates DVD, Okay?."
• Completely potty trained.  You even go pee pee by yourself and don't want mom's help at all.
• Loving school this year and your teacher Mrs. Valerie.  You talk about all your school friends and ask everyday if you get to go to school today.
• Still loving trains.  I think they are going to be in our lives for awhile.
• You are warming up to your baby brother more and more.  You often call him "my Brooksie" these days.
• You can work a computer better than most adults...scary.
• We talk about your birthday party at least twice a day: Veggietales, Thomas, or Mickey Mouse are the usual favorites.
• Veggie Tales has become a favorite and you sing the intro song like a pro!
• Your enthusiasm is a joy to everyone who knows you.  So excited to see how God will use that one day!
• You have memorized Genesis 1:1.

Brooks:

• This smile is so typical of who you are little man.
• My how time is flying with you little one.
• Rolling over both ways
• Started solids and you get VERY unhappy if mom doesn't get it to you fast enough
• Sleep has been a little crazy lately, but we are working on that.
• Two bottom teeth are trying to come in.
• You are HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
• Doing much better in your car seat
• Definitely a chunky little monkey!
• Wearing a Size 3 diaper and 6-12 month clothes

This Week in Pictures

 Brotherly Love

 Ready to see the doctor

 What is this rice cereal stuff??

 Love these eyes

 Sweet baby boy

 Reading a book to brother

 Ready for the game

Gotta love the socks!