Big Boy 2 yr. old!

It's so hard to believe my little man is no longer a baby! This little guy brings so much laughter and fun to our family. His little face speaks more loudly than any words! You can always tell how he is feeling or what he is thinking by his face. It is so expressive. That is probably part of the reason he is holding back on actual words. He doesn't need them!

Since Olivia had pancakes for breakfast Judson wanted them too!
Poor guy. His birthday fell right in the middle of VBS. I figured this is the last year I can get away with out doing something special for the cake..... He got the hang of blowing out the candles by lunch time! He did it all by himself.

He liked it even though it wasn't shaped like anything!

Opening gifts.

He liked them.

Off to do some work with his new tool box.


This little man is a testimony to the faithfulness of God in our family. Months before we knew he was on his way, the girls prayed for a baby brother. They prayed faithfully, with great assurance. Our Father did not disappoint. He has so many ladies taking care of him. He is charmer too! He has two settings: Happy-Not Happy. He did, of course, inherit the Bragdon Stare. They all got that. I can't imagine our family without him. This school year, with Olivia starting preschool, Judson will get some good one-on-one time with his Mama. I haven't taken the time to read with him like I did the others and I am so excited to make up some lost time. And since we have a rule that once you start Preschool you don't have to take a nap, Olivia will get some good time with Mama in the afternoons. Next year it will just me and Judson....

Good grief. Raising a little boy to love and fear the Lord seems like a HUGE task. I don't have the slightest clue where to even begin. This little guy has a wonderful sense of adventure. The girls love having another man around the house. Judson has become the resident bug picker-upper. He loves to help. He helps me unload the dishwasher. I pray that his loving, helpful spirit will go with him always. It is my hope and faithful prayer that he will love others above himself and always go out of his way to help those in need. I also pray that God will grant us the wisdom and grace to help him reach his marriage day with a purity that seems almost impossible for men to accomplish in this sex-saturated world.

Father, I place Him in your ultimate care. Reach his heart and grow him in your love and understanding. Give him a thirst for your truth and a wisdom to seek you! Thank you for giving me enough room in my heart and home for this precious work of Your hands!

Our Big 4 yr. Old OLIVIA!

I figured I had better get these pictures up before Judson's Birthday tomorrow.

It is hard to believe that our little ball of fire is 4. She will be starting Preschool this fall with Mrs. Cathy. It doesn't seem right. Three mornings a week I will home with only one child! I knew that this was coming but I am just not ready for it!

Olivia asked for pancakes for breakfast.

She asked for a castle cake. That was the best I could do. Thankfully, she was satisfied.

For her special Birthday Lunch she picked corn dogs, french fries, and pink Lemonade.

We had a little party game. Olivia won.

We had some cake.



And Olivia tried out her present. In our house if you get outside toys you get to ride them inside on your birthday, but only the birthday girl or boy!

This child has caused us great concern from the moment she came into this world! She has fought us tooth and nail to be in charge. She has brought more joy and laughter into our house, not to mention questions, than I thought possible.

She wins the hearts of who ever she is with. Her personality and sweet, deceptively innocent, smile has taken more than one heart captive. She is full of life and love for others. She isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks and she is the loudest child I know!

I love this girl more than any words can express. She goes to sleep loud and wakes up loud. You can not ever forget she is around! She does everything at breakneck speed and only slows down if she is made to- And usually to observe the wreckage she has left in her wake!

She is so eager to learn and help. She is tons of fun and has one of the best belly laughs around! I find it a great honor to call myself Olivia's Mom. We soak up all the drama we can from every situation possible. We get each other. I love her so much and am looking forward to seeing how God grows her this year. I am thankful for her outgoing personality, her courage, and her love for others.

Thank you, Lord that Miss Olivia is in our care. Help us to love her with Your love and teacher her to others in the same way.