Jungle Safari!

No, I didn't actually go on a safari, but I did have a jungle-themed adventure!  I've never attempted to do any type of creative decorating in our house.  Ever.  But the boys' room was in desperate need of repainting, and I thought it'd be fun to do something a little different.  (I have to confess that Kelly's amazing decorating job in the girls' room inspired me quite a bit!)  We also found a used bedroom set at a good price, and I was excited to get that since they had always had random furniture in their room.  Their current favorite colors are orange (Jesse) and green (Ethan).  While trying to figure out how to make that work, I found these cute comforters that had both colors.

 That's when I decided to go with the jungle theme.  I actually had a lot of fun painting all the animals.

Heath did all the green paint, and he built the awesome book shelves.

So, for the first time ever, our boys have a cohesively furnished room!  Now . . . if we could just get them to keep it clean!!

6 Years Old!

Well, I'm a little behind, but our baby boy is 6 now!  Jesse's birthday was on Monday.  He's growing up so fast!  And there's so much about him to love . . . I love his sense of humor, love seeing him learn and grow, love the way he's becoming such a helpful and thoughtful kid.  He's a cute little guy, and we love him so much.  Happy Birthday, Jesse!

Michael

This is my brother Michael.  He's 27 and a Staff Sergeant in the Airforce.  He works in EOD, which has caused my sons to give him the nickname, "Little Bomb Boy."  Not sure how they came up with the "little" part since he's twice their size, but nonetheless the name has stuck.

Anyway, Michael deployed to Afghanistan last week.  He'll be there about 6 months.  I'm so proud of my little brother and the work he does.  I'm not at all envious though!  I like my safe little life here in rural America and have no desire to live in a tent in the desert or fight terrorists or dismantle bombs or anything of the sort.  But thank goodness there are people who are willing to do all of that.  

Michael's been to Iraq twice and both times has come home with nary a scratch.  We're praying the same for this time!  In human terms, Afghanistan (and especially the area he's in) is much more dangerous than Iraq.  But I have to keep reminding myself that he's no less in God's hands now than he was then.  Please join me in praying for his safety--physical, spiritual, emotional.  And remember to thank the military families in your life!