sleeping cuties

Walker woke up from his nap much too early yesterday, so I had him lay down with Wilson in our bed. He brought a book (which you can barely see) and his blanket. I HAD to snap this shot when he rolled over...of course, Wilson opened his eyes and briefly glared at me... Then, after nap time, I noticed Walker had his shoes on... ...the right feet...his own shoes...
ALL BY HIMSELF!!! he was proud to show me...
and I was proud to take the pics...you can tell it was RIGHT after nap, he still has the sleepy face and his blanket with him!

just a few woo-hoo moments...

...that I thought I should share.

1. Tuesday night, I found out they are bringing BUNKO to town (at least for a few months...and then maybe, finally, I can start my own 'league'!!)
2. Yesterday Walker started saying "Mommy" instead of "mama"...don't know if that's actually a woo-hoo or a boo-hoo, but it sure is cute to hear!
3. Barbie called and said there is a fairly good chance that their family won't be moving after all. We will wait and trust God's plan, but it did encourage me a bit.
4. I was asked to share a devotional during the opening part of our bible study this morning. I had planned to volunteer to do it after Brad left, but God's timing is always best...I was worried about too many tears, but God was gracious and steadied my voice...
5. ...even though we sang "He Knows My Name" again, which usually starts up the water-works. I was reminded that not only does He see each tear that falls, but that He also hears me when I call!

God is good, all the time. And, all the time, God is good.

And finally, we have a winter storm advisory today. I think it's probably going to miss us. But I have a little guy that has been hoping for snow all winter (as has his Daddy)... For the sake of those two, I am actually kind of hoping for snow myself. They haven't played together in the snow in quite some time... I think 3 winters ago when we lived on Carpenter Rd.

Oh, and one more thing, maybe the most important. I think it is amazing how God chooses to bless each of us according to the way He made us individually...you know, to some people BUNKO would mean nothing, but God knows me well enough to reveal it me the week before my husband leaves...its the little things, you know?

march photo-of-the-month rejects...

I take lots of pics of the boys, but for some reason, when I plan it...

well, it rarely works out the way I planned it...

Is it just me, or does it look like Walker is growling?

I really think he was laughing as I began to take this one...really!

I did end up with some good ones... Maybe I'll post the winner after I mail them out...

And some good news... Brad's deployment has been pushed back a few days, which is bascially like winning the HGTV Dream House without having to worry about putting it on the market before taxes are due...WOO HOO!

the other day as I was reading up on my blogs, Heidi had some pictures of a bag she had sewn on her soap bag. It was quite cute (check for yourself by clicking here), and one of her commenters said something about t-shirt bags. Which was *perfect* because Brad had just cleared his drawers of shirts he was getting rid of... What could I do, but google "t-shirt bags." And wouldn't you know, I found the easiest. project. EVER. (click here to see what I am talking about)....totally worth unpacking my sewing machine...after Brad leaves of course.

I told Wilson about it, and showed him the pile of t-shirts in our room...... And explained that by making our own bags to take to the store we wouldn't have so many plastic ones...which are handy for clearing the yard of ...well, you know... But when my milk cartons are full, I really don't need anymore. I kind of feel like I am being a little green too, awww...
Wilson was really impressed but asked if I could keep the white shirt for him for when he got bigger. "I might be bigger than my Daddy when I get bigger," he reasoned. Oh my stars could this little man be any cuter??

I couldn't help but wonder if he remembers that we were in Canada

when we bought it...

or that Daddy wore that shirt on the day he left for training...

Either way, you better believe I'll hang on to that shirt. [Oh, and after further investigation we found out that only one pile of shirts was bound for the trash and the white t-shirt would've been safe anyway...] Will post pics of our final project in a few weeks...maybe...we'll see how the transition goes...

your prayers are greatly appreciated...

...especially as Brad's deployment day draws closer. I know so many of you have already been praying faithfully for us...it is evident in our everyday circumstances. We had a wonderful two weeks with Brad on leave. We didn't do anything spectacular, but each day was special and filled with treasured moments. I wouldn't change anything about it (except maybe cutting Muskoka's ear).

I have learned a lot in the year or so since the last time Brad deployed. I feel better prepared in many ways, but at the same time not prepared at all. Its tough to put into words and I am thankful that when I go to my Father, I don't have to use words at all. I can say with confidence that His words are soothing my soul and lifting my head. I've said it before, but I just don't know how I would do this without my Father carrying me through.

I have been encouraged countless times in the last few days. Often in expected places, but sometimes in unexpected places as well. Like while the boys were watching Veggie Tales yesterday before church. It was a quick bit that just reminded me that God is more than able to meet my needs (and that there is a BIG difference between wants & needs). And then in Good Housekeeping (of all places) I found this paragraph that has encouraged me greatly...

• Happiness is not about changing your circumstances but changing the eyes through which you view your circumstances.

I guess it encouraged me because it reminded me of James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." And as I face this trial, I do look forward to what will come of it...

Please continue to pray over us this last week (Brad is back to work today, and will leave probably early next week). Specifically pray for:

1. The housework. It might seem silly, but if I slack off this week, it will seem insurmountable next week.
2. Our emotions. Pray that they do not rule over us or sidetrack us from enjoying our time together.
3. Our boys. Especially Wilson as he knows what is coming but doesn't quite understand how to 'deal.'
4. Our rest. We all need good sleep this week as we get ready to say good-bye.

Our God has provided for us over and over and over again. Even today as I sat down to 'blog' about this; my friend, Jenn sent an email asking how to specifically pray for us this week and next. He continually amazes me, I am humbled to be His child. The God that created the entire universe, calls me His own..and promises to meet my every need - sufficiently. WOW!

A Walk to the Airport

Yesterday was beautiful out, so after our morning walk we decided that after naps we'd head down to the airport and look at all the helicopters. Both Wilson and Walker are in love with them. Every time Walker sees one he gets so excited. The Bird's (the Army calls everything that flies a "Bird") in the background are CH-47 Chinooks. They are the biggest helicopter in the Army.

You can see the challenge of getting everyone to look at the same time (This is just an old Cessna that the Army once used for training).

extreme makeover: muskoka edition

before the groomer...

...and after...

Yes, its an adjustment for all of us. Poor pup! For those of you that don't know, we found out a few weeks ago that Muskoka was "blowing her puppy coat." Which was causing some matting close to her skin. So she had to get a haircut today. The neighbor dogs don't recognize her and keep barking at her... We are hoping Walker doesn't try any "love bites" tonight as she no longer has all of her fluff to protect her. We also found out that we had done a poor job of keeping her ears correctly; the groomer said that part took the longest. So we feel pretty guilty and are giving her lots of special treatment tonight. I am afraid I may have to sew her a coat to keep warm!

W's Go to the Zoo P4

We got some ice cream at Sonic (Wilson said it was the best ever). I am sure glad we went to Sonic because I saved daddy 180% over Marble Slab. I just wanted plain ice cream, and who wants to mix crazy things into perectly good ice cream? (I guess mommy did).

We thought about getting a drink or two at Toby Keith's after Sonic, but we were just too tired from our adventures.

W's go to the Zoo P3

Daddy convinced me that if were in Bricktown that we should eat somewhere different. What should I eat @ the Spaghetti Warehouse Italian Grill? I think I'll have chicken, but I guess this is better than IHOP. I am glad we waited and no one came to seat us there, or else we couldn't have seen this cool trolley.

I decided chicken was gross, and so was daddy's spaghetti and mozzarella sticks. I'll just stick to eating daddy's ice cream and Browne.

It sure was fun eating in the trolley.

W's Go to the Zoo P2

Look at the Giant Elephants Mom!

Does my neck look as long as his?

Set them free!

W's Go to the Zoo P1

Wilson & Walker decided to take Mommy & Daddy to the zoo in Oklahoma City

Look at the Giant Andean Condor (witch 3 seconds later go into a fight with another one, and we all jumped about 3 feet)

Walker with Mommy and Daddy (Wilson wouldn't get out of the wagon).

Wilson & Daddy's Fishin' Trip

Brad and Wilson headed out yesterday afternoon for their BIG Fishin' Trip

(I don't know why, but it just seems like it should be fishin', not fishing).

Here are a few pics... ...casting...
...waiting for a bite...
...what the? The only catch was a bunch of leaves...
...but it was fun...
Good times with Daddy!

a little video of the casting action!






Brad and Wilson may try to get out to the creek again after naptime today. Their trip was cut short yesterday by some sprinkles.

round two

Walker vs. Ravioli I'm pretty sure the ravioli won...AGAIN!

(I forgot about round one until lunch today, when round two started!)

And here are just a couple pictures of the boys eating strawberries...
...they have VERY different techniques!
Don't strawberries just make you think about summer? Yum!

walker's song

Walker has begun singing along, more and more. We thought his version of "unshakeable, unchangeable, unstoppable" was so adorable that we should share it with you... Its a pretty short clip, but you get the idea! (Sorry, I do still sing off-key!)

smorgasboard...

Here is a picture of Walker that mom took, I never got around to posting it while she was here... And this little pic is a pre-walk shot. I am mostly posting it to boost Rene's spirits as she is in the midst of getting ready to move next week ...lots of details, little time, you know. You see, on the second half of this walk we were accompanied by a stray pit bull. Yeah, all the way home. Good times, folks, wish someone would've been videotaping that one... Of course, big, fluffy handled it like a champ...
And here is a little video of the boys dancing to "Trading My Sorrows/Yes Lord."

• Today Wilson displayed his super-human strength at the immunization clinic. Now he is already for school in the fall! Thank you, Brad, for taking care of that detail! (He has bruises from wiggling, and Brad said he kept yelling "I want it in the finger"...he had a finger-prick blood draw last week.)
• Walker had hives for the 2nd day so we discontinued his amoxicillian prescription, we'll see what the Doc tells us tomorrow.
• Did I mention that both boys got to pee in a cup last week? Boy was that a fun time!
• And, thankfully, I get to go to the doc tomorrow to find out what is up with all these headaches...hopefully the blood tests show something simple.

And a HUGE PRAISE. We have told most of you about Brad's Great Aunt Hilda (grandma G's youngest sister)...she went into a coma about 11 days ago. They weren't exactly sure why, and the diagnosis wasn't good. They even discussed organ donation; her living will stated that she didn't want to stay on life support. But, she has started responding to the doctors and it looks as though she is improving...even breathing on her own yesterday, winking, and moving toes and fingers. Please continue to keep the Aho family in your prayers as they stand witness to this miracle; waiting in faith for a complete recovery.

gettin' back to 'normal'...

Walker is becoming a little tv junkie...he even gets angry when the cartoons are over...or worse, when a commercial comes on during his cartoons! They have been enjoying playing with Wilson's GeoTrax which were resurrected last week. They had been in the garage since we moved, so now its like they are brand-new all over again! Woo-Hoo.. or should I say "Choo-Choo!!"
Wilson has been wanting to go fishing for some time now, actually, it probably goes back all the way to when he went with Uncle Dan back in Michigan. Well, Daddy has been working on some casting techniques in the yard. The big trip is supposed to be tomorrow, but it might have to wait until the weather warms up... The forecast is a bit nasty for tonight/tomorrow...
I love watching Daddy teaching the boys something...or just playing with them.
Wil picked out his pole himself, of course, its Cars. We were going to buy it for him, but he insisted on using his own money. I wish I had videotaped him getting it from the shelf (I had to tell him that they might not have a Cars fishing pole before we went, you know, just in case; but when we got there and he saw it...wow!)
After all our family visits over the last month, our house seems a little big and empty this week. We are surviving though =) It was such a blessing for all of us to see so many loved ones! Brad is on leave and we are taking care of this, that, and the other. Oh, and just to spice things up, I cut Muskoka on Tuesday. You read it right. I cut her ear. Poor thing. Now both of the big people in her life have cut her. Thankfully she didn't need stitches this time around! (In defense of my stupidity, I was trying to get some of the mats out of her fur. She has an appointment with a real groomer next Tuesday...)

Ok, one more thing. I swear I entered the Twilight Zone at K-Mart tonight...just needed to get Walker some socks. He's been wearing some of the same ones for a year... Do you think I could find socks at K-Mart?? I thought maybe when they hit their financial troubles they couldn't find a supplier anymore... But then I ran into the "Hosiery" section. Yeah, that's where you find little boys' socks at K-Mart...is it just me or is that a little weird???