Happy Birthday-Part 2

Eli celebrated his 2nd birthday with a Chick-Fil-A party. He really doesn't love the food as much as he does the playground. We had a lot of fun watching all the little ones enjoy nuggets, fries, and ice cream. Eli's mommy certainly let him over-indulge on the ice cream. He didn't fall asleep until almost midnight...after completely undressing himself twice. I guess there is a penalty for consistently limiting your son's sugar intake.

On a side note, poor Knox was diagnosed with a burst eardrum on Friday afternoon. Fortunately, he is feeling much better! He was so pitiful at the end of last week. And as far as things go with the house, we will be pleasantly surprised if things sort themselves out. We are obviously very discouraged, but trying to stay positive. We hope to be certain of the outcome by Wednesday. Until then, we continue to live out of two houses...has not been pleasant.

About the house...

Our whole moving situation has been a total mess. As we were finishing up our move on Tuesday morning we got a call from our realtor that our buyer's appraisal had been botched. We were so taken aback by this new wrinkle in our plans. Well, it's been three days and we are still at a standstill with closing on the house. Thankfully we aren't trying to close on another house during this time too. The appraisal should be easily fixed but we are learning that these things take time. 75% of our home is on another street, leaving us with only 25% here. We have been so discouraged by all of this. Jerrold and I both recognize that God is in complete control of our entire future. We have prayed all week that His will might be done. We may not have an answer for several more days on how things will work out. This entire ordeal has been even more complicated by having two very small children that rely on us to provide stability and consistency. This has been a true test of faith for us as individuals and as a family. I must say that the entire "mess" has given us both a plateau for witnessing and sharing our faith with others, believers and non-believers. Regardless of the outcome, we give God all the glory for the things he has done and will continue to do on our behalf. Our God is an awesome God.

You placed Christ in heaven after raising Him from the dead, at Your right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion. You put all things in subjection under His feet. Help me to realize that when the stress of life seems over my head that it is under Your feet. Ephesians 1:21-22

Help me to take delight in You and You will give me my heart's desires. Help me to commit everything that I do to You. Help me to be still in Your presence and wait patiently for You to act. Help me not to worry or fret. Psalm 37:4, 7-8

Such a mess.

This little boy is going to be a handful. Enough said.

2 years old!

Sweet Eli is two years old! It is hard to believe how quickly the past two years have passed us by...Eli is such a joy to us!

His favorite things right now are:

* his grandparents-Wow, what a bond with all four of them!

* giving high five's-after spending time with my parent's last week

* drawing attention to anything Knox is doing that could possibly get him in trouble

* Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

* Nemo

* Natural Science Center

* Reading books

* Stickers

* Anything involving throwing, kicking, hitting, putting a ball

He and Knox are developing a recognizable relationship. They have "conversations" in the back seat. But, if he thinks Knox is doing something questionable he will yell, "No, Knox" over and over. He also repeats a lot of what we say, and we often hear him saying, "No, Daddy, Mommy" in his bed at night. He definitely has a strong, assertive personality-we are at a loss as to where that may have come from...We are having so much fun being Eli's Mommy and Daddy!

Let the madness begin...

We have been quite overwhelmed at the Simmons household...The good news is that we have officially sold our house! As most of you know this has been a major prayer request for us for some time now and God has certainly answered. The tough part of this all is that we close next Thursday and have to be out that same day! The short notice has been very tough...And Jerrold and I will be in Miami for most of this week for a vacation...we have no business going, but another break is nowhere near in the future...

The boys are doing great...Eli is becoming quite the chatterbox. He names about everything we see and pass around town. I am so proud of how well his speech is improving! He will be two next Monday, so hard to believe!

Knox is trying so hard to walk. He would be more successful if he didn't laugh so hard everytime he realizes he is standing on his own. He is a lot more active than Eli was as a baby. He literally gets into everything...The two of them are really becoming a duo.

Hopefully we will get it together soon enough and I can post some recent pictures...