I've been having a terrible horrible downright emotionally draining shitty week. Mike is out with Brandon, Colin is sleeping, so I'm having a drink and about to pop in a movie.

Instead of spending more time worrying, crying, praying, and stressing out about things, I thought I'd take a second to mention a few things that make me smile; a few things that I'm thankful for.

• How Colin covers his mouth with his chubby baby hand when he coughs or says "thank you welcome" after pretty much everything. I adore his already forming manners. I am so in love with that little boy.
• For a friend who has been praying for me because she knows how difficult this week has been. Her friendship means more than she ever knows.
• A husband who knew how terrible of a day I was having and came home with pizza so I wouldn't have to think about making dinner
• A {too} compassionate Christian owner who sat and listened to me for over an hour the other day and even teared up when I said I had spent my day off worrying about a situation. An owner who gave me a good Christian gut check. An owner who cares more about people than earning a buck.
• The weather has been wonderful lately. If I could bottle it up, I would.

So while my week has stunk a big fat one, I still have alot to be happy about.

I was talking to Merridith on the phone this afternoon and Colin was reading at his table. When we hung up, I finally noticed what he was reading and ran to grab my camera.

future Pastor Colin?
I can't help but think of my Grandma when I see this picture. I know if she was able to see it, she'd love how he folded his hands and that he loves to loudly say AMEN! I think she'd even love his cheesy forced smile :)

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the 4th of July? If not, I do. If I have, let me say it again. I love the 4th of July.

The morning started off with a wonderful breakfast at Jason and Janna's house. French toast casserole, homemade cinnamon rolls, freshly picked cherries. Delish!

We killed some time before the parade started. We weren't sure how Colin would react to the noise and it was about 11.30 by the time the parade got to us and he hadn't napped yet but he LOVED it. Like if I could create a daily parade, I would just to see that excitement again. None of the noises scared him. He loved the clapping and waving, the candy collecting, horn honking, and dancing to the music.

After the parade, the little boys ate lunch and then we walked to the arts and crafts booths. Both Colin and Micah fell asleep, so we decided to head back. Mike and I took C home where he took a 4 hour nap.

After naptime, we headed back out to Jason and Janna's where we got ice cream and then did some little kid fireworks before heading back home again.

The 4th has become tamer and earlier since having a baby but I love it anyway. I love the family traditions we have and the pride I feel to be an American.

Now unto what everyone really wants ... pictures. Slideshow style.

Edit: The pictures are all off center on the slideshow. To see better pictures, simply click on the slideshow and it should take you to the original pictures.

Mike and I have been teaching Colin about "timeouts" over the past few weeks. He understands what they are, when they are used, where to go, and how to say it. We tried a few places around the house in hopes of finding the 'perfect spot' and thought we found a good boring corner away from toys.

See sitting nicely staring at the wall. Right?

Ummm. Not so much! This whole timeout thing isn't working out so well for us.