The Sutton's at the OBX

This past week the entire Sutton family went the OBX for the week.  This was the first time we were all together in the same home, and probably not the last.  It was so much fun! There was ghost crab hunting, a bonfire & s'mores on the beach,  driving on the beach to see the wild horses, and a workout climbing 200 + stairs to the top of a lighthouse, and of course Corn Hole :)  The rest of time was spent relaxing at the pool/ hot tub and the beach.
We enjoyed the time spent with the siblings and Noah had a blast playing with all his cousins.  We would put him down by 1 and then try to pry his eyes open at 4.  One time we got him up, and he fell back asleep on our bed while we were getting ready for dinner.  Noah had 2 questions the entire week-  "whe's Cole?"  and "whe's Fia?"  He loves all his cousins, but those 2 had to be accounted for through out the week. (Those are the names he pronouncs best). Chloe had a great time at the beach and pool. We played a lot of fun games, and for the record, I stayed up until midnight a few times! It was a great time and we look forward to the next time we can make it happen again.

 (For those considering the minivan, this is an SUV with 2 kids)

small victories

We've been sorta potty training Noah here and there. Once in a while he'll want to poop on the potty, and other times the diaper is more convenient.  Last night, we were eating dinner and once again came the urge...

Noah: Mommy, poo-poo!
Me: Ok, lets go poo-poo on the potty!
Noah: (running to the toilet) poo-poo, poo-poo!
Noah sits on the toilet and waits patiently.
Noah: Mommy! poo-poo coming!
Me: Come on poo-poo!
Noah: Mommy, poo-poo here!
Noah gets up pointing proudly, "See it?!"

Oh the joys.

Happy Mother's Day

Mommy/Honey,


Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I want you to know how much you mean to the kids and me. 


Chloe wants to thank you for the organic milk she drinks every 4 hours (she says it's always fresh), the opportunity to eat big people food so early in her life, all the Arabic nicknames you call her, the way you make her laugh, cleaning up all of her blowouts(and yes, she is aware she has more than the average girl) and just loving on her.  She loves you sooooo much and is looking forward to learning more and more things from mommy.


Noah wanted you to know that you're "DA BES"!  He wanted to thank you for always listening to him even though his topics of conversation center around lawnmowers, airplanes, tractors, lawnmowers, Cole, diggers, and even more lawnmowers.  He is grateful that you pray for him when he gets a booboo.  He loves all the yummy food you make, especially when you douse it with yogurt.  He has fond memories of watching "Diggers Live" up in Arora Hills, you reading him books and teaching him colors, shapes, numbers and all sorts of other fun things.  He is grateful that he gets to see mommy everyday and that you have given him a sister to play with. He loves you so much and one days hopes to marry a woman just like you.


So I've said it before and I'll say it again...you AMAZE me.  I can't imagine life without you.  Thank you for sacrificing your professional career and taking on an even more challenging career as a homemaker.  I finally figured out why you're so tired these days.  It's because you're nursing, cleaning, changing diapers, cooking, washing clothes, running errands, meal planning, playing with kids, doctors visits, romancing me and about
 100+ other things.  Thank you for ALL that you do, especially the things that I'm probably not even aware of.  


I also wanted to thank you for the way that you have reminded me lately of where our true home is.  Matthew 6 says:


“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


You have provoked me to think more about our Savior and less about the "stuff" of this world.  As my helpmate, that's one of the best things you can do for me, and the kiddos.  I love you baby and pray that you realize how much the kids and I love and appreciate you.


Love,
danny, noah and chloe

Camping May 2012

The first weekend of May came by so quickly.  We missed camping in October due to bad weather, and I think that was the first time in the Sutton history. We love to camp, well, for the most part.  Camping for 2 nights was definitely more challenging this year with a toddler and an infant.  And the fact that the stinkbugs have made it up north didn't make it very pleasurable.   I'm either getting old or becoming a little more high maintenance since sleeping on the ground was not very comfortable this time around.  And yup, there went my complaining heart.  Woe is me.  My dear husband cared for me one night as we were driving through the campsite trying to put our over stimulated kids to sleep.  I was trying to convince him we should drive home and try again next time.  I'm glad he didn't listen to me.  I was more aware of my inconveniences than of grace and more aware of me than of others.  We prayed together, and that night actually ended up not being so bad once we returned to the campsite. And so, I rewarded myself with an extra s'more :) It was still fun being with the family, watching the kids play, and eating lots of bacon with aunt Val.  (Not the healthiest weekend).  I will have to prepare my heart a little better for next time, and also hope that the smoke and fire won't bother Noah. Not many pics this year but not to my surprise:

Chloe Dedicated

Chloe,

This past Sunday we dedicated you to the Lord.  We are so grateful that he has given you to us, but you ultimately belong to him.  And there is no one better to belong to. There is no other God like the one we serve.  You were born an imperfect child in need of a Savior.  Our God has sent his son, Jesus, to live the perfect life you will never live so that you can be made right with your Creator. We will be faithful to teach you what He has taught us and to instruct you according to His ways.  It is our prayer that the ways of this world would be foolish in your eyes, and you would find the everlasting joy of knowing Jesus as Lord over your life. We love you!

He is Risen!

"Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed...

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:38

I feel like there is so much anticipation and celebration that accompanies Christmas, and then there is Easter and an egg hunt somewhere. Yet, if it weren't for Easter then Christmas would be pointless. If our Savior did not die for our sin and defeat the death we deserved, then the baby in the manger would be just another child. Praise God, this is not the story!

Thank you Lord for coming for worthless sinners and for dying the death I deserved. Thank you for the blood that covers all my sin. Thank you that I am made right with God through Christ's perfect work on the cross. Thank you for freely giving me what I could never earn. Thank you for a risen Savior who has conquered death, giving me eternal hope and joy of being with my Father.

Cherry Blossoms

Every year since we were dating, Danny and I have gone to see the Cherry Blossoms. Here we've been talking about traditions, and didn't realize we created one 5 years ago. This year was a sort-a -surprise trip for an early birthday gift. Hard to plan a surprise getaway with a 6 month old and hope you are serving your wife :) Anyway , it was a great time. What's not to like about a long walk along the water under the blossoms? It was perfect weather, prime time for the blossoms, and we went on a Thursday when it wasn't super crazy. We got a free night at the Marriott 2 blocks from the White House and indulged on free food:) So despite the fact that Danny does travel, he does bless me with his gold member rewards!

The following day we had an enjoyable and very long walk to lunch at We the Pizza and Good Stuff Eatery. We couldn't make up or minds, so we ordered from both and split it. We work well together. My husband did fail to inform me what the distance of the walk was, and I will admit my heart was full of complaints (as was my tummy). I was quickly convicted when we arrived to lunch, and Danny showed me his bleeding foot from breaking in the sandals for the summer. I didn't hear one complaint from him the entire 2 miles :( That lead us into good conversation - sin & my ungratefulness and the sweet conviction and grace of our Savior. Each time at the Cherry Blossoms has been memorable, so Lord willing, I look forward to next year!

Chloe Time

post mega poop clean up (these times come frequently)

pretending to enjoy solids

playtime with Kaelyn

failed attempt to capture first tooth!

my sleeping beauty

February

I'm so glad this month is at it's end. March makes me feel that spring is around the corner, and I've been waiting for daylight savings since October. This month was a rough one as I was sick most of the time. Danny and my mom did an amazing job caring for me. My mom made the best chicken soup in the world. I could've lived off of it for the rest of my life. It was hard trying to tell Noah that mommy couldn't play or snuggle up in bed with him. One thing I appreciated was the get well cards Danny and Noah drew for me. Noah burst through our bedroom doors after one of my naps, saying "ayplay (airplane), mommy, see ayplay!" while pointing to his picture. Danny also taught Noah how to pray for me while I was sick. I put him down last night with Danny, and we asked him who he wanted to pray for, and he responded, "a-kowee, a-mommy, a-daddy." We've begun a little scripture memory and are working on Ephesians 6:1. He really likes it too. He'll see the Bible and say, "the Lord?," so I'll say the verse and have him repeat me one word at a time.

And little Chloe is growing so quickly. She is 5 months, and is really making me love having a little girl. Noah would go to anyone at anytime, but Chloe loves being with me. She makes me feel special :) But now we're trying to get her to like Teta because mommy and daddy need to go out. She squeals and chats a lot, and it doesn't take much to make her happy. She loves watching Noah ALL the time, especially if he's dancing. He can really make her laugh. She loves tummy time and has already rolled from her tummy to her back. I remember that was such a huge deal with Noah because it took him forever since he was so chunky :) She is an absolute joy and I can't get enough of her.

I cannot end this post without giving thanks to my best friend.
Danny, I am so grateful for how you compassionately cared for me this month. Thank you for being so sacrificial. You cancelled all your plans and even put your work aside to serve your family. I was sorry you had to use your sick time, but I know you weren't. Thank you for not just being here but working endlessly to care for me and the kids. You weren't feeling good either, but the Lord strengthened you and gave you the grace you needed for each day. Thank you for praying with me and for pointing me to scripture when I was weary. Even when you were traveling, you made yourself available and you cheered me up with a fun and yummy scavenger hunt on V-DAY while you were away. Thanks for not only playing with Noah, but training him and planting seeds in his life, teaching him about the Bible and how to pray. You redeemed the time you had with him well. He loves you so much. And as for Chloe, thanks for cleaning all the blow outs and helping out with the morning feedings. You were a great stay-at-home mom :) Thank you for really living out Ephesians 5:25 and giving up your life for me and for loving me as Christ loved the church. I am so undeserved. It was hard to cancel all the fun things on our agenda, but looking back, God had bigger and better plans for us and for our marriage. This month has opened my eyes even more to see God's mercy and kindness. What an awesome God we serve. I love you so much!

Noah's prayer

Danny's done a great job consistently training Noah to pray. Sometimes I forget to hold his hands before bed, but he won't start until I do, saying, "mommy, hands?." I love hearing this and seeing how excited Noah gets at the end.

People I love

(Playoff Sunday:)

A Merry 2011 Christmas

This Christmas we were able to host both our families at our home. We didn't do a good job of taking pictures, but we got a couple families shots and then I was off to the kitchen! Noah got real gifts this year, and it was fun watching him open his airplane and remote control car from his grandparents. We celebrated Noah's birthday on Christmas day since the family was all together. Chloe enjoyed looking at the Christmas lights on our tree and just being her cute baby self. She's laughing and wiggling so much these days :)

It was a busy season for us with parties and get togethers, and we enjoyed every minute. We were so mindful of God's grace and goodness to us this year, and what a great way to end the year off with a holiday that explains it all. We are so grateful that Christmas for us is more than a season but a joyful reality that has transformed our lives forever. Our God has given us an eternal gift in sending our Savior, Jesus Christ, a gift we could never earn or ever deserve. Our Lord is worthy of our praise and adoration every day of the year.

A small crisis

Today Noah was playing with his birthday balloon, and managed to somehow detach the string from the balloon. "Mommy uh- oh, up, up!" I told him there was no way I could reach it, and he looked at me helpless. But then he thought he had great idea, and ran to the bathroom. He came back with his 8 inch stool...


Surprisingly he was unsuccessful, but mommy rescued the balloon with a broom and some duck tape :)

Noah, you keep us laughing. Today you also touched my heart once again. I gathered all the legos in front of me so we could play, but you moved all the legos away from me, sat in my lap and then drew the legos back to us. We had a good time building towers and knocking them over. I just love you!

Two

Noah,

Right now I'm watching you play independently. You are staying busy these days. You love playing with my measuring cups, my blender, and my hat. You love playing basketball and ping pong with daddy. You love to play with all your cars, trucks and airplanes. We look at your plane book almost hourly, and you love to point out every "ay-play." You love to look at "a-boat's" too. "Row your boat" has become your favorite song. You're learning how to say many things like "oh man," "he ya go," and "mommy, your the bus (best)." Daddy is teaching you to pray before all you meals and you're learning quite well. Your favorite books are Plane's, Diggers, Noah's ark (you love the "a-boat," and Good Night Moon since it has an "oh-fiy (fire)" on almost every page. You've learned how to do all your puzzles, and your often found on the couch looking through one of your books. Right now we are watching you play as you chat away. We smile and enjoy every moment. You love "Cho-wee" (Chloe)! We know this because you give her random hugs and kisses all the time.You make sure to return her burp cloth and blanket if you find it somewhere on the ground too. I know she appreciates that. You've become such a good helper and love to be involved in everything we do. The other day you were measuring the frames with the tape measurer before we hung them up. You like to grocery shop at Giant because they have a cart your size, and you like to push it as we drop the groceries in. You get lots of attention when we take you there. You are so adorable! You are very good at obeying us when we ask you to do things. You are learning how to share and you play kindly with those around you. You love for Mommy and Daddy to chase you around the house, and we love how you come up from behind us to give us hugs. We are such proud parents, you have brought a ridiculous amount of joy into our lives. We love you so much! What a precious gift from the Lord you are! Happy Birthday Buddy!

November

Sooner or later this blog might turn into our online photo album. I can't keep up with everything that is going on! Our days have been full as we're adapting to having two kids. The Lord has been kind, and really has doubled the amount of grace! As I look back at my days, there is no other explanation. My dad has been sick and has had a couple surgeries, so Teta wasn't here as much as we expected. Praise the Lord, he is slowly recovering and is doing better. Now Teta and Gido make it out here about once a week and spend the night when they come. They can't get enough of the kids. My mom takes them when they wake up so we get to sleep in :) We are blessed. Chloe has also been sleeping through the night which allows me to function more effectively :) I am really enjoying my time at home. Chloe is smiling and laughing a lot. Noah really loves his sister. He love's to play with her on the play mat and read her books on planes and diggers book. Danny has been working hard. This quarter was slow at work, but he has not slowed down at home. He is so patient with the kids, and loves teaching Noah how to do small tasks, and of course play ping pong. He is currently doing an exercise video with Noah, and I really should be video taping. Some highlighted photos...

Spiderman trick or treating with his best buddy, Makenna

Chloe learning to be loved

Smoothie time

Noah sometimes sleeps in Mommy's hat. I think it's officially yours buddy.

This picture was taken after I took the yogurt out, set it on the counter and went to the bathroom. Noah LOVES yogurt. I came back and found it on the floor with his spoon, and him saying, "uh-oh mommy, uh oh!"

The Sutton grandkids on our annual Christmas cookie making/decorating day

The melting of my heart