yard work- before

Monte hard at work removing sod, took a whole truckbed full to the dump!

Our yard is finally a work in progress, this last spring Monte built the garden boxes for us which I've been trying to keep up with, but my pregnancy isn't tolerating the heat very well. And i don't know what to do at times when I have a problem. But like my Mom says, its a practice garden! So Monte got busy one day and rented a sod cutter machine and created a border. Next we will hire some guys to install for us. Yeah, can't wait!

The machine!

watching fireworks

Mickey and Minnie

The Disney store at our mall had a grand re-opening one Saturday, so they had Mickey and Minnie. I somehow knew about it, I must have been there a few weeks before and remembered to write it down. Just cause we don't frequent the mall. Lissy was very excited when I told them what we were doing. She really wanted to see Minnie, we had to wait in line twice because they were on half hour shifts. Actually we had to wait a third time, because right as we approached the steps the 2nd time Minnie walked off and Mickey on, Lissy totally melted and I almost did too. I wanted to yell "wait!" but there was no stopping her. The helper people started ushering us and I explained that we already saw Mickey and needed Minnie. Fortunately the line was getting short, so I attempted to soothe Lissy some more and decided we'd take a bathroom break. And by the time we did that, got in line again and to the front, Minnie came back on and oh the joy! JR was a bit nervous about being so close, but after staring at them for a couple hours he decided a high five was okay. Minnie wiggled her nose for him too, and touched his in which he giggled. It was fun to do, I'm glad Monte encouraged me to take them.

Lissy's 4th Birthday

The flower cake I made with Katheryn's cake mold, topped with pineapple for pollen and strawberry petals and cake. Lissy was so excited for her birthday, for two months since her cousin Caleb turned four, she told everyone she saw and I mean everyone..." Hi I'm Melissa my birthday's June 2nd, I'm gonna be four like my cousin Caleb." I had to give her the "don't talk to strangers when I'm not around" speech, and who strangers are cause she just wants to be friends with everyone. Needless to say she thoroughly enjoyed her bday and loved her presents and after each one she opened said it was just what she wanted!

New haircut

In May Monte got a new haircut, got his first buzz in a long time. There is a young boy in our church who is going through chemo and has lost his hair. So for his birthday his family wanted to have a "shave your head " party for anyone who wanted to also. A couple ladies did balloons, their was food, all donated by friends showing support. We went not expecting Monte to do his hair, I feared the worst of what he would look like. But we ended up very very surprised by some of the people who had. There were bald heads everywhere, it ended being about 65 men and boys, it was very touching! It took me a good week to get used to his new look and everytime Jr saw him he would point to his Dad's head and say "uh oh". I think he looks great now, and we are so glad we did, we admire this family and feel for them and the hardship they are going through.
There were tshirts given that said "I shaved my head for Ty" and they actually ran out. This is all the guys with their new do's.

Happy 2nd birthday JR

We had a fun little birthday party, I got Papa Murpheys pizzas and made a big green salad, and the cake. He enjoyed his presents, everyone is always very generous. You couldn't tell that he liked them from pictures cause he looks very serious. He wouldn't look at the camera or smile, he was focused. He got a few motorcycles, his Dad's dream car (the new camero) a mater toy, sand toys, a tool set and a T ball set. Caleb was right there with him the whole time to check out his presents.


Playing with the tools, we especially enjoyed these the next morning as he hammered away to wake us all up :)

My masterpiece, thanks to Katheryn for giving me the tools to create, and yes Jr loved it! A glimpse of a smile when he opened the mater

On his birthday we went to Red Robin with Aunt Raymie and Uncle Joey who gave him a couple motorcycles and a truck. He kept going up to the front to see all the balloons, and he didn't want his sundae they give for birthdays, so I helped!

A few of his favorite things

Happy 2nd Birthday to my baby boy! (sniff sniff) Birthdays are bittersweet for me. He is a joy, he makes us laugh, and his sister cry, but he loves her everso much. It is really very sweet. He has grown so much this year. For start he has great hair, now that its all grown in. He says so many words and short sentences, all I can interpret for the most part. He has mastered walking and running, climbing, being on the trampoline, his obsession with Lightning McQueen and CARS. He now climbs out of his crib, which each morning this week has gotten a bit earlier. He likes dancing, and I have to say he has some pretty good moves. He loves his sippy of milk, which he likes to get the jug out of the fridge and cup to bring to someone. He's rough and tough, but has lots of love. He doesn't hesitate to give hugs and kisses, which we love. He also has great facial expressions. And as his Mother I have to say I think he's so stinkin' cute!!

Blankies and thumbs.

Loves sitting on motorcycles, waiting for someone to give him a ride.

He is now big enough to hold on and get rides on Dad's bike. Pure Joy!