The Jolliff Family

The only thing better than a freshly cleaned baby is, well, two! They just melt my heart!!!

We have been wanting to make a chalkboard for our house since going to Kansas City and seeing one in Sarah and Tom's kitchen.  So on a recent visit, my friend and I headed to the trash store and bought a frame for $4.  I spray painted the frame for $3 and added chalkboard paint to the glass for about $2. Less than $10 and I'm happy with the final project!  We plan on putting a verse up a week to help us remember some Truth.

We found a new fruit at the market yesterday and tried it today.  It is called a dragon fruit and is really beautiful. The inside... My taste tester Sam. And he gives it two thumbs up! I'll admit it was good but probably would have been better if it was cold.  However, it is always good to try new things!

Dear Abram, You are my blue eyed baby and I just can't stand how quickly you are growing!  This past month has been no different.  You are still army crawling all around the house and you are quick.  When you see your brothers' run past you, you usually crawl after them to see what they are doing.  You love to blow bubbles and offer smiles freely.  However, you have started with the stranger anxiety this month and felt very sad when mommy and daddy left you for our meeting over the last weekend!  You are wearing 9 month clothes and size 3 diapers.  You like to eat and nurse about 4 times a day.  You are pulling up on everything and have even let go a few times but usually quickly fall down!!  We love you Abram! Beautiful Abigail, You are a precious gift to our lives.  We never really thought we would have a baby girl and you have been such a blessed addition to our family over the last 9 months.  You are crawling an...

For Sam's birthday he received the promise of a guitar and guitar lessons.  He has been asking for over a year and we just couldn't get guitar lessons done.  This year we have made it a priority and he is so excited.  He is working really hard in school and guitar is such a fun thing that he can do!  He takes private lessons and is also taking a music theory class.  This was his first week of private lessons and he was so excited to get to use his guitar.  He has had two music theory classes and is enjoying learning about beat and rhythm.  We are excited for Sam!

So Sam has started reading a book on the life of George Washington.  He is fascinated with history like this and it is fun to watch him soak it up.  Because he is asking so many questions about American History, I found a fun series for kids online about the Revolutionary War and how America was formed.  They are loving it.  The best part is that because of their watching, they are now pretending to be "Red Coats" (haha!!) fighting in the war. This was them before going outside.  Not the best picture but cute none the less!! I love my little "red coats"!

I came home from a run last night to the craziness that is crawling twins in the bath tub :)  They love to take a bath, splash, crawl around, and stand up.  They are very busy in the tub and it is so fun!!!

I have a bunch of pictures from everyday life in these parts to share.  We are getting into the routine of school and tutoring and visits as we settle in.  Life is blessed! When all the boys play together it is so much fun!  They are still entertained with their toys.  We switched out some "new" ones last weekend! The boys are taking one responsibility.  They have learned to make their own toast, sandwiches, and to wash dishes! It is very helpful. Pulling up on EVERYTHING! And Abigail likes to get herself in funny places! We put some old food boxes and measuring cups out for the babies to enjoy while we are in the kitchen working.  They love playing in this box. Sam is really enjoying reading these days and nights!  I have been waiting for the day he wants to stay up reading.  He has his lanterns on and is reading a book about George Washington.  He is really into American history ...