July 2008 Review

Once again, July was a busy month. We've been having so much fun with our two boys and haven't been able to keep up with the blog. I've finally carved out some time to get it updated so you can see what we've been up to and how our boys have been growing. We're so happy to share our fun with you!!







July 4th Weekend
Over July 4, Jonathan was gone to Salt Lake City, UT with the high school students for the National Evangelical Free Student Conference called Challenge. The boys and I went to Rock Valley and hung out with Papa and Nana for a few days. We had a nice time, but it always goes by way too fast.


Our Ever-growing Boys
Our boys are such a delight to us. I think of Mary after she had given birth to Jesus and how she treasured these things in her heart. I try to tell myself daily to treasure my little boys and some days it's impossible not to be overwhelmed with joy. Sure, Asher's at the stage where he's testing me daily, becoming more independent, curious, and some days just plain wild. But even in those time when I question my ability as a mother, I look into his tearful eyes after he's been disciplined, and I think, what a wonderful boy! I try to treasure the moments where we need to be the "heavy" and praise God that He's given us the responsibility to raise these boys into Christian young men. My heart overflows!!

Asher has discovered his imagination. He talks to his stuffed animals, he puts his blanket on his head and calls himself an astronaut, he likes to use his blanket tied around his neck to be a superhero. He's so funny too, learning to make funny faces, and fake laughing on the phone when he's talking to Jonathan just to get Jonathan to laugh. He's a really fun boy!!

Phin has been growing a lot over the past month. He has two bottom teeth and his two top teeth are just breaking through the skin. He went from sitting, to standing and now he's cruising. I can't believe he's going to be 9-months old at the end of the month.

(More pictures of the boys can be seen in their albums by clicking on
the icon in the right-hand column.)

RAGBRAI 2008
Ragbrai came through Ames this year and it was so much fun. Styx played in the CY Stephen's parking lot on ISU's campus. We didn't go to the concert but we walked over and met Brent & Sue. We sat on a blanket and listened to music and just watched people. It was a fun evening. And Asher had a great time watching fireworks! He had to keep his ears covered because they were "too loud." And Phin cried at first but after I got his ears covered he just stared up at the sky. They were so sweet. The next morning we walked to the end of our road and watched the bikers ride by because the route went right by our house. It was a fun morning.


Kroese Wedding
At the end of July, my cousin got married. We had a nice time a the Bajema farm with all the aunts and uncles and cousins. We pizza together, played games, some went canoing down the river. It was nice to have everyone together. Asher had fun playing outside by Papa and Nana. There's always a new discovery when you're out on the farm.


Relaxing at Home
Jonathan's been gone a lot this summer, so the boys and I usually bunker down at home when he's gone. We will order Chinese food on Friday night. Asher can't wait for the doorbell to ring for "Chi-eese Food!!" Then on Saturday we do our Wal-Mart run and usually stop by the park. Then on Sunday, we venture to church together. It's always such a relief when Jonathan gets home. I just talk and talk. When he's gone, I usually don't spend more than 2 hours a day talking to an adult so when he walks in the door, I just gab!!

Asher loves to play with Phin, but sometimes he gets a little overzealous. His latest thing is throwing things over Phin's head...like the couch cushions for example. I had to sneak a picture of this one before I disciplined Asher. I felt bad for Phin, but it was pretty funny.