Caleb's Birthday Celebration!

CAKE!
"Happy Birthday for ME?"

We took Caleb to the Fire Station to see the fire trucks since we were doing a Fire Truck themed party. He LOVED IT!
The fireman kept wishing Caleb Happy Birthday and Caleb would reply with "Happy Birthday to you too!"

We wore her out!

I could nibble those legs allll day long!!!

Here are several excerpts from my "Funny Things Caleb Says Journal:"

7.25.2010 In the bath, Caleb was washing my arm and then just dumped a cup of water on me. I stood up and said, “NO” Caleb said. “I’m sorry mom…settle down, settle down.”

7.24.2010 During bedtime prayers Caleb said, “I’ll pray tonight. Jesus I love you and you are in my heart and Daddy is going to wake me up in the morning.”

7.22.2010 Caleb was explaining to grammy that I gave some of his toys away and grammy said, “Oh Caleb-how nice to share your toys.” And Caleb said, “No no, I DIDN’T mommy did- I do not like to share!”

Family Vacation....to Kokomo, IN!!! :)

That's right....the Paolone and Camerieri crew caravaned to Kokomo, IN...the City of Firsts!! We've decided that no matter the place, its the company that makes it great!

Here we have Papa John with his namesake...Micah John enjoying some snuggle time on the couch.
Helping with the dishes?

What's vacation without the Beach...Kokomo Beach had a FREE night sponsored by the Library so we took the older kids to the beach on Thursday night. A definite highlight was the lazy river, sand island, and the slides!

Anxiously waiting in line for the Beach to open...buckets in hand!

It was VERY hot, we should have opted to vacation during the cooler months but there was a discount if we went in July :)

Misc

Here's a couple of misc things from the summer that I want to remember and the only way I can do that is if I journal/blog about it...
Pictured above our eight precious neighborhood boys cooling off in our kiddy pool!
The tree we planted when Micah was born. The stick next to it is a reminder to Travis NOT to mow over it because it's so small and sweet.

This is the three year old tree we planted when our oldest son, Caleb was born....which by the way, he'll be three this week!!! OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!

Our peppers are doing wonderful and as always, I love saying, "I'm going to the garden to get some veggies for our salad!"

Oh yeah, and I've used my sewing machine almost everyday this week! Here are some curtains I made for my laundry room- delightful!

Columbian Park!

The family went to Columbian Park for the day! Here's some pictures of that trip!
Tractor boyzzz

Micah's first train ride....he was enthralled!

Peek-A-Boo

Caleb milking the cow [water came out-hilarious!]

Caleb watching the otters swim by!

What a great day!

On a different note, our Sunday Service at New Life Church was AMAZING! Honestly, it's been several weeks since Travis and I have been able to sit together in service. We are either both working in nursery or out of town. So it was so refreshing to be able to sit and get ministered to. The message was about finding joy amidst hard times. Pastor Randy used Paul's experience in jail as a prime example that we can be joyful in all circumstances. He outlined several ways that we can obtain this same joy:

1. Praying for Others

2. Partnership in Ministry

3. Progress in our Christian Walk

4. Passionate, holy healthy, relationships

5. Pure living

6. Producing the Fruit of Christ's character- love, joy, peace PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

7. Praising God

Although all wonderful ways to develop joy, point number six was most meaningful in my life right now. God began so show me ways that I need more of His character...especially patience. For those who know [and love] me :) , know that I do things quickly- I talk quick, I walk quick, I complete tasks quick- you get the idea. Well, since becoming a mother I've noticed that I expect these boys to move just as quickly and become frustrated when there is delay.

Needless to say I've got some work to do. I went up to the alter and gave me weaknesses to Him knowing that He'll help me develop Christ-Like Characteristics! What an awesome God!

That's all for tonight

Ohio Trip cont.

After the Kids went to bed the Adults came out to play...kickball that is!! I especially enjoyed this picture as it has captured Mama Paolone RUNNING HOME!!! She secretly was loving the game but somehow [and I'm ashamed to admit] the two brother-in-laws whopped on the FIVE Paolone members...shhhh don't tell anyone!
Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Grammy made Truck and Airplane pancakes in the morning...do you see why we love to come to OHIO!

After several days of watching Papa P handle the grill, Micah wanted to take a swing at it! Turns out he makes perfect hotdogs! hehe

What a great trip! I've come to expect great family bonding when traveling home.
Here's a few quotes from the trip:

1. "If I could control the ball I'D BE UNSTOPPABLE..." Isn't that so true! :) This was quoted by Laurie after hitting yet another ball out of bounds in our tennis match- no worries Laur, we were all very rusty!

2. "Next year this will be perfect" - Quoted by every member of the family as we anticipate what it will be like as the kids get older and less whiny :)

3. "THIS is living" quoted by me as I sit on my parents deck with my magazines...enjoying the simple moments!

Love you all!

~Tafs

Fourth of July cont.

Pool time...Uncle Mike acted as the Human Spray Machine! Micah loved it!
Cams Vs. Tafs....Travis beat us all- :)
"Oh, how I would love a piece of corn...."
If I were to have a girl, it would look and act like this one!
Micah and Bell Bell at the spray park!

Fourth of July in Ohio!

On our way over to Ohio we stopped at Lodi Outlet Mall to walk around and Caleb and Daddy took a train ride around the shopping center!! Caleb couldn't believe his little eyes!
Headphones...a way to keep parents' sanity after four hours of Barney- Brilliant!!!
Linny, Travis and I went to downtown Cleveland to watch the fireworks one night. The town had LeBron fever...the entire concert and fireworks were in honor that man.....too much hype!
Snuggled up listening to music and enjoying good company, good times, and a great city!!

This never ever ever gets old!

HOUSE FOR SALE!!

Our house is officially for sale! The sign was put in the yard yesterday and our house is listed with The Hardie Group!! I thought that we would live and die at our house but we happened to stumble across a program called the Neighborhood Stabalization Progam [see www.thecityofkokomo.org] which enabled the city of Kokomo to fix up foreclosed home and sell them to families at a very reduced rate. On one of our family walks we saw such a house and fell in love...however, we were concerned about its size. Yet, after going through the house we felt that it would be a great opportunity. In addition, we would only move three streets West so we'd still in the same neighborhood! We know that it is a long shot that our house will sell quickly and that this house will still be available [our house will go off the market if the other house sells] but we thought we'd give it a try! So say a quick prayer for God's Will to be done!