Pumpkin Patch 2013

I am understandably behind in blogging, but am going to try to catch up. I have several blog posts going, but am going to post pumpkin patch pics out of order because they are just too fun to wait! We took our "pumpkins" to the patch and they all cooperated so well for their Momma and her silly desire for perfect fall pictures! 

I'm so grateful to the kind lady who offered to take our family's picture and did such an amazing job!

I love my three little pumpkins!

Seth was one month and one day old in these pictures and snoozed through the whole ordeal.

His big bros showed him how to pose and smile for the camera.

10 years old

8 years old

1 month old

I couldn't be more proud of these 4!

This is Jonathan's happy place! He would hold Seth all day if he didn't have to go to school!

Seth Ryan Albus

 Seth Ryan Albus

9/18/13 12:38 pm

6 lbs. 11.3 oz

18 in.

Our sweet boy came at exactly 39 weeks and is as perfect as can be! I couldn't have asked for a better labor and delivery! Our boy was ready to go and came just 2 hours after we got to the hospital! Here he is getting his first bath from our favorite nurse, Maryanne! She was his nurse the entirety of our hospital stay and though they had a ton of babies to care for (hello, full moon) she made us feel like we were her only patients!

 I was a little tired that first night, but was too excited to sleep!

 He is a smiley little guy!

 Our first family photo as a party of 5! The big boys got to come up to the hospital right after school both days we were there and enjoyed alternating getting to know their baby brother and playing with the Legos Aunt Sarah gave them! ;)

 This wasn't a posed picture! They were just so interested in him! Jonathan even counted all his fingers and toes!

 This guy has fully embraced his new role of big brother and wants to hold him all the time!

 This proud Daddy is loving having 3 sons!

I love this one of him "praying!" Ha!

I will write another post soon about our visitors at the hospital and going home. I just knew my sweet sister would be itching for more pics of our little guy!

It's a ...

 BOY!!!

 We are all Thrilled!!!

Albus family party of 5 coming September 2013!

Day 1 through 3 of Thankfulness

I know it has been a while for the ol' blog, but I have a great reason to begin posting again, Thankfulness! I went to a women's retreat with our church last month and our pastor's wife spoke about thankfulness. She referenced the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp and spoke about how she has been impacted by keeping a gratitude journal. I know myself and this blog is as close to a journal as I will get, so I am going to use it to document my thankfulness over the next month. This is my favorite season of the year as the cooler weather comes and brings with it the warmth of spending time with family.

Day 1: I'm grateful for redemption and that my Redeemer has "justified (me) freely through His grace." Romans 3:23-25
Day 2: I am thankful for the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, which allows me to come to the school for activities like Angel's science lab today.
Day 3: I'm grateful for time this afternoon at home with my family, enjoying one another and relaxing.

I'm going to try to keep up with this at least weekly recording thankfulness. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this season.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Happy birthday to the BEST Daddy

 and husband!

We are so blessed to be yours and can't thank you enough for everything you do for us! We are so proud of you and how graciously you give your all to Our Father and your family!

We love you! I have a feeling this will be your best year yet!

Menu Monday

This week I decided to post my menu plan on the blog. It might make the whole process a bit more fun for me and give you a few ideas. I totally reserve the right to switch up the days or even omit one all together! ;) All of these recipes are off my pinterest board entitled, "Recipes to Try" so they are all new to us. Let me know if you decide to try any of these recipes too and I will share which ones will make a repeat appearance at our house!

Monday: leftovers for the fellas, Mommy has a women's ministry meeting at Cafe Express
Tuesday: BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw or maybe broccoli slaw. I may use any left over BBQ chicken to make these wraps for Jeff and I's lunch the next day
Wednesday: Lasagna Rolls Ups and salad
Thursday: Home made Pizza Rolls and warm cinnamon apples
Friday: Mommy to girl's night out at church. I'm sure the boys will talk their daddy into taking them to McDonald's.
Saturday: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia (I get this from the freezer section at Sam's). I will likely pair it with some frozen veggies for a quick and easy dinner
Sunday: Cub Scout's Awards Banquet