Moving the Swing Set

Our swing set was in a spot where I couldn't see Titus at all if he was to play on it, so on Easter we had all the strapping young men help move it. I am so grateful for their help. Now Titus can play on it and I can see him if I am getting dinner ready. There will soon be a slide on it. Oh, and yes we needed that many guys because it apparently was super heavy..hahaha

Easter

Hey Guys, This year we celebrated Easter up. My family and some of our friends came over for lunch and a fun egg hunt for the kids. Titus struggled with it a little bit, but by the end he was getting the concept. We hope you had a great sunny Easter!

When did it become ok...

I was sipping my coffee this morning watching the children play and for some reason my mind wandered to....what will they call adults when they can talk. I remember when I was little thinking," I can't wait to grow up and be called Mrs..." Then it dawned on me children don't do that anymore. I still can't wait to be called, "Mrs.Gilmore". That's right I have yet to be called that by any child! Granted the children I do hang around either call me Aunt Ashley or they can't talk yet. So my question is why? Why? When did it become ok for children to call adults by their first name? I shouldn't have to ask for a child to call me Mrs.Gilmore the parents should be instilling this in them. It's respectful. I am open to Mrs.Ashley don't get me wrong. I just think that the whole I dont want to hurt your feelings, or make you feel old, or "label" anyone has gone to far. It isn't about any of that its about children being respectful. You can bet when Titus starts having friends I will ask them to call me Mrs.Gilmore! Titus and Amelia will be trained to call you by your last name and or Miss,Mr,Mrs,Ms, and your first name. Don't be offended it's about respect! They aren't an adults equal. Yes, they are human but they are little humans learning to be an adult. I know they will get confused sometimes because hearing you call your peers by their first name gets confusing, but I will gently remind them that they are to call them such and such. Really, why is it so offensive to be called Mr,Mrs,Ms,Miss in the first place? Really you don't want to be respected? I have been asked by my parents peers to call them by their first name and I politely declined. They aren't my peers, my children's friends aren't my peers...just my thought on this.

Volleyball tournament...

This past weekend we got to play in a tournament with some great people. Are team went 8-0 until the playoffs where it was single elimination and we lost. :( It was sad but it was the best team we have had for tournaments! We can't wait for the next one.

While Charlie was away the cousins got to play...

Like I said, the kids and I stayed at my parents for the week Charlie was away...so here are some photos from our time on the farm: As you can see we also had lots of visitors... We had a wonderful time and am so thankful for parents that want to invest in their grandkids!

Busy Busy Busy...

Hey Guys, We have been busy but not busy, so it seems. Charlie left for Guatemala and I spent the week at my parents house so I didnt have internet connection. Then, this past week we were establishing our routine again.So I have lots and lots of pictures...First, Charlie's pictures. He was moved beyond words on his trip to Guatemala. He still tears up when he talks about it. He describes it as very emotional. He has 2 speaking engagements one on Friday at his work place, and the other in April. I am trying to get him to talk to our small group in a couple weeks. Will see...Here are some of my favorite pictures: The team visited a couple different schools, delivered food to those who didn't have any, helped with a project at the mission they stayed at, and over all learned a lot about how in America we have more than we need.

Infant,baby,TODDLER!

Happy Birthday Titus!! I can't believe he is 2 years old. It just amazes me how fast children transition through each phase of early childhood. I am sure this next one will be a little longer than the first two. I hope so anyways! Titus is an energetic, out going, fun loving, little boy. He goes out of his way to say "Hello" to any stranger and to give them a high five. He loves to watch any sports involving a ball, and will shout "go go go" to Charlie while he plays volleyball. Trucks and the movie Cars seem to be his favorite thing right now. Sugar cookies are his favorite dessert and eggs his favorite food. Probably, because he can help cook them. This past Sunday we celebrated with some friends and family. Here are some of the pictures: Then this morning Charlie took Titus to get a birthday donut. 2 years have flown by! So take time people to enjoy your children....