Park Weather

It's finally gotten cool enough to spend time outdoors. Outdoors away from water. And by cool, I mean mid 80's with no humidity. It feels so good. We finally turned off the air conditioning and have been enjoying each and every minute of having the windows and screen doors open.

We've also been taking advantage of the amazing parks near us. There are two that we love...within a five minute drive.

We went over the weekend as a family-










And I took the boys again this afternoon-














This is the Coconut Creek Community Center. It has two seperate play areas. One is near a large body of water {we watched guys racing remote control boats}, has a huge musical game, small rock climbing walls and a hopscotch on the ground. The other is fenced in and under a canopy with the swings and slides. There is a little butterfly garden off to the side and basketball courts. When we were there as a family we saw two jet skis go past on the waterway. Titus loves to walk across the little bridge and to play on the stage area. When I took the boys today we walked through a nearby neighborhood following the sounds of a marching band. As we got closer we saw the end of a parade.

I am so thankful for beautiful weather, places to play, and healthy active boys.

Sick Babies

Quincy woke with a high fever on Wednesday morning. He slept most of the day, only waking for an hour or so before napping again.


It hit Titus on Friday night. He laid around all day on Saturday. Watching tv and drinking orange juice.


Today is Sunday and both boys seem back to their healthy normal. We are waiting for Quincy's nap to be over so that we can go out and spend some time on the beach. The weather has been amazing. Perfect. Windows and screen doors are open. Breeze is coming in. Ceiling fans are spinning. Sun is out.

We're enjoying every minute of it...while praying that the fever doesn't hit Steve or me this week.

Titus Talks

...and talks and talks.

People would always comment on how well Titus could speak at an early age. Since he was my first and I didn't have anyone to compare him to, I really didn't think much of it. Now that I have Quincy and see how little he talks, I realize that Titus did talk early...and talk a lot.

Titus is the third youngest in his class, having just turned three in July. However, his teacher tells me his speech is the best in his class. Last week she said she caught him "teaching" his friends how to properly say monochromatic and chrysalis.

She has said that if something happens in the classroom that she didn't see, she will ask Titus. Not only is he articulate, but always tells the truth. He is that child who will do something wrong but tell exactly what he did. I always say, "at least he's honest."

His drama teacher described him as "eloquent." To which he blushed.

Over the weekend we had CNN on and Steve asked me if I think Titus listening to adult shows makes him more intelligent. I think it can, depending on the subject.

Last night we had the nightly news on while Steve and I were talking. Titus was playing cars on the coffee table. Suddenly he turned to us and said, "They put them in jail for killing Israelis."

Like he was just having a normal conversation with us. Maybe we should be more careful about what he hears. :) He picks up on everything.

Some days I find it refreshing to have Quincy saying little more than "mama" and "dada." Talking to Titus can be so draining. Because the talking never stops. I tell Steve how lucky he is to be able to drive to work and back in silence. :)

I think later in life as Titus matures and faces teenage and adult issues, we will feel so blessed to have him talk so much. I think that all through life he will be a great conversationalist {one who converses a great deal or who excels in conversation}. I think we will have good, open communication with him. I hope.

A Tuesday Road Trip

This morning the boys and I headed out to explore. Actually, I really wanted to scope out some location spots for our Christmas pictures this year. I had been struggling to get a complete idea in my head for our pictures. I had a dress in mind for me and a color scheme but that was all the further I was getting. Then yesterday I found a sweater for Quincy and my ideas all came together. I have some location ideas in mind, but wanted to look for a few more. I like to go to a spot where I know no one will be and that isn't far from home. Attempting to take pictures with two young boys and doing it with a tripod rather than a real photographer tends to make things a little difficult. Although I didn't find any spots for our Christmas shots {and actually, I think I decided to just do them in our backyard...can't get much easier than that}, we did have a great morning just getting out of the house.

We drove north on A1A which runs right along the beach. It is such a beautiful drive, but one I think that would be more enjoyable without kids. :) We drove for about an hour. All the way to Palm Beach. Passing huge, amazing homes. I couldn't help but get a little materialistic the further we went. Oh how incredible to live in such an enormous home right across from the beach. Or even just to vacation in one of those homes.

But, that's not what life is supposed to be about, right?

And how could I wish for anything more when I have two precious little faces smiling at me from the backseat?

When Titus got a little tired of riding along and Quincy refused to take a morning nap in the car, we found this amazing little spot to get out for a break.

a playground on the beach-

the Mayo brothers band-

"Ready to race, little brother?!"-

"You must be crazy"-


second attempt-

"You can do it, Quince"-

"I'll give you a little push"-

and a bigger push-


"whew, I made it"-

a little private spot on the beach-





there's nothing quite like getting out of the house to go play on the beach-




fisherman letting down his nets-


"He's gonna cook them for dinner!"-

being the youngest stinks sometimes-

my typical view from above-

attempt at getting "brother pictures"...fail-


just the little one-

Life Update {Praises}

We've been back in Florida for two and a half months now. When I think back to all I've done, experienced, and been a part of in that time...I am amazed. Coming back I knew I would need to step out of my comfort zone, not hold back at all, and get involved. I guess all three really go together. I was ready this time. I was ready, and excited, to make changes. To watch God work in me. He has been.

When we first arrived, I jumped right in attending the Thursday night ladies bible study summer series. It was so good.

I also joined up with a group of mom's (most of whom I had met before, but not known well) doing a book study on parenting a strong-willed child. It was so excellent! Such a great book and a great group of women. Our discussions were deep, powerful and really life-changing when I think about how I changed some of my parenting methods {with Titus}.

After about a month, I was invited to join the women's axillary for a ministry called His Caring Place. It's a ministry that works with pregnant girls and young mom's. I had the opportunity to attend a spa night for the girls and help to tear down after the event. It was so beautifully done. Massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, haircuts and styling were all offered to the girls. It was a blessing to be a part of the night and connect with the other volunteers afterwards.

I also got to volunteer at an event the church held called the JANE Event. It was an all day conference for girls ages 14-25. I was a greeter, of all things. How far out of my comfort zone is that! :)

Just last week I was invited to join a group of moms being led by pastors wives to start a new mom's ministry at the church. I am so excited about this because it is exactly what I needed the first time we moved here. A group of mom's meeting to discuss everyday topics and the struggles that come with being a stay-at-home mom with young kids. The ministry is for mom's with kids ages 0-5. A way for moms to connect, get support, be a support to others and get bible study and practical tips. The kick-off event for this is next month.

In addition to that, I've been having play dates, made a new dear friend who has been a huge blessing {love you, Dayna}, taken Titus with a group of others to see Disney On Ice, volunteered to be classroom yearbook photographer for Titus' class, found a few great babysitters. The Lord has been BLESSING us in so many ways.

We are so thankful.

We Dedicate You, Quincy, to God

{our backyard before dedication. blesssed to have Mom-Mom with us.}

This past Wednesday we had Quincy dedicated during the evening service at Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale. About five months ago I was watching an online service from PA and saw a dedication. Calvary is such a large church that they are unable to do all baby dedications during a service. Instead they only perform dedications of staff children during a Wednesday evening service. When I watched online, we had not decided yet to move back to Florida. I knew we wanted to have Quincy dedicated but we didn't have a church. Titus had been dedicated at Gateway Grace in Coatesville when we were attending there.

Once we made the decision to return to Florida and Steve to CCA, I contacted the church about the staff dedication. It turned out they were going to be having one on October 5th.

We were so blessed to be a part.

Dedicating little Quincy to God is our way of saying...we know Quincy is God's child first and we acknowledge that and accept that. We want God's help in parenting Quincy and desire to raise him up to be who God has created him to be.

Just days later marked the seven year anniversary of my brother's death. Being able to publicly show God that we fully accept His control over Quincy's life was challenging. Knowing that God knows the number of days of little Quincy's life and accepting that He can "take him back" at a time that He chooses for us. We know we don't have the control over Quincy's days. Oh how we wish we did for our children. For all children.

We know that God knows best for our children and we want to seek His will for their lives. No matter how long or short a time that may be.

The service and dedication can be seen here

Evening at the Beach with Mom-Mom

While Mom's Away

Last week Quincy and I made the trip north to PA for my best friend's wedding. I hated to leave Steve and Titus behind but I'm learning that's just how it goes sometimes. We really aren't a family that has been separated much. Steve doesn't take business trips (thank goodness!) so we really haven't ever spent many nights apart. I had never left Titus for that long...five days.

Quincy did well on the plane. His first plane ride. Titus took his first plane right at one month. Quincy's was at 13 months. One thing I learned from our trip is that Quincy will not fall asleep unless he is in a crib. He refused to nap on the plane. He likes to stretch out. I really can't blame him.

Titus had a hard time with us being away. He missed Quincy terribly. Steve said Titus found a picture of Quincy and carried it with him everywhere. When he took a bath, he put the picture by the sink. When he went to bed, he put the picture next to his radio. He insisted on taking it to school.

I left little gifts for Titus, one for each day. I think they helped.

Titus' teacher said he was "weepy" and would cry on her shoulder that he missed mom. So sad.

I was so glad to see him again. He was so excited to have us back.

I brought Steve's mom back with me and having her here has been such a blessing. It's great to have the help. She adores the boys and has been doing so much with them, giving me such a break.

(pictures by Steve)
International Day-


One the little gifts that I left behind, foam-