Updates...

As I sit here and watching American Idol (cringing because she is not doing well) I figured I should let you know what has been holding up all the blogs...nothing but pure laziness.  Every time I go to write something nothing comes to mind.  Don't get me wrong, there is a lot going on but nothing worth sharing.  Here's the update on the chilies...

Jonathan

Besides being adorable, his two top teeth came in--praise the Lord, and he is ever so close to walking on his own.  Yesterday, he wanted me to hold him, meanwhile I had to get his bottle ready, so he ends up walking across the kitchen just to get a little loving.  He walked and didn't even know it.  He is a lot of fun (when he is well rested and well fed).  

Andrew

He is doing well adjusting to the new house.  He loves to play all over the house and especially in his room.  He likes to tell us before naps and bedtime that 'Sleeping is not my big fan' (translation:  I'm not a big fan of sleeping).  Other than that he is being a typical toddler boy.

Mental note to myself:  Don't try to blog when watching American Idol, very distracting.  Can't focus.  

Gotta Go    

Grilled Cheese

Yesterday, Jonathan had his first grilled cheese, and loved it.  He isn't a picky eater but he knows what he likes and doesn't like.  Other food that are his favorite...spaghetti, mac and cheese, PB&J, goldfish and all sorts of fruits (even guava).  This is a classic picture of Jonathan during lunch time.  He likes to pack his mouth as full as possible and wash it all down with a cold, sippy-cup of water.
This is Andrew's grilled cheese face.  One day, a long time from now, he is going to take a good picture again.  Whenever I pull the camera out he likes to make silly faces (he gets that from his father's side of the family).

Fun Stories

Again I have no pictures but I do have lots of funny Andrew stories (and one of my own) to share.
Story #1
As you know we have moved to a new home, but until yesterday, Chris was still employed at BBC and would drive back to NC to do the work while I remained at home with the boys. Since Sunday was our last official Sunday and there was to be a farewell reception for us, the boys and I enjoyed a trip back to NC. We were driving along when. low and behold, we smell a skunk (ahhh the country life). Andrew asks me 'What stinks Mommy?' and I tell him a skunk. Then he replies 'What's a skunk' Luckily, he was watching Bambi 2 and so I thought that would be perfect to help him understand, so I tell him 'Flower in your movie is a skunk.' Thinking that I just thought of the greatest way to help him realize what a skunk was but then I was snapped back to reality when he says 'I CAN SMELL DA SKUNK THROUGH MY TV!!!'
Story #2
A few months ago Andrew and I were having a talk about our family. You know, I'm Mommy Dowd and then there's Daddy Dowd, followed by GG and PaPa Dowd. Then we turn to my side of the family and he asks 'Is Maw Maw, Maw Maw Dowd?' I tell him no, that she is Maw Maw Flight and then there's Pa Pa Flight and even Mommy use to be a Flight before she got married. That seemed to boggle his mind but was okay with it. All that to help you understand the next part of the story.
As we were helping Daddy pack up his office, we found some Disney movies someone let us borrow but now we were finally returning. Andrew asks Daddy if KK (I should probably ask before I post her name, so she'll be KK for now) had any children and Daddy says 'No, because she's not married.' Then Andrew, in all his wisdom, says 'Then she must be a Flight.' Because, apparently, all girls are Flights before they're married.
Story #3
I go yesterday to get my VA license and I was told it would be real quick because it's a small DMV. After waiting 10 minutes just to get a number so I can wait another 20 minutes for my number to be called (and for someone who likes organization and the numbers had no order) I was reminding myself constantly, that these are people that I want to win to the Lord so be patient with them (clearly they were sinners because I was being inconvenienced, it made a lot more sense at the time). Finally, my number (C 210 (previous number was E 097...what)) was called and I proudly walked to the window with all that it takes to get a drivers license in VA. She starts typing and then says "Hmmm, ' which I know can't be good. Then she asks me 'Have you ever been convicted of a felony?' Stunned, I tell her no and then she asks 'Are you sure, because there is a stop on your license application.' Still stunned, I stare at her for a while and finally say (a little more emphatically) 'NO.' After 45 minutes of going around, are you sure you have never been convicted, I start to wonder maybe I have been convicted, I just have blocked out that whole part of my life.
I wish I could say that the story ends well but she told me after all that time that I would have to come back tomorrow. She said that they would take care of it tomorrow but then she asks 'When did you get your license?' I told her I was 17 (my parents were trying to teach us something by making us wait an extra year, humility I think, but they would tell you responsibility ). She gives me another look and I say 'What now?' She replies 'When you come back tomorrow, you'll need to take both written tests.' Seriously, I almost go off on her but I am reminded that she is a sinner in need of a Savior (again because she has inconvenienced me even further). I, the possible felon, politely ask for my study guide and go home.
I go today to see if they have fixed the problem and take the test.

**Disclaimer, for those who don't know me**
I have never been convicted of a felon...Ever.

--Follow-up to this story--
I got my driver's license without a problem today and I didn't have to take a test.

We Have A Home!

God provided a beautiful home for us in VA. I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are about this home. We truly believe God showed us this house and provided for this house. We moved in last Thursday and spent the next couple of days getting as much done as possible before the boys came home (GG and PaPa were kind enough to keep them till all this was done). Let me tell you what a blessing it was not to have to worry about schedules. I'll have pictures soon.

Homeless

Technically, we are homeless right now. I wish I had taken pictures of the garage before we moved. The boxes were piled high, the toys were everywhere and there was more stuff than I thought possible. I think when I wasn't looking my neighbors added their stuff because our small home could hold all of that junk.
I praise God because he sent us a lot of helpers and trucks. I'll keep you posted as to whether we continue to homeless or not (we close tomorrow on our home in VA).

Graduation Day

This weekend was a huge weekend for our family. First, Chris' parents came in to help me pack up the house**. Second, Chris graduated with is Doctorate of Ministry (yes, he likes for me to call him Dr. husband). Third, Jonathan was dedicated at our church (I have pictures and will post them later). The hardest part came on Monday when Chris' parents kindly took the boys home with them so that we could finish packing without any distractions (does posting on the computer count as a distraction or procrastination).

Here are a few pictures from Chris' graduation:

Dr. Chris and family

Dr. Chris and Future Dr. Andrew (?)

Proud parents of Dr. Chris

Dr. Chris and his brother and sister-in-law

**Some of you may or may not be aware that Chris and I are leaving BBC and planting a church in VA. My posts will become fewer and fewer due to the fact that we are moving Wednesday and most of our stuff is in boxes. This was a huge decision but we know that God is all over this and has opened the doors wide open for us to move there. Please pray for us during this time of transition.

We are so greatful for all the friends we made at BBC. We will miss everyone.

It's a Girl!!!

Congratulations to my sister who had Isabella Grace on December 7. Isabella weighed 7lbs 5oz and was 19 1/2inches long. Andrew and I were able to meet Isabella and help Tia Missy and Uncle Chris adjust to having a new baby (since he is an expert). Isabella is beautiful and we are so glad she is finally here.

I hope it's the camera angle, because my head looks gigantic compared to hers.
Isn't she so sweet. She's giving everybody a wink.

This Morning...

I got some help feeding Jonathan. Andrew has become my little helper with Jonathan. Before he would help but now he wants to do it all. He helps me make the bottles then feeds Jonathan. I'm pretty sure the ulterior motive is to make sure I get Andrew's lunch made, and Jonathan drinks faster so we can get to the meal. Or maybe, he just loves his little brother and is being a blessing to me.
This would have been our Christmas picture if there wasn't a bottle in it.

Singing In Church

Andrew got to sing in front of the church again. I recorded the songs but I'm having a hard time uploading them. Once I figure it out I'll show you. We were so proud of him.
He couldn't take his eyes off us when he was singing.

Playing Together

The boys have really gotten to the point they like to play together. Mainly, Jonathan plays and Andrew makes sure it is in his room and shuts the door so he won't escape. It is a lot of fun to see them playing together (even if it isn't the same game).

They think if you are on the floor that you are playing jungle gym. Jonathan is playing with Chris and deciding what is the best way to get over him.

Still figuring it out.
Andrew loves to play the piano (for those of you who call know that to be true). This is an example of them playing together but not together (although, Jonathan does tickle the ivory sometimes). He finally noticed I was taking pictures.