2 Years in 4 Photos

 Well, hello there!  Obviously I have taken a very long hiatus from this blog.  I have been through a lot over the past couple years and blogging has just not been on my to do list lately.  I am hoping to get back to an occasional post.  Here is what life looked like when I left you....

Here is what my life looks like now....

 

 

My boys have really grown, haven't they?!?  Sometimes I look at them and am just amazed by how they are growing and changing everyday.  They are full of so many blessings and challenges for me.  I hope to get back to sharing some of those times with you soon!

Tuba Time

We have a fun tradition in our house...each boy has spent a significant amount of time inside Daddy's tuba while he plays! The boys have all really liked it and we decided it was Joel's turn to try it out! It was fun to watch him listen to his daddy play from a different perspective.=)

"Hey, Dad! This is really neat!"

"Hmmm...this sounds interesting..."

"I think I like it!"

It was also fun to reminisce a little bit and look at some pictures of Peter and Caleb when they used to fit in there!=)

God's Word

We have been making a more consistent effort to do family devotions after dinner each night. The boys enjoy the time of reading and discussing what we have read. Peter has started reading a chapter each night to us out of his children's Bible. This is something that he decided to do completely on his own. Last night after he read he said, "It feels good to read God's Word". It was so wonderful to hear him say this. I told him that I thought that it makes Jesus smile to hear him reading the Bible. We went on to discuss some of the other people who are in Heaven who were smiling because of his reading. There was a break in the conversation and Peter said, "I feel so happy. I feel like I might cry." It was so wonderful to see my son express such joy for God's Word. I am so proud of my boy.

Big Brother Caleb

Caleb is such a sweet big brother! He just loves giving Joel kisses and hugs and he always tries to comfort Joel when he is crying. A couple of days ago, Joel was crying and Caleb decided to try to cheer him up. He walked over to him and started singing to him. The song he chose is my favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art." I stood there in the kitchen crying as my sweet boy sang a wonderful song about our awesome God to his baby brother. What a special moment. He has continued to do this (there are a few songs in his repertoire at this point) anytime he hears Joel crying...it is so wonderful to hear.

Brothers!

My mom bought these three shirts shortly after I found out I was having a boy. I have been waiting for months to take these pictures!=) Peter and Caleb were so excited to have shirts that match Joel! They were so excited to hold him and have their picture taken! I love my boys!

Joel is Growing!

Joel is getting bigger everyday! He loves to play on the floor with his daddy! He is such a happy and content little guy. We are all really enjoying getting to know him.

Baby Brother is Here!

Joel Douglas Koontz arrived on July 4th at 5:44 am. Peter and Caleb are so excited to have their little brother here! Peter is especially excited to have a baby to hold, toes to tickle and a little head to kiss. Caleb is a little more stand-offish with him, but he does enjoy holding him occasionally. It is so sweet to watch the boys want to help change diapers and show concern when Joel is crying. We are so excited to watch this little guy grow and play with his brothers!