Flanagan Clan

We have a chart on our refrigerator called “Wise Word for Moms” by Ginger Pullman, which lists different types of situations where you need to reprimand your children. It also gives verses that you can teach your children while dealing with common issues such as conflict resolution and anger. We haven’t actually used it with Patrick, since he still isn’t communicating very much, but it has been helpful for me! One of the issues is coveting and contentment. The charts asks “What do you truly need that you don’t already have?”. I’ve thought about that question a lot. Invariably, my answer is always “nothing”. Of course there are little day to day needs, such as food, that will always be there, but on the whole, we seriously take for granted all the blessings we’ve been given already! It’s so easy to be discontent, to always be wanting something bigger and better, but I’ve learned that in the long run, it doesn’t really matter. We don’t need it… and we’re doing very well with what we already have. That one little question has really helped me in the past months… it helps me remember that I don’t need new clothes, new shoes, new items for the house, new this and that, because I’m fine just the way I am right now. Now a baby girl would be nice… but I guess I don’t really need one of those either ;o).

Today the temperature hit 80 degrees… the hottest day we’ve had so far (please don’t laugh, all our TX, AZ and CA friends!). I took the boys to the park in the morning, after slathering them down with lots of sunblock. We walked around a lake and then Patrick played on the playground with some other children for a while. Afterwards, we ran to the store to buy popsicles! We came home, ate lunch, and Andrew turned on the sprinklers for Patrick. After he got bored of that, I filled up the kiddy pool and he played in that for a while. Here’s just a few pictures from today (and some from a few days ago!)

The Flanagan men before church

Sammy enjoying the warm weather

This morning Sammy was pulling his head and back off the floor while holding on to the underside of our coffee table.  This is the first time he’s attempted pulling up. Doesn’t he look like a little muscle man?

The boys at the park. Patrick was pulling down the visor on his hat so I couldn’t take a picture of his face. Typical two year old!

Patrick finally looked at the camera, because Mommy offered him another M&M. Unfortunately, he already had M&M all over his mouth!!!

Here’s a game that we have played when I was pregnant with both Patrick and Sammy. Anyone who is interested in playing may leave us a comment giving us your guesses as to what you think the gender of our new baby is, along with guesses as to the baby’s birth date and weight. The person who is the closest to having the correct gender, birth date and weight when the baby comes will get a gift card from Starbucks (or somewhere else if you’re like me and dislike coffee!). I’m so excited to see what everyone thinks, and very interested to see who wins this time. Last year, my mom got the birth date AND the weight exactly correct for Sammy, although she guessed he was a girl! Sorry, Sammy!!!

Here are our stats, to give you a little help! Both Patrick and Samuel were born 3 1/2 weeks before their due date. Patrick was induced, while Sammy actually just decided to come early. Patrick weighed 5 lb, 4 oz, and Samuel weighed 6 lb, 3 oz. My due date is set for November 26th. We will be finding out the gender of this baby in mid-July, so if you plan to play, we must have your guess by the date of the ultrasound.

Have fun guessing!!!

Here’s our first picture of Baby #3, taken four weeks ago, when I was 9 weeks pregnant. Baby #3 comes as a surprise to us, following close behind big brother, Samuel. If I go early, as I have with the two boys, we might have two kids 15 months apart! We’re very excited about expanding our family!!!

This past week has been beautiful! The weather has been in the 60’s-70’s. I love how it’s not too scorching hot and not too chilly. Patrick has had a lot of fun running around in the backyard these days, and we’ve been trying to take advantage of the sunshine while we can!  Recent purchases in this household have included a new patio set (so we can sit outside without dragging out our dining room chairs!), a kiddy pool for Patrick and Sammy, and lots of sunblock! Here’s a few pictures from this past week.

Patrick thought that sitting on Auntie Rachel’s face was rather comfortable!

The Little Brother

The Big Brother, who wouldn’t hear of taking a picture with the Little Brother

Patrick enjoying a dip in his new pool

I know what Patrick’s going to be doing a lot this summer!

In the next few weeks, our calendar is full of things to do. Friday night is pizza and game night at the King’s house, Saturday we’re doing a garage sale in the morning and then in the afternoon we’re having the Kamke’s over for a barbecue, Friday the 25th we’re going to Dr. Rogland’s retirement party (which all you CHS grads better be attending!!!), and then we *might* be going down to Portland for Memorial Weekend (still have to confirm with Dad!), and the weekend after that we’re headed to HAWAII.  Busy, busy, busy.