Well, hello there!

We're still here! Sorry it's been so long since I've posted, but we've had alot of changes around here. In addition to a new baby, Russ and I have had a change in careers. After 8 years in the insurance business, we decided to get out. The stress of sales along with the expenses of running a business made Russ realize that insurance just isn't what he wants to do until he retires. So I have gone back to work and he is at home with the kiddos while studying to get certified in repairing computers. Talk about changing things up!! Blessedly my old employer ORNL Credit Union was hiring and the timing was just right to where I was able to actually go back into my same position at the same location! It's been an adjustment for both of us, but we're all doing great! Russ is, as always, an awesome daddy!! He is a natural...we just hope he'll be able to find more time to study once we find a good routine. :~) So here are some pics of what we've been up to lately.

7/25 First smile caught on camera. 7/31 Grandma Su-Su's visit to TN. Brooklynn was introduced to the wonders of shopping. Thanks Grandma! :~)

8/1 Jacob's Blessing Day. 8/12 Brooklynn's first day of 2nd grade.

8/28 Grandpa Tom & Grandma Diane's visit to TN. We went to Dolly Parton's restaurant/show, The Dixie Stampede and we went sight-seeing at the top of the mountain that overlooks our county. Poor Diane got stung under her eye while we were trudging through the woods. :~( Other than that we had a wonderful time.

9/14 My adorable LiTtLe MaN!! The camera makes his hair (what little he has left) look blonde but it's actually light brown. It may lighten up to a dark blonde like Isabelle's did, though. Both my girls have big, beautiful blue eyes but Jacob definately has the Hodges-squinty-eyes. His pretty, blue eyes nearly disappear when he smiles...just like his momma. :~) He is such a good baby! He sleeps through the night with only the occassional night-time feeding. He has the most gorgeous smile which he loves to show off. It seriously melts your heart! He is very interactive now. He looks at you very intently when you talk to him and he tries to talk back. He makes all sorts of cute faces and coos at you and spits bubbles. Very talented, of course! Brooklynn is enamored with Jacob. She "aaaaah"s at everything he does and bursts with pride at everything he does. Isabelle also loves her baby brother...sometimes a little too much! We have to keep an eye on her. ;~)