Each year it is exciting to see how holidays and traditions are appreciated more and more by the kids. Whiteny (4.5yrs) and Dylan (3.5yrs) enjoyed Easter at a whole new level this year. We got the plastic eggs out a few weeks early and they were having fun making messes and hiding them. Last year their cousins made them a set of Resurrection Eggs...
Even with stockings and presents and merriment, when I was putting away Christmas Dylan exclaimed “But Mom, Christmas isn’t over, Santa didn’t come!” I’m not sure what he was expecting – perhaps to have Santa over for dinner? We might need to be a little more clear next year about things….guess that means Tyler and I have to figure out our plans before then! Cousins....
So much for the simplicity and decluttering sentiments of a month ago! I got swept up in a whirlwind in the last two weeks…twisted around with some crazy party planning, a few solo days with the kids, and of course some more scenic adventures. Here’s a little catch up for you. The biggest event was a surprise bridal shower I threw for my soon-to-be sister-in-law....
Dylan in Sprouts: “That’s my favorite, that’s my favorite!!” (to the cereal shelf we have never purchased from). Then 3 minutes later it was “Hooray for cranberries!” And 3 hours later, he’s obsessed with reading the Storybook Bible. “Mommy! Let’s read about the sneaky snake!” (garden of Eden). He’s also a big fan of “the man who can walk” – Jesus healing the...
This Is The Final Christmas Post. I promise. Our grande finale family Christmas this year – with my Dad’s siblings and kids (and grandkids!). I love having so much family. I love seeing the resemblances when multiple generations are gathered around the table. I think traditions like Lasagna for dinner and Orange Mush with dessert are amusing. And the games…oh the games. Nothing gets...
Earlier this year the New York Times published a compelling article about the importance of knowing and retelling the positive parts of your family’s story. Familiarity with both the beautiful moments and those when the family overcame challenges contribute to a person’s strong sense of connectedness. Each person has a place in the family, and there is strength in knowing you are a part...
Antics: foolish, outrageous, or amusing behavior. Lately…I’ve been witness (or victim) to: Opening the stall door in the public restroom during “mommy’s turn”. Climbing into the kitchen sink. Putting diapers and PJ’s on dolls and plush animals. Climbing in the bathtub fully clothed and turning the water on. Taking iPhone selfies of one’s forehead 20x in a row. Obsessions with replaying family videos...
The last couple of days have really stunk. So today I’m working on thinking happy thoughts…with memories from the last few weeks. Happy is….baking zucchini chocolate muffins and bringing the special treat to daddy while he works. Mickey Mouse pancake breakfast with cousins (a.k.a. the Gramby Special) Polka-dot swimsuits and princess float rings. Watermelon and water tables Sidewalk art with nieces and first swings with...
We’re still in the afterglow of a great trip to see family in Colorado this past weekend. The piles of laundry are disappearing and the kids are back to taking good naps, and finally I’ve gotten to go through my photos and reminisce some of the good times. We haven’t been on a plane with them since Christmas…and travel days can be tough…here are...
I love gatherings with loved ones! We have been lucky to have a few special visits lately… First, the amazing and wonderful Aunt Patty and Uncle Bruce (were there ever two people more kid-fun?) it was a tutu and boots day. their visit included a BBQ with other fun [local] family…cousins copying and chasing each other through the grass while adults relaxed...
We’ve been home from the hospital for just shy of a week now, and life is just about back to normal, a wonderful new normal. Whitney is a superstar, happily playing and dancing and chatting away. We are weaning her off the little bit of Tylenol she was on since she appears to be pain free. Amazing. Praise God. I’m brewing up a post...