Some houses try to hide the fact that children shelter there, Ours boasts of it quite openly, the signs are everywhere, For smears are on the windows, little smudges on the door, I should apologize I guess for toys strewn on the floor, But I sat down with the children, and we played and laughed and read, And if the windows do not shine, their eyes will shine instead, And when at times I'm forced to choose the one job or the other, I want to be a housewife, but first I'll be a mother.
Who We Are
I am first a Christian, then wife, then mother, then friend. I write this blog for my children and our family so no matter the miles between loved ones, we're only a click away.
Uncle Dude had us over for a BBQ tonight. I tried my first rib and ate two more after that. Momma will put up pictures of that when she gets them from Uncle & Auntie.
Lukas, Jack and I played together a lot tonight, but Momma was too busy visiting with Auntie Erin and Becca to take pictures. We had LOTS of fun though.
I was visiting with Uncle Dude and giggling a lot, until Momma pulled out the camera, then I cried. So she only got a picture of me sleeping after the oh so long drive home.
I had fun playing with Marion today. I like circling her and giggling, then I move in for it... either a big kiss, a pat on the tummy (Daddy's trying to teach me to rub gently not pat), eye contact... whatever.
I'm two months old today. We went to Lukas' preschool graduation (it was very cute) and then Goy played peek-a-boo with me. At one point he tried to bite my nose through my snugglie but Momma wouldn't let him. I just love my big brother.
Thank you Marindafor my Beautiful Blogger Award. It was totally unexpected and brightened up my evening last night. You are a great friend and my only wish is that we lived closer to each other. Though with how busy you keep yourself with raising two kids, running a cleaning business, doing professional photography (and I do mean professional) and helping Eric with work from time to time, we'd probably never see each other still. Thank you for your kind words and always taking the time to help us make fun memories with our children.
As part of the award, I'm asked to list 7 interesting things about myself. Not sure if I can write about something other than the kids, but here goes:
1. I am a child of God. We are all children of God, so in worldly standards, it doesn't make me interesting or special, but in God's eyes, I am interesting, special and one of a kind. He knows me through and through and loves me in spite of all my shortcomings. Because of God I am interesting.
2. I have been blessed with two beautiful children who this blog is dedicated to and written for. It started as a way to keep family up to date on Goy's growth and discoveries while we traveled, but has become so much more. It is their baby books, our family journal, a daily routine which relaxes me better than a cup of hot chocolate by Pop's fireplace on a rainy day. Because of my children I have become more interesting.
3. I have a wonderful husband who makes me joyful every second of every day. He comforts me when I need it, teases me when I deserve it, supports me in all the projects I start (and encourages me to finish them), respects my opinion in all things and believes in me more than I do. Because of my husband, I know someone will always find me interesting.
4. I know all of my grandparents. Until just this year, each of my 4 grandparents were just a phone call, or short drive away, and boy do I use the phone a lot. This makes me interesting because most people in my generation can't claim the same even if their grandparents are/were all living in their lifetime. Also, the stories they have shared with me, the lessons they have taught, make me a better person.
5. Pop and I have many nick-names for each other (for both our sakes, I'm not posting them here), but we've always had a special connection and although I gave him a very hard time growing up, he made sure to spend quality one-on-one time with me, and still does (looking forward to our next Dodger's trip!).
6. My best friend is my Mommy. This may not make me that interesting, but it took me a lot to get to this point. I gave her a lot of headaches during my teen years, but thankfully for me, I woke up before too much time passed. I call her every day, just to talk, to laugh, to cry - Thank you Mommy.
7. Others have called me a crafty person, while I appreciate the compliments, I'd have to disagree. I'm a clever copier. Most of the ideas I use are not my own, but usually multiple ideas I mold into one. I do try and use them to bring others enjoyment, and that makes me interesting.
Now - onto nominating 7 bloggers:
1. Julie- my mother and best friend. She is the reason I have a blog, she has her own blog and she started afamily blog for her large, spread-out family to keep in touch.
2. Erin - my sister-in-law, but more of a sister than an in-law. I always wanted an older sister and she came into the family when I was 15 and has become one of my closest friends. She catches everyone up on her two great kids (I'm a very proud Auntie) with her sweet blog.
3. Patty- my sister-in-law (Frankie's sister). She started her blog recently and hasn't been able to update lately because she's a BUSY mom. But when the updates come in, they're too cute (proud Auntie again).
4. Chelsey- my cousin, but more like a younger sister since the time she was born. She just started her blog and shares such great newlywed stories - I remember those days like they were yesterday (when did I become so old - thanks for reminding me Chels).
5. Erin C. - a close friend since I can't even remember. Erin has already been nominated (she touches too many lives in the blogosphere not to have caught one yet) and posts great stories and pictures of her beautiful little Allyson.
6. Christy- a friend I lost touch with years ago but just connected with this year thanks to Erin C's blog. Christy has two beautiful girls that although I've never met them, I feel like I know them through the adventures she posts on her blog.
7. Stephanie- a cousin by marriage, and a great friend because of it. She keeps her blog updated each month with things she puts on facebook, since I'm in the stoneages still and haven't joined, she keeps me updated through her blog.
I've been told to pass along the instructions I was given, but PLEASE know there is no pressure to come up with 7 people to pass the blogger award to - I was lucky to have 7 bloggers to pass it onto (my whole blog list).
Instructions for the NEW SEVEN BEAUTIFUL BLOGGER WINNERS!
-Thank the person who nominated you for this award. -Copy the award; place it on your blog. (At the top) -Link to the person who nominated you for this award. -Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself. -Nominate 7 bloggers. -Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
Momma was busy enjoying the moments we had today (thank you Daddy) so she was only able to pull out the camera when we were sleeping.
I had a busy day playing with Goy, he wanted me to use his snugglie while we were watching movies this morning and later I cried hard and he put his pacifier in my mouth.
I wiggled, danced and ran ALL day. I started by moving Marion's step stool to the living room and later moved both her's and mine to the tile in the entry, I'm really enjoying pointing and can't help but use both hands when I'm excited (which of course is ALL THE TIME).
Momma just posted pictures of us smiling, but she says she just can't help it. Daddy's trying to teach her to enjoy the moment and not worry about capturing every little thing on camera... Lucky for us, Momma can't help it.
I make everyone work hard for smiles, but even when I only give a half one, everybody giggles.
Momma says I've hit full Toddler mode... won't she be proved wrong every day until I'm 5. Don't let the sweet face fool you - I'm all about finding new ways to get into trouble.
I got to have left over spaghetti tonight for dinner. It was yummy. Can't wait for the next time G.G. Ma spoils us with her good cooking.
Momma ran to town for a quick errand and while she was gone I decided I was STARVING. So, she came home as fast as she could in the rain, and after a nice meal, this is the half smile I was willing to give her (but don't you think I didn't make her work hard for it).
We took the girls (Tucker and Maddie) back to their house so they will be there when Grampa and Gramma get home. We'll miss those two, but on the way home we stopped at G.G. Pa and G.G. Ma's for a nice visit and spaghetti. It was yummy and G.G. Pa and G.G. Ma were fun as always.
I got to show them my Buzz. And I said chicken (clear as day). Which just furthers Momma's theory that whenever the grandparents are around, I figure something new out (just to show off).
I had a good visit with Uncle Justin this afternoon and showed him my big smile. But, I'm playing hard to get with Auntie Erin. Momma said I don't smile as quickly for her because she's not funny looking like Uncle Justin (she's teaching me early how to be a pesky little sister).
I took two LONG naps today. I'm very tired. Especially after helping Daddy throw the chuck-it for Maddie and Tucker at the baseball field and then playing with Lukas for a bit at his house. When Momma came to wake me up for dinner tonight, this is how she found me - I didn't want to wake up.
We went to Roseville today to meet Addison and tell her happy birthday (Charles and Kelly's newborn). We were on our way home when Uncle Justin texted Momma saying G.G. Pa, G.G. Ma, Aunt Mo, Aunt Mary and Bekah were all in town... So, we missed everyone but we got to come home so I could take a long nap.
After Goy's nap, we lounged around watching movies and eating dinner... We're going to miss Tucker & Maddie when they go home.
It's hard to see my shirt in this picture, but we were both wearing our shirts from Mema and Papa. I guess you could say we were covered with their love.
The funny part is, Momma got Marion dressed this morning and Daddy got me dressed - and if you know my Daddy, then you know it wasn't planned :). (I was playing peek-a-boo with Maddie and Tucker while they were out on a water break - I like to play in their water, so Momma keeps it outside)
Lukas came over for a play date this morning and I got to show him Monsters vs. Aliens (Thank you Charles & Kelly for letting me borrow it... I LOVE IT!!!). He's as hooked as I am. We played with Buzz together too, but Momma only got the cuddle pictures.
I stayed tucked away safe in my bouncer while the boys were running around like boys tend to do. It was a nice relaxing morning for me.
When we got back from a trip to Roseville today, Goy got to play with Tucker a bit while Maddie was over at Auntie Erin's having a play date with Bo.
Daddy gave me a taste of cool whip the other day, and I've figured out which can it is in. Every time the fridge is open I go for it quickly. Daddy was nice enough to give me another taste tonight. YUM!!!
After dinner, Maddie and Tucker chased the ball a bit and then we all settled in to watch a movie.
Tucker's my new movie buddy. Usually you can find us on the tile by the front door, but during a movie we're almost always together.
Marion will be my movie buddy soon, but she just sleeps through them right now.
It was a long day, I'm very sleepy... Momma thinks pink is a good color on me.
We met Grampa and Gramma for sandwiches today. Grampa taught me about tree climbing, it was really fun! We got to bring home Maddie and Tucker and we're having so much fun!!!
I found the frog on the bouncer today and I just love it. Momma waited too long to snap a picture, but I really do stay awake for a good amount of time during the day and smile at Daddy and Momma, and today I got to share my smiles with Grampa and Gramma too.
Momma switched up our schedule today and took us to the park early so it wouldn't be quite as hot. Auntie Erin came over to help Momma figure out the stroller they're letting us borrow (THANK YOU!!!), and then it was off to the park.
I slept almost the whole time so Momma got pictures of Goy and Lukas...
After dinner, I was peeking in at Marion from the couch. Momma tried to take a picture of me leaning in, but she didn't want to step far enough away to get us both. Isn't my little sister sweet...
Momma caught me snuggling on the nursing pillow while watching my movie. It hasn't been that long since I got to nurse and I'm starting to think I miss it.
- Momma note: Goy was WAY ready to stop nursing right at his 1st birthday, but he's started paying close attention when I nurse Marion and then wants to snuggle close to me. I think he misses the quite time not the actual nursing.
Momma ran to town for a quick errand and while she was gone I decided I was STARVING. So, she came home as fast as she could in the rain, and after a nice meal, this is the half smile I was willing to give her (but don't you think I didn't make her work hard for it).
And I got to show them my pretty blue eyes.
I took two LONG naps today. I'm very tired. Especially after helping Daddy throw the chuck-it for Maddie and Tucker at the baseball field and then playing with Lukas for a bit at his house. When Momma came to wake me up for dinner tonight, this is how she found me - I didn't want to wake up.
The funny part is, Momma got Marion dressed this morning and Daddy got me dressed - and if you know my Daddy, then you know it wasn't planned :). (I was playing peek-a-boo with Maddie and Tucker while they were out on a water break - I like to play in their water, so Momma keeps it outside)
I stayed tucked away safe in my bouncer while the boys were running around like boys tend to do. It was a nice relaxing morning for me.
After dinner, my new nighttime routine includes playing with Maddie and Tucker. I LOVE having them around.
After dinner, Maddie and Tucker chased the ball a bit and then we all settled in to watch a movie.
I found the frog on the bouncer today and I just love it. Momma waited too long to snap a picture, but I really do stay awake for a good amount of time during the day and smile at Daddy and Momma, and today I got to share my smiles with Grampa and Gramma too.
After dinner, I was peeking in at Marion from the couch. Momma tried to take a picture of me leaning in, but she didn't want to step far enough away to get us both. Isn't my little sister sweet...
Wait a minute - that's my bouncer... I had it first! Well, okay, you can use it too.
- Momma note: Goy loves to play with the moving parts of the bouncer and when Marion's not in it he climbs in and rocks back and forth.
While sister slept, I played Peek-A-Boo with Momma before dinner.
