Friends

We had friends over yesterday, out of town friends that we haven't seen in ages. So we had plenty of time to prepare the house, dust the dirt off, clean out the corners and pretend that we always live this way. But I was still fretful. Will they see the stains on the carpet, the cracked tiles, the sticky little boy smudges?
But when they arrived it was sweet comfort, hugs all around. Laughter. Catch-up, remember when. New friendships formed for the little ones.
Come as you are.
Oh, what a blessing friendship is!

Sweet Boys!

The other night I went over to a girlfriends house and got back home around 9pm. My husband had already put the boys to bed so I went in their room to check on them and kiss them good night. M was still awake and he asked me if I would play with him.

N was sound asleep and my husband went for a run so I said: Sure, I'll play with you!

We snuggled under a blanket and talked about his day and how excited he was about getting to go to Disney World. It was such a special time and we had so much fun together. It's rare that I get one on one time with M because N is always there.

At one point he yawned and told me he was tired.

Anyway, when my husband got back home he put M back to bed. When he came out of the bedroom he told me that M had asked him if he would pray with him.

Ohh! That's what he asked me to do!

He asked me to pray and I heard play!

I think that God knew that we needed that time together!

Conversation with N:

Mommy why did God make Ticks?

I don't know N

Why did God make wasps?

I don't know, we will have to ask him when we get to heaven

Okay.

Summer Recap

What a busy summer we had! We started the summer off with N's birthday in June. He was so excited and it was such a special day that we got to share with my sister and her kids who live in Colorado but have actually been at N's birthday party two years in a row. I can't believe my baby is four! He is so full of energy, engaging and talkative! He can be very sweet and loves to hug and kiss and cuddle. He is also very stubborn which is a trait that I know will serve him well in life.

We spent several days at White Water in Branson which is not that far away. We actually got season tickets this year because we live so close now, and we have gotten our money's worth. But it was such a mild summer that we didn't go as much as we were planning too.

We finished off the summer with a camping trip with friends and M's birthday party all rolled into one weekend!

M turned six this year, lost his two bottom teeth and started Kindergarten all in a span of two weeks! Needless to say I was a little emotional! I am so proud of him, he is growing into such a smart, funny kid! He is kind and caring and sensitive of other peoples feelings. What a good kid. And he always tells me how pretty I am!

Life in a Small Town

We have now officially been in Small Town for 6 months, and they said it wouldn't last (well maybe I said that).
There has definitely been some pros about moving to a small town:
1. No rush hour traffic.
2. You can get anywhere in town in less than 5 minutes.
3. I don't spend $4 on a cup of coffee.
4. It's beautiful here.
5. People are friendly.
6. The closest mall is 45 minutes away (I'm trying very hard to think of it as a pro--like a forced savings).

Some of the cons of small town life:
1. No 24 hour fitness facility (or even a gym with child care)
2. No Starbucks (my $4 cup of coffee)
3. Only one place in town to shop ( and yes, it's That place)
4. People are friendly (I'm kidding)
5. No shopping!!!

So, hum... My pros and cons kinda resemble each other don't they!?! But for the most part I think that we are settling in just fine. In fact, I am feeling very happy and optimistic about my life (or maybe that's just the medication talking). I feel like we can grow closer as a family and as a couple without so many "things" around to distract us.

Cute

My sister Becca showed me how to make my pics big! Thanks Becca

Strong willed child!

After the ice storm of last week and all the bitterly cold weather that has accompanied it. The boys and I have felt a bit couped up (to put it mildly). So yesterday when the temperature rose to 58 degrees I was giddy with excitement! Yes!! Boys we are getting out of this house!
Well, I have one child who is everything that is agreeable. He never questions my clothing, shoes, jacket choices for him, he just assumes that (rightly) mom knows best. And since he is the oldest I just figured that if I had any more kiddos that they would be just like him!
Then along came N! I knew at 8 months when he refused to let me feed him apple sauce that I had a strong willed child. I would have to scoop up the apple sauce and lay the spoon on the high chair table then he would pick up the spoon and feed himself. Yes! That is N.
So yesterday when I mentioned that we should go outside and play I knew that I would meet with some resistance from my youngest. Nothing is simple, nothing easy. Sure enough, as soon as I mentioned the great outdoors he started to complain! I didn't understand him at first so I asked for clarification. So my three year old stood up and yelled: I don't need vitamin D Momma, I'm already strong and healthy!

Summer Dreamin'

Dreaming of warm Summer days!


Today is one of those days I used to hate as a child. It looks beautiful outside, sunny with blue skies and big white fluffy clouds. But guess what the temperature is: 18 degrees! Oh, I cannot wait until Spring! It looks like its going to be a fun day of block building and play dough sculpting. Maybe the boys and I could bake cookies. I think that statement clarifies why I always gain weight in the Winter!

Let me think of some good no calorie options:

1. The Library

2. Air hockey (at the Community Center)

3. Roller skating (at the Community Center)

4. Swimming (at the Community Center)

It sounds like it is going to be the Community Center!