Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sweet Morning

This is a just so I don't forget post . . . Today is late arrival at school for the boys - they start an hour later on Wednesdays for teacher enrichment. It is so great. On these mornings, everyone wakes up on their own. It is so nice not to drag them out of bed. We have time! We are not running around trying to beat the clock. We enjoy breakfast together.

Today, as we were heading out the door (early!), Landon takes a minute to stop by his easel; he cuts off some paper and writes a note to Camden: "Camden, your awesome. Love, Landon." When I got home from taking the boys to school, I found another piece of paper from his easel. Landon had drawn a picture of he and Camden holding hands and under it he wrote, "I love you Camden!!!" So sweet. Such a blessing. I pray the boys will always be best friends and good encouragers for one another.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Landon's Baptism

Today was a very special day . . .Greg baptized Landon at church! It was so special for us to see him make a public profession of his faith. He was so excited about today. Last night, he could not go to sleep. At 2 am, he was still awake. Finally, after sleeping for a few hours, he awoke at 6, ready to get dressed to leave for church. Grammy and Grandpa spent the night with us so they could be with us today as was Mimi and Pop, Great-Granddaddy, and Uncle Chris.

Landon, we are so proud of you!!! We can't wait to see how God molds, makes, and uses you. God has given you such a sensitive and big heart. We love you so much. We pray that God would continue to draw you closer to Himself and that you would grow in wisdom and love.

To see his baptism, you can watch the service webcast. (His baptism is about 9 minutes into the service):
http://www.hypercast.net/archives/2346

Thursday, March 3, 2011

What I Wish I Said

I often find myself wishing I had said something differently or shared something else when talking to people. Words never come quickly to me. I am a thinker and ponderer. Ask me something today and tomorrow I will have a great response for you.

Anyway, at Bible Study this week it was mentioned that I have a cleaning schedule. And, I do. Each day I tackle a different task. Somedays it is vacuuming, another day dusting, one day for mopping and another for bathrooms.

Well, what I wish I shared was the reason I have a schedule. You see, at heart I am a messy, throw my clothes on the floor without worry, kind of a girl. Unfortunately, my tendencies would lend itself to a very messy house.

My husband, well he's a different story. I will never forget my mom's response when she came to our house for the first time after Greg and I were married. Greg had lined up the cans in the recycle bin. She could not imagine him living with me.

Well, almost 13 years later, his tendencies have rubbed off on me. Yes, my clothes still sit in a laundry basket sometimes for days after I fold them because I just don't like putting them away and I get too bogged down if I leave the whole house to clean in one day. At that point, I usually just want to shut down and wave my white flag.

You see, with a schedule, I can conquer small tasks each day and continue to move forward, feeling accomplished. Also, if I see dirt on the floor, wood chips on the carpet or a toilet that could be cleaned, I know within a few days I will get to it.

Our home is not always tidy. Sometimes the schedule is broken and the toilets wait till the following week. Our recycle bin no longer is neatly lined with cans. In no way do we have it all together. You see we are all a work in progress . . . just what I wish I had said.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Valentine's Necklace

Now that the Christmas decor is gone, I feel like our home is a little bare. I have loved having the mantle decorated and I even made a cute garland for the girls' party. It really makes the family room more inviting I think. Well, since Valentine's Day is our next holiday, I was searching for some cute Valentine's DIYs. One blog I particularly like to read had a really cute Valentine's craft posted today. GUMBALL NECKLACES . . . would love to make these for the girls in the boys' classes but I'm guessing Greg is going to say the boys are too old to hand out handmade necklaces. I will store this idea away until the girls are a little older.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Just So I Don't Forget

Today the boys had a holiday from school. Quiet morning. No fights, except at the TV when Mario or Luigi did not do as they should. Girls napped. I tidyed. As I was getting ready, I heard doors slam. Problem? Argument gone bad. I investigate. Not allowed to enter the room, according to the boys . . .

A few minutes later they appear. Both with dress shirts, their navy sportscoats, and navy pants (trying to make a suit;). Mom, we have collected all our money and we want to take you to a special lunch. Heart melt.

After realizing lunch with four kids and one adult would not make for much of a date, the boys rearrange plans. Lunchdate at home. Boys prepare a menu. Escort the girls and I to our table for three. We order. Lunch is served. Sweet boys. A moment I just don't want to forget.

And by the way, this is not our typical day. Just a sweet moment. I tend to capture the good stuff but there is lots of craziness that usually goes on behind the scenes, just not documented.

Back on the Wagon

Well, I have missed an entire week of the organization challenge. Three snow days for the boys, dresses to be made for the girls, along with planning and preparing for the girls' party - each day was filled. Today, however, I was able to complete the Day 14 - under the bathroom sink. Here are my before and after pictures:

With the girls' party behind me, I have also been able to refocus on decorating their room. Here are some of my favorite items so far:

Birthday Gift for Girls - Pottery Barn Kids

Land of Nod Land of Nod

I can't wait to pull it all together!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Celebrating . . . 1!

Sarah Manning
Hannah Katherine






Today we celebrated the girls' first birthday with a family party. We had a casual family lunch with grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The girls enjoyed their day, some moments more than others. Here are a few highlights of the day:

-The girls wore a dress I made for their party. They looked really cute of them!
-We sang "Happy Birthday" to each girl.
-Both girls had their own "crash" cake. Hannah Katherine dug into hers without hesitation and LOVED it. Sarah Manning was a little timid at first, but after I gave her some cake on a fork, she enjoyed it as well.
-They both really enjoyed opening presents. Sarah Manning became attached to a blue envelope and Hannah Katherine enjoyed playing with a bow. After opening a Little People House, the girls really had a great time climbing onto the box.

As the party ended and we put the girls down for their nap, I was overcome with emotion. I cannot believe we have made it to the year mark! We have been covered by God's grace this year, His blessings and His provisions. The girls are a wonderful gift. Happy Birthday Sarah Manning and Hannah Katherine!