Saturday, May 18, 2013

Spring Fling

Things have been hopping at our house!
And not just the Easter Bunny, obviously, as Easter is far gone now.

Let me catch you up to speed on the Spring Fling of things at our house.

In March, husband celebrated his 32nd birthday and we celebrated with a family dinner at home.



The living room ottoman got a face-lift thanks to my mom in Arkansas and her mad awesome sewing skills.


We hunted eggs, dyed eggs, and cracked a few eggs {Oops!} at Easter this year.






We made Easter treats.




And celebrated Easter as a family of four for the first time.




My big boy is just growing up right before my eyes, it seems.


Maybe it is because my little boy seems so tiny next to his brother.
{Ignore my pajamas, whydon'tcha. This seems to be my "style" these days.}
: )


I taught my last craft of the year for MOPS as a member of the leadership team.
We made these skinny burlap wreaths. Lots of fun! Love the MOPS ministry.


I had my camera handy and tried to capture a few pictures of my little lovie in his room.




Husband and I celebrated 12 years of marriage in April.
After 12 years, it seems strange we have a four year old and a four month old.
I guess we were really slow movers.
I am thankful for all those years of sleeping in and travel, however.
: )


Daddy taught big "H" how to play Battleship.
The concept was lost on him, however, as he mainly wanted to play "lite-bright" with the pegs, instead.
: )



I spend most of my time in the kitchen. And I love it. Feeding all these hungry growing boys is a full time job.
I'm a bit scared for the future when they are no longer so little and quite a bit hungrier.


Husband surprised me with a fancy-pants mixer. Where has this thing been the last 12 years?!?
Who knew it could so radically change my life!
LOVE it!!!


And so does my big "H."
Licking the beaters just got a whole lot more fun!
{and technical}


We have finished up our preschool for the year.
Sunshine and lack of snow have forced the workbooks into hiding.
Good riddens, we shout!
{until the Fall, of course!}
: )


The ice cream truck is in full swing.
Oh, the joys of an old-fashioned Superman!


The end of the school year also means Cubbie's graduation at church.
I am so proud of this little guy for memorizing all of his scripture this year.
I pray he retains some of it.
If anything, that he hides it away in his heart.
{Mama learned a lot of scripture this year, too!}


One of the main reasons for this busy Spring is this:

Evidence: A


And:  B


We've sold our home!
We're moving once again!
New state!

{I'm going to miss this 1920's dream boat! Stay tuned for a new place!}

And this little guy!
Oh, he just steals my heart.
He is truly a good and perfect gift.
The Lord is so gracious to let me borrow him for a bit.

Two months old:





And three months



The most precious day ever was baby dedication at church.
What a responsibility as parents! What a joy!


Mothering is hard work.
It is often thankless work.
But, it is the most crucial work.
What we do now will echo into eternity in our children.
{I remind myself of that during the 4:00 A.M. feedings when I'm half asleep and exhausted}
: )



And just so you know things aren't always "rosy," there is always one baby crying, right?
He has not been properly camera trained as his older brother has.
More work to do, yet!
: )

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Easter at our House

Happy Spring!
It hasn't felt much like spring to us yet up here in the north due to snow falling most everyday of the week, but I am hopeful that we will feel warmer temperatures soon. Anything out of the 30's will be welcomed at this point. : )  I don't think I have ever yearned more for summer than I do right now.

Maybe having two little ones pent up at home will make a mama feel like that?
However, H certainly enjoys looking out the window and the frosted trees make for some beautiful photography, even if we don't venture out too far into it.


My days are full and busy with H and Little H.
Little H is sleeping through the night now at 8 weeks old and I am very thankful for his happy disposition.
He is still nursing full time and is quite an easy baby. He is a welcomed addition in our family and we still can't quite believe he is here with us! We prayed for him, it seems, for such a long time.


H and I have stayed indoors out of the cold as much as possible. Baking cookies has always been such a favorite past time of ours. Though not great for the waistline, we certainly have the best time in the kitchen.



My littlest one is sure growing!
He is two months old now,
{I need to make that photo shoot happen soon!}
and is starting to take on his own personality.
The newborn stage is so much fun!



Easter is around the corner and H and I had a great time getting ready for it.
I stood on a kitchen chair and he handed me the eggs to hang on our tree branches.
Holiday decorating has really helped him learn his months and holidays.
Easter is such a great reminder that He is alive and coming back someday for His people.
We heard a great sermon tonight at church about that promise.
What a wonderful promise- and a reminder for me- to teach my children that blessed hope!









and just for fun, here was our house for Valentine's Day this year:



Going from one child to two is definitely a change, especially regarding our routines, but we have adjusted really well, especially living away from family. Some days I joke with my husband that I have accomplished "nothing" at all during the day, except for baby holding and dragon and knight playing.

But then, of course, we both are quick to remind one another that those truly are the most important things.
The socks and towels can wait.
{though in all honesty, I do stay up really late trying to get it all done}
: )


Husband is super busy with work.
Really busy.
He recently worked 27 days straight with only one day off.
It was a Sunday.
He worked all the other days, weekends included.
He is a busy man and a great provider, but we miss daddy.
Our time with him is so special.


Big gummy smiles started around week seven and cooing is about to really take off.

I just adore this age and stage.

It's that feeling you have as a mother when you want to bottle them up and stop time.
My prayer is that the Lord would help me to train them up for Him, but that He would allow time to pass slowly. I want to enjoy motherhood and all of its sleepless nights and dirty diapers and fussy afternoons.

Aren't they just treasures?!
: )



Many of you commented on my darker hair.
Thanks for your kind words!
This is actually really close to my natural color, though I do tend to be a bit lighter than this naturally.
With nursing full time and the terrible winters here, I wanted to stay out of the salon
and just go dark and make it easy on myself. 
: )


Come on, Spring!
This mama needs sunshine!
: )