New Words

Recently, we had homemade pizza for dinner - with green peppers. At dinner, Maryanna kept saying, 'I don't like yopenos, Mommy, I don't like yopenos.' Needless to say, she thought the green peppers were jalopenos which Chris eats on a fairly regular basis.


Shortly there after Lola was playing on the floor and hollering a bit. Powell came in saying, 'Wha' smadder, wowa? Wha smadder?' Hilarious. He then proceeded to lay down next to her on his belly so he could talk directly into her face.


Here's a picture of my kids this morning in their jammies, in Daddy's chair. Too cute if I don't say so myself :)

Yesterday

Okay. Yesterday was crazy. Honestly, I don't think it was because I tried to take on too much - I got most of my time in the kitchen finished early in the day. It was just one of those days. So as I confide in you, don't judge me :) Also, the irony behind what I posted yesterday and my devotional yesterday and what followed was not lost on me :)

Let's see, what happened first. Probably Powell sticking his hand down the back of his diaper - when it was dirty. Now, if you've been around Powell with a poopy diaper, you know that you don't miss it. So, in the 60 seconds that he last left my side, while he was in the same room with me, he pooped and stuck his hand in it. Nice. That was the first abnormal issue of the day.

Next I think it would be the icing. I made a double batch of wilton's buttercream icing for Powell's birthday cake - this was after the pizza dough and the two cake mixes. It was fine before I colored it orange, but something was wrong with the food coloring b/c it made the icing taste like I'd put wheat flour in it or something.

Next, Powell reached up and grabbed Maryanna's stamp pad off the table and put it to his mouth. Thus, the picture that I posted later yesterday. Beautiful. Everything Powell did yesterday he did with me in the room in a matter of seconds. Which brings us to the last thing he did yesterday.

One second he was sitting on the couch and when I turned to turn off the tv I heard a crash. Spin around, find Powell on his back on the side table. The crash was the crystal pedastal bowl he knocked off. My best guess is that he climbed onto the back/top of the couch and fell onto the table (in 2.2 seconds). Unbelievable.


I also worked on Maryanna's birthday invitation yesterday. This is a picture I took trying to get some good ones for it. I don't think I've got it yet but here are my prototypes.



You'll have to tell me which one you like best :)

Baking Day

I'm going to be in the kitchen a lot today. I don't know why but I decided to make homemade pizza today. I'm also getting ready for Powell's family birthday party on Sunday, so I'm baking the cakes and making the icing today. I'll try to get it all done early in the day so the kids don't want for attention and get cranky. So the pizza dough's in the bread machine and the first cake is in the oven. If I try to do too much the kids suffer for it and let me know - we'll see how the day goes... :)

We've decided to do popsicles in the park sometime this month to celebrate both of the kids' birthdays with their friends. We have yet to set a date but if we didn't do something fairly hassle free we weren't going to be doing anything at all. Should be fun and the kids are certainly looking forward to it!

My devotional this morning was awesome. I've been reading 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young. Here's a little from today:

'I know precisely what you need to draw nearer to Me. Go through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-tailored provision for your needs. When you view your life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation.' (based on Matthew 1:23 & Colossians 2:6-7)

Yesterday's was about seeking Him first thing in the morning and getting what you need to start your day. I can certainly tell the difference from day to day. :)

Well, don't really have time for much more. I need to get back on those cakes and get the kids dressed! Hopefully I'll have pictures to post later...

Summer Is Here...

Check out my girl taking in the view from her bumbo! Have you ever seen such cute bulldog cheeks? Apparently, her toes are fascinating...

We spent some time on the deck as a family this weekend. It got so hot on Saturday we got the kids' kiddie pool out. Check out my other favorite little girl taking in the rays.

Powell started saying 'dah' instead of 'yes' this weekend. I guess we're bilingual around here. We went to dinner at an old neighbors' house on Saturday night, the church and the park (for smores with the Tiffanys) on Sunday, and Mom and Dad's on Monday (More time outside and in the pool and a little fishing too. Watch out when my kids have a fishing pole :). When we were praying for God to bless our time at the park on Saturday at dinner Powell prayed too, 'Zjacob and Weah, Amen!' He's started adding to at the end of each prayer. That includes Mallory's boyfriend Tyler at bedtime. Maryanna will pray for our entire family and extended family (with a couple of repeats), 'Bless Mommy and Daddy and Lola and Powell and Me and Lee and Mommy and Justin and Powell and Lola and Grandma...' You get the picture. And when she's finished Powell will stand up and say, 'And Tywer, Nana! And Tywer!' They're too cute...

We got home last night and put the kids to bed, then sat down with some popcorn and a little tv. My homemade bouquet opened up over the weekend and turned out really pretty. Thanks, Babe.

I think I'll end here. What a random post. Maybe I'll manage to round this out this afternoon :)

Ah, The Weekend

Can I just say that I love Saturday and Sunday mornings? Especially lately. Chris and I grab a cup of coffee (he prefers his black and I prefer mine to give me a sugar coma), and head to the deck (b/c it's finally warm enough) before the kids get up. This is the time we have to talk about the decisions ahead of us, the kids and where they are (emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually), the week ahead of us, and our 'plans' for our future. I don't know what I would do without this time. When we get the kids in bed at night we're usually done for. So, this time when we're fresh from sleep, is so nice.

Right now the kids are playing in the puddles left on the deck by the rain and Lola's napping. Chris just brought me flowers from our yard. Does life get any better? :)

God Cares About Cozy Coupes

This morning I got out my devotional and re-read yesterday's (I'm not even sure why). And it was a reminder that God is with us throughout the day and He places different things in our path (trials, blessings). To help us, to remind us of Him. And I made a mental note when I read it (yesterday) to look for Him. A couple of different times I thought of Him or thanked Him throughout the day and was grateful. But, I need to give you a little background.

I have been looking for one of those silly cars (Cozy Coupes) for over a month. I've left the house on two separate Saturdays just before 8 am solely to try and find one (at neighborhood garage sales). So, I've probably scouted about 50 garage sales. I emailed about 20 people trying to find someone that was about to get rid of one or that might spot one at a garage sale.

This morning when I re-read that devotional, as silly as it may sound, I was certain that God sent those cars my way. I am well aware that He cares about the minute details of my life, but I don't often expect to see it. My mistake. He sent those cars, as silly and insignificant as they are, because He knew how badly I wanted them for my children and He wanted to bless me. I could go on to explain that those plastic cars are the first to go at garage sales and that I'm sure the only reason they were still there is b/c it was raining. But, the details don't really matter. My Father loves me and wants me to remember that He has fully equipped me for each day.

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

Cozy Coupes

Yeah! We finally found one. Actually, my mom found them and she found two of them! I'm so excited - the kids are going to LOVE them! One is red and white, the other is yellow and turquoise. The door opens on one side and there's a valve to put your 'gas' in. :) There will certainly be pictures to follow. Apparently, when they found them at the garage sale it was pouring down rain. So, after giving me a quick call, they RAN (Mallory and Mom) to the car, each pushing a car. I'd have paid good money... :)



So, yesterday I started setting aside some pictures for the kids' birthday video. Oh my gosh! Powell was still a baby! He's thinned out so much. And I did not expect to see a difference in how chubby Maryanna's face was. I'd like to share a few of those with you. It's just killing me!

Look at those cheeks! He was so blond from the summer! And I really loved those bibs...

A couple of mornings ago M got up at 5:20 am - I think her cough woke her up. She crawled into bed with me and said, 'It's morning time, Mom. The birds are singing.' Like, get up sleepyhead!


Last night they had their soccer whistle and soccer ball and they were playing together. Maryanna put the whistle around Powell's neck and said, 'Here, Powell, you can be the soccer team.' And I kid you not, he said, 'Play ball!' and took off running. I about died.


And just this morning when I got Powell out of bed and carried him to the living room, there was a cow on the tv. And he said, 'I see cow too, Nana!' He's really talking and coming up with great sentences these days.


Ok, one more. Maryanna has a pair of tiger ears and tail that she puts on periodically. This morning she put them on and then came in the living room growling at me. I acted as though I was scared and said, 'Oh no! There's a tiger in my house!' And she immediately stopped and put her hand on my back and said, 'I'm just pretending to be a tiger, Mommy.' And just now when I was pretending to be a tiger, Nana whipped out her Little Mermaid cell phone and said, 'I have to call my, Dad!'

Outside

My kids have been spending a lot of time outside lately. They play on the swingset, use the mulch like sand, and fight over balls. This is a picture of Nana in her own little world singing her heart out (usually made up songs). They ask for their lunch at their picnic table or in their clubhouse almost daily. I cannot get them to keep their shoes on for anything. Their cheeks are sunkissed and their hair is getting blonder by the minute.

Powell loves to stand at the top of the slide and yell for me, 'Mom! Mom! Mommeeeee!' And when I look, he'll just grin. That's all. Just wanted me to look at him. So funny and sweet.

A few weeks ago the high winds took down the back fence along with random slats all around. So there have been kid-sized holes in our fence. Powell was the first to discover them. I didn't see him from the stove where I was working, so I stepped out onto the deck. Sure enough, he was standing with one foot in our yard and the other in our neighbor's. Consequently, our neighbors just built a monstrous swingset.

Hand Me Downs

So, this morning after breakfast I got out a box of clothes a friend dropped off the other day. As I started going through them I noticed some familiar characters. There were a ton of pajamas and t-shirts (perfect for little boys)! I kid you not, superman, buzz lightyear, thomas the train, lightning mcqueen and SPIDERMAN. There were atleast 10 sets of just spiderman. Suddenly, Powell noticed what I was doing. This boy was in hog heaven. He kept saying over and over again, 'uh Iderman! uh Iderman!' Hilarious. Apparently, the boy needs to be surrounded by some more boy stuff :)

Yesterday Lola sat in the highchair for the first time. She absolutely loves sitting up so she can see. It's perfect for when I'm getting the kids lunch or fixing dinner. Although if you're not watching closely enough this might happen....

Powell's been sliding into crevices by furniture and saying, 'Mom! I hiding! I hiding!' So funny. He might as well be saying, 'Here I am!' Also, when he wants to play he'll start running around the house yelling, 'Don't get me! Don't get me!' As tough as my days can sometimes be, the kids make me smile all day long.

Early Mornings

Morning! I just want to say Happy Birthday, Sarah! Have a gorgeous day!

Here are my kids this morning eating their cereal. Notice the lunchbox on the counter? M is convinced that we must now get a lunchbox for Powell also because they have to have lunch together. :)

Powell has 2 of his 2 year molars through and I think he's working on the top 2. That means early mornings for him. He usually sleeps till 7 or 7:30 but the last few mornings it's been 6. Maryanna needs no prompting to get up early. So, they were up by 6 talking and laughing.

M's new thing right now is to 'zap' me with her wand and tell me what animal to sound like. We have fun. Last night she stood on her tippy toes to look at the clock on top of the tv and then said, '15 clock o'morning! It's time for me to watch a show, Mommy!' Priceless.

Graduation Day

My little sister had to go and graduate yesterday. Enjoy this picture of her and my dad bringing a rose for my mom.

Mallory, you are beautiful and brilliant. Look out Jewell :)

All in a Day

I'd like to give a shout out to Michelle for a great idea! Each day I'm going to attempt to record my thoughts here - otherwise, I might forget them. The kids say funny, genius things each day that I'd like to remember for them.

This morning we're recovering from a whirlwind weekend. Maryanna and Powell have a cold and Lola's recovering. They keep passing the same one around and it's driving me batty! I'm told that this is unavoidable with multiple children, however I'm about to call the doctor again to see if there's anything she recommends.

Currently, we're gearing up for summer. The kids' birthdays are in June and we're starting party planning mode. Our anniversary (seven years!) is coming up, along with a slew of other things. Chris is planning to make 2 mountain climbing trips and there are a dozen activities we'd like to expose the kids to this year.

Lola is growing WELL. :) She's 3 months old and thriving. She is SUCH a good baby. Right now, she's all about cooing and laughing. She 's getting better and better at tummy time. She doesn't despise it anymore.

Powell is talking, talking, talking. He's a very personable little guy so he's enjoying being able to communicate very much. He'll repeat pretty much anything you say. I don't know that I've ever seen a boy be SO BOY! His favorite things include: SPORTS BALLS, cars, rocks, sticks or bats. When he runs he swings his arms in a very dramatic fashion. He's also a charmer. He's very happy and loving. His manners are impeccable and hilarious. To have a 2 year old walk in the room and say, 'hey, mom,' 'choclat mik, please, mom,' thanks, mom.' So sweet.

Maryanna is very much her own person. Her list of likes and dislikes grows longer each day. She does not like jelly on her pb sandwich. She doesn't like butter. She doesn't like her clothes to be wet. Her shoes come off the second she steps inside.

She plays and talks with Lola all the time. And Lola adores her. I dare say, she smiles more at Nana than at me. :) She blows me away. It may sound silly but she is suddenly this little person with whom you can sit down and have an entire conversation. And I just didn't see it coming!

She seems to be really good at math. She knows her letters and numbers and writes the M for her name. Last week she pointed at the window in the gable of our roof and said, 'Look, Mom! An octagon!'

She loves to be with someone. Very much the first born, she likes you to do things with her, watch a show with her, go outside with her, etc. Although she picks on Powell periodically, he follows her around, adores her and she misses him when he's napping.

She is so smart and boy, she doesn't miss anything. Her memory is unbelievable. She reminds me what I was going to put on the grocery list.

She's beginning to see toys or previews on tv and ask for them. Scary. A few weeks ago she saw the preview for Alvin and the Chipmunks. 'Mom, I want to see Melvin and the Chipmunks!' Cracked me up.

One of my favorite things is her childlike faith. She reminds me occaisonally that 'God loves us very much!' Coincidently (or not), when I need to hear it the most. Probably one of her greatest insights thus far was, 'Mom, there's only one God, not 10!' (After seeing the Prince of Egypt with the Egyptian gods in it for the first time). She's learning so much and already getting ready to start preschool. I don't think I'm prepared for how much I'll miss her when she's gone (for 2 half days a week).

Well, this is a starting place. Hopefully I'll find time to drop a few notes later - b/c I know they're about to do something amazing any minute!