Savoring Life's Little Moments

2012-01-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

The week is coming to an end.

Many times I thought "I need a vacation."

Emma has been diagnosed with pink eye again.

We've been to the doctor more with this than any thing else.

I'm not completely convinced it's the correct diagnosis.

The "routine" of life with one car has been grating on my nerves.

Waking up at 5:30am is exhausting.

My attitude has gone from thankful to grumpy.

I'll get over it.

I'll find away to press on.

Relying on His promises.

But I can still say this week was hard.

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Some precious moments I'm thankful for this morning while I blog and drink my coffee.

notice the blue marker by shortie's face. What a mess =)

2012-01-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

LOVE HIM...MISS HIM

2012-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

Introspections

I lose myself in the day to day.

I lose who I want to be as a wife, mother, believer, and friend.

I get distracted by stress; it takes over every fiber.

I look at my plans for the day, week, month, and year.

I have high expectations of what it's going to look like.

It never looks the way I planned.

Some times I'm okay with that, but some times it throws me for a loop.

The loop is hard to recover from.

Some times days will pass, and I'm still stuck.

I just can't seem to grasp the concept of being okay with not knowing.

Yes, I'm a control freak.

Not all the time.

But most of the time.

I am learning to give that over to the One who knows everything.

His hands are more capable than mine.

He's doing some amazing things.

He wants to show me how great He is.

My eyes are refocusing.

My attitude is changing.

My lack of control is not causing as many heart palpitations.

I'm learning to LOVE the adventure.

2012-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Emma's "Work of Art" for the Day

(Norah's spikey hair)

2011-12-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Ramblings

a little lady update

RAH RAH

Has the best smile in the world.

Loves eating bread.

Could pretty much eat all day.

Says No to everything, even when she means yes.

Continues to show aggression towards her Big Sister.

Tries having conversations in babble.

Hears music, and can't help but move.

Still loves her sleep; two naps a day at 18 months.

She's 18 months old...crazy!

Sits in chairs and reads to herself.

Hates car rides...should be an interesting trip to WI.

Attempts to do hand stands with Big Sister.

Will come up to people and say Tickle Tickle.

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Emma

Creates the most colorful, patterned outfits.

Goes to ballet once a week, and is getting better.

Has her first recital in June.

Has grown some in the past few months.

Loves to help mommy around the house.

love hate relationship with little sister.

Loves to cuddle.

Loves movies.

Loves candy.

Misses school.

Doesn't mind car rides.

Wakes up every morning ready to go.

Gets bored very easily.

2011-12-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Decorating

We did in fact decorate a while ago for Christmas! It was tons of fun! Emma enjoyed every minute. I wish I did the same. It was really late when we started, and she had school the next morning. I find it hard to just let those thoughts go away, and enjoy the moment.

Of course, she survived the next day of school. Maybe a little sugar high, but that's what this time of year brings with it.

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No homemade cookies yet, so we tried these...

As well as some Hot Choco (that's what we call it in our house)

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These are the moments I'm challenged to enjoy more of...

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Norah didn't stay up for the tree decorating part,

but she did enjoy some cookies before bed.

2011-12-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011

The Lord is so good! We are blessed beyond measure with our two little ladies! Our marriage is stronger than it's been in awhile. We are learning to appreciate time we have together and making memories that last. Our work schedules, although busy at times, help a ton. Ben isn't working nights anymore, so we can sit down and eat as a family. God is restoring relationships that seemed all but lost. Just so many things. Of course, there are days we lose sight of where God is working and all the blessings we've been given. So that's why it's nice to have days of reflection, and Thanksgiving is one of those for us. Not the only, but definitely one of those days to sit back and breath in life's goodness.

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We meant to come home earlier on Sunday than we did. We decided to let the leisure lifestyle we were experiencing last a few more hours. Emma was able to help Nana decorate a bit. It was freezing out, but she was a trooper. Plus she got hot chocolate when she came in.

Little sister wants to help

2011-11-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

We've been invaded...

All the sick germs of IL (yes, I'm exaggerating) seemed to enter our home this weekend and the last. Reinforcements had to be called upon to help with the girls. Those reinforcements then got sick as well. You just feel awful when that happens. We did have fun amidst the runny noses, upset stomachs, and chills.

The weather was even nice enough to get out. Emma saw some leaves on the ground. It might seem silly to say that when it's Fall. Of course there are leaves on the ground...hello. One word...The Association(okay, so that's two). Apparently it's not okay to have leaves chillin on the ground, so they come around with leaf blowers and blow the fun away for little children. I'm a little envious of people who have huge old trees that produce gigantic leaf piles. Either way, Emma, being so sweet and creative, looked past the lack of leaves and gathered what she could find to make one. What more can a mom ask for?!

TA DA...Here it is!

Let the Jumping commence

Oh yea, some times in life, usually when you're not feeling great as a mom. Feverish, if you will, you let your child go outside without shoes or socks. Coats are a MUST. Come on, I'm not that irresponsible.

2011-11-04T17:09:00.001-07:00

It's Friday.

Oh, how we need the weekend. Not all of the week was bad, just the ending. Norah was sick...fighting a stomach bug. Wow, was that hard watching her be sick. It's hard when any kid is sick, but especially a baby. Little by little, I've been giving her more food. She was doing great, until the bug decided to move to another location. Sad! She just keeps food shoveled in her mouth and won't swallow. She knows what the end result will be.

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Despite all of that, she did giggle on the swings today. Big breakthrough! She usually cries on the swings at the park. I'm hoping for more giggles this weekend!

2011-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Bring on the Pumpkin Guts

(Norah loved every minute)

The end result

Great job

Daddy and Emma

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We are putting out Christmas card together

(have to order early this year)

Here's a few from our little photo shoot

We are keeping the ones we are using a secret!

(I'm a little obsessed with distressed wood in backgrounds right now)

2011-10-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Oh the Difference 1 Year can make

Pumpkin Day 2010

Norah

sat

and

wondered

what these

orange things were

that we wanted to take her

picture by

there was enjoyment

But

nothing

this

year!

She

was

ALL

IN!

restrictions

she

took

everything

LOVING

every

minute

2011-10-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

oh these times are hard

Flowers needed this Monday morning.

A dear friend's dad passed away this weekend.

Aching inside for their loss.

We rejoice because he is in Heaven with the Lord.

We still mourn though for the loss of his presence here.

Praying for comfort and peace.

2011-09-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Weekend Recap

We had a fantastic weekend!

No traveling.

Time spent just as a family.

School project completed.

Lots of tissues (we are sick)

A trip to a local festival.

Met up with friends at the festival.

Our 5 year old rented a movie with her own money.

We ate Pie.

Drank lots of coffee.

Painted pine cones.

Bought a vacuum.

Our silly little lady walked around the house more and more.

She seems to be getting the hang of it.

Still a little wobbly though.

She loves playing peek a boo.

She jabs at the keys when I'm on the computer.

She has lots to say, I guess.

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Monday's can be hard.

So today I ate apple pie with ice cream for breakfast.

Don't judge.

I won't judge you if you do the same thing at some point.

What do you do to get through long, hard days?

2011-09-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

(Norah understands)

MONDAYS

Mondays tend to me hard. I’m tired. It’s the start of another week (or the continuation of one that didn’t come to an end yet). Usually, I can’t find things…backpacks, shoes, clothes, coats, etc. I’m in a bad mood on Monday’s. They just get the best of me. (yea, I know, awful way to start the week). Today is Monday. I decided I wouldn’t let today get the best of me. The first thing we did was get up before the sun was shining to take Ben to work (1 car syndrome). Instead of stumbling through our routine when I got home, pouring cereal and not thinking twice, I made chocolate pancakes. YUMMY! (It’s one of Emma’s favorites and I don’t hate them either.)

I’m happy with how today started because it usually isn’t smooth. I’m sure there will be moments of crabbiness and I’ll probably even institute a naptime, but all in all I’m pleased with how today began.

2011-09-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

Emma turns 5!

(photo dump of all party's)

Party #1

Party #2

Party # 3

What a great time this girl had celebrating with everyone she loves!

2011-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

(Emma's first day of Preschool)

She's 5!

Another year of Preschool is beginning.

She's growing up!

2011-08-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

FEELING THE NEED TO CREATE

I'm a little obsessed with pinterest.com right now. I'll admit it. I'm not ashamed! I love all the ideas; ways to change up my house; projects to do with the girls, etc.

This headboard stuck out to me, and I just had to attempt to make it. Well, I should say, I told Ben about it, and asked him to attempt it. He did a fantastic job!

2011-08-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Day 2:

The Animals

We Met

In the Northwoods

(there were more, but didn't get pics of them all)

These kittens were too cute.

Almost took one home.

Ben's not a huge fan of cats.

I'm kind of surprised he held one.

Of course, Emma loved them.

However, their little claws, she did not enjoy!

Horses are such beautiful animals.

Norah kept growling at them and doing her crazy shake!

(Sorry for the back end view, but couldn't get a shot of them together.)

2011-08-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

The Northwoods of WI

(Taking it all in)

Captivating view

No words to describe the beauty

No words to describe the quiet serenity

Lots of sitting with feet dangling,

listening to trees blowing in the breeze

Lots of time balancing on wooden beams,

flitting about like butterflies

Discovering new "toys" to play with

The "quiet" is so peaceful,

you could almost fall asleep,

which some did gracefully

while others,

you wonder how on earth that could be comfortable

Rest seemed to be the word of the "day"/ trip to the Northwoods.

More to come...

2011-07-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

My girl and I enjoyed

a morning

on our deck.

I drank coffee.

She drank juice.

3 straws are essential

Makes it so much fancier!

We pranced around.

Enjoyed the view.

Checked out our pepper plant.

Dug around in the dirt.

Picked plants with the roots and dirt attached.

What a relaxing morning.

Sweet, sweet, sweet moments of time with my almost 5 year old.

2011-07-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

We are in Trouble

Rah-Rah

has

mastered

the

daunting

task

climbing

STAIRS

(Can't seem to get enough of her cute little feet)

Gates have been bought and set up. But whenever she gets a chance (no barriers), she goes straight for the stairs. Every once in awhile we let her climb them all. It takes about 5 minutes. It's worth every minute though because when she has climbed the last possible stair, victorious, she gives herself a hand, and continues on to her room to play.

Love these moments!

2011-07-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

IT'S FESTIVAL TIME

The guys played a festival this past weekend. To say it was HOT is an understatement. I doused Emma with bottles of water to keep her from over heating. Norah didn't mind one bit; she wanted to galavant around and explore. Despite the heat, we had a blast!

All the games were FREE...sweet

Friends came too...even sweeter

Secrets shared between two girls...precious

I can't help looking at the last 3 photos and singing:

"And friends are friends forever

If the Lord's the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never

'Cause the welcome will not end...

That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."

Words by Deborah D. Smith

2011-07-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Summer Time

means

Beach Time

Cooler

Blankets

and

LOTS

SAND

SWIMMING

Splashing

Floating

Taking

Breaks

from

gulping

too much

lake water...

YUCK!

Cooling

off

with

ICE CREAM

MORE

SWIMMING

Chillin

the

BEACH

HAD

LOTS

FUN!