A First Haircut for Little Man

This past weekend, my mom gave Aaron his first haircut. His spikes had become 2 inches long! It was time. Now, he's a big boy!

My Daughter Sushi

We've been trying to teach Sophie how to say her name. Every time she says it, her name comes out "Sushi!" She can say all the sounds separately, but when it gets put together...we have a daughter named "Sushi."

Right now, our sweet little girl is drawing "Sushi" on her doodle-pro and talking about what she is wearing!

I could laugh so hard I could cry, I love this little Sushi so so much.

Here is Sushi after she put on her own jacket to play outside...

A favorite Toy

We got this toy for Christmas from the kids' Great-Grandma Jean, and they LOVE it. I especially like it because it's such great quality and they play well TOGETHER with it! AJ has a great time and it's perfect for him and the milestones he's achieving right now.



The little man showing off! Don't mind sister's diaper crack in the background of the picture.



These are little doors that open and close. When they are open they have pictures of little animals! AJ, of course, has conversations with them.

Friends...

My dear friend Betsy and I have been wanting to be more consistent about exercise, which can be so tough with little ones! We have been trying to meet in the mornings to run/walk with our jogging strollers. Brooklyn and Sophie are becoming sweet friends who love playing together!

This is for you Mommac!

After I fixed Sophie's hair with a single clip, she apparently decided it was a little too plain. When in doubt, add a headband! She then excitedly exclaimed, "Show Mommac." So, here are the pictures of Sophie fixing her own hair!

You are My Sunshine...

AJ was so happy when he woke up from his nap today, so of course Mommy got the camera out!! He is 9 1/2 months old now and I feel like he's growing up so quickly! I love his new stage, so filled with discovery. He's a happy and loud little boy who was just moved up at Sunday School to be with the toddlers instead of babies. Hahaha; how does that not surprise this Mommy who is always rescuing his BIG sister from his antics!

My sweet little man, your Daddy and I love you so much. We're so blessed having you in our family and we pray, as you grow, that you establish a relationship with your God and never stray from His will. May you fall in love with His laws and meditate on them all of your days. I pray you become a gentleman, a defender of the weak, a man who points everyone to the Lord and His great ways.

Aaron: Strength
Joshua: God Saves

"Gid-yup"

Sophie and AJ love riding the pony! Sophie will shout "Gid-yup" over and over as she rides wildly!

Helpful

This is my new favorite thing. It has been very helpful as I attempt to be consistent and workout everyday. Music somehow makes it so much easier!

Real Love

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13


I had a fabulous Valentine's Day, thanks to my wonderful husband and sweet kids, but I know that some days are not so wonderful or loving. For some people, most days are not so wonderful or loving. But, in all of this, we can have confidence in the ONE who loves us deeply and completely. He laid His holy life down for us, who are sinners. This is real love.


On a different note.

A few months ago, Josh and I had gone to the Home and Garden Show which is held at the Lane Events Center. In that same parking lot, is the Ice Rink. As we pulled in, to go to the Home Show, I absentmindedly commented that I didn't know Eugene had an ice skating rink and that I had not been in years. Well, over all these months, he remembered!! So, a few days ago he told me had a surprise planned for the afternoon of Valentine's Day. He had arranged for babysitting and planned the whole afternoon! I felt so loved. He had planned. He had pursued me and planned something out for me with the sole purpose of making me feel special. We went ice skating, to dinner, and then he even took me to Goodwill! It was so fun. Although, I know God's love is perfect and complete for me, I am blessed with the love of this good man too!

You Know You are the Mother of a Preschooler When...

You think going to the grocery store alone feels like a mini vacation
The bathroom tends to be your secret hideout spot
You haven't taken a shower by yourself in over a year and you are often moving toys out of the way when you get to
Your "5" second rule when dropping food has turned into a 2 day rule
You are an expert when it comes to entertaining your child(ren) while doing your make up and hair each morning
You have mastered reading your child a book, sticking in a pacifier, handing back snacks, refilling a sippy cup all while driving your car
You have found a cheerio in your clothing or half a fruit snack stuck to your shirt
You have had to share your food for the past year...at least.
You haven't had to have an alarm clock since your little critter has entered the world
Wiping boogers with your sleeve doesn't seem so bad anymore
You can change a diaper anywhere...lap, bathroom counter, trunk of car just to name a few
You have had to nurse your baby while going to the bathroom at the same time (TMI?)
You have about a pound of free floating cheerios, raisins and goldfish in your car
You know how to love even after he/she has been ridiculously naughty
Your purse is packed with snacks and entertainment
You will give up your music for your child's silly songs Cd's
When night time rolls around and little one(s) are to bed you either give a fist pump or high five your husband like you just completed a marathon
The topic of your child's stool textures or colors is not rare between you and your other young mom friends
You are out doing errands on your own and you are aware of every baby sound you hear in the store
You want to hurt whoever accidentally woke up your baby at nap time as that is one of the most sacred times of your day
A slobbery kiss is very much appreciated
Your capacity to love is far greater than what is was pre-child(ren)!

....how do you know you are a mother of a pre schooler?

Birthday Blessings

I have been so blessed with dear sisters in Christ, who have become very close friends. We have Bible study together on Tuesday mornings. Today, because my birthday is on Thursday, they made me cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies for during the study. I must say, these aided my diet efforts considerably! They also sent me home with beautiful flowers and lovely chocolates...so pretty, I'll just look at them. Hahaha. Nope.

I celebrated with my family this past weekend. I'm so thankful for a wonderful family who loves me despite myself. My parents gave me some new shirts and jeans. I'm so excited, but I'll spare you from the model portfolio. Although, I did make Josh sit through it! Dave and Amy gave me a new book that has crafting and recipes! I'm excited to try some of it soon.

We have some plans this weekend that I will promptly blog about when they take place. I have decided that I like stretching this out. Yeah for birthdays!!

A photo shoot of my blessings.

Beautiful flowers that even make my kitchen sink happy.



Chocolates that make anyone happy. Thanks Jessica! They are so pretty!



Flowers and chocolate. The way to a happy girl and a bigger pant size!

Poppy and Mommac

Tonight my parents called to say goodnight to Sophie. She smiled as she listened to them. I whispered for her to tell them "I love you." She whispered "wuv you." I whispered again..."say it loud." She smiled into the phone and says, "wuv you youd (loud)!"

I love my girl loud!!

It's official...

I will now be posting my design tips and decorating projects on my design blog! I created a blog, Bananas and Damask Interiors, to start designing and consulting more. I'm really excited and would love for you to check it out! Become a follower and come with me on the adventure!

Don't Forget to Call...

Josh placed his shoes by the door, because he is getting ready to go out of town. Apparently, Sophie thought he needed an extra phone; she placed one in his shoe for him (yes, that is her toy phone)! Don't forget to call, Daddy! We will miss him, but we are so proud of him too, as he goes and speaks for a retreat this weekend. We love you Daddy!

He's Coming to Get You...

AJ just gets faster and faster. He still carries his legs behind him, in the army crawl fashion, but he is stinkin' fast and into everything. Sophie, at this stage, was still timid. AJ will go anywhere and get into everything! He is going to keep me busy!

World Peace for All...

I was just trying to take a bunch of shots quickly because I had him swinging. I wanted to get a smile and got a different message entirely.

A Breath of Fresh Air...

We took some time this afternoon in cold January to enjoy some fresh air. It was not raining so we bundled up and played in the backyard that will be ours for just a little longer (no we still don't know anything). Josh built this structure for the kids, so I'm really glad I got some pictures of all of them playing!!

Time will tell...

We may not have to look at this out our window much longer... "our window" may not belong to us much longer. We are praying for some people who, most likely, will be making an offer tomorrow morning! We are praying that they will love our house as much as we do. We are praying that they will send a strong offer. And hopefully they can make priceless memories here too!

Please join us...we'll keep you updated!

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. " Psalm 116:7

She loves her pony too...

My Aunt Neva got Sophie this pony for her first birthday. She loved it then, but now that she can ride all by herself...we love it just as much! Sophie saw it in the garage (we have a lot of our stuff out there right now, as our house is staged) and it was love all over again. She has been riding a lot! "Gidyup, Gidyup, Gidyup!"