Daddys Do Things Differently

Sean had a day off last week (I know... a miracle), so I went to work all day while he watched the kids. I kind of liked the trade off. I got to be around adults all day. I just sat quietly at my desk, listened to completely coherent adult chatter, and enjoyed the fact that no one was whining or tugging at my clothes or wiping snot all over my shirt. Just me being all adult like and working. Well, by the end of the day, the glamour wore off. I was ready to cradle some babies, wipe off some sticky fingers, and kiss all over some chubby cheeks. I left work feigning for motherhood and came home to this....



Yes... that is my beautiful baby girl sprawled out for a nap on the couch... with no pants on but the same jammy shirt I put on her the night before. Yes she has hot pink shoes on for her nap because she's been outside playing with no pants on. Yes, I'm slightly embarrassed.

Then bath time with Daddy doing shampoo yielded this...



But the day also had precious moments like this...




At first, I admit... I was frustrated when I got home. I want someone to be me while I'm gone... to do the dishes and laundry and make dinner while taking care of the kids and working from home. That's not so hard is it? But then I realized my way is no better, it's just different. The kids were loved, happy, safe, fed, and eventually cleaned, and they got to spend time with Daddy. Sean makes such a wonderful father because he's NOT ME. He adds laughter and spontaneity to our life. He works hard, plays hard, and doesn't stress out over the details like I do. I chose him because he compliments me and together we make our family whole. So, Happy Birthday babe. Thanks for being you and for letting me be me.

Two for One

After a pretty nasty thunderstorm the other day, I saw this little miracle in the sky...



I love the irony of such a beautiful thing being created from such a monster. It reminds me of the good that can come from bad... the peace that can come after sorrow... the strength that can be found in tragedy. I'm so thankful for the rainbows in my life.

Our Little Herb Garden

It has been one busy and H-O-T summer so far, so the kiddos and I decided to just take a day off... no chores, no errands, no work... just me, the kids, and LOTS of playing. We played in the sprinklers, jumped on the trampoline, ate a million popsicles, and planted a little herb garden. I had forgotten the joy that can be found in simplicity, and I'm definetly planning many more days of unplannedness this summer. :)

Forks Make Messes Too

Little Miss M has been working on her table manners lately. She's pretty fork-savey now...



but sometimes a fork just doesn't work fast enough for a hungry little belly...



mMmMm :)

Rock Star

I walked into the kitchen to see little Miss M singing at the top of her lungs into the Guitar Hero microphone. I think my heart exploded! I can't wait for voice lessons, recitals, talent shows, and solo/ensembles. Seriously. I. can't. wait.

Fat Man's Squeeze

See Seven States

Rock City

Butterflies and Creeks

Moonpie

While we were walking around in downtown Chattanooga, we found a cute little old timey general store called Moonpie. The kids loved it, and it brought back yummy memories of sneaking into Mama Ellen and Popa Bill's pantry for a good old southern chocolate covered moonpie.

Here Fishy Fishy

Jellyfish

Freshwater Creatures Saltwater Fish

Aquarium

I love, love, love these babies. Despite all of the beautiful scenery and tons of interesting architecture, all I could manage to do was snap pictures of these two beautiful faces. When I look at them, I see my love, my heart, in a tangible form. I thank God every single day that I was chosen to be their mother.

Chattanooga

We hit the road this weekend. I have sooooooo many pictures, so I guess I'll posts a little each day.
I love little mini vacations. I always come home feeling renewed and ready to tackle the monotony again. This trip was especially nice... walking the streets downtown, hiking in the mountains, seeing new animals, and watching the kids soak up all of the fun. I feel so blessed.

Potty Time

It's aLmOsT time to start the dreaded... I mean delightful task of potty training. We started last week by getting all of the potty gear out so she could become familiar with the whole concept; then this morning, as soon as she woke up, I plopped her on the potty. and.......SUCCESS!! accompanied by cheers, dancing, and proud toddler grins.
I don't expect to get rid of the diapers any time soon, but I'm glad she's so receptive to the idea. I have no doubt that when we get down to business, she won't take long to get the hang of it. So here's my checklist before it's time to switch to the undies and never look back:

aware of body parts - check

understands when she's dirty - check

can clearly communicate need to go - mostly check

can take pants on and off - not even close... she's been trying to put on her PJ pants for the last 30 minutes. They are those complicated footies, but still.... :(


ok... I know her hair looks CrAzY, but we went STRAIGHT to the potty when she woke up, and she just happens to wake up that glamorous.

The BEST Weekend EVER

My brothers came to visit me last weekend!!! I know I always go on and on about how amazing they are, but I just can't help it. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! While they were here we were able to go to church together and then go to my Aunt Mary's lakehouse to spend some time with my sisters. The lake house was SO RELAXING, and having all of the siblings together made my heart whole again.