Oh Yes

Oh yes, as Sammy says.
A spring-like day in January.  What a wonderful respite from the cold, dreary days we've had lately.  Though the grass is still brown and the trees are bare, it reminds of what's to come.  (Also reminds me why I feel a little crazy by this point in the winter.)
The kids were out for most of the afternoon.  Lucy's really getting her first taste of "playing" outside.  I think she's gonna love it!

 A picnic after church sounded like a great idea to them.

Notice Lucy's "ball-ball" as she calls it.

 Checking out Jack's camera.

This guy is passionate about shorts and short sleeves.    

Ready or Not

Ready or not, Mama, I'm growing up.

See what I can do!

No matter how many times I tell them not to, these kids grow up anyway and take a little piece of my heart with them.
This baby girl is no exception, huh?  Last night she took her first steps alone.  I almost missed them.  I turned around in time to see her smiling big.  First, one step.  Then, two, three.  Three little baby steps and the whole house went crazy.  The kids were so excited.  Lucy was so proud of herself.

I was somewhere between "Yay!" and "Oh not yet..." 

Libraries

We went to the library yesterday in preparation for this snow storm that is supposedly headed our way.  I think a lot of people had the same idea because it was busy.  Our kids are always excited to go to the library.  The ride home, and even the rest of the afternoon, is so quiet.
We stocked up.  Kayla is really enjoying reading on her own now.  She loves to get in bed with a flashlight at night and read- just like me.  Although I use a lamp, not a flashlight.  I'm starting When Crickets Cry.  So far so good.
Let me just say that I am very thankful for our libraries.  It seems that library systems are being cut left and right lately.  I  have to wonder what that says about our society when we can spend millions of dollars on sporting events and the like but have no money for (or interest in) books.   As Samuel said a few days ago, "Sounds like trouble down there, Mom."
p.s.  I know there are many issues more pressing than libraries.  I'm just sayin...

Reading Together

This dear one wanted to look at books last night.
First, she sat with her big sister next to her and turned page after page.
Then I pulled her into my lap and we read.
About babies.  Her favorite.
She took over and jabbered to me.
For quite a while.
Pointing to pictures.  Telling me her stories.
And I loved it.  There are few things I enjoy more than reading with my kids.  The stories are good.  But the quiet time together is better.  Especially in the evening after a long busy day.
One of the many perks of being mom to these young ones.

Another Quote

"The room had been quiet, with that companionable silence born of mutual ease."

     from Miss Read's Thrush Green

A lovely quote from a lovely book

Hugs

It's National Hug Day!

Brian says a person needs at least seven hugs a day.

He says kid hugs are especially good medicine.

So I ask you, have you had your hugs today?

WInter Reading

We've found some good "winter" books I thought I'd share.  I'm always up for a good book recommendation!

White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin A Caldecott winner
What I love best about this book is that it's old.  Seems like the older a book is, the better it is.  Not always, but often at least.  A cozy book.  Rich language.
Sneezy the Snowman  by Maureen Wright  Not old but funny.  Sammy likes this one.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers  Beautiful pictures.  Makes you feel like you are there.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr  Another Caldecott winner  A calming, peaceful read.

One of my new favorites is The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.  An older chapter book.  A dear story about compassion and forgiveness.
And a new favorite picture book, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox.  It's full of sweet babies.  What else would you need?

Leaping Hearts

"He'd have to come, a day like this," whispered Molly to herself, gazing bemused at the view before her.

And, at that moment, Ben knocked upon the back door."

           from Miss Read's Thrush Green

As I read this passage, my own heart leapt with Molly's. 

On an evening a little over 12 years ago, I was sitting on the couch staring out the large, old windows of my roommates house.  A friend was on the phone and we were speculating why he hadn't called after our first date-which had only been a day or two before.  I couldn't stop thinking about him.  I was working myself up into a little frenzy.  Silly girl that I was.

And then. 

If it had been a movie it wouldn't have been more perfect.

There he was.

Taking the front steps two at a time.

My heart skipped a beat.

He smiled and waved through the window.

I hung up and answered the door.

Trying to seem calm.

And you know, I remember that like it was yesterday.  I love that memory.  And I love that guy.

I think anyone who knows him will tell you he is a stand-up guy.  

I sure think so.

Today is his birthday.

Happy Birthday!  We love you!

Why?

WHY does this girl love to play around the trash can so much??

Cookie Day

It seems like some days just work better than others.  There's a little more time for fun.  We had a day like that earlier in the week.  It's been cold and grey and I have a little girl who loves to bake.  Since we couldn't get outside much, we baked cookies.  The smell of chocolate chip cookies in the oven is therapeutic.  And when they are just out of the oven, watch out.  I eat waaayyy too many of them.
Kayla said she was taking cookie pictures.  Here you go.

"Get my chair Mom.  I want to help."

Of course!

Is there anything better than cookies and milk?

Lucy would like to find out for herself.

Yummy goodness.

Home

I've been feeling a little "off" lately.
Earlier today Brian said, "Why don't you take a couple hours and go get one of those caramel coffee drinks you like?"
My ears perked up.
You don't have to ask me twice.
Well, actually, I think he did.
I went.  And it was nice to be out for a while.  Just me and my thoughts.
And my coffee- which had way more caffeine in it than I am used to so we'll see how that goes.
Do you know the crazy thing, though?  I mostly thought about getting back home.   I think that no matter how chaotic family living seems sometimes, there is still no where I'd rather be.
I'll take my breaks as they come- don't get me wrong!!
But it's nice to want to be home, too.

1-11-11

Number 1- I'm getting my post in on 1-11-11.  What if I had even timed it at 1:11?  Oh well.
Number 2- It's been a bit of a Calgon day.  I happen to know some of you are too young to understand that but some of you get it.  If I really stop and think, there's probably just been some Calgon moments, not a whole day.  Lucy is feeling a little pitiful and just does not want to be put down.  I love holding her but sometimes I just can't, you know?
And I've had plenty of opportunity to practice what the kids and I have been talking about in our Bible study time- speaking kindly to one another or praying for self-control and a kind heart when we're having a hard time.  Our home is a classroom for the practice of the Scriptures, indeed.  Sometimes more often than I'd like to admit.  And usually it starts with me.
All that to say, I have found some bright moments (not hard to do) that I want to remember.

Samuel has been playing so nicely.  Here, he's up on the train table with everything he needs to keep busy. And he's taken to humming while he plays.  His playlist:  "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Jingle Bells," or "Doe, a deer, a female deer..."  Sometimes he sings, too, and I think he might have a nice little voice- he keeps a tune pretty well.

Also, on Sunday afternoon I asked him what his Sunday school lesson was about.

"John the bad man."

I hate to admit it took a minute for me to get it.

John the Baptist.

Can you see the attitude on that pretty face?  

She'd been checking out toy after toy.

"Mom.  Is everything made in China?"

No political statement intended. 

 Just wondering what got her thinking about that.

Mayberry

I've been thinking lately that I'd really like to live in Mayberry.
Next door to Andy and Aunt Bea.
It would be so nice on summer evenings to listen to Andy play his guitar and sing out on their front porch.
To walk down to Main Street and get my groceries and say hi to all the people I know.  Because I would surely know everyone since it's Mayberry.
I'd take my car to Goober and Gomer.
Get my boys' haircut by Floyd.
Invite Opie over to play.
I know its just a tv show but it sure seems like such a nice place to live.
We've watched a good bit of The Andy Griffith Show as a family.  Brian got us hooked back when Jack was little.
We always, always enjoy it.
I just don't think there will ever be another show like it.

A Quiet Start

These are my early birds.  Early meaning somewhere between 6 and 6:30.  I think for about two years now Brian or I have started every morning on the couch with Sam, him eating some dry cereal.  Coffee has made it's way into the routine.
It's usually quiet.
A nice, slow start to the day.  (Not that I wouldn't mind it being a later start...)
Now that Lucy's getting a little bigger, she's got her own bowl of cereal to munch on.

Slow Start

We've had a slow re-entry into school this week.  It's been kind of nice, and I don't think anyone has minded too much.  Over Christmas, Kayla was sick with this fever/cough/soar throat.  Then a few days later, I got it.  When no one else was sick for several days, I thought the rest of us had dodged it.  But Jack ended up with it Sunday night.  I am really hoping that's it.  It would be pitiful to see the little ones feeling badly.
In the mean time, I have finished putting away the Christmas decorations.  I love getting them up early in December.  Everything feels so cozy.  But when Christmas is over, everything suddenly feels crowded and cluttered.  Makes it easy to de-decorate and have the house feel a little more open again.

Hoping this one

and this one stay well.

What a great pout.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe I missed a chance to post on 1-1-11!  I'll get it on 1-11-11 for sure.  So far 2011 is ringing in the way I like it- q-u-i-e-t.  The kids had a sleep over at Granny and Grandpa's on New Year's Eve so not only did I get a full night's sleep, I also had a quiet morning to myself.  (Lucy was with us but she slept in a little.)
I spent the morning getting ready for a mini-baby shower for Brian's sister and her family.  A baby boy due in just a couple of months.  What a way to start a new year.  Celebrating a new little life.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of babies and baby showers.  There is nothing like it.  I also don't think I'll ever be rid of that little baby bug whispering in my ear.  I know when I've met my match (and I have!) but these little ones are treasures.  Every one.
There are a few things I want to remember from the past few weeks.  My mom always tells me to "write that down" and I never do unless it's here.

This morning on the way to church Jack said something to irritate Sammy.  Don't remember what it was but I do remember Sam's response.  In his gruffest three year old voice he hollered, "You quiet up!  Now!" Of course first I had to address the unkindess there but then I laughed as quietly as I could.  And the thing is, I have said or done plenty of things I am not proud of as a mom, but one thing I have never done is tell my kids to shut up.  So not sure where that combo came from.

Earlier this year Brian was doing some shopping and the kids and I were waiting outside.  I said, "I think Dad takes longer than me to shop."
Jack grinned and looked at me from the corner of his eye.  "Ya sure about that?"  Haha

A few nights ago Brian was gone for dinner so it was just me and the kids.  Jack said, "Mom, food just doesn't taste the same when someone's missing from the table."  Love that.

Christmas morning, around 5:30, we are all awake in one room, waiting until a more decent time to run into Grandma's kitchen and check out our stockings.  I heard in the dark Jack say to Sam, "Merry Christmas, buddy."  Hope I can always hear that voice.  And I hope they are always buddies.

And one of the most precious things from this year is something I hear most everyday from Kayla.  She loves little Lucy so much.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen her rub Lucy's cheek or hair and softly say, "I love ya Lucy."  Or "You're so cute, Lucy."  She's a sweet big sister.

I know I have more but I can't remember anything else right now.  Maybe another day?
Happy New Year!