Chalkin' It Up

Today consisted of Gymboree in the morning, packing during the kids naptime, and chalk time in the backyard after dinner. I actually busted out the chalk for the first time this morning with Taylor, and she seemed to like it but wasn't totally into it. I wonder if Taylor or Landon will inherit Hank's God-given ability to draw and create the most beautiful artwork.

Packing hasn't been too fun. I'm making my list and checking it twice.... I just know I will pack too much of something and forget a necessity item. I just can't forget Taylor's blanket. So more than likely this will be my last post until we return. Have a great week everyone!

Super Busy Sunday

What a weekend! As soon as this blog post is complete, I'm off to bed. Today was another great day. We ran errands in the morning which pushed Taylor's nap back until 12:45, a good hour and a half later than normal. But she slept for 3.5 hours! Wow! She always sleeps well when daddy's home. I don't get it. Maybe he just wears her out more than I do.

This afternoon there were 11 of us from our neighborhood, Desert Trails, to celebrate Bonnie and Shelbi as they get ready to have babies soon. Bonnie is due in 3 weeks and Shelbi is due in 7 weeks. Hank and I are so thankful for our neighborhood. It's really rare these days to find a neighborhood like ours.

For the most part of the baby shower, Hank watched the kiddos upstairs. But then it came to a point where Taylor was yelling "Mama, Mama" repeatedly and louder each time. So I finally let her come down and she enjoyed the yummy cake. Tomorrow I will start to get organized and pack for our trip to Denver. I am so excited to get away from cleaning and chores and just spend time with family and cherishing every moment together.

Ugg Boots & Date Nights

Only five days left until we leave for our family vacation to Denver. This will be the first trip on an airplane for both Taylor and Landon. Yesterday I was able to go through Taylor's winter wardrobe and pull out some outfits to bring along with us to the cool country. In the cute photo above, Taylor is trying on her Ugg boats that Oma Spelts bought her last Christmas. They still fit but barely as Taylor has skis for feet. But don't worry, that Pepsi cup in the photo is full of ice water.

Hank and I must be living on adrenaline as last night was the fifth night with little sleep. Taylor woke up screaming in pain and we couldn't get her to take Tylenol or go back to bed so we were both up with her for two hours. I'm pretty exhausted, but there's no time for a nap today.

Last night Grandma and Grandpa Schepemaker watched the kiddos so that Hank and I could go to a Diamondbacks game with good friends and former neighbors Tammy and Dave. Tonight we are going on a triple date to see the movie Fireproof with Leanne and Eric and Angie and Steve. Hank and I will catch dinner alone and catch up without our sweet little ones. So we'll be dropping off the kiddos back at Grandma and Grandpa Schepemakers. Two nights out in one weekend is such a treat! But I must admit, I miss my children dearly while we are away.

A Daddy's Perspective

My life is full of smiles because I get to be with my children and celebrate life with them. I love the little people in my life and of this world, because it's the little people who teach the biggest lessons in life to the big people who are automatically assumed to know more. But I know I don't know much when my kids are constantly creating fresh faith in me and building new character in me. They're teaching me what it means not to worry and to simply trust, to appreciate the small things that go unnoticed. They show me where I lack in patience and when I try to control when I shouldn't. They teach me what it means to just 'be' in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. I realize that every experience they are having these days is fresh and exciting and intrigueing. Not boring. So I have appreciated more rocks in the past 5 months then I have all of my life. Taylor likes seeing the light rocks on the dark rocks and as crazy and simple as it sounds that's valuable to me. She is sweet and playful. Gives me kisses, run headlong into me at top speeds to say hi...only when she's ready though. She says "my momma and daddy", ' Tane u dadda" and so I am blessed at how my kids interact with me. Landon is generous with smiles. He loads them on me and that simply is my joy. He has a gentle gaze but he also growls and laughs when we make eye contact. He's a good time. When he's 7 he'll be able to pin me at the rate he's goin. I like all the hard work of running a family. Not because its easy but because it's hard and challenging and right. What's really in our hearts come blaring out, and the real deal shows up. All the experiences from arguments, frustrations, stresses, dissappointments, to laughs, smiles, lessons, hopes, dreams, and joys; all these things are working just as they're supposed to. The wrong walls are being broke down and the right walls are being built up. Commitment is being strengthened, priorities are being adjusted, personal wants are being forfeited.... all because of family.

Teething Troubles

Last night was the third night in a row where both kids woke up due to teething pain. At least that is our best assessment since there really are no other symptoms. So our only plans today were to go to our neighbors house to visit Shelbi and Grace. I was so tired, but I know Grace and Taylor love to hang out with each other. My reward for not being lazy was McDonalds for lunch. I know what you are thinking, but when you are really tired and don't want to cook...a cheeseburger always sounds good.

So I was rushing to get the kids in the car so we could quickly drive to McDonalds and back and still get them down in time for their nap. As I was turning to strap Landon in the car, I hit the corner edge of the car door right in the middle of my forehead. I was dazed for a moment, bleeding for a couple of seconds, but still wanted that cheeseburger. The cashier at McDonald's must have taken one look at me and thought I was nuts.

So after naptime, we hung out in Taylor's room where she likes to play in her kitchen. Landon seemed a little warm so I grabbed the thermometer and sure enough the little guy had 101 fever. No other real symptoms so I have to believe it's due to the teething. I'm no dentist, but it kind of looks like his third tooth may break through any day now. Poor guy is only 5 months old and already battling multiple teeth at once. Like I've said before, teething, immunizations and separation anxiety are three things that no one seems to warn parents about. At least I wasn't forewarned.

So Landon has been battling a fever all afternoon. I'm keeping him medicated and comforted as much as possible. He's just not himself tonight. That's OK though. He's still my sweet little man.

While Landon was taking his last nap of the day, Taylor and I baked cupcakes for small group. I ended up staying home tonight because I was exhausted and still have a headache from bumping my forehead on the door (i'm such a dork), and I wanted to keep a close eye on Landon.

When the nights seem long and the days seem even longer, I seem to get more frustrated and impatient. I know I need to draw closer to God so that He can equip me to be the mom that Taylor and Landon need. I always want to give them my best. I'm such a work in progress....