Avalanche

I pretty much love this song. I remember a girl sang it at the end of service one week at church. It was moving to me then. I got the CD from the library and can't get enough of it...especially this song. Really, it just speaks of God's amazing love and grace. I want more of Him every day! This song says "Take my life, take all that I am. With all that I am, I will love you. Take my heart, take all that I have. Jesus, how I adore you." I owe Him so much, but he just wants me to love Him. Hillsong United

Pictures speak a thousand words...

Cutie Pies

We have had so much fun being outside lately. I have been trying to snap pictures when we are out and about to have something to remember our outings. Claire has always loved to swing, and it seems Micah enjoys it too. I can't get enough of my two cutie pies. They are so fun, silly, smiley, sometimes sassy, and the best of it all!

My loves...

As days go by....

I am amazed how quickly time goes by. Each day feels like we have something going on or somewhere to be. I can't imagine what it would be like to have older kids in school, sports, church, activities, etc. I will not take for granted the time I have now. Each day is a reminder to enjoy each moment because they go by so quickly. We have been involved with church, helping with curriculum, small group, a mom's group at our house, Chad trying to finish his master's degree and me substitute teaching here and there. That doesn't include our visits to the library for story time, walks to the park, fitting a run in here and there. (I am sure this is minimal for many people, but for us, it is keeping us busy!!)
So, that brings me to the most amazing husband, girl and boy I have ever known. Chad and I have run a couple of 5Ks together, and have a couple more coming up. I really enjoy running, especially because it gives me some QUIET, alone time! Chad is so supportive and encourages me with each new thing I accomplish, small as they are. (He's a REAL runner, as I like to call him) Our little tootsies are so much fun, growing so much each day, and learning things all the time. Here's a little update on them. Enjoy!
Little Miss:
*Big girl potty
*Talks a ton...I could write post after post of all the things she says. A recent funny one was when she wanted to say good-bye to the park. She leaned, waved and shouted "Bye park. I will see you later. I will text you on your phone!" Really?? She knows what texting is??
*Loves to take care of her babies, and her little brother
*Loves to walk around the block, go on wagon rides, play at the park, anything involving outside, she is game
*Dancing, dancing, dancing
*Trying on and changing her clothes a zillion times
*Angelina Ballerina

Boogie (as we proudly call him)
*Crawling
*2 Teeth have finally made their grand appearance
*Waving
*Says Dada, Mama, Hi, Bye and something like ba for ball
*Clapping
*Eats tons!
*LOVES his big sis. He has to think she is the best thing in the world. She can sure make him smile when she plays with him

Love them, so much! Thank you God for my family and letting me be home to be mommy. I am so grateful!

Christmas

This year was a special Christmas for us. We got to travel to Colorado to spend it with some of my family who we don't see all that often. We anticipated our trip with much excitement, explaining we were going on an airplane, going to see mountains and see "grandma." Note: Next time a trip is in the future, wait until closer to start the excitement. It doesn't work to tell a toddler we have "3 more months", "2 more weeks" etc. SHE HAD A BLAST!! Plane ride, van ride, mountains, snow, cabin, snow, sledding, cousins, free play all day! Both kids did so well on the plane. We had such a great time being with family. There are so many things I could talk about, but honestly, my favorite part was just "being" together, literally. I have a huge family and it is SO hard to all get together. My mom and half my brothers and sisters were there. Hopefully next time we will ALL be there. Not sure if we can all fit into the lens of a camera, but we will sure try to squeeze in there. The last time my entire family was together, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters, was in 1997. Right??? About time to get us all together I think!! We have lots more in-laws and grandbabies now. LOTS more!
I loved our trip, loved Christmas...especially when Claire remembered whose birthday it was...Happy Birthday Jesus! Oh, and I got to spend my birthday there too. Nice!

Thankful

I love Thanksgiving for many reasons. I know I am supposed to say that I like it because I take time to reflect on what I am thankful for. I can honestly say, that is part of it, but I am trying hard to let a thankful heart be a part of my everyday life. I often grumble, complain, compare, etc and focus is placed on the negative, what I don't have, what others do have, and why I am not good enough. I have been writing something down each day this month to remind myself I have SO much to be thankful for. I have realized my list isn't in any particular order, except first is that I am so thankful to be a child of God, and have a real,loving relationship with Him. All the rest comes after because all the other things come with a trust in Him.
I have also realized it is hard to just think of one thing each day. There are so many!!
I am also thankful for my husband, kids, family, friends, good health, being able to stay at home, and the list goes on. I realized that the most important things are those which don't have a dollar value. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for my home, my car, food, clothes and all the rest, but they don't mean much in comparison to so many other things. It is amazing to me how many of my thoughts focus on negative things when I have so much to be thankful for. Oh yes, and the other reasons I love Thanksgiving...being with family, cooler weather, yummy food, and starting off the whole holiday season. Let it begin!!

6 months

Micah,
It is crazy that 6 months have already passed since we brought you home and into our family. Each day has been a new adventure in getting to know you and who you are. You have so many happy, smiley moments and we love to watch you laugh! Each one is a reminder of who you are. We love you so much and look forward to all the wonderful months and years ahead as you continue to grow and become the amazing boy you already are. A few things about this past month...
*Sitting up much better but you still need support
*Eating real food (Well, the mushy kind at least) You have had oatmeal, squash, sweet potatoes, zucchini and applesauce
*Realizing when Mommy leaves the room (I try to tell you I'll be right back!)
*Interacting some with Big Sister
*Playing with your toys

You are a sweet boy. We love you so much!