to clarify...

I think maybe I sounded a bit down in my previous post and may have alarmed a few of you...didn't mean to at all! Actually, I'm doing quite well and what I meant by what I said in the first paragraph was that I'm trying to figure out how to manage my work here at home in the best possible way (my work around the house, time management, organization, etc.). I know that if I don't create a bit of structure for myself, I tend to get anxious and lose my cool a bit too much. Sometimes I sound so dramatic when I write:)

gratitude...

I've been a bit out of the blog world this week as I've been working on figuring out some better routine for my day. I spent three months trying to make things run smoothly for my boys...and now it is time for me to figure out the rest of my life. I will let you know soon how it is going...

I had to pop on here really quick to say something I've been thinking about today. I'm just so overwhelmed and grateful for our wonderful family members on both sides! I've always known that I am loved--and what a great feeling that is! But to see our family loving on our boys is something else all together. Nothing touches this mama's heart like knowing that my children are loved unconditionally by other important people in their lives. So, thank you to our family (and the friends in our lives that really are family to us) ...you have blessed me by loving my children and have given Parker and Griffin the greatest gift of all.

our little trip...

Just returned home from a fun trip away with my mom, sister, and my two boys. We had a lot of fun--not relaxing, but a lot of FUN! Seriously, is it ever relaxing when you're in charge of a two year old and a three month old?

We went to a nearby resort town on a big lake. Isn't it wonderful to go to a hotel and make a mess and not have to be the one to clean it up? I love that...guess that part was relaxing. Oh, and really, I didn't trash the hotel room...I just wasn't tidy:) And guess what? Hotels have cable TV! In addition to watching our fair-share of TV, we also went on some walks, saw boats, went swimming, ate a bunch...and listened to Parker chatter away about it all.

In my pictures, it appears as though my mom, Griffin, and I were not really present! I have tons of pictures of Kelsey and Parker, though! I had to add the little sepia-toned picture in, even though it wasn't take on our trip...just to make it fair:)

Many thanks to Mooma & Auntie Kels! You two helped me so much with the boys and we had so much fun!

pictures from our hike...

I can't even remember the last time I posted pictures of just the two of us and so, now is the time! These are pictures from our date night on Friday. After dressing in our finest clothes:), we decided to get Chinese take-out and eat at the park and then went out on a bit of a hike. Can you believe that all of this is literally five minutes from our house? I kept thinking about that while we were hiking and I have no idea why we aren't out there every week...at least! It was so fun to hang out and talk while enjoying the amazing beauty. Next week we're definitely going to take the boys. I say it over and over...but I feel so blessed to live here!

A note about the picture above...I have literally owned that shirt since I was about four years old and even then, it was given to me by my grandma when my luggage was lost! And also...do you know how hard it is to get a good picture by balancing the camera on a rock on the side of a hill and waiting for a timer? We spent way too much time trying to figure this one out!

just a season...

Oh, happy Friday to everyone! Spring is finally here and I’m in a good mood. I love that we live in an area with four distinct seasons….but they sure do drive me crazy sometimes. I like to say that I love all four of the seasons, but really, I cannot stand early spring. By the time late February rolls around, I’m just about ready to take a hostage because I’m so sick of the overcast sky and cold air. Blah, blah, blah. I agree with Aleah, I never really realize how much I need some sunshine until it comes back and then I suddenly feel alive again. Too bad our winters tend to last half of the year J. We’ve now had about a week of good weather and I’m falling in love (again) with our little city. Our baby grass is popping up and our lilac is blooming—we actually have some living things in our yard…which is an improvement from last year! Aaaahhhh, Spring!

I’m also enjoying this season of life. Like I said earlier, our routine is becoming easier and we’re spending more time at home these days because of nap schedules. I’m actually really enjoying it because instead of rushing around trying to get to this toddler activity and the next one, we’re forced to slow down. We play outside more and enjoy more plain-old togetherness. Sure beats getting kids in and out of the car multiple times! Slowing down is a really good thing once in a while. At times, I start to feel a little stir-crazy or guilty about laying low, but I am reminded that this is just a season and it won’t last forever. I know that in years to come this time of schedule will be impossible so I am savoring the moment while we have it.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

I’m looking forward to a hiking date with my husband tonight, a picnic in the park tomorrow, and a little two night trip with my mom and sister (plus two little boys :) on Sunday. Fun days ahead…have a great weekend!

easy does it...

I don't want to actually say that we've adjusted to this new life of two children (because tomorrow I'll probably be throwing another tantrum or something), but I do have to say that things are feeling easier. We hit the three month mark on Monday and I am in a bit of a reflective mood...

The first month was tough for me because my recovery took so much longer than I expected. I really thought that I could just bounce back. Not the case. During the second month, I started feeling better physically, but the task of learning a whole new routine with two seemed enormous at times. Have I mentioned that I'm not good at change....oh, not at all! Around the two month mark, Griffin started sleeping most of the night and...WOW...how a little sleep changes perspective. This past month has had its ups and downs...but overall I feel like we've got a good routine going. I will never say that this gig is easy, but it feels like our "normal" now.

Something I didn't consider, though...Griffin needs his nap in his bed in the morning, or else:) and Parker needs his nap in the afternoon, or else:), so we basically have no opportunity to go out and do anything fun until about 3:30 or so. I asked a friend how long this fun stage should last..."Oh, about a year." A year! I'm going to have to think of some really fun at-home activities!

Some other things that are making life feel more manageable:

~I'm trying to eat healthier. I took about a 9 month hiatus from eating many veggies and I've recently decided that enough is enough...time to get serious! Back to eating healthy because I sure need the energy!
~I'm exercising again. I quit exercising about a week before Griffin was born and decided to take a little break for a while. Now I want it back! A friend and I have started walking about three miles around our park with all five of our kids (strollers, bikes, etc.) We get a chance to talk, get our exercise in, and then the kids get to play together at the playground.
~Joel has a new schedule. For the past six months Joel has worked eight days and then has had six days off. Sure sounds like a good gig, but it just wasn't working for all of us. Now Joel is on a more regular, Monday through Friday schedule, but he gets home just after four in the afternoon. I am thrilled and our afternoons are so fun!
~I love Griffin's age. Most people can't believe this, but I'm not a huge fan of the tiny newborn stage....at all! I love older babies because they are so much more interactive and their personalities start to shine. Plus, I think older babies are so much cuter! Griffin is officially out of the newborn, comatose stage and I am so into him! He is "talking" and playing...and I even got a good belly laugh out of him for the first time this week. I think it was patty cake that got him! When Griffin is playing with Joel and having a good time, he'll smile this huge grin and then look out of the corner of his eye to make sure I'm watching. "Look mama, I am so funny...aren't I cute!" Gets me every time. He sure knows how to work me:)
~I feel like someone is praying for my spiritual journey. Do you ever feel like that? I have been feeling so hungry for God and His Word lately. A deep hunger. I'm so excited about this! I feel like God is surely working...or at least I'm noticing it this time. Thank you to those who are praying. This is a passage I've been focused on lately...

*Goodness*Knowledge*self-control*perseverance*godliness*brotherly kindness*love*

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them

You may participate in the divine nature

and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-11

mommy talk #4

May 8 Mommy Talk

How much weight did you gain (w/ picture...are you brave enough? )

and what did you like MOST about pregnancy?

What did you like the LEAST?

I gained about 23-24 lbs with Parker and then lost a couple right before delivery..."cleaning out the system", as they say:) Maybe sometime I will find a picture, but I pretty much looked the same as my most recent pregnancy. I liked looking round and pregnant and buying new clothes! I enjoyed feeling Parker move around and just loved learning about everything related to pregnancy and new motherhood. In the beginning, I disliked feeling sick and near the end, I didn't like being the center of attention anymore. I think that part gets really old.

I was reprimanded just a bit for not gaining enough weight with Parker, so I thought I would let loose a bit and I ended up eating lots more! Guess what? I gained the same exact amount! Guess my body knew what it was doing all along:) I loved having something to look forward to in the month of February because it is usually not one of my favorite times of the year. I really, really disliked being sick and the middle part of pregnancy because I was not showing enough to be pregnant and too big to be in all of my normal clothes. Yuck. I also disliked not having all of the energy I needed to devote to Parker.

Oh, but it was all so worth it in the end. Griffin is the perfect baby. Really, he is the type of baby that is written about in all of those books that make it all sound so simple. When Parker was a baby, I thought that all of the authors were just lying--I was wrong! Griffin is three months old today and more precious than ever. Maybe I'll write more about him some more later on...

I have way too many pictures of the pregnancy on this blog already, so I won't put up another one. But here is a link...

seven meme

Jennisa tagged me with this Seven Meme and I thought I'd play along. Thanks, Jennisa!

Here are the rules:

~Each player starts with seven random facts/habits about themselves.
~People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules.
~You need to choose up to seven people to get tagged and list their names.

1. I am really terrible with directions. So bad, in fact, that I often would get lost when I first started driving in my teeny, tiny hometown. Really pathetic, especially since my Dad was a navigator in the Navy...guess I didn't get any of those genes! I love the town I live in now because most of the main streets go East-West and North-South. This is good for a struggler like me.

2, 3 and 4. I have three major fears (excluding the type that are about losing a family member, suffering and such): First, I'm really afraid of rodents--even bunny rabbits, which are just disguised to be cute, but in their essence are actually terrible creatures. I once had a mouse run across my face while I was in Yellowstone. That did it...I was a goner from then on. Second, horses scare the poop out of me! I showed horses for years growing up and had some pretty scary accidents happen. I'm really not sure if I'll ever ride again because I have such anxiety. I would actually like to get a mini-horse to be my pet, but it will never happen because Joel thinks I'm crazy:)) And third, I'm quite afraid of large bodies of water. This is a problem because my husband's favorite place in the world is his family's lake cabin. Small rivers are okay sometimes, but big lakes and definitely the ocean, are not my idea of a good time. I don't like the idea that if you drop something (someone) down in the water, you will never see it again and could even go miles down. I even know how to swim! I don't know...maybe I should have never watched Lady In The Water. Scurry. However, I didn't let my fear of water stop me from swimming in the Mediterranean or while we were in the Bahamas...too amazing!

4. I met my husband in college during my freshmen year. He was a senior and never really even noticed me. I pursued him and kind of even stalked him...like I would show up in the biology department and didn't even have a science class--just to run into him! The funny part about this is that this isn't something I would usually do...I'm fairly reserved. Needless to say, he finally noticed the little freshmen girl who kept showing up...

5. I love coffee. I've talked about this before, but now I'm going to explain why I love it. I do love the taste and even the caffeine...but what I really love is the social aspect of a cup of coffee. I love going to a coffee shop to chat with a friend or casually inviting people over for a cup. I especially love having deep conversations with my family with the smell of good java brewing and mugs in hand. Mmmmm.....my kind of day. I actually asked Joel the other day if drinking coffee could be my favorite hobby....he explained that this doesn't qualify as a hobby. I disagree.

6. I'm an introvert, fairly reserved. I used to really hate this about myself, but now that I understand how I operate, I like to refer to myself as a "functional introvert"....meaning I like social situations, I just need time to recharge by myself.

7. I am almost always cold, even in the summer...well, except last summer when I was a really cranky, pregnant lady and our AC broke while it was in the hundreds. So, almost all of the time, I am cold. I use a down comforter on my bed all year long and wear my Columbia fleece jacket over my clothes on most days. I love summer, but really dislike summer clothing because I get so cold.

So if you are on my little list of fun sites, I think that YOU should do this fun meme!

Thursday 13 for 5.3.07

Thirteen items I really like...but certainly are non-essential and haven't changed my life! Okay, so maybe the books are more important, but the rest is just frosting...you know they make life a bit easier and fun?

For more lists like this, visit Thursday Thirteen...
1. Fisher Price Rain Forest Mobile We didn't have this with Parker but I sure wish we did! Griffin loves to lay in his crib and talk to the little animals and leaves that move around. Sometimes he even cries when we take him out. Definitely worth the money because Griffin has to know how to entertain himself because he has a needy two year old brother:)
2. Bumbo I wanted to be a cool mama and buy a Bumbo seat for Griffin;) He really loves it as this picture shows! Actually, this is something I really wish we had with Parker because Griffin does enjoy the view...he just gets tired!
3. Grace Based Parenting I recently started reading this book. So far, so good.... "Kimmel recommends creating a grace-based home environment that allows children to meet their full potential, to parent children in the same way God parents us. He presents a child's true needs--according to Scripture--and provides parents a realistic, do-able way to meet them. The result--spiritually strong children who grow up with a sense of calm and a heart full of purpose and confidence."
4. Onesie Extender These are so great because I can still fit Griffin into the smaller onesie even though his body is too long. But here is the best part: they work on GAP clothes, as well. Now I can extend the life of my favorite baby clothes!
5. Murphy Oil Soap Squirt and Mop Those who know me well know that I really like cleaning products. This one is my new favorite for quick hardwood touch-ups before I go to bed. Great stuff. I wake up to a fresh, clean smell.
6. Huggies Naturally Refreshing Bath Products I usually use Burt's Bees or Aveeno, but I recently bought this stuff for Parker and I'm now a big fan. Plus, it is less expensive so we like that!
7. Jello Sugar Free Pudding Snacks Sugar free, really yummy and lots of great flavors. If I don't look at the ingredient list, I like them a lot!
8. V8 Fusion I don't like juice but I found this a while back to give to Parker when he is in a no veggie stage....which is like, most of the time:)
9. Maybelline Superstay Lip Color This stuff is great because it stays on for 6+ hours and I like the color choices. I typically don't wear lipstick, but this stuff is great because it doesn't dry out my lips. This item and the next two are a few things that help me feel somewhat presentable, even after a day of spit-up, diapers, and maybe no shower...
10. Ferre perfume I'm in the process of trying to find a new fragrance. Somehow, perfume makes me feel put together even when I am sooooo not! I went to Nordstrom and asked for a bunch of samples and this is the one that is winning so far!
11. CG Liquid Pencil Just another item that I like because it is quick and lasts a long time. I have no time to be fussy!
12. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child By far, the best book about child sleep that I've ever read...and I've read a lot! I've used it with both kids and it has been so helpful. I like that the author supports all sorts of approaches, including independent/co-sleeping. He just makes so much sense. And Griffin slept 10 hours straight last night...love that!
13. Motrin Children's Chewables Two year molars...need I say more? I love that Parker is now old enough to chew medicine because I was getting tired of wrestling him to get him to take anything (I usually lost). These are great and last up to eight hours.

Mommy Talk #3

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Describe your pregnancy...cravings, sickness, etc....

So I completely missed my chance to do this yesterday because I never even got online. I feel like I'm turning in an assignment late:) We're busy at our house these days! We just spent the weekend putting in new grass in our yard and we're in the process of getting a new 'puter. I'm so excited for both of these...for different reasons, of course. Anyway, back to Mommy Talk...

Pregnancy #1- Parker
For the most part, I had a really great pregnancy. I had all the time in the world (before and during the pregnancy) to plan my every meal to have perfect nutritional values and I exercised very consistently, so by the time Parker was born, I was probably in better health than I ever had been before in my life. I even thought that all of my great preparation would give me an easy birth experience....ha! Doesn't work that way, ladies! I was pretty nauseated the first 14 weeks or so, but I only vomited a couple of times a week. I was just so darn excited to be pregnant that all of the little aches and pains didn't bother me one little bit. Cravings: Citrus anything! Joel actually had to tell me to stop eating satsuma oranges because the 10 or so a day I was eating gave me terrible heartburn. Go figure:) I had other cravings for sweet things and things like that, but I very rarely gave in because I was crazy about perfection...something that I regret now.

Pregnancy #2- Griffin
I no longer had all of the time to plan my perfect little meals and exercise like a crazy woman and I also didn't have all the time before I got pregnant to prepare myself. Let's just say that I totally let loose! I had a much harder pregnancy with Griffin as I was sick for almost the first half and never really felt completely well. I was also grumpy! I was probably just so tired out from trying to keep up with Parker that I had a harder time enjoying all of the exciting things about pregnancy. So many things were different about the second pregnancy (including Griffin's activity level), but I did carry Griffin almost the exact same way as Parker. Cravings: More citrus and anything sour. Also, anything sweet, carb-filled, or buttery:)

unforced rhythms of grace

"What do you think about when you daydream? Where does your mind wander during the moments before you fall asleep? What is the first thing that crosses your mind in the morning? Answer those questions honestly, and you will discover your greatest passion."

I read this quote a year or so ago in a devotional and wrote it in my journal. I don't know exactly where it came from...maybe Chuck Swindoll or something? It is very apparent to me that my role as wife and mother is my passion. I feel called to this...I so desperately want to be the woman God wants me to be in this role. I've waited my entire life for this and it really is my passion. I truly have never felt more alive...ever.

But I woke up this morning not feeling it...not at all. Instead, I woke up before six to Parker chattering away and Griffin already getting ready for another meal, and I was literally thinking here we go again. And then I immediately felt guilty for feeling this way about my life. My amazing life. Maybe it is because I was up until eleven putting groceries away and washing dishes and I'm still tired...or maybe it is because I'm discouraged about some feeding issues with Griffin. I don't know....I'm just a bit tired and weary. And then I remembered this passage from Matthew 11:28-30 in the bible:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I've been putting bible passages on my refrigerator to remind me of truth throughout the day and this will be going up today. I'm praying that as I meditate on these words, I will learn more intimately about the unforced rhythms of grace...

Amy....Oh My! Anniversary:)

I started blogging one year ago today! I've been going back through my posts from the past and having a good time remembering all of the events and emotions I've documented here. I originally started this blog with the purpose of sharing pictures of Parker with family members who don't live near us, but it really has turned into something much more. You see, the whole idea of a blog was (and still is) a bit foreign to many people and so the original purpose still is there, but it isn't the only reason I blog. Now I blog for me:) Blogging has been such a great outlet for me...and now I don't know what I would do without it! I like to say that I won't go nuts as long as I clean my house and make sure I post on my blog...totally kidding but you get my point:) As a mom who stays home with the kiddos, it is quite easy to feel isolated and alone in this crazy adventure, but this blog has provided a place for me to express all of the amazing...and not so amazing moments of my life. I think this is healthy for anyone, especially me! It also given me avenues to connect with old friends and meet others who are blogging. I've said before that I've met some really special friends through blogging and this has been the biggest blessing of all.

I've put together some highlights from this past year in my little blogging world...

*My first post cracks me up...I was so serious and cautious! What was up with that? Okay, so maybe being cautious is a good thing, but I've learned to let loose a bit!
*We were blessed with our first house in May of last year. I love looking at these pictures of our house before it became a "home".
*I announced our second pregnancy here in June, shared many a growing girth pictures along the way, and then announced the arrival of out little Griffin in February!
*Joel graduated from PA school in September and then we were able to go on a wonderful vacation, just the two of us...
*This is not a highlight, but during my pregnancy with Griffin, there were many times that I should have renamed my blog "One Big Mess of Hormones"...sorry! I look back and read and I'm amazed at how opinionated and slightly sassy I became. I also had a pretty bad attitude at times. But I wanted to be real...right? At least something (someone!) beautiful was created in the process.
*I also learned some blogging lessons about what not to say...I was totally embarrassed after I made a random comment about how I like shoes off in my house. I've done this a few other times but I don't want to link to them because I'll turn a couple more shades of red:)
*But I've also been able to share some positive reflections and lessons I've learned along my journey. Even if no one reads my words, I love being able to document and to go back and read about things I've forgotten!
*I admit to using my blog to brag about my boys and show off pictures--I just can't help myself! And then there are just the everyday happenings that make up most of my writing...and I won't link to any of those either because there are too many!

I told myself a year ago that if I start blogging for the sole purpose of receiving lots of great comments or feedback, then it would be time to stop. However, thank you to those of you who read and allow me to have my little voice heard from time to time...I'm having fun!

*a little add-on to today's post...it has nothing to do with what I just wrote, by the way...

Please pray for some special orphans and the work my friend Gina is involved with in China... and follow this link to find out how you can help.

Fire House Mini-Disaster

While staying home with the kiddos is pretty challenging at times, I sure do have opportunity to experience so many cool things with the boys. Today was supposed to be so good as we had big plans to go with some others to tour a fire house.

Now, fire trucks are just about Parker's favorite thing so I built it up to be the most amazing thing ever. Well, we were late because Parker would not walk to the car because he kept stopping in our yard to talk about fire trucks. Why can't he walk and talk at the same time? I had heard that little kids have a hard time saying "fire truck", but I never realized it could be this hideous. The word "fire" sounds much like the word "garbage", but truck is just as bad as you can imagine. Put the two words together and it sounds like we are very bad parents:) Once we got to the fire house, Parker wanted to be held because he was scared of the big trucks and the other kids that he didn't know. And then when the fireman put on the big suit...it was all over. I couldn't carry him because I had Griffin in the Baby Bjorn. Aaaaghhh! He wouldn't sit in the truck, he wouldn't get near the big suits, or touch anything cool...all he wanted to do was play with flashlights laying on the floor. Then, to top it all off, Parker wouldn't play on the playground with the other kids and threw a tantrum when it was time to leave. Beautiful two year old behavior! However, Parker did tell me on the way home that he had fun with the fire truck. What? I think toddlers are like mini-teenagers...so emotional and unpredictable! I guess the trip to the fire house was worth a try. Maybe better luck next year...

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How did you tell your spouse/sig. other you were pregnant?
Was he happy, surprised, upset, worried, etc?
How did you feel?

#1 Parker ~ Born 4.17.05

I think we found out about Parker on the 11th of August. I can now tell people that Parker was a very, very planned baby...before I was embarrassed to say that! He was so planned that I knew exactly when in the day I could take my first test:) This was the first month we had tried, so I was so surprised and excited when that little blue line showed up. I took it when I was home alone and then rushed out to the store to pick up a few items in order to prepare a surprise for Joel. I bought a card, some baby booties and a gift bag. In the card, I wrote the following...

Expect another little gift to arrive around April 18, 2005:)

I put the card, the booties, and the pregnancy test in the bag. When Joel got home from work, I said nothing and just handed him the present. His reaction was "classic Joel"....

"What? NO WAY! No, no, no....what? NO WAY!"

We were so excited...I will never forget that feeling of knowing I would soon be a mother. We went out that night to Barnes and Noble and bought pregnancy books!

#2 Griffin ~ Born 2.7.07

I can't remember the exact date we found out. I probably could figure it out since it was just under two weeks after we moved into our new house ;) We were planning on starting to try for #2 in the next month or two, but we were in the middle of a move and this was not in the plan! I started to feel funny and I thought I felt pregnant. But I could not, for the life of me, figure out how THAT could have been possible! I guess things had been really busy... I took a test anyway when I was home alone with Parker and I felt myself go pale as I looked from that blue line to Parker and back again. No way...two children?

It was the Friday before Father's day, so I decided to trick Joel into thinking that he was getting an early gift from Parker. I wrapped up the test and wrote Happy Father's Day, Daddy on the front. I did the same thing as last time and handed the test to Joel without saying a word. Joel's reaction was again, sooooo classic.....

No! What? How did that happen? No really, how did that happen?!

We were in total shock. Not sure why we were so shocked...I mean we know how these things happen! We were more scared than excited at first, but that soon changed and we began counting the days until Griffin's arrival.

heritage

Sons are a heritage from the Lord...

Griffin and Parker, both at eight weeks old. It is amazing to see the similarities and also how Griffin takes after Joel and Parker tends to look more like my side of the family.

Parker is TWO!

I just can't believe I am a mama to a two year old! I wish someone would freeze time so I could catch up and research a little on this subject! Seems like when Griffin was born, Parker went into fast-forward mode to two. He is certainly acting his age at times and challenges me everyday...whew! Actually, he is such a good and sweet little boy. I love him so much that I ache. He brings so much sunshine and joy into this house every single day and he really is such a special blessing to all that know him. I really realized his impact when Joel and Parker went on a four day trip to Arizona and I was here all alone with Griffin. My life was so simple and easy...such a nice time to spend with just Griffin. However, even though my life might have been much more calm and easy, life is just not very much fun without Parker around. When Parker comes into the room, everything that is mundane becomes funny and amazing...and slightly out of control! The activity level around this house ramped up when he joined us. From the minute he was born, Parker was so AMAZED at life and so excited to be here. I wish I could get some video documenting his expressions when we get the mail each morning...the MAIL!

"Ooooohhhhhh, Man!"

This is my little man...such a precious gift. He truly is a lovely soul...

We had some really special days celebrating Parker's birthday. On Saturday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's and celebrated with friends and family. My brother and his family made a trip over here to meet Griffin and come to Parker's party...thank you, guys...it was really special! It was so fun to see Parker and Audrey interact. I totally agree with Aleah, Chuck E. Cheese's is a crazy, crazy place...but it was worth it to not have to do anything for the party. I think Parker appreciated that he had a laid-back mama for his birthday! He actually loved the huge rat and even danced with him! Parker loved having so many people who love him at his party:)

The boys with Auntie Christa

On Tuesday (Parker's actual birthday), Parker's Auntie Christa made a special trip over here to spend time with us. Thank you so much, Christa! We had a fun and simple day of music class, Starbucks, playing with new toys, and dinner out...and American Idol for the adults! Thank God Sanjaya is finally gone. Now, everyone must vote for Blake!

Here are some slide shows from the last week:

slacker mama

I'm trying to catch up with life after a busy weekend and beginning of the week. I have plenty of great pictures of Parker's celebration, but I just haven't been able to get to it. Slacker. However, my sister (who is a very busy college student) managed to post some super-cute pictures from the party on Saturday. Kelsey is such an over-achiever...always has been:) More to come about being a mama to a two year old when I get a minute...

Baby Acne Cure

Okay, so this will be totally boring to many of you, but for those of you who have little babies struggling with complexion issues....listen here! I know that skin issues are not a big deal in the overall scheme of things, but it sure is annoying when you want to show off your cutie! But....I have found a cure for baby acne. Actually, I didn't come up with it, our pediatrician did and I'm now a big fan of her:) It really isn't a novel idea, but she told me to use benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % on Griffin's blemishes a couple of times a day and that it should clear up pretty quickly. I was kind of blown away because everything I had read said to never use adult creams or lotions on baby's tender skin because it would irritate it too much. It didn't at all and it seriously cleared up his face in 3-4 days. Plus, the stuff is always good to have around for other members of the family:)

On another note, my little Parker turns TWO tomorrow! Holy smokes...how in the heck did this happen? To be sure...you will see pictures of his special day soon!

what a ride!

I should probably add that this is a horsey ride on Daddy's knee and not from Grandpa! I made that really confusing in the original post!*

My dad started this horsey ride with Parker when he was very young and now it is one of his favorite things to do! It is almost Griffin's turn now. Maybe he should learn to sit up first, though:) I promise you that no one is ever hurt during the ride...

*This horsey ride is dedicated to Parker's Uncle Paul. A little late, but Happy Birthday Uncle Paul!*

thinking about thinking...

I've been thinking about this all day and just trying to sit down at this computer and say something! Another busy day:) Jenn nominated me for the Thinking Blog Award...I feel so honored! Throughout the last year, Jenn has become a precious friend--one of the blessings of starting this blog. I also feel like I rarely write anything inspiring...just little bits of life that usually include mention of a diaper, tantrum, sleep, or something of that nature. And looking back on my posts from the last few months, this blog has turned into nothing but Mommydom! In any case, I feel so blessed to be able to share my life with those of you who read. Have I thanked you lately?

Here are the rules of the award:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.

3. Optional: Proudly display the "Thinking Blogger Award" with a link to the post that you wrote.

All of the links in my sidebar are listed because I find them to be extra-special. Here are five of them that have recently caused my brain to tick a little harder:

Tales of a Crafty Mama: Andi Mae is my sister-in-law but pretty much my sister in many ways. Her blog is the first one I ever loved. I am inspired by her sincere dedication to her family and friendships....not to mention her lovely art.

Gina In China: Gina is a dear friend from college who is currently living in East Asia with her family. Gina always challenges me with her writing. I feel like Gina and Grant are really striving to live the life God has called them to live.

Sweet Little Family: Jennisa is a new read but I'm really enjoying her! I can feel her warm heart through her writing. I can tell she has a heart for God. I go to her place for a smile:)

Four Giggling Monkeys: Aleah is also a real-life, dear friend from across the state. Aleah has been making me think from the time I met her. She already had two children when we started our friendship and I immediately knew I wanted to a mama much like her.

Airmail to Africa: Kristen is a very special friend who is serving in Sierra Leone with Children of the Nations for the year. I miss her! She has such a heart for the people she is working with. It is amazing how her blog makes the world seem smaller and these children seem so real.

A few of these women will not likely be able to follow suit and post five links, but I wanted to make sure that these lovely blogs were highlighted...