walking

One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk by myself at dusk. I think it is the most beautiful time of day and it is funny how everything seems to take on a new look...even my perspective! Tonight I was listening to the Once soundtrack. Oh, I love it....especially Falling Slowly- which is on my playlist. I play it so often, Parker is starting to learn the words. Have you seen that movie? You should. So great.

Tonight I got to think more about this little phase we're in. I feel like my life has taken a slight turn and I'm a little less busy around the house. All of the sudden, Parker is (finally) a little more independent and Griffin is more independent than ever. Of course, they need me around alot still, but they need less and less of my help. It is a strange feeling. My work around the house seems to be getting done for once and then I often find myself watching the boys play. I play referee quite often. Don't get me wrong--life is still busy...I have a one and a three year old! But things are just slightly less frantic. Oh, and for this I am so thankful!

Since I have a little more time right now, I've been reading a bunch and just plain taking it easy. I'm trying to take it while I can get it during the summer. This might end up being a true lazy summer for me because I am gearing up to take on a new role in the fall. Lots of changes! Parker will likely be starting preschool and I will start watching my cousins two children full time!! I am so thrilled and excited. I've been having a hard time explaining why. I'm not doing it for the money...and I certainly know that it is NOT going to be easy to have four children all day...but my heart is just ready for this. I guess I'll just have to elaborate later...but I'm just so excited to share our life with those kids.

things I love - #2

NAPPING!!!

After 3 years of motherhood, I have finally figured out that taking a nap when time allows is not a guilty pleasure. There should be no guilt associated whatsoever! I am more patient, more fun, and just generally a better mom and wife when I am well rested--and sometimes this requires a nap. Aaaaaaahhhhh, naps! Freedom! Parker doesn't take a nap everyday so I don't always have a time when I'm not needed, however I am jumping at every chance I can get nowadays. Wonderful, I tell you! I'm just not sure why I didn't figure this out sooner. Restorative sleep is so much more important than a clean house:)

And for fun....pictures from this very day in May in 2007. How they have grown!

things i love... #1

Just pretend I am like Julie Andrews singing about my favorite things! I am really enjoying some simple things these days and I feel like sharing.

#1 The way my boys smell, except when the obvious happens. I especially love when they smell like graham crackers. Griffin just entered this stage and I'm just eating it up.

More to come...

Springtime Fun

I have found it is really pointless to complain too much about the weather...because we have absolutely no control over it. Oh, and gas prices...totally not worth spending time complaining about. But I'll admit, I do both from time to time:) But let's just say that spring has sprung verrry slowly in these parts and we'll take any sunny day we can get. Yesterday was one of them. I failed to take pictures because every time I went to look for the camera, something happened. It was a beautiful day and we spent much of it outside...how refreshing! Parker was even able to use one of his birthday gifts and I'm now a huge fan!

These outside paints are so cool! I love being able to let the kids loose and not worry about a mess inside. The paint easily washes off with a hose and the boys have fun making colorful art--what could be better?

Looking forward to more Springtime Fun!

love it

And you should too.

I promise....Bath & Body Works isn't paying me to say this! I've been using this lip gloss for quite a few months now--and I'm hooked. It is the perfect combination of good shine and color, great therapeutic qualities, and it even tastes good. My sister introduced me to this stuff but I chose a different color. Tint no. 1137 is the best. I promise. And I'm an expert in lip care products. Try it, you'll never go back to your old stuff.

Oh, and apparently Griffin loves this stuff as much as I do. Whenever he sees the tube, he begs to carry it around and use it for his teether. I'm just hoping he doesn't puncture it, because then we could have quite a mess!