365 Project | Week 8

It was a unique week ... it started off pretty crazy when I ended Tuesday only four hours shy of what I needed for the week at work. However, the blessing of that was that I got to spend all day at home on Wednesday and Friday. :) Woo-hoo! I LOVE being home. As things are right now, it's part of God's plan for our family for me to be working part-time outside our home, but I do love being home. :o)

I really enjoyed taking pictures again this week, and I have piles that aren't being included in my final seven. And even though I have some others that are "better" aesthetically, these seven seem to capture the essence of our week.

Day 50. Matthew enjoying some Daddy-time, post-nap and pre-church. Notice that pink thing towards his lap? It's the pink plastic icecream cone he randomly became attached to ... until it randomly disappeared. ;o)
Day 51. The weather was beautiful this last week, and Peter spent a lot of time outside ... always with Toby at his side (or maybe a little ahead of him). :o)Day 52. Matthew's begun asking Daddy to fly the helicopter immediately following welcome-home hugs (or sometimes even before!) A few weeks back the helicopter was brought out, and then put away without being flown because Matthew wasn't willing to sit down so Daddy could fly it safely. Thankfully, the lesson was quickly learned. Now, Matthew (usually) hops in the chair as soon as Daddy goes for the helicopter. Praise the Lord!

Day 53. Thoroughly enjoyed my time home with just Matthew on Wednesday morning. :o)

Day 54. Very thankful for a fantastic pediatric dentist office. All of the staff are great with kids! (This picture was not posed!)

Day 55. Successful clown and cowboy day! :o) Not the most comprehensive picture of their outfits, but I love their smiles in this one! :o)

Day 56. Miss Hannah-bug is officially riding without training wheels! Woo-hoo!

Thankful for a good week in so many ways--not the least of which are the lessons the Lord's been teaching me in my quiet time with Him. Thankful for His love, mercy, and grace each and every day.

All in a Day's ... Work?

Capturing sunshine in a water bottle ...
Practicing fine motor skills ...

Enjoying fine dining ...

Hanging out ...

Lovin' on Toby ...

Rebuilding a firetruck ...

Running off energy ...

Spinning the hula hoop ...

Playing at the park ..."Calling" an (old) friend ...

Creating masterpieces ...

Training the next generation ...

Cleaning up ...Loading the dishwasher ...

Catching a drink ... Enjoying post-bath rituals ...

"You smell so good I could eat you up!"

(VERY loud voices) "YOU LOVE HIM TOO MUCH TO EAT HIM UP!!!"

Reading a good book ...

Clunking ...

Ah, the life.

We are so blessed.

Clownin' Around

Clown Day, here we come!

365 Project | Week 7

Another whirlwind week gone by ... some days were more challenging than others, but the Lord truly gave grace for each day. It was hard to pick just seven pictures ... so hopefully the extras will appear later this week. ;o)

Day 42. He's a hoot! He spent much of Sunday afternoon wandering around like this ... maybe they read shepherd stories in the nursery? :o) (And yes, Aunt Janie ... he loves your blanket ... it's second only to Blackie.) ;o)

Day 43. Beautiful.
Day 44. My hubby's Valentine's surprise for me!!
Day 45. Long story short ... the Lord provided a mini-stockpile of a much desired seasonal item which went out-of-stock about six weeks earlier than expected!

Day 46. Grandpa's driver in training! :o) Day 47. Our first Daffodil! Later brought in for me by Hannah and Daddy. :o)

Day 48. Mommy and Hannah-bug spent most of Saturday "clowning around." :o) Daddy's old shirt + Mommy's old pants + a stockpile of eyelet ruffle from Mommy's childhood + polkadot ribbon from Hobby Lobby + Saturday = a 1st grade clown outfit! We had a blast (even if we did wear ourselves out!) ;o)

(I'll need to make sure to get a few pictures of Peter next week ... sorry, Buddy!)

365 Project | Week 6

We persevered. :o) And SUCCEEDED! Regardless of the fact that my camera was cranky and Daddy had yet another week of long hours. The cranky camera in particular left me less than excited about pulling it out, so most of these pictures happened post-7:00 p.m. when Mommy suddenly realized that it's nearly bedtime and I've yet to take my picture for the day. So, this week we get to enjoy some nightly routine. ;o)

Day 36. My little guy thoroughly enjoying his artificially-flavored, artificially-colored lolly dripping over his chin. :o} Love the eyes. Could lose the artificial-flavoring and coloring. ;o) Reminded again of why we enjoy such things is great moderation.
Day 37. Fact of life: One cannot consume as many calories when one is not nursing as one can consume while one is nursing ... at least not if one wishes to remain in the same clothing that one wore while nursing. ;o) I have finally conceded to the fact that the numbers on the scale are not a "fluke." Thankfully, however, consistent exercise plus reduced calorie intake is reversing the creeping trend ... and I certainly don't mind a free program that makes the whole thing feel moderately like a game. :o) (Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you an invite!) :o)
Day 38. Enjoying Bible time with Daddy ... if you haven't read The Jesus Storybook Bible, I recommend doing so. It's been an encouraging, fresh perspective ... for us as well as the kids.

Day 39. Snuggles with Hannah-bug. :o) Ah, my girl. Love you to pieces. So thankful for the privilege of being your Mommy.

Day 40. My bathroom is clean ... at least if one does not consider the water damage and mold growing under the tiles ... ;o) A(nother) bathroom project is forthcoming.

Day 41. Daddy earned the "Cool Daddy" award when he agreed to a Friday night slumber party on the floor. Mommy earned the "Cool Mommy" award when she put up the blue-striped "tent." :o)

Day 42. Pulled out the Lego train tracks this weekend. It's been a while. They're lots of fun. And they provide a multitude of "training" opportunities when one throws a 22-month old who likes to sit on the tracks and use BOTH engines into the mix. Hmmm. (Now why did we bring them out again????) ;o)

Thankful for my munchkins. And immensely thankful for my hubby.

More Random Smile Makers

What else makes this mommy smile?

My morning cappuccino ...
My sleeping baby's feet ...

The sun shining on my plant ...

Flowers blooming on my violet ...

Bright red berries coloring my yard ...

Squirrels eating dinner while I prepare my own ...

Yep. They're random. You can thank my 365 project again. ;o)