Miss Independent

Did I let her dress herself today? Yes. Did I let her wear this outfit in public today? Yes. When she's older I'll probably intervene, but today I decided that she's only 3....and we had fun with it :)

Christmas 2011

Pillow pets! Ellie had been asking for one for months!

We had a lot of fun at the zoo lights...but it was super crowded! Adalyn enjoyed her cozy spot :)

Luke got Larry the Cucumber, Ellie got Sweet Pea Beauty and Adalyn got Bob the Tomato

With my most favorite kids in the world!

We had Adalyn all strapped into her carseat and ready to go when we realized that we hadn't gotten a family picture :)

That's Our Boy

I shared in an earlier post that Ellie loves to talk about her wedding. Well, tonight while I was tucking Luke and Ellie into bed, she once again wanted to talk about her yellow wedding dress, crown, rings, shoes, etc. Luke decided that he didn't want to be left out and he wanted to talk about his future wedding, too. The very first thing he said was, "I want to marry a shy girl, 'cause I want to do all the talking." HAHAHA!

I LOVE that boy!

Lessons at the Grocery Store

Today Dan graciously accompanied me to the grocery store with the kiddos in tow. We decided we'd make it special and go back to our old stomping grounds, Whole Foods. We love Whole Foods! The kids always get balloons and snacks and often get to play in their play area. And we all love their food. When I was working full-time, we would routinely get our groceries and then eat lunch there afterwards.

Today, both Luke and Ellie said they missed going to Whole Foods....I really miss it, too! I would be lying if I tried to deny thinking, "Well, if I work just one more day per week than maybe we could shop here again." Do I really want to work more? No! But the thought did cross my mind. I asked Luke if he'd want me to work more so that we could shop at Whole Foods and he immediately said no. That really blessed my spirit immensely. It was so nice to hear that he enjoys me being at home more.

Lately, contentment (or lack thereof) has been a repeated theme in my life. I think God might be trying to teach me something :)  Contentment is especially hard for me when I feel like I have a really justifiable reason to want more. Organic food is better for you. The kids need to be in sports and interact with other children. Staying active is important, so I need running shoes and clothes. We're going to need a twin bed for Adalyn soon. Every single one of my white shirts is stained...aren't white shirts a clothing staple? It is so easy to justify things!

I am thankful that God has not given up on me yet. I have been very sensitive to the word "need" for quite some time now. Choosing instead to say, "We could use..." or "...would be nice." In some areas, my thinking still needs to catch up with what I'm choosing to say. But not using the word "need" is a start.

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Phil 4:11
"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." 1 Tim 6:6-8

Zippity Doo Da

Adalyn was asleep, I was cleaning in the kitchen and Luke and Ellie were playing together in the foyer. I was just thinking to myself how sweet it is when Luke and Ellie play so well with one another when I hear Ellie say, "Luke, are you sure about this?" Hmm, I guess I should go look into what they're doing.

this boy is super creative!

Luke had designed his very own zipline! He ran a rope from the banister to the front door handle. He'd stand on the banister, hook the hanger (see his left hand) to the rope and zip down to the door. :) It was quite cute. Ellie was a bit more reserved and cautious, hence the, 'Are you sure about this?" question.

Just the other day Luke told me he's sooo tired of always having the TV off. Ha! Sorry buddy for your luck... you're too creative for the TV!

Sweet Dreams

We've tried several times over the last couple of years to let Luke and Ellie sleep together, and the end result is always, "Okay guys, valiant effort, but go back to your own beds." (Our tone is always gracious and never rarely threatening). Most days I wouldn't even consider letting them try to sleep together "just for fun" because, quite frankly, it wears me out. But lately I've been feeling like life is way too short, and these "little" moments together of whispering under the sheets and giggling when they say dirty words (poop and butt, just to name a couple) and mommy can't hear...these are the moments they'll remember and cherish for a long time.
I can't possibly be feeling more fun and free-spirited because Dan gave me this morning to be by myself and spend some time reading (quietly) and shopping (quickly). It's totally just because I'm a cool mom. Yup.

they had both wanted to put the tent on the bed for a long time

all snuggled in!



..........

I'd like to say that I was the epitome of grace and love toward Luke and Ellie when I found them like this, because after all, I knew this was going to happen right? Well, I was a bit frustrated, and probably won't let this situation happen again any time soon...but I think they thoroughly enjoyed themselves while it lasted. :)