A day full of FUN

Today was a blast. It was rainy, so I met this day with a bit of disdain. We've had so many rainy days this fall, and now that I have a 2 year old son I am desperate for sunny days. I notice a difference in him when he is cooped up in this space without the freedom to run and catch grasshoppers!

But I digress...Ryan and I decided to take a chance and take the kids to see "UP" at the Dollar Movie! We were a bit hesitant to take all 3 kids - Addelyn has never sat through a movie at the theater AND the movie started right at naptime for both Nate and Adds. This could spell disaster...but, the hubs and I trotted off anyway, desperate to find a little fun on a rainy day. The movie was good, a bit intense at times, but good. I actually even teared up at a few scenes and reminded myself to seek out adventure with Ryan. (if you've seen this movie, you understand. Basically, I don't want to die before I get to have all the adventures in life worth living!) Mackenzie and Nate saw the movie with their Grandparents in July, but it didn't seem to matter to them to see it again. They were excited at all the right moments and covered their eyes when the "scary" guys came on the screen. I lulled the baby to sleep in the hallway, then was able to join the others again and sit and hold my napping baby. peace and joy. Later on, Ryan had the babe in the back while I sat with my older two - a head on each shoulder. Nate looked up at me to whisper, "i really really really love you mommy!" peace and joy.

Oh! And before the movie, we carved pumpkins! (and when I say "we"...I mean "Ryan". Neither Mackenzie or I wanted to get our hands in that grimy stuff.) And Nate was oddly occupied with other things. Mackenzie did, however, sit by her Daddy's side and "coach" him. Pictures to come soon!

Then, this evening we had our favorite sitter come over for 2 hours - just long enough for Ryan and I to run out for a quick bite. We shared purposeful conversation that was rich and vital for our marriage. I'm thankful for those two hours of time.

We pulled into our drive and were greeted by happy cheers as we saw our kids. (and Ryan quickly snuck our McD's sundaes into the freezer for after bedtime) And just like that, we entered back into reality. 10 min later I was grabbing the first clean child out of the bathtub and the routine was in motion again.

Such a full day. I'm so thankful for Saturdays to get to do whatever we want to with them.

a full week

My "kid" sister, Kathryn, has spent the past week with me. A whole WEEK with her in my house! Having a best friend around 24/7 is like hot apple pie and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. Like heaven on earth! I'm so glad that she stayed 4 days longer than she originally intended. We had so much fun together. Sadly, we didn't really do much - since we had 3 kiddos to wrangle each day. But, I enjoyed her constant companionship. What a sweetie my sis is.
She has to head south to GA tomorrow to start her first full-time job! Watch out world - here she comes!
The guest bed is now open folks...who's next?!

Cruisin'

Addelyn has been pulling up to standing for a few weeks now. But, just today I saw her go from one piece of furniture to another. How does she change so fast?! Babies grow at an incredible rate...some days I blink too much and can't believe the change.

Won't you please slow down, sweet Addy. I want to hold you longer.

SIX

Mackenzie is six today. Mackenzie is SIX today. Mackenzie is SIX today!! Ryan and I said we were going to have to practice saying this one. Counting on two hands now. Wow. Is that for real?! I seriously feel like just yesterday I was teaching her how to lift one little finger to form a #1 for her 1st bday! And here we are.

Mackenzie, there are so many wonderful things that I love about you. You are...

-caring: You are constantly checking on your siblings. just making sure all is okay.

-encouraging: You never give up on anyone - you are a natural encourager!

-loving: You are always concerned about others. You are so excited about 1st grade, but if I show my fear of it, even in a small dose, you pick up on that and are concerned about ME!

-funny!: You make jokes and laugh hard. HARD! I love that belly laugh of your's!

-pretty cool: You are learning all the Hannah Montana songs on your Discman that Grandma got you. (oh yea!) You think it's so fun to have control of your own music. Your daddy isn't so crazy about this idea though. ;)

-love to cook: If I am in the kitchen - I better save you a spot! You are my constant companion - even in the kitchen.

There are so many more things about you...this is just to name a few! I admire you for the leader you already are in our family. You set great examples and always strive to do your best. Even though Nate and Addy are so much younger - that doesn't seem to bother you. You already value them and the friendship they bring to you. You keep me company and for that I'm thankful! I truly can't believe you are six. My heart hurts a little bit when I think of it. I remember the instant I first met you when you were born. All the years flash in my memory.

I am so proud to call you daughter. My firstborn. My best little friend. I hope your year of SIX brings you laughter, muddy feet, desserts, strawberries and anything else your little six year old heart could want!

How close are we??

We flew to San Antonio, TX last week. (more on that later) While in the airplane coming home yesterday...

Mackenzie looked out the window and said, "Wow, Mom, we're really high. I bet we're almost to heaven now."

We went on to talk a bit more about heaven and where it is, etc. I just love how matter-of-fact she was about it. It's like she expected to see the pearly gates at any minute!

Fandy-Land and Paci Stories

My husband, Ryan, (aka: the best baby-daddy in all the land) loves to put our kids to bed. I'm not kidding - he loves it. Always has, and I suspect, always will. He loves bathing our kids. When they're tiny babies he leaves that up to me...but once they get a bit older he takes it upon himself to bathe them most nights. This has turned out to be a good system for us - I clean up after dinner and he starts the bedtime routine. It doesn't stop at bathing though - we take turns putting them to bed too. Sometimes together, sometimes alone - there really is no process to it. During Seminary days sometimes this was Ryan's only chance to see the kids and sometimes I had full nightly responsibilities while he was at the library. Now, with 3 kids and one of them being a baby - he typically covers the older two while I have the babe. Because of this, our kids have their own little world with Ryan.

Ryan is a great story-teller. He puts the kids in their beds and they hollar suggestions on what the story should be about! When Mackenzie was younger she used to look around the room and say, "Um, Daddy, tell a story about...um....the clock." or it could be the dresser. or how do they make roads...you get the idea. Anyway, her favorite thing to holler out was "Tell a story about the FAN!" I have no idea why this excited her! But it did! So - soon came the stories of "Fandy-Land"!! To this day, she'll still ask for FandyLand stories.

Recently I noticed that Nate was in on this too. But, he's in a different world. Nate has to have 2 things in order to sleep: his blanket and his paci. He doesn't mess around with these two possessions either. He doesn't need them at any other time - but when it's time to sleep, he'd better have them. So, Ryan tells Nathan "paci stories"! They are a huge hit with that kid!

So, I realize that I have an amazing husband. My kids are blessed by him on a regular basis. I wonder when they are older if they will remember these delightful tales that he spins for them.

I also wonder what Addelyn's stories will be...

the quiet

My house is quiet. There are no toys to trip on while running through the house. The dishes are clean because I haven't even been cooking. I have my favorite candy on the counter - I don't have to hide it in order to save it from being eaten in less than 3 minutes.

However, there is a cute squishy toy frog sitting here on my desk that makes my heart miss a little guy. And this morning while opening the front closet I found my gal's pink bucket hat that I was looking for yesterday. I instantly wish I could get it to her to keep her shaded from the hot sun. :)

Mackenzie and Nate are down in GA - having a great time with their Grandparents! They drove the 8 hour trip yesterday with them and I received text messages that spoke of movies, Go Fish, and honking at the state lines. Yes, it's gonna be a good week full of memories for those two!

I was full of agony while trying to make the decision of whether to let them go or not. It wasn't so hard for Mackenzie since she is almost 6 and understands time and makes great choices. But, Nate is only 2 and it was hard to make that choice for him. In the end, I reluctantly let him go. I instantly knew it was the right choice. My mom called it right - telling me that she had a feeling that I needed a break. :)

Without the older two, my mind has time to think. I'm reminded of my days with only Mackenzie as a baby. Ryan and I have had a couple complete conversations - - instead of letting them drag on for days! I've started a project or two. I've read half of a book and started a 2nd. (fully intending to finish BOTH!) I've shared Bible reading with Ryan. And this is all within the last 24 hrs!

I am enjoying being a mom to one this week. I've played on the floor with Addelyn and watched her figure out this crawling thing. I'll make her more food to stock-pile in the freezer. I'll read to her and bathe her in a bath all alone. When we eat meals we'll put her in the middle and both be able to tend to her every need. Ryan and I will dote on her...because that is what we should do with our babies.

God is recharging me - quieting my heart - reminding me of my loves and what I love to do. I'm enjoying the break even though I have to make myself NOT call every 10 minutes to find out what they are doing!

So...for the next few days I will sit. and think. and read. probably eat out. and shop. yes, shop. for jeans. and swimsuits. and shoes. i will work out. talk with ryan. laugh. and watch movies. and at the end of the week I will savor the hugs and kisses from my two oldest and love them all the more.