Turning 30

Yes, I have hit the big 30! I am no longer in my 20's, so I guess I will have to start growing up now!? My dear husband made me a wonderful birthday dinner, one of my favorites - Coconut Shrimp. Elizabeth made me a beautiful cake. She was so proud to make me one, just like I had made her one for her birthday. Sarah gave me birthday kisses! My friend, who knows me very well and knows that I cry a lot, asked me the other day if I cry when I am happy. That is a definite yes! Not sure if you can see the tears in my eyes in a few of these pictures, but they are there. I feel so blessed to be so loved and cherished. Nate reminded me that 10 years ago right around this time of year (April 13 to be exact), we began dating. Even way back then, he would always do something special for my birthday. For my 20th he and a group of friends threw me a surprise party and I believe that we had a cake fight with my birthday cake! And, as they say, the rest is history! I love you Nate! I never have to wonder if you love me, you show me that every single day. Thank you for making my 30th another special birthday.

When the cat's away the mice will play!

This is the scene I came across this morning... actually the funny part about it is that I was sitting not very far from her. I was just busy e-mailing! I heard her making noise and had looked over a few times but she wasn't up to much harm. Then, Elizabeth says, "OH no mom, look what Sarah did!" Oops!

World's Larget Hula Hoop

I love my husband! He cracks me up with all of his ideas and ways to entertain the kids!

Just plain cute!

I noticed that I have been blogging a lot about Elizabeth these days. Sarah is full of life as well and keeps me moving for sure! I guess I just haven't captured as many moments with her lately. Is this just a fact of being a second child? I am sorry dear Sarah if I don't document you as well but I do love you and Love being your mommy! You fill my day with many wonderful things. Today you came into my room where I was and started rambling on and on. It sounded like you were telling on your sister or telling me something very important. Then you pointed at your bottom. I asked you if you had poopies and you got a huge grin and turned to walk into your room to get a diaper change. It was so cute! Thanks for filling our life with cute stuff these days!

P.S. Elizabeth took this picture...not too bad eh?

Educational Snack and a Teachable Moment!

The other day I sat down with Elizabeth and Sarah during their snack (this is usually a good time for me to get a few things done without helpers, but on this day I just felt the urging to sit with them). So we started chatting about our day and other very important things! I gave the girls some goldfish crackers and noticed on the back of one was an open spot for the child to draw something that made them feel happy. We started talking about what made Elizabeth happy, things like pink and candy made her happy. Taking naps and going to sleep at night didn't make her happy (oh, how I long for those things!!). She finally decided that being with grandma makes her happy and that is what she wanted to draw. She wasn't sure how to so I drew a stick figure for her, talking her through it as I drew. Then she wanted to have a try. I was so surprised with the people that she drew, and very proud too! She then continued on another paper with lots of different family members! She is at such a fun age right now and I am enjoying being her mommy. Some say that the three's are harder than the twos. That scared me to death, but so far we are really loving this time and I praise Jesus for that!

Fun things

Our evenings usually consist of doing fun things together as a family. Sometimes we will end up doing very silly things - running down the hall way over and over again, tickling, dancing, whatever happens to strike our fancy that evening. It brings a smile to my face that we all play together. I asked Nate a while back if he thought we would ever really grow up and become serious. Then we laughed and said we hope not! It is fun to laugh and enjoy life together. Our girls bring us a lot of laughter and that is one thing Nate has been surprised about being a daddy, "I never thought they would make me laugh so much." Praise Jesus for laughter and fun!