Random Picture Walk

These pictures don't have much in common, but each provides a memory I want to remember.

The girls help fold clothes each week. They help with the load of towels and also with their own clothes. We have the routine down: Analise folds all jammies and helps put clothes away, Maisie folds/sorts the undies, and Sadie matches all the socks. Not only is it helpful, but we have fun together as well. We usually sing songs while we work. And hopefully it teaches them some responsibility as well.

Each year our downtown has a Christmas walk with lots to see and taste. We usually go with Grandma and cousins in the evening. However, this year Grandma was out of town, so we did it differently. Since it was almost 55 degrees, and our evening was full, we went at 4:00 instead. Aunt S. and two of the cousins joined us, and it was lots of fun! We took a hay rack ride pulled by pretty horses. Some years we don't do this because the line is so long; this year we didn't have to wait!  We also saw a live nativity, including two camels. We all loved them!  They ate right in front of us and gave us many laughs.

Sadie injured herself last weekend, and no one saw her do it. I have a hunch how she did it, but I will never know what really caused it. I know she came up from the basement with what looked like rug burns. She never cried. Once it scabbed, it was quite the sight!

Last Friday the girls and I had a movie night while eating pizza by Christmas tree light. It was a lots of fun despite the movie making Analise cry. 

Princess Sadie wearing a tiara.

The girls came up from the basement wearing these lovely outfits. Too cute not to take a picture. :)



Miss Maisie

Maisie was the star of the week this week for preschool. She was super excited that it was her turn. She was given a poster to fill out about herself, and then she shared it with the class. I had fun working on this with her. She's never done anything like this, so some answers I knew, and some answers surprised me. She knew where she lived. Yeah! Here she is holding her poster, and below are some close ups of her answers.



If you saw this in person, you would see that she made herself smiling.



Analise tried not to be offended with her hair. :)



I knew this blank would be interesting since we  have never talked about this before. So I asked her, "Maisie, when you get older and grown up, what do you want to be?" She answered, "A boy!" After I laughed, I suggested other ideas, and she agreed to them all. So when I mentioned this one, she wanted me to put that down.




This one was a no brainer.



We still have our little dwarf frogs that we got last year. Maisie makes it look like we have a tadpole. What's even more funny is when she told her class about this one, she couldn't remember what she drew so she told them we had two kittys!  Sorry dear, but we'll never have a cat.

Maisie helped me pick out the snacks this week for class. Since it was "G" week, the teacher in me had to get some snacks that began with that letter. We sent GoGurts and graham crackers, Golfish with cheese cut out in cute Christmas shapes, and on Thursday she took muffins that she and I had made along with apple slices.

Some things  I want to remember about Maisie at this age:  She is fascinated with princess things. At first this was  hard for me since I tend to be more anti-princess. However, after reading Dr. Dobson's book "Bringing up Girls," I realized the play of princess was okay if it is in the proper perspective. Whenever she sees a Disney princess in the store, she always says, "My favorite!" However, she has never watched a Disney princess movie and doesn't know who they are. So Maisie loves the concept, and with that I am ok. Just now she came out of room from rest time wearing her tiara and lots of bracelets.

Maisie talks a lot but still doesn't have the best pronunciation. She will let me correct her, and sometimes she can fix it; other times she can't. Her word for "turkey" sounds just like "cookie." Now she sings jingle bells, but it sounds like "Gingle bells."  Even her favorite princess is "frincess."

Maisie took her love of fruit to a new level the other day. She was chewing gum and eating a pear at the same time. Eww.

Last weekend she got a splinter in her finger, and when I took it out, she cried hard enough you would have thought I was cutting of her arm. I put a (you guessed it) princess band aid on it, and later Sadie asked her why she had a "bandaind" on it, and Maisie told her she'd had a porcupine.

While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, she was singing "Go tell it on the mountain..." at the top of her lungs. The good news it that the store was quiet. However, that meant the few people there could hear her. :)

She is enjoying Awana Cubbies, but she doesn't memorize like her older sister. And the patches don't mean much to her. I remember Analise would tell me right away when she had a new patch. Maisie will  leave them in her bag for me to discover myself.

Maisie sometimes needs some nudging from me to do something on her own that I know she capable of doing. One morning she stood in her room naked for 15 minutes because she wanted help getting dressed. She finally caught on that I wasn't going to help her. She gets dressed by herself on a regular basis!  Once she was dressed, she was so happy. So sometimes she gets so mad at me for making her do something, but once she does it she is thrilled at her accomplishment. I'm not sure what this will mean in the future.

Maisie will have conversations with herself or pretend friends. She talks and talks, and none of it makes sense. I get a kick out of it.

Maisie, we love you SO MUCH!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Analise didn't have school on Weds, so we slept in and hung out at home. Thursday morning I finished baking my pies while Brandon kept the girls out of the kitchen. Many times I let them help me bake, but not that day. My dinner responsibilities were bread and pies, so I made pumpkin muffins, rolls, a candy apple pie and a chocolate pie. We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to meet up with the fam. Even the newlyweds were there!  We spent time taking family pictures before sitting down for the meal.

Maisie had a Thanksgiving feast at school, and she came home looking like this!

 Analise made pilgrim hats again this year. Maisie wore her Indian hat instead.

A family picture that turned out decent!

We enjoyed time at the table reflecting on something we're thankful for this past year, and encouraged one another as well.

We played some games, did a lot of talking and hung out most  of the day!

Friday morning was another slow morning. We finally got out and ran some errands. We brought the tree up from the basement, and this was the best year yet. All the lights worked, and some branches needed some fluffing, but that was it!  We watched the football game while enjoying time with S and D. After a soup supper, we put the ornaments up as a family. I pulled each ornament from the box, told the girls where and who it was from, and they hung it on the tree. Brandon then spread them out to make the tree more balanced. :) I love Christmas, and I love putting the tree together as a family. I didn't spend as much time putting all sorts of decorations up this year. It's simple, and that's the way it will be for the season.

Saturday morning Brandon went turkey hunting with a friend. He was home by 10:00....with a bird!  I went out and did some shopping in the afternoon, and that evening we celebrated my nephew's 9 birthday.

It was so nice having Brandon around for four days. Anytime with family is the best, and for that I am thankful!

Memories via pictures

Since I always seem to be behind on my blog, this will be short and sweet but full of memories for me.

Brandon takes time to snuggle with each girl at bedtime. It's a treasured and sacred time by all the girls!



One Saturday morning, I pulled out Analise's cookbook and let her make breakfast. She read the directions, and I simply helped her. Those easy cinnamon rolls were a hit!



One of my favorite ministries is Operation Christmas Child. My joy has spread to Analise, and this year she was the one telling Maisie all about it. So we went together and bought things for the boxes. Our prayer is for each girl that receives our boxes will come to know the Lord.

For a family night we made and frosted cupcakes. Even daddy helped!



Gobble gobble :)



One day over break, I got up a couple minutes after the girls. I walked into the living room and found them like this. I could only laugh.

Wedding Day

The wedding day arrived with sun, but it was very cold. We got up early and had to get going because it was an 11:00 wedding. And with all five of us in the wedding, I knew  it would take awhile. We got off to a good start. We headed down for breakfast, and then I took Analise up to Grandma's room so she could get her hair done. Brandon joined us and we decided it was time to head back to our room to pack up for the day. We put our room key in the slot only to find out the door wouldn't open. The battery for the lock had died. We had NO way to get in our room. I tried not to panic. Only everything (but the girls' dresses) was in the room. Brandon went down to the front desk right away, but they had to call in the maintenance man. It was a really long hour as we waited. We hung out in other family member's room while again, I tried not to panic. :)  When the door finally opened, I was busy praising the Lord as we scrambled to gather our things. We arrived to the chapel later then we had hoped. However, thanks to Sarah and a cousin, they helped get the girls ready so I could finish up myself.  This is the chapel.

 The girls loved wearing their fancy dresses and having their hair done. 

 I loved having my dear SIL and friend in the wedding, too!

 Girls with the Father of the Bride (aka Grandpa)

 The picture was an oops because of the lighting, but now I think it's really neat!

 Analise was the Junior Bridesmaid and got to stand up front the entire ceremony. She did a nice job. It was hard for me because I couldn't see her; I was further up the line of bridesmaids. However, at one point during the ceremony, I peeked back and found Analise leaning and reclining on the piano next to her.

 Analise and Braylen made for a good looking pair walking down the aisle!

 Maisie loved having Kaleb walk her down. Kaleb did a great job with  her...including going down the aisle early because Maisie began to panic. They ended up following Brandon and me down instead of waiting. Maisie did a great job of dropping her petals.

 Sadie and Aaron probably stole the show because they were so cute! Sadie walked down with a smile on her face and jogged the last bit when she saw me. She and Maisie didn't stand up front long; they were way to wiggly. At one point Sadie dropped her flowers down a small step and about tumbled over head first in retrieving it. Thankfully Brandon's aunt and uncle took great care of the in the front row.

 The kids' table was on the stage behind the head table. These two entertained themselves with the shiny stones.

 Bride and Groom

 Brandon with his sweet sister, Sarena

The ceremony was simply beautiful, with all the focus on praising the Lord. The reception was lots of fun, and the girls pushed through nap time. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to dress up like this as a family and celebrate with other loved ones. Looking back I wish I had taken more pictures. However, I chose instead to live in the moment and enjoy. I tried to balance the role of bridesmaid while still being a mother to the flower girls. Again I was thankful for my husband who helped with the juggling act and for other friends and family as well.
After the festivities were over, we went back to the hotel for short bit before going to meet friends for dinner. We drove 30 minutes to meet N, J and baby K for supper at Chili's. Despite having to take the girls to the bathroom six times during the meal, it was a great time. And despite little or no naps, the girls did wonderful!
Sunday morning came too quickly, and none of us were ready to  head home. I had felt like a princess all weekend. Thanks to my MIL and FIL who made this all possible. Sarena, thanks for getting married to such a great guy and giving us a reason for celebrating. And Lord, thank for you for health, safety, and for letting us be a part of a family who puts you first in everything.

A couple of funnies I want  to remember. As we drove on the interstate, Analise asked Brandon if he could get in the other aisle to pass the truck.
Later as we drove into the city and began to see the mountains, Analise asked, "Where's Mt. Everest?"
While I drove on the way there, the temps dropped to the ugly 32-33 degrees, and it was kind of misty. As one point it snowed some really small flakes. The girls were SO excited. Analise announced, "God answered mt prayers by letting it snow!" I was up front mumbling to myself, "but He didn't answer my prayers that it wouldn't snow." :) Thankfully it didn't last long!

Let the Fun Begin

Two weeks ago we headed west for a vacation...and a wedding!  The weekend had finally arrived, and we were all super excited about it. Brandon had had a super busy week leading up to our departure day, but thanks to prayers, God worked miracles, and we were able to head out as a family.We had an uneventful trip, and we arrived in time for Brandon to try on his tux. Other family members were already there, so it was fun meeting up with them. I'll never forget my middle nephew beaming when I saw him in his tux. He loved it so much, he didn't want to take it off! 

We stopped quickly at a local Christan bookstore, so I could do some shopping. I got the wedding gifts and also found a book series for Analise to read. Yeah!

After quickly  unloading at the hotel, we went with family to dinner at Chick-fil-A. Yum!  We got back to the hotel, and I had an executive decision to make. We'd been talking about swimming all day on the drive. But now it was  late enough that I knew the younger two would be better off going to bed. Thankfully they handled it well and enjoyed "swimming" in the tub. Analise LOVED swimming with her cousins.

The next morning started all the festivities. I went and got a manicure and pedicure with the bridesmaids. From there we went to eat lunch at California Kitchen. Meanwhile, Brandon and the girls hung out with D and the boys. They played at Odyssey and ate lunch there, and Grandma did the girls' nails. 

 The girls love, almost becoming obsessed, with Grandma painting their nails. So it was only fitting for Grandma to paint them for the wedding. Maisie and Sadie used to ask Grandma to paint their "ningernails."

 The wedding rehearsal was at 3:00, so we woke up the girls from their naps and made the short drive into the foothills to the beautiful chapel. When we got there, Maisie saw Dave down at the front of the chapel and she took off running to him. That was the first time we'd seen him, and she was excited. It was sweet. Later, Maisie enjoyed walking down the aisle and dropping little pieces of paper. She wasn't so happy when Sadie was determined to go back and pick all the scraps up.

I love this man!

 The dinner was at a nice renovated barn. We enjoyed lasagna and hearing fun stories about the bride and groom. Here's Dave and Sarena with the girls.

 And this his how Sadie passed some of her evening. Silly girl!

Sweetness

I'll admit...sometimes as a mom I lose my joy in my daughters. During the day I find myself frustrated with the girls, repeating requests over and over, wishing they would stop arguing, etc. Why is it though, that my mind remembers those things when truly, most of our day was much better than that?  I find that when my parents come to visit, I see my girls through their eyes...eyes that aren't with my girls every day. They find joy in everything, and I am refreshed in that, too. So lately, I've tried focusing and reflecting on the things the girls say and do that make my heart full. Their sweetness. Here are some things I want to remember:

Analise has taken to writing notes for different members of the family. She loves to write on the bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. I'll find notes on the mirror that say, "Maisie, have fun at preschool." or "I love you Maisie and Sadie."  She even wrote a note to Brandon that said, "Daddy, do you know who loves you the most? Jesus!"

The girls saying please and thank you with each other - totally unprompted.

Sure, my girls have moments where the don't get along. They call each other, "grumpy". I here "mine" tossed back and forth. Thankfully, these moments are the minority. I love the moments most of all when all three are playing and giggling their hearts out. Nothing like a child's pure joy expressed through laughter.

I love how the girls are so excited when I pick them up from school or Sunday School. At the beginning of the school year, when it was still nice out, I would take Maisie and Sadie to wait on the sidewalk for Analise to come out from school. Sometimes Sadie would see Analise coming down the sidewalk, and she would run to her and give her a big hug. Analise would get down low, so Sadie could hug her tight. Every day after preschool, Maisie comes down the hall ready to give me a big hug. Sadie, too, gives me hugs after SS.

Sadie is doing better about going into her SS classes. When I drop her off, she asks me. "A bit bit" (meaning I'll be gone just a little bit. ) And then when I pick her up, she'll inform me that, "I no whine." (meaning she didn't cry.)

We are still awarding with stones. The girls love filling up the cup and celebrating as a family. I am now finding the girls awarding each other with stones for doing something nice or helpful.

Analise had a bake sale today after school. I gave her some money so she could pick out something. Instead of getting one item with her 50 cents, she picked out two fruit snacks so she could share with Maisie.

Each night at bedtime, Brandon takes a few minutes to snuggle in bed with the girls. It's a treasured time for each of them. When Sadie prays, she starts with this, "Dear God, thank you daddy nuggle me."

I love hearing happy dialogue between girls. It's fun listening to a 2 and 4 year old talking back and forth. Sadie is speaking full sentences, and she has quite a bit to say. And all the girls say cute things:
Analise, "Mommy, can I have a tattoo? I mean tic-tac."
Sadie, "Mommy, I want a pet dolphin." (She meant daschund.)
Maisie while holding two big couch pillows, "Look Mommy, I'm smart!" (strong)

When one sister is sad, another sister will always get their blanket for them. Same with Band aids for when there is an injury.

Maisie is becoming quite complimentary. I'll hear, "I like your shirt mommy," or other kind things to other people.

Maisie loves to hold my hand. Parking lots, while going for walks, into school each morning.

Seeing the girls share a chair in the living room while they watch a movie.

The girls know they are responsible for putting their clothes down the laundry chute each day. Many times I will see Sadie or Maisie grab not only their own clothes but also her sisters.

This past week Maisie took the time to show Sadie how to fold a washcloth, and she would help her by folding the first half and letting Sadie finish. Both mom and Sadie were so proud.

I am very blessed with girls that get along and love each other the majority of time, and as a mom, I want to remember these moments. So amidst the trials during the day, may I thank the Lord for those moments of pure sweetness.

Another Year Older

My birthday this year was great! My parents came for a long weekend, and the girls were so excited!  They arrived Thursday afternoon, and the girls were outside running around in their costumes. We ate a yummy dinner, and then Grandmom pulled out these fun bags for the girls. Needless to say, the girls were thrilled! We asked Analise what she thought might be in there; she stated "pajamas." She knows Grandmom well. In addition to jammies, they each got a Halloween books and some other clothing. Grandmom knows them well!

 Playing games before bed

 Friday while Analise was at school, we went out to take a "tour" of the driving course that was being taught for officers. We know a pretty special officer. He had taught the class all week, and it was time for him and Brandon to "play" on the course. Two men + fast cars= a great time!  My dad took the course slow, and then I rode along, too. It was so interesting!  Then Brandon gave the driver permission to go a little crazy while I was with them. He did a couple of donuts (or cookies, depending on where you are from) and a burn out. I'll admit...I just laughed!
We then ran some errands together. I was able to pick up my bridesmaid dress and show them. Maisie also gave a preview of her dress. It was much easier doing all this with extra adults on hand.
They took Maisie and Sadie out for lunch so Brandon and I could go out by ourselves. It was nice to have a little birthday lunch with my man. Thanks Mom and Dad!
Friday night we were going to celebrate with all local family, but one of my nephews was sick. Instead, we had supper at home and then watched "Flywheel" after the girls were in bed. I had won a DVD set from the local Christian bookstore, and none of us had seen this movie. While we sat back and watched, dear Brandon fixed my vacuum. Thanks, sweetie!
Saturday morning we took them to our favorite donut shop, and from there we went to another store where they were offering free pumpkins and carving kits. Again, I never could have done this by myself. Four adults and three kids was a good ratio. The girls had fun "helping" carve their pumpkins.
Saturday night we got together for the birthday bash. My meal of choice was fajitas. Mmm!  After dinner we walked to a nearby house that had about 200 different jack-o-lanterns in their front yard. It was really cool! After gifts,  it was time for cake.  Here are the girls ready for the walk. We hadn't come prepared with coats, so they are wearing Grandma's coats.

 Sadie found her cousin's helmet. :)

 Mom helped me make this traditional chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake. YUM!

Sunday after church we went to Q'Doba for lunch. We then had a relaxing afternoon, ate an early supper and got dressed up. We first met at our friend's house so all the kids could see each other. What a riot!  After we left there, we sadly had to say goodbye. I never like goodbyes. Thanks again mom and and dad for such a wonderful weekend!  The girls were then able to walk the neighborhood with their cousins. They came home with plenty of candy! Just yesterday I had the girls wean down to what they wanted to keep. I bought the candy they wanted, and they were excited to get pennies, nickles and dimes to put in their piggy bank. Some candy is going in their OCC boxes, some went in the freezer, and we still have some left. Geesh! Like  I said, we  had plenty!

Thank you Lord for a wonderful weekend full of health, family and friends!

Later in the week I was able to get a coffee night with two dear friends. I always treasure that time, too. These kind of weeks remind me to be like Mary and ponder these things in my heart.