1.  I haven't done one of these posts in a VERY long time! 2.  Bet you thought I forgot about them.  *i kinda did* 3. Ella turned 7 months old yesterday, started grabbing for her toys while sitting in her activity seat, found her thumb and enjoyed sucking it, and began blowing raspberries. It was an eventful day. Plus, she looks super cute.  4.  My cousin Sarah offered to make Jack an alphabet book using photographs of items/people he'd recognize.  She rocks!  So the last couple of days I've been scrounging around looking for things to take pictures of and going through tons and tons of old photos. I've enjoyed doing it, & Jack has loved posing :) (I for "ice") (V for "vest") (U for "umbrella") 5. This girl is officially sleeping without her swaddle (the fabulous Woombie), and we're now using the equally-fabulous Zipadeezip. It took three days of naps to get used to it, and by the third night, I decided she was ready to try it out f...

Today, I'm thankful for this girl :) I'm also thankful for these words and the full weight of their meaning: Jack and I read this together during breakfast this morning. I'm grateful beyond measure for what Jesus did for all of us. It really is such a great devotional written in such a simple and beautiful way. Precious for kiddos and adults alike!  :) I'm thankful for this sweet start to my day!

As I may have mentioned previously, I have a two week plan of meals written out. It helps with grocery planning, since I only go grocery shopping every two weeks (with a quick trip to pick up bananas and milk in between).   One of the dinners I fix is "breakfast for dinner," which also gives Jack a few days of actual breakfast, as well.  I usually fix blueberry waffles and scrambled eggs.  Last night, I made both, but I changed things up a little.  I fixed the eggs in the waffle iron. Mostly because I'm lazy and didn't want to have to use the skillet, but also because I thought it sounded neat.  Also, I totally stole the idea from Pinterest. I fixed the blueberry waffle mixture first. It's the Bisquick recipe with a cup of frozen blueberries and a few drops of almond extract added in.  The recipe makes between 12 and 15 waffles.  Then, I whipped up the eggs.  Ingredients which yielded 8 egg waffles: ...

What do I do when both babies are down for an afternoon nap?  Sort the big bag of Skittles my dad gave me, of course.  You do this, too, right?

So.  I need to be real here.  I read this article a few days ago.  I read it because the first line caught my attention in a way that something must in order for me to give it more than three minutes of my time.  This.  As I read, I saw more lines that spoke volumes.  This one.  And, this one.  Some days, I feel like I've lost it. It, being my patience to get through one. more. minute. without crying or running away or screaming. Or doing all of the aforementioned.  My children are not terrible.  NOT even close.  They are precious. Jack, especially, is oh-so-loving. He is my little buddy. My shadow. My tag-along-pal. Ella is still smiley and squealy and snuggly.  Her chubby cheeks get kissed and caressed as often as she's awake.  But, they are 19 1/2 months and almost 7 months. They are little. They need me. A lot. And, it's exhausting. Physically and...

Today's inspirational quote just stared at me this morning. Really?   Sometimes I think, "If just one more thing hits us…," and then I remember that we'll get through it just like we've done so many times before.   **I do not always remember this truth in the midst of the ordeal.  Just being honest, Folks.** I feel like our marriage as been tested from the very beginning.  Over and over, our resolve and love and determination are put through the ringer.   And each time? We come out stronger.   More devoted.   Loving more fully. Anywho. The latest thing? Friday morning, the Sunday of The Husband's weekend, I woke bright and early to my alarm at 7am.  I got Ella up and fed, got Jack up and fed, got Ella down for a nap, and got Jack squared away in his room for "room time."  The Husband and I sat on the couch, me with a book, him with his phone, and we sat in comfortable silence as our children wer...