Pink

It's difficult to believe that my baby is now 21 months old. How could this possibly be? But it's true. Her growing vocabulary and knowledge just make the unbelievable much more real to me.

E can count. She can also sing the alphabet when she doesn't realize she has an audience or if she's not too distracted by wanting to see a video of herself. When asked, she can even identify most shapes.



But when it comes to colors, it seems as if she can only see one.



My theory: Princesses can only see pink.

Baby Blue

Check out the amazingly beautiful eyes of this sweet niece of mine.




And just in case you're wondering, I'm not playing favorites. If you've ever met my nephew, you know that he just moves way too fast to get a decent shot in.

Love you both!

Running Wild

The only thing that was good about the horribly cold and snowy winter was that we spent most of our weekends at home with little on the agenda. Well, summer has us running wild. We get to play and see so many people that we love, but we’re exhausted by the time Sunday night rolls around.

As you can see, J & E were less than cooperative this afternoon when I attempted some last minute pictures for an assignment. I did not win the picture game today, but I guess the moment and general mood was captured.




After a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, an afternoon at the pool, a birthday party, an anniversary party, no organized naps, and a diet comprised of simple carbohydrates and absent of fruits and vegetables, both of my babies fell asleep in the car on the way home. In fact, they both made it from the car straight to their beds at 6:15 pm . . . still in the clothes they wore today. This is something that would probably disqualify us from any parenting award, but we just couldn’t risk a second or third wind this evening.

I’m betting on a really early morning around here, so off to bed I go.

More Better

Me: What are you thankful for today?

J: Daddy

Me: Why are you thankful for Daddy?

J: Because I like him more better than you.

Decision

I have a decision to make. It's one that could potentially bring about some pretty big changes for my family. I've been praying about and debating over this for nearly two weeks, but yet I am sitting here still trying to sift through the pros and cons.

Would you pray that God grants us a little clarity?

Q & A: Hail

Question: What was our son's response when I showed him the hail blasting our neighborhood tonight?

Answer: "Is this a natural disaster?!?!?!"

Question: How do you freak out a four year old who is obsessed with nature's destructive forces?

Answer: By sending his baseball helmet wearing daddy out into the elements to collect an impressively large hailstone.




Question: How did our toddler sleep through the indescribably loud event?

Answer: She didn't. We thought she was sleeping because she didn't make a peep the entire time. But after the commotion stopped, she started crying. As I entered her room, she shouted, "That noisy!"

Best Daddy Ever!

Daddy is so loved at our house…

… because he talks to us about Jesus and prays with us.

… that we erupt into celebration if we turn onto our block after a day of work and daycare and see his van in the driveway.

… because he makes delicious pancakes on Saturday mornings.

… because he works so hard to provide for us.

… because he is so stinking funny.

… that we rush to the window when we hear the garage door open.

… because he takes the time to play.

… because he spoils us rotten, especially during garage sale season.

… that we can’t get enough of his hugs and kisses.

… that we have to interrupt his workday to tell him about potty successes and new injuries.

… because he is so gentle.

… because he is such a great teacher.

… because he paints little toenails without being asked.

… that we are so sad when he has to spend the night away from us.

… because he spends a little extra time with his son at bedtime.

… because he is so helpful around the house.

… because he splurges and surprises.

… because he is so amazingly patient.

… because he says, “I love you” several times every day.

...that we want to be with him every minute of every day.

… because he wrestles.

… because he allows a later bedtime so we can catch fireflies.

… because he shows us how to catch fireflies.

… because he fixed up our swing set.

… because he pulls us around in the wagon.

… because he buys juice.

… because he looks ahead at the TV schedule and records shows that would be interesting to us.

… because he tells us how beautiful and handsome we are.

… because he changes song lyrics to crack us up.

… because he joins in on our dance parties.

… because he is good at fixing broken toys and replacing batteries.

… because he is the best Daddy ever (ebber if you’re 20 months old)!

Daddy, this list could go on and on! We are so blessed and honored that God chose you to be our daddy. Thanks for being you and loving us so much. We love you and appreciate all you do. Happy Father’s Day!!