Articles

Random Recent Stuff

9/17/2015

I don't usually plan projects around here; I just come up with ideas when the time provides itself. Now that Adeline wakes up at 5, there is LOTS of time to fill. Early one morning while the boys slept, I thought it would be fun to create a track for her cars. Addie enjoys driving her cars all over the house so I knew she would like a designated space for them. She's also REALLY into using her scissors right now so this was a perfect project for her. We cut out strips of black construction paper, taped them together, and placed yellow stripes on the road. We also used toilet paper rolls to create bumps in the road and stop lights around the track. This quick and easy project provided lots of fun (and free) entertainment.

First, can we all agree that I have the most beautiful grandmother? I hope I look half as good she does when I'm her age!

Second, Lincoln LOVES his nana. Since he was born he's been in awe of her. Before he was too young to interact he would stare at her, then once he could laugh, she would make him giggle so sweetly. Recently, he snuggled close to her when he refused to nap, finding a comfy place in her arms. He barely even lets Tim or me hold him because he wants to be on the go all the time, so I was a little jealous (in a good way) of the sweet time he spent so still and content in my grandma's arms.

Addie cashing in on alone time with Nana while Lincoln naps

This girl never lets me take her picture! The second I pull out a camera she dashes from sight. However, now that I'm trying to capture Lincoln's "firsts" on camera, she would like a little of the attention. I wish I would have done her hair this particular morning, because she wanted me to take her picture instead of Lincoln's, ha. Right now, she loves to wrap herself in a blanket and pretend it's a princess cape, while adorning her hair with a "crown" (a.k.a headband) so that's what's going on in some of the below shots =).

Our kiddos love being outside, but we have WAY too many darn mosquitoes (and bees!) to spend much time out there. Poor Lincoln ended up with seven mosquito bites the other night and Addie got stung by a bee this morning--ugh! I think it's vital for kids to spend time outside, but unfortunately we have to do that elsewhere because our backyard isn't condusive to a good time with all those pain-inducing insects. Yet, we braved the backyard last week and I captured these shots. Lincoln LOVES the swing and Addie had fun racing in her cop car.

Lincoln enjoyed pasta for the first time this week. He is allergic to wheat and hasn't been able to share it with us as I usually buy whole wheat pasta. I knew he would love it so I purchased rice pasta this week and boy did he savor every. last. bite. Tim commented that we needed to take the token "spaghetti face" picture. Picture 1= loving it! Picture 2= food induced coma!

For the last two years I've made Adeline's Halloween costumes. I had no idea what I was doing, but both turned out pretty cute. This year, I planned to do the same, but a trip to Home Goods means I'll be working less this year on the costume front. They had a whole aisle full of costumes and Addie gravitated to every princess costume. I couldn't say no to this $27 Princess Sofia costume. She could hardly wait to get home and try it on. Somehow we've gotten through the last couple days without her wearing the dress. We'll see if it's still intact by Halloween =).

Making friends each time we move is always a challenge for me. Instead of continuing to deepen relationships, I'm always having to start anew. It gets even harder when you have children and your time is more limited to grow a friendship. Thankfully, God has provided a few sweet friendships at each base. While we've been stationed in Tucson I've been able to reconnect with a childhood friend, and met a couple lovely women while out with our kids.

A few months ago I had the kids in the car with some spare time to kill and decided to go to a playground on a whim. We typically take turns going to four different parks near our house. Luckily that day I chose Jesse Owen's Park, the park where I spent much of my youth cheerleading and playing softball. At the park Addie immediately connected with the sweetest red-headed sisters, Natalie and Danielle. And I liked their mommy just as much. We traded phone numbers and have been fast friends. We get together about once a week with our girls, and they're so stinkin' cute together! They run to embrace each other when we first meet up and hold hands the entire time. They kindly share their snacks and stories. Adorable! Unfortunatley, we don't see Natalie much since she started kindergarten, but Addie and Danielle are still loving our playdates.