Fall Festival Fun

On Saturday afternoon, Lily, Bear and I spent some time at the fall festival at the CCC. The festival was planned right during the Alabama game - so we knew better than to ask Daddy to tag along. The festival was tons of fun and the kids had a blast.

There were several bouncy slides set up for the kids to enjoy. Lily proved to be quite the daredevil. After she bored of sliding down the slide the normal, feet first way she started going head first and spinning around half way down. Bear was more cautious, but thanks to an older friend, Riley Abernathy, he got brave and ventured up to slide with her. After bouncing for a while, we rode a train around a portion of the golf course. Bear loved the train - it was by far his favorite event of the day. He'd yell "Choo Choo" as we rode around the track.

While on the train, Lily spotted the bungee area where there was a trampoline and climbing wall set up. I convinced her that she wasn't quite big enough for the rock wall, but she patiently waited at least 20 minutes for her turn to jump on the bungee trampoline. She had so much fun - and waited again before we left to try it again.

We enjoyed a quick dinner of fun fair foods like corn dogs, chicken fingers, and soft pretzels and went back out to play a bit more. We made Sand Art, did Spin Art, and won 2 goldfish. We couldn't have asked for a more fun fall day!

Fall Thankfulness

I've been in a little bit of a rut lately. Work has been hectic, the house is a disaster, caring for 2 little ones is a 2nd full time job, and I've just found myself feeling a little overwhelmed and discontent. My heart has been envious of those around me that seem to have more, can do more, appear to have it all together...you get the picture. It's ugly, I know - but I'm being honest. Josh had a golf outing planned for the weekend, and while I didn't mind that he was going, a part of me was not looking forward to an exhausting weekend alone with Lily and Bear.

God showed up to me in a big way this afternoon and really convicted me. We've had a cold snap this weekend, but it was warm enough this afternoon for the kids to play outside for a bit. They were playing in the backyard as I was starting dinner and something prompted me to stop at the window and just watch them. My heart melted - they were so happy, so content to be playing together in the backyard. It was nothing out of the ordinary, no new fancy toys involved. It was just a big sister and the little brother who adores her playing together. It suddenly reminded me that I have all that I need and more! How could I not be grateful and content with a loving husband, 2 adorable children, a supportive family, a beautiful home, and most of all a Heavenly Father who loves me even though I don't come close to deserving it! As I stood there, I prayed and thanked God for all that He has provided for me - and in this moment especially the opportunity to be a mother to these sweet little ones who were just the kick I needed today to snap out of the rut I've been in!

Father, thank you for reminding me that with You, I'm never left wanting. Your grace and unfading love is enough to sustain me.

Disney on Ice

One of the great perks about working at a pediatric hospital is that lots of Atlanta area attractions and events offer us discounted tickets to employees and donate proceeds to the hospital. Last week, Disney on Ice tickets were offered at a discounted rate. I saw it the last day they were being sold, quickly called Josh, and bought tickets for us to go. Josh found out later that he wouldn't be able to go - and I was nervous to take 2 toddlers alone at night to Phillips Arena in Atlanta. Luckily, my dear friend and college roommate Diana and her son Mason, were able to join us on very short notice! Mason and Bear are about 2 months apart - so it's always fun to get them together.

brother and sister

all three little oneswatching the opening act

I was really not expecting that we would make it though the show. Lily has yet to sit though an entire movie, and I've not even tried to harness Bear's attention for that long. The show we had tickets to was at 7:30 on a Thursday night - and was to last 2 hours. I figured we'd be gone by the intermission - and Diana thought the same. Well, these little ones surprised us both! They sat though the entire show and loved every minute of it! We lucked out with great seats, 2 rows up from the ice. Lily sat in her own seat the entire show (Bear and Mason were stuck in momma's laps since they didn't need tickets) and only needed 1 bathroom run.

Mickey and FriendsLily watching her beloved princessesCinderella and Prince CharmingSnow White and a dwarf

Lily loved seeing all of her favorite characters and would just squeal with excitement for "Daisy Duck" "Snow White" and "Tinkerbell". Bear was fascinated with Goofy and Mickey and each time they left the ice he'd look at me and say "Where'd Goofy go?" or "Where'd Icky Ouse go?" Mason is a big fan of Mickey Mouse, but seemed to really like Jasmine too! We'll tell his dad it's only because of her attractive costume!

Christmas finale

still watchingGoofy as SantaSanta again

When the show ended, we waded through the sea of people back to the parking deck. The only problem we ran into was with Lily and the lovely concession stands. She had been asking for a Tinkerbell Snow Cone before the show started and during intermission when the vendors would walk through the arena - but they were $15 and I knew she wouldn't eat it and would make a mess with it. We settled on a bag of cotton candy which she could share with the boys and I thought we'd be fine. Well, on the way to the car, she saw the snow cones for sell again and had a meltdown. Diana and I each had a heavy toddler on one hip and were pulling Lily by her arms away from the concession areas. I've never seen her have such a tantrum. Poor Diana - she was a huge help and at one point was left holding both boys (and she's pregnant) while I chased a runaway Lily down. We made it outside and to the car, but it took me awhile to calm my nerves down!

Other than that episode, we had a great time and enjoyed the show so much! We'll definitely have to try something similar again soon! Thanks again Diana and Mason for coming with us - we had so much fun!

Lily the Baker

I've mentioned before how much enjoys baking with me. Last weekend, while shopping for the last touches to her Halloween costume, we came across an aisle in Wal-Mart with Halloween sprinkles. We decided our Saturday night activity would be baking cookies and decorating them.

Bear got in on the fun too. Lily and I baked sugar cookies and made some orange and green icing to frost the cookies with. I went to several Pampered Chef parties this summer, and at one I bought this really neat decorating kit. The plastic cups for holding the icing are made in an accordion design and are very easy for little hands to grip and squeeze. It was perfect for Lily - and Bear did well with it to with a little help from me.Our finished product turned out great - very festive and yummy too!

Tough Love

Bear - you've been getting quite a dose of Tough Love this week. Lately, Daddy and I have noticed that you've become a very picky eater at dinner.
Chicken - "No".
Green beans - "I'll pass".
Corn - "No thanks".

Your tone quickly changes when sweets are involved.
Cookie - "Of course".
Lollipop - "I'll take two".
Sweet Tea - "More please".

Well, times are a changing sweet one! Last night at dinner, you and Daddy sat at the kitchen table for thirty minutes after the rest of us had finished dinner. You whimpered, cried for Mimi and Granddaddy, and gave Daddy "the stare", but you finally ate. And it wasn't dessert.

We've had quite a time with Bear's eating habits lately. Lily has always been a great eater. She loves fruits and vegetables and usually will at least try most things on her plate. I've never been a mom who cooks separate meals for the kids...and Lily took fine to this. Bear, on the other hand, has turned into a totally different story. He is picky - and it's starting to worry me a bit. He loves macaroni and cheese and bread - but ignores most anything else on his dinner plate. He doesn't snack much at home - but if he sees something sweet he has a fit for it. And he doesn't want to eat unless it is sweet. I know it's hard with second children to avoid sweets and some of the unhealthy fast foods, as the older child is already eating these things. I've tried all that I know to try to get Bear to eat a little better, but nothing has really helped. Josh is much more "The Enforcer" than me and his new tactic is Tough Love. Bear sits at the table alone with Josh until he eats a few bites of something nutritious. We'll see how this goes and if you have any ideas of getting a toddler to eat healthier, I'd love to hear!

Fun & Fellowship

Tonight, we had our monthly Sunday School social. We are blessed to be a part of a wonderful group of families that love the Lord and love on each other.

Tonight, the Blanton's hosted an Italian dinner night at their home. Everyone brought yummy Italian dishes, salads and desserts. We had a great time catching up with each other and watching the little ones play together. The weather was great and the kids had a great time after dinner playing outside together. It's been so great to see these kids grow up together over the last 2 years. When Josh and I started attending this "20-something" class, we were one of the only couples with children. Now, there are quite a few - and several more on the way.

We are so thankful for our class and I would encourage anyone who is not involved in a regular Bible Study group or Sunday School class to find one that they feel led to join. There's nothing better than having friends to encourage you, pray for you, and grow closer to the Lord with you!

Lily watching over her lamb

The Sweet Hardin sisters

Bear and Maddie
Group shot of the little ones - minus Lily

Lily and Adahlyn taking care of their babies

We've Been Hit...

By the flu or something like it! Lily and Bear are both finally on the mend today, but we've spent our week:

wiping noses

taking temperatures

pushing fluids

washing hands

Lysol -ing the house

reading books

washing sheets and blankets

and watching lots of cartoons piled up together on the couch

There is nothing worse that seeing your kids under the weather! My heart has just broken for them this week. No one wants to be sick - but I would much rather be sick than to see my babies feeling so badly. Say a prayer for us that this is the end - and that Josh and I avoid whatever germs have invaded our home this week!