May Visitors

This week has been full of visitors and fun. My mom, Nana, has been staying with us while Durinda is off for two weeks. The kids really enjoy playing with her, and I know that she enjoys playing with them. This week they drew all over the sidewalk in chalk, took a walk around the block, colored, marched in a marching band, built towers, and so much more. I was thankful to be able to take a walk with them.

On Wednesday afternoon, Uncle Tanner came over to see us before he headed off on his post-grad trip. The kids were so excited to see Tanner- Jack had been talking about tickling Uncle Tanner all week. They liked climbing on him and building towers with him, and watching a video on Nana's computer. We were all sad to see Tanner go, but we'll get to see him when he gets back next week.

On Friday Pop came over to get Nana and Papa came up from Houston for the weekend. Harper loves Papa so much that she was giddy when he came through the door- she ran to meet him. Jack loves Papa so much that he insisted on wearing his "I love Papa" shirt. Needless to say, Papa spent most of his time with a grandkid on his lap or running around him trying to get his attention. Papa and Tony did get to do a few things around the house for us, and the whole family came out to watch me do
"Murph" an annual Crossfit workout on Memorial Day.

Jack decided he needed to do pushups with us while Harper was much more content walking around with her Papa- that girls loves her Papa.

In general news, the kids had a few milestone "firsts" this weekend- nothing major, but achievements nonetheless:

We went to dinner Saturday night and Harper and Jack sat in booster chairs for the first time- they have sat in booster seats in a booth before, but never in a chair. Now I guess we know we won't need high chairs anymore.

The kids also had cereal and milk for the first time this weekend. They've been eating dry cereal for a long time, but this was our first venture out with milk; it was a little messy, but I think they liked it. (side note- Harper is objecting to me taking her picture, not to the cereal).

Harper and Jack (with the help of their dad) also built their first fort on Saturday morning. They were so happy to show me around their new digs when I got home from the gym. Jack was sad when we had to take it down, but Harper found a new place to hang out.

Harper also helped me in the kitchen on Sunday; we made homemade granola- yum!

The biggest news of the weekend, however, is that Tony got a new truck! He has been driving a car with out air conditioning for 9 months or so, and he found a good deal on this truck, so he has a new ride. Jack was very excited and kept saying "daddy has a new car! It's a pick- up truck!" Harper liked climbing through the cab and checking everything out.

So, I guess that's all for us this weekend. Nana is coming back tonight to spend this week with the kids and I am counting down the day until school is out (9...if you were wondering).  I'll end with a sweet picture of Papa on a walk with Harper and Jack this weekend. I look forward to many more walks like this one.

Operation Graduation

Harper and Jack have been cracking us up this week with their silly jokes, funny songs, and the way they interact with each other. Jack has been talking in full sentences all week long and he's come up with all sorts of things that surprise us. For instance, we were Skyping with Papa tonight and Papa was wearing a hat and so was Jack. Jack looked at Papa and said "I am the little one. You are the big one." :)

Harper has also been singing and dancing all over the place this week. We went to the store and as we were holding hands walking in, Harper started singing "stop and listen to stay safe" when she saw a car coming. She also does solo performances of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" at a moments notice.


On Thursday, I left my two crazy little ones with Tony and I hopped on a plane and winged my way to Fort Collins, Colorado to watch my brother, Tanner, walk the stage at his college graduation.

Tanner graduated on Friday morning with a degree in civil engineering, and my mom, dad, uncle Gary and I were there to cheer him on.  They graduation was just the school of engineering, so ti wasn't terribly long, and the key note speaker did a great job. Tanner made it across the stage without falling, and we all met up afterwards for some pictures before the rain came through.

We had a great visit and I got to meet all of Tanner's friends, see the big city of Fort Collins, take a quick tour of the CSU campus, do some shopping, eat some great food, and get home in time to fall asleep in my own bed Saturday night.

Go Rams!

A local bookstore poster- my kind of day

While I was in Fort Collins, I got some souvenirs for the kiddos. Jack has been really into hats lately and I found a CSU Rams hat that I thought he would really like. From the moment I pulled the hat out of my suitcase this afternoon, Jack has been all about the hat- he even wanted to put it on after his bath!

Harper, on the other hand, was indifferent about her tie-dye shirt. She didn't even want to try it on for a picture. So, I suppose I'll put in the drawer and see if I can sell her on it later this week, or next week.

I know Tony was happy to see me when I got home (my flight out of Denver got canceled; I had to rebook by flight, and I got home about 3 hours later than expected). Tone was worried about having the kids by himself for a few days, but he had nothing to worry about- he did a great job! When we Skyped or talked on the phone, the kids were always happy and laughing. Tony was even brave enough to take Harper and Jack to the donut shop to try donuts for the first time. He said they both loved it and were covered in chocolate from head to toe.

So, that was our weekend. I can't believe that my little brother is now a CSU alumna- congratulations, Tanner! I can't wait to see what big adventures lie ahead for you! We love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”
―Donna Ball, At Home on Ladybug Farm

I thought this quote was fitting for our Mother's Day entry.  This year our Mother's Day celebration comes with both a mix of joy and grief- a double edged sword that casts a spotlight on a gaping hole left in our lives and the lives of my dear sweet babies who are growing up without their precious Mimi. We talked about Mimi today and I smiled today thinking that she would've loved to watch Dumbo with the kids this afternoon, or play in the play kitchen with Harper, or pretend to be flying to outer space with Jack. I know that she is looking down on us and smiling too. We miss you Mimi- you were an outstanding mother who embodied the quote above. You taught me so much about what it means to be a great mom- thank you for everything you gave to us. Happy Mother's Day!

This weekend the kids and I went and got our haircut- it was much needed all the way around. Jack volunteered to go first and Deb give him a "little boy" haircut. When Deb turned that chair around, I was shocked to see a boy where my toddler sat just moments before- no more curls (I know they'll quickly grow back), and just a big grin on his face. Jack couldn't wait to get up and run around the salon and play while Harper got her haircut. Harper needed a bang trim and she was happy to be able to see her eyebrows again. When she was done getting her haircut, it was my turn and Nana played with the kids while I got my haircut. We were some of the last people in the salon and Harper and Jack had a great time running up and down the halls, sitting on the couch, and looking at themselves in the mirrors. Jack also found an "astronaut helmet" that he thought was really neat. 

We celebrated Mother's Day with my family on Saturday with a nice lunch out at Gloria's. The kids enjoyed eating tortillas with beans and sour cream and cheese- they ate so much lunch I thought they were going to pop! After lunch, we went to Nana and Pop's house to open gifts and visit. They had a great time with Aunt Becky, Uncle Rex, Great Granny and Nana and Pop. 

After we left Nana and Pop's, we stopped by a friend's third birthday party for about an hour. Harper and Jack enjoyed playing on the slide and playing with their friends. When we got back home, they were worn out and got in bed early.

Our Mother's Day started this morning with tornado sirens at 7am- thankfully, the storm warning was called off and we didn't have to wake the kids up to huddle int he closet. Tony made Belgian waffles for breakfast, the kids gave me some pictures they had painted, and I spent all day in my pajamas- it was a great Mother's Day. I loved to snuggle with my little family while we watched movies this morning and play and even do some work around the house. Somehow doing the laundry and changing sheets, and all the other household chores seemed easier to do when it was raining and we were all sitting around in our pjs.

I am so thankful and grateful to be a mother to these two wonderful kids and I am so proud of them!