An Update, Including Mother's Day

Kenny said that instagram has replaced my blogging, and that's partly true. I've also just been lazy. I looked at our real camera and realized I haven't taken a single picture on it in many weeks! It's no wonder there aren't many pictures of my childhood--my parents' generation didn't have camera phones! That's pretty much all I use anymore. So here's a little update on our family as of late.

 

Our house is coming along very nicely! It was veeeerrry slow getting going, and delayed for several months. But now that it's warmer and the ball has started rolling, things are moving along quickly. It's a lot of fun to drive by often and see the progress. The kids love walking around in it and talking about what's in each room. I know it seems like a big house, but remember, it's a duplex and we'll only be living in half of that.

The snow is finally melted and the warmer temperatures are just so nice! After last winter I was really excited to be out and doing things too, but I was still really frustrated that it was still pretty crappy weather a lot of the time. It rains a lot, it's cloudy all the time, and by golly it's still cold! But this year, although it's the exact same way, I expected it this year. I knew what was coming, so I'm not as frustrated with it, I just try to work with it (or around it). But we do get outside and play, or go to the park whenever we can.

Kelsey pushing one of the girls we were babysitting. Kels thinks she's such a big girl :)

Our house seems to be crawling with children lately, and I love it! I know that sounds silly but I am really glad when people ask me to babysit. I was telling Kenny, I'm so happy to be the one that's able to serve, not just always needing it! For a long while I didn't feel very willing or able to take on other people's children, because I was barely holding my own. So I'm grateful to be in a place now where I feel comfortable with extra. It gives me a sense of confidence :).

Brynlee finished off ballet. She was only in it for the last 2-3 months, and I don't think we'll do it again. She didn't love it like I thought she would, and she talks about doing gymnastics, never ballet. I don't know if it's because she realized how far behind the other girls she is, or if she's aware of how poorly she listens to and follows directions...whatever it is it wasn't a great fit. So I'm comfortable not putting her back in. She sure did look cute in her little leotard though :)

 Tyler also finished off his soccer season. As of right now we have nothing scheduled for the whole summer! I am excited for the break. But Tyler still begs me on a daily basis for me to put him in soccer for the summer. Sometimes I think I should just because he loves it so much and wants it so bad, and it's all he ever wants to play. But part of me is selfish and wants to just chill for a few months. Maybe it'll come back to bite me when he doesn't make the high school soccer team or something and I think, "I should've put him in that one summer when he was 6 years old"

Mother's Day was this past Sunday and it was great. Kenny made delicious waffles for breakfast!

I just love being a mother. It is what I've always wanted to do, and what I've always known I would do. I love being here to teach them. I love being the one that they come to for comfort. I love when they wrap their chubby little hands around my neck and give me slobbery kisses. I love learning from them and seeing how their brilliant little minds work. I love that I am their constant. No matter where we move, or what daddy's work schedule is like, they can be secure because I am with them. I  (mostly) love how they fight over who sits on my lap, or next to me, every time I sit down. I love that they are so naturally happy and optimistic about life--it is a great example to me. They are full of goodness, innocence and light and it is wonderful to be surrounded by them every day and night. (bonus points for rhyming)

 Kenny got me some bling bling! Ty and Bryn each picked out a necklace too. So sweet :)

 My cousin Quincy, and Jen and their kids are down here from Fairbanks with their kids. We got to play with their older 3 for a while yesterday and have them all over for dinner last night. They're such a good family and great playmates for our kids. We'll be spending more time with them throughout the week and looking forward to it.

Joseph and Tyler building legos