Siblings

It has been so wonderful watching Madelyn and Greyson grow up and grow together. I don't think I really knew how much staying home would change the way we interact with each other. We all know each other very well. Specifically, Madelyn and Greyson have gotten to be so close. They know when something is wrong with the other and how best to soothe. They tell each other secrets and laugh all the time. They fight over toys that they don't want to share really well too! :) I'm think that this time together, without much else in the way, will forge a deep and lasting friendship. I'm excited to see it shaping right in front of me and looking forward to seeing it grow more and more over the years!

In Progress

When I was working as an engineer I would have on my status report, such-and-such is "in progress". What was nice about that was eventually those things that were "in progress" would get the classification "complete". I feel like everything in my life right now is perpetually "in progress" and not destined for a "complete" classification. I know, I know, that is normal for a SAHM, but COM'ON! I need a "complete" on my status report! Okay, enough whining, time to get something done...

Goodbye, Uncle Jeff

We received some sad, but not unexpected, news today. Ben's Uncle Jeff passed away about 3pm this afternoon at the very young age of 49. He had been very sick with cancer for at least a year. He was a very kind man and always doted on our kids when we visited Arkansas for Thanksgiving. Over the past year, Madelyn has talked about Uncle Jeff quite a bit ever since we got a call saying that he was in the hospital VERY, VERY sick. She has prayed for him often, asking God to make him better. This picture is where she was able to sit with Uncle Jeff this last Thanksgiving. He had been released from the hospital and was able to join us in celebrating. Madelyn loved sitting with him, talking, singing, hugging, and playing. We also thanked God for making Uncle Jeff better that day and many other days too.


I also pulled these pictures out of the depths of our picture archives. They were taken at Ben's sister's wedding. I think this was the second time that Uncle Jeff was able to meet Madelyn. She is about 6 months and loving every minute she spent with him! It is one of the snapshots in time that I will never forget because I remember her belly laughing and just being entraced by Uncle Jeff. We will miss you, Uncle Jeff....

"Stay Up Day"

Madelyn has ALWAYS been an amazing napper. Heavy, long, restful naps. At 4 years old, she still takes 2-3 hour naps every day... that is until a couple of weeks ago. She was having trouble sleeping every day and I decided that maybe it was time to start weaning the naps. Most likely she will be going to every day, all day kindergarten next year and she isn't going to be able to get the same amount or quality nap in there! I guess it is time. So, she and I made a deal - she can have "stay up day" on Tuesday and Thursday and all the other days are still nap days. She happily agreed! Well, today I gave her the choice to stay up or go take a nap. Of course, she said she wanted to stay up but before I knew it she was "resting" on the couch (her words). Then while I left the room to go do something, I came back to her sleeping. I didn't mind. In fact, I applaud her for laying down when she was tired and getting some shut-eye (about 2 hours of it!). It was funny when she woke up though. She informed me, "No, mama, I was not asleep! I know because I had my eyes open!" Oh, really!

And I came across this picture of when Madelyn and I were planting our seedlings for this year's garden. She did a great job helping me get the soil moistened, filling the pots, and then adding the seeds. She loved it too. I hope that she'll love pulling the weeds too!

Easter dress, comin' right up!

I have the pattern, the ribbon, the bows, the thread... now all I need is the time to get the dress done... I hope to have WILL have it done in time! (it just might be Saturday night before Easter...) I will make sure to get a couple of pictures to share when it is done. Hopefully I can get a good one of it on the intended patron. She is excited that it is pink and has "easter eggs" on it. That's a plus. I am modifying the pattern a bit. Instead of doing a gathered skirt, I'm going to attempt a ... what would you call it... an "A-line" skirt? Oh, I don't know what it is called. Just one that isn't gathered at the waist and twirls well (one of Madelyn's favorite things in the *whole world*!). Then I'm gonna attempt 3/4 length sleeves. All of this is a gamble. I hope that it comes out okay. Really, I hope that it comes out great and Madelyn loves it! We'll see....

Wordless Wed: Enjoying Painting Time