What's been going on?

So much! Don't know where to even start or if I should even share everything, but lets just say, we've been busy! Aaron has been home for the past 2 weeks and it's been heavenly. We of course had all kinds of plans to get things done.....most of which did indeed get done. The spring cleaning is the only thing I was hoping for that only slightly got worked on. But, the yard is in good order (minus the garden getting planted), you could practically eat off the floor in our garage it's so clean, all 3 kids are moved into the one room, closets have been cleaned out, most of the the clothes we've outgrown have been boxed up, baby's room is, well, vacuumed, but we still have some time to get his room ready. And then, there's been some random play in between the hustle and bustle.

I"m sad that it'll be back to the grind come Monday when Aaron goes back to work full time. I've taken full advantage of sleeping in in the mornings, taking spontaneous naps during the days, running quick errands without towing my kiddos along, and just enjoying adult company every day. But, the bills must be paid and I must admit that our regular routine will be nice to get back to.

To end this post, let me just write a few random funny things the kids have said as of late.

Abigail: "I'm so frustrated that I keep pooping in my underwear". That goes for me too!
Nathan: "Dear Heavenly Father, please let me have a motorcycle, airplane, and a rocket in my garage someday".
Hannah: "Ryker (boy in her class) gave me this today at school. I think he must love me".

Never a dull moment! NEVER!
(farm country at Thanksgiving Point)

Quite a Guy

I'm feeling particularly thankful lately for the guy I chose to marry. Little did I know how much he would teach me. Little did I know just how stalwart he is. Little did I know that he'd be lifting me up regularly. Little did I know just what great hands we are in because of him.

I found some random pictures of him that are just too good to pass up.

haPPy Sant PatRix baY

Fun Day in the Snow

 With a really fun Dad!

From Here to There. From There to Here. Funny Things are Everywhere

We celebrated a most beloved children's author today. Dr. Seuss! I have always loved his books and boy do my kids love them too. I hope his imagination will seep into their little brains as they grow and they will never lose the love of creating things from their own imagination.

We aren't ham eaters over here, but sure love his book, "Green eggs and Ham". We had to make something that would make him proud. But if our pancakes weren't up to par, I know Hannah's pictures sure were.
Flower

 Sun

 Lollipops

 Ice cream cones

Hannah's art work

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

The Power of Love

I belong to a group called, "The Power of Moms". We meet once a month and discuss an article relating to motherhood. February's article was entitled, "The Power of Love". Every read is fantastic and helpful for me on this journey of motherhood. I come away feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and committed to this most important job of raising my children.

I am not a real affectionate person by nature. It does seem to be easier to be affectionate to my small children, but as they grow I can see it's easier for me not to hug and kiss them like I did when they were born. Hannah is super affectionate. She reminds me often that she needs to be hugged, loved, kissed, and cuddled. I feel bad that I have to be reminded.
Nathan is more like me. He rarely seeks for affection. Is this because he's a boy? or is he really more like me in this regard? Maybe both.
Abigail is the epitome of affection. She cuddles, hugs, kisses, loves on, and constantly seeks affection, just like her older sister.

So, back to the article. There was a section about loving through poor/bad behavior. This is hard stuff for me to do! The stern, proud, adult self in me wants them to obey immediately. Loving through tantrums is so much easier said than done.
The last few days my child #2 and I have not been jiving. His tantrums and bullying have put me over the top and my reactions have been less than loving. And guess what? his behavior has been worse and worse. So......after reading this article and hearing what the other mothers had to share last night in our discussion, I recommitted to just loving this boy of mine. Tantrums, fits, bullying and all. I was determined that whatever he wanted from me today, if I was able to, I was going to give it to him. When he asked me to play cars with him after breakfast, I happily agreed. When he wanted me to read to him right now, I did it. And when he asked if I would play with him out in the snow today, I reluctantly said I would. No one can be surprised that he's been a pretty great little boy today. He's been more kind to his sisters. He's back to using his kind words to me. And his eyes have lit up every time I've agreed to do what he's asked of me. So, he may not want all the hugs and kisses all the time from me, but he certainly needs to feel love in other forms.

 A very tight squeeze to get in these puppies.

I hope to be better at showing all my children love in all the forms they need. I hope I remember to just love them when they seem to be acting out or showing defiance. I hope I will remember that me getting upset with them makes everything 100x's worse. I know there is a great power in love. Far greater than a power struggle.