A New Do

Noelle decided about 3 weeks ago that she wanted her hair cut short, well after making sure that's what she really did want, making sure she knew she would no longer be able to wear ponytails or pigtails we finally got it cut on Tuesday! Isn't it cute? She looks even older now, but still so adorable (yes, I know, I'm biased!) What's even better, she seems to like it too which makes me happy! :) 

Five Things Friday {Sunday Edition}

Here's this week's edition of Five Things Friday, but first things first... 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! 

Got the kids to pose with Rodney this morning for a Father's Day photo! What a treasured sight! Love, love, love these 3... total and complete lights of my life. And Rodney, an amazing and completely wonderful, terrific, 2nd to none Dad & Husband! Love you Sweetie!!! 

Now, on to this week's five things: 

#1: The week got started with a bang when Rodney threw his back out on Monday after picking Parker up one handed and improperly. He could barely stand much less walk on Monday, but because of his consistency with icing it, he's pretty much back to normal now! Yay!!! 

#2: These two are a bit silly... notice those socks they each have on one hand? Yes, that was quite the entertainment for them while they were playing with the trains. I have no idea what prompted this but, they thought this was pretty cool! LOL!

#3. On Wednesday we made these little juice box boats I saw on this blog. Notice Noelle's name on her boat, she did that all by herself! :) 

Little did I realize this bucket I pulled out for the boats would become the kids new wading pool! Although Parker refuses to put on his swim trunks when we go out to play in the water, he'll inevitably get wet and THEN wants to put his swim shorts on!! So funny! 

More fun in the bucket! 

#4: A new sandbox this week, we've had the spot reserved for it as part of our swing set, but it's not had sand in it until this week. It's been a big hit, especially with Parker... we've had a much easier time keeping him in the backyard since we got it! 

#5: And THIS, my FAVORITE photo taken this week! I love, love, love it! Love the way the lighting is, love his sweet smile and those big big eyes! :) 

Saturday {not quite so} Adventurous

Our Saturday adventures did not quite end up as adventurous as we had planned. Our first stop was Day Out with Thomas and as one friend put it, it turned out to be "Thomas the Rain". We saw Thomas, played with the train sets a bit and then got back in the car to head home.

Here's Parker & Rodney soaking from the rain. You can tell the rain didn't spoil our fun even if our adventure was cut short.

We decided to put our original 2nd stop on hold for now... and wait for a better weather Saturday! 

Five Things Friday

#1: Quote of the week, brought to you by Noelle: As she was getting ready for bed one night earlier this week, she starts rubbing the back of her arm, and in a very serious almost concerned voice she says "Mommy, I have (pause) skin on me." I tried not to show how funny I thought this was but, couldn't help but crack up a little at her seriousness. So, I said, "oh look... so do I! We have it all over us don't we?" :) To which she asked "Why?" 

#2: We had some enjoyable time at the park yesterday which were the only photos I snapped of the kids all week! 

#3: I have to say, this little guy is growing up way to fast for me... it's really hit me this week that he's not a baby anymore but I sometimes have a hard time accepting this. He's losing those baby cheeks, he's talking a ton and is just plain not a baby anymore and although I love watching him grow up I have to admit it makes me seriously sad to have to say good bye to the baby years. They really do go by too fast, which reminds me to do all I can to enjoy & be present in each and every moment.  

#4: We're looking forward to some big adventures tomorrow that include a famous train and a famous bird (unrelated). I will share more after tomorrow when I have photos and stories! 

#5: That's all I got... a much less eventful week than last! :)  

What Joy!

I think to myself... uh oh, it's quiet... I wonder what they are up to... what they are getting into, what mess I am going to find, and then... as I walk up the stairs I see this... the two of them sitting on her bed, reading a book. Ah, a sigh of relief and a pause to admire, to love and then to give thanks to their Creator for trusting me, only me to be their Mommy. What joy!

Five Things Friday (Saturday Edition)

Well, I must say, it's been quite a week! So, let's get going! 

#1. This sweet girl has been adjusting to her new smile. She's been asking a lot of questions like; "Mommy what happened to my tooth?", "When will I get my big girl tooth, in 3 days? 6 days? 4 days?", "How will I get another tooth, who's going to give it to me?" and then making comments like; "Mommy, my tooth is gone.", "I'm in my room listening to Jesus, he's going to give me my big girl tooth." And there's been a lot of her just lifting up her lip to show us her missing tooth. It's really so adorable watching her adjust to this change and learn new things. 

#2. We've all been enjoying this new favorite snack of ours... vanilla yogurt, blueberries/strawberries and granola. YUM! 

#3. My grandpa (Papa Southern) is in town from North Carolina... the kids & I got to spend some time with him and my mom on Friday... as you can see we ate lunch at Fritz's at Crown Center... I absolutely love this photo of him (and no Papa, you didn't break the camera!)

We also visited the Clifford exhibit at Crown Center and... 

mostly stood on the sidelines of the fountains... Noelle did run through once but, since Parker wasn't interested in going, she didn't want to go either. 

#4. I have a little personal project going on this month... I'm creating a (scrapbook) layout a day in June! Yes, I know I'm probably a bit crazy, but so far it's been a lot of fun! You can see what I've created so far at my little creative blog here. 

#5. We are now proud owners of a piano, handed down from my parents who no longer wanted it, so Rodney is enjoying some You Tube piano lessons and the kids are having fun banging on it a bit, but having more fun playing with their matchbox cars on it! Haha! 

Our Big Weekend Adventure

This photo shows our biggest adventure of the holiday weekend. Yes, you are seeing that right, our sweet 4 year old little girl is missing a tooth! While playing on the swing set at Grandma & Grandpa Rankin's house last night she knocked out her front tooth!!! It wasn't quite the way I'd imagined she would lose her first tooth... in fact it was quite traumatic for all of us. Complete with tears, blood, racing hearts, frantic thoughts of what in the world do we do!? It was Memorial Day evening and we knew there was likely no way of getting a hold of a dentist much less get her in to see a dentist! 

We were able to get her in first thing this morning, she was so brave and strong (as she has been since it happened). The dentist took an X-Ray of her mouth and found that she would've probably lost that tooth within a year or so anyway. It seems the development of her teeth are a little further along than most 4 year olds... which gives me much relief. With a bit of tylenol and softer foods for a few days, she should be healed up within a couple of weeks and we will all get used to this beautiful new smile of hers!!! 

Oh, and just in case you're wondering... yes, the Tooth Fairy did come for visit last night! She has helped make this adventure a bit more enjoyable for us all! :)