SUMMER EXCITEMENT

What a day!  It was a day filled with excitement, facination, and smiles.  You know, the days that you long for once you're an adult.  The days where there are no worries in the world, you discover the awe of discovery, and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch!  This was our day!

For some, 4:30 a.m. is pretty early, but not for our new milk delivery man named Bob.  This is where my excitement got me bouncing out of bed this morning to see that our milk had indeed ARRIVED!  You could say that I was the sucker that signed up for the delivery service.  I mean really---who has milk delivered to their house?!?!  I DO!!!!!!  I NEVER sign up for things--especially milk delivery.  But, for some reason, I was in a good (or desperate) mood the day Tracy came knocking on our door.  

I have to admit, my mind always jumps back to our local Prairie Farms store that had the glass bottles of milk growing up.  I am a sucker for the days of long ago.  But I'm probably a bigger sucker for a deal!  This milk is delivered right to our door, once a week, for free (for 6 months).  This milk is the same price that we are already paying---but it's delivered to our door---for free!!!!!  Yes, the free home delivery was what sealed the deal.  I have been GIDDY over this for the last couple of days and I could barely sleep last night because I was so excited for the delivery today!  It truly is the little things in life.  

After our wonderful and exciting start to our day, we ventured outside to play.  Blake immediately came running up with the same amount of excitement that I just had with the milk.  (I just LOVE learning about the world through his eyes)!  He had discovered all of these small little insects.  There were probably 10+ baby praying mantis scurrying around outside our front door.  I immediately ran for my camera.  What an awesome way to start our summer unit on Animal Babies!  

Later on in the afternoon, Layne was continuing to fuss more than usual.  I've suspected for a while now that she must be teething.  Finally, after a week of not being herself and more clingy than usual, it was confirmed that her FIRST tooth just popped through!  Our friend, Gracie, stopped by to check on Layne and offered her ALL of her pacifiers!   Let's hope everyone gets a good night sleep tonight.  

OUR DAY OF PLAY

I know, I know--- it's been forever since I've posted.  Don't worry, we're still here, just more busy with two.  I've also had a couple of set backs with my back, sicknesses floating around our house, and computer issues that will only seem to be resolved if I purchase a new computer.  :(  But I've been working on downloading pictures and have about 20+ blog posts to upload.  I'm hoping to get a lot of it done tonight, but check back as I will continue to work on this in hopes to record those daily and more major milestones for Blake and Layne.  I'm certain I'm going to get the Back-Blogging Queen award.  

Today we went to our Children's Discovery Museum and had a blast.  It's usually very quiet on Wednesdays which is perfect when dealing with two kids by myself.  Today was more exciting than usual since there were more kids than usual.  We later found out that one school was canceled today due to a busted water pipe, and the local Library was also closed due to flooding.  Two of Blake's preschool friends were also there which was really cute to watch them interact.  I just can't tell you all enough how thankful I am to be able to take both kids and play.  It's definitely something I don't take for granted!

Blake is insisting more and more about wearing his boots wherever we go.  I LOVE it!!!!

 Blake and his friend, Annie.

 Blake discovered the Light Table today.  My students loved having one in the classroom.

 Who knew a flip flop had so many uses.  

Layne enjoyed watching and hearing all of the kids.  She actually stayed in her car seat for the majority of the time which allowed me the opportunity to play with Blake at various centers in the museum.  

LAYNE ROLLED OVER

Layne

 learned

to

to

 over!!!!

LAYNE'S BABY DEDICATION

Layne's Baby Dedication was held today at Eastview Christian Church.  We were so thankful for all of the family and friends that were able to attend.  

"As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:26-28 (NIV)

Our family with Mike Baker, Senior Pastor as Eastview.

EMBROIDER--this, that, and everything in between

Despite our busy schedules, I've slowly been working on some embroidery projects here and there.  Definitely not as fast as I would like, but at least I'm able to get some of them done.  

Layne's hair bow holder

HANDMADE WITH LOVE

Layne received a very special gift in the mail today from her Great-Grandma Giacomo.  She crocheted Layne this beautiful popcorn stitch blanket.  I'm always so amazed at this talent.  Perhaps it's the intricate detail or the time invested in such a sweet piece.  Either way---what a very special and cherished gift! 

POTTY TRAINING

Pottery Training is in full swing at our house----and going GREAT!  I have to admit that I've been the reluctant one, but Eric felt we were very behind the game.  So we decided to make this weekend-THE WEEKEND to potty train.  I quickly read the book my friend recommended, gathered the supplies, and hunkered down at home for the entire three day stretch.  We have been amazed at how easy Blake has picked it up.  Way to go, Blake!!!!

This weekend, we've played lots of games, read books, watched movies, and even made chocolate chip cookies.  Blake also loved the m & m's he's been able to load up on.   

This little lady is chewing everything in site.  She's as much in love with her Sophie the Giraffe as her brother was.  

FULL OF LOVE- valentine's day

It has been a long couple of days here in our house.  Blake has been sick and running a fever since last Thursday.  He just got over strep throat a couple of weeks ago and now this fever again.  He hasn't been able to kick it so I decided to go back to the doctor yesterday to check if he needed another round of antibiotics.  Luckily, he does not have strep throat.  Unfortunately, he's still running a fever again today.  I just hate seeing kids sick.  Layne also woke up with a temp.  I'm just hoping she's just teething and not getting what Blake has.  Time will only tell.

All of this leads me to my next point.  We had some really cute outfits to wear today, a party at school (that I was in charge of), and multiple cards to finish up.  Instead, I've held both of my babies, gladly been a short order cook, and cleaned with bleach better than any hotel maid.

Here are a few pics from our sweeties!  Hope you're able to do something special today for the ones you love!

This is from Blake's Valentine Party at school that I attended.  It just wasn't the same not having Blake there.  :(

LAYNE- FASHION STAR

Layne has been given some of the CUTEST outfits ever!  I'm totally in love with anything from Mudpie!  This is the first outfit Layne got as a gift.  I think she needs this in every size.  

MAKING VALENTINES

With all of the leftover crayons around our house, we decided to make the heart shaped crayon melts as gifts to the kids in Blake's preschool class.  Blake really loved putting the chunks of crayons in the heart shaped mold.  

Our mailboxes are up and ready for mail!