A Sign of Spring

One afternoon following the children's naps, we heard the music.  You know, the music that summons all kids to high-tail it outside, quarters in hand, salivating over what flavor to purchase.  

The ice cream truck hit our cul-de-sac and we couldn't pass it up. 

It was a warm 84 degrees outside which made an orange push-pop a great afternoon treat. 

I felt like we were living in the 1960's with the ice cream man playing his tunes, cruising through the neighborhood.  I kept waiting for Wally and the Beav to come out and join us. 

Next time I am just going to strip the kids down to their diapers in the front yard. The clean up will just be easier that way, and I can hose them down when they are finished.  They had orange stickiness on every surface area and crevice possible. 

I mean, does life get any better than this? 

Thanks ice cream man. 

My Buddy

The conversation continues...who does he look like? 

I claim me, or at least my side of the family.  His daddy disagrees.  He's all Mason he says. 

When we ask his sister, she ponders for a quick minute before answering he looks like McClain.  Truth. 

I can't figure out what to do with boys hair.  Especially sweet brown baby curls.  Do I cut the curls or continue to go with the wild man/frat boy look?  Or as my daughter says the piggytails. 

Suggestions welcome.

But what a little dream boat, right? 

snapshots from my phone

Nothing beats Saturday morning in our pj's, lounging in our little chairs with juice cups in hand, watching our reading video's.  The life! 

CBS wears him slap out! 

My new best friend arrived last month.  :) Hopefully this means better pictures of my two favorite subjects. 

Lucy Mills' sweet friend Ava had a princess themed birthday party in January.  She loved prancing around in her pink boa, making a magic wand, and of course eating pink cupcakes. 

She was a pro at kissing the frog prince. 

Having a fun night with her friends.  Yes, McClain is playing with a babydoll...he is confident in his masculinity I assume. 

I used to babysit for these sweet girls when they were Lucy Mills and McClain's ages.  They recently had our family over for dinner and we had the best time.  I sat looking on from a distance as they girls I used to love on, enjoyed playing with my children.  I love how God brings unexpected things full circle. 

I have such a pretty little boy.  Lucy Mills thought he needed a bow in his piggytails. 

I remember doing my college applications on a typewriter {back in the dark ages!}.  Now my two year old can maneuver an ipad better than me! 

Yep, we are still obsessed with chapstick.  Note to self: do not leave the red one in the unsupervised hands of a toddler unless you want this result...

Learning, learning. 

The view heading up to my dad's cabin.  Can you see the house at the tip top? 

How much can we accessorize? 

Into Mommy's shoes! 

She loves me to roll down the car window and feel the breeze! 

 Peek-a-boo McClain! 

The four of us went to the USC baseball game season opener and had a blast chasing after the children together. Superbuddy had the best view! 

More real  pictures to come! 

These Days

 We have hit the terrible two's full throttle.  We have days when she is sweet as pie and well, others... lets just say that I understand the term now.  A friend of mine tried to encourage me by saying that every child goes through this period and that around age 3 1/2 it wears off.  Oh gee, swell.  Just one more year to go.  

Since the weather wasn't so favorable this weekend we took the children and the double stroller to walk around the mall.  We found ourselves in Sears of all places when we became those parents.  You know the ones.  The ones blankly staring at each other as their child, who has clearly lost her ever-loving mind, is uncontrollably screaming at the top of her lungs.  

She had every right too.  I told her we were not buying the riding lawn mower.  

The four of us went to the USC baseball game season opener Friday afternoon.  We had a blast letting Lucy Mills and McClain run around the stadium, eat hot dogs, and chase after Cocky.  The American dream is a beautiful thing.   

I am married to the greatest man.  

He adores his children and immerses himself in their world entirely.  He gently teaches them, plays with them, corrects them, cares for them, sings to them, and enjoys them.  What a gift this man is to our family.  

With each new morning I have been waking early to sip my inviting cup of coffee and read Jesus Calling.  I highly recommend this beautiful devotional.  As I scan the written words, page after page, I am in awe of what seems are God's love letters to me and only me.  

His mercies are new each morning.  Even when dealing with the terrible two's. 

Be Still My Heart

My sweet boy McClain, who would have ever thought I could love a little guy as much as I love you??  I think it's a mutual adoration we share for one another because you certainly have eyes {and snuggles and kisses} for Mommy.  

You love to be outside, and the dirtier you get the happier you are.  You discovered the potting soil for my flower pots on the side of the house and you are a magnet to the black soil.  I remember how your sister would cry if she got her hands dirty. . . not the case with you my buddy.  You would roll around naked in the griminess if I let you. 

It amazes me how inborn your ability is to flirt with pretty girls.  When one looks your way and begins to talk to you, you bury your blushing, red cheeks in my neck only to cut your eyes in her direction and flash a mischievous grin afterwards.  You love the ladies and the ladies love you. 

You never miss a chance to address anyone and everyone who passes you by.  You wave and say "eeeyyyyy!!" {heyyy}

You and Lucy Mills love to play chase.  As soon as I announce that "Mommy is going to get you," you run straight into my arms, rather than darting away, and collapse your little body against mine.   

McClain, you are now 14 months old. You have been going to sleep on your own with little to no fuss since you entered the world.  For the past two weeks I have started snuggling you before bed and rocking you to sleep at night.   I trace your forehead and ear with my fingertips and watch your lids flutter until you surrender to dreamland.  

As I approached your class at the end of CBS one Thursday I heard a woman repeatedly asking, "where is McClain's mom?" She made her way in my direction and asked me the question again to which I replied "that depends, what did he do?" She had volunteered in the babies class that morning and apparently you charmed her.  She went on and on about what a precious child you are which melted my mama heart to the core.  Now whenever I see her in the halls she asks "how's our McClain doing?"
He is doing wonderful. 

Love you SuperBuddy. 

Happy Hearts Day

Hi

On a daily basis I have been asking in my most excited, super-fun mommy voice if Sweet Girl would like to use the big girl potty and get a treat.  To which she regularly replies "I not use da big girl pottyyyy!" Well wouldn't you know that as I return to pick her up from the nursery after church, Lucy Mills along with all three teachers, exclaim "Mom, guess who sat on and USED the big girl potty?!" 

She hasn't done it for me since...

He can say "ba ba" (bottle), "dada," cup, "cacker" (cracker), and "Gee" for Suggie but not mama.  Really buddy? 

He says it with his eyes though. :) 

I know he does. 

Sweet girl likes rap music.  Whenever she rides in the car with Daddy she asks him to play Ice Ice Baby. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. 

I take comfort that when she rides with Mommy she asks for Holy, Holy.  {aka: children's bible songs}

I guess I'm hoping that the good will outweigh Marky Mark in the long run. 

One month into 2012 and I already get the mom of the year award.  McClain had his first ear infection and I waited a few days to take him to the pediatrician.  The only symptom he had was a nasty cough and Lucy Mills' ears have never been an issue, so I wasn't eager to pay the co-pay have him seen. Thank God for meds to get my Superbuddy back to normal.  

As the not-so-sweet sibling moments occur, I encouraged LM to be sweet to her brother especially since he wasn't feeling well.  She came back with "yeah, McQuain not feel gud...he might frow up." No sweetheart that was last month.  It's his ear this time.  Summertime are you close? 

Lucy Mills points to McClain's curls and says that he has piggytails.

Oh my sweet babes.  What filled my days before you? Nothing as worthwhile as you two.