Go Tigers!

Well, I didn't cheer for them but at least two people I know did. Last weekend, we went to the Orange and White Clemson Spring Game. It was a fun, family football game. Since the game was free and low key (no real opponents) it was a great way to introduce Josh to football.

We left Saturday afternoon for Pendelton, SC to visit Jason's anut and uncle. I had hope the kids would take naps in the car, but this didn't happen so we decided to take Arlene up on her offer and keep Rachel. It was nice having special time with Josh. I enjoy special outings with each kid ever now and then so that we or I can focus just on them and make them feel extra special. Rachel and I have had some fun coffee dates but not as many with Josh.

We didn't stay for the whole game but stayed long enough for Josh to enjoy it, practice holding hands and smiling to people, meet the tiger, and more. I thought for a minute or two during the game that Josh was going to fall asleep on me, but curiosity kept him awake.




The rest of the weekend was great! We enjoyed visiting the cows on their farm, spending time with cousins, eating great food, and lastly the short drive home. This trip made me wish we lived closer to grandparents. A 1.5 hour drive verses a 3.5 drive would be nice, but then again it could be worse. All in all, it was great to get away!

Spring is here!

Time to mow the lawn...

Drive a convertible...

(our neighbor's jeep)

Go shopping...

Watch petals blow from trees...

Blow bubbles...

Wear a bathing suit...

Or go topless if you need to!

But most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Happy Easter!

Easter weekend was simply beautiful this year. God's glory was shining through all the flowers and budding trees and was such a great reminder of the fact that He has risen!

For Easter this year we celebrated at different churches since I played cello downtown and Jason had to help out at our church so things were a little different. We will plan differently for next year since we all missed each other. We joined back together at our house for lunch with friends and family. After the services, the kids participated in an egg hunt at church and then loaded up on candy before coming home (sometimes I wish everyone would use raisins- wouldn't that be great?! BTW- I do eat candy and so do my kids. I'm just saying wouldn't it be nice?)



At home we had a yummy lunch and a super cute bunny cake that my friend made. Since company came over for the lunch I had to clean and had an excuse to take photos of the house. So I posted a few below. For some reason I didn't hit all the rooms. It must have been because of napping or messes. We still have a lot more changes to do to make it our home, but it already looks 10x better than before. Trust me- the wallpaper is all gone!

Dining Room

Great Room and kitchen in back
(we've updated the light fixture since I took this)

More Kitchen

Josh's Room

Every day is different

Some days I am amazed at how well my son listens and obeys when we are out and about; how he will hold my hand, how he will stop when I ask him to, and how he will help his sister with things. But more days than usual this has not been happening! Ahh! Times can be tough for Mommies and Daddies, but I have to remind myself, it will get better; right?

Today I felt like one of those moms that everyone looks at when we were in Target today. Rachel was ready to get out of the cart (crying and not happy) and Josh wanted to push it (crying too). He did have a turn but it was time to go and his behavior was getting worse so I told him it was Mommy's turn. That didn't seem to have any impact on him. He was determined to pull the buggy. We made it to the checkout but then had to tackle the parking lot with him holding my hand or getting in the buggy. Neither option was what he wanted so I had to carry him, but that wasn't an option either. Instead I had to hold him and then his shoe came off in the middle of the parking lot! Ahh. Fortunately someone helped us out by picking it up and brought it over to us while I could get my kids safely into the car.

As you can tell I needed to vent a little after this morning. I have to say that the rest of the day went very well and we all got naps in in (that's unheard of for all of us!). Many lessons were taught over and over throughout the day and while the kids may sometimes scream for Daddy when they aren't happy with the consequences, I know that they still love me and that if I didn't discipline my kids, then I wouldn't be loving and parenting them. That's a motto I remember reading a while back and has stuck with me. I would love to know any Mommy tips that you might have with similar scenarios.