First Suit

Isn't this too cute. (although he wasn't in a happy mood at the time)

Erik's first suit. :)

He already had worn his first tie/vest outfit, a gift from someone at the chapel, but this outfit, (another gift from a friend out west,) was his first suit.

It think it's cute. James says he's running for mayor.

Maybe that would be a good thing.

One day.

I'm truly thankful for all the clothes we've been given; new or used. I love hand-me-downs!

God has blessed us with friends, who thoughtfully share their bounty with us. :)

Reminders of Christmas

I meant to post these pictures ages ago...and maybe I did. Can't remember. :)

Whatever the case. Hope these brighten your day, and remind you of the special moments you had with your family over Christmas.

One of Those Days

The little ones are in bed. It's.quiet. Amazing.

It's been one of those days.

You know, the days that there's a lot of crying, disciplining, ("probably not enough, you in-consistent mommy") ... the day that they got up earlier than normal, so the morning stretched out. ("you're kidding...it's only 10a.m.")  The naps weren't properly achieved, and daddy had to be gone for some of the evening, making it a touch busier.

Why am I saying this...hmmm...had a reason when I started out.

Well, it's normal life. And that's okay.

Not all days are perfect. In fact, none are. :)

That's what heaven is for. :) 

I'm just thinking aloud here as I write: why do we call it "one of those days"? Totally a negative way of looking at all.

True, it "says it all" to someone else, who will get it without you having to say all of: "my 2-yr. old threw the whole toilet paper roll into the toilet, my 1-yr old has cried and cried a lot of the day, supper was a bit of a failure," and whatever minor details comprised your day. 

That's all it is. Minor details.

Just was reminded of Chris Rice's song, "One of Those Days". A good day, where you feel so close to God can be one of those days, or trusting in the feelings of our heart can be one of those days.

"Oh, it's been one of those days

When You walk with me

So close I think

I caught the scent of angel's wings

And my, oh my unsuspecting heart

Leaps from it's place

Begins to race

I finally found the place I never want to leave, oh...

Why can't every day, why can't ever day

Why can't every day, can't every day

Be like today

Oh, why do the good days end

Makes me wonder now

With the way I feel

If yesterday was even real...

Do I wallow in my insecurities

Do I trust what my feelings are tellin' me?

Or do I rest in the promise You made me

That You'll never leave?

Oh, today my heart believes

That the truth remains

You never change

Your love for me is still the same, oh...

Why can't ever day, why can't every day

Why can't ever day, can't every day

Be like today

-Chris Rice-

(song not in it's entirety)

It's not going by our feelings, but reminding ourselves over and over again, that God never changes, never leaves, and when we keep our focus on Him, we'll want every day, to be like today.

(which is what I want for tomorrow)

 My darling boy, on a night when he isn't teething, and isn't being weaned.

That's just plain rough.

I tucked Katy into bed tonight, her big eyes reflecting the hallway light, and was reminded again in a huge way, how blessed I am to have her as my little girl.

I'm a mom of a two-year old.

Incredible. 

(note to self: don't take that lightly)

One day she'll have her own little girl, and I know...I know... I'll miss the "I'm thirsty Mama", "I'm hungry, Mama", and the wails from the crib from little Erik.
(well, maybe I won't miss that as much!) But I'll miss his adorable chunkiness, smile and slobber. :)

Now that I'm almost in tears over the precious treasures I have, (yes, I'm sentimental)

and I better do some cleaning before my dear man comes home!
(photo's from December 2011)

Erik's 1st Birthday!!

Our little man turned one yesterday. 

January 13th, 2012.

It really doesn't seem like it was a year ago, when our purple baby boy was born, unattended, at 2:40 in the morning. It seems funny (now!) that I was so worried about him not crying (or breathing) right after his birth....(we were praying hard-hoping that he was alright) and, now he has spent a lot of his first year crying. :) I guess I am thankful for tears. :)

 We did a cupcake smash for his birthday cake. It was pretty sweet.

At first, he just looked at it, grunting, wondering if he could touch/eat it. We gave the go ahead and he dove right in. 

He especially loved the icing.

The chocolate remains. James (he came home for his late breakfast) helped clean up the birthday boy, while I tidied up the floor.

 Breakfast! He got crepes for special. And loved them.

 Katelyn was pretty excited about Erik's birthday. She couldn't wait for the presents.

 After daddy left for work, the kiddo's had a bath.

That smile is heart-melting. Notice how he just tilts his head a bit... :)

Cuteness.

 Katelyn enjoying the bath and her toys.

 I took a few pictures of my little princess, while I had the living room in a disaster all set up for pictures.

 I tried to get a good one of the kiddos, but Katelyn was all done.

The little man is talking/listening to Auntie Annie on the phone. :)

 And then it was party time. In the afternoon, after cleaning, I put some decorations up, and Mark and Rob came over for a Spaghetti dinner. We took a break for some presents, and then it was cake time.
(you'll notice in the bottom left, that Erik got some chocolate bars - yes, I think I was happier than he was. :) - And Rob and Mark gave him the cool "Cat" excavator thingy. :) He also got a ball, cool crocheted football (thanks Aleita!) which is perfect for throwing around in the house, a small firetruck from us, and a couple cute outfits from Anne-Marie and Grandma. :) He was blessed!)

 Another cupcake - could life get any better? - a song, and right before he was about to touch the flame, Mark saved his fingers. :)

 The family. :)

 While we finished our ice-cream and cake, Erik just played in one of his "spots" with his new ball.

 Daddy and Erik watching Youtube movies with the Uncles on oil sands, big trucks, excavators and other such guy stuff. :)

 First it was the elder serving the younger...

...and then vice versa. :)

After a quick music pratice with the uncles. (Erik, as always, loved the music) it was bedtime.

A perfect little day for our 1 year old.

My Sweetheart

Every day I try to remember to remind my little girl that...

"...you're mommy's special..." pause, and she says with a giggle, "sweetheart".

then...

"you're mommy's special..." and more giggles, "treasure".

and then one more.

"You're mommy's special..." "...princess."

I hope she'll always know that she's all of those three, all of the days of her life. :)

 Posing for mommy.

 In Auntie Bonnie's hat.

I love you, my special girl.

For always.

Little Shopper

I believe in teaching our children how to do things for themselves as early as possible. Not too early - (I'm not a fan of potty training at 6 months - I don't have that kind of time, but am impressed how some mom's can pull that off) but when they are old enough to accomplish a task, let them be big, and enjoy doing it. :)

All that to say, Katelyn and I went shopping - but in all honesty, it was for pictures, and to finally put Erik's baby gift to some real use at the Windmill. She picked out some stuff for me, and I chased after her with my camera. :)  She had a blast being big, and I got what I wanted. :)

" What should I buy..."

 "Hmmm...I'll take some Gouda cheese please..."

My big girl. :)

She does love shopping - usually that's because she can go inside the shopping cart and buy stuff. :)

Up, Down, Up, Down...and Crash

James was trying some push-ups, and Katelyn joined in...

 Down...

... Up! It's easy Dad, you can do it. :)

 Katelyn was having some "time out" time, and Erik was trying to come to her rescue.

Good little brother that he is.

"I just know that that round thingy opens this door..."