What I've been up to!

So somewhere between the deep cleaning of our home (it goes on the market this week), preparing for an upcoming sprint triathlon (two weekends away), and basically being a single parent (Justin's fellowship requires really long hours), I managed to be involved in this lovely utube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4HhnybyC5g&feature=channel_video_title

I think that the editor does and amazing job and Jessi is super talented. I hope you get the chance to enjoy it like I do!!

KItties Galore!!

We left the garage door open for about ten minutes one day and came home to this:

Six little kittens who lost their mittens + two mommy cats just chilling in the garage.

Justin was all about keeping one of these little cuties. I was NOT!!

The owners were not available to come get them. Eventually all the neighborhood kids helped me take them home.

Izzy - Unplugged!

I've been super proud of Izzy lately and I really don't want to forget the moments she's creating. She is growing up way too fast!

1. Isabella finally conquered her fear of riding on a bike (with training wheels). She was very slow at first but then couldn't wait to ride her bike every day. That was like a month ago. She has barely ridden it since. Any suggestions?

2. Looking so beautiful at Easter, but with a very silly face.
3. Has decided to become a beautician and practices on Wes. Her favorite tools are a spray bottle and LOTS of barrettes.
4. Completed her first year of preschool with a smile on her face. Mrs. Sherrie was such a great teacher and she loved playing with her friend Seth. I admit I was having a hard time keeping it together when I dropped her off for the last time.
5. Everything is either the "very best day" or the "worst day ever" when it comes to my four-year-old. Standing outside in the drizzling rain looking at the rainbows made this the "best day ever."
6. A creative little mind built this castle with various blocks and other toys. She was very proud of her accomplishment.
7. First time on a horse makes for a very exciting adventure. I can't get over how cute she looks.

It All Adds Up!

Blooming Tress + Bike Rides + Using the Jogging Stroller + Playing at the Park + 75 degrees one day, 40 degrees the next + Playing in Mud Puddles + Picking Flowers + Picnics + Flip Flops + Short-Sleeve Tees and Shorts + Lower Gas/Electric Bills + Kids Smelling Like Outdoors + Longer Days + Happy Smiles =

Spring!!!

Summer, please take your time in arriving.

Time out for Women

A few weeks ago my dear mother came to town. Amy drove up from Georgia and my sis-in-law, Bonnie came down from Ohio so we could all go together. I admit I was a little big skeptical about attending this event but in the end I really did enjoy it. The speakers were very uplifting. It left me wanting to be a better mom and wife and not complain so much.

My mom stayed for five days. I never get my mom all to myself, so it was very nice. Izzy and Wesley absolutely loved it! Grandma chased them around the house, played ponies, and of course showered them with gifts. We love you Grandma Bennett!

LOVE!

How can you not love these sweet little faces?!? When all is said and done, no matter how crazy, whinny, or uncooperative my kiddos can be, I'm so grateful that I have them. It only takes a smile or hug or sweet, "I love you so much in my heart," and I'm completely in love all over again. I'm so grateful that I have my Izzy-bizzy-baby girl and my Wes-a-wes-a-wes!

My Guy!

Words cannot describe the love and adoration I have for this little guy. Even when he is whinny, won't stay in bed, and pees on me, it just takes a little smile, a glance from those big browns, and a sweet kiss. That's it, I'm done. I don't even try to be angry. He is just growing up way too fast.

Check out these sexy legs!

Sometimes, this is how I find Wesley sleeping. He cracks me up!

Wesley's 2-year-old birthday celebration involved a few friends and family, some cake pops, and of course presents. He was so excited about turning two. Whenever anyone sang happy birthday, he sang along and just grinned from ear to ear. I coached him to say, "I'm two" whenever anyone asked.

Putting together his tool bench with Daddy!

Snowy Days

I'm truly a Idaho girl at heart. The weather in Tennessee has always been challenging for me to appreciate. Hot humid summers, cold snowless winters, just not my cup of tea. For the first time since I have lived here, we had a beautiful snowfall at Christmas. Since then we have had a few pretty good storms. I still shake my head that school gets canceled for so little of snow, but I have been able to enjoy the cold a little bit more with my kiddos this year. I'm thinking of investing in snow clothes for next winter and possibly a sled. Just thinking.

Here are some pictures of our adventures. I'm sad to report that our sledding venture was not photographed at all. I'm a terrible mother. We went sledding with two of our neighbors to the perfect spot. Not too long, not too short. I admit to being a little nervous for Wes and even more nervous for Izzy since she tends to be a bit of a wimp. But my worries were in vain. They absolutely loved it and couldn't get enough. By the end, Wesley insisted on walking up the hill himself and pulling the sled behind him. Someday I'm taking my kids to the sand dunes!

We built this snowman the day after it snowed. When the snow was already melting. It lasted about half the day in the sun. He was cute while he was here.

Izzy has been dying to make a snow angel. It's all she ever talks about when it snows. So happy we finally got around to it.