January? Really?

I usually love winter but I am loving its been in the 50-60's lately! Today was nice so I let the boys cut their naps short and go outside and enjoy : )  They got to play basketball, go on a walk, play in the sticks, etc.

Crazy we can play outside without gloves and hats in January! The boys just love it! Wednesday is supposed to be 75 degrees! I can guarantee no naps will be longer then 1 hour that day. We have to take advantage of this!!

Encouragement

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today who posted this link...

http://lysaterkeurst.com/2012/01/i-dont-want-to-raise-a-good-child/


I of course cried because I have been there, I am there. I am constantly wondering "have I failed as a mother" "what have I done wrong" etc. during the times that Cohen doesn't listen, when he disobeys, when he's the only child who hangs out of windows in the house because he knows how to unlock them, or he is the child that sprints in front of cars at kroger so I am usually holding him by the shirt, hair, whatever I can grab. (although this past month he has really improved!!).  I can't count how many times I have left places in tears wondering these things, or worse, comparing myself and my children to others. I wonder will Caleb be the same strong willed, energetic child, will Presley? No because they will be different then Cohen!! But they still will have their disobedience and need much discipline and guidance  Needless to say I really needed this encouragement and perhaps you do too.

You are 3!

Happy 3rd birthday Cohen

In 3 years we have watched you mature into quite a young boy :)  You have tested us yet won our hearts. You are a sweet big brother (most of the time). And a sweet son who is wild but can be so caring and kind to others. You truly have a heart of compassion, please don't let that change! It is our prayer that you love Jesus and walk with him for the rest of your life.

Happy Birthday Cohen Scott!

Birthday countdown....

With Cohen's birthday approaching and no party I tried to make the few days leading up to his birthday extra special! One of the things that we did was a playdate at Chuck E Cheese (Cohen talks about CEC all the time!) 

We even have a jar where Cohen can save any money he finds on the ground, christmas money, birthday money, etc that he can use for CEC  :) The best part of this was who attended the playdate. Caitlyn! Caitlyn is Cohen's dear friend from preschool, since he's no longer in preschool he really misses her and she misses him. So we arranged this fun day for them! We invited some other special friends from school, Lilah, Jax, Vivian and Kate! Although CEC was way more crowded then anticipated and not much room to chat, catch up, etc. It was still so fun for the kiddos. 

Before Chuck E Cheese we went to Lilah and Jax's home where they surprised Cohen with a very special gift...

Daddys race car is #64. Kristin, I'm impressed you knew that there were "crew chiefs" on a race team! I would NOT know that if Z wasn't a racer.

L&J brought the gift to the car for Cohen to open!

"Look Cohen at these gloves we got you!"

"And a flashlight! For MEE!"

Ice Cream after lunch :) Hey Kate!

Caleb begs...

Lisa and Viv and Kate joined us!

There is Caitlyn!!! She is playing with Vivian!

Little bro finally gets what he wanted... some ice cream :)

I am so bummed that more pictures weren't taken of the kids playing together. and Cohen and Caitlyn having their own special table for lunch together, etc. But with 80+ people in Chuck E Cheese all of us momma's chased our children like crazy and didn't get many pictures :( 

Kids were asleep before we got out of the parking lot.

Crafting with the Carrolls

Last week the boys and I went over to Erin's for a playdate/craftdate :)  This is perfect because Julia nor Cohen are in preschool so they got to have some structured fun with creativity, provided by Mrs. Erin of course :) She is so creative!

finished product: love bugs!

Cohen and Julias love bugs.

Such a cute and original craft!

Thank you for having us Erin!

wilw

This really should be "what i'm loving thursday" because I am a day late. Whoops. But anyways here goes ....

I am loving this nursery. I have another one that I love too but I'll wait and post that another time :)

I may regret saying this..... but.... I am loving that its almost race season. Z just loves it and lately I think he could use some good ole racing :)

I can't wait until the boys and myself and baby presley can make our first appearance to see him race.

I am loving that its only 3 days until a certain little boys birthday... :)

Well I don't know if love is the right word b/c its actually bittersweet but I am loving that we get to celebrate soon!

 I love that now all the boys in this house enjoy cuddling and reading together in the evenings. 

:)

slowly but surely...

slowly but surely... some things in this house are becoming more... girly :)  and im getting excited. im used to seeing nothing but blues and browns, thomas the tank engine or lightening mcqueen for 3 years! so seeing some flowers and pink is... new and fun.

Courtesy of Lauren L. from church :)

My first ever girl gift was given to me the day after I found out it was a girl from my dear friend Lisa.

I can't wait to begin working on Presleys room!!! I also can't wait to get some skirts, dresses, tights, little boots, cute mary janes, and lots and lots of bows (I lucked out having friends with girls, bow businesses, etc.) Presley will be set and oh so cute!

14 months!!!

14 months already!! I can't believe it! You are such a joy Caleb! You are exploring and learning so much, I love watching you grow day by day!

You love to follow me around all day going "maaa maaa.... maaaa maaaa...." its so sweet I can't help but carry you around 98% of the day (yes, I just admitted that).

You love to get things and hide them, like this yogurt out of the fridge I eventually found in the cabinet 13 minutes later. Or your sippies in the toilet, etc. Ya know that kinda thing. haha.

You are saying more and more words and following basic commands :)

I still can't figure out who you look like more, me or daddy, or a perfect blend of both :) either way I think you are super handsome. Even if I'm your mom that still counts ok!

Happy 14 Months Caleb A :)