These are the days!

You know how people tell you these are the days you will look back on and long for... Well, some days I seriously don't think those people actually remember what it is like to have a toddler (and a strong-willed one at that!) Grace has really been pushing the boundaries lately and in the process wearing me out. Here is one example. Last week we desperately needed to go get groceries. This is one of Grace's favorite things to do. I had picked this particular day because it was 50 degrees and that sounded like a lovely time to get out. When we arrived at the store I gave Grace her cart to push. I then instructed her to come close behind my cart. She refused. I gave her several chances to obey then I took her cart away. She then threw herself on the floor of the Aldi and began to lament (loudly I might add) her distaste for my decision. I ended up putting her cart and her into my cart and leaving without getting a single grocery. What a bummer! Everyone was starring at me with that, "You poor thing" look as I attempted to push my screaming toddler out of the store. But she did much better when we attempted the same task the next day (thank you Love & Logic). Although it wasn't nearly a fun for me getting groceries when the temperature was below freezing! I have found that Grace tends to go in cycles. For example last summer was a very difficult season. Then things will improve and I start to think I was crazy for thinking she was strong-willed at all. (almost). And then she gets back onto a defiant kick and I seriously have to punish her to get her to do everything! So I once again am searching for a good discipline book and hoping my next pregnancy (whenever that is) coincides with a more lovely part of the cycle!

If you would like to read about our holiday I blogged about it here.

Jo Jo's Birthday Hat

Faith LOVES cake!

Earlier this month was my sister's birthday. We went to visit my parents to celebrate. That morning I asked Grace if she wanted to make Aunt Jo Jo a picture. She said, "No, I want to make her a birthday hat!" And so together we made her a birthday hat. I marveled at how specific of idea she had about how the hat should be made. She wanted to use my scrap booking scissors to cut it out. She also thought it had to have ribbons. She worked very hard at it. And Jo Jo graciously wore it for her and oohed and aahed over her creation.

Reflecting on this little project I realized how much I enjoyed seeing my creativity come alive in Grace. If you know us or read my blog you know that most people attribute Grace's strong-willed personality to me. And I'm not saying that it is a totally negative attribute. But its really fun to see something positive and realize she got that from me!! (Yes, Jeremy is also very creative-but he is not crafty so I'm taking credit for this one!)

Sisters, sisters there were never such devoted sisters...

Does anyone else love the Christmas classic, White Christmas? I do! It is one of my favorites. And when I sat down to blog about my sister, Josie's recent visit the lyrics from the famous duet came to mind. My sister is the best. I can honestly say I've loved her before she was born. When my mom got pregnant I was seriously hoping for a sister. I influenced the choosing of her name, wanting a "J" like mine. And from the beginning I was SO excited to finally have another girl! 

On Sunday she came and stayed with us while she was on break and it was great fun. I love getting to spend time with her. Although it takes a little more effort now that I have two girls of my own. Sunday night my husband was a dear and kept the kids so we could go out to eat Mexican. It was so nice to just visit and eat our favorite white cheese dip. Then we headed to Walmart so I could pick up a few things I needed. I had been wanting to paint our upstairs bathroom for about six months. After Josie weighed in I finally choose a color. And we ended up painting the bathroom after nine o'clock. She was a great help (thus the devoted part). After 11 we ended up at Sonic to go get a soda. The next day we also rearranged my living room which I have REALLY been wanting to do but needed some input. It is a challenging layout. And then she went back to Sonic to get us Cherry Limeaides. (I have converted her to the greatness of Sonic drinks & ice!) She joked with my mom that she could only stay one night or I might have her painting the outside of the house.

I had so much fun and am so glad she got to visit. I am so thankful I have such an amazing sister. And I pray for my girls that they will have the same blessing. By the way, I once again forgot to take a before & after of the bathroom. But, it is only part way through the renovation. Jeremy still has to tile the floor. But the paint is a big improvement!!