chickens, sleeping and a cutie

You may remember from this post how much fun Noah has with the chickens at Oma and Opa's house. The first thing that Noah talks about when we visit Hylke's parents is going to see the chickens. This past weekend we were there celebrating Opa's 60th birthday and since we were there a little early Noah got to go with Opa to get the eggs that the chickens had laid. Noah was so excited to get out to the coop that he didn't stay inside long enough for Hylke to put his shorts back on after his diaper change. It made for a pretty cute picture. :)

Getting ready to go to the chickens with Opa:

Looking super cute in his boots:

Heading down to the chickens with Opa:

Looking at the eggs they got from the chickens:

Onto some Elliana news.

Just a few days ago I peeked in on her napping and this is what I found:

She's always been a back sleeper...but now that she's rolling over, apparently she likes sleeping on her tummy better. She's been on her tummy in the mornings the past couple mornings, so I'm assuming this is her new favorite sleeping position. Noah didn't sleep on his tummy until he was 9 months, you may remember this post.

And, just because I think she's super cute, here are some pics of Elliana that I took just before bedtime tonight:

Beach Day

We spent a fun day at the beach today. Noah loved playing in the water, building sand castles and playing with the other kids. I'm so glad he has his daddy's olive skin...check out his tan (oh, and excuse his little nudie bottom. :)) at the bottom of the picture set.

my own fault

When I look in the mirror (or at the scale) I'm definitely NOT where I want to be. However, I take full responsibility for where I am. I could have buckled down once I had Elliana (or Noah for that matter *wink, wink*) and taken getting back into shape very seriously...but to be honest...I just didn't. Oh, in my mind I did...but in my diet and exercise, I haven't. I have a million reasons (excuses) why it's taken so long...but really, the only reason is because it wasn't a priority...even if I thought it was.

So many of my friends have inspired me---without even knowing it! First, my sister. WOW! She is an animal!! Amy, I am so proud of how far you've come...and your committment to getting/staying in shape. Julie, you always inspire me. I'm encouraged by your honesty and your committment to the same...thanks for being real. Janna, you are such an encouragement too..it's nice to know I'm not alone on this mommy journey! All of you have worked hard to get where you want to be...or atleast are in the process of doing so...and it is very encouraging. I can do it too. :)

Tonight I went on my first run. I've talked about it for awhile now...tonight I just decided it was time. It was good. Hard, but refreshing. I think the anticipation of it was one of the hardest parts...I had no idea how i'd do. I think I surprised myself.

So, thank you friends, for sharing your journeys with me...each of them has challenged/encouraged and inspired me. And...I think you are all some of the most beautiful women I know. Ok, I'm done being sappy. ;)

pics

Happy 2nd Birthday, Noah!

Wow, my baby is TWO! I can hardly believe that it's been two years since Noah entered our lives and changed our world forever. He is such a sweet boy, and it's truly the joy of my heart being his mommy. I love his sweet heart, curious mind, adventurous spirit and great sense of humor...and he's only two!

Sweet Noah, we thank the Lord for you each and every day. You are such a blessing, and it the greatest privilage to be your parents. Thank you for all that you add to this family, just by being you! We love you soooo much! Happy 2nd Birthday!

Summer Solitude

Now that "summer" is here, my moms group and Wednesday morning Bible study at church are both on break. :( I so enjoy those times during the year. However, this morning I took part in "Summer Solitude" and it was wonderful. For the next three Wednesdays I will go to church, take my kids to childcare, pick up my coffee, biscotti, ice water, and some notes and head up to a room all by myself. For 2 hours, I will read, journal, worship, pray, listen, wait and spend time alone with God. WOW!

This morning was so wonderful. Elizabeth (our Women's Ministry Pastor) gave us some ideas of how to spend some time alone with God at home. Many of you moms know how had it is to find "alone" time. I know that it takes a lot of effort to find a time (of any significance) to spend with the Lord. One of the ideas that Elizabeth gave us was this:

Get a basket and fill it with:
-a Bible
-a journal
-a pen
-thank you cards
-note cards for prayer/writing scipture
-a coffee mug/tea cup
-a favorite snack
-some worship music

When you have your free time, take that basket and spend some time reading, journaling and praying. If you have time, write some Thank You notes...sip some tea or coffee...eat your favorite little snack, and enjoy some time with the Lord. Maybe it means 15 mins...5 mins reading, some time journaling and some time praying...maybe 10 mins. The amount of time isn't important, the only important thing is getting some time alone with the Lord. I'm going to be putting my basket together today...I can't wait to find some time to grab my basket and spend some time with my Lord.

random thought and kiddos

-While parked in front of a pizza place I noticed the sign on the window said, "Free Deliver". Really? Someone took the time to paint that on the window without anyone saying anything about it? To make matters worse, there was a sign on the delivery car that said, "We Delivery". You have got to be kidding me!!

-Have I mentioned how much I love my kiddos?!?! I'm having so much fun with my ALMOST 2 YEAR OLD!!! and my sweet 3 MONTH OLD! Noah is super fun and super funny. He has such a great sense of humor, and knows when he's being a goofball. He still loves his little sister to death and in the mornings when he wakes up we hear something like this, "Mommy, mommy, mommy. Daddy, daddy, daddy. Ellinana, Ellinana, Ellinana!" He's back to his normal wake up time of 7-7:30...thank you Lord!! Elliana is doing wonderful. She is such a sweet, mellow little girl...and she's been sleeping great too!!

Here is Noah with his very first faux-hawk. I did his hair like this for our JH 8th grade banquet...I just knew the kids would love it. :)

My sweet girl:

She likes to be swaddled just like her brother:

Noah found his pockets:

Someone loves his mama's homemade salsa...