Dance instructions...

I can never get enough of Arika doing this. It is too cute!
I had a really hard time getting her to do it when the camera was on her. She has become quite the little teacher. She has shown many little girls how to do this dance. It's called the HOLLY DOLLY!

Freedom...

LOST! As a mom I have mixed emotions. Excitement and pride swells my heart as my son hits new mile stones. I clap and tell him how excited I am and that he is such a big boy. I want him to excel and continue to grow. At the same time, it's so crazy how fast time goes. Time is flying by and my baby boy won't be a baby for long. I love how a little at a time he gains some independence, but hate it at the same time. Pretty soon he won't need me as much. I want him to need me and yet not all at the same time. How is that possible? This weekend I've lost some freedom. Lincoln is officially on the move! He isn't to quick yet, but I'm sure in the next week he'll have it down pat.
Out will come the pac-n-play. I can no longer leave him sitting in the middle of the floor and go in the other room to do something! He is on the move. Even though he is my only boy, from what I see he is pretty much ALL boy! I'm sure there will be some exciting stories ahead!

Pictures!

Here are a few pictures I've taken lately. I have fun when I get the time!
The first two were at Greenfield village.

Lincoln just chilling

BECAUSE, I said so...

Is something Arika has been hearing a LOT lately! Her favorite Question to anything and I mean anything you ask or tell her to do is, "why mommy?" I find myself throwing my hands in the air frustrated and saying "BECAUSE, (quite loud) I said so" (getting softer). I'm sure all mommies are use to this. And then I think, how can you! hahaha. So if anybody has an idea or suggestion on how to handle the "why" Questions, I will gladly take them. Just leave a comment!

Flipper Giggles

Thought you could use a smile today! He is so adorable!(course, I'm not biased at all;-)

Do I have time?

Does it ever seem like your at the end of the day and you have absolutely no clue how it went by so fast? Where did all the time go? I've been having those a lot lately. Only it's not because I have sooooo much to do, but because I've wasted my day. How you ask? Two little letters, T.V.
I've allowed it to take over my life.
At times my little friend has his positives, like when your sick and can barely move or when you just can't sleep. He is also very demanding, sucking away all my time. Keeping me from very important tasks, like taking care of my dear children, keeping my house in order, or even spending time with a friend that is far more precious. So dear friend, I am saying goodbye. I'm sure I will miss you at times, but in the end it will be far more beneficial for me and my family. Farewell.

It's all worth it!

So yesterday morning Arika peeks her head in our room and says, "It's time to get up guys!" Jim told her to come climb in bed with us, which is usually allowed only on Saturday's! So she snuggles in between us. After a few minutes I rolled over (facing her) and I see her beautiful big blue eyes watching me.


Here is our our conversation went!


Me ~ Good Morning.


Arika ~ Good Morning.
Your hair is soft mommy! (while feeling my hair) You want to feel mine?


Me ~ your hair is soft too!

She placed her hand on my cheek and says, "I love you Mommy." In the sweetest voice you could imagine! You could hear the love in her voice.


Oh how my heart melts when I hear those words from my child's mouth, especially when she initiates.
Right there was God telling me that, "It's all worth it! Thank you Lord. I need those small encouragement's to keep going. Arika is definitely 3! Day in and day out is a continual battle!
After days on end of her trying to argue with me and continually testing me, It was a huge encouragement! So thank you Lord! And a huge Thanks to my wonderful Hubby who a huge help with the kids!
I'm wondering why nobody seems to tell you about the trying 3's. I heard a lot about the adventurous 2's (as I call them.) But yet I don't think I would have believed anybody at the time! For any of you that have or have had a 3 year old you know exactly what I mean!
I love my kids! I wouldn't trade them for anything in the World! Even as frustrating as it gets at times, I know that IT IS ALL WORTH IT!