Still Around

We are still around and still keeping busy. I haven't posted in awhile and have been terrible about keeping up for several months now. Life is busy, but I have also had a lack of ideas in what to write about. I feel like I have been constantly write about the same things over and over again. I know if I am getting bored writing about these things, than those of you who are reading are also getting bored.
Our local school district finished their year last week Monday, which means, I no longer have two little boys in my house. That should mean that life has slowed down, but it seems to be just the opposite. These next few weeks are packed full for all of us. I have a slew of appointments that I couldn't make it to when I had the boys, so now it is catch up time for those. We came back Monday from spending 5 days in Minnesota. We went up to help a great friend, Nikki, celebrate her new marriage. The wedding was beautiful and it was wonderful being able to see so many old friends in such a short time.
In a few more weeks, hopefully, we will finally feel caught up with everything and I will feel inspired to write again. In the meantime, if there is anything you are wondering about or want to know, please ask and give me ideas of what to write.

Happy Monday

This was taken on Saturday.

Sticker Chore Chart

When Josh was out of two a few weeks ago, the girls started to get out of bed during their quiet time before they were told they could. They were doing fantastic with their listening and staying in bed for months prior, so I was sure this behavior was tied in with Josh being gone for so long. This week since he has been home, the behavior has become better, but still not what it was. Since we know they are fully capable of staying in bed for that hour of quiet time, we decided it was time to make up another sticker chart to help them have a goal to have them work towards. We also added a few of their "chores" that they normally do, but sometimes forget if they are not asked, feeding Leia, putting their dishes on the counter and cleaning up their toys. Yup, we have girly girls that love tutus and super hero's and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I hope you all were able to enjoy this day that is set aside to celebrate us. Before I get started talking about my Mother's Day, I want to give a little praise to my mom. Thank you mom for being there for all the important moments while growing up. Thank you for always having a listening ear when I needed someone to talk to. Thank you for taking the time for us when life was busy. Thank you for always being there.

Unfortunately, with Josh's job, he doesn't get to work the usual Monday through Friday working 8-5, so he was working today. The morning started off with snuggles in bed with my girls. They brought their babies with them and we watched Phineas and Ferb. After breakfast we headed to church they started the video to honor mothers and as usual, the Mother's Day service brought tears to my eyes.

When I picked the girls up, they were so excited to give me the special hand print pictures they made for me. I think they were only excited because they wanted to eat the chocolates taped to the papers. I love them.

 I wanted to get a picture of myself with the girls, since last year I didn't get a picture with them. Since it was just the three of us, I hoped for the best while setting the timer on the camera. I think overall, they turned out pretty decent. Well, they would have been better if they girls would have smiled instead of turning on their grump face just to drive me crazy.

After the pictures we loaded back into the car and headed out for a birthday party. One of the little guys I watch turn one tomorrow and we were invited to celebrate with their friends and family. The girls have been so excited all week for his party and they seemed to have a blast running around with the other kids. When we arrived back home the girls had their quiet time, which meant, I had some time to sew. Hopefully in the next few weeks I will finally be able to finish this quilt that was started in January with my quilting bee. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing outside and then making dinner. Josh arrived home with flowers for me. After the girls went to bed he made me a margarita and some special treats.

Maybe one year Josh will be home with us for Mother's Day, but until that finally happens, the girls and I make the most of our time together. 

Daddy's Girl

As I mentioned the other day, Josh has been out of town all week for training and you sure can tell the girls miss him. Yesterday Lillian was upset over something, they both have been extra emotional these past few days, so I tried to give her a kiss and tell her I love her. Lillian responded by saying "you don't love me, only daddy does " and wiping my kisses away. She refused kisses from me all day yesterday.
Claire has had her own melt Downs by letting the smallest thing get to her. She didn't want to have a dance party with the rest of us yesterday morning, so she hid in the corner of the living room while Lillian, myself and the boys danced around the house. Eventually Claire went and cried in her bed. When she stopped, she laid quietly in bed reading books. After 10 minutes of that she came out ready to dance and play.
Yes they have break downs when Josh is him, but not as many and for no real reason. Thankfully Josh is on his way home right now, because all three of us could use some daddy hugs, it has been a long week.

Ant Smashers

Josh has been out of town all week for training and I feel like I have not been able to get anything done all week, so I apologize for not getting any posts up. The weather is finally back to normal here, so the temperatures have been perfect, the rain has stayed away (at least for the past few days) and the girls have loved spending the evenings outside.

Sunday afternoon we headed out between the storms to run and stretch the legs. We headed to the driveway since the backyard was soggy. Like I said, between the storms we were out. Instantly, the girls spotted a few ants in the driveway and got down on the ground to check them out. After poking at the ants for a bit, they stood back up and started stomping them.

I asked them to stop and Claire responded with the usual, "why?" Of course I had to use good ole, "do you want someone to come into your home and stomp on you?" They stopped.

Welcome

<p>In the fall the girls will be starting preschool and I will be starting my new job. I am really excited to get back in the classroom and do my thing.
A couple Sundays ago the preschool had an open house, I had to be there to meet families and Josh brought the girls to meet their teacher and see their new school.  They loved it! Their teacher asked them their names and Claire right away speaks up, "Claire Elizabeth Ward." She said it with so much pride.  Lillian played the shy card so Claire spoke for her, "Lillian Faith Ward. " Then they ran off to play. Josh kept them there for about an hour before trying to convince them it was time to go. They ask all the time go to school and play with their friends. We are going to sign them up for the vacation Bible school session at the church where they will attend preschool. It is just one week in July and I know they will have a blast.

Dinner music

Claire has been practicing her ABC's a lot lately. She walks around the house singing constantly and she almost has it down. I took this video on Monday during dinner.