Auntie Brenda and Miss Jillian!

We got to see our beloved Auntie Brenda this past weekend and our favorite Chicagoan - Miss Jillian. Hopefully we will be seeing Auntie a lot more in the months to come! Although, they are kind of dull, as you'll see from the pictures below! We did get to go to the Container Store, which is Disney World for people like us. I didn't get a picture of that, but it was definitely a highlight!

Where a kid can be a kid

We went to Chuck E. Cheese on Monday with Ryan's mom. What fun we had! Charlotte was a gem (as always) and Gavin had a blast. I couldn't believe how many tickets that kid was winning! Of course, I had to play lots of games as well. They have this Deal or No Deal game that I am slightly addicted to ( I have it for the Wii, too!). I am happy to report that I won 40 tickets, the most you can win! Anyway, this post is NOT about me. Here are some pics of our super fun day!

Grandma Sue (or Grandma "Dude" as Gavin dubbed her) and Gavin

Me (I mean, Gavin) and my mad racing skills

Happy girl can't wait to play!

So many tickets all by himself!

Works of God Monday - Tuesday addition

I missed my Monday post because my mother in law was in town and we were busy having fun!

Which brings me to the subject of my post! We were so blessed to have an unexpected visit from Ryan's mom this week. She is such a blessing to us and is always spoiling us! We were sad to see her go this morning, but we were really glad the Lord brought her this way, once again!

Things I Hear on a Daily Basis

1. "Can I spit in the sink/toilet?"

2. "Can I throw (insert random item) in the toilet?"

3. "Do I have to wash my hands?"

4. "Did I eat enough dinner?" followed by, "Can I have some candy?"

5. "Does Daddy have to go to work today?"

6. "Ooh, I picked a big booger!"

7. "Can I kiss Charlotte? Can I smell her?"

8. "Can you please sing me a son?"

9. "Mom, Mom, um Mom, um Mommy um Mom, . . . "

10. "I'm just teasin'"

11. "Can I get (toy) out?" - He asks everytime he wants to get another toy out.

12. "Can you pet this doggy?" - this is in reference to himself

Coloring Easter Eggs!

We colored eggs on Good Friday. I love doing stuff like this!

Happy, Happy Girl!

When we first found out that Charlotte was going to be a girl, my mom and I went shopping. This was the first little dress that we bought her. I have been dying to put her in it, but I didn't have any tights that fit her and that matched. Tights that fit are really hard to find! Well, my mom found these tights last week at Babies R us and the fit her really well! Charlotte wore this to our Good Friday services at Church.

Gavin Talk!

That's right folks - It's time for another installment of Gavin Talk. I am constantly writing down the hilarious things he says. Here are the latest.

1. My new favorite thing is Garden Salsa sun chips. They are a new discovery for me. I am not really a 'chip eater' (except when I am pregnant, I can't get enough) but I LOVE these chips. Anyway, Gavin and I were eating some the other day and he said, "these taste like the sunrise!" Not sure what that means, but we sure did laugh about it!

2. I have to start this one out with the disclaimer that we do not watch Dancing with the stars. I've just never been that interested in it. Well, we turned on the t.v. the other day and it was on. Gavin must have picked up on the name. He said, "Is this Dancing with the Stars? Well, where are the stars?"

3. When he gets in trouble and he knows I am not exactly thrilled about it, he will say to me, "Mom, are you happy? Please look at me and smile!"

4. He still is calling his slippers "flippers". I was about to correct him the other day b/c it seems he doesn't even see a distinction between the two words. I decided it was too cute and I wasn't quite sure I wanted him to use the right word yet.

5. While playing with Charlie, he says "Hey there big fat baby!"

6. We were watching a movie a few nights ago and Gavin told me that the leading lady looks like me. She is very pretty and very thin. I know she really doesn't look like me, but it sure did warm my heart!

7. Almost every day that he has not had a nap he gets VERY tired by bedtime. So tired, in fact, that he can almost say nothing without whining. He must have known bedtime was approaching, because he asked me this:
G:"Is it getting dark again?" Me: "yes" G: Why does this always happen to me? It can't get dark again and again and again!" This was followed by a mini meltdown and an early bedtime.

8. Sometimes he asks if we can go and eat at a rescue-rant (restaurant). I love his little mispronunciations.

9. For some odd reason, Gavin like to smell Charlotte. I think he's pretending to be a dog when it does it. I asked him why he smells her and he said, "Because I'm crazy and I'm naughty!" He had no idea what naughty meant. I asked him who told him that and he said "(Friend at Church) said we are naughty boys."

Works of God Monday

I've missed a few weeks of this, not because I have nothing to praise God about! It's just because Monday's are always so busy!

Well, today I am praising God for his provision and his loving attention to the small things in our lives! Our lease is up next month and we were told our rent was going to go up. Well, when the new lease agreement was presented to us, our rent only went up $25! Whew! We LOVE living hear and we really enjoy our neighborhood. We are happy to not have to move.

When we first moved into this apartment, we were told we could not paint. That was very disappointing to us. Well, when we signed our new lease we put in a request to paint our living room and our landlord granted it! We are SO excited to be able to do this. We have to go with a very neutral color, but we don't care. Right now I believe the walls are just covered in a thin coat of primer. It really is awful. I can't wait! It is amazing to me how the Lord even cares about silly little things like this!

Spring Cleaning

I am getting ready to start my spring cleaning! I am very excited about it. Ryan and I are going to purge our house of all the things we don't use or need. We do this quite a bit and I love it. It just feels so good to have the house uncluttered and fully functional. This year I am going to take it slow and go room by room. I'm not giving myself a time limit, either. I am going to start one room and clean until it's done - even if it takes me a week per room! I'll probably rearrange everything, too. I really do enjoy cleaning. Gavin and I grab some rags, crank up our itunes and get to work! Happy cleaning!

Helper

Gavin is still a really big help to me. He is constantly bringing me burp clothes, diapers, and whatever else I ask for. He even "watches" his sister for me every time I leave the room! I was sitting like this with Charlotte and I got up to do something and came back to see that Gavin had taken over my spot. They are so cute together. I am excited to see their relationship grow and grow and grow.

Friends

Gavin has found a friend that he totally clicks with. They enjoy the same things and they have the same style of play. They are the same in lots of ways while still having plenty of opposites. The opposites help to balance them out. Gabriel has really been a blessing to our family.

Charlotte's New Hat

I've been having fun making hats and stuff for my Etsy site. Charlotte is just the cutest model! I may (MAY) be a little bias,though.

Think before you speak

I was shopping a few weeks ago with my sister and my niece. I was in Forever 21 and I was waiting for my niece to try on a shirt in the dressing room. I had Charlie in the Baby Bjorn. This girl that worked there came up to me and was oohing and ahhing over her. She asked me how old she was so I told her. She then looks me up and down (no joke) and gets this weird (kind of ugly) look on her face and asks me how old I am. Are you serious? I got defensive, of course, and told her I was, in fact 27 years old. What are people thinking, really? What if I was 16 or 17? She would have made me feel so stupid. You don't ask someone that! I know I look young, I don't deny that fact. However, you would think that most people would have the sense not to ask me just in case I really was too young to have a baby. This actually happens to me more than I would like to say. I get dirty looks at least once a month and comments like this maybe once every couple of months. It is irritating and humiliating. People in general really should start thinking before they speak.
UGH! Thanks for letting me vent!

Outside

We got to enjoy a little bit of nice weather last week before it snowed again. Yeah, that's right. I said snow. The snow is once again gone and hopefully will not return until next winter. I am ready to do some walking!

It was nice, but still chilly in the shade - hence all the layers

HA!!!

I made this funny head band today out of left over yarn. I think it's the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. I think it's super cute, though. Ryan, on the other hand said that it was "hideous".
The flower looks like it is taking over Charlie's head.

The more I look at it, the funnier it gets. It really is quite ugly (which makes me love it even more). I can't stop looking at these pictures and laughing!

My newest project

I made this cute little clutch purse in my spare time (whatever that is). I love it!

Growing, Growing

Sibling Love

first diaper change!

There are two things my husband does not do. He does not give our kids baths and he does not change diapers. It doesn't bother me b/c of the multitude of other things he is always helping me out with. He does the laundry, he irons, he cleans the bathroom, cooks, does the dishes, vacuums, and the list goes on and on. He does everything except baths and diapers. So you can imagine my suprise when Charlotte was 5 weeks old and Ryan announced that he wanted to change a diaper. He made me stand by next to him for "moral support". Of course I had to document this amazing event!!

Smiley Girl!!!!

Internet

A week or so ago I took an unwanted hiatus from the internet. Our modem stopped working and then we had problems with our router. I realized that I got LESS done around here when I didn't have the internet. You would think I could have gotten more done with the extra time. I usually reward myself with facebook and google reader. I tell myself, "If I get this and this done, then I can check my facebook". Without facebook to check and blogs to read, I had no motivation to get things done! So sad. My internet has been back up and running for a week and I am going crazy with my to do list once again!

I can't believe

I can't believe . . .

* I am still wearing maternity clothes

* Charlotte will not take a passy

* I waited too long and now I can not get Gavin into preschool next year.

* I actually had the willpower to stop drinking coke ( I have Charlotte to thank for that one)

* I got mad at my 4 yr. old b/c he took apart a lego car that I worked really hard on. I am so mature!

* I have 20 more lbs. to lose. That is depressing.

* Charlotte slept through the night at 7 weeks when Gavin didn't sleep through until 16 weeks!

Independence

For those of you who know me well, you know that I am one of those moms who does everything for their child. I help Gavin get dressed. I make his bed. I brush his teeth. I take off his coat and shoes etc. Basically whatever he needs, I do it. Well, I did do it until I realized I can't possibly do all that for two children and keep my sanity. Before Charlotte came, I never minded doing all of those things. I was a SAHM with only one child! What else did I have to do with all my time? Well, all of that is quickly changing. I made this chore chart awhile ago ( I may have even posted about it) but we never stuck to it. This time, we have been going strong for a few weeks. I made this massive daily schedule for me and the kids and our lives have become much simpler and much more peaceful because of it. Here is a picture of Gavin putting his smiley face next to his completed chores!

We have started out small. There are two columns on his chart. One for a.m. chores and one for p.m. chores. His a.m. chores consist of getting himself dressed, making his bed, brushing his teeth and going over his Bible verse of the week. His p.m. chores are setting the table, brushing his teeth, picking up all his toys (he's pretty much always done this, though), and going over his Bible verse again. He gets to put a smiley face next to each chore as he completes them (and a sad face if he doesn't) and then he gets a quarter for his piggy bank! He loves it. He is saving up for a "cool toy". He still needs my help a little bit, but slowly I am making him into an independent boy!

Gavin Talk

1. While praying before going to bed Gavin says this,
"Dear Jesus, thank you for the floor so we don't fall into the basement . . ."

2. He whipped this out the other day, "sorry mom, I didn't realize . . ."

3. He actually said this to my sister, "Aunt Kimmie, tickle my butt!"

4. Today he asked me, "When I get bigger, will I be a daddy?" then he followed it up with, "Can I be Charlotte's daddy?"

For the Grandparents

These are some very dull videos of my kids that only a mamma and the grandparents will appreciate. I wont be offended if no one else watches or comments.

This one is just Charlotte

This one is of Gavin and Charlotte.

Don't worry: No babies were harmed in the making of this video (even though it may appear that way).

I don't remember!

We have been trying to teach Gavin not to interrupt when someone is talking. When Ryan comes home from work it seems that Gavin and I are constantly in competition for his attention. I will be in the middle of telling him something and Gavin will butt right in. Yesterday he had to wait "a long time" (about one minute) before we were done talking. When it was his turn he started whining, saying he forgot what he was going to say. Ryan started teasing him and told him to rub his ear to help him remember. He didn't seem to believe him yesterday and just walked away.

Today, he was in the middle of a story and lost his train of thought. He started rubbing his ear. Then he said, "Mom, I am rubbing me ear but it's not working! I can't remember!" I had forgotten about what Ryan told him, but instantly remembered when he said that. He caught me off guard and I started laughing so hard! He looked at me a bit sheepish and said, "That doesn't really work, does it?" I don't think he's ever going to trust Ryan again!

Lego Mania!

About a year ago we started buying Ryan, I mean Gavin, legos. Up until this winter he hasn't played with them too much on his own. He would play with them when Ryan wanted to, but he would just get frustrated when he tried them on his own. Then Ryan would get frustrated when he would spend an hour building something and Gavin would then take 15 seconds to destroy it. This winter he has played with them almost every day. It is pointless to even put them away b/c he just gets them back out half an hour later. It occupies him for hours, literally. He loves them!

Bumbo Baby!

I am running out of places to put Charlotte. She HATES the swing and merely tolerates her bouncy seat. She likes to lay on the floor, but it's so drafty. I hate to put her there. I broke out the bumbo, since she is doing pretty well supporting her head. She likes it. She didn't cry and seemed to enjoy sitting up. This pictures doesn't really show any emotion on her part. You will just have to take my word for it that she liked it.


She really gets mad at her brother sometimes. He is a little overly affectionate at times. He loves to be in her face and kiss her all the time. At times she doesn't mind, but other times, this is her reaction!

Gavin

Gavin is so entertaining these days! He is presently drawing in a notebook and informed me that he was drawing Heaven. He then changed his mind and said that he was drawing Jerusalem. He asked me if we can take an airplane and see if Jesus is there. He wants to see him and say, "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." That was his verse in cubbies a few weeks ago and the whole thing made a BIG impression on him. I love it!

31 Ways to Pray for your Children

My cousin has this on her fridge and I loved the idea. Every day of the month you have something different to pray for reguarding your children. I found it online and then copied it into a calendar format.


1 Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, and with it eternal glory"
Is 45:8, 2 Tim. 2:10

2 Respect (for self, others, authority) "Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

3 Biblical Self-Identity "Help my children develop a strong self-identity that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

4 Faithfulness "'Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Prov3:3).

5 Self-Control "Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" 1 Thess 5:6

6 Love for God's Word "May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Ps 19:10).

7 Justice "God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8 Mercy "May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9 Growth in Grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ'" 2 Pt. 3:18

10 Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" Eph 5:2, Gal 5:22

11 Honesty and Integrity "May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21).

12 Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deut. 31:6).

13 Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14 Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15 Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16 Peace and Peacemaking "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17 Joy "May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18 Perseverance "Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19 Humility "God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20 Compassion "Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21 Responsibility "Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22 Contentment "Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23 Faith "I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24 Servant's Heart "God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).

25 Hope "May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26 Industry "Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27 Passion for God "Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).

28 Self-Discipline "Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29 Prayerfulness "Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests'" (Eph. 6:18).

30 Gratitude "Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' Col 2:7, Eph 5:20

31 Heart for Missions "Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

Works of God Monday

Today I am praising the Lord for a full five hourse of sleep last night!

Busy Weekend

We had a very fun weekend. The weather was gorgeous on Friday so Ryan suggested we go to the zoo! It was so fun. Gavin was running around like crazy. He was so happy to be out and about. We took our new sit n stand stroller that Gavin LOVES but I don't think he sat in it one time. He was playing the part of tour guide and showing us where all the animals were. It was funny b/c he actually knew where each animal and which path to take. We go to the zoo a lot! Charlotte slept the whole time, of course. I wanted to take her out and get a picture of her and Gavin in the John Deere, but I didn't want to disturb her slumber. I am sure there will be many more photo opps!

On Saturday Charlotte and I went out for our first mommy/daughter shopping trip. We actually just went to Babies R Us to help my friend Tonya register for her baby shower. I counted it as our first (of many) shopping trip! She did great. She was even awake for some of it!

You've got to be kidding me!

My latest Gavin story:



Gavin is like his dad in that he is a pretty picky eater. He does better than Ryan did when he was a kid, but he definitely is still considered picky. One thing he loves are lunchables. Personally, I think that they are so gross. He calls lunchables "ferris snacks" because the frist time he had one was at the 4h fair. The fair had a ferris wheel, so he just started calling them "ferris snacks". Anyway, since he loves the turkey ones, I just bought turkey from the deli thinking he would for sure love it. I used this tip from Jenny and cut the sandwich into a shape. I was SO SURE that he would love it and just eat it right up. Yeah, I thought WRONG! He would not eat it and was whining about it. I told him, it is the same thing as a ferris snack. "If you don't like that, you don't like ferris snacks and I will never buy you one again". They are the SAME THING! So, he started to eat it, grudgingly. By the time he got through the SMALL portion that I gave him, he asked for another piece.





Sometimes he can be quite maddening! But he is oh so cute, as well!

Already?

Charlotte is already a month old. I can't believe that. I'm going to try and snap a picture like this every month to document her growth. I am a 2nd child and have hardly any pictures of me as a baby. I am trying hard to not let that happen to our sweet girl. I don't want her growing up bitter like her mamma. Just kidding, I am pretty much over it. Well, that is until the photos come out at family functions . . . Anyway, here is our girl at 1 month

and of course a few shots with the boy

Charlotte is such a sweet girl and we have, of course, enjoyed her immensely. She is so different from her brother! At her one month check up she weighed 9lbs. 10oz. and was in the 67 percentile for height and weight!

Works of God Monday

Well, I've FINALLY decided to join Jenny and her "works of God Monday" posts! It's about time, right?

I have two this week - well more than just two, but two that I will mention!

1. Since Charlotte has been born, I have been working her Sunday feedings around the preaching portion of our church service so that I don't miss it. Well, I have been missing out on the worship portion and I have missed it so much! As I was driving 20 min. to the the Dr.'s today, I was singing my heart out in worship to our great God. I am so thankful that I can worship Him wherever and whenever. By the time I pulled into the parking lot, my heart was bursting with love and gratitude for my Savior!

2. Praise the Lord for our HEALTHY baby girl! She weighed in at 9lbs. 10 oz. this morning. That's a two (plus) pound weight gain since birth. She has grown out of all her newborn clothes and is definitely filling out the next size!

God is so good to us! What has he been working on in your life?