I've had to take a little break from the computer over the last couple of weeks due to some health problems. But hopefully I can get back in the game and you can forgive me after seeing these photos of my cutie-pies.

Baby girl started to roll over two weeks ago. She wasn't thrilled when she did a face plant into the carpet.

But once she realized her accomplishment and saw mommy's face she was all smiles.

We headed to the Ostrich Festival in Chandler a couple of weekends ago. We just made it in time to see the end of the ostrich and camel races. Hilarious.

All it takes are some weird looking animals to keep this two-year old entertained. And the weather couldn't have been better.

At the festival there was also a petting zoo, which N loved. We couldn't believe how excited he was to get to feed the goats (although he called them dogs at first).

He even let them lick his hands and munch on his little fingers.

Rainy and lazy days mean bringing out the creative projects and games. I kept trying to teach N how to line them all up but he'd knock them down after a few. I eventually gave up.

I'm not sure there is anything sweeter than a content baby just happy to be next to you.

With our little girl's excitement to roll over and sit up she's pretty much done with being content to just lie around. It's time to bring out the monstrous exersaucer.

The intentional life.

Are you living an intentional life? And most importantly, are you living an intentional life that is pleasing to the Lord? This is what the Lord has really laid on my heart as to what the "theme" for my family's life will be in 2010. I'm not a New Year's resolution kind of gal (hence the fact that it's March and I'm just now writing this post). I do love the thought of the new year bringing freshness, changes and self-evaluation though.

My hope is that throughout this year I can share with you ways the Lord is showing my family how to be more intentional with the various aspects of our lives, and to share some resources that are helping us pursue them. I know this won't go without struggles, and am quite positive this will be a lifelong process and not just a year-long one. But I'm excited to grow and change, and to do so with my family.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

I came about this theme after being tired of living in a rut. Being tired of wanting to be somewhere else when I am forced to be in the present. And I was just plain tired of being discontent. Thinking that if this would happen, then I'd be happier. I began to ask myself, what are you going to do about it?

I knew I didn't want the answer to be buying more things or immersing our family into the land of busyness. Over the course of a couple of weeks I began to think about the thought of living a more intentional life. What does that look like? What does that mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, intention means a determination to act a certain way. In my own words, to have a purpose behind it. I like how intend can mean to have in mind a purpose or goal. I find I am the type of person that life runs more smoothly for me if I have some sort of plan and routine that I'm following.

Are you being intentional with your children?
Are you being intentional with what you read to your children?
Are you being intentional with what toys are brought in to your home?
Are you being intentional with how you spend your time? (gulp)
Are you being intentional with how you spend your money? (double gulp)
Are you being intentional with what you read?
Are you being intentional with what you watch?
Are you being intentional with what you listen to?
Are you being intentional with how you celebrate holidays?
Are you being intentional with how you celebrate birthdays?
Are you being intentional with your job?
Are you being intentional with your spouse?
Are you being intentional with your family?
Are you being intentional with your friends?
Are you being intentional with your home?
Are you being intentional with God?
Are you being intentional with what you eat?
Are you being intentional with your physical health?
Are you being intentional with what you wear?
Are you being intentional with your words?
Are you being intentional with your talents?
Are you being intentional with the environment?

Wow. Seems like a lot of items on the list to self-examine, but as I've been beginning this journey, and if you journey with me, I think you'll realize they're all mostly connected. If I'm working on being intentional about what I am watching, I'm most likely going to be more intentional about what my child is watching. And if what I'm watching is wholesome and good for me, my thoughts and words are most likely going to be pleasing to God.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.

Do you want to live a more intentional life? If so, I hope you'll join me on this journey. I look forward to the end of this year when I can compare notes and see how my family's life has changed from the beginning of 2010 to the end.

The kids

After neglecting to post for a couple of weeks, and at the request of my mom to "see her grandbabies" I'm finally able to sit down and show you what has been going on for the last two weeks.

Valentine's Day was a busy day. We started the day off right with heart shaped waffles. And then it was off to get dressed in our Valentine's attire.

We cheered hubby on as he ran in his first half marathon. N kept yelling, "Go Daddy Go!"

I'm continuously thankful for the way N is with his sister. He wipes her drool off with his own blankie, throws her diapers away for me once she's been changed and tells her "it's okay" if she starts crying.

I look forward to when they will be able to play together. Little guy constantly wants to share his trains and teach her everything that he knows.

All smiles, all the time.

First time in the kitchen with N making pizza. Mmmm....

Our little rolly polly.

She's almost there.

Little Loves

We've been busy little bees over here lately. Just wanted to pop in with a few photos of my loved ones.

Sweet time in prayer before bed.

Love how these two love each other.

M's 3 month stats:
Weight: 14 lbs (90th percentile)
Height: 23.5 Inches (50th percentile)
Yep, she's a big girl!

N's 2 year stats: (25th percentile)
Weight: 27 lbs
Height: 34 Inches

Ready for the big boy bed

Last night we moved N into his big boy bed. The bed was actually our full-size guest bed. N had slept on it by himself a time or two when he's woken up too early but didn't want to go back into his crib. While I knew he was ready for it and would do fine I wanted to wait to transition him over until we had done our traveling for Christmas and could settle back in at home for awhile.


He was so excited when we brought him up to his room and told him his big boy bed was all set up. He did great, slept all night and took a good nap in it today. Hubby and I laughed to each other this morning and afternoon as it was a little funny to hear him open the door on his own after he had woken up. This morning he came straight to our room and proudly shouted, "Hi!" We're so used to having to go and get him from the crib that it's hard to believe how much N has grown.

What a big boy!

Christmas recap - Part 2

We headed to Arkansas to spend Christmas at my parents home along with my brother and his beautiful family. It was so fun to all be together and to see the 6 nieces and nephews loving on each other and sharing special memories together. Oh how I wish we lived closer.

N decorating some Christmas cookies. Some of the sprinkles made it onto the cookies, and a lot of it made it onto the tray.

By the time it got to our family photo the kids were starting to melt down. As a parent I think you eventually say, "That's good enough," and move on.

Christmas morning arrived and N had no idea what to do with all of the presents under the tree. Thank goodness he had a willing niece and nephews to help him out!

And who needs presents anyway? The wrapping paper is good enough for me!

Our sweet Little Miss. Her first smile was revealed on N's birthday when a friend of mine was talking to her. Like her big brother, she has the best smile that warms our hearts.

My niece is so kind and caring when it comes to taking care of her cousins. She already makes a wonderful big sister and will make a great babysitter some day. N was in love with her and was calling her name out even after her family had gone home.

Thank you family for spending your Christmas with us. We love and miss you already!

Christmas recap - Part 1

I suppose I should start my Christmas recap off by saying Happy 2010! I'm not really in to making New Year's resolutions, however I do enjoy thinking of things starting fresh in the new year, taking note of the things that I'd like to change and work on in my life and set goals in order to achieve them.

Before Christmas we left for a weekend to chilly Prescott, AZ to look at twinkly lights and open a couple of presents with just our family of four. We hit the world's largest gingerbread village first and I must say I was a tad disappointed. I think I had in my mind that the displays would be done more professionally than what they were. We had fun all the same.

Isn't she cute!?!

The displays were done by groups in the community. I remember trying to do a gingerbread house from a kit a couple of years ago. It didn't go well.

N eventually got bored with the displays but thankfully the motorized train kept his attention long enough for us to finish looking around.

Watching the train go by in our awesome double stroller. I highly recommend this one if you're in the market for one.

On the road again.

Looking around at the twinkly lights in the cold. He refused to look at the camera and I had to laugh when I saw I caught this moment on camera.

It was nice to visit some cooler temps for a bit and have it *feel* a little bit more like Christmas. Mid-70's didn't quite cut it where we live.