Like a Sunflower

Sunday, April 7, 2013

A much needed Spring Break

This year for spring break, we decided to venture down by Tim's parents for a good part of a week. It was a great time to spend time family.

On the way to Troy, IL (basically 30 minutes from St. Louis), we decided to stop halfway through the drive at Starved Rock State Park. It was a nice way to break up the drive and we were all able to stretch our legs and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we took a fun hike up to Starved Rock and a few other lookout points. There was so much to see and we were disappointed that we didn't have all the time we wanted to just keep on hiking.

When we finally reached Tim's parents, the kids were so excited to be at Grandma and Papa's house -- and they were excited to see their dogs too!

While we were down there, we visited the St. Louis Arch and enjoyed the museum while we waited for the time when Tim and the kids could actually take the elevator up the Arch.

The next day, we hit up the St. Louis Zoo. That's one of my favorite places to go when we're down there. The zoo is fantastic and it's FREE! (other than $15 for parking). It's always nice to visit the zoo when it's cooler out because the animals are a lot more active. Although, I think we caught a few of them right when it was naptime. :-)

After the zoo, Tim's parents took us out to dinner at a really nice Italian place. It was SOO good!!

Friday morning, the kids, my sister-in-law, and I made a birthday cake for Tim's brother who was going to arrive later that night. It was definitely a Willy Wonka cake!!

Then after lunch, Theo (Kelly's fiance) came over to hang out with us. We went to the park and the kids were able to feed the ducks (swans and fish too!) and play on the playground. The weather was so beautiful while we were there!

That night, we had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. There might've been some singing going on too! hehe

Saturday morning was just relaxing -- some people played Wii. Tim and I packed up our stuff to leave after lunch. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Peter.

Caleb built one last tower out of Lincoln Logs and then it was time to go.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Can you tell that we're related?

Just another morning...

This morning was rough. Caleb was taking his sweet time getting ready this morning. He's awake before me, but yet I can eat, get dressed, get his lunch made, pack his backpack, and be ready way before him. Today was one of those really frustrating days of reminder after reminder to do this or that. Just as we're walking out the door, with 2 minutes until the last bell rings, Caleb says he needs to get his boots. He has been leaving his boots at school and has an extra pair at home so I really didn't understand why he was getting them especially with no time to spare. I found out that his boots at school went missing. I think someone stole them or hopefully they just got misplaced. Instead of being upset with the culprit, I became really upset with Caleb for not telling me sooner and just the fact that we were late didn't help with my mood.

So I walked him over to school.... or rather, I dragged him because he was walking so slow. Thank goodness he only has a half day today.

I came back home and was still really mad. I had to call Tim so I could try and calm down. It was pretty ridiculous that I let myself get so worked up about a small thing especially after I just taught on the topic of prayer last night at our Bible Study. Lord, I have a LOT of work to still do in my life. I took a moment to just cry. I felt horrible that I left Caleb at school where he was almost in tears. I definitely didn't handle that situation the way I should've.

While I was wallowing in my anger, God gave me a glimpse of joy that I needed this morning. Sonya and Ava, the girl I babysit, were having a tea party in the living room. As I watched, Sonya decided that they needed to pray before eating. It was so sweet and innocent and gave me a sense of peace that I was trying to find by browsing through Facebook posts instead of drawing near to my Father. What a wake up call! Then to make my day even brighter, Sonya was explaining what all of her foods were. She was just using empty Easter eggs. One of them was broccoli, one was a potato, and there was a new one that I've never heard her use before called "gock." I asked her what gock tasted like and she said, "It's kind of like peanut butter." I was cracking up inside. It was soooo funny! She proceeded to continue using the word. My heart filled with joy and happiness.

When Caleb gets home, I really owe him an apology for my actions. Hopefully we can find his boots. If not, I just pray that someone that really needed them has them. We are blessed to have an extra pair that Caleb can use for now and if we didn't have that, we have the money to buy new/used ones. Sometimes I forget about the blessings we have.

Thank you, Jesus for providing for our family beyond what we could've imagined.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

My birthday girl

My Sonya Rose turns three years old today, February 13th, 2013. She was in the nursery for the last time at church on Sunday and it kind of made me sad. She was supposed to be my baby forever, but she's not anymore -- or at least she won't let me call her that. I can't believe how quickly those three years have gone by. She's turning into quite a lovely little girl now and I'm so proud of her.

Just after Sonya was born

About 3 or so months old

Around six months old

Sonya at age ONE

Sonya at age TWO

TWO and a half

A few weeks shy of THREE!

I love Sonya's spunky attitude and her belly laugh. I love the way she acts like a little mother already with her dolls and with the girl that I watch a few days a week. I love the way she's not afraid to talk about Jesus. I love her desire to help especially in the kitchen. I love her creativity and the stories she tells. I love the way she sings -- changing the lyrics to songs and singing to a different sort of tune. I love the way she hugs and cuddles into me. I love reading her stories and having tea parties. I love holding her little hand in mine. I love playing with her hair even though she doesn't always like to keep ponytails in. I love the way she tries to braid my hair. I love the excited look on her face when daddy gets home from work. I love how compassionate she is. I love my little princess and I love being her mommy.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

A Princess Party

Sonya decided on a Princess Party this year for her third birthday and wanted to invite a few of her friends over. So we had a small party several days before her birthday. Sonya helped with the invitation even came up with the design for her cake. :-) It was a fun party!