Since it's been awhile...

*Definitely a Kodak moment as this rarely happens anymore...

*We filled a PODS container with extra "stuff" from the house.  It's really interesting to see all of the things we really don't need to live comfortably.  The kids have less toys out, which has actually been nice.  They've been playing really well with each other and have been making up new games.  (Lesson learned?  Could we do with less?  Probably.) 

*Kate's been a challenge at times when it comes to showings.  I will be frantically cleaning one room to later find her making a new mess in another room.  No toys?  No problem!  Below she loaded our empty shopping bag collection with diapers, blankets, shoes...whatever was in reach.  Thanks, Kate!

*The kids were talking about what a great name their daddy, Jon, was given.  They said it's so cool that it's part of  "John" Deere, Papa "John's", and Parme-"Jon" Cheese.  :)

*We've had a few extra picnics on the front porch (no crumbs on the freshly cleaned kitchen floor).  We are praying for a quick sale.  It's hard keeping a clean house!  After the initial house pictures for listing, the kids asked, "Can we get back to normal now?"  I said yes and then I heard a big toy tub being dumped all over the living room floor.  :)  Back to normal, indeed!

*Scott and Natalie teamed up to witness to Kate tonight over dinner.  Scott was sincerely wanting Kate to be in heaven with him someday, so he decided to speed things along.  It was sweet to watch them get Kate to say "yes" to all the correct answers and then declare that Kate had made a profession of faith by the end of the conversation.  :)  A moment I wanted to cherish as I listened from across the room. 

*After we made our first few trips out with boxes, Scott said, "This is going to take a long time."  (Understatement of the week!)

*Later, Scott said, "My arms feel like they are getting bigger from all that lifting." 

*Scott went on his first kindergarten field trip last week (a few days after he witnessed a bus tipping over infront of our house).  He was a bit concerned about this happening again on his field trip bus.  When I asked him about his time on the bus, he told me that he sat by a friend in his class and that they discussed how buses would really be safer if they had seatbelts.  A kindred spirit, for sure! :) 

*Kate went through several days of grabbing onto the little ponytail on top of her head everytime we stepped outside.  She held onto it tightly when we'd run into a store or go check out the new hosue.  She was very concerned that it was going to blow away in the wind. 

*Natalie informed me last week she was "really into beauty."

*Me:  Is Grandpa Mike a teacher?
Kate:  NO!
Me:  Is Grandpa Mike a dentist?
Kate:  NO!
Me:  Is Grandpa Mike a doctor?
Kate:  NOOOOOOOO!   He's a GRANDPA!

*Natalie (pointing to a shirt she saw in the store):  What's that say?
Me:  It says, "I will be the ONLY princess!"  ...Is that very nice?
Natalie:  No.  (Smile spread across her face.)   I want to wear that shirt!!!

Pics from the Week:)

 Cousin Fun!

 Goofy Girls

 Ask Scott about the Gator and he may just talk your ear off...it's THAT good. 

 Annual egg hunt at church- they do such a good job of finding some candy for their momma!

 Looking more and more like a home!!

 At Scott's request, we got in a zoo trip (a.k.a. quick glimpse at the animals so that we can ride the lame zoo train) on his Spring Break

 Kate's style- pajamas under a swimsuit with every accessory she can find

 

Kate's bedtime routine has always consisted of me singing her a song and then praying.  Tonight, she put her little hands over her ears and said, "NO!  Don't sing!  Just pray!"  Hahaha!  The honest truth from a two year old...

 

 Love this crew!:)

winter MARCHes on?!?

What's up with snow flurries and rain during Week 1 of Spring Break?  We've tried to make the most of it, and I've tried to be a "fun" mom. 

The kids have had "water parties", have played with measuring cups and dry beans, and have had TWO picture worthy Play-dough sessions.  Last time we got the Play-dough out (many moons ago), it ended with me telling them, "NEVER AGAIN!"  This time, however, they did a much better job of keeping it in one area and cleaned it up nicely once they were finished.  Perhaps they were hoping I'd get it out again before another year lapses...

 Can you guess which day in March the following pictures were taken on?  No one was going to pinch my babies!

 A sweet shot with their great grandmother (pictured below...not above!:)

 Natalie loves to strike a pose, even when she's not asked to do so.

Scott was a disciple in his Easter play at school.  He said that he wasn't sure which disciple he was, but that he just knew he wasn't Judas.  Whew.  Their play was so adorable!  Jesus is ALIVE!!!

Kate was battling another ear infection last week and spent more time doing this instead of running, climbing, destroying, and playing.  

 I listened to a podcast recently about kids and too much screen time.  It's been giving me guilt trips ever since.  It HAS been cold and rainy though... (I know, excuses, excuses!)  Natalie came up to me today after being tuckered out from running, dancing, and playing hard. She sighed and said, "I just want to sit on the computer and click."   :)

 

Hello Sunshine!

The kids have played outside the last few days, and it's been an absolute blast.  Such joy it brings!  Such fun is had!  And...I think the children have enjoyed themselves, too.  "Come in when it's dark, kids..." 

Prior to the weather change, we've done some arts & crafts, visited our indoor gymnastics place, and dumped and picked up toys again and again.  Did I mention how relieved I am that spring is at hand?  

Kate:  Mom, put that silly camera down and HELP ME!!!!!!!!  This is NOT another Kodak moment. 

Scott frequently browses on Amazon.  The other day he came to me with a red face and asked if he would be getting a certain train for his birthday.  He called me to the computer and pointed out that a train he clicked on read, "You purchased this item on March 10, 2015."  He put two and two together...time for a new system.  :)

Grandma made Natalie a purple purse and matching dress.  Kate's taken a liking to the purse however, and it's been the source of many squabbles.  I've put in a request for another one...:) 

 Scott on Wild West Day

 Me too!  Me too!  Kate says, "Giddy ha!"  :) 

 The boys are looking for deer at the new house.  One day, Jon spotted FOURTEEN walking across the backyard.  I either need to find some tasty venison recipes fast or stock up on more Donatos coupons.  Yikes!

Fun crafts made with Jon's mom and grandma

        

Kate says, "How 'bout   _____   instead?" a lot.  

Tonight I told her she could have ONE MORE pretzel.  She quickly put her little hand into the bag and pulled out the biggest handful she could manage and said, "How 'bout yots (lots) instead?" 

How 'bout you stop making me laugh when I need to be firm, Kate?