That deserves a blog post

Nola has developed quite the little personality lately.

The act that precipitated this post was a visit from Nola as I was sitting in my chair a few minutes ago.  She walked over with a little block, put it in my lap, and took off with my phone.  A perfect trade.

She loves to say "whoa" and "wow" for everything.  "Nola, look at this book."  "Wowwww." 

No (nah) is also a new favorite.  "Nola, do you want your cup?"  "Nah."

She and Nathan have this insane sibling rivalry.  I don't know how children develop that at this young age.  They literally have fights over toys, me and Kevin, places to sit, space to look out the patio door or front door, food, and the list goes on.

Hi and bye are also becoming favorites.  Whenever she sees somebody getting shoes or a coat on, she says, "Buh buh bye!!"  Now, this does not necessarily mean she's giving you permission to leave without her.  Usually she gets upset if she doesn't get to come too.  She has started to engage other people in conversation at the store, restaurants, church, etc.  So exciting to see her come out of her shell.

Also, SHE'S WALKING!!!  She's really gotten it down over the past couple days, and she's even figured out how to turn around and bend down to get something.  Her favorite thing to do is get her snack cup from me at the gate to the kitchen and walk off with it like a big girl. 

This is such an exciting stage for us with Nola, and I'm happy to report that it has produced better sleeping habits as well. (YES!)

So amazing watching our precious little girl doing new things!

Nola and Daddy talking

Waffles

Probably the best Christmas gift any of us got this year was Kevin's waffle maker from my Mom.  We've used it many times just since Christmas, and we all love the delicious waffles Kevin makes with it.  And of course, I love this quote from the original Shrek.

Nathan cheesin' it up for the camera

Natalie cheesin' it up too

Nola with a mouthful

The special Moms only waffle - with Nutella...mmmm

And Daddy, the waffle King

best moments ever

In the past couple weeks, we've had two amazing moments as a family.  Moments that make me proud to be a mother to MY children.  Moments that I've been dreaming of for years.  Moments that I want to breathe in, bottle up, wallow in, and bathe my soul in at the times (like today) when life with three kids under five is hard.

The first one happened at the end of dinner about a week and a half ago.  Kevin, Natalie, Nathan, and Nola were still at the table, and I was in the kitchen.  Nola had just learned how to clap her hands, and we were all saying, "YAY!!!!" And Nola would just giggle and clap and look around at each of us smiling at her.  It was one of the sweetest things I've ever experienced, and I remember as I was standing there watching that I was just reminding myself to totally soak up that moment.  Tears came to my eyes, and joy filled my heart.  All of us were blessed in that moment.

Then last night, Kevin and I were having a conversation as the kids were playing when I overheard Nathan say his foot hurt.  He didn't make much of a fuss about it, so I didn't either.  Just a minute later, I looked back over to where they were sitting and Natalie had his foot in her hands praying for him.  I sat in complete awe as she led him through the prayer.  She would say a line, and he repeated it back just like I do with each of them.   They finished, and I praised Natalie for taking the initiative to pray for her brother.  Then Kevin said his shoulders hurt and sort of hinted that they should pray for him.  So they went behind the couch where he was sitting and each of them put their hands on one of his shoulders.  Natalie led the prayer again.  Short, simple, to the point.  "Jesus, please make Daddy's shoulders feel better.  Pain, go in the name of Jesus. Amen!"  Kevin said it felt a little better, so I told the kids to pray again.  They happily obliged, of course.  After Kevin, they prayed for Nola's bronchitis to go away.  And then my little prayer warriors were back at it this morning praying for anything and everything.  I am sooooooo proud of them.  Can't even find the words to express what this means to me.  I am so in love with the fact that they do listen and follow my example, especially when I least expect it. 

So thank you, Jesus for my amazing children.  Bless them as they go about their daily lives and give them courage to pray for anyone and everyone who needs to be touched by You.  Help me to continue to live out your example for them so they will grow into the people they are in Your Kingdom.  Thank you for loving us, Jesus!  Amen!!!

New snacks

Banana with nutella

I'm trying to be more conscious about getting more fruits and vegetables, and even though this banana is slathered in chocolate, I'll call it a win.

News flash

I've discovered the black hole that is Pinterest.  Expect lots of DIY cutesy schmootsy stuff in the very near future. From preschool snacks to holiday decor, I'm sure to impress with ideas that are not even mine.  But I promise to give credit where credit is due...most of the time...and certainly dependent on the reaction of the recipient.

Exhibit A....these adorable Halloween-inspired snacks that I plan to make for Natalie's preschool next week.

I love fall.

I love fall.





That is all.