Raccoon

Bailey wrote a story today. I'm a proud mama. I really love it. She hasn't picked a title yet, so I'll call it "Raccoon".

Once upon a time there was a land with animal people. They could do everything that we can do and more! The animals lived in houses like us. One day zebra said "Let's paint the trees stripes!" Cheetah said "Let's paint the houses spots and leave the trees plain." The raccoon had a decision to make. He was the bravest, even braver then the bears. And the leader.
One day a boy dressed up like a ghost came the have never seen before. All the animals were scared, even the bears, but the raccoon wasn't scared. And then a girl dressed up like a witch and scared raccoon away. When the witch and ghost was gone they went out of their hiding spot. They waited for raccoon to make the decision and he choose both and the day that he decided it was the day that the raccoon was going away to his cousins house. He stayed for 3 days. When he got back, hippo was going away. When hippo got back, cheetah went away to his friends house for 4 days. When he got back, zebra was going away for 5 days. And then when everyone was back, raccoon had a baby and his dad was the leader.



I love it! It is even better seeing her writing and spelling and illustrations. Maybe I'll scan it one day. This story is going into her memory book (that I will make eventually).


The other day after listening to my new favorite song, Shake It Off, in the car, Ian says "I can get down to this sick beat."  I hope that writing this down I will be able to remember and hear his little 3 year old voice being so happy and proud of that fact.

Needed

Last night Bennet did not sleep well, again. Almost 4 months now of crappy sleep. I am tired! This morning I was able to chat with Chance before he was out the door, again. I told him I was happy that I didn't need to be anywhere today. And he said that wasn't true, I needed to be here, but that I didn't have to go anywhere.

I've been thinking about that all morning. I AM needed here. No matter how tired I am, I am needed here. I don't think he realized what that statement would mean to me. Its kind of changed my perspective. I am so grateful for him. I feel like although this is HARD; babies are HARD, toddlers are HARD, his schedule is H-A-R-D! i am needed here, so I better be here and try to do it right....

With Chance working 70-80 hours a week I was beginning to feel like I was shutting down. It's ridiculous to be 30 and still not know who I really am. I have so many women here that I admire so much. They are amazing examples of selfless service and I am in awe. I want to be more like them. I have felt like I don't have anything that I am passionate about. I'm not a great writer, or baker, or seamstress, or, or, or.... But I can try to be a better mom and learn a little more about myself along the way.

My kids are amazing. Smart, and funny, and kind. I need to give them more credit. This is it! I don't want to miss this.

Bennet is smiling and cooing and laughing and almost rolling over. My big handsome prince!

Ian makes me laugh everyday. I'm not sure when it happened, but he seems to speak in mostly sound effects. It's pretty great. "Hey Mom, the car just whooossssh vrrrrrrm boooooppppped over the hill!"

Bailey blows me away. She LOVES math and will tell anyone who asks. She is kind and caring and tries so hard. 1st grade! WOW! I was worried about how I would spend 7 hours a day without her, but now I realize that most days I look at the clock and realize she'll be home within an hour. After school she spends out side with her friends so I really only get an hour to be with her.

I'm rambling, but these are the random thoughts inside this tired mama's head. I am needed here, I am so grateful to be here. I am trying to be more present in my family's lives.

Grandpa's 60!

My dad is one of the greatest men I know! Last night we celebrated his 60th birthday. 

                            

I found Bailey and Chase snuggled up reading together.

Ian photo bomb

Wrapping paper ninja Jake.

New Year

We recently lost a lot of pictures when our computer crashed. Bummer! I wish I had blogged more, then I'd have access to some of them. New year, time to get back in the habit of preserving memories.

The Stanton's came to Idaho Falls to celebrate the new year with us. We played dodge ball and murder in the dark in the church gym, ate tons of snacks, lots of Wii, and the "tape ball". Poor Chase couldn't handle it. He could see the prize he wanted, but couldn't get to it; then had to wait for his next turn.

I had so much fun this year! Aside from Ian going to bed at 8:30, everyone else stayed up to watch the ball drop.

Halloween and my big boy

'Notice how the other girls in Baileys preschool class are wearing girly costumes... Maybe next year I'll let her pick, or choose something girly.

We went as Handy Manny. Chance was Manny, I dressed as Kelly, Ian was Mr. Lopart, and Bailey was Dusty. She loved it, really!

Almost 9 months!!!

Do you know about 'busy bags'? Check out the details of my swap here.