Build a Bear Dog

 When Nick and Krystal brought the boys to visit, it was a cold weekend.  But we wanted to get out and do something fun, so we decided to make a trip at build-a-bear!  We managed to fit four carseats and four adults in the van and made the trek to Louisville together.  

Bryce got along so well with Sophi.  Since he is older, I didn't expect him to enjoy playing with her so much.  But I guess his big brother skills came out, because he was so great to her.  He sat by her in the car and enjoyed talking to her and entertaining her during the drive.  And they played well at the house too.  It is special to think of my big brother's boys filling that big brother role for my girl.  We love cousins!

  

Anyhoo, this was the first time any of my little family had been to build-a-bear and it was a lot of fun!  Some of it went over Sophi's head, but she was still at a fun age for it. 

  

Thanks for a family pic, Krystal!  

 

We picked out a dog because Sophi is really into "doggie" right now.  

 

She enjoyed carrying it around the store.

 

She picked a heart out of the bin and gave it a kiss before slipping it in to her dog.

 

We were a little stumped for a name (since build-a-bear also includes a birth certificate for your animal).  Nick had the great idea to use Sophi's middle name, so now she sleeps at night with her "Gracie Dog".

 

The whole gang having fun!

 

The boys had already made their animal friends on a previous trip, so they were making a special friend for their baby brother, Blake.

 

They each got to choose a heart to add, so Blake's dog would be full of love.

 

It was cute to see them excited to do something special for their baby brother. 

 

Washing up!

  

Blake Nick couldn't resist the Red's uniform.

 

We had a great time!  It was so much fun to share this memory with their family.

Disclaimer

 

(Typical)

I just spent a while editing photos from the past two months (via picasa).  There are so many things that I want to share from the last month.  And since this is the only scrapbook I have so far, we are going to back up a bit and catch up.  :)

So this is my disclaimer.

And this is my cutie getting into trouble treasure hunting.

Epic Fail

1) Blogging - I have many, many pictures of fun times, silly Sophi, some bargain hunting, a recipe, and my adorable niece.  (Okay well maybe I can throw one of those in.)  So much writing inspiration, so little time.

 

 2)  Lent 2011 - Since I did bring it up, I feel like I should be honest enough to tell you that I am on day 11 of reading the emails for lent.  It is now day 28.  And the little journal entry suggestions - I have competed 0.  sigh

3)  Dishes - because the only time my sink is not full of them is after my mom or SIL, Krystal have come to visit and they are probably going to stop visiting if I don't start washing dishes on my own.

4) Having a Usborne book party - This will happen.  It WILL.  I am determined.  But the one scheduled for Sunday had to be canceled because Sophi was running a high fever.  This was the 3rd party to be re-scheduled - so hopefully 4th time's a charm.

5) Spring cleaning - In case #3 didn't tip you off, house cleaning is not my strong suit.  This weekend the main rooms did look pretty nice (for the party that didn't happen), but it was at the expense of our office/guest room.  Which now needs to be cleaned out because we will have guests this weekend!  So, let's be honest it will probably get shuffled.  Because like it or not, that's how I roll.  I am excited to do some painting in the near future though.   

 

Party like a rockstar

Ash Wednesday

Yes, I know - today is Thursday.

The season of Lent always seems to creep up on me.  I think the idea of giving something up for a period is good, but to me the point is to use that time, focus, etc. to focus on God instead.  Deciding the day of that I will give up sweets because the calories are bad for me anyway, just never seemed to ring true.  I'm not saying that God couldn't use that to speak.  I guess it's really about my motivation though.  If my reason was to pick something quick so that when someone asked I would seem super spiritual ...  well, I just decided it was better not to give up anything at all. 

Having said that - I am participating this year.  (And I don't say that to seem super spiritual.  ha.)  My friend, Micky, linked up to World Vision on facebook and it caught my interest.  So I have signed up for Relentless Acts of Justice.  Every day during the season of Lent, I receive an email with something to read and direction to pray about, think on, etc for that day.  I am excited to have something to go along with and curious to see what direction that takes.  There is also the option to do this with a group, but I will probably just end up processing some things on here.   

And yes, I did still sign up to do it the day before it started.  But that's okay.  And it's not too late to sign up now if you're interested.  I also was linked up to these ideas reccommened through our church, if you're wanting to go in a different direction - a daily reading from Online Lenten Devotional and 40 Days of Water through Blood:Water Mission.

 My first email included this Franciscan Blessing.  I will leave you with it:

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen

Wordless Wednesday

Care

My friend, Tara, has been keeping Sophia while I am working in the mornings for a while now.  Her daughter, Bella is only three months older than Sophi and they all have a great time together.  With the start of the new year, we have changed over to Sophi staying with her for my entire work day.   I am so thankful for the excellent care and attention that Sophi gets.  I am able to get my work done without distractions and not feel guilty in the least because I know Sophi is loving it.  When I asked her the other day if she wanted to go bye-bye and see Bella and Tara, she gave me a huge grin.

Tara and I have been friends for almost 4 years now.  I appreciate her friendship and the many conversations we have had so much.  Some days when I go to drop off Sophia, it's hard to leave.  I just want to stay and hang out and have fun with them.  (Even if our conversations now revolve more around baby clothes, eating habits, and nap routines.)   But knowing how much she loves my baby has opened up a special place in my heart. 

Being a working mom is not something that I ever had on my radar.  I would still love to be able to quit my job, and am very to be thankful that I get to stay home on certain days of the week.  But knowing that Sophi is cared for and is learning while I am away gives me so much peace.