In Honor of Ash Wednesday

Church is a very large part of our family's life. Tater actually cries when someone is sick and we can't go on a Sunday morning. Many of our children's friends are church friends. I have become very involved in the "management side" of our church - heading a committee, being a part of the pastoral call committee, leading small groups, and now becoming a member of the church council. Church grounds us and provides us with a welcoming and enjoyable group of people to surround ourselves with. We admire and mirror many of their values which makes friendship much easier!

In addition to the people, Daddy and I love the peace of a Sunday morning service...a service without the company of our dear little ones! We have a wonderful nursery and a great group of parents who take turns watching the children. And our kids love to play!

Well, since Tater is turning 5, we decided it was time for her to start joining us in the sanctuary for the service. **sigh** So, last Sunday, Daddy was covering the nursery and Tater decided on her own to join me with her goodie bag of quiet activities. She did fairly well for the most part. She was especially quiet during the sermon and I breathed a big sigh of relief...until she leaned over with the questions. Oh, yes, she wasn't just coloring. She was listening...and sort of understanding. The sermon was focused on the ending of Pentecost and the beginning of the lent season. So there was a bit of talk about Jesus being killed. Tater zoomed right in on that word since we preach (no pun intended!) non-violence in our house. Luckily I was able to quiet her and tell her we'd talk about it a bit later.

So at lunch I explained to her that Jesus was killed by some mean people but that he died so that God will forgive us when we make mistakes. She accepted that and I thought we were done...HA!

Last night at dinner she brought it up again. She wanted to know how Jesus could be a baby, a little boy, and man all at the same time. I told her that the stories we heard at church were stories about different times in Jesus' life and that he was a man when he died. And her question? "Why didn't his mommy keep him safe?" I stopped, looked at her, shook my head, and picked up the phone to call Papa to answer that one!

I have a feeling church has become a new adventure!

Wordless Wednesday

A few weeks ago, on a frigid Friday, Miss Wiggles and I headed to Trader Joe's for our weekly shopping trip. I love that you walk into all the flowers as you enter the store! And this caught my attention:

A pussy willow tree!

I had to get it to remind us that spring is around the corner!

These are buds that are in full bloom - I had never seen them like this!

These are those soft buds that I remember touching as a child - and now Tater loves them too!

A Girly Update!

I didn't have much to post today until I took these pictures!

This is how Miss Wiggles fell asleep last night!

And I found this t-shirt today for Tater...and it is SO true!

Daddy Day!

Since Daddy had the day off with the rest of us today, we spent it out and about! Tater couldn't wait to take everyone to the Audubon Society so we headed there first. Tater and Bruiser had a great time making a cute craft and then we headed into the exhibits. Bruiser had a blast seeing the animals and looking for snakes "SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" and "fishes"!

They loved seeing the live pheasant outside the one exhibit.

Miss Wiggles was all smiles because Daddy let her keep her Nuk!

And Tater loved carrying around the clipboard and doing the scavenger hunt!

We can't wait to go back for all the special activities and the story times. We bought a family membership and are looking forward to the warmer weather and the fabulous walking trails!

After our exciting tour, we headed to IKEA! We shopped for a few little things and one large purchase! Daddy and I finally broke down and bought a real bed frame - not a yard sale find or a hand-me-down from family! We feel so grown-up and frivolous! Now, let's hope I don't fall out of the bed tonight...it's so HIGH!!!

And, on a special note, keep Bruiser (and Mama) in your prayers tomorrow! He has his very first dentist appointment and I'm not expecting it to go well. I mean, what child with sensory issues is going to respond well to someone in his face and in his mouth? And I still haven't figured out how I got stuck with this task...the dentist is Daddy's area!

So, tune in tomorrow for a play-by-play of the big event!

Weekend Recap (Warning! Lots of Pictures!)

We had two (yes, two!) birthday parties on Saturday and lots of things going on at church on Sunday, as well as that random holiday...you know, Valentine's Day! It was a crazy-busy weekend!

We started off Saturday with a party at the local Audubon Society...and it was awesome! They did a great job and the educational center is amazing and age appropriate for my children. Here is a bit of the party:

They started out talking about tide pools.

And they made their own tide pool.

Tater decided to listen to the story from the cubbies at one end of the room.

Then they moved like the animals in the tide pool. Tater was a sea star...

Then we went into the exhibits to do a scavenger hunt.

This is the actual tide pool in the exhibit room.

Don't you love the clipboards?

This little cave has domes that allow the children to look outside.

The inside of a large whale sculpture.

And there is the whale!

Then they got to touch and hold some of the critters.

Tater was a bit hesitant!

A sea star.

Holding a snail.

Then, after a quick stop at home, we headed out to party #2 at the bowling alley. A different location but still a great party. Tater loves to bowl and had a blast!

Love the action shot!

Could care less where the ball ends up!

Then today we had a later church service and a congregational meeting. Since the time went so late into the afternoon, we headed out for lunch and to get Daddy's hair cut. When we got home the neighborhood kids were playing outside and Tater and Bruiser couldn't wait to join in! Bruiser especially liked running with the "big boys" and being included in their games!

He was out for as little as five minutes before his knees were muddy!

I can't wait for the spring thaw and the mess that will bring with my boy!

He tried to push the sled through the bit of snow we had!

After he gave up on the sled, he found a boogie board and ran after the "big boys"!

Resourceful...even if it was the wrong season!

I'm sure we will have more to share tomorrow! It's winter vacation week for me and the kids and Daddy has tomorrow off for Presidents' Day. Tater and I can't wait to take the others to the Audubon Society tomorrow! It's always exciting to find hidden treasures so close to home!

Blizzard?

There was a blizzard? Where? Did I blink and miss it?

Here's what I saw...

Anyone else want to agree that this did not warrant a "snow" day from school?

Wii Challenge!

With yucky and cold weather abounding, we are spending a great deal of time indoors! And we are desperately seeking activities to fill the hours! Last night, Daddy and I had a blast playing some Wii Fit Plus. Here are a few action shots and a few results to see if you can beat!

Sitting very still and not moving!

See the candle? Very still!

And see the score? That's right! 180 seconds!

This was Daddy walking the tightrope...he made the jump and made it to the end!

Any takers on a challenge?