20 Things I Love Right Now...

Well, Rachel tagged me like 2 weeks ago and the total schmoe that I am, I am just getting around to doing this.

1. My family, from the tallest (Steve) to the smallest (Jared) and even the feistiest (Elizabeth)!
2. Creeping into my kids bedroom each night to kiss them goodnight and cover them up. I love seeing them sleeping so peacefully. It helps me remember what a joy they are!
3. The fun and creative games and things Elizabeth thinks up for us to do.
4. Hiking with my husband (we haven't gotten any hiking in recently, but hope to soon!)
5. Seeing the cheesy grin my 11 month old gives me when he knows that people think he is cute, that kid could melt anyone's heart.
6. Seeing how generous and thoughtful Elizabeth is all on her own. Of course she suffers from the me/mine syndrome, but she will draw pictures for people all the time and willingly share things she loves with others.
7. Running outdoors! Treadmills are amazing and indispensable when it is winter, but nothing beats the fresh air and beauty of an outdoor run!
8. Baking and cooking up healthy and delicious recipes I have never tried. I love trying new recipes and love to share them (that way I don't stack on more extra pounds!)
9. Spending an entire day at home with my kids with nothing on the agenda except spending time playing with them (this doesn't happen too often!)
10. Talking with my grandma about the good old days. It helps me stay grounded and reminds me what is really important in life.
11. Sleeping in (this actually never happens any more since Jared has become a 6:15 am waker, no wait now it is a 6:00 am waker, no wait now it is a 5:45 waker - and since he shares a bedroom with his sister, and since it is light, she is up too!)
12. The smell of the fruit blossoms as I walk in my front door (okay, so they don't smell anymore, but I wish they did!)
13. Chocolate cupcakes with lots of chocolate frosting (I love sauces and toppings!)
14. Looking at all the amazing creations in this world!
15. Having my kids excited that I have come to get them from the baby sitters! I love being greeted with smiles and hugs.
16. Experiencing the firsts all over again with Jared. It is extra fun to have Elizabeth so excited to see him do new things. She gets so excited she starts jumping and screaming and...well you get the picture!
17. Date night with my husband (it doesn't happen too often, because we are too cheap, but it is always a treat!)
18. Fresh fruit. I am so glad it is summer again.
19. Getting up early to run. It makes my day feel so much more productive.
20. Being a mother and learning everyday how to be a better mother. It is hard and pushes my patience to the max, but each day as I sit down to reflect I can honestly say that I love being a mother, it is the best thing in my life. I mess up constantly and wish I could replay certain days, but I feel like I am growing, changing and hopefully getting better!


Okay, now since Rachel tagged just about everyone who has a blog, I will tag my two friends Sarah & Melissa!

Sleeping Munchkies

These pictures are a bit old, but I had to share.

The other day I went in to get Jared up, because I was sure I heard him talking. However, when I went in he was still sleeping. I just had to snap some photos of him. I love how he sleeps with his little bum in the air. He does it all the time. What a doll!

A few days later, we were at my sister's house and Elizabeth mentioned that she was tired. My sister told her she could go home and take a nap. Elizabeth promptly informed her that she doesn't take naps anymore. Well we got home and I put Jared to sleep and told Elizabeth I would be in to play with her after I scrounged up some lunch.

Less than 5 minutes later I went in to find her sleeping like this. She must have been tired! I had to get some pictures before moving the radio and placing her more comfortably on the couch. What a silly girl!

Ssssnakes

Every spring we discover snakes in our yard. Last year we had a really beautiful one that Steve just about squashed because he wasn't watching. Well, sure enough last Friday afternoon Elizabeth came running into the house to get me. Not only was there one snake, but there were two snakes lazily sunning themselves. She kept telling me how she hated snakes, but kept crouching closer and closer to get a better look! No pictures yet, but maybe soon!

Spring Time in Munchkinland

The kids and I have really been enjoying the good weather we have been enjoying off and on for the last month. Jared is still learning about grass and doesn't really move after you set him down on it, but he loves to be outside and enjoy the sounds and different sights. Elizabeth loves having picnics outside, playing buried treasure following the map of the yard she makes, and of course running around the tree! Both of them love chasing balls around the yard and looking at the birds. We sure are grateful for the beautiful world we have to live in.

Do You Know the Muffin Man?

Last week I made some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for breakfast. Jared loves to feed himself, so he loved being able to stuff the muffin into his mouth. It was an extra bonus that the muffins where stuffed full of chocolate chips! From the looks of it, he didn't like his muffin did he?

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Elizabeth turned 5! I can't believe she is that old. It seems like just yesterday that she was a little baby. Somehow mom pulled together a last minute party the Friday before her birthday. It was mostly cousins with a few friends. Even though it was simple, the kids had fun playing pin the crown on the princess, hot potato, and musical chairs. After decorating their cupcakes with mountains of sprinkles all the kids were thoroughly sugared up, which meant it was time for them to head home with their parents, right! Elizabeth had a good birthday. She enjoyed having people come play with her (apparently Mom and Jared aren't fun enough). Here are a few picture highlights!

Mud Pies

Elizabeth asked me what I used to do as a little girl and I told her all about making mud pies in the back yard. I ended up creating a monster. She made mud pie after mud and wanted to do it day after day! We had a lot of fun. Here she is sampling her handiwork!