The snow in these parts

We have been spending most of our time inside because of the cold and snowy weather we have been having.  The two little boys have been wanting to go out, but it is just too cold for them.

The 3rd in Pictures

 Buggy woke up to his door decorated.  The look on his face was so fantastic.  This years birthday was so much fun because he finally got the whole idea of it.

 We had birthday pancakes with a side of chocolate milk for breakfast

 After breakfast we went to the aquatic center to swim for awhile.

 He ended the night with a Pete the Cat birthday party. 

It was a good third birthday for my little buggy.

Three Years

 Three years ago today the doctor placed you in my arms for the first time.  I fell deeply in love with you from that moment.  Buggy, our life would not be the same without you in it.  People are drawn to you because you have such a fun easy-going personality.

 3 months

 6 months

 1 year

 18 Months

2 years

3 years

Bugs, you have grown up so much in the past year.  It is such a blessing to be your mom.  I feel like the luckiest woman alive.  You are caring, funny, and love to snuggle.  In the last couple of months you have gotten to do things that the two big brothers get to do and you have handled them like a champ and have thought that you are pretty big stuff.  As I look back at pictures I cannot believe how much you have grown up.  I am looking forward to another year of getting to know you more.  I love you with every part of me and I will love you always, Mama.

A New Year

 The first day of twenty fourteen was a pretty good one.  As I sit on the couch at the end of the day I feel kind of like the day was a puzzle with all different pieces that I needed to fit together to bring meaning.

 Late afternoon Fisherman needed to snow blow the driveway so the three big boys got dressed and went out with him.  I had several things that I should have been doing, but instead I found myself feeling bad for the littlest boy who was watching his big brothers from the window inside.  I decided to get him all bundled up and took him out too.  The whole experience made me smile and I found myself laughing over and over.  Playing outside in the VERY cold temperatures with my kids brought me WAY more joy and purpose than what I had planned inside would have.

 I got to watch the two big brothers eagerly pull the two little brothers in sleds around the house.  It made me so grateful that they love and care for each other so much.

 Tonight I was home with only the baby for a little while.  After I put him to bed I decided to watch a movie and for some reason I chose "i am sam."  This movie moved me to tears several times.  It made me reflect on the time that I spend with my kids.  I feel like I do a lot of fun things with them and we have lots of fun family time, but if I am being completely honest sometimes I am not 100% engaged.  I have other things on my mind or I try to squeeze in one more chore before I move unto the next thing.  I am always promising my kids I will play a game with them after I get this and that done first.

My goal for 2014 is to engage with my kids.  To laugh with them.  To care about the things that they care about.  To listen to their stories with my full attention no matter how long they get.  To stop what I am doing when they draw me a picture, get down on my knee and give them a hug for their grand gesture.  This mom thing is an opportunity of a lifetime and I want to live it with no regrets.  I am so excited about the path that God is going to take us down in 2014.  I pray that I see His rich blessing and learn to seek him in all I do.