Moving right along

Little ones at play

My high-maintenance passengers.

Sorry for the minimal pictures - I deleted my whole picture card (on purpose don't worry, they're saved). Anyway, we are alive and well and having a wonderful fall.

Let's see, Hannah June (which she says constantly - everything is "Hannah June"s cup/bowl/bike/shoes/sheep"..)turned 2 on 10/24. Pics to come, sorry. She did great at the doctor and was telling them all about Tigger and Daddy. She's actually on the charts for height now:) She is still quite intrigued by TRYING ON SHOES. All day. She feeds herself now which is a tad messy but so nice too. Girl loves BOOKS. She would have me read to her for hours on end if I would. She's always asking "Go outside walk?" I wonder what she thinks when she sees other kids bigger than her actually riding in their stroller or cart. Unless I'm on a mission, I appreciate her being able to expel a bit of energy. LOVES church.
m: Hannah, who do we learn about at church?
H: Hevy Fah-er and Jee-us. Teacher. Sit down and listen. Dress. Mommy. Daddy. Eh-wee.
She knows and says her colors constantly and counts to 13 various different ways.
Favorite movie is Aristocats. She was Simba for Halloween and wouldn't say "trick or treat" but would just shake her bucket for candy.

Ellie is not far behind her big sister. She is so quick to smile and laugh but is a smidge too dramatic if you ask me. Like if she falls on her bum or I wipe her face you'd think she's getting her fingernails ripped off one by one. It's funny to see her personality. She LOVES Hannah and her favorite game is when H runs up to her and she just about tackles whoevers holding her and squeals with sheer joy. She takes 2-3 naps a day and sleeps 10 hours a night. Crawls faster than I can run and pulls herself up alot but no standing on her own or steps yet. (Part of me wants that and part of me doesn't).

Nate has a new calling that requires Sunday meetings so I won't be able to work my Sat nights anymore. Back to Fridays I guess. His job is wonderful and the Vikings are winning more than losing (for once:) so he's a happy man.

I'm holding my own I guess. For the first time since Ellie has been born (except the first 2 weeks) I've actually been struggling with trying to find a balance between everything. The girls, the house, myself, and Nate. I don't know if anything changed but I'm struggling with there not being enough hours in the day (welcome to earth, right?) I feel like I pick up the house all day...but it's never clean. I want the house to be spotless (because I just can't stand a mess anymore) and I want to make a yummy dinner but don't want to neglect the girls. And I want to have structured play with the girls (read books, go outside, sing, dance) but I want time to myself too. I want to make crafts, make my own baby food, read good books, work out, organize my house - OH the things I want to do...but just can't find the time. I will say this, there is something so wonderful about being completely worn out at the end of the day (8:30 p.m.) For the last few months I think my average head-hit-the-pillow to "unconscious" time is around 45 seconds. I love that. I honestly feel like my days have never been so "busy." Even in high school/college, nope, because at least I only had myself to take care of. Have small kids is just it's own kind of busy I guess. The thing I love about being a mom (besides my 2 little monkeys) is that it requires that I draw nearer to Jesus Christ. The attributes that He has are the same ones that a mother requires:(patience - "if I have to wipe up ONE MORE MESS, I'm going to scream!", kindness, "Hannah, be NICE to Ellie. Don't hit her on the head with the toy, that's not nice. Yes Nate, it's fine that you have meetings yet again tonight. Doesn't bother me at all. Have a great time socializing with adults honey," selflessness - "let's see, just getting my teeth brushed and it's only 11:30 a.m., not bad.") Oh, it really is a beautiful thing isn't it?

Picture catch-up

From this morning on our walk

Little E in her sweatsuit

These girls don't even need me

H's curls



When H's told to "smile":




What E and I are up against ALL. DAY. LONG.

Czar Ellie




My cousin Heather (London) and her hubby Mike stayed with us when Rachelle (Heather's older sister) and hubby Dave finalized Jackson's adoption. Mike is attending U of Georgia for his PhD in Economics (correct me if I'm wrong Heath). It was so fun to see them!



Aunt Heather and Jackson


Da guys (Dave, Nate doing dishes, poor thing, and Mike)


Heather, Rachelle, Jackson



And the reason for the season: J-MAN. He is the cutest little guy - no seriously - THE cutest. So full of smiles and just so content to be wherever with whomever. Jackson will be sealed to Rachelle and Dave Oct 17! SO happy for them! (Funny story, Rachelle and Dave adopted Jackson from South Carolina when Ellie was about 3 weeks old and my mom was back visiting us. She said, "Who would have thought I'd be in North Carolina visiting my 2nd granddaughter and meet up with my 2 nieces (Rachelle and Liisa) who I used to babysit from Morgan UT and their families?" It is a small small world. Have a great day!!!!!

Reasons

A month ago, the weather teased us with temps in the 70s. I couldn't believe how the nice cool mornings totally boosted my mood! Well, don't worry, it was back in the 80s and muggy until 3 days ago! I am hoping FALL is here to stay and here's why:

1. Cool enough for the AC to be off which allows me to keep the sliding door open and watch/listen Hannah play in the sandbox while being productive inside
(it cracks me up how much I cherish uninterrupted cleaning time! Who knew I could be so thorough and efficient....Mom?

2. No AC in the van (less gas). Feel the breeze girls!

3. I really need to learn how to make soup. Like BASIC step by step instructions. Couldn't make a bowl of chicken noodle soup if I tried right now (c'mon I have kids now, what are they supposed to eat when they get sick?)so when you get a second, email me your tips and best/easiest recipes...that would be awesome.

4. Hoodies. 'Nuf said.

5. Indian corn (candy corn's most scrumptious cousin)

6. This is a gross one but I am so sick of the stench of our(outside)garbage making me gag every time I even get close. 2 in diapers + sun beating down on a black g. can = well, you can imagine.

7. Hannah's #2.

8. Plus all the fall colors, general conference, warm socks, long sleeved shirt/sweaters, actually sleeping with a blanket on top of me, apple crisp...I could go on and on...

Are you with me? Oh, and the nice thing about fall in NC is it last for about 4 months. Saweet.

Midmorning at the Walbruchs

Dear neighbors, thanks for the free swing set.

8:00 p.m. at the Walbruchs

WHY

is it not enough just to simply ignore the people who hurt us the most? That would be so much easier. Matt 5:44.