Sunshine. :)

We went for a walk today....our little family of 5.  It was filled with whining, crying, a few bike spills, a muddy little boy, lots of redirecting, a few moments of melt-down...and it was GLORIOUS.  I'm amazed at how incredible a walk can be.  As we rounded the corner and turned onto our street was behind the crew and carrying Asher.  I saw the perfect image of Addie Rose walking next to her daddy ahead of me.  And I felt like time stopped-or least I wanted to freeze it.  It was the most adorable image...and I want to sketch that memory in my mind.  I yearned for my camera...but I realized certain moments like that just need to be soaked up and placed in the memory box...it was so simple but so wonderful.

Life has been moving along here.  Michael finished CEW #2 this past weekend at St. Paul's and had another great weekend.  I managed with three kiddos on my own (not short of a few frustrating moments) but overall they were really good.  The sunshine is helping a lot.  :)  Thank goodness for that.

A few milestones in our house.  We had Asher's baptism.  It was wonderful.  Many friends and family came to help us celebrate and our dear friend and priest Father Tony led us in a wonderful sacrament at our church.  We are so thankful for the day...for the friendships that have developed here.  Makes us realize what a blessing it is to be back in Iowa.  Asher continues to teach us the value of patience.  :)  Most moments with him are wonderful...he has started to smile and is content at times to just sit and be a part of what is going on around him.  On the other hand, he is experiencing some of the reflux his siblings had and we have had a few rough nights where mommy is at her wits end.  Luckily I have an incredible husband who is allowing me more sleep when I need it.  One day at a time.

Addie Rose continues to be sweet and sassy.  Man this girl.  She completely and totally has my heart...and yet she can test me at any given moment.  :)  Thank goodness she is cute.  She's started to dress herself which is so fun.  She refuses to potty train (on her own time), even bribing her with an Ariel doll didn't work, she's gotten into princesses and she idolizes her brother.  Her laughter fills a room and she is picking up adult phrases that crack us up.  She will sit and read books (flipping through piles of them rather quickly) but is content to do so and she also loves puzzles.  At night her routine is to rock her for a few minutes and sing bushel and a peck...and then when you say I love you to the moon...she responds, "on a rolling doughnut" (thanks Grandpa Dan).  :)  She recently got a new dress for Asher's baptism and you would have thought she was the star of the show.  Pink 'princess' shoes are now her favorite accessory.

On March 2nd a HUGE milestone in our house.  Jackson Daniel lost his first tooth.  :)  For awhile I thought he had a cavity because he was complaining that one of his teeth hurt.  Days later we discovered it was loose and within 24 hours he had wiggled it free!  He was excited and I was shocked that we have a child old enough to have a visit from the tooth fairy.  Where does time go?  Wow.  He is loving this weather and daily asks to go outside and play.  Thankful for a yard in which he can do so and just be a boy in nature.  He tried out his new trick bike today that was a Christmas gift and loved it. Jackson is also such a good helper these days.  Tonight he folded clothes with me and is always willing to help out when asked.  He decided to give up candy for lent (his idea completely) and says so far it hasn't been hard.  :)  We'll see how that continues.

All in all life is moving.  Having three kiddos slowed me down more than I anticipated but I'm so thankful for a workplace that is supportive of what I need before I head back in.  So thankful.  And I'm so lucky to have this life with the man I'm married too.  I feel like Michael and I have many moments of stress throughout the day with our kids needs/wants but we've settled into a pace and understanding of each other that manages it all so well.  It is a good life...isn't it?  :)