It Won't Be Like This For Long....

I often say these words to Gavin, or "you're gonna miss this," when we are standing in the middle of 3 screaming children, usually around dinner time! I try to say it with a smile, but usually with tears in my eyes. These words are both comforting and sad all at the same time.

When I'm up at 3 am, or when I get kicked in the stomach while in a sound sleep because someone snuck in there, it is nice to think, this too will pass. But when I'm having an intelligent converstation with my 4-year-old, or hear my 2-year-old say, "I love you," in that sweet little voice of his, or when I see the two of them hug and kiss each other goodnight, or when I watch my 10 week old smile a little half smile, I find these words sad, because I want to hold on to those little moments.

I know that with each new phase brings even more fun and enjoyment, but I can't help but sometimes wish for time to stand still.

Last night we went to see Darius Rucker, and "It Won't Be Like This For Long," is just one title of many of his hit songs. Sometimes I feel like he is writing our life's theme songs, but really isn't that what country music is all about, the fact that everyone can relate to it?

Anyway, here is one song that brought tears to my eyes last night...



Another song, not by Darius Rucker, but by Trace Atkins, also brings tears to my eyes when I listen to it.

Grandparents

Growing up, I had the privelage of seeing my grandparents on a regular basis. I have many fond memories growing up with my grandparents living right next door. However, it wasn't until I moved so far away and had my own children that I truly appreciated the fact that I got to see my grandparents on a daily basis. My children do not have that luxury, as we live over 2000 miles away from our parents. Because my kids do not see their grandparents on a regular basis it makes it that much more special for them when they come to visit. Since interacting with their grandparents is not a daily occurence, I feel the need to take lots of pictures when they are here. Here is a video documenting the total of 6 weeks that we were lucky enough to have grandparents around.

Enjoy!
Grandparents

Sibling Photoshoot

Monday I decided to torture my children and force them to partake in a photoshoot! I got the boys dressed in their "Big Brother," shirts and Lyla in her "Little Sister," shirt. As I was getting them dressed I neglected to look at the clock and so round 1 of the photoshoot is with Lyla screaming because she was actually due to eat. I quick fed her and then started round 2 of the photoshoot, which went pretty well. At the end I got the idea to put Lyla in her bouncy seat so that she would be safer than with her brothers holding her. While trying to get a picture the boys thought it was just hilarious to stick their fingers in the hole of the bouncy seat where you attach the toys. When Owen did it the first time it really wasn't funny, he and I both thought he was truly stuck, but after I got him out they both took turns "getting their fingers stuck."

I decided to create a whole video of this photoshoot, because I think although only a few of the pictures would be considered frame worthy, the actually photoshoot is pretty comical! Apparently my camera wasn't impressed with this photoshoot either, because immediately afterward it died, time to upgrade!

Enjoy...
Sibling Photoshoot 3

First Day of Freedom

What did I do the first day home with all my kids when I didn't have to squeeze in homework too? Well I:

~Danced with my boys in the kitchen
~Rearranged the contents of the kitchen cabinets
~Tortured my children with a photoshoot in their sibling shirts (more on that soon).
~Went on a playdate
~Organized/sorted some stray papers
~Played Uno with Owen during Max's nap
~Nursed my baby without having a laptop on my lap at the same time.
~Chatted with my Grandma on the phone
~Laid on the floor with all three kids for "tummy time."

Sure it wasn't all that picture pefect, I did break up quite a few fights, but overall it was a great day! It makes me really look forward to this summer.

Easter Recap

Outfit number 2 for Lyla, she loved wearing her little dress for Easter, the hat however, she was not overly impressed with!

This is the best I got for a sibling picture, I didn't even try for a family one!

Both boys enjoyed another Easter egg hunt at "Grandma" Della and "Papa" Rob's house! You may notice that both boys are wearing Halloween socks, their choice certainly not mine! I also really wanted Max to wear his blue polo shirt, however, he strongly refused and insisted on his airplane shirt. I really, really, really, hope my daughter doesn't tell me in two years that she will not wear a dress!!










We had a great Easter and hope you did too!

Happy Easter!

The Easter egg hunt was as entertaining as always this morning! This was the first year that Max was really into it and he found a few on his own. I told Owen before we went downstairs that he needed to let Max find some too, to my surprise, Owen would find one and give it to Max. Then together they opened all the eggs and shared the loot!


I managed to get a sibling picture this morning, although no one is looking at the camera. Hopefully, I will be able to get one with them all in their Easter outfits later today!

And one last photo of the Easter bunny having her morning carrot, I mean Lyla having her morning bottle!!

More later on the Easter egg hunt at Rob and Della's and hopefully a picture when they are not in their pajamas!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here is the latest cake I made. I ran out of frosting and had to make my own for the pink part of the bunny, but I think it turned out pretty well. Hopefully the kids will enjoy eating it tomorrow!

This is not Lyla's Easter outfit, but I thought it was fitting for the Easter weekend! I thought it was adorable on her.

Max wanted in on this photoshoot, as well, although he really wasn't cooperating for a nice picture. I think this picture is just hilarious though. They seem to have the exact same expression on their faces!!

Hope everyone has a great Easter tomorrow!