Dressing Up

I seriously could do an entire blog on the day to day outfits that Izzy decides she wants to wear. I told Chris yesterday that I don't even know why we bother buying her clothes. All she wants to wear these days are church dresses and princess dresses. This blue coat (princess dress to her) is a size 4 - a little too big still yet - but that's what she decided for yesterday's attire. It is like pulling teeth to even get her toTHINK about wearing pants.

This was the outfit of choice from today. Her grandmother, Ging - as she calls her, helped out with this one. At least the tights match the shoes and the purse matches the hat - right??? ugh.

I have given up at this point.

I'm looking forward to when everything has to match. At least I'm hoping that day comes....

We have really enjoyed playing together these few first weeks we've had together. Last week Izzy made up a song about how mommy stays home with her now. I love that she is as excited about it as I am.

Each day I try to incoorporate some kind of craft. It really encourages their hand eye coordination, gets their creativity flowing and just seems to provide a little moment of structure in a somewhat chaotic day.

I found this idea online the other day...

Sticking crayons through an egg carton and coloring on paper underneath it.












Very simple - but they really enjoyed it. Izzy was all about changing the the crayons out. And Braeden was typical boy - which worked out nicely for this activity. He kept grabbing the crayons while shaking and spinning them. I don't think he really knew he was doing the intention of the project, he was just "playing" with the crayons. But it looked great.

Izzy's finished project.

And Braeden's CHEESE face!!

A New Year and a New Job

Well I have officially left my job.

My last day (December 21st) was so great. The staff took me to lunch and showered me with gifts. I cannot feel anymore special and loved!! I have a picture of the inside cover of the scrapbook they put together for me. Thank you to Jan for such a great treasure and for putting it together.

It has taken a lot emotionally for me to take this leap and I know it will still continue to be hard. Financially we may suffer a bit, my social life may go down hill, and in a very different way my new job is going to be quite challenging. BUT it's worth it.

I so look forward to experiencing many more moments like this picture Izzy drew several days ago.

She said "it's an indian". It clearly has a head, two arms and two legs (very proud of her!!). She also drew feathers on it's head and said, "Mimi would love this!".

She has started wanting to wear a backpack on her back. Which the first time I saw this on her I almost had a nervous breakdown. Because what mom really looks forward to the first day of kindergarten? - ugh.

All the more reason for staying home. Because I just can't get these precious moments back. It seems like they both grow an inch a day and learn 100 words a week.

I also really look forward to doing more things that I enjoy. I've learned how to start canning things with the help of my MawMaw.


Here are 15 jars of applesauce :)

Over the past 3 months or so I've also made peach jelly, canned peaches and canned pears.

I have literally worked since I was 15 years old. Yeah in the scheme of things this isn't really a whole lot of time. But in a way I feel like I've never slowed down long enough to really think about who I am. Staying home also grants me the time to talk to God, pray and seek his will for my life.