That Big Red Dog

I may just be a kid at heart myself. We had so much fun at the Atlanta Children's Museum. I'm so thankful for friends, like Jaillene, that encourage me to let my kids skip naps and try something new. I sometimes need to be pushed a little! :) I'm a huge fan of different morning adventures, a nice lunch in the park, and great afternoon naps for mom and kids. We took our kids downtown and let the big boys play and have a ball in Clifford's world. Needless to say, Clifford is now John Parker's favorite bed buddy. The little ones loved the baby play area where they could crawl, stand, and stack things. I'm reminded of how grateful I am for friends that do life with me. It's nice to have a friend that has been with me in different seasons--college, single, married, and now with kids.

Boots and a little paint

Quite an odd title for a post, don't you think? Well, boots have been our most worn accessory lately. It's hilarious!!! We got some hand me down girls clothes and shoes from our neighbors and they are the talk of the neighborhood. Yes, my son is obsessed with this fashion statement. Granted, it's in the 70's and 80's and he can be seen wearing his girls' winter boots with shorts on most days. He'd love to wear them to bed if I would let him. I loved that he wore his boots while finger painting one morning. I bet this will be one of those pictures I tear up when I look at it 30 years from now. At times, the preferences and strong opinions of a two year old can be maddenning, but on this occasion I think it's quite adorable.

Beaching It...

Oh, how sweet it it to getaway to the beach! John and I headed to Hilton Head Island for a long weekend in April. We brought in my 33rd year in style. Yes, I am 33. I am in complete disbelief that I really am this old. At times, I still feel like I am graduating from high school or sitting around with friends in the Student Union, but the wrinkles on my face and my lack of energy remind me that I am getting older. While we don't enjoy spring break anymore as adults, we definitely enjoyed our mini spring break. We love our children dearly, but it was a refreshing time for us as a couple. We actually talked over dinner instead of catching stray food. We read and drank coffee without having to heat it up a couple of times. We took walks, laid by the pool, and read (Hunger Games-I heart you). It was wonderful! A huge thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Ritsema for loving on our littles while we were away. I think they were sad to see us come home; they had had so much fun!

Easter Celebration

I'm so thankful for family that truly center me around the meaning of each holiday. I love how my mother in law always has reminders around our activities and dinner that bring the conversation back to Jesus. It's a good thing and one that I hope to emulate. We had a great time celebrating Easter with them this year. Here are a few pics from the day and our Easter Egg Hunt.

Ode to Eating

Well, we have this Ying Yang thing going on in our home. It seems like my kids like to keep us on our toes. Right now, it just so happens to be in the food department. When one has good eating habits, the other wants nothing but junk food. John Parker has become quite a picky eater--he obsesses over certain foods. Bagels with cream cheese, blueberry nutrigrain bars, waffles, pretzels, green grapes, chips, french fries, and cupcakes. You know, all the good stuff! He's always been a good eater, but now he barely eats anything on his plate. I swear, somedays he eats like a bird. Of course, if something from his favorites' list ever appears on his plate. It's gone in 2.5 seconds! :) I know many of you mommas can relate. Claire, on the other hand, will eat just about anything you put on her tray and then some. She especially loves cheese, bananas, goldfish, BBQ chicken, and spaghetti. Do you remember that old phrase, "Mikey likes it". Well, in our home, it's "Claire likes it!". We can't help but laugh when John Parker tosses his castaways on Claire's plate during mealtime. She eats enough for them both. It's hilarious cleaning her up after meals; she is one messy girl!

She's One!

My sweet little ladybug is one! I am in denial; this year went by way too fast! It feels like just yesterday our whopping 9 lb, 11 oz baby was shocking the hospital staff and wooing her mommy and daddy with her kissably cute cheeks. She looked like a little suma wrestler with those little rolls and now she is our long and lean little dancer.

She is definitely our little sunshine and has blessed our home. She's picked up a few names over the year-Ladybug, Sunshine, Sissy, Pumpkin, Claire Bear, just to name a few! :) In many ways, I feel a sense of excitement and relief knowing that we've survived the first year with two so close in age. It has had its share of challenges, but the good far outweighed the bad. We've seen the goodness of the Lord. He has stretched us and shaped us in a very real way.

We couldn't resist throwing a Ladybug party for our little baby girl. She loved her cake; the pictures don't do it justice. I got a kick out of looking at her friends faces as they black and red icing definitely left their mark. I don't think she could have looked any cuter that day. I wanted to eat her since she looked so edible in her little party dress. Ok, I'll stop gushing and start posting some pictures. Be prepared, there are lots!
PS--A special thanks to my sister for taking all the pictures. She did a great job! So sad that I didn't get one with her! :(

The Birthday Girl


Bring on the cake!


Really, mom, is the hat necessary?


Brother, don't blow out my candle!


Ladybug Lane

The Spread

Party Favors


Ladybug Cupcakes


Our adorable cousin, Harper Ann


Flirting with our buddy, Camden



Cuddling with Grandpa


Being Goofy with Pops


Our dear friends, Meghan and Owen



My Neighborhood Buddies

Hugs with Grandma



Lolly, is that my cake?



Good friends, Teila and Will



Loving my new toys


Presents=Kid Zone

A Bow

Claire's hair is short in every place but the top of her head. For months, I have attempted to put a clip in her hair to no avail. She looks cute with or without a bow, but thought this may curb the "He's so cute" comments. She has the cutest bedhead and looks like a peacock on most days with those feathery, strawberry blonde hairs poking up! :) She finally has enough hair on the top that I can put a clipped bow in...hooray! Here is a shot of my dainty little gal! I think she resembles, Bam Bam from the Flintstones.

Stylin' in Mommy's Shades

Two things that both of my kids love to get their hands on are my sunglasses and my iPhone. They look so stinkin' cute in my shades.

Looking at these pictures make me smile! I love how their little eyes are swallowed up by my big lenses.