Weekly Happenings Post #156 (March 12-18)-- What a Nice Break

 [Seriously, do not all these people (excluding myself) look like they went to the drunk Saint Paddy's day parade?]

[The regular pic- we had to retake it because Peyton switched the kids and my OCD self could not deal.]

Last week was really good.  I actually felt horrible- tired and run down and very, very emotional.  Now, before anybody jumps the gun, it was due to that lovely phenomenon that indicates the lack of a pregnancy.  So, nobody get worried ;)  However, it was Spring Break, so "school" and most of our other activities were canceled.  I really do love all the things we do, but it was good to have a breather.  It did make me wonder if maybe we are a tiny bit overcommited.  I feel dumb saying that, because we don't do that much, but it's just nice to be home.  I got to work on a couple of projects I've been putting off and putting off, caught up on laundry, and did a good bit of much needed housework.

Toward the end of the week, my sister also visited from Nashville.  I really try hard to just drop everything as much as is reasonable when she's in town, because it's so infrequent.  So we spent a lot of time with her and my parents.

I was so excited to just have a calm, laid back day on Monday after the busy week we had enjoyed.  The kids slept late and I woke up right before Peyton left for work and got a bath.  Graves got up and pulled up for the first time.  I was so excited!  I dried my hair and AP woke up.  I fixed the kids breakfast- together they ate a POUND of frozen fruit.  How are they so little?  I cleaned up the kitchen while they ate and loaded some dishes and washed out things to recycle.  They played a bit and then Graves took his nap.  I let AP watch a movie and just kind of vegged out on the sofa.  I was tired and had a headache.  I ended up waking up Graves and I folded a bunch of laundry and put it up in their room.


 I cleaned out AP's pj drawer and fed them lunch and then it was nap time.  Both kids fell asleep and I had a snack and then took a nap myself.  I felt SO much better, but when I woke up it was 5:30.  I went to wake them up and Graves got up, but Annie fussed and I let her stay in bed a little longer.  They got up and I folded more laundry and then Peyton got home. I put sheets on our bed and tried to arrange some things on Graves's armoire (now that he's been here almost a year, I think the nursery is finally done...ha!).

We just hung out at home and it was SO nice.  Peyton and I talked and he played with the kids and then I put Graves to bed and he took AP to the grocery store...at nine o'clock.  Ha.  I got on the computer and when they got home we fed Annie dinner and I put up groceries and made our supper.

 ["He chewing Jesus"....ugh, maybe Annie needs to be a little more devoted to her quiet time with the Lord. Ha!]

 AP ended up going to bed around eleven.  I know, that is insane.  I finished up on the computer and we went to bed late.

[Not sure what happened, but we found her like this in the middle of the night.]

Tuesday was our busy day as far as being on the go.  Peyton and I got up and got ready in a hurry when we remembered it was voting day.  We dressed the kids super fast and threw them in the car and went to vote on the way to take Peyton to work.  The line was short (or nonexistent) and we got in and out really fast.  We dropped Peyton off and headed home.  Poor Annie did not want to get out of her car seat and I really needed to get Graves down for a nap, so I let her watch some Elmo and I got him fed and laid him down.  I was able to get dressed and make up my bed and check my email really quickly and then it was time to go again!  We met my friend Caroline for lunch at Newks.  We had a great time visiting and catching up.  We got home and I fed Graves and put the kids down for their naps.  I got on the computer and put some pictures on Flikr and played on Twitter and before I knew it, it was time to wake them up to go get Peyton.  Annie actually ended up being a reverse transfer and she fell back asleep in the car!

We picked up Peyton and drove through Wendy's and then he had a meeting so we dropped him off.  I needed to pick up something from my parents' so we went over there and killed some time.  We picked up Peyton and came home.  Peyton fed the kids dinner and I put up some laundry and straightened in their room and then we put them to bed.  I worked on a couple of posts and then I played with my new sewing machine and got to work on a little project.  We went to bed super late again.

We were home again all day Wednesday since our morning and night Bible study were both canceled.  The kids slept in and when Graves woke up, I trapped him in the bathroom and took a bath.  I fed him breakfast and did a few things on the computer and then Annie woke up.  He played and she had breakfast and then I put him down early for his nap because he was acting tired.  He took a nice long nap and I was able to vacuum in the living room and the kitchen and mop all the brick floors.  When he woke up, I folded laundry and did some dishes and then it was lunch time for the kiddos.  After lunch, we played some more and I put them down for naps.  I watched part of The Time Traveler's Wife because Peyton had watched a little the night before and I wanted to catch up so we could watch together.  I got the kids up (Graves only slept a tiny bit and AP never did go to sleep) and Peyton got home.  Graves was super cranky and we took turns playing with him and then took his monthly pic.

 Can't tell it from here, can you? This is seriously a favorite picture of mine!

  I put up some laundry and straightened the kids' room and then we went outside and played while Peyton mowed the yard.  We came in and fixed Annie's and Graves's dinner and gave them a bath and then it was bedtime.  Peyton and I finished the movie and I organized some stuff to go the attic.  I went to bed at a somewhat reasonable time.

Thursday was NOTHING like I had planned.  We got up and got ready and then I went to the attic and organized some stuff and got down some things for a friend with a baby on the way.  Peyton fed the kids breakfast and then we had a few errands to run- to Walgreens and the church.  My dad called to say my grandmother's sister (my great aunt) was in town and she really wanted to see the kids.  So we ran home, had lunch and got ready and then dropped Peyton off at work and headed to the retirement center.  We had a really nice visit and when we got home I put the kids in bed.



Neither slept and it was getting late, but I made them stay in bed an hour.  When they got up, I started straightening the house.  I went through some piles, started laundry, and then cleaned up the kitchen.  After the kids ate, I put Graves to bed and then browned some meat.  My friend Catherine came over to get the baby gear and while she was here, AP had an accident, got soap in her eye, and slammed her finger in a door while she was.  Ouch.  After she left, I let AP here. watch a movie for a bit since we had to go get Peyton and I uploaded some pictures.  We got Graves up and picked Peyton up at 10 PM.  We got home, transferred the kids and had dinner. I got on the computer and finished Graves's (way late) monthly post and went to bed.

She fell asleep like this on the stool after her last potty break.  She just crashes these days.

Friday was another good day at home.  Peyton woke me up with Graves so he could get ready for work.  Apparently he had also been up with him around 4:00.  I guess he didn't go back to sleep after I fed him, and I didn't even realize it? Anyway, he said he had been up for about an hour and then he was up again at seven.  I locked him in the bathroom with me and took a bath after Peyton left and then I fed him breakfast.  While he ate, I started laundry and dishes and emptied trash cans and took out the trash.  I also scrubbed our bathroom floor because it was gross.  He was acting sleepy so I put him down early for his nap and he slept about an hour before AP got up.  I took a little nap, too ;) When they got up, I trapped them in our room and put up some laundry.  They played and then I tried to vacuum the bedrooms.  I put Graves in the Pac N Play.  He screamed and at first I thought he was just made, but then I decided he was scared.  I ended up doing our room while  holding him.  I fixed our lunch and put up more laundry and then we headed outside to play. We came in and I nursed Graves and read to AP and then they had rest time.  Graves took a short nap and AP never did fall asleep and I ended up letting her play quietly in her room and putting some toys in his crib.  They did good with that!  I wrote a blog post, checked in on Twitter, and watched an old Christian Believer video.

 

[refreshing treat- strawberries and lemon Girl Scout cookies]

I got them up and started putting up more laundry.  Peyton got home and I finished and then straightened some in the nursery.  I worked on a project outside.

 

Then I started some laundry and then we loaded up and dropped Peyton at the gym and headed to my parents' house.

 I LOVE these sunglasses Peyton got me in New Orleans, even if I do look like a bug!

Since Cookie was coming home on Saturday, they held of on beans and were having tacos, but we still decided to go.  Peyton stayed home to work out and try to fix my dresser that's been broken for months.  We had a nice visit with my parents and when I got home Peyton and his brother were still working on the dresser.  I put the kids in bed and played on the computer a bit and then went to sleep.

Saturday was ridiculously lazy.  Graves woke up nice and early and Peyton left for work.  I had a bath and fed him breakfast and did a lot of straightening I didn't do the night before.  I unloaded and loaded dishes and changed over the laundry and he played a little and then I put him down for a nap.  AP still wasn't up so we had a repeat of the day before and I took a short mid morning nap, too!  When she got up, we snuggled and watched a Charlie Brown video.  I made a phone call about a song I heard on the radio the night before and then I worked on a blog post a little while she watched Sesame Street.  I usually try to limit TV and I try not to blog when the kids are awake, but I broke my rules this time.  I also cooked breakfast around 11:30.  I typically HATE that.  Peyton could eat breakfast at 1:00 in the afternoon, but I only like it for dinner, or...breakfast.  Anyway, we had oatmeal and then I woke up Graves. Ann Peyton had a little accident on the kitchen floor, so I cleaned it up and then I folded some laundry while they played.  I got their lunch together and did dishes from lunch and breakfast and folded and put up more laundry.  I gave the kids baths and right after they got out Annie had a second accident on a stool in my room.  I sent her to the bathroom and she pushed Graves for coming in and bothering her.  I sent her to time out and we had a talk and I got them dressed.

Cookie had just gotten into town so she and my parents came over and brought her new puppy.  We all got ready and walked to the park.  Well, there was a "no pets" sign.  I haven't really seen pets there, but I never saw the sign before either.  Anyway, we took turns watching Louie on the periphery of the park.  Apparently while my dad and I were hanging out with the pup, AP had ANOTHER accident.  My mom took her to the bathroom and then just let her keep playing in wet panties.  UGH.  Whatever.  We headed home and when we got back things kind of got crazy.  I got AP a snack and then Louie and one of the cats started terrorizing each other.  Annie teeteed again on a stool in her bathroom and my mom was trying to rearrange stuff on bookshelf.  I got Graves to sleep and then they left and I put AP down for rest time.  Ugh.  She had two more teetee accidents during rest time. WHAT IS THE DEAL? I tried not to get frustrated, but we've gone weeks with no accidents and that day we had like what, FIVE? Ugh, anyway, I got on Twitter and put some pictures on Facebook.  We went over to my parents for beans when Peyton got home.  Actually when he got home, I was literally laying on the floor being crawled and climbed all over.  Anyway, Ellis and Minda and Logan ended up coming.  So fun....so many of my favorite people all in one room!  We gave AP a bath before we left and put the kids right to bed after we got home.

 

Bubba LOVED his beans!

Annie got up and had one more accident.  Peyton asked her about it and she said she "wanted Momma to talk to me".  We decided it was an attention thing and that we'd try to focus more on  her, but we also told her she'd go to time out if she did it again.  NOW, I've always been kind of horrified about punishing for potty training issues, but she's been potty trained for a good little while.  So...I think it was fair.

She did wet the bed that night, but we didn't punish her for that.  It was so gross, though, that Peyton gave her another bath after it happened at five A.M. and I went ahead and stripped her bed.  We put her in bed with us and went back to sleep for a bit.  We got up and got ready for church on Sunday and headed to Sunday school.  The lesson was good and Peyton was an usher at the late service.  We picked up a pizza and headed back to my parents' house.  We had a good time seeing them again and then we headed home.


We went by the grocery store to pick up food because Peyton's brother and his wife were going to come over for dinner.  Peyton called them to confirm while I was in the store, and they ended up not being able to make it so I just put everything back and left.  We got home and regrouped and then headed back to church for our last Radical meeting.  On the way home, we stopped back by Kroger for some birthday cake Oreos and also by Target for some Easter happies for the kids and a bra for me.  I also got Annie some leggings!  We got home and got the kids to bed and then I got on the computer and Peyton watched some T.V.

I think I'm ready for the routine of this week, but I'm not sure.  It was so nice having a break!

Five Minute Friday Prompt: Brave

Within weeks of Ann Peyton's birth, I came to a conclusion, one I've shared quite a few times on my little blog- the most difficult thing about parenting is the emotional resources it requires.  When people say this is the "hardest job in the world" that I'm doing, it resonates; I can't lie.  Not because it's drudgery.  Not because my kids have boundless energy and so many times at the end of the day I feel like I rush bedtime because I just have nothing left to give.  Not because I feel like I've lost myself in it, though sometimes that is the case.

But because there are so many fears to fight.

The fear that something will happen to one (or both) of them.  That something as ordinary as a careless driver or a rogue medicine bottle or an uncovered outlet could snatch them away from me me.  Forever.

The fear that they will grow up to seek thrills in the dangerous ways this world condones.  That playing this game could destroy their lives, or at the very least, break their fragile hearts.

The fear that I'm not, and will never be, enough.  That I don't give them enough of me- my time, my patience, my understanding, my sympathy.

The fear that they'll make poor decisions that will effect their entire lives.  That they'll never make the one most important decision in life and will live for themesleves instead of Christ.

The fear that I'm a poor example of doing the latter. 

Do y'all have these fears, too?

If so, be brave, Momma!

Carry on, warrior. 

His grace is sufficient. 

Letter to (Eleven Month Old) Graves

Dear Graves,

This is the first time for me to be a few days late writing your letter.  When that happened with your sister, I bawled my eyes out I was so upset.  But, these days things are different.  I guess with your second child, priorities align and I realize what is a big deal and what isn't.  [For example, the dead cockroach I pulled out of your mouth the other day? Not near as unsettling as it would have been for me as a first time momma.]

Anyway, you are a month shy of a year and I'm in disbelief.  Actually, I think I'm in denial.  Some days, it will hit me and it's like I've been splashed in the face with a bucket of icy water.  My little peanut is getting so grown and time is moving so fast.

For example, you begin crawling toward the end of January, but I forgot to mention it in last month's letter and now you're puling up!

You've also cut your first tooth (finally!) and you've started eating more table food.  You LOVE soft steamed carrots and you're a big fan of turkey, but you're current favorite is bananas.

You babble a lot and you say "Momma" quite frequently.  I love hearing you say those little syllables. You love to laugh and you have the biggest grin when you do it.  I swear it looks like your face is about to bust!

You wear lots of 12 mo. things and size three diapers.  You take two naps a day and sleep about twelve hours a night, but you usually wake up once or twice to nurse and then go right back to sleep.  We recently got you a big boy car seat and I've put up a lot of toys that are too babyish.

You love playing with "gadgets" and you can't keep your hands off our remotes and phones.  You also love music and I can tell your love for it is only growing.  You like to "dance" and bob your head and when you're upset and we sing to you it really calms you down.

I'm so happy about the warm weather because you also really like being outside.  The only problem with the backyard is that you think leaves are for eating.  I usually hold you in my lap or we go on a walk.

Graves, you are such a wonderful little boy and I love the stage you're in right now.  I could just eat you up and I probably pick you up and squeeze you more than I ever have before because you're just such a delight and so stinkin' cute.  Darling, I love you so.

Love,
 Momma (and Papa)

P.S. Your outfit is a 12 mo.

Babykin Boutique: Summer Overstock, Samples, and Consignment

I was telling Amy the other day that it's been SO long since I've done a Babykin Boutique post and she concurred that it was time to remedy that. It's hard to find the delicate balance between writing about important global issues and delivering the State of the Wardrobe Address.  And yet, somehow, I think In the Warm Hold is big enough to accommodate both. So for today, indulge me in a bit of shallowness...

Okay, first here are my purchases from the last Overstock sale I went to.  It was actually a good while back (like this time last year), but most of the stuff I got is for this Summer.

Annie's first....


The little ice cream cone dress is by Orient Expressed and is a "1" and the gumball dress is Aunt Polly's and is an 18 mo.  Annie wore them both last Summer.  The swimsuit is a brand called Rebecca Rags and it's a 2T, so she'll wear it this year.  The little bird outfit has matching shorts and is by Beau Beaux.  It's a 3T and I suspect it'll be too big this Summer and we'll save it for the next.  But she's growing fast these days, so it might surprise me! I'd love it if she could wear it now, because it doesn't look super Summery.

I got this for Graves...

It's an 18 mo. by Kudzoo Express.  To be honest, I don't just love it now that I look at it and it looks HUGE.

Here are the best finds, though...

I was so excited to find all this at a great price!  They're all Aunt Pollys. The jonjons are all 12 mo. and the dresses (with bloomers) are all 24 mo., but I figured AP could wear them.  The last one on the end is a 2T and is meant to be more of a true dress.  I actually liked the bloomer sets because they'll be a little shorter and I think she can play in them better.  I know smocked dresses are supposed be below the knee, but I've got to be practical here and I got them for play clothes, not for Sunday.

I also got a bunch of great stuff at a sample sale this Winter....

I got several fun things for Annie...
The first outfit is a shorts set and it's a brand called Three Little Monkeys.  It's a 3T, so we may or may not wear it this year.  The dress next to it is Anvy Kids.  The sailboat set and the outfit next to it both have shorts and are by Banana Split.  They're a 24 mo. and an 18-24 mo.  The second one may be too small, but it was a really good deal and I couldn't pass it up.  The swimsuits are both 2T and they're by Secret Wishes and Banana Split. 

I also got Graves several really sweet things...
Most of his stuff is for church.  The first four outfits are by Anvy Kids and they're all 12 mo.  The little red car outfit is Baxter & Beatrice and it's a 12 mo.  The last outfit is for the Fall and it's by Castles and Crowns and is an 18-24 mo. 

It's reversible which I thought was really fun!

Several of the things I got coordinated or would coordinate with things we already had and I loved that, of course.

I got both the little blue pique outfits at this sale.  They actually look more the same color in person than in the picture.  I think I'm going to monogram them both.  I had gotten the little fish jonjon at the same sale a previous season and that's why I had to have the little set.  I'm going to have it monogrammed to.  The last little outfit just happened to match a dress Annie had.  It'll probably end up with a monogram, too ;)

Lastly, I went to a really good consignment sale about a month ago.


I got some good stuff for both kids.   I told myself I would only buy bubbles for AP because they are so hard to find in her size and this is really our last Summer for them.  I almost kept my word, but they had this cute little gingham set and she had had the same set the Summer after she was one and I loved it.  So I went ahead and got it.  It's by B.T. Kids and is a 3T.  The watermelon bubble is The Bailey Boys and is also a 3T.  The little blue bubble (that I LOVE) is Beehave and it's a 24 mo.  I'm hoping she can wear it; it looks big.  The little giraffe bubble was handmade and the crab romper is by Kelly's Kids.  The crab swim trunks and t-shirt are a 6 mo., but I think they'll still fit Graves.

I also got two pairs of shoes...

Annie has been wearing the stew out of those Keds and I know we'll enjoy the crocs down the road.

Whew.  I still have one more sale to blog about, but that seems like enough for now.  I'm so stinkin' excited about Summer and I can't wait to start putting them in all this stuff!

Weekly Smorgasbord

Well, last week's links consist of some old bookmarked posts and a lot of Kony posts. 

---

Mama Manifesto: Please Posted: 10 Mar 2012 08:24 PM PST "I want to say everything in moderation now, but you come from a long line of people who don't do moderation well at all. So just, be careful."  "Gossiping is gross, you'll feel that in your heart-gut,I guarantee it. And anyway, you can like just about anyone as long as you lay your self-righteousness aside." "I don't really care if you're good at algebra and that's not just because I'm not either,but because I think your brain's energy is better spent elsewhere, like on words of poems or other things that have more potential to stay in your heart." "Get your hands dirty. Work so hard that you are bone weary, often." "Protect. Seek justice. Fiercely fight for the underdog." Such good advice. Love. 10 Steps to Finding Your Writing Voice | Goins, Writer Posted: 10 Mar 2012 08:01 PM PST I can't wait to do some of these exercises. 10 Ways to Find Your Writing Style Posted: 10 Mar 2012 07:57 PM PST "If you wouldn't use a word in a spoken sentence, don't use it in your prose."... and other good writing tips. Scripture Typer - Bible Memory System & iPhone App Posted: 10 Mar 2012 07:47 PM PST Might have to try this! Photo Checklists: 10 Must-Take Photos for Every Month of the Year - Articles - Club CK - The Online Community and Scrapbook Club from Creating Keepsakes Posted: 10 Mar 2012 07:46 PM PST What a neat idea! Bursting The Seminary Bubble, Part II - Forbes Posted: 09 Mar 2012 09:33 PM PST "In the battle to renew and rebuild the wobbling edifice of the Church in the 21st century, I'd put my money on the 30-something apprentice with an iPod, some business experience and a day job over the 20-something with a piece of paper and a huge load of debt every time." I kind of wish our society favored the apprenticeship model more in a lot of professions.  What Happened to the Missional Impulse of the Methodists? | Wesleyan Leadership Posted: 09 Mar 2012 09:18 PM PST Very, very interesting article. We need to get that "missional impulse" of John Wesley back! Why I think the Kony 2012 Campaign Is Wrong | Charlie Beckett Posted: 09 Mar 2012 09:09 PM PST This is a good summary of the negative point of view on this whole phenomen. I'm not saying I agree, but it's a good summation. Also, the post scrip did interest me..."campaign marketing that uses clever new media techniques to stress the role of the supporter rather than the cause. Instead of showing you the victim or talking about the issues, it focuses in on how you feel about being 'engaged' or 'active'."

A 'Kony 2012' Creator Defends the Film - News - GOOD Posted: 09 Mar 2012 08:57 PM PST "But aside from that, the truth about Invisible Children is that we are not an aid organization, and we don't intend to be. I think people think we're over there delivering shoes or food. But we are an advocacy and awareness organization."

Some Thoughts On #Kony2012 - Kony LRA - invisible children Kony LRA - His Voice Global Blog Posted: 09 Mar 2012 08:39 PM PST "Criticism is needed. The difference comes between constructive criticism and adverse criticism. The latter only deals with trying to deconstruct something. In the end, this is lazy and irresponsible criticism. The former sees an issue, highlights a problem, and then works to have a hope filled answer." "Whatever you do, abhor the sideline. Jump in. " This preaches on so many levels. So much of this article is applicable to much more than just the Kony/Invisible Children issue.

Enjoy!

Evil All Around Us

"It is a poverty to let a child die so that you may live as you wish". -Mother Teresea

I've been thinking a lot lately about how we are trying to make better decisions as consumers.  I've shared before but we are trying to start buying more fair trade items; items we know were produced in ethical conditions and not using child labor and espesially slavery.  Here is the thing, Peyton and I are very pro life, but I don't think that should be limited to the chance at life.  I think it should include the quality of life.

For example, I totally understand people who will not support Susan G. Komen because of it's link to Planned Parenthood, which is the nations largest abortion provider. However, during some recent discussions about this, Peyton challenged several of our friends to examine other consumerist behaviors.

Why is it bad to support Komen but it's okay to support a company that produces and markets infant formula in developing nations for the sake of profit, knowing that it will have a disastrous effect on that companies infant population? [And y'all this is not an indictment on formula feeding in the U.S.; this is about babies DYING because mothers mix the formula with dirty water after they have been told it is better for their babies than the breastmilk that could be providing immunity and safeguarding them against disease.] I get that the intent is different (thought both intents are horrible), but in one respect, a dead child is a dead child.

Why is it so important to focus on the unborn and then loose sight of all the children sold by their parents into deplorable conditions?  Child trafficking horrifies me at least as much as abortion.  I don't draw a line between rape and murder and I won't draw one here.

We look back in horror at the slavery that was part of our country's history, but we forget that it's going on right now in other areas of the world.  We say "not on my watch" about atrocities such as the Holocaust, and genocides continue all around us. I stand amazed at my own ambivalence that I've felt for so long.

What if these were my children?

I am not saying Peyton and I do everything perfectly.  I've eaten a box of Oreos in the last week and I have so much more research to do in all these areas.  What I am saying is that we are choosing to try to become more educated, more involved, and more intentional.  And I'm inviting you to do the same.

Weekly Happenings #155 (March 5-11)-- When the Cat Is Away, the Mice Will.....Run Themselves Ragged?

Peyton went out of town to a pharmacy convention from Thursday through Sunday this past week.  I was nervous about staying by myself, but it ended up being fine.  And we made it through the weekend without much stress, thanks to some great help from the grandparents. 

Also, this was our first full week to use only one car, so the first part of the week was eventful because of that.  Peyton rode with his brother to New Orleans, so (thank goodness), I had a car for the weekend.

We stayed SO busy last week.  I'm not sure why, it just seemed like a lot.  One thing- I did try to do more fun stuff with the kid and we went to the park, the library, AND the zoo. Anyway, onto the happenings of the week...

I got up with Graves around 7:30 on Monday and fed, bathed and dressed him and then Peyton took over and I took a little "nap" for about another hour.  Peyton left for the gym and I got up with the kiddos.  I took a bath and got ready and gave AP a bath and then my mom came over to pick me up to go out to lunch with some of her friends, under the guise of celebrating one of their birthdays. Peyton took both kids to the doctor because we thought AP had a UTI (she was HYSTERICAL the day before when she teeteed) We ran by Gap first because I wanted to pick up some shoes I had seen for AP.  I was so flattered to be included and then SO suprised, when one of them handed me this:

I knew it was coming, but I had no idea when and it just wasn't on my mind.  It was so exciting and fun to be with several of my mom's friends and their daughters who are already in the Junior League.  We had a wonderful lunch at Nick's and then Momma brought me home.

 

 Peyton left for work and after he told me what the doctor said- the urine sample was normal and it was probably just that some toilet paper got stuck or she wiped too hard or some other irritant.  Anyway, I fed the kids lunch and picked up laundry and made our bed.  I got the dishwasher unloaded and loaded some more dishes and then I scrubbed the counters, cleaned the highchair, and vacuumed the floors.  I put the kids down for late naps and just relaxed.  I sent an email, played on Twitter, and made a few phone calls.  I got the kids up and even though it was kind of getting late we headed to the park with the double stroller.  I was glad we went, but by the time we got home it was a little too dark for me to feel comfortable with the big stroller.  Luckily, it's super close to our house and I just hustled.  I fed the kids dinner and mopped the kitchen floor and then I put Graves to bed.  I read to AP and we cleaned up toys and I got her to bed and did my Beth Moore study.  I rewatched an old Christian Believer video and then cooked some supper for Peyton and when he got home we talked a bit and I went to bed.

Tuesday was a crazy busy day. We got up and got ready and headed to Mother's Day Out.  I was in a weird mood, the morning had been rushed and I was kind of stressed about getting AP's application into the place we finally decided on for preschool.  I worked on filling it out in the gym and then I felt guilty for not being more engaged at work.  When we left MDO, we headed to pick up some clothes that I had put in the consignment sale the previous week and the money I made from the ones that sold.  We left there and picked up my mom at Batte and she road with me to drop off the form that I had finished filling out in the car.  [It's nice to have someone to sit with them in the car; the ladies at the sale couldn't believe I hauled out the double stroller, but I'm just not a fan of leaving kids in a car even for a minute.]  The school is only open two days a week, and when I called the lady I was speaking to told me if I wanted I could just drop it off at her house, so my mom rode with us there since it was only a few minutes away.  We took her back to work and then came home for lunch and naps.  I got on the computer for a few minutes while the kids rested (neither fell asleep) and then we met Peyton at Continental so I could get my basic lesson on how to use my new machine.  Peyton took the kids to his parents' house.  I met them and my mom at our house because she wanted to look at AP's new shoes.  Sure enough, the ones I didn't want to get, but she insisted on, looked kind of frumpy.  After she left, we all loaded back up and went to run errands.  We went to Hobby Lobby and I bought a onsie, some bows for AP (who knew they had such great bow prices?) and some thread and then Peyton had to go to three different Walgreens to drop off and pick up medicine.  We also ran by the sporting goods store to get a new pump for my SIL's birth ball I used since we had lost her old one.  We dropped that off and then ran by the grocery store.  We dropped the kids in bed (AP didn't even want supper) and I put up groceries and cleaned the kitchen and then did my Beth Moore study.  I picked up the house and got on the computer.

We got up early on Wednesday to do the one car thing.  Peyton helped me get the kiddos ready and we dropped him off at work at 8:00 (I actually snoozed on the half hour ride there) and then headed to Bible study.  Of course, it was great!  When we  got home, I fed the kids lunch and put sheets on AP's bed, pureed some green beans for Graves, and sorted and started laundry.  While the kids were napping I just rested on the sofa. 

 We finally took the bedrail off!

They woke up and both were kind of cranky and we left to go get Peyton.  We headed to church and I got to do some of the readings and then it was time for Christian Believer. 

 

 [in the car- me, the kids, and Peyton, reading, playing, and driving, respectively]

It was good, but Graves got fussy so I went and got him from the nursery.  We went by Gap on the way home to make a return and dropped the kids in bed once we got home.  I straightened up a bunch and got on the computer and then Peyton and I chatted and went to bed.

Thursday we had MDO, and Peyton got up with me and bathed and dressed the kiddos.  We had a good day there and we stayed for lunch.  I left the kids there and ran to the grocery store to pick up some rolls for one of the girls I work with whose family we were bringing dinner since her father in law died.  We got home and hung out with Peyton a bit and then I put the kids down for naps and he left for New Orleans.  I got on Twitter, finished watching a Christian Believer video, and wrote an entire post on that week's lesson.  The kids both took great naps and I had to wake them up to get ready to go to church for our circle meeting.  Our old president resigned and I'm in charge now.  Ahh! I was a little nervous, but it went great.  We got home and I fed Graves and got him to bed but I let AP stay up while I did dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.  The late nap combined with thunder made for a difficult night with her.  I finally just put her in our bed.  It's not unusual obviously for her on occasion end up in our room, but I very rarely start off the night that way.  She took a long time going to sleep even in our bed.  Ugh.

Fortunately, everyone did sleep relatively late on Friday morning.  I got up with Graves around 8:30 and took a bath.  I fed him breakfast and sent a few emails and AP woke up.  They played and then I put Graves down for a nap.  I folded some laundry, had breakfast, made our bed, got on Twitter, told Annie several stories (her new thing is having us make up stories), and emptied and loaded the dishwasher.  When he woke up, I folded some more clothes and straightened up their room a bit and then we all had lunch.  After lunch, I took the kids to the library.  Annie had a great time and I think Graves liked the change in scenery, too!

We got home and I put them down for naps.  I wrote a post and straightened the study a bit.  AP never slept, and Graves's nap was kind of short. After they got up, we got ready and left for my parents.  We met my friend, Margaret, first because she needed the stroller she had loaned me for a trip her family was taking.  I got gas and then we headed to my parents'.  I was really hoping that Graves would fall back asleep and AP would stay awake so he wouldn't be super cranky and so she wouldn't be up late again.  Well, I talked to her all the way and it worked and Graves conked out for a bit.  It's funny how a car nap for one can significantly improve the night and for the other just sabotage it.  Anyway, we had a nice time seeing my parents and having beans.  I gave both kids baths and we headed home.


 I put them right to bed and got on the computer.  I straightened up a bit and went to bed.

 The kids slept late again on Saturday and when I woke up, I had a Facebook message from my sister in law. Her and her husband and kiddo were going to the zoo and wanted to invite us to go along.  Since Peyton was going, I was really trying to do more fun things with the kids and even though I kind of wanted a chill day at home, I knew they'd love it.  The only problem was my lack of a double stroller.  I called Elizabeth and she told me Daniel (my brother in law) would be happy to put AP on his shoulders if she got tired of walking.  I decided we'd be okay, but I was kind of stressed out about the diaper bag and all our stuff since the only stroller accessible was a cheap umbrella.  I really contemplated going to the attic for our big travel system one, but I thought a) that would be difficult and I might hurt myself and b) how would I even contain the kids (mainly AP) while I went up there?  I went ahead and got in the tub, got the kids ready and started throwing stuff in a bag and packing a snack and my mother in law called and said they were going, too! They said they'd bring their big stroller and that was a relief!  I actually took time to fix oatmeal and toast and we all had a good, albeit fast, breakfast and headed out.  I was impressed at how fast I got us ready!

We had a fabulous time at the zoo and AP saw a ton of monkeys.  The flamingos were her second favorite thing.  I kind of felt bad for not taking her before.  My in laws were a HUGE help and I think it would have been kind of stressful with all our stuff and one tiny stroller without them there.  We got there around 11:00 and got home about 3:00. 


I put the kids in bed, but neither slept.  Graves had snoozed in the stroller and I think AP was just keyed up from the excitement.  I made them stay in bed for about an hour and then got them up and headed to my parents again.  Of course, both fell asleep on the ride over.  We had a nice visit and good supper- tuna croquettes, green beans and macs and cheese.  I gave the kids both baths again so I wouldn't have to do it before church and we headed home.

 

  [Graves in a Gerber onsie and Annie in ill fitting pjs.  I wish this wasn't the norm.]

I was surprised, but they both fell asleep in the car and I successfully transferred them by myself for the first time since Graves has been out of the SnugRide.  I went through some piles and got on the computer.  I got caught up on my email and in Reader, read some old bookmarked posts and put pictures on Facebook.  I had a snack and went to bed.

Peyton had texted me Saturday to say he had children's church and had forgotten.  He was only the assistant, but that meant I had to be there for the 8:30 service.  I set my clock foward for Daylight Saving Time, but I still overslept by almost an hour on Sunday.  Go figure!  Anyway, I got myself and the kids from the bed to the car in forty five minutes (and that included a meltdown from AP because she didn't want to get up).  That's a record!  The turnout at church was sparse due to Spring Break (and probably also DST) and even though we were running a few minutes behind, there was a Gideon presentation, so we made it in time for me to help with children's church.  AP kind of got upset when I dropped her off, but she recovered quickly.  Sunday School was really good and we had an interesting discussion on anger and the Christian way to handle it.

My mom was going to come over and keep the kids so I could go visit Carrie and three day old Alaina, but Graves fell asleep in the car and I was going to just drive around a bit anyway to let him get a nap, so I dropped them off with my parents.  I headed back and stopped at Corner Bakery to pick up lunch.  I jumped out of the car and grabbed my purse and realized my wallet was in the diaper bag.  Good thing our house isn't far! It ended up being good because I got a chance to do a few things I hadn't had time to do that morning- throw some dipes in the dryer, feed the cats, and use the bathroom.  Ha!  I called in the order, so I picked up quickly and I got a cookie to eat in the car.  Alaina was BEAUTIFUL and I got to hold her a long time while Carrie ate.  Is is wrong I kind of want to put my kids in an MDO program and sign up to be Alaina's nanny? I just LOVE newborns.  Sigh.

 

 [His top is a 3-6 mo. and his pants are 12-18 mo. and both fit.  Baby clothes baffle me!]

  

I left (after a short visit with my little friends Aubrey and Jude, who got home from church while I was there) and went back to my parents'.  I ate a pimento cheese sandwich and the kids had lunch and then we left, a good bit later than I had planned.  They both fell asleep in the car on the way home, but I was able to transfer them again.  I was VERY surprised- neither transfers well now, especially for naps; nights are typically easier.  I had striped Graves's bed because his diaper leaked, but I just threw some blanket in and he did fine.  Anyway, I got on the computer for a bit and then read Radical. I didn't finish the chapter, but it was time to get the kids up and go.  AP was tired and had a bit of a meltdown again.  We made it and the study was good!  We ended up going to dinner afterward at McCallisters with some friends.  We got home and I put the kids to bed.  AP took FOREVER to go to sleep and had to go to time out once.  I got on the computer and Peyton got home.  We talked and chilled out some and went to bed.

Whew!  What a week.  I feel like I'm always saying that lately.  But this week is going to be super relaxed.  It's Spring Break so everything (MDO, Bible studies, ect.) are canceled.  I'm really looking forward to just being at home and enjoying time with the kids and maybe accomplishing a few things, too!