And the rain came down...

It's been wet most of the week. Monday was "tent day" in the den, and I served lunch at the little table.



We ran errands and visited the library yesterday. Today we cleaned house and then visited Great Grandma and had lunch with Aunt Jane, Aunt Melanie and Uncle Rick. The children were literally climbing the walls and furniture by about 4 pm! I haven't seen anything quite like it.


Poor Mark is so desperate to get on a playground again he's taken to dangling from tables, counters and doorknobs. So out of a tangible need for fresh air, we put on raincoats and boots and went exploring in the yard. I felt myself relax as I sat on the porch and watched them. Very few fights occur when they are free to roam and pretend and carry sticks and play with the hose.


They enjoyed squelching in the mud and splashing in the puddles.


The children pretty much put themselves to bed tonight. I was amazed. After they hugged and said "I love you," each boy climbed into bed, pulled up the sheets and blankets, and was quite ready to be tucked in for the night. I love that Nathan now says, "Love you, too" when he goes to bed.

Spring Snow

The kids thought it looked like snow when the cherry tree petals were blowing down this week. They had this whole thing going where they'd say, "It's snowing, it's snowing!" and then toss up a bunch of petals to watch them fall.

When Mark said it, it sounded more like, "It's no-ing, it's no-ing." Kind of sweet.

I especially enjoyed seeing my two boys play in pink petals!


I'm also enjoying my front-porch flowers.


Well, I am off to read the next chapter of Winnie the Pooh with Nathan while Mark finishes his nap.

Brotherly Love

Louisiana

When we play outside, the boys like to pretend we're at Gram and Gramp's house. While we are there, they usually help Gramp in the garden. They have to drive their trucks out that way.

Then they find Gram, who is almost always making gumbo. Mark was pretending to add these ingredients to the pot.


They also like to check in on Aunt Amy and Uncle Cole and ask about any fires that he's put out lately.


We miss our Louisiana family!

Reset

Mark hasn't been feeling real well this week. His mantra has been, "Mama, I have a runny nose." He doesn't like to admit it, though, so he keeps going full steam ahead...until he just can't go any longer. I sent the boys up to play in their rooms while I finished getting dinner ready, and then it got very, very quiet. After savoring those moments, I found Nathan playing quietly and Mark snoozing.


While Mark was asleep, Nathan and I played the tire-fishing game. It was so relaxing to sit down and do that with him.



Mark woke up kind of groggy and a little cranky, but hungry. Right now, Greg is reading them one of their favorite Curious George books. This pretty spring day is winding down nicely.

Spring flowers

The boys picked flowers for me this afternoon - such sweet gifts!

Barbara Ann

Mark comes up to me and says, "Take my hand, Mama!"

Outside today

Their personalities on display...the moon and the sun...





The cherry tree beginning to blossom in the backyard...


We saw a little lizard in the front yard. We sat and watched him for a little while. He was in his habitat, just soaking up the sunshine. Every now and then he'd hide behind the leaves, but mostly he wanted to be seen. Am I enjoying the sunshine in my life like that? Am I trusting that I am where I need to be, and that I'll have what I need every day because the Maker of Heaven and Earth sustains my life just like He sustains that lizard? Everything is from His hand, and it is all good.

An easy morning

For about a week now, Nathan's been waking up a lot with bad dreams. Last night was quiet, though, and I'm especially thankful for good, refreshing sleep. We are taking it easy this morning, listening to music and reading old editions of Highlights magazine.


After breakfast, Nathan and Mark brought down all of the blankets from their beds and covered the furniture to make cozy spots for snuggling. Mark loves his "honey dog" best of all.


This was his "silly face."