Easter

Henry attempted to paint an egg, but it ended up in his mouth instead.

Henry's Birthday (only two months late!)

Henry is 1!

We took the train downtown to see Grandma Roscoe and Payton. Henry loved the train!

We had dinner at the Italian Village. It was delicious!

We had a little party for him a few days later. I loved this picture of him right before he ate his cake. He didn't really make a mess, so there wasn't a picture of him all messy.

Addison helped Henry blow out his candles, isn't she such a helpful sister?!

"Amazing"

I just gave Addison the book that grandma gave her over the week. This is the conversation: 

"Here Addison, here is the book 'If Jesus Lived in my Heart.'" 

"Oh, if Jesus Lived in my Heart, that's amazing. Here Strawberry Shortcake, lets read this amazing book." 

She is now sitting on the couch reading the book to Strawberry. 

Oh my word, this little girl is too much for me!

New Home!

After much preparation, we are finally in our new home. 

We love it. It feels so much like home already. We keep saying that it just feels so "homey." Addison and Henry have seemed to not even be effected (affected, who remembers how to use these words properly?!). Addison came home and promptly requested to draw. As if nothing were new or out of the ordinary. Henry has just been scooting around exploring the place, I think he loves the wood floors. The only problem we seem to be experiencing is Addison doesn't want to go in the downstairs "toy room." We think it is because we turned on the radio the other day with the surround sound system that is down there (ever since the Disney on Ice announcer, she has been terrified of people talking on the radio). 

As of last night, the kids have been sleeping in their room together for the first time ever. Yes, I know, Henry will be one in two days. Therefore, it is true: Andy and I had our first night by ourselves in our room for the first time in ONE YEAR!!! Isn't that crazy? and ridiculous? and sad? It was marvelous to lay in bed and actually talk in a normal voice. To not tip-toe around as I get my pajamas on. 

We are so thankful for our new home. God promises to take care of us. When we realized that we were going to have to move, we really sensed that this was no crisis at all. This was God moving us on. We really believed that He was telling us that "He has something better for us." Not that He had some luxurious house with fancy things. Meaning that He had a better situation for us. We really feel a sense of peace and excitement that this truly is better. 

Following God truly is an adventure. 

Nasty Virus

It has been a miserable week. 

It all started two weeks ago when our little Henry woke up with a fever. We took him to the doctor, thinking it certainly was an ear infection. The words I hate to hear were uttered, "just a virus." Ugh. I hate hate hate viruses. There is nothing "just" about them. They pay no heed to medication, they last forstickingever, and to top it off, they are as contagious as lice in a kindergarten classroom. 

Two days later, the virus invaded Addison's poor body. Which then invaded mine. And later attacked Andy. So, the entire week not only were the kids whiny sick, we were sick together. 

Yes, I know we broke the rules. Parents aren't supposed to get sick at the same time. 

After six doctor appointments, two sets of x-rays, two flu tests, and four antibiotic prescriptions, I am happy to say we are all on the mend. 

I would like to thank the virus that visited our family this week for the runny noses, sore throats, fevers, ear infections, and most of all, for helping us meet our insurance deductible for the year.

 You're swell! 

Quiet

Henry finally went down for a nap. If he could talk, I'm sure he would say his favorite quote is, "sleep is for the weak." Addison's been napping for almost three hours. What a difference these two kids are. Henry loves anything with meat. Addison would no sooner eat meat than I would eat asparagus. Addison loves cheese. Henry throws anything containing cheese on the floor. I marvel at their differences, their similarities, and their own little personalities. How could God bless us with two extraordinary children? He is so good to us.
I really should be packing up the house as the two sleep. The problem is, where do I begin? How do I pick things to pack that we can't live without for a week? What if I need that extra towel? What if Henry pees out of his diaper and I need an extra set of sheets? I am a last minute person. I thrive under pressure. I would much prefer to be in panic mode and just pack up the house next Friday.
It is hard to believe that in a week we will finally be moved. It has been a long time coming. We knew God would come through for us and that He had a place for us to live. Now I'm ready to be there and be done with moving.

Why We Don't Need to Spank

I think time out is quite effective.