Spring has Sprung

Welcome to spring! I am so excited to see the new flowers starting to grow outside my window. (Now if only I was a good gardener, I would clean out my flower beds...) I also feel a smile cross my face every time I see a robin. An even larger smile finds its way out when I see two robins flying around together, but that's just my romantic side coming through. I have some really wonderful pictures to share with you, but I can't find the card reader, so they'll come later.

I have started a new adventure. I am officially training for a 5K run. I know, most of you who know me don't believe it, but its true! I actually figured out that running won't kill me. Scary, I know. I'm hoping to run this race in May. So, we'll see.

For those of you who care, which probably aren't many besides myself, the stroller now has a good 14 miles on it for the last week. At this rate, my kids will be professional stroller riders in no time!

Speaking of kids. Marianne is now 5 months old. *tear* I know, sad huh? She has so many wonderful talents. They include spitting, drooling, chewing more than a puppy would, smiling, laughing and wrapping little old men around her finger. What can I say, a talented young lady she is!
Andrew is a laugh a minute. He loves the library and asks to go often. He has many of his own books memorized to the point where we can stop anywhere in the story and he'll complete the sentence. Last night we were reading a book from the library. At the end of it is a verse. It starts: For you are a people, holy to the Lord your.... Andrew finished it by saying.... Chocolate milk. Usually he says the right things, but apparently he was thirsty.

So, now you have been enlightened. Enjoy your day.

F.Y.I.

Just so you all know....tomorrow is a wonderful day. It will be the first picnic of the year!!! Its supposed to be 70 degrees here in Michigan. Andrew is excited to go the park. We have put about 8 miles on the stroller in the past three days and can't wait to keep adding to it. I'm planning on keeping a log for the spring and summer to see how far we walk. So, I'll keep ya'll posted! Have a great St. Patty's day and look for that green grass...it's coming soon!!!

L.O.V.E.

Here it is...the definition of Love. 65 years of marriage. These are two of our favorite people in the world. Fondly known as Bum Papa and Great Grammy by Andrew. When we were in Montana we were happy to celebrate this milestone with my Grandparents. Wes and Wayve were married on March 10, 1944. They met at a dance 3 years earlier when Grandma was 15 and Grandpa was 18. They were married when Grandpa was home on leave from the army. This war hero and his wife are beautiful aren't they?


Here are the "sibs." All 5 of these wonderful people are very special to our family. What a fun day we had visiting and just being family. Three of my cousins and their families were also there. Five of the 6 great-grandkids were together on this rare occasion also.
This picture will always be special to me. Nothing makes me smile more than my kids being held by these precious people!Well, our trip to Montana was wonderful. Lots of time spent with family. We enjoyed every minute of it. Andrew thinks that Bum Papa hung the moon. Marianne performed very nicely for Great Grammy (who she shares her middle name with). Nana and Papa had a great time with the kids and Paul and I enjoyed the blessing of some downtime.

Who Told??

Here it is, short, sweet and to the point...

Who Told Andrew He is 2???


That is the only explanation I can find for the "behavior" that has been happening in my house. Someone told Andrew that he's two, and when you're two, you're supposed to act like a wild animal.

Trust me, whoever did this will be hunted, captured and tortured. Just so you know. Here is a short list of things he has done in the past few weeks: (this list is not inclusive as I have chosen to forget many things)

"NO" yes, he tells me "no". Not like "no mommy I don't want more macaroni." I'm talking "No. I won't, I don't want to, No way."
Standing on the same table that he's been told not to stand on more times than I can count.
Hitting.
Biting.
Yelling.
Spitting. Yes spitting, this is definitely one of my least favorite new habits.
Taken to calling me Marc. As if Marcie wasn't bad enough. I don't get it. I'm his MOMMY!!! This he is reminded of many times a day, but he. doesn't. care.
Taking his sister's pacifier and chucking it across the room simply "cuz". Yes he also now says "cuz" when you ask why he does things.

I'll stop here so that my description earlier of "wild animal" can be more imaginable to you than monster.
Oh, don't get me wrong though. He also is becoming so very sweet in his own little way:

"Peeeeeese. Mommy. I have it."
Kisses and hugs for all.
Drawing pictures on his aquadoodle for me. (When they dry, he assures me not to worry, he'll make another one some day.)
Singing to Marianne when she cries. (My personal favorite is Rock the Baby.)
Sharing his dinner....when he's done of course.
Wanting to be held. (This I try not to turn down as I know these days are ending soon.)

All in all, I just want to say, I'm the luckiest Mommy!

Fun things kids do.

It is official...we have a thumb sucker. I think it is so sweet, we'll see in a few years. She also loves her snuggle blankie!
Andrew thought Marianne looked like a princess when I got her dressed for church this week, so he wanted to be a prince. What a better time for a picture?

Meet Pete, Andrew's monkey. He loves his little friend but on this day he was having a great time playing with him. He wanted a snack for him and for Pete....I caved. He loved it! On this particular day he also gave Pete a piggy back ride, followed by Pete returning the favor. He is really getting an imagination. So much fun!

Here it is...the moment Mommy has waited for.....Marianne's first piggy!! So cute. I know!

As a side note, Lisa is doing VERY well. Also, my Grandpa is home from the hospital after a minor stroke caused by a broken "flap" in his heart.

Update

Just a super quick update for all.

LISA IS HOME!!!!! Praise the Lord, all is going well for her. She is tired, but doing very well.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Jerry and Carolyn Bush!!! 44 years is a long time. Congratulations.

PLEASE PRAY:
Two very special people are now in the arms of Jesus. Lisa's Aunt Louise (who was much like a mother to her) passed away this week. Please pray for Loren who is left behind and the rest of the family. Also, please pray for Lisa as she would love to be with the family during this time.
Also, Paul Smith, a dear friend of our family passed away last night surrounded by his loving family and wife Pat. Please pray for them.

CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?
If there's anything we can pray for you about, we'd be honored to approach the throne of grace on your behalf.

Rock Star Princess

This picture begged to be blogged...That's all I have to say about that!!!

I'd put a picture of Andrew up today also, but he has spent to much time in "time out" to actually get a picture of him today. He is trying to set a record I think. I do not know what has gotten into that boy today, but it best be leaving before he gets up from his nap!!!!

Lisa has been moved to a "regular" hospital room, which means no more shunt in her brain!!! Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!!!