Good Days

We have be MIA for a few days. We are just now getting over sickness. Sickness with kids is a WHOLE new experience, if you've never tried it....lucky you ;)

We have had our bad days. Wiping noses. Breaking fevers.

Middle of the night extravaganzas. Fun times, only mommies can appreciate.

We have also had good days. Cuddling. Sleeping late. Staying at home. Doing nothing but enjoying each others company

.....until someone hits someone else over the head with a Lego.

We have escaped to the outdoors when allowed. The Vitamin D is good for the body and soul. According to Hudson, so is digging in the dirt.

Pure elation from this girl when Daddy get home.

Melts my heart....every time.

clapping for Daddy. So sweet.

So we are mending and adjusting back to life with routine and discipline. As sad as I am to see the wear-your-pajamas-all-day lifestyle leave, we are in very much need of structure. Ever have one of those weeks when you don't even know where your Day Planner is located?! yeh....that's me. I should find that thing!

Until then....Happy Weekend!

Potty Training vs. Mommy Training

After another unsuccessful attempt at going "pee pee" I watched Riley walk over to the toilet, flush it and exclaim "I did it! Hooray!" I'll be honest, I was annoyed. It was cute and I'll give her two points for enthusiasm but sister did not go potty. Needless-to-say, I was spent! This was probably the 100th time in two days we had attempted to go potty with NO results. I wanted to wave the toilet paper in the air and surrender! We can try again NEXT YEAR!

I sat on the cold bathroom floor and pleaded with God to make this kid PEE! (you're either laughing at me or with me)

In times (ie. Potty Training) like this I start off relying on myself to make it through the day.

And in these moments of self-reliance, I am ALWAYS defeated. Defeated by anger. Defeated by exhaustion. Defeated by fear. Defeated by bitterness. Defeated by anxiety.

Then, and only then do I run to God- when my resources have been exhausted and I am out of ideas and I need help. I find myself pleading with God to turn things around or give me the answers I want. Hence the bathroom floor scenario.

Why do I do that?

I know these things to be true, why can't I just apply them in times of need?:

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:13

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles and they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

....AND YES! potty training IS a time of need!

So, tomorrow when I find myself chasing a naked toddler around my kitchen trying to put her 12th pair of "pannies" on for the day, I will breathe, clean the pee stain off the carpet, sit down to a lovely game of "Don't Spill the Beans" with my kiddos and remember that God is in control.

Big girl is sitting up on her own AND holding her own bottle.

These faces can make any day better. Potty or no potty!

Riley Turns Two: LadyBug Party

Things are dying down here around the Sanders house.

We had such a fun weekend celebrating Riley's second birthday!

Girlfriend now knows what a birthday is and she rocked this one!

Every once in awhile we still hear her singing "Happy Birthday" to herself! It's my favorite.

I will post more details and party "How To's" later.

Right now we are playing with new toys and eating leftover cake ;)

We love you Riley Bug!

Riley's First Birthday Party: Hot Pink Zebra

I never got around to posting Riley's 1st Birthday Party (I wonder where the time went!?) So in honor of the big girl's birthday tomorrow thought I would do some more reflecting. It was so much fun and I had a blast getting ready for it! Girly themes are definitely my favorite ;)

Reflections.

A year ago today...

She was still drinking a bottle.

She had four teeth.

She had no hair.

She couldn't walk yet.

She didn't have much to say, more than "Mama" (which was her first word ;) and "Dada"

She had just conquered pneumonia.

She mastered breathing treatments.

She made you laugh out loud with one facial expression.

She was "sissy"

She melted our hearts with her smile. (still does)

She was one.

Friday our Riley Bug will be two.

For today and tomorrow....she will be one.

And you bet I am going to hold on to it for dear life! ;)

That's my girl!

There's the face.

(Pictures were taken by Urban Grace Photography)