Easter

coloring and dying the eggs--Addie loved it!

Macie is such a happy girl, this is what she did during our egg-dying session.

Mmmm...at least the dye that got all over her mouth and shirt seemed to match her outfit!

Our Easter was pretty typical. Big guy in a white bunny suit (kinda scary), Easter egg hunt, and dying eggs (the most important of all Easter activities). Our family Easter tradition used to be to wake up early and watch the sunrise (see the symbolism?), read the story of the resurrection from the scriptures, and then come home and have a big breakfast. Since having kids, Jason and I can only manage the breakfast! This year our pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream were delish. Afterwards, General Conference finished the day off perfectly. Ah, I love just simply spending time with my wonderful husband and two adorable little girls.

new hair for the Hair!

all about pretending

Addie: "Do you want to eat that?" (Holding out her hand, pretending there is something in it.)
Mom: "What is it?"
Addie: "A booger."
Mom: "Ewww. No, I don't want to eat a booger."
Addie: "It's yucky? You don't want to eat it?"
Mom: "No, I don't want it."
Addie: "It's just pretend."

doing our doodie...er...duty

Well, we've finally ventured into the wonderful stage of POTTY TRAINING. (Thus the doodie.) I have been terrified since Addie was conceived. Honestly. This was something I had no interest in tackling--ever.

I just love how her beautiful blonde hair shines. I hope she keeps it forever.

Overall, she's done great. I borrowed my friend's book about how to toilet train in one day. Well, after one day, and then another, and another...I would consider Adelyn to now be (8 days later) fully trained.

TRIUMPH!

Jason's super-duper important and difficult board exams are next week. Lately this has become all too common. We all CAN'T WAIT to have him back!

Macie is getting bigger (Jason and I swear she is the teeniest bit chubbier in her cheeks!) and isn't learning anything new except how to eat EVERYTHING. I wish I had her metabolism. She is so cute and loves her sister, her pacifier, and babbling (when I remember to remove her pacifier...).

Look at her ridiculously skinny body. I just lovelovelove her, but wish there was a little more to hold on to!

Jason and I have been working hard at reaching our weight loss/fitness goals. If we accomplish them by our anniversary on May 22, we are treating ourselves to a fantastic night out. I am proud to say that in the last 2 months Jason has lost over 15 pounds and I've lost 13! Woohoo for us! We each still have quite a bit to go in 2 months, but we're trying hard and enjoying smaller pant sizes and going down belt loops.

And yes, I do occasionally put her in clothes... :)

Now I've done my duty (or doodie?) and updated y'all. Anyone want to come to Memphis for a visit? PLLLLLEEEEASE?

my clever girl

Addie: "I need two cookies."
Mom: "You have two. I gave you two."
Addie: "Oh." -pause- "I need, um, five."
Mom, laughing: "No, you don't need five."
Addie: "Six!"

I just love this age! I love that she can be sneaky, respond to logic, and most of all--PRETEND! She is such a happy and (generally) obedient little girl, and we seem to constantly be laughing at her craziness. I have loved every stage of childhood more and more as they go along, and now with Macie, am remembering how much I love the young stages, too. Being a mother is truly the best job!

It Worked for Me

My friend Tiff asked her friends to share on their blogs some kind of parenting tip that has worked well in their family. If you want to read the others on her list, click here. For us, it has been our trick to getting our 2 1/2 year old sitting down and excited for Family Home Evening.

For those of you in the dark, in our church families are counseled to hold Family Home Evening (FHE) each week. It is time set aside (usually Monday nights) for families to spend together learning principles of the gospel, playing games, and creating memories (and often involves a treat!). Well, for a while we had a difficult time getting Addie to sit still while we did the "lesson" portion of FHE, even though we keep them super short for her short attention span. Then I had this idea and it has been GREAT. Every FHE we now sit in a circle on the floor with our legs outstretched and feet touching during the opening song, prayer, and lesson/scripture story. We then go ahead with the fun activities. Addie gets so excited to sit in the circle and have her feet touch ours, it actually keeps her somewhat still! Macie usually sits in the middle of our circle, smiling and babbling. I'm excited to watch our FHE circle get bigger and bigger as we add to our family. It's also nice to sit in a big, connected circle because it feels all cozy and lovey, just as a family should.

What are your ideas? Share them on Tiff's blog, or post them in my comments. I'd LOVE to read what has worked for you! What a terrific idea!

balloon fun

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jester Hat creation (being worn incorrectly, however)

The Butterfly Wing Crusader

WE LOVE BALLOONS