All in a days work

I've just prepared a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls and put them in the oven. It smells absolutely divine in here! Yes, Baby Kate slept through the entire process (I don't know what I'd have done if she needed me in the middle of kneading the dough) and Ike helped me through every step. He loves to help me cook, but it's the eating what we make that he doesn't necessarily like to do. Well, now that I sit down to write, I expect Kate to awaken at any moment. She seems to have the "Mom's sitting down" radar on at all times. I really don't mind though.

I sent Ike to wash his hands after playing in the dirt. Of course after five minutes of his being absent, I realize that he is still in the bathroom. Knowing full well that a boy left alone in the bathroom can turn a clean room into a disaster area, I swiftly made my way to his bathroom. Squinting my eyes, I was unsure if I really wanted to know the level of damage that could be done. I slowly opened the door to find him still washing his hands in a bathroom drowning from all the water. Well, that's not too bad! Nothing a few towels can't clean up in a jiffy. I've seen worse!

On Saturday the ladies at church threw a shower for Kate. Instead of playing games (I am not a big fan of games . . . especially "Guess What Food is in the Diaper") they brought scrapbook stuff and we put together a small album for Kate! Genious! I love every page!

While I was at the shower, Bill took Ike out for "pamcakes" at Ihop. Ike saw a commercial on television and had been asking to go for a almost a week. Once the "pamcakes" were in front of him, he ate the strawberries and whip cream right up, took a couple bites of the pancake, and decided he'd truly experienced pancakes (I don't make them).

Peaceful Night

Last night was wonderful. Little Kate woke up at 2:00 and again at 6:00. She slept quite soundly and peacefully. Just LOVELY!

Bill took me out to Target today to buy me a new outfit. I really like Target so I shopped the clothing department and he took the kids to the toy department. It really is a lot easier to shop with Bill there because he takes care of the kids which allows me to think of what outfit I want to get.

When Bill and Ike came to find me after their adventure in the toy department, Ike announced that he had Skarloey the train. I had told him a few days earlier that he'd have to wait until his birthday before he could have Skarloey. Apparently Bill hadn't heard me so Skarloey came home with us. Now Ike has been singing "Happy Birthday" to himself all day. I think we really confused him and now he thinks any day he gets a treat it's his birthday.

As if the day hasn't been wonderful enough, my sister is having us over for dinner tonight! I really do enjoy cooking, but I also know how to enjoy a night off! Besides, she and her husband are fabulous cooks so we always know we are in for a real treat. It will be a family affair as Grandma, Lester, Mom and Roger are all going to be there.

Well, since I have the night off as far as cooking dinner goes, I really must spend some time scrubbing the kitchen and floors . . . . and of course spend the rest of my time playing trains and holding Baby Kate.

Grandma and Lester

Bill took our picture 'cause we were having such a good time! Lester is an old college friend of Grandma's. She's a wonderful woman and we just instantly fell in love with her. Lester is just a bundle of sweetness and we wish she could stay here forever.

Bill

What a day! Bill helped me out this morning and cleaned the house to give me a head start on the day. He scrubbed toilets, counters, mirrors and made all the beds in the house. He didn't stop there though! He vacuumed the house and cleaned the kitchen! How lovely! He's just so easy to love and appreciate.

All that cleaning he did gave me time to relax and hold our baby Kate. Isaac sat in to snuggle with us too! He only wants to snuggle for a little while though -- when the door is open to the backyard it's hard for him to stay seated for very long. I also enjoyed a visit from our next door neighbor Phyllis. She came over to hold the baby and chat a while. She's a busy 84 year old so she only stayed a short while before she was off and running again.

I enjoyed phone calls from both of my sisters today and one from cousin Cristi. I guess I did my fair share of chatting today.

Well, I must go prepare dinner for my wonderful family!

Up Bright and Early

Life in the Fast Lane

It seems that every time I sit down to write a new post someone needs a little love and attention. There are Isaac stories to listen to, "boo boos" that need to be kissed, juice cups to fill, backs that need patting, stories to read, alphabet letters to practice, praise to be given, and lets not forget the diapers that need changing. I am certain that these are some of the most beautiful moments in life and I sure am grateful for all the wonderful memories I get to make with my kids.

We've trasitioned quite wonderfully to life with our new addition. She's just amazing and since newborns just sleep and sleep I have been able to keep things in order here -- most of the time! I've made some new recipes that include seafood enchiladas! I'll try to post the recipe with a picture the next time I make it.

Yesterday we had some of my favorite people over for a lunch party. My Grandmother came with her delightful friend Lester (Lester is a woman) who is in town from Canada. My Mom and her husband Roger came as well as my sister and her little girl. Everyone came bearing gifts for little Kate. Mom brought five -- yes, FIVE -- new blankets that she made. They are BEAUTIFUL and she made them in different colors to match Kate's adorable outfits. This little girl will never get cold! Grandma, Lester, Michelle, and Kailey came straight from shopping and brought her a photo album and a sweet dress.

For our lunch party I made my favorite casserole -- baked chicken alfredo. Again, I'll have to take a picture and post the recipe. It's quite simple and never fails to be absolutely delicious! Bill was sweet and made fancy coffee drinks for us to enjoy over a few card games. YUM! We do like our coffee around here!

I must say that the weather here is working in my favor. It's been just beautiful out and Isaac has been able to spend hours on end outside. Why does this work in my favor? Well, it keeps the house a little more tidy. Now the flower bed is getting quite disturbed by all the digging, but dirt brings so much joy to his face that we just don't mind. Flower beds can be fixed and a sandbox can be bought!

Picture Perfect