Wit by Amanda: March 2016

February was maybe one of the craziest months of my life. We started the moving process. We had guests from Japan with us, Christopher went to Norway, my friend Lynn came for a visit and to help me with the kids, sold our house, packed more boxes than I can count, closed on our new house, worked with contractors to update our new house, and celebrated Jack's birthday, and a whole lot more.

**Funny Story's of the month (I remembered to write down)**
Jack is one sweet dude. He has a stuffed dog named Frank. One day we were upstairs playing in his room and he turned his sound machine on, turned out the lights, and put "Frank to bed". He walked out of his room with me and said, "Frank is sleeping...shhh".

We had some beautiful playground days in February!

Tried a new breakfast place called Proper Bagel...that is a kale bagel and it was delish!

Had my first Sprinkles Cupcake with Lynn and it was amazing! and have been back 2-3 times since. ;)

**Funny Story's of the month (I remembered to write down)**
Jack is one sweet dude. He has a stuffed dog named Frank. One day we were upstairs playing in his room and he turned his sound machine on, turned out the lights, and put "Frank to bed". He walked out of his room with me and said, "Frank is sleeping...shhh".

#Jackamadeus - BIG BROTHER update
This boy of mine turned 3. How is it that I have been a mom for 3 years? I cant remember life clearly before kids. I know I had 28 years of life before kids...but there is something that has happened to me in the past 3 years that has made me a better person...ahh yes becoming a parent! :)

Every year for Jack's Birthday I want to have him answer the same questions. Here is what we got on his 3rd Birthday!

Favorite Color - orange
Favorite Toy - Thomas
Favorite Thing to eat for lunch - Strawberries
Favorite Show - Thomas
Favorite Movie - Thomas
Favorite Outfit - Dinosaur shirt
Favorite Toy - Gorilla
Favorite Song - Row the boat
Favorite book - Caterpillar book
Best friend - Paxton
Favorite Drink - Lemonade
Favorite Thing to eat for Breakfast - Sausage and eggs
Favorite Snack - Crackers
Favorite Thing to eat for Dinner - Macaroni and cheese
Favorite Game - zingo
Favorite Thing to play outside - Ball
Favorite Holiday - Birthday
What do you like to take to bed with you at night - Blankies and dogs
What do you want to be when you grow up? - Daddy

#Francineclaire - LITTLE SIS update!

I knew Jack was an easy baby and I guess I expected the worst with #2. It has not been bad at all. She has been a great baby. After getting her sleeping through the night around 7 months old...it has been smooth sailing. We have definitely bonded these past 4-5 months very much and she is just awesome.

Sleep - She is a great sleeper still.
Clothes - She is in 12 months clothes. She wears size 2 shoes.
Diapers - Size 3 diapers and moved up to 4 this month
Food - Move to 4 nursings. Doing baby food at each meal. I have definitely store bought her baby food more than make hers.
Skills - She started standing in her crib now.
New things - This isn't really a new thing but something I dont want to forget from around this time with francine. It takes a lot of photos and time to get a picture of Francine smiling. Its almost impossible to get a smile out of her unless its a solo picture and the people behind the camera are doing everything in there power to make her smile. :)
Crying - Usually the only time she cries is when she is sleepy or when her brother takes something from her.
Favorite thing right now about her is her hair and how fast it is coming in. I cant wait to put her hair up in a little ponytail or topknot.

Right now...

Outside my window...sunshine, trees, and birds
I am thinking...I have a blessed life. I have my health, my husband who is amazing, two great kids, a beautiful new home, a great church, an awesome job and boss, wonderful friends, and a God who is gracious and kind. What more could someone need/want?
I am thankful for...the place I am in right now. I feel like I just came through a pretty stessful few weeks/months and its nice to have some calm.
I am wearing...jeans and a long sleeve stripe shirt with a blanket around me.
I am remembering...to embrace this moment and not always want to go to the next thing.
I am going...to go pick up some goats milk from a farmer for Francine to try when the kids get up from there nap
I am reading...Jesus, My Father, the Cia by Ian Cron. Its incredible.
I am hoping...to get our budget in order for what we are now spending with all these new things...2 kids eating, new utilities, furniture, etc.
On my mind...I need to choose to self-educate myself more and more. Instead of becoming stuck to my phone or computer...listen to more podcasts, read more books and the Bible....there is SOOO much I dont know.
Noticing that...I get stuck in ruts of being alone and then I remain alone. Rather than reaching out and spending time with friends...I go inward and continue to remain alone. Its a chore to be friendly and put myself out ther sometime.
Pondering these words...friendly and sacrifice
Thought I am processing right now... I shared this with Pastor Dan. In reflecting on his sermon from a few weeks back...a part that stood out to me was "As the vast crowd prepares to erupt in praise, the Lord knows whom he can really count on. So he enters the city, sincerely thanking the people for their praise but moving on, nonetheless, to a place of prayer where he weeps over a city that despite its outpouring of praise, is already lost." I am not really sure why it hit home so hard...but I am trying to unpack it.
From the kitchen...the fridge making ice...the kids monitor from there rooms making a "hush" noise
Around the house...so many unhung photos/art. So many bare walls. In time...in time!
One of my favorite things...wanting a simple life. Wanting things around me that only bring me joy!