Wit by Amanda: June 2016

May. It was definitely a busy month but not with huge things. A lot of little things like parties, strawberry picking with the kids, Mothers Day, zoo day, and lots of people over to the house for dinner. We definitely are in full on summer heat around here. We have really enjoyed our backyard so far. In the late afternoon the house shades the backyard so its not near as hot as it really is...at least it feels that way so that's nice.

I read something this month that inspired me. I want to make home more fun than any other place. I definitely have not mastered this but I try to make sure that we have a fun activity to do at home and that home is not a boring place. Right now, Francine is still taking a morning nap so that is when Jack and I have a "project" that we like to work on whether its puzzles, painting, coloring, games, etc. It helps to have that time to do older kid things. These days are long but I know the years or short. Its important to cherish the hard stuff and find spots of fun in the middle of it all.

**Funny Story's of the month (I remembered to write down)**
Jack asks this lovely phrase multiple times a day - "What can I do for you?" Its very sweet and it really means "mommy I want to be with you so how can we make that happen". I know he is not going to always say such cute stuff like this so I need to make sure and try and remember to write these things down.

Another one has to do with spanking. Yes, we spank. Jack was getting in trouble and Christopher said "Jack I am going to give you a spanking because you did 'X'"...and Jack responded "Is it a little spanking or big spanking?" We both smiled and laughed a little because it was so funny and sincere at the same time. Poor little guy. He

#Jackamadeus - BIG BROTHER update!

Jack got his toddler rail put on his crib this month! He also went to a really cool pediatric dentist for a check-up this month. One thing we decided it was time to give up was Jack was sleeping with a bid dog called "Frank". It was to big and bulky and for the summertime I thought it was going to be so hot in his bed. So we have officially removed Frank from nap and bedtime and it has not been such a traumatic thing.

Favorite color - dark blue
Favorite number - 3
Favorite food - Every morning he wants me to juice for him.
Favorite hobby - "mommy do you want to dig with me?" - In the dirt outside with his trucks.
Favorite song - Veggie Tales Theme Song right now or I Love you More by Harry Connick Jr...its a toss up this month!

#Francineclaire - LITTLE SIS update!

Two Princesses!

Highlight - We attended our first Mother Daughter tea at the church for Mothers Day. It was really sweet
Her words - I cant believe I am writing this all down - Hi, Bye, Mama, Dada, Jah (for Jack), and LaLa (for Lucy)
Sleep - Great sleeper still. We gave up her wubanub paci with the lamb on it and are only doing a paci this month. Slowly moving away from pacis before she is in kindergarten with it. :)
Clothes - She is in 12-18 months clothes. She wears size 2 shoes.
Diapers - Size 4 diapers!
Food - Went down to 2 nursings a day. She is really getting into smoothies this month!
Skills - She has taken her first official steps (may 14, 2016). Its about 2 weeks earlier then Jack did.
Crying - She has only had 2 teeth for her first 14 months of life poor thing (Jack had 12 at 12 months!!). So this month has definitely been dedicated to teething and getting quite a few painful teeth in.

Pondering Thoughts

Outside my window...No windows from where I sit right now.
I am thinking...about the ways I can choose joy over stress
I am thankful for...my husband
I am wearing...Madewell jeans and button up shirt and gold sandals.
I am remembering...the days are long and the years are short.
I am going...to cut myself some slack. My expectations are sometimes impossible to meet.
I am reading...To Kill A Mockingbird....a great summer read.
I am hoping...for success in finding some pieces for our house this evening shopping.
On my mind...how I want to buy so many things. So many things...so little time! (And $$)
Noticing that...I need to choose who to put in my world that brings me joy. small doses of the people who don't.
Pondering these words...inspiration.
Thought I am processing right now...gratefulness. I have a lot to be thankful for.
From the kitchen...well this morning it was two awful frozen waffles with almond butter and a to-go cup of Irish tea.
Around the house...I am thankful to be able to walk this afternoon into a freshly cleaned house!
One of my favorite things...holding my children!