Pink Frosted Memories

There are a few things in my every day life that as a Mom I have to get done. For my own spiritual, emotional and physical well being (and sanity!), I must:

• Read my Bible
• Clean the House
• Work Out
• Sit down and spend time with my kids

Sadly, the last on the list often gets put exactly how it is above--last on the list. The kids play or watch me as I wash dishes, clear counter tops, vacuum and put toys away. Brookie watches a movie and Joey sleeps while I work out. Usually I read my Bible to/with them, but it doesn't always work out that they are both awake.

In other words, I do not spend enough time with my kids. It's hard to sit down and read to them or talk and laugh with them when there are dishes in the sink, but I am learning once again to make it priority!

The other day I decided that we would make frosted sugar cookies for Valentines Day together. It took several hours. Brookie helped me with every step, and Joey smiled at us from his exersaucer. It was a great day. My house was a disaster at the end of the day, but me and my kiddos were bonded and had such a fun time. So worth it!

Here are pictures of our day. Because it was so much more about baking cookies. It was about making memories!

What have you done to make a memory today?

Who Are You?

I know there are a lot of you who read this blog and don't comment. Many of you are followers that I've never met! So I'm interested to get to know you all a little bit! If you read and follow my blog, please let me know who you are and how you found me!

HEY!!! Don't leave!

Please comment!!!

Pretty Please? With a cherry on top! Might even throw in a little whipped cream......

Couple's Retreat, 2010

Last year we went to a marriage seminar taught by the author of "The Five Love Languages". It's an excellent book and will change your relationships with everyone in your life, not just spouse. This year Pastor wanted to do a bit more, and so he planned a retreat for all of the couples. It was only about a half hour away, but very secluded and BEAUTIFUL! We had a great time!

Our Room

The hotel had several restaurants. While we were there we ate in 2 and they were both excellent! On Friday night we ate with friends, Dave and Jessica.

Only part of the lobby. It was so pretty!

Time for our meeting/game time! We laughed A LOT. :)

The couples had to unwrap and eat a candy bar together without touching :)

Newly Wed Game

We had different paper games, but one was you had to write a love letter to your spouse using only these words. You could only add 4 more of your own.

Saturday morning--getting ready and so excited! :)

After the meeting that morning, we walked out onto the deck behind the ball room and got a few pictures. It was such a beautiful day!

Friends Ben and Allysa (with Justin)

Friends Jereme and Katie

A cool gift shop that also had candy, Starbucks coffee, pastries and ice cream!

Lounging in the lobby by the fire

Devin and Sarah

Josh and Mellisa

Nathan and Cassie

And yours truly and Nate! :) Last year at the conference, they encouraged us to do something once a year specifically for our marriage. We determined to do just that. It's amazing how you think your marriage is so wonderful until you learn new things you could be doing and working on!

I want to encourage all of you who are married to find a marriage seminar in your area once a year and set side a day or 2 to do something to work on your marriage. This has strengthened us immensely!

This weekend just made me realize why I married this man and what I can do to make our marriage even better! We can't wait until next year!

Family :)

I just wanted to share the recent picture that we got of us when the whole family was together shortly after New Years! Even though it was only for one day (we had just gotten back, and Adam was leaving the next day) it was a lot of fun! The Lord has blessed me with such a wonderful family here when I'm away from mine! I love them all so much!

Back, L to R--Me, Joanna, Verity (daughter) Adam (brother-in-law in the army), Danny (brother-in-law), Mom S. (holding Joey :)

Front, L to R: Nate holding Brookie, Robby (brother-in-law, Joanna's hubby) holding Trinity (daughter) and Dad S, holding Uriah (Robby and Joanna's son).

Also, in Joanna's belly at the time was little Benaiah, who was born a few weeks ago. Pictures of him to come soon! :)

The Many Faces of Joey :)

I did a little impromptu photo shoot of my little Joe-Joe the other day. He was laying on my bed in such a good mood that I had to grab my camera and snap some adorable pictures of him!

This is a series of the cutest little faces he made all in about 5 minutes or so. So happy I was able to capture them!

Isn't he the sweetest thing ever! He is 4 months old now and definitely a very happy, content baby! He's such a people person and likes LOTS of attention! All a person has to do is look at him and he will give them the biggest grin ever. Brookie was not a smiley baby (and is still pretty serious) so having such a friendly baby is something new for me! I love it! :)

If he is sitting in the living room all by himself he doesn't last very long before he starts a little "I want attention" whine. I look at him and smile, he smiles back, and then is all happy again. I am so blessed to have such a content baby!