hard at play

Hours and hours later the play-doh is almost dried out. It was a great purchase at Target this week. But, then again look at Bennett - who needs play-doh when life is already so great? :)

thanks

Happy Thanksgiving. I am full of thanks today as I watch my two beautiful children. How lucky am I to be able to be a mother, especially the mother of Darla and Bennett. Every single day I am awed and amazed at these two little people. Darla is almost two - her personality ever so present and character so kind. The conversations that we have will be forever cherished. Bennett is growing, and learning - interacting with him is one of my favorite things. I love newborns. Why does that stage have to disappear?
I was talking to my sister the other day and she said how she loves that the world hasn't quite figured out how to commercialize Thanksgiving - meaning they go from Halloween straight to Christmas. Thinking about it, I'm not surprised. The world doesn't have time to slow down and give thanks - it goes from "where's the candy" to "give me presents". If only it would slow down and be grateful, just think what a difference that would make. May be then in those moments of thanksgiving all would notice that there is something greater. Someone who gives all. Someone who loves all. I'm grateful for that Someone because He has given me my life - my family.

My Darla Anne

I love this picture!

two little kids

I finally got up the courage to give Darla a little trim. I didn't know if it was going to be crazy to try and have her hold still. She held very still - considering she was glued to the Little Einstein's DVD.
Once again it's another weekend and I cannot believe it. I have decided that time disappears because the days and nights all run together right now. There was a day this week that suddenly turned into night and then the next thing I knew it was 7 AM and I was doing the dishes - had I slept? It was already morning? :)
These two little kids continue to teach me. This week my mom (an incredible mother) gave me a piece of advice that she received sometime in her life - treat your children like they are your best friend. For example you wouldn't get frustrated if your best friend was walking too slowly, you would most likely slow down to walk with them, or if your friend broke something, or got something dirty you would most likely react patiently and help them. Ever since she said this, I have been thinking about Darla and our interactions, about Bennett and our interactions. I hope I can apply this idea as I strive to raise my children with love and patience. There is much to learn. I love being a mom.

Happy Family

Bennett is two months old today. We had his doctors appointment and he is 13 lbs 13 oz, and 25 inches. He is our big boy. Both Erik and I have said today - that Darla grew up last night. There is something about her. I cannot believe I almost have a 2 year old.
Erik is busy with applications to PhD programs. I'm excited to see whether we are staying here, or taking off next summer. Honestly I hope we are staying here. Yes, the winters are long - but other than that we've loved it. That's about it for now - life is moving ever so quickly.

Bennett's Blessing

Another part of this past weekend was the blessing of our little Bennett. Erik's parents were able to be here which makes moments like these seem a bit more like home. We wish we could have been with all our family, but if anything we realize how blessed we are to have a great ward family and friends. Once again I have a baby in my arms so I'm keeping this short. What a brilliant life this is.

Down on the Farm

Happy Halloween! Personally I believe she made the cutest chicken ever. I am typing with my left hand while holding Bennett in my right arm - so I apologize that I'm not writing more. This weekend has been full of wonderful memories.

can't think of a title

I am way too tired to think of what to call this post. Mondays seem to be the recovery day after Sunday. Every one is just slightly off. But Tuesdays seem to be better. Shouldn't complain when I have the most darling children. Bennett's smiles are the best! Darla's phrases/sentences are hilarious! We had a ward party this weekend and Darla went in her Halloween costume - I am waiting to post those pictures until Halloween just in case I get even cuter poses from her. I love her costume.

I told Erik the other day that it is strange to me that we have lived her over a year now. We are no longer experiencing the "firsts" for living in Minnesota. We've already done a Halloween here. So this past weekend when I was putting Darla in her costume I was having flashbacks of last year when she was a small little indian only 10 months old - not even walking.

That moment made her seem so grown up. Stay tuned for Halloween pictures later this week.

bliss

These are the simple joys of life - a proud father holding his son. A mother breathing in the scent of her baby boy. A darling big sister posing perfectly. A little brother getting a well needed bath. As cliche as this phrase may be . . . the days are flying.

second child

I always swore that I would take as many pictures of my second child as I did my first. Well, now I understand why everyone told me that would never happen. We have taken pictures of Bennett, but lately it is quite the ordeal to takes pictures of anything. As soon as Darla sees the camera she wants to sit on your lap and for the next FOREVER have you scroll through the pictures/movies. Any time we say, "Ok, this is the last movie" she agrees, but then throws a dramatic display of emotions as soon as we put the camera away. This battle has been tricky. So, in order to get more pictures, I need to first figure out my almost 2 year old. I will also say that now I understand why people get behind on their blogs. . . or lives in that matter. Two little people sure keep you busy. This week I had one day of feeling quite overwhelmed with being the mom of two. The next day I had my friends two darling kids over (pictured above) and realized that it will get easier. Darla loved having them to play with - instead of just me to rely on. It not only gave me a vision of what the future will be like, but also made me excited for when Darla and Bennett will play together. I know that that time/season is going to come all too quickly. Darla has been getting interested in dancing, dresses, and dress-ups. She no longer sits still whenever music is playing. I LOVE watching her dance. I love how every person comes with their own little moves and rhythm. Time is moving quickly. I cannot believe Bennett is already 5 weeks old today. What a great season this is.