those were the days

on the beach, every day, all day long, not a care in the world.

Motherhood = Guessing Game

Last night I was trying to figure out why Bennett kept waking up. Today when rocking Bennett to sleep I had this thought, "Come what may and love it" (Elder Wirthlin). My life will be full of many different seasons. My season right now is to raise my children with as much love, patience and dedication as I can give them. So instead of getting frustrated with a waking baby, or an emotional toddler I am going to try, to strive to love it. Don't get me wrong, I do love it. I LOVE being a mom, but just like any mom would tell you it is the hardest thing you'll ever do. But I guess that is what makes it so worth it.

staring at me

This is the little face that stares at me while I make dinner. I am in love with Bennett.

New Address

Just wanted to update you with our new address -

1021 29th Ave SE APT F
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Love to all!

It's About Time

Tomorrow we move to our three-bedroom apartment. Yesterday we celebrated Erik's 26th birthday. In less than a month Erik will be graduating. Every day Darla, Bennett, and I are outside playing in the sand, sun (and wind), while trying to keep Bennett from eating the grass. We're happy as can be.
Bennett isn't crawling yet, but he can basically fold himself in half when trying to reach for toys that have moved a little bit too far away. He has four teeth (three on bottom, one on top). Very pleasant little/big guy.
Darla is two. That is for sure. The other day she said, "Mom, I was born in the 70's". She loves to look for "antlers" (anthill's) when she is outside, and LOVES playing with her friends. She's been very helpful with packing. We're excited to be moving her into a "big-girl bed" when we get into our new place. Bennett will finally be in a real crib. Amazing. What a life, right?

tired?

I was quickly picking up after putting the kids down for naps and later noticed what I had done. May be I need a nap.

Happy Easter

To all the people that we love and can't be with this lovely Easter/Conference weekend - We love you! These happy smiling faces miss you. Enjoy the sweet treats and inspiration that are to come in the next few days. All is well here.

bennett, bennett, bennett

This guy is the happiest little BIG boy you'll ever meet. He is always smiling, laughing at his sister (any attention she gives him he thrives on), chewing on toys, keeping track of Mom, sucking on his toes, and growing out of clothes. The swimsuit he'll be wearing this summer is sized 18-24 months (keep in mind he will be 7 months the beginning of April) and some shorts that I bought Darla for this summer are also 18-24 months. If he were a girl they could be sharing clothes already!
We got GREAT news yesterday - we will be able to move into a three-bedroom apartment in about a month! What perfect timing. As much as I love having Bennett in our room, I'm quite ready for him to have his own little space. So, with the anticipation of a bigger apartment and spring we are quite excited. I wasn't that excited though when I saw how grown up Bennett looked in that picture with his Daddy. What handsome boys I live with! :)

Spring Break?

Today when I opened my curtains this is what I saw. . .

Now I ask the question - Does anyone want to come here for SPRING BREAK? Spring? What is that? Oh the joys of living in Minnesota. I do love it here - don't get me wrong - March does get a little long though since it's still cold, but then again warm enough (30 - 40 degrees) that the snow begins to melt. But no signs of spring; flowers, blossoms, sunshine etc. It's ok. Soon enough it will be the most BEAUTIFUL summer and we will be outside all day long. I love summer.

making the cut

Well Erik made the cut (of course!) and he'll be getting his P.h.D. at the University of Minnesota. We are excited! Even more excited to move into a three bedroom apartment! :) We are relived to know where we will be for the next 3-4 years!
Bennett has cut two teeth. This is the first picture I have that you can actually see them - so look closely. He is growing up too fast and GREATLY enjoys rice cereal.
Darla had her first visit to a salon to get her hair cut. She did great and was happy to sit and watch a little movie they had playing while the "nice lady" cut her hair. Darla sure is beautiful!