Note to Self

Remove ALL permanent markers from within arms (or climbing arms) reach.
***
yup, today I learned what will and will not remove permanent markers from a (new, red) couch, (cream) carpet, (whiteish) linolieum, dishwasher, wood, glass, plastic and paint.
I also learned that stopping to breath (and flinging a handfull of babywipes) lets off just enough steam so I don't throttle the child!
I seethed, I yelled, I cried (I might have stomped around a bit too). You know, the *perfect* picture of a patient, loving mother (snort).
And I reminded myself, as I sat there scrubbing the pillows on the couch crying, that it is only stuff.
Yes I want my house to look nice, but really, that's not what defines who I am. It's not what I strive for. In the big picture, it doesn't matter if there are maker marks on things, it really really really doesn't.
And those permanent (black) marks left on the carpet and walls (the only places where I couldn't get it out, or didn't bother trying) are going to reminded me of that everytime I see them (and trust me, ya can't miss the ones in the carpet *grin*)
I can smile (and even giggle a little) about it now. Especailly cuz when you walk into my living room from the kitchen you see black lines. Lots and lots and lots of black lines. :)

It Started Innocently Enough....

*Yup, there are a LOT of pictures here....and there are more, many, many more! Click on them if you want to see them bigger!

Yeah, can you tell that they had a GREAT time! And honestly? So did I! It was a great way to pass the morning, and their disgustingly messy snowsuits gave me an excuse to have them play outside again after nap (not that they need an excuse, especailly when it has been spring-like weather here!)

Oh, and it ended like this, for those that are curious!

A Boy and His Sowrd

I thought the knight was supposed to rescue the princesses...not torment them!

It Ended Like This...

*It's good to know my daughter isn't afraid to get dirty!!*

should really post something soon.

just haven't been into it.

so i haven't.

still here.

just don't have the words, and the camera is gathering dust.

so the blog sits.

maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, don't know, eventually.

just not on the priority list at the moment.

Just a little...

sunshine and warmth

and our day is filled with wonder, grace and joy.

An Artist (or two)

Yup, that's her bedroom wall and door. This mommy was not very happy to discover that "C" and Alexandra had spent 35 minutes re-decorating the walls. Thankfully it was highlighter and washable. I however, did NOT do the washing. I left that up to the girls (who blamed eachother as to whose idea it was). And I pulled out the white paint to get the stuff off the door that washing wouldn't remove.

Growing Up

Yesterday we registered Alexandra for Junior Kindergarten. I cannot believe she is that old already. She is super excited about it!

It still amazes me how fast time goes by. It seems like just yesterday that it was Anthony we were registering and now, it is that time for Alexandra.

She is so ready for it though. She has been asking all year when she can go to school, so I know that summer will feel like forever for her. She wants to know when she can ride the bus and go to "Anthony's school". It's really cute.

My little girl is not so little any more! I cannot wait to see who she will become as she grows up. It's so very exciting.

Having a Big Sister. . .

... means putting up with this.

Thankfully, you are still a good sport and because you love her so much, you let Alexandra dress you up like this.

This post...

A blog I read, posted this today.
Read it, might just change your out look on the day, or help you re-focus in the midst of the day.
* * * *
On that note, our pastor spoke on real love yesterday. The type of love God showed us through His Son. It was a really good sermon.
Real love, the type of love that hates what is evil (the sin and darkness within our hearts, NOT the people) and clings, even in the midst of pressure, to what is good.
Not easy, but a challenge.
A challenge this week to love like He loves, to stand up when people are being mocked, to stand firm in the truth and hold tight to the good, for His love never fails, and as I am made more and more like Him, I want that love evidenced in my life.
And because of Who He is, and His mercy, I can show real love.