happenings here in our home

Just some random pictures of what has been happening here at our home. I am thinking that maybe I should just do a once a month post...due to the lack of posting. Sometimes life just seems busy and overwhelming and doing a blog post just isn't as important. But I have some time this afternoon and thought I would post something.

Ethan is done potty training. Overall it didn't take long, it was just getting him started that took long. Once he got the idea/it clicked in his head, we had no problems. We did a sticker chart on the calendar and on Seth's birthday, he got his big treat for completing the potty training. We are very proud of him!

And Iron man backpack

and a Super Mario shirt

Chloe started rice cereal 2 weeks ago. She take a little bit before bed. I think she was needing just a little something before bed since she would feed, and not settle in bed and need another feed about 1 hour later.

She is still very happy and content baby! And still sleeping through the night. She loves to "sing" to music. If we play music, she usually "sings" along. It is very cute. :)

Photos below are taken by Auntie Sue

Seth and Ethan in their matching Super Mario shirt

They love their shirts!

One of my kids (who will remain anonymous) mentioned to me this morning:

"Mom, you still have a big belly, but I love you anyways". I had to laugh! :) I explained that I had a big baby, and my belly was rather large during the pregnancy. I failed to mention the fact that enjoy food and that is seems to be harder to lose the unwanted weight now that I am in my 30's. Gives me more of the incentive to lose weight. Good thing for the weight loss challenge I plan to join soon!

Sometimes life as a mom, and with a new baby seems to be overwhelming. The daily duties of cleaning the home, doing the laundry, making meals for the family and raising a young family can be very busy. I am trying to learn not to be so scheduled and to realize too, that not everything needs to get done when I think it does. I am very thankful for a new year. It seems somewhat refreshing to start the year with new ideas, and new thoughts.

Here are a couple quotes I find encouraging during the stressful times. One is by our Pastor, whose preaching has been very encouraging to me! and the other from a book I am reading. I just wanted to share:

~God uses the dark discouragements we face to prepare us for special manifestations of his grace. If there were no winter in the soul, the spring times of graces, would not be so vivid or precious to us.

~God allows us to suffer so that we will love Him more fully and appreciate more fully the sacrifices Jesus Christ made on our behalf.

So wonderful and encouraging what God has done and is doing for us (for me)!