Yesterday I loaded up the crew and brought them to Jake’s parents’ house so they could trick-or-treat at Grandma & Grandpa’s. Today, we headed out to the office to greet Papa & Uncle Tony and then went to the house to see Nana. The kids have had so much fun wearing their costumes this year…Buzz Lightyear, Red Dog, and Little Bee.
Driving to my parents’ house this morning we were waiting at a stop light and Nolan said, “Mom, there’s an Uncle Mark sticker on the back of that truck.” Sure enough, I look in front of us and there’s a Harley Davidson Motorcycles sticker on the window of the pickup in front of us. 🙂
My cousin, Jared, was in town today to watch the Huskers cream the Gophers. He was kind enough to share an extra ticket with Jake. (He went knowing the Maroon & Gold really didn’t have much of a chance, but at least he got to check out the new stadium.) After the game, we met the guys & my parents for dinner. Once everyone was finished eating, the boys had to show Papa the gumball machine in the lobby of the restaurant. They both came back with gumballs. When asked how much they cost, Lincoln said, “they cost one money!”
9 years.
A lot happens in 1 year. Multiply that by 9 years and add in 3 kids and holy moly, you’ve got good, bad, high, low, awesome, not so awesome & super awesome. What really matters at the end of each day though is that you stick it out, love lots, forgive even more, and do your best to help the person God placed in your life to share the ups and downs, grow in faith and love.
Tonight, my sister-in-law, Larissa, came to watch the kids so Jake and I could go out to dinner. We ate at Kafe 421 – great food, quaint atmosphere, and did I say great food?!? After we ate, I opened the card Jake picked out for me. It’s crazy how card companies can write things that just seem to fit so perfectly. It’s almost like they’ve been following you around and know what you’ve been through together.
9 years…here’s to another 9 and more!
Ingrid has started cruising around her arena walls. She’s been doing it for a week or so. I can’t believe how fast the last year has gone. I am sure having two very energetic boys in the house has helped speed time up. Our Little Miss is doing her best to try to keep up with her brothers – she loves to crawl into the toy room to see what they’re doing, swing on the swing set when they play outside, and has even gotten over her dislike for grass to chase them when they run in the yard.
I’ve heard people say that when you add children to your family, your love doesn’t divide, it multiplies. I know from experience, it’s true. I love my three little ones more than I ever imagined possible.
Jake wrote on the back window of my suburban a few days ago and I hadn’t noticed. Today he pointed it out, saying, “Ha, ha, your window says “poop machine.” Ha, ha!”
Then he proceeded to ask Nolan how to spell, “poop.” Before Nolan could even attempt to spell it, Lincoln chimed in, “S-H-E-C-K!” Jake and I could hardly contain ourselves!
I took the kids to the local Christian bookstore this morning to see Larry & Bob from the VeggieTales. Nolan was the only one interested in having his photo taken with the over-sized vegetables. Lincoln preferred to keep his distance and Ingrid was too interested in looking around at all of the things she could attempt to pull off the shelves to really care.
Dear Ingrid,
Where did the last year go? You have become the sweetest crawling (& almost) toddling little girl who loves to explore, loves her brothers, and clearly loves cake! (Just like her mama :)) What fun we had celebrating your first birthday today! Both sets of grandparents and one set of great-grandparents joined your family & friends to wish you happy birthday.
I am so thankful for the photos we took of you throughout the year. I can hardly believe how small (and yet, big) you were when you were born. You still love to snuggle before you take a nap or go to sleep at night, so I try to soak that up as much as possible. Your bright blue eyes and toothy grin make everyone around you smile. Nolan and Lincoln love you to pieces and are extremely protective of you. They each know how to make you laugh and stop the tears from falling from your eyes. Many times, Nolan has come into our room and sat by your crib in the early morning when he has heard you fussing. You immediately stop and your sobs turn to giggles. Lincoln only has to look at you and you’re charmed. He’s the one who always makes sure you’re returned to your daddy’s arms or mine when someone else is holding you. He will never let you go home with anyone other than your family. You call your brothers, “buh-buhs.” It is the cutest thing!
I pray the coming year if full of new adventures, lots of love, and tons of hugs and kisses.
We love you, Little Miss!
XOXO
Mommy & Daddy
