VBS Pictures!

Day 2: Still loving VBS! Obviously this event was created by God. . .It's brilliant! Each day she is growing and becoming more and more comfortable with out momma. I was "busted" taking pictures this morning. She charged over to see me, but was totally fine returning to her class. On the way home I asked what her favorite part of today was and she said "When Miss Cindy said it was time for my sack lunch" ~ I may have to start serving food at home in a little white bag! When I put her down for a nap she sang the VBS songs for atleast 30 minutes to her animals. It was so sweet. I love to listen to her when she is playing alone. . .I will probably use the baby monitor until she leaves home ~ sorry, pumpkin:)

First day of VBS. . .

We having been waiting for this day with much anticipation. It was the first day of VBS! Technically, Gracie is not in VBS; she is in the workers' childcare, but who cares ~ there was still the large group singing and dancing, crafts, snacks, bible stories, playtime AND her first sack lunch! This morning I asked her if she remembered what today was and her face lit up:) She said "Today I get to go on a vacation in the bible and momma is gonna pack me a lunch!" She was so tickled because I wrote her name and drew a smiley face on the sack. She had a ball ~ I know because I peeked in several times to check on her. I must have had a crazy, goofy smile on my face when I was watching her in the main room dancing, clapping and singing with all of the big kids. It was soooo sweet. I will try to get a picture tomorrow and add to the post. As for now, I am going to join my Amazing Grace in the land of nod. . .those kids can wear you down!

It's raining, it's pouring. . .

What fun we had tonight with Aunt Lara and Cousin Nikki! Gracie had a ball playing in the new sprinkler, "Mr. Giant" (don't ask me where she comes up with these names), with Nikki and one of her friends. She loves to be one of the girls and they were so sweet to include her in all of their fun. Of course, Gracie was a little gun shy when Poppy turned on the water. She said "Nikki, you go first", but once she got warmed up, it was all over. At one point she was standing in the middle of the spray singing "it's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring". By the end, she really had the hang of it. . . just ask Nikki (the sprinkler photo is not staged). I included the other picture because it brings back so many memories from my visits to Grandpa and Gramma's house. I would always wear one of my Grandpa's white tee shirts to bed. When Gracie put on an old shirt of my mom's to warm up, we both had 'that' look on our face. How precious to re-live some of my sweetest memories by looking at my Amazing Gracie! Oh yeah, thanks for dinner and good company Mom, Jim and Nana!

Calgon, take me away!

Let's recreate 3:30 p.m. ~ I am sitting in my chair returning an e-mail and talking to Aunt Heidi on the phone. Gracie comes in to the living room with a bag of goldfish. I didn't really even notice. More chatting, more snack food. Now it is a bag of Chex Mix. I think "Hmmm?" but do not question. She is playing so nicely, which means momma can actually hold intelligent (sort of) conversation. Then comes in a box of Ritz Crackers. Now I know something is wrong. There is no way she could squeeze that little arm through the child locks to the very back of a deep cabinet. . . So, today is one small step towards independence, one giant leap towards total chaos! By the time the call ended I was looking at six snacks, 50 plus grocery sacks (why do I keep them?) and a variety of craft projects. Obviously, Gracie has learned how to manipulate the child proof door locks. Really, "child proof"? She is two years old. Maybe they should think about re-naming those little thingamajigs. The only people that have trouble unlatching them are the adults. If this was not enough to escalate my blood pressure, the dogs were barking at the door because the plumber had arrived, Gracie was smearing cheese on the coffee table, the doors kept slamming shut because the wind had picked up and the 13 year old "plumber son" was standing there looking at me with a smirk on his face that said "you are crazy, lady"! CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!!! Oh yeah, I can't even retreat to a peaceful, relaxing bath because the plumber is not installing the tub until tomorrow! I know I sound ungrateful; truly, I am not. However, it is important to document the events that surround FINDING YOUR FIRST GREY HAIR! What a day. . .

Happy Father's Day!

From the moment she entered this world, she was Daddy's Girl! She runs to him when she is hurt, because daddy will kiss it. She runs to him when she is scared, because daddy will keep her safe. She runs to him when she sees a spider, because daddy will "take care of it!" She runs to him when she is happy, because she wants daddy to share in her excitement. But mostly, she runs to him because she loves him (and so do I)! You are a wonderful husband and father and I thank God for you every day.