I just have so little motivation to write blog updates anymore! We'll see what I can dredge up. Since it's been three full weeks. I might deserve to go to the blogging hall of shame for that.
Actually, quite a lot has happened in the last few weeks. Some big news for our family, some great events that have happened in Laramie, and just lots of busyness going on!! No pictures...this post turned pretty long...sorry. Maybe tomorrow I'll get some up :)
In the realm of the kiddos, they have both been growing and changing. Ryan hasn't had a potty accident in almost 2 weeks and is becoming quite the outdoor adventurer. He will spend most of his day outside if we let him--even today, when it was raining! (Just a little bit, Mama, it's okay if I'm wet, he told me...) He is doing chores every morning (that I am home) and every night and earning an allowance for doing so--and loving helping me cook in the kitchen. He especially loves baking (that's my boy!) but I think it's because he can crack the eggs, pour oil or milk or water, and lick the batter :)
He also loves matching silverware in the drawer so I jumped on that and he helps me unload the dishwasher. I LOVE having someone help me do chores now! He will also put dirty laundry in the hamper and pick up toys--even his sister's. Ahh. Self-sufficiency. I hear it only gets better! While it breaks my heart that he's growing up ("you don't have to kiss me ALL THE TIME Mama" he told me a few days ago...and is calling me "Krissen") it is also nice to have a helper!
Brooklyn is developing quite a little personality and shaking her head 'no' a lot! She even says no appropriately, such as when I am trying to feed her when she still has food in her mouth, or if people ask her if she's a little monster :) She hasn't mastered 'yes' yet, and is still hit-or-miss with "more" in baby sign, but she's starting to get that we can communicate together. She ALSO has developed a nice screech/squeal if she doesn't get her way and has had her cheek tapped if she won't stop. That does NOT go over well and as an emotional female, she lets out a heartbreaking cry and her eyes spill over with tears. Oh, joy...the emotions of femaledom have come to play already.
She's not crawling yet but rolls like a champ and is desperate to get where I am...if only she'd get on her knees she'd figure out she can get into trouble sooner!! Ryan is still her favorite amusement and I pray they continue to be great friends.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend "Living Proof Live"--a Beth Moore study weekend. IT WAS AWESOME. The worship team was AMAZING, Beth brought God's Word to us plainer than day, and I walked away refreshed, energized, and thoughtful. She taught on Psalm 66 and the strict training God has set for us so we can run with purpose the race He has set before us. It was great. I felt like I had just received a big hug from this wonderful, personable, lovable woman. The worship team was awesome and I think I have decided they could really use me on their team--I'd LOVE that. Or, to be a sign language interpreter...the ladies they had there were beautiful in their sign, especially during the singing! Travis Cottrell was the worship leader. I have both Beth's blog and Travis' on my 'blogs I read' list...check them out. I can't wait to save up extra money for some CDs of Travis' and some sermons/teachings/books from Beth.
It was amazing.
Now onto the big family news...
Ha, no we are not pregnant. But I had some of you thinking that, didn't I? (I always think that when I read that on others' blogs!) No, we have enough friends to cover that base for us :)
But, just as life changing--we have bought a house! Or, more accurately, are in the process of buying a house. We found a for-sale-by-owner that we just adore--and even better, it's just blocks from our good friends the Watsons, and close by the Ennists, Lucas', Bryan's, Reese's, and I'm sure there's someone else I am forgetting. It seems to be a popular area :) It is 3 blocks from a great elementary school, close by two parks, and has a wonderful FENCED backyard to let the kids loose in. If it all goes well we are set to close on June 15th, and I will post pictures as soon as I can after we know it's truly ours. The offer was accepted, inspections completed, and appraisal was on Friday. Our realtor has said if we haven't heard from the appraisal, that's good news--I'll call tomorrow to be sure, if I don't hear back first. So now, we pack, pack some more, wait, pack, and pray that it's what God has intended for our life! Three weeks from today, we will hopefully be in our new home.
Ryan turns 3 in just a month, and Brooklyn will be one in July. I can't believe how the last year has flown. 1 year ago, I graduated nursing school, LOVED my summer 'off', became an RN, watched my baby turn 2, went to Disney World, had another baby, started my first job and found my second, had a great Christmas with David's family, and watched my favmily grow physically and in Christ. I can't belive how time has flown for the four of us.
Ryan is signed up for "Little Kicker's" 3 year old soccer starting in August--he will have practices at a park a few blocks away for a month and games for another month. I think he'll love it!! We have ordered birthday supplies for their respective birthday parties--and hope to have Ryan's party outdoors at our new house. Pray for a beautiful day because we want to let the kids play in the sprinkler on our great lawn during the party!!
I started a new work schedule, Mondays and Wednesdays 7ish till 4:00(ish). Though I work more hours overall, it gives me more days home with the kids and I love being able to spend more quality time with them. I am able to get more accomplished at work, as well, instead of just running in and out 5 hours later.
Anyway, a lengthy enough update I think this is...please leave me a comment if you actually read this thing and it will motivate me to update more frequently :)