It never gets any easier...

Landon Gary had his 3 year well-child appointment today. He received a clean bill of health and is hitting all milestones as he should. He weighed in at a mere 32 lbs and was 39 inches tall. This put him in the 40th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. The Pediatrician (Dr. Mckercher) was not concerned about his weight but did ask if he was a picky eater. I responded with a "YES," and I think he could hear the frustration in my voice and answered, "it's pretty normal and as long as he's growing there's nothing to worry about." He then replied with a smile, "He's just kind of slim, I wonder where he gets it from..."

Landon had to get just 1 vaccination today, his seasonal flu shot. I was thinking it was going to be a breeze. He is older now, and I had told him about it and that it would hurt but not for long and then he would get a band-aid and a sticker. So here it came, that "just 1" poke. As I held his hands down and then saw the look on his face and heard the cry, I held tears back myself. That is when I realized it just doesn't get any easier. He then says, "Mommy, that hurt me." I fully understand the motherly instinct to love and protect your child more and more each day.

I am also understanding more each day the things my mom and dad have told me all my life. They always said, "it's hard to explain, you just won't understand until you have children of your own." I used to roll my eyes and shrug my shoulders every time I heard that statement. Guess what? It is the truth.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.

Today our children were full of energy and fire and decided that they didn't really need naps. If you can imagine, by late afternoon we were in need of some distraction. We decided to try going to a family movie. Now I know that you all are thinking, "a movie? with a 19 month old and a 3 year old, are you crazy?" We went to the cheap theatre and obviously to a kids movie. Both of the kids had a really good time. I was amazed that they both sat very quietly for the entire movie. Landon sat on a booster in his own seat most of the movie and Kadence sat on my lap (I definitely wasn't going to complain about an hour and a half of snuggle time with a busy 19 month old who doesn't usually like to sit still). So, we all got out of the house and and had a great evening. And...Ryan and I were able to catch some sanity before bedtime! I am always sad when I think of how fast the kids are growing up, but then am reminded how fun it is to be able to take your kids and do things as a family when they are a little older:)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

My very best friend Jackie and I met in the twin cities last weekend for some relaxation and shopping. We left the kiddos at home so we could truly have some time for ourselves. We did a lot of shopping to say the least. We also ate at a restaurant with an 80 minute wait-something you would never do with your children along. It was so great to get together and just hang out-something we have not done without kids in a very long time. There is something about a best friend that just makes you feel better no matter what is going on in your life.

-Thank you Jackie for always being that person! I love ya!

Meanwhile...Ryan and the kids went to the farm and played with Grandma and Grandpa. I don't think they were missing me very much. Although, I missed them a TON and was very glad to be back home to them on Sunday evening.

There is hope...

First off I should say that I love staying home with my kids and wouldn't be happy doing anything else right now.

However, I have learned over the past couple of months that being a stay-at-home-mom isn't always all it's cracked up to be. There have been several days that I have thought to myself, it is so much easier to send your kids to daycare 30-40 hours a week (provided you have a good one) and let someone else raise your kids. Some days can be extremely challenging and it seems as though Ryan could not walk in the door a minute sooner.

Perhaps part of the challenge is the age of the kids right now. Landon, a strong willed independent, spirited child has always tested his limits. Since he has turned 3 he seems to be testing his limits even more. Kadence, the sweet, laid back, shy little girl has changed quite a bit over the past couple months. She has learned to scream, be aggressive, and test limits much in the same manner as her brother. So as you can imagine, the combination of the 2 can be quite unmanageable some days. They have learned how to push each other's buttons to the max and easily fight over and about EVERYTHING.

This photo was taken a couple of days ago when I was indeed frustrated almost to my max. I turned Barney on the computer around 1130am hoping the kids would be distracted so I could get some lunch ready. Suddenly I realized all I could hear was Barney singing-no screaming, fighting, or crying. I quickly ran into the living room wondering what I would find...

I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Kadence was sitting half on the chair half on Landon's lap with her brother's arms around her swaying back and fourth to the music. They were both smiling and loving life. It was then and there that I just stepped back and quietly watched. It is so good to see moments like this when you know that your children truly do love each other. I just wish they would happen more often-who knows then maybe I wouldn't appreciate them as much!

It is moments like these that I capture and thank God that I am able to stay home with my children. I know that it isn't always easy but it is the best thing a Mom could ask for. I get to see how they change and grow and learn on a day to day basis and be a part of it all. I get more snuggles in then I sometimes know what to do with. I am here when they wake up and when they go to bed and everything in between. So even though it has its challenges, I guess I do in fact love being a stay-at-home mom. And...there is hope that my children will get along, love each other, and be lifelong friends.

A day at Falls Park!

Ryan had Monday off since he had worked the weekend and it was so nice out we took all 3 kiddos to Falls Park. They were decorating for the Winter Wonderland Christmas and light festival that starts the end of the month-hard to believe since it was 60 degrees out.

I dressed Kadence like Olivia was dressed, it was pretty cute.
It is so fun that these two are the same age. It will be fun to see them grow up and I hope they can be good friends.
We stopped to look at a bunch of geese that were close by. The kids look enthused here!
We just let the kids run around and burn off some steam. What a great place to spend the morning with such beautiful weather. We ate lunch outside at the Overlook Cafe one last time this year. I am sure we will visit the Falls later this month, probably all bundled up in our winter clothes!

Birthday's are so fun!

Landon's week long birthday celebration was a blast. I think we should rename it "birthweek" next year. I guess that is what happens when both of your families live miles away. I am sure Landon wont complain!

On Thursday (his actual birthday) we went to Chuck E Cheese with our family of four and Natalie and Olivia. He had fun playing all the games and we had to get the traditional Chuck E Cheese picture. It still remains a debate if we go there for Landon or Ryan...

Here's a shot of Olivia riding the mini carousel that goes really SLOW!
Here's Kadence, me, and the dude. Then late Thursday night my parents came for the weekend. We had so much fun, like usual. Ryan had to work 14 hour days Friday and Saturday, so I was extremely thankful that I was not here alone! It was a gorgeous weekend in the 60's every day!
We even had the chance to hit up the park where the kids spent most of the time swinging. I am loving these nice November days along with the great company to share them with.
Kadence insisted on the big girl swing-Landon insisted on the baby swing, ironic.
We had another cake and candle celebration for Landon on Sunday before my parents left (so Ryan could join in). He is going to be a little candle-blowing-out champ! Needless to say they both ate just the frosting-and a lot of it!
Yet another fun-filled weekend with my parents. We sure love when people come and visit us! The kids just love the extra attention and spoiling. Nothing better than waking up to Grandma and Grandpa!

I can't believe my little boy is 3 years old. He is so fun right now and makes me laugh every single day. I just love the things he says and watching him grow. I just wish it didn't happen so fast.

Happy 3rd Birthday Landon Gary!!

We are making today all about Landon. It is the first year where he actually understands that it is his birthday (although he probably doesn't quite grasp what that means). I think he is liking this whole birthday idea-especially since the celebration started last Saturday at Grandpa Gary and Grandma Sue's house and will continue through this weekend with Grandpa Ken and Grandma Debbie at our house.

He was pretty excited after the doorbell rang and he realized the big package was for him-BALLOONS!!! He was just thrilled and even sat nicely and smiled for me-amazing. Thank you Grandpa Ken and Grandma Debbie for the birthday surprise!