Snug as a bug.

When Kenzie woke up from a nap the other day, this is how she was greeted.  I often let her wake up a little and talk in her crib before I go get her.  Landon and Kadence always want me to get her as soon as she wakes up.  By the time I headed into the room to get her, her big brother and sister had already climbed right in with her.  Kenzie thought this was a pretty fun idea and they played in there for quite some time.  Enough time for me to get my suitcase packed, actually.  I had to grab a picture to capture this silly, sweet moment.

Candelion.

Oh the cute things they say.  This little love bug has been loving "candelions."  When the weather first got nice and we were taking walks and exploring the field next to our house, we found one yes one dandelion.  Is that even possible?  Isn't the dandelion the weed known for its ability to totally take over an area of grass?!  Of course, the kids had a very hard time sharing this one dandelion because they both wanted it.  Perhaps they were just hanging on to the idea that this hopefully meant spring was near (or maybe that was just me).

We now have an abundance of dandelions in our field and everywhere we go.  Landon still thinks these "candelions" are precious flowers and never wants to step on them or ruin them.  It makes me laugh.  I suppose when he gets a little older I will have to excitedly accept his bouquets of dandelions.  Have I mentioned I hate the smell of dandelions!  But, I sure do love this little boy.

Farm.

Farm: an area of land and its buildings used for growing crops and rearing animals.

The Strasburg Farm: a home and its surroundings filled with more love, good food, and entertainment than one could ever wish for.

We made a trip back to the farm last weekend.  The kids could hardly contain themselves with the excitement they had all week.  We were hoping for a little bit nicer weather on Saturday, but the gorgeous day on Sunday made up for it.  The kids had a great time outside playing and "helping" Papa.  They moved cows on Saturday, which I find absolutely fascinating.  I suppose I am a "city slicker" through and through.  I wish I would have had my camera for that event, next time.

Ryan and I took a ride with the older kids out to a pasture on Sunday.  I was able to play with my camera a little and take some shots with my larger lens that I haven't used much yet.  I was fascinated with the beauty of the land.  The lines are absolutely gorgeous and so different from what I grew up with.  I also got some fun shots of the cows.  Now you may think it is silly to take photos of cows especially if you have grown up with them your entire life.  But, I have always been intrigued and amazed by the beauty and simple, instinctive ways of the cows.

And seriously, how cute are these babies?

Loved the curiosity of this one.

Had to put this shot in.  This cow was getting pretty close to us and I was going to take a picture of her and she moved closer and I totally jumped and this is the angle I got.  Ryan was laughing at me as you can imagine.  Sometimes I wonder if cows don't have it right; life is so simple, caring about only their basic needs.

I thought this was hilarious.  While we were in the pasture, Landon decided he should tag his own ears just like the cows.  Too funny.

We stopped to throw some rocks.  I think kids are more satisfied with dirt, sticks, water, and rocks than any fancy toys.

Kadence loved her "oyange" hat.  She thought she was pretty special.  I wont mention the fact that it was mid-May and we should not have had to wear stocking hats.

Kenzie got some outside time with Grandma.  She even enjoyed riding in the Ranger, too!  As long as she's being held (standing up) and moving she's usually pretty happy.  Ha.

Love the chub she's getting on her cheeks!

Ryan did some lawn mowing and the kids both thought this was so fun to ride with him.

I was surprised this little love stayed on for an hour!

Landon rode in the tractor with Papa. I'd like to be a fly in the corner for one of their rides some time.

Kadence had fun playing tractors.  The very same tractors Ryan played with when he was a little boy!

Another weekend of fun at the farm gone by too quickly.  I just love taking the kids to the farm and having them experience some of the things that Ryan did growing up.  They love being outside and there is so much room to explore and play.  Hopefully they didn't wear out Grandma and Grandpa too much!

Prayer.

I had posted this already, and it somehow was erased...frustrating.  Well here it is again.

Ryan and I had baptism orientation in preparation for Kenzie's upcoming baptism.  At first I thought the idea was somewhat silly, but actually the class was very informational.  It also happened to be a great reminder to incorporate Jesus into your child's life even if you think they are too young to "get" it.

We usually say bedtime prayers at night and have been adding to them.  We have been asking Jesus to help us with the things we are struggling with during the day, i.e: fighting, whining, not sharing.

Today Landon was sent to time out in his room.  I set the timer like I normally do and expected to hear him crying the entire time.  Instead, after just a few seconds, he stopped crying.  I waited until the timer went off and went upstairs to talk with him.  He was sitting in his chair with his hands folded and this is what he said to me,

"Mom, I cried for a little bit, then I prayed to Jesus to help me be a good boy.  I'm sorry, Mommy.  I love you, Mommy"

Wow.  I guess they do "get" it even though they are young.

Getting so big.

Sweet baby Kenzie is growing so fast.  She will already be 6 months in just a couple weeks and I can hardly believe it.  I thought perhaps the time wouldn't seem to go so fast once our life slowed down a bit, but unfortunately that's not really how it works.  With that said, this is probably my most favorite baby age. Over the past month, Kenzie has seemed to change a great deal and really is growing into her own little person.

My favorite thing about Kenzie right now is her big, bright open mouth smile.  It shows so much happiness and love.  It also shows her little tooth that is coming up more and more.  She smiles so much. She has developed a special love for her big brother.  He is such a good helper and when asked to entertain his littlest sister for a minute so I can get something done, does so willingly.  She can be fussing and cranky and the minute he goes by her and talks to her she is happy and smiling (until he walks away).   I even often catch her gazing at him and just smiling when he's not even looking at her.  Kenzie has also developed a fascination with Emma.  Since she has a lot of drool and occasionally puke, the feelings are mutual.

Kenzie spends quite a bit of time in her Baby Einstein exersaucer and enjoys being able to look around and see what is going on.  Her favorite toys right now are anything she can chew on, she loves the toothbrush (new) her daddy gave her and the wipe package the most.  She is also quite mobile when laying on the floor she will roll all around.

Kenzie has also been sitting up on her own quite a bit now.  I usually stick a pillow behind her so that if she flops back she wont bang her head on the floor.  But, she usually goes from sitting to her tummy and rolling because she wants to get to something and doesn't enjoy sitting still for too long.

Lil' K has also been spending a great deal of time in the jogger stroller.  She hasn't quite decided if she likes this idea or not.  I think it must remind her of riding in the car.  She is okay for a little bit but then decides she's ready to be done and starts screaming.  She doesn't like the sun in her face or if it is too windy.  This, like the car, is something she is just going to have to get used to.  I love being outside in the summer with the kids and we all love going for walks, especially walks to the park.  I am hoping she will get over it...soon.

My least favorite thing about sweet little Kenzie right now is the blood curdling scream she has started to do when she does not get her way or just because.  I know it is bad to discourage this "exploration" stage, but it is very loud.  She is starting to sleep just a little better and I'm hoping this will continue to improve.

Growing up so fast and nothing but more love for this sweet baby.  I am trying to stop and take the time to enjoy this sweet age as it passes by so so quickly-easier said than done with a 3 and 4 year old as well.  Hard to believe she is almost 6 months and will have her first tastes of food before long.  Love her.

Kadence's first haircut.

No...the title was not a typo.  This was in fact Kadence's very first haircut.  It was so hard for me to get her hair cut since she doesn't have a ton and it has taken forever to grow.  I decided to take her and Landon to lil' Whipper Snippers.  Lil' Whipper Snippers is a salon for kids only and actually where Landon had his first haircut 3 1/2 years ago when he was just 1 year old!  Kadence was reluctant at first, but did just fine.  It helps that each station has individual TV's to watch.  She sat perfectly still and watched Curious George.

Wow!  I can not believe how much better her hair looked after the little trim!  She took about 2 inches off of the longest part (or what the stylist called-her tail) and it just made her hair look so much thicker.  According to Kadence, the best part was when the stylist sprayed "farkles" (sparkles) in her hair.  She was SO excited!

Let's not forget Landon.  He has had many haircuts and was good like usual.  He was very excited when the stylist asked if he wanted his hair spiked.  As soon as we got home he wanted Kadence and I to run to the mirror with him to look at his hair.  Too funny!

On a side note, Kadence informed me that, "next time when I'm a boy and Landon is a girl, I will get "fikey"  (spikey) hair like Landon and he will get "farkles" like me."  I'm not sure how that is going to work?

Happy Mother's Day!

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."

Happy Mother's Day to the two greatest mothers and grandmothers in this world!  Love you!