The anti blog

I've started a new blog........about how horrible blogging can be!!! What?? I know. But it's true. Truth be told, I just have so many flaws and struggles- as well as good days, good mom moments, and once in a while I make something pinterest worthy. BUT I just feel the need to share truth, and I'd love to hear it back from y'all too. Maybe we can encourage each other by really sharing- both the good and the bad. http://notsoperfectfullofgrace.blogspot.com/

The Beach!

 Of course Gabe found a way to play with his car

This summer we are "staycationing it" Meaning we aren't. going. anywhere. :)  But the awesome thing about kids is that if you make something sound awesome, it just is. A few weekends ago we decided to plan a beach day. One of my favorite things in the world is vacation. I love it. And since we aren't going anywhere "big" in the near future I tried to really amp up our day away and make it a little mini retreat. The kids were SO excited. They were SO excited in fact, that they were utterly dissapointed when Josh, Judah and I were not ready (and fully dressed) to head out the door at 6AM!!!!! When we got to newport it was still cloudy and a bit chilly so we ate at the Rouge Brewery. Then we spent the entire day at the beach. It got to the point where there wasn't even enough wind to fly our kites! It was great! We played hard all day, had a picnic dinner, went into town for ice cream and got home slightly after bedtime. It was a great day, and Gabe and Grace are still talking about how much fun they had.

There are so many many things I have been meaning to post about all summer long. We have been having a great summer. I always feel a bit remorseful on days like today, when I forget my camera as we do something I'd like to document and remember. But that being said I've been savoring the moments and instead of writing blog posts in my head (which I can't help but do sometimes) while we're doing something I've been soaking it in. My kids are at such fun ages. Grace is just learning everything, not only is she learning to read (beyond memorized words!) but something has clicked in her mind now where she hears and understands EVERYTHING. It is a very new experience for us, to have a little mind hearing, understanding, and questioning everything we say, but I actually love it. It is making us actually think before we speak and practice kindness and truth ALL the time (well try to at least). We are having to BE good, Christ loving, and caring people instead of just trying to TEACH her right from wrong. She is just lovely both inside and out. AND she starts kindergarten in only a few weeks! I can't believe it!

Gabe, my sweet boy Gabe turned 3 this summer! He is still the most spirited and energetic boy I know. He has been learning a lot this summer as well. He's starting to learn his numbers and shapes. He knows his abc's and his colors. And big news - he is completely and fully potty trained! He was using the potty off and on for around 6 months, and then one day, shortly after his birthday he just said- "I want to wear undies". And from then on we were just done with diapers! He doesn't even wear pull ups at night! I am so proud of him. While he is so passionate about everything he does (which is good and bad) he is such a sweet boy, and I love watching him grow into the person God made him to be.

Judah bear. I am constantly saying "Judah baby of the world" (stolen from the Kevin Henkes book Julius). Because he just is. He is SO sweet. He is happy almost all of the time. He loves watching his crazy brother and sister run around and yell and scream, and they equally delight in his rewarding giggles. All in one week, grace began to read, Gabe potty trained himself and Judah started eating real food! He is now eating rice cereal and a few fruits and vegetables. I am truly cherishing this year of cuddling him and enjoying his sweet babyness because I know how quickly it will pass!