Time

Time is a strange thing. Why is it that one day when I wake up my thoughts go directly to: "I must get ABCDEFG&H done by 12:00"? Why is it that the next day when I wake up my thoughts go to "Gosh, is it only Tuesday?" Some days fly by and some days drag. Despite the activity that occurs in our house, every day is pretty much the same. We have a routine that we've all become accustomed to and we stick by it for the sake of sanity.

Time is particularly strange when children enter the picture. If a child is fussy and crying, 5 minutes can seem like 5 hours. If you're at the park, you lose track of time and you're wondering why everyone is all of a sudden everyone is entering a meltdown when you look at your watch and realize it's 20 minutes past naptime. Oops! Your first child you spend entertaining and agonizing over the "next big thing". Rowan walked at 12 months-very normal, but he didn't crawl until 11 months or get his first tooth until 11 months. I just couldn't stand it that he wasn't progressing in a timely enough fashion for me. Now he's 5 1/2 and playing t-ball, reading, becoming more and more independent of me. How did that happen? Holland, who did (and still does) everything at mock speed was always ahead of the curve. People are always asking me how old she is and then, in turn, comment on how she acts older. Because she's always been like this, I have a tendancy to put her capabilities closer to Rowan's than they should actually be. Now we've got Shep. I am so overwhelmed that he is 6 months old already. How is it that he's progressed this far and I've barely noticed it. He is such a go-with-the-flow kind of baby that I guess I have taken his development a bit for granted. This has all hit me as I've put away the baby baby clothes and taken out the next set, the 6-12 months stuff. What? Did I just write 12 months??? I feel like an old lady when I say it, but I better stop hurryin' up their growin' up or they'll be grown up in too much of a hurry!

Other Stuff

Let's see, we are back in the swing of things and 2009 is off to a great start. January went by in a flash. In fact, I barely remember it. We have been spending good quality time with mom and dad and that is so fun. I'm so glad the kids still get excited to see them even when we see them more than once a week. What a blessing! We have applied for Rowan to go to the public montessori school and will hear in early March if he gets in. Holland is registered and will be attending 4 or 5 days a week next year at the same school we've been at since Rowan was 3. We love it there!!! I wasn't sure about sending her that many days, but I really want her to attend kindergarten there, so I kind of have to keep here in there so she has a spot. Speaking of school, Rowan celebrated his 100th day of school this week. He had to wear 100 of something. Off to the craft store for inspiration we went. He finally decided on 100 stars glued onto a t-shirt in the shape of a "100" on the front and back. Very cute! He starts t-ball practice today. Holland has been practicing writing her name. I know this is very early, but she has an older brother to keep up with. She doesn't even know all her letters yet, but she can write an "H" and and "o" to start her name off. They are her favorite letters. She is an interesting one. Shep is rolling everywhere and so over the bouncy seat and swing. I use them for about 10 minutes so I can wash dishes-which I've been doing since January 1 when our dishwasher broken-or go to the bathroom. That's about it. He loves his excesaucer where he can stand up and watch the comings and goings of big brother and big sister. John is busy with work as usual. He will be studying for the CFP exam again and will take it in July. Pray he passes! I just finished up my Bible study with my college girls and will start a new one with ladies from my sunday school class soon. Most of my days are spent cooking, cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, carpooling, reading with the kids (Rowan can really read now!!!), reading books from the library for myself-imagine that, and playing with the kids. We are ready for spring so we can frequent the parks again. And that about sums it up!

Christmas 2008

Yes, I realize it is February. I am always apologizing about not posting. It is what it is. If you want to see more pictures, look at facebook b/c it's easier to download them there. Here are a few to capture the moments. Enjoy!