...flying solo..and Mother's Day...

Happy Belated Mother's Day.

This week I'm flying solo as a single parent. My husband is taking a class required for work in Michigan leaving us for 10 days. This will be the longest he has ever been away from home. We are about half way through the week and I'm ready for his return. It's exhausting being on 42/7. However, if anyone asks...this week went perfect, the house stayed spotless and the kiddos behaved like little angels.

For Mother's Day, the kiddos and I drove up to see my parents. The kids had a blast hiking, bike riding and horseback riding. And I enjoyed some adult conversation, and clean county air.

Wish us luck as we muddle our way through the last couple of days until Daddy comes home.

a baby shower for my sister

On Sunday I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for my youngest sister. It was a team effort between my sister's Mother-in-law, our own Mother and myself. We all worked hard putting this shower together and I'm really happy with how things turned out. Growing up, my sister loved horses. I wanted to incorporate ponies and horses in the shower decor. My sister's MIL found these darling pony cake toppers on Etsy, and my Mother made pony sugar cookies.

My sister is a talented artist. I wanted to have guests decorate their own works of art on plain onesies for my sister's new baby. I thought as an artist, she would appreciate having unique works on art for her daughter to wear. The shower guests had a blast creating and decorating the onesies. I'm looking forward to seeing the onesies in action.

...And lastly, this painting was in my sister's main bathroom. I was surprise and amused. The girl in the red sunglasses is me. My sister painted this picture about seven or eight years ago. I think its hilarious that she hung it in the bathroom. It's like I'm staring down on anyone using the potty....silently judging people as they pee.  

23 months

pc: Hollie Macomber 

I thought I'd do a quick baby update for Alara.

By this time next month she'll be two, and not a baby anymore.

Pass the tissues. 

• The terrible twos have arrived! The cutesy saying about "letting her sleep for when she wakes she will move mountains" have taken on a whole new meaning around here. Alara knows what she likes and isn't afraid to let us  know! 

• She's attached herself to one specific blanket. This blanket goes everywhere. She can't sleep without it. Originally, the blanket belonged to Dadi. I'm not sure when or how Alara decided that it was her blanket, but they are inseparable. Tears are shed when I wash it...and I usually have to wash the blanket when she isn't looking. 

• Mama is still #1...and I'd like to keep it that way. However, Daddy is a close second (and could easily take first place especially if Mama has done something horrible like wash her blanket). 

• I'm not sure if its personality, or a second born thing...or both...but Alara isn't afraid to push kids out of the way to get what she wants. She's a fighter. 

• She's a caregiver and often tries her best to comfort anyone who is hurting or sad. She gives a comforting "Uh-oh" and "sad baby" when friends and or strangers are crying. 

•  Lastly, this sweet little girl is growing up and I'm so blessed to be her Mama. I'm looking forward to celebrating birthday #2 with her in a few weeks.