R&R?

When we lived 250 miles away, Amy and I talked about how great it would be if I lived in Sioux Falls and I could do daycare for her, she would save money, I would make money...well, here we are. Recently, Amy had to return to work after having Micah, and was a little discouraged about the price of having 2 kids at her daycare. So, together we decided to open up April's daycare services! So now 3-4 days a week I get the privelege of taking care of Mayah and Micah in addition to my 3 little lovies. Overall, I would say that despite a couple of rough moments (literally, sweet little Addie who takes care of the babies at the church nursery, was initially pretty hostile towards Micah), it's going surprisingly well. That being said, especially the first 2 weeks, after spending 10 hours taking care of 5 children ages 4 and under, making dinner, and cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, I was d.o.n.e. This night Matt cleaned up after dinner and I told him I was going to rest on the couch for a little bit. The day was long, I wanted to close my eyes and just be alone for a little bit...which is why I shouldn't have chosen the couch.

This is what happened!

But, they're sweet. And I should've known-it was basically an open invitation for "snuggle".

my song.

Nathan wrote a song the other day, which isn't totally unusual-he's usually making up songs, but this one was for me. I don't know how much longer this will last, when our children will stop telling us we're "the best", want to hold our hands, and even kiss us on the lips, so I'll revel in it now and enjoy these moments.

Here is the music Nathan wrote out:

And peformed live:

(I wasn't able to get the whole song, but the message still comes across)

3.

Beautiful Ella. You are now 3! Though weeks before your birthday you claimed you didn't want to be 3, you wanted to be 4, you have taken on 3 quite wonderfully.

Most of your life you have been "tag along K" always trying to keep up with Nathan and your older cousins. Now you are becoming your own beautiful little lady, discovering what you love...though you still do love to do whatever the "4 year-olds" are doing.

You are quirky. You love to add "googy" to the end of any word (i.e. good-bye Daddy-googy), and instantly it is hilarious to you. Our other favorites are "foobody", like "foobody ate my snack" and laster time, as in "we read that book laster time." We love your sweet demeanor. You are soft spoken, and often mature for your age. You have always had a genuine care and concern for others, and are always the first to clean up a spill or pick up a mess.

You are our loose cannon, our free spirit. You remind us to dance whenever or wherever there is music playing.

You have beautiful hazel eyes and an irresistable left-cheek only dimple. (though these are not new traits, they may still be your daddy's downfall)

We love you Ella Grace! and we are priveledged to be called your mommy and daddy.

Princess Party.

Ella Grace is 3!

We celebrated with family in the utmost girliest way. The theme was Princesses and Springtime, mainly because Ella wanted both princesses and flowers, and hey, why should a girl have to choose. The night before and morning of, Matt and I put up a few girly details. I regret that I don't have a picture of all the streamers Matt put up on the ceiling-very royal.

Matt thought this looked like a group of little mice put it up:)

Per Ella's requet, chocolate flower cupcakes. This was the first time I didn't' do a big cake, but I was okay with it.

Yeah! Party Time!

Oh to be 3!

Enjoy!

Ella obviously chose a purple frosted cupcake.

Present time! My parents have a personal mission to find a singing card for every birthday...this one did the chicken dance-a crowd favorite.

Ella was the first grandchild to get a piggy bank for her birthday made by Papa (my dad). He used the same design to make a piggy bank in high school, and decided that he would make one for each kid.

This photo accurately depicts what went on for the remainder of the party. The kids, particularly the girls were putting on a parade-only I thought parades were suppose to be slow.

I love Ella's sweet heart-she's especially affectionate towards all her grandparents. Here she is with Papa.

Just when we thought it was (finally) over, my parents decided to bring in another gift. A princess bicycle! Ella was really excited about it, then all the kids took turns riding it in the house from the front door to the back door (with Papa walking beside).

My nephew Kendon especially loved the bike. When someone else was on he would make sure to stay close by and say "my turn next".

It was a great day and we are so thankful to all our loving family. We especially are thankful for our little princess Ella. I can't believe she is 3!

Washington Pavillion

We love the Washington Pavillion in downtown Sioux Falls, we even have a family pass. It's the perfect cure for the winter blahs.

my ellie bean!

It's the debut of our etsy shop! Ok, so we only have 9 items right now, but Amy and I have been making little headbands ands onesies with a goal of putting them on etsy. (If you've never heard of etsy, it's a great online site for buying/selling homemade goods.) It's one of those things we've talked about doing and decided to finally just do it. I guess you could say it's on the 30 before 30 list (only 2 more months to go...yikes!). So, now with no further ado, I present...my ellie bean!

http://www.myelliebean.etsy.com/

What do you do all day?

For journaling sake, I decided to photograph some of our everyday happenings. It was also good for me to see that we are fairly active even if it feels like we don't do much because of the freezy cold temps. (though as I write this, it is much warner...30's I think?)

First riser: Ella, in bed for Bible Study...

Eating breakfast with daddy (Nathan & Addie are still asleep)...

Snuggly storytime in bed on cold winter mornings...my favorite.

(Addie is still sleeping:)...

Everyone's up!

Time for play; This time, fishing on the steps...

Ella getting ready to dance. 20 minutes of dancing goes a long way (have I mentioned we don't play outside much right now?)...

Dance Party!

Addie always wants to be the DJ, and Nathan always tries to keep her away (Ella just dances). Notice our sweet sound system:)...

Later, Ella flying around the house with a shawl. I think we were doing preschool, which is why Nathan is at the table in the background...Not for sure why I didn't take pictures of preschool!

Addie is a little mommy and loves to take care of anything that will be her baby...

Due to aunties and great-aunties, all 3 kids have their own computer. Right now it helps Ella learn her letters and numbers...

Addie goofing...

Nathan reading, sigh...

Math flashcards! Nathan likes adding small numbers together (love the excitement on his face), and these cards were Matt's when he was growing up...
While Ella and Addie nap, Nathan does "quiet time", then there's usually time for he and I to do something. This day he chose playdough...

When Matt comes home, it's about 2 minutes before wrestling breaks out...

Ella dressing up and being goofy...

A favorite pasttime is hide-and-seek. It's not too difficult since they always hide in either the closet or under the covers of the bed. Can you find Ella?

Here I am!

Addie decided to accessorize while hiding.

It's Wednesday, which means Cubbies!

That's the day in a nutshell...minus, the "necesseties". I did not take pictures of myself cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, or tutoring...and Matt does do more than eat and wrestle with the kids:)