a day in the life

justin has been working long days and many days lately.  i would be lying to say it's been no big deal.  we miss him so much.  it seems as though these six day weeks with some ten hour days mixed in aren't going anywhere any time soon.  i have to be honest and admit that as i go through the days, there are moments sprinkled throughout where struggle to embrace the joy of these days.  though for the most part, the Lord has been gracious to give me the perspective and joy i long for.  lately, i've been reminded of two simple truths: life is not all about me; it's about God.  and second, my time with my kids is a gift, and i want to embrace and enjoy it all...even the hard moments.

so here are highlights from one day...above was elise's first attempt to write her name.  i love it!!  below, i caught isaac reading to maurice.  he's such a book bug!

 i struggle with feeling guilty if maurice has been in the bouncy "too long"...i worry about his head getting flat and other silly things.  but here's our sweet, totally chill little guy.  love his blue eyes.  love his sweet, gentle nature.  love him!

after morning fun, Super Why, a nap, and elise doing school time, isaac needs a snack.  his latest favorite place to be is sitting on the counter or on a stool at the island.  i love how independent and capable he's becoming.  just this morning, he's started using short 2 and 3 word sentences.  so cool to see his speech develop one moment at a time.

 this scene is by no means normal at our house.  but twice this week, elise has crashed while watching cinderella...and i mean CRASHED!  both times i looked in to see her head falling to the side, snoring...with isaac right next to her, oblivious.

so while elise and maurice napped, isaac and i took advantage of rare one on one time and acted silly.

then our littlest man woke up...he's just so handsome!  i'm allowed to say that out loud, right?

later that night, the kids "helped" me get dinner ready...i firmly believe isaac would try to open the oven if i didn't stop him...