Toppling Over Tulips

I'm pretty sure I've stated this many times in the past, but I have a complete love-hate relationship with Tulip Time. I enjoy strolling downtown, partaking in the food vendors and festival activities. I can not stand the crowds though. I think I made a record number of trips to 8th Street this year since we were blessed to have both my mom and dad come for visits. I typically have high expectations for partaking in all the entertainment available, but then reality hits and I realize what a chore it is to load up two little people to fight the crowds by myself. May in Michigan is so unpredictable you need multiple layers of clothing along, as well as snacks, drinks, camera, diapers, etc. Plus some way to transport it all. Just thinking about it exhausts me!

My mom came for a surprise visit on Monday and we were able to hit the carnival before she had to leave town. Emma was allowed to pick any ride, but she chose the trampoline. This is what she picks at every fair we go. Never mind that it is the most expensive activity, nor the fact that we have one at home- silly girl.

Grandma proceeded to ignore my one ride rule and Emma took a spin on the motorcycles as well as playing two games. Thank goodness she didn't win a fish. It would have been a long ride back to Flint in a plastic bag :) We did get to bring some well constructed stuffed lizards home that the dog would love to claim as his own.

Keeping E-man entertained while we waited for sissy.

A few days later my dad came to stay and attended the parade with us on Wednesday. It proved to be quite a warm afternoon for parade watching, especially if you were not one of the lucky few to score a spot in the shade. Of course Emma and Easton had to be hefted up above the crowd, making things just a touch warmer. When the parade was over, we caught a free puppet show in the family rest area. We've seen this particular performer in the past and Emma loves him. It was a great way to end the afternoon.

Now, a week later, I finally got up the gumption to pile all our stuff into the van again and hit Centennial Park to get pics of the kids in their costumes. I love to have the photos, but I dread taking them. I have a feeling next year will be even more challenging... There was a local lady advertising her services on FB to take photos for $15 and I'll admit I seriously considered it. After the way our photo shoot went, I may have to hunt her down for TT 2014. I got a few good ones, but Eason is no longer one to sit still for more than 5 seconds which hardly gives me time to step away from him and focus my camera.

This is how he really felt about having his pictures taken...

Easton only took out two tulips in the process and all photographic evidence has been deleted. They can't get too upset now since the festival is officially over right?!? It was primarily another successful year. At least there were tulips to take pictures with as apposed to the 'Stem Festival' of 2012!

Daddy Would be so Proud...

I think Jason finally wins- it's time to get this boy a hair cut. Although I will not allow it to be shaved, sorry dear! Just add a hair accessory (courtesy of big sis) and instant girl.

Thank goodness he has an appointment scheduled for tonight :)

Mother's Day 2013

Hope all of you have a glorious Mother's Day and know how important you are to your family! Also thinking of those who have yet to experience the joys of motherhood that you are desperately wishing for and those who are missing their mom's today.

I am so blessed to have these sweet babes to call me 'mommy'! Thank you for giving me the title. Can't believe there will be 3 this time next year! So thankful I have a wonderful example in my life to follow as well- I hope I can be half the mom to my kids as she has been for me.

I pray everyone is able to be surrounded with family today to celebrate the special women in your lives, no matter how what their official 'label' may be!

Frantic Spring

That time of year has come again. Days are dictated by the weather and in turn so are the moods in our household. When the sun is shining Jason can be found in a tractor in one of the numerous fields- tilling, spraying, planting. We're lucky to get 10 minutes a day with him when the weather is cooperating which tends to result in the kids' attitudes taking a tank. Luckily they love to be outside, which serves as a great distraction. Throw in some great neighbors and some evenings go by so effortlessly. If all else fails, I stick E-man in front of the window and tell him to watch for tractors- this usually holds his attention for at least 5 minutes.

This year has added stress due to April's exceptional showers and Ron's health struggles. More responsibility has landed on Jason's shoulders and he's trying to juggle all of his duties. I'm trying to really make an effort this year and not be too needy. He's already got enough on his plate. Some days prove to be more of a struggle then others, when time seems to stretch on with bed time far in the distance and no adults to talk to. In reality, Jason is only home for dinner on normal weeknights for 30 minutes to an hour usually, but some how those extra minutes make all the difference in the world to our family.

The kids love to ride in the tractor with daddy too. It has become a little trickier now that there are two eager riders. Emma loves to tag along, but Jason can't have E-man along at the same time. Our little guy thinks he's ready to take over the wheel already and his little hands tend to keep you quite busy. I'm still trying to work out a good system without spending my entire evening carting kids back and forth so they can take turns. Easton was able to take his first solo ride with Daddy yesterday. It was only one trip down the field, but he loved it. He rode in the combine with us last fall, but he wasn't fully able to appreciate it yet. Luckily he enjoys riding in the Commander as much as the tractor so there were no major meltdowns when it was time to go.

I loved the Super Bowl commercial 'So God Made a s Farmer' and I found this floating around on FB this week: http://sierrashea.com/farmerswifepoem/. I feel as though I embody some of these attributes, as do many wives and moms I know. As much as I lament the seemingly ceaseless days and all the grueling work that needs to be done, I am truly proud of my husband. He works endlessly from sun up to long past sun down to provide for our family and many others typically running on 6hours of sleep or less. Please keep him and all the farmers in your prayers and they work to help put food on tables every where. It takes a special breed to do this and I am honored to be married to one of them.

Sweet Sanctuary

Photo courtesy of amazon.com

This was another new author for me- I love checking out new-to-me writers! The story is set in America during WWII. Lydia is a mom to four year old Nicky and she couldn't be happier with her role- until Nicky's drug-addicted father shows up and threatens to tear their world apart. Nicky's biological mother died during childbirth and Lydia is the only mommy he knows, but she has no legal rights to keep him away from his father.

 

Then Micah comes along, a former coworker of Lydia's who is instantly captivated by this sweet boy. Is there any way he can help keep the family together? Meanwhile he is struggling to run his healthcare clinic for immigrants while harboring a secret of his own. As a relationship between Lydia and Micah grows will they be able to overcome the challenges they are facing?

 

This was an easy read and I was quickly caught up in the story. I loved the development of characters and the ability to see them grow and change through out the novel. It was amazing to see the scarifies that were made, though difficult at times, to order to follow God's will. You can see His hand in many events that progress through out the story. A wonderful reminder to always trust Him!

 

Thanks to Bethany House publishers who sent me a free copy. It is not required that I give a positive review, but to express my own opinions of this book.