Grateful for 7 Days of Chaos

It's been another crazy chaotic week for our family of four. Tonight was my first chance all week, to really sit back and relax. As I sat back and watched our girls play tonight, I remembered how truly blessed we are.

Over the past seven days, our family has:

Taught Sunday school,

Celebrated Easter with an egg hunt,
Celebrated 3 birthdays, one of which was the big 40,

Danced like a Happy Jack-in-the-box at dance class,

Got as much fresh air as possible, now that the weather is finally warmer,

Had 2 nights of interrupted sleep from a wee one fighting a bad cold and apparently a bought of insomnia,

Completed our taxes (yes, I procrastinated this year!),

Shuffled schedules for check ups with the doctor,

Had another pizza party,

And found plenty of trouble, having much fun while doing it....

All while working full time and keeping up with the never-ending chores and projects around the house.

As I reflect on the week, I realize that busier schedules lie ahead as the summer months approach. And compared to families who have more children or older children who are in more "after school" activities already, I'm sure our busy schedule is hardly considered all that busy. We aren't facing nightly homework, or multiple sports practices, etc. But, it still feels like we are constantly running, and some days barely keeping it together while doing so.

But, I am thankful for EVERY chaotic second. Every smile, every tear. We are blessed to have two healthy children (despite ear infections, etc.) and that we are healthy enough to chase after them. My heart and prayers go out to those who's children aren't so lucky - those who are going through Chemo, those who are awaiting a diagnosis, and those who are on a transplant list. Families facing these burdens are forced to deal with the pressure of chaos to a whole new level, along with additional emotional and financial challenges.

Thank you God for all 7 days of chaos! I anxiously await 7 more! Thank you for the strength to get through those days when I feel challenged to keep it all together. And thank you for reminding me that there are other people who are facing much more difficult challenges than getting kids ready and out the door on time. I am truly grateful for what you have given me.

WHY???

Who knew that sewing this: onto this:

could lead to so MANY questions?! Caroline has a dance recital coming up in May. Her recital pictures are tomorrow night. Her hat required a strap to keep it on her head during the recital. Typical me, I had to wait to the last minute to take care of it. But, what should have taken me 5 minutes took 15 due to a 1 1/2 year old crawling on and off my lap trying to confiscate my scissors, and a 4 year old who apparently can think of a million questions about why you use a needle, why you use thread, why you tie a not here and why you tie a not there. After the "why's" came the "how's". It was an exhausting 15 minutes!

Check back mid-May for pictures from her Jack-in-the-Box performance!

Coloring Eggs

Even though it was a big birthday filled weekend, we still found time to color eggs.

Party for a Princess # 2

We had a second party for Caroline on Sunday with my side of the family. The "Butterfly Fairies" fluttered all around.

More cake!

Then the girls enjoyed playing in Caroline's new pop up garden house (which she has camped out in every night since receiving it!).

Birthday Month Has Begun

April is a big birthday month for our family. Caroline, Jeff, and my sister have birthdays all within 4 days of each other. This does not include anniversaries, my Grandma's birthday, or birthdays of several friends throughout the month.

This year, the big weekend also happens to fall on Easter weekend. So, we started the celebrations early with a visit from Grandma & Grandpa K. The girls enjoyed Grandma reading to them before bed.

They snuck in extra snuggles whenever they could.

What 4 year old birthday girl doesn't deserve a crown?

(She's smiling so hard, look how tight her eyes are closed!)

And, little sis' always wants the same thing as big sis'.

So, non-birthday girls also got crowns.

Jeff got to celebrate his big 40 with 40 gifts.

And then there was cake!

Friday Night Pizza Party

We seem to have fallen into a new routine of having pizza on Friday nights. We've enjoyed some good quality family time together by turning it into a Friday Night Pizza Party. We eat downstairs in the bar (which doesn't get much use otherwise these days). We've had a lot of fun, and it's been something our whole family has come to look forward to.

A ride on the rocking train is always fun!

It's not a PARTY without balloons!

The ball tent is always a blast! (Of course, there are always balls EVERYWHERE!)

Squeaky Clean

Sweet Smile

Who could say no to this sweet girl?

My baby finally grew some hair!

Both of my girls had a slow start when it came to growing hair. Emily finally grew enough to wake up to "bed head"!

And, it's finally long enough in the back for piggies! (The best part is that she even leaves them in...unlike her older sister.)

Our little musician...

Caroline loves to dance. But, if she's not dancing, she's usually singing. She loves to make up songs. Here she is giving us a concert. (She even close her eyes and swayed like Stevie Wonder while playing. It was too cute. Too bad I didn't get it on video.)

"My Ears, My Ears!", Murph thought! (Really, I'm just kidding. Caroline can really hold a tune pretty well!)