Goofy, Giggly Toddlers Make Me Smile

This time of year is rough for me. It's cold. I feel a bit couped up and isolated. The girls are both (knock on wood, say a prayer, turn around and spit thrice--I really shouldn't even be acknowledging this) mostly healthy, and we're trying to keep that that way for more than five minutes, which means we limit outings.

It's as if the girls knew their mama was having a bit of a rough time. They have been so full of giggles this week (1046). How can I not be both entertained and joyful with two goofy, giggly toddlers running around? Just have a look at these two!

Tights! They're just so cute! (1047)

The girls have just about the best papa in the whole world (1048)! He comes up fresh new things for them to try, and so patient with them! Yesterday he took them ouside to make and throw snowballs before all the snow melted (1049).

See their wee little snowballs in their hands?
They were running towards to the edge of the deck to throw them.

Brad also put on the girls' aprons and brought them into the kitchen with him, so they could make ham salad together (1050).

Isn't this one of the cutest things you've ever seen?!

We took the girls out to eat last night (1051). Our girls did so well! It was so encouraging to see them behave so well (1052), and fun to see them be excited about eating in a new place (1053).



I now have this on my mantle (1054):

I made it. It makes me happy. It's an important reminder for me.

I was so blessed with encouragement this week from my dear friend, Melissa, who hijacked my blog and told me just what I needed to hear (1055).

I got to go to a local bakery on Saturday to enjoy a delectable scone, hot coffee and uplifting conversation with my friend, Kelly (1056). She was so intentional about making a breakfast date with me--that blessed my heart (1057)!

In Sickness...

My list of thanks is a day late. This time the "sickness" was me, not the girls. Sunday evening I ended up with the stomach flu. You'd think after all the coughing and snot in our home, that I'd sing the same song, but alas, I got the curve ball. But, I'm so thankful:

1029. Brad was able to stay home Monday, so I could rest.

1030. The girls seem to have escaped the stomach flu (you can pray about that one, I am).

And in other news:

1031. We were most thankful to receive a beautifully crafted Halloween card (and a sweet note from their mama) from our friends in Kentucky :)

1032. The girls learning that pirates say, Aaaarrrrrh!

1033. Vases of delicious smelling roses all over our house! Who would have thought our roses would go crazy with blooms in November?!

1034 and 1035. While the girls were sitting on my lap, Hadley reached over to give Brynne her bink. Brynne then signed thank you, completely unprompted!

1036. Brynne telling me every time she needed her diaper changed.

1037. Ready for winter!