Bangs, beach and being silly

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads! I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Father's Day with their Hero! 

Speaking of heroes; I never thought cutting hair was a Dad duty, but it turns out it is one of many. At least for this Dad, who does a great job at this too! He came to my rescue again today. 

At 20 months old E got her VERY first hair cut. I finally worked up the courage to say goodbye to a few of her baby strands. Honestly, it was long over due. Putting her hair in pony tails was working up until last week when she started pulling the little rubber bands out of her hair. Yes, I tried head bands, bandanas and clips. She wanted nothing to do with those. I really didn't want to cut it but she was starting to really struggle with keeping the bangs out of her face and eyes. It was time. 

It took a few smarties for her to hold still.

Dad did a pretty good job. 

Why do I struggle so bad with cutting my little girl's hair? Is this one of those emotional connections Mommies have? I am seriously so attached to her little curls. But, if I have to admit it, her bangs look pretty cute. The best part, she can see now! 

The girls were so adorable today. They rolled around on the floor and play wrestled, tickling and squealing the whole time. I love when they are just being silly together. I'm so glad M connects with her lil' sis like this. It's so natural.

We made it to Grand Haven beach for the 2nd time this Summer. E couldn't get enough of the lake and kept chasing the waves and then running away from them. So, R and I took turns keeping her from washing away with the waves. Should I be surprised that M was in the water within minutes of arriving? Of course, she went under. Crazy kid! All though the beach was a bit windy and cut our beach trip short it was well worth the walk! 

All and all a great weekend! I am thankful to spend it with these 3. 

Til next time. Keep Loving. 

Minus One.

We, M, R and I were driving to pick up E yesterday and I found it very comforting that right smack dab in the middle of the week our whole family was together. I realized right then how much I miss M all the other days of the week. As quiet as she was hanging out in the back seat I still miss her when she's not there. I realized, riding home yesterday we're not quite whole minus one.

It's really nothing you will understand completely. Until you are in the moment. As I've said before, I never imagined falling for another woman's daughter or having this undying urge to want to spend more time with her. But, that is exactly what happen 4 years ago. And every day since we met I cant help but long to see her smiling face. Honestly, I get butterflies every time I see her again. She's such a fantastic, smart, goofy, fun girl.

I miss her when she isn't flopped on the couch reading a book, chasing after E, or begging, "Will you come outside with me now?" If I miss her there is no doubt in my mind, her Daddy does too. I can not be too greedy because I know we are lucky be granted this time with her. On the other hand, I feel like we've been totally scammed. Which is one of the many reasons why we take full advantage of our days with her and why there are moments, like the car ride, when I realize how all four of us together is what makes us a family.

I also never imagined having to share someone I love with an entirely separate family. Where rules, life style and expectations are completely different. I make a great effort to remind myself of this when the little things (washing hands, picking up after oneself and turning off lights) frustrate me. It has got to be confusing to have two sets of rules at two different homes.

I think growing up with just one mom, one dad, my biological sisters and brother, not sharing them with any one else is what really impacted my reactions to split homes. I still, can't even imagine what it is like for M. It is however, all she knows. R and I make an effort to make the transition between here and there as smooth as possible, always putting forth effort to be flexible.

That being said consistency is just as important as being flexible. We've definitely had to work out the kinks for awhile and it was a bumpy road but realizing that some things (being a few minutes early/late, keep certain clothes here or there) aren't life threatening. But consistency in our schedules, disciplines and rewards can make a BIG difference.

To all the families out there who are sharing their children, A+ for starters. Isn't sharing one of the very first life skills we teach our children? Which also happens to be the same thing that takes a whole heap of effort?

1. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to remember who is affected most in a split home situation: the children.

2. Be flexible. You might think this one needs to go at the bottom of the list and that is exactly why I put it at the top.

3. Consistency. It makes life that much easier on the child when the parent is consistent; with everything.

4. Love. Just love them and every moment you have with them.

5. Don't forget, if this journey is difficult, frustrating and makes you want to give up remember #4.

Our situation is far from perfect. I hope shedding light on how we deal with having to share one of our children might help; even just a little bit.

Keep Loving.

Home away from home.

It's a curse; moving away from home. You're raised and taught to believe that to leave the nest, take that first step out into the real (big) world is an accomplishment. Don't get me wrong, I believe it is. But, then you spend the rest of your life missing something. Home. 

I realize I have a home of my own now and I share it with an amazing family. I honestly, wouldn't have it any other way. I love my home in our little apartment in Grand Haven. I enjoy sitting in my living room playing with E and talking to R about work, future plans, etc. But, right around this time every year, when the roads are dangerous to travel on, I want to return to my childhood home.

I miss it more than anything. I miss Mom's cooking, Dad walking in the door to greet us with "Ladies!!" (you all know the sound), seeing my siblings all at once, watching White Christmas with Mom, playing games and the smell of wood burning in the wood stove. 

White Christmas

I suppose it's one of those things I'll add to my bittersweet list. 

There will never be enough time in life to spend with the ones you love. 

Luckily, my parents, my siblings, R and E will all be in one place, together on Christmas day. Somehow, all of a sudden, it's easier for my parents to make the trip here this year. I am so thankful they want to and can come stay in our neighborhood to celebrate Christmas. 

Christmas morning couldn't come soon enough. I definitely feel like a kid again, looking forward, anticipating with high hopes a very Merry Christmas. 

Keep loving. 

Crazy, Busy, drive all over God's green Earth day.

Whatever Wacky Wednesday seems to fit perfectly for today. It's usually my crazy, busy, drive all over God's green Earth day but this week Ryan is taking vacation time so their wasn't as much running for me. However, the crazy and busy part still seems to apply. 

As I've said before I love my schedule and my routine. Well, this week is NOT a routine week at all. We started off the week by camping (I'll be sure to write about our fun filled 2 day camp trip) and the rest is history. Maybe we are all stuck in vacation mode, even though not everyone in the house has the week off. 

I can't seem to catch up and get back on track. I'm loving a change of pace but I can't seem to find a spare minute in my day to relax, write or even pee. I've been doing dishes, chasing after Edee, folding the endless truck loads of laundry and, and, and....

Can I pretty please just...sleep?....

On a more positive note:

Maddi is staying with us all week. It has been great so far. She always wants to know: What are we doing today? What is the weather going to be like? What should I wear? She makes her bed every morning and didn't complain once about taking a shower tonight. I'm proud of her good habits and positive attitude. Today we even made a chore list; followed by a wish list. She is saving her money earned for a sewing machine first. I love that she likes to go go go; like her Dad. They both (and Edee) keep me going.

Speaking of go, go, go: Edee is almost walking. She now stands up from a sitting position and then claps. She knows she is doing something good, especially when we all get very excited and clap too. She will also take 2-3 steps before she leans in any random direction. I give her a couple days and watch out world!

This weekend will prove to be another busy couple days. One of Ryan's close friends is getting married and Ryan is a part of the wedding party. Rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception all take place Friday and Saturday. It should be a beautiful occasion. I'm looking forward to seeing Adam marry his sweet fiancé Erica.


Keep your eyes open for camping trip details and photos.
And keep loving.