My best friend, Kate

Madeline has a playdate with a neighborhood friend almost every week. This week, they played in their pretty dress up clothes, rode the tricycle and car, and drew with chalk out in our cul-de-sac. Sometimes they paint, play store, draw on the whiteboard or go to the park. We love having Kate come to our house because she is so sweet, loves Jesus and is a good influence on Madeline.

Not ready for the hard stuff

I tried giving Mason his first piece of cereal the other day. He seemed ready, even excited to eat it. Then, he realized there was something foreign in his mouth and started gagging. He not only spit out the cereal but some of his previously enjoyed breakfast. Oh well; we'll try again next week.

Ready? Set...Action!

Madeline experienced her first movie in the theater yesterday. I say "experienced" because the volume was up so loud you felt like you were in the movie, not just watching it. We saw the VeggieTales, "Jonah", and enjoyed popcorn and Junior Mints. I confess I brought in my own juice boxes. Mason enjoyed watching about 30 minutes of the movie before nodding off; I couldn't believe he slept through all that noise! Anyway, it made me remember seeing my first movie in the theater (The Fox and the Hound). Madeline did much better than I did: no sobbing, no leaving the theater, no nightmares about howling pups and frantic foxes. I guess she's more mature than I was. Well, if you can remember what your first movie was, leave a comment and we'll reminisce together.

The Party

We had a somewhat successful celebration last night for Madeline. All the decorations, food, and activities came off beautifully. Unfortunately, the guest of honor was scraped up and sad. About 5 minutes before everyone showed up to the party, Madeline fell twice and hurt both her knees. By the time we were ready for her to blow out her candles, she was too emotional to enjoy the singing and festivities. So, all her little friends blew out her candles for her. She did, however,

enjoy a big helping of cake and ice cream. Oh well; there's always next year!

Last Swim Lesson

Yesterday was the end of a couple of things for Madeline. She said goodbye to being 2 and she had her last swim lesson. Even though she was glad to be done with her lessons, I know she will enjoy the fruit of her labors for years to come as she improves her new swimming skills. One of the last tasks Madeline practiced was swimming with her coverup on so she would know how it feels to be weighed down with extra clothing if she accidentally fell in or was pushed. She did great! Thank you, Miss Barb, for all your good teaching!

Madeline's cake in progress

Here a few pictures of our cake-making process yesterday. I decided to make a 3 tiered, chocolate fondant cake. Under the fondant is either chocolate or white buttercream frosting. Not too decadent. So, to cut the sweetness, I added solid chocolate flip flops to a couple of the layers. We'll also have ice cream for those folks who need something cold with their cake. A friend from across the street, Brodie who's 11, came over to help me make the colorful chocolate flip flops that will decorate the cake. She was a true help! Her mom, Gaynor, also helped me with Mason. She is always a willing babysitter when I need one. I'm still making some decisions about the rest of the decor for the cake, but it'll get done...it has to.

Madeline's 3rd Birthday (Morning)

This morning started early: 5:55AM. Madeline was up putting on her chapstick and waiting for one of us to make some sounds so the day could start. It has been and will be a day of celebration for her. She ate her oatmeal quickly (what kid wouldn't?) so she could open her presents and cards from family and friends, and then we took her out into the garage so she could see her new tricycle. She was genuinely happy with each gift she opened and wanted to play with each one. She was especially keen on keeping her $3, from Uncle Bob and Aunt Ava, right beside her. She is really looking forward to tonight's get together with some friends from our neighborhood. We will have cake, homemade ice cream, and a few activities. Because she got so many gifts from loved ones, we asked that her little friends not bring gifts to the party. There will be plenty of years (Lord willing) for parties and presents, right? Anyway, the cake still has some work to be done on it. But hopefully it will all be done by 6:30Pm when Madeline blows out the candles!

Ball or Baby?

I'm constantly amazed at how fast Mason is growing up...and moving around! I will put him in the middle of his blanket and within 5 minutes he's rolled off the blanket and onto the carpet. I think he thinks it's a game: "How often can I get Mommy to stop what she's doing to come over and put me back on the blanket before I spit up on the carpet? Hehehe." It's hard to be upset with him when he's so cute and smiles as soon as I look at him. Why did God give me such a delightful son? Praise the Lord for His unspeakable goodness.

Marker Mishap

Jay came down tonight after dinner to find Madeline at the table with green marker all over her body. When he asked her what she was doing, Madeline replied, "I don't want to get sunburned." Apparently, she thought she was practicing preventative medicine! He took her outside to show some neighbors and we obviously had to keep from laughing as we reminded her that she is to keep her markers on the paper. She then enjoyed taking a bath in green water. Great memories. Thank you, Crayola, for making washable markers!

Swim lessons

Madeline started her swim lessons this week, and although we've had some rough moments, overall, she's doing great! She has a marvelous teacher, Miss Barb. Madeline doesn't like to go under the water (imagine that, Grammie), but she does a super job going under, turning, and reaching for the side of the pool. These lessons are teaching her the basics of water safety (ie. what to do if she falls in or can't touch the bottom). She is learning to float on her back and even jump in and keep her eyes open under the water so she can see the nearest step or rail. Pretty soon she'll be giving me lessons!

People time in Atlanta

We had so much fun with our friends Bob, Linda and Michelle! Michelle was wonderful with Madeline and Mason, especially at the Aquarium. She was a ready and willing helper whenever I needed extra hands with the kids. Thanks, Michelle! And Linda was an outstanding hostess. She not only cooked and provided all things beautiful and necessary, she was our tour guide and exercise partner (at times my "Coach"). She drove Jay and me to Stone Mountain for a "hike" (it was straight up, solid rock), which ended with a gorgeous top-view of Atlanta and the surrounding area. I love the picture of the 3 of us! Near the bottom we encountered a genuine gum tree, well, a post with every flavor of chewed gum you can imagine. Yum! You can also see the face of Stone Mountain with its amazing carving; a 6 ft. man can stand up inside the nostril of the horse. Thank you so much Bob and Linda for our amazing memories in Hotlanta!

Playtime in Atlanta

On our trip, we took a few hours to enjoy the splendor of God's creativity and majesty at the Aquarium in Atlanta. The size of some of the fish was remarkable, not to mention the tanks! And how beautiful the seadragons were (kin to the seahorse). In the picture above you can see how it disguises itself as a plant; it was just breathtaking. How creative is our God!

Pool Time in Atlanta

We just returned from an outstanding trip to Georgia. Our friends, Bob and Linda, hosted us in their beautiful home for almost a week. We played in their pool almost every day that it wasn't raining (yeah!) and enjoyed every minute with them. Mason just loved being in the water with Linda. He splashed and kicked and smiled; needless to say, he slept very well that night. And Madeline was ever our little fish with her floaties on, getting more confident every day.