Dinner time!

Berlyn like to eat, and she prefers to feed herself. This is quite a messy process. Talullah, on the other hand, does not like to eat. Tonight, Nick was trying to feed her and she just turned her head in defiance. I left the room for a few minutes, and by the time I came back I found Talullah's plate almost empty. Nick was feeding her, serving each bite with commentary in a French accent. She was gladly accepting each bite, and even asking for more. At the end, he asked her if she wanted one more bite and she simply said, "No sir." Really?!?! I leave the room for five minutes and somehow he whipped her into shape. How he does it, I'll never understand

So cute I can hardly stand it!

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I look at my girls, and I just sigh... How did I manage to have not one, but two beautiful, fun, and silly girls? Some days, I think back to my life before motherhood. The idea of being able to sleep in, or sleep through the night, or just sit and relax for extended periods, or jet off on road trips unplanned, or spend an entire day running around without mapping out bathroom runs, feeding time, and naps... It seems like such a luxurious existence. To be completely honest, for a split second I'm jealous of that life style. Then Talullah looks into my eyes and says "I loooove you, mommy!" or Berlyn cracks her toothy smile and the drool runs from her head to her toes. I can only wrap them both in my arms and squeeze them tight. I have no idea who I would even be without them. They bring me so much joy. Thank you, darling daughters, for the amazing life you have given me.

Talullah's Tea Party pictures

A HUGE thank you to Megan Collenberg for taking Talullah's pictures for her 2nd birthday. Megan is one of the very best photographers. Not only do all of her pictures always turn out beautiful, she makes the picture taking process seemed so relaxed an unposed. Amazing work. I can not wait to get these shots in big print up on my wall!

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away

Finally!!! I was getting desperate for some vitamin D, and God must have heard my prayers because today was GORGEOUS. We were able to do our GetFit baby workout outside this morning. When Megan brought Addie and Taylor over for a playdate, the girls got to fight... I mean, play... outside. When Talullah refused to nap and I needed fresh air to clear my head, we went and pulled weeds in the yard. After Zumba, I stood outside talking to Heather for a good half hour. That's some serious out door time that was really, much, appreciated. Fingers crossed, eyes toward heaven, praying again for the sun to shine tomorrow.

A new favorite

Berlyn got ahold of one of Talullah's frozen gogurts. In an instant, she had that thing gone. When I tried to take the soggy plastic wrapper away, she burst into tears. The second time she had one, she finished two halves before Talullah had even finished her first half. This may be why Miss T is such a skinny minny while Baby B has got quite the back side...

It's Egg time!

This was Talullah's first time dying eggs, and she was such a pro. Like her mommy, she prefers to use her fingers instead of utensils, so we both ended the day with green and blue fingertips. Nick got creative using the newspaper as props for his egg dying. Now... what do we do with all these hard boiled eggs....?

Sunday School

I got a few cute shots of Miss T in her sunday school class. Usually nana goes in with her since she does not want to venture in alone. Since my parents are out of town, I got to stay in class with her and it melts my heart to see my baby girl turning into a big girl. I tried to stand back as far as I could to let her gain her independence, and she was such a good girl listening at story time and working on her craft at the table. Of course, snack time is the only thing she talks about once it's over. I had to include the cute shot of her friend Gabriel, too. We've gotten together for a few play dates, and he is one of the cutest kids I've ever seen.
Talullah does have her last two memory verses memorized. "We work together" and "Jesus loves me so much". Oh how I wish my beautiful girls could stay this small forever. There are so many precious moments I try to capture in my mind because I never want to forget their sweet innocence when they are all grown.

more Easter!

Happy Easter!

Today is Easter, and it was fabulous. We went to Sunday School to celebrate our love for Jesus and then we headed home for a fun filled day with family. Everyone was coming over to our house so I was racing around like a mad woman trying to make my house sparkling clean. We enjoyed a potluck lunch with delicious ham, mashed potatoes, bakes yams, and some sugary treats as well. Thank God for the wonderful sunshine that broke through so we could go spend time outdoors! What a sweet surprise that we were able to sit in the grass and let the kids run around on dry ground for a change. The men broke out the croquet set and the women sat around talking for at least two hours just soaking in the warm fresh air. I told Talullah that Easter is about Jesus and how He loves us so much. She shook her head yes with a serious look on her face. Nick walked in the room just at that moment so I asked her to tell daddy what Easter is all about. She replied "Eggs!". I guess we'll have to try that bible lesson again next year. I am so thankful that we serve a Savior who died, but rose again. His death on the cross was just the end of a new beginning! It is so refreshing to go to church and be able to feel His presence time and again. Happy Easter, everyone!

New hats!

I forgot to mention that I bought the girls some super cute beanies at a street vendor. I paid way to much for them, but once I had the girls try them on there was no way I could pass them by. It WAS nearly raining, and the girls DID need something to keep their ears warm. It was almost a necessity.

Easter festivities

It's the day before Easter, and Downtown Fortuna had all sorts of fun activities for small children. Despite the chill in the air and the slight drizzle, I took my already sniffly nosed girls out for some holiday celebration. With Berlyn in the ergo and Talulllah holding my hand, we walked main street and caroused through a couple shops. Talullah loved petting the bunnies and puppies from the pet shop and she took her picture next to the blow up Easter bunny. She patiently waited through lines to do the bean bag toss or the ring throws in order to get special little prizes. We even got to go for ride on the horse drawn carriage, which was our favorite part of the day!

Jojo's... continued.