The Calm Before the Storm

Parker was busy shopping.
Baylor was the store keeper.

He went on lots of stage coach rides.

Yee haw!

We went on a ride together.

Cooper was busy playing with this little girl who was three.

He had a big story to tell.

Playing a little music.

He was serious about riding the horse.

Riding partners.

This little boy shares the exact same bday as Parker.

He wants to get a fly swatter for our house, what a funny boy.

Mondays are usually our catch up and errand day after the weekend. I try to get caught up on laundry and get all ready for the week. After being in the house for several days last week and looking at the upcoming weather forecast we decided to get out today. This morning we took Baylor to school and the little boys and I went to church to set up for our Mops meeting. I had to decorate my table for the meeting and pick up the favors and give aways from the baker. Everything looked so cute and the meeting was going to be great. After school we went to the Eiteljorg to play and burn energy. We ate lunch first and it was delicious. I loved my lunch, it is one of my favorite spots. The boys had a great time playing. As soon as we got downstairs Parker started hollering to get out play. He knew where he was and he was ready to go. There was a little girl and boy playing too and that was it. We played for a long time and enjoyed our day. On the way home we ran to the grocery and stocked up. Mimi stayed in the car with the boys and I ran in, it was a madhouse. It's like we are expecting a huge blizzard. When we got home we got the call that Mops was canceled for the morning. I was sad that I had set up and was ready to go and we would not be meeting. The ice started and Tom said it was getting bad on his way home. We already got the call that school is canceled for tomorrow. We are prepared with our flashlights and candles in case the power would go out. The weather forecasts are making it out to be a really bad storm. While the ice hits the window I am dreaming of sunny skies and warm sand on my toes.

Date with Baylor and Daddy's Home

My little cowboy posing before we left.
He looks handsome in his boots and cowboy hat.

I had a great time with Baylor and loved watching him have fun.

I do not want him to be a bull rider!

Talk about dangerous!

He had a snowcone.

What a fun day.

He spilled his drink all over his pants and shirt so we bought this t-shirt to warm him up.

He got a little bull too.

Our new jammies.

My boys:).

This afternoon Baylor and I had a special date together. We went to the Professional Bull Riding Event at Conseco. Baylor loves cowboys and we have watched the rodeo on TV before and he loved it. He was excited to go and I was looking forward to spending time with my big boy. After being in the house since Thursday I was really excited to get out. A few years ago I read in a devotional to spend quality time with your kids doing things they enjoy. As a mom to boys I want to spend time with them doing things that make them happy. I had a great time with Baylor and we both really enjoyed our day. It was fun to talk to Baylor and ask him questions and just be with him. He loved knowing the names of each rider and the bull. He liked the black bulls the best and thought they looked the most angry. The very best part of our day was Daddy returned home from his ski trip safe and sound. He has been gone since early Wednesday morning and we all missed him so much! The boys were so happy to have Tom home. He brought us all jammies and the boys got new hooded sweatshirts with pockets, their favorite.

This Little Boy

LOVES
the phone
just like his Mommy.

He's always ready to make a call and goes crazy when the phone rings. He starts saying "Hello" over and over again.

Adoption

Lucy Lane's Gotcha Day videos Vmgo.com
Over the past few years since I began blogging, I have been attached to several blogs. While some of my favorites have changed over the years, many of them have to do with adoption. I love hearing the stories of sweet kids who are waiting for a family and how their lives are changed for the better through the gift of adoption. Sometimes I can easily get swept away by a story. I would be lying if I said I have never looked into different adoption agencies, I don't know how you can't have a heart for the orphan. Seeing the pictures from blogs and hearing about babies and little ones in dire need just breaks my heart. This week on Kelly's Korner she did a SUYL post on adoption. I stayed up way too late reading more and more adoption posts and had tears in my eyes the entire time I was reading. Adoption is such a beautiful thing and brings so many families together forever. Here are some of my favorite adoption blogs I have followed. Check out Kelly's Korner to read more amazing stories about adoption. Be ready to need a box of Kleenex as your read!

Baby Makes Three

A Place Called Simplicity

My Little Lantern

Ni Hao Y'All

Home with Lucy Lane

Another Ordinary Miracle

The Anderson Crew

Change of Plans

I know he doesn't feel good when he just wants to lay in my bed.

His teacher emailed me and said she knew of at least seven kids who were home sick today with fevers.
I feel sorry for him and hope he's back to the Baylor we know soon.

We have been having fun with our Bob the Builder toys.

He loves Scoop.

Park liked the tub the best.

He was having a great time.

He's so funny!

Coop and I had races with our trucks. He won every time:).

Baylor had a field trip today and they were going to the Ruth Lilly Health Center. We were excited for they day. I was going to go on the trip and Miss Sarah was going to watch the little boys. After the trip Baylor and I were going to go to lunch with Maddy and her Mommy. I was excited to have some alone time with Baylor. Yesterday afternoon Baylor started feeling bad and actually wanted to take a nap. In the evening he had a fever and his eyes were runny and he had a headache. At bedtime he had a fever of 102 and looked awful. Needless to say he missed his trip and we are home today amid the chaos. I know he doesn't feel good because he is still laying in my bed watching cartoons on the IPad and having Sprite. That is not his personality at all to still be laying down. I am hoping he feels better soon and does not pass it on to his little brothers.

Indiana Statue Museum

I love these little teeth. He is so sweet!
He's dying to get outside. He's looking longingly at the canal.

These hallways are great for burning off some energy.

Making music.

Baylor, the one man band.

I love him!

They love to press the buttons to hear the animal sounds.

Mimi and Baylor.

Walking around like a big boy.

He's happy.

Playing the game.

They love the scanner.

His first time!

We headed to the State Museum today after picking both boys up at school. We basically had the entire museum to ourselves which is just the way we like it. We love going here in the winter because it feels less germy and is warmer with the garage. The boys had fun exploring the Odd Indiana exhibit and visiting the Natural History exhibit. Parker thought he hit the jackpot walking and was laughing and giggling the whole time. They were able to burn off some energy and were all ready for nap time.

These

feet
were

made for

WALKING!

It's official we have a new walker in our house. After weeks of cruising around furniture, taking a few steps, and pushing toys Parker is now walking on his own. He is so cute and has great balance. His big brothers are so proud and are cheering him on!