Spring has sprung into summer! Where has the time gone?

I guess time flies when you're bored or having fun. I hope the latter. Anyway, many have asked what I have been up to. Well, besides my Primary calling, doing housework, and trying to keep a 2.5 year old entertained when it is 90 degrees outside is mentally challenging, especially when you have a headache. Okay, maybe I am being a little dramatic. Hannah is very self sufficient, that I mostly put food in front of her and then make sure she goes to bed at a decent time. If we go somewhere like playgroup or to visit my sister Jill's kids, she seems to enjoy it, if not, she plays by herself. I sometimes worry that she prefers to play by herself quite a bit, maybe its because she is the only child right now. Speaking of, this has become the "Question of the Year". Are you having more kids? Isn't that something that is none of your business? Not saying this to be ugly, but that is something even I, don't ask my own friends, unless they're lifelong friends and I know that by asking, it won't hurt their feelings. I will say this to those inquiring minds; children come to you on the Lord's timing. If I knew the Lord's timing, I would be a millionaire! So to sum our doings, we are doing our best to enjoy and be grateful for what the Lord has given us. In the past few months, we have enjoyed the nice weather with strawberry picking, and visiting friends and family at holidays like Easter, weddings and at Daniel's family reunion in Nauvoo. Get ready for the plethora of pictures!

Update #3. Dan's birthday and Spring is here!

Yea! Spring has arrived in NC! The weather is starting to warm up just as fast as the people in the house are getting older. Yes, Daniel is the first one to celebrate his birthday. On his birthday weekend, we made plans to look at beach houses for a upcoming family reunion, so on Sunday, Daniel just wanted a small dinner party with us and his parents. It was fun! His mom cooked us a nice dinner and made Daniel his favorite chocolate cake. With the warmer weather, Daniel and I are itching to get outside just as much as Hannah is. We made the small trip out to Raven Rock Park down near the Cape Fear River this month and it was a blast. It was super wet, because of the tons of rain we get here, but nonetheless it was so nice to get out and see some cool sights. As usual, we took tons of photos. Enjoy!

Update #2. Winter 2014!

2014 is looking to be an interesting and yet fun year. For some reason, we got a ton of weird and unusual weather. The first few times is fun, but after the third or fourth time, you're done. Yes, one day it would be 65 and warm and then the next day it would be 34 and snowing. ?? What?? Well, we survived and actually had some fun at the same time. Hannah is getting to be at the age where she is more interactive. We love it! She loves to be outside, and playing with any kids her age.  Here are some pictures of the fun times!

Update #1. Christmas 2013!

Now that the potty training is done with our daughter, we were looking forward to Christmas! This year we stayed in town and did Christmas with our families. It was so nice. As usual Rachel came into town, and had a blast seeing everyone. Since Hannah has made some huge milestones, turning two and using the potty, we thought it would be fun to get her a new room, with a new bed and dresser! She now loves it! It is her favorite color too! For Christmas, Dan and I got each other a new AC unit, so as for other gifts under the tree, they were minimal, which was really nice actually. Looking forward to a new year! Here are the pictures from our festivities!

Potty training, successes and woes!

We have now entered the realm of the potty training, and soon-to-be diaper free! I have very mixed emotions here though. I admit I am a perfectionist and a mild germaphobe. So allowing my want-to-be independent two and a half year old to control each and every aspect of the situation is hard. Most days, we are still in the early terrible two stage where if she gets frustrated/doesn't get what she wants, she throws a huge fit and cries like a banshee.  I find myself in a rock and a hard place between the two polar opposites. Most 2.5 year old's are out of the really "terrible" part at halfway and are somewhat willing to learn new things and listen to you because they want to please you, right? So why am I doing this I ask myself constantly? Because I do see signs that she is physically and mentally capable, so I made a go for it. I am trying my best to relinquish some of my control and relax because I have to for this to be a success.  The perks/hopes that keep me going is soon I will have an independent and confident toddler, and be saving money! Yes, there is the occasional accident of either #1 or #2, now mostly #2, and the cleaning up of either one is getting old. So I just pray that the next few weeks, that I can keep it fun for my daughter's sake and mine, so that I can celebrate with my confident 2.5 year old when she finally reaches that milestone! Here are few pics of our adventure! Wish me luck!