how to entertain a daddy

The day she fell in love...

with the hot-pink-grandma-glasses.

They were 99 cents.

It was January 3, 2012.

The place was Gymboree.

True love, I tell ya'!

"feed da ducks momma"

Most days, at least once, we make our way down to the dock to feed the ducks. Even if the ducks aren't there, we feed them. Madelyn loves crossing the "bridge" to get to them.

Usually she has a snack for herself in tow.

Then, after spending half an hour or more looking out over the water together talking about the birds and fish, we make our way back to the house.

Since we moved, we don't go and do as much, but it's been nice. It makes the days we do go in to town more fun and the days MK sees friends that much more special. I've cooked more, been more creative with my time with MK and we have really loved the scenery!

Our daily walks down to feed the ducks are fun and as the lake rises, I know the duck feeding time will turn in to fish catching time.

you are beautiful

I am so blessed by you, Madelyn Kate. You are smart, cheerful, thoughtful and beautiful. You bring joy and laughter to each of my days. You are a blessing!

I love you sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

A typical sight...

before teeth cleaning, hair brushing, breakfast eating, clothes changing or toy playing takes place, is MK drawing at her easel.

Sometimes she scribbles. Sometimes she draws faces (which she is getting better at). Sometimes she wants us to color with her which is also code for "come draw something and I will scribble over it".

Most mornings her little pajama wearing silhouette can be seen in the front window with markers in hand.

P.S. Can you believe that the markers stay out 24/7 and MK hasn't used them to color on anything other than her easel??

P.S.S. Can you believe she always puts the lid back on the one she was using before she grabs another??

pop it like it's hot

MK got this awesome pop-corn machine for Christmas from her Aunt Marlo, Uncle Jarrod and the girls.

She loves it and wouldn't you know, it's way cheaper than the bag stuff (which is already pretty cheap). We bought a $2 bag of kernels from Wal-mart that will probably pop 35-40 buckets worth. Craziness.

"somebody is following me"

MK,
I loved our little impromptu lesson in shadows today. You insisted on bringing your princess balloon outside and I agreed because there wasn't much wind. I was sure it would blow out of your hands and you'd be devastated, but you held on to that balloon as if your life depended on it. When we were walking back from the dock, you suddenly yelled, "Somebody is following me!!". When you pointed to your shadow, I couldn't help but laugh. I love discovering new things with you. Even shadows!

Love you sweet girl,
Mommy

We're back!

We left the flat lands of wind mills and tumbleweeds to return home.

MK had so much fun at Gigi and Papa's new house and so did we.

The first order of business when we returned home? Gathering all of her doll house dolls and piling them in to bed with her.

She kept saying she missed them and giving them kisses.

One of MK's buddies broke his leg over the holiday so we went to cheer him up and wish him well. MK got sign his cast. Poor guy is quite the trooper and didn't seem to let it slow him down much.

Of course we also had to meet up with Grandma for dinner! Grandma spoils us constantly and treated us to some yummy Mexican food!

It was such a wonderful holiday, but now we're back!

Laundry anyone?

New Year's Day

MK,
Today is a new day! A new year! I have always thought that New Year's Day is kind of a fun day. Most people are off work. Your grandma used to prepare a yummy New Year's Day meal when I was little (although I think black eyed peas are terrible and eating them on NYD is a plot by farmers to keep them from disappearing all together). Some stores have good post holiday sales. It's just a fun day! Another reason I have always loved NYD is because it brings with it a freshness. To do something new...leaving the past in the year that is ending and moving forward in to the new. You know why I love that so much? Because that ability, to truly leave something in the past, is because of Jesus.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

If we believe in Him, He has made us new!

Becoming who He has called us to be is a daily process and while I know that New Year's Day doesn't hold any sort of magic, it symbolizes the new! I think everyone can appreciate a fresh start every once in a while.

Some people make resolutions. Others make a resolution to make no resolutions. Some people think it's cliche. Everyone is different, but Daddy has always challenged me to make goals for the year. We set goals for the year that we want to reach personally and goals that we want to reach together! The first year we were married and he sat down with a pen and paper and asked me for my goals I was a little intimidated. However, I have grown to look forward to it. Grown to get excited about being challenged to make the year count! We haven't made our goals for this year yet, but I am sure we will soon.

We went to church this morning at Aldersgate, the church Daddy grew up in. It was so neat to worship there knowing that is where the roots of his faith were planted. The pastor challenged the congregation to make goals! It was great and refreshing and exactly what that sweet daddy of yours says to me each new year.

Then we spent our last full day at Gigi and Papa's house with Great Granny, Aunt Kenda and Michael too.

You adore Gigi and Papa!

We tried for a family shot with the remote, but it was a little tough since you were ready for a nap!

Take two!

This year these two will be married! Fun things are ahead in 2012, little girl! 

I can't wait to share each day with you!

Love,
Mommy