Finally a Spring like day!

We finally got outside today to enjoy a little sunshine after a LONG winter inside!

Jake rode in his stroller without his car seat for the very first time - he LOVED it!

Olivia was my walking buddy!

Encouragement

Today, at church I was encouraged by my dear friend Heather Tack.  I was complaining (probably whining) that Jake IS sleeping through the night but it's STILL in his car seat.  On one hand I am thankful and on the other hand I am complaining and feeling like it's just not good enough.  Yes, he's sleeping through the night but it's not in the typical place - or what other people would consider typical.  I so often just want everything to fall into place just so.  To have all my ducks lined up just so.  What does "just so" really mean Heather?!?!  Especially in this little Reardon Bunch world that we live in.  I have 5 children!!!  Nothing will ever be "just so" for me.  I need to let go of my perfect little world and enjoy all the blessings the Lord has so graciously given to me.  So what if Jake sleeps in his car seat - he sleeps and so do I - and I am a much happier mama for it!  Still trying to let go and enjoy...

First tooth

Jake's first tooth is popping through!  I can't believe it!  Some how all of a sudden he is "bigger" to me and I realize more now than ever that I need to hold on to these moments and cherish each one.  Lord, help me enjoy this time each and every day and not always look to the future when things will be "easier" and "better".

Avocados...who knew

So I had this crazy idea that I would buy avocados and Jake would actually eat them - no one else in our family eats them but I just knew Jake would:)  After all they are SO good for him so of course he'll eat them.

Well to my surprise he hated them - LOL and made horrible faces with every spoonful. To the point that I could not give him anymore - just couldn't do it.  But the experiment was well worth it because inside the avocado we found a treasure this:

Ella and Noah played with and named these seeds from the center of the avocados for days (until they started peeling and looked kind of gross) then I threatened to throw them out and they did one last experiment (kids are SO good at experiments).  They cut the seeds open!  All of God's creation is so cool!  I frequently fail to see this I'm so thankful that my kids help me see the awesomeness of creation each day.

Brave Olivia

Olivia was so brave today!  I was so proud of her!  I knew what was coming but some how couldn't tell her.  I wanted to protect her as long as I could so she would not be scared.  But then the Doc said it (gently but still said it)...I will have to cut these warts out of your feet. But don't worry I'll numb it first:).  Oh good!  Well the numbing was the worse part, the tears came but we got through it. My mama heart hurt for her but at the same time I knew it's what needed to be done...oh how many times will this be the case?    

Saturday Breakfast

Something that I have truly looked forward to and enjoyed completely over the last 8 months or so...breakfast at Eggspectations with Melissa.  We get up early and and meet there no later than 8:00 am.  It's so nice and quiet - not many people around. We get an early start to our Saturday and enjoy fellowship and some yummy food without impacting our families too much.  I always have such a joyful start to my day after one of these mornings with a dear friend.  

Opa's 67

Today we celebrated Opa's birthday.  He turned 67 years young this year.  Our celebration was post-poned a few days due to the weather but we finally got to celebrate.  We enjoyed a family meal together and then had vanilla cupcakes with peanut butter icing!