February Blur

This month went by in a slow and torturous blur - I know that doesn't seem like it make sense, but for me that's exactly how it felt. The girls spent the first half of the month sick and Jason gone for work. He returned home for a few amazing days over Valentine's Day and right before he left the girls promptly got sick again. 

So despite being the shortest month, it felt incredibly long and I was left in a blur of medicine, lack of sleep, minimal socializing, and overall just trying to keep our heads above water. Thankfully I have some amazing friends and neighbors who helped me with some meals, groceries, and most importantly prayer for our family.

Here's to a better March! 🤞🏼

1. Jason made and froze some pancakes before he went out of town. The girls were thrilled to discover this smiley face one.
2. Liv the lady bug. She decided to fall and split her chin open the day Jason left to go out of town. Thankfully the doctor was able to avoid stitches and use glue, which healed very well.
3. Jason was great about leaving notes for the girls by their backpacks, cereal bowls, etc. Mine was left inside the wine opener. 😂
4. There is not even one minute of peace to go to the bathroom. Either a cat is creeping on you from the shower or there's a toddler. That same toddler sat down on the little potty and proceeded to say the following "You have a bug bum so you go on the big potty. I have a little bum so I go on the little potty." 😳
5. Sickness = snuggles. All.Month.Long.
6. Madi asked for her hair to be straightened and to have me take a picture so she could see how long it's grown. 
7. Awkward cat about to pounce...
8. The second awkward cat lounging...they are still quarreling more than I would like, but are tolerating one another thankfully.
9. A fun lunch with some amazing food and friends.

1. Miniature foam mat puzzle for the dollhouse and hours of entertainment. Dollar Tree for the win!
2. Catching smiles when they were finally on the mend of the first round of sickness.
3. Glares from Ms Attitude.
4. Madi taking her car for a drive up the street.
5. We took advantage of the break in illness to have Friday night pizza and movie night with Madi's bff.
6. The most amazing gift my embassy friend could get me. Ice cold and delicious Blue Moon. 😋
7. A much-needed girl's night out for the Burns Supper.
8. & 9. Why do they look so grown up and big with their bags and coats on the way to church? Especially Evy!!

1. We truly have never gone through so much medicine. Ever. I had to track fevers and medicine dosage on paper because I couldn't keep all three sorted.
2. Embracing the world of little legos...feet beware.
3. Madi was crushed to miss a birthday party while she was sick, but very proud of writing her friend's name and hers. And when they dropped off a goodie bag and cake for her we both cried.
4. A delicious quiche for the one week in February I was able to attend Bible study in between illnesses.
5. Words of encouragement from my Bible study that God knew I needed this month.
6. A sweet care package from my friend Christine. How did she know I was out of kleenex and soap?!
7. Meri was helping during the girl's illness and they insisted on helping her clean. Glad they are finally earning their keep.
8. Sweeping.
9. When you have a doctor's appointment first thing in the morning, you let everyone stay in pajamas and ignore the judgmental looks. 

1. Super Stingerie's!
2. We found this cute set of girl superhero capes and masks on Amazon and had a friend bring them to us in their move. The girls were thrilled to have them!
3. Since Jason was back in town for a few days (and constantly eating out while away), I tried to go all out with some of his favorites. First up was Mexican Monday that I made for lunch with friends and then again for dinner.
4. Strollin' in the rain.
5. We got to head out to a wine event with some of our ball-going friends. We've enjoyed attending the Marine Corps, BBG, and other fun events with this crew.
6. Another amazing friend Emma - and Madi's future mother-in-law when M and J get married in a castle in Scotland (not that we've made a deposit or anything yet on the place...)
7. Jason's last meal with us - bacon wrapped tenderloin. Because everything is better with bacon.
8. The perfect plate - I am loving the spiraler that I bought and event he girls loves the sautéed zucchini side dish. 
9. Notes Jason left for the girls after he left late that evening for another trip.

Madi was only able to do one swim lesson this month due to her illness and I know I have bragged on her before here, but I am just in awe at how great she is doing!!

Looking back at these pictures I am reminded of the good times we had this month despite the challenges. I am very thankful for the prayer warriors who were encouraging me and supporting me and everyone who brought us meals or dropped groceries off, etc. You all are amazing! But... I'm still glad February is over... 😬

Read more...

Valentine's Day 2018

Our actual Valentine's Day was pretty low key - we gave a few valentines to friends, dressed in holiday shirts, and spent the evening watching Moana (of course) and just chilling.

However, the best part was that Jason flew back to Baku after being gone a couple weeks on a work trip and arrived the morning after Valentine's Day with presents for everyone (donuts for the girls and something shiny for me :-) ).

I was surprised with flowers by my friend who was also flying solo Wednesday evening and then another bouquet that Jason has ordered to surprise me. Needless to say I felt spoiled!!

And wow y'all - look at how much these sweet faces have changed over the past two years!!

Hoping everyone out there had a fabulous and fun Valentine's Day this year!

Read more...