Time flying by!

While I was looking through some of my old stuff, I came across a scrapbook album. I couldn't help but look through it! A trip down memory lane can bring some happy tears for sure. I can't believe how fast the kids have grown. I saw pictures of Dawson's chubby chubby cheeks that I wanted to kiss. Saw pictures of my Abby and a letter I wrote to her after spending a day with her one on one. And saw pictures of my baby Sophie who was soooo cute and kissable. I wrote some of my heart on these layouts and it made me miss that time. I am so happy with the stages they're at now and I'm totally enjoying it but it also made me miss them being so little. It makes you realize how fast this goes by and how I need to be savoring every.single.minute. of it!

It also made me realize how I want to record our lives. I miss blogging and scrapbooking and just telling our story. I think I am going to try again. Time is so short but I want to do it for my kids.

Last week I took all three kids with me to Costco since they were out of school. Abby and Sophie picked out Christmas dresses and we got a winter coat for Abby. I told them we could walk down the toy aisles and they could see if anything was on their wish list for Christmas. As we rounded the second aisle there was a crash in front of us and a bunch of light saber's fell to the ground. It was a child who did it and then ran off. Without even hesitating, Abby took off and started picking them up. I was so proud of her. Abby is a giver for sure. She loves helping people, doing things for others and just being a blessing! I can imagine her being a teacher or nurse or something like that. She is also so good with her sister. They have their moments of course but for the most part she is so sweet to Soph. She takes care of her and is her protector. I really hope it stays that way. Having a sister is such a great gift!

Sophia Paige.

I loved our Sunday morning since Dane was home this morning instead of at church early. It was a nice change. As we lay in bed waking up, Sophie joins us and starts pouncing on Dana. She is seriously an animal. She hit, kicked, jumped and even stood on Dana (she knows not to mess with mom) all the while begging for donuts. It's been a long time since they've had donuts and she decided this morning to beg Daddy for them. He agreed and even took the girls to go pick them out. Then as they were running off to get dressed, I hear Sophie tell Abby, "We have the best Dad ever!". So cute!

Sophie really makes me laugh. She makes me crazy sometimes but makes me laugh too. She has such a passionate spirit and can go from crying and having a meltdown to laughing through her tears. She has multiple personalities and keeps us on our toes. Honestly, she's been wearing me out lately with her stubbornness and oneriness (is that a word??) but this morning I was reminded of how sweet and funny she can be. But, then I have to battle her on what to wear for the day. She has lately been telling me she doesn't like her clothes and wish she had mine. She wants fitted (or tight as she calls them) shirts only. I recently bought her a few new t-shirts for the spring and she says they're too big for her, which they are not. They're just not as tight as the ones she's outgrowing. We finally did settle on a dress with leggings which is no small feat.

After church today, she came in the house and slipped and fell. Before anyone had any time to react, she screams "Abby doesn't even care about me". Abby didn't even have a chance to care, seriously!! She is so dramatic. But, we love her to pieces.

I'm back.

It has been a long time since I blogged but I've really missed it. Reading back on my last blog was such a great reminder of things I had forgotten about. It's amazing to see the many changes our family has gone through since I first started in 2006. I'm sure I'll blog less frequently than I used to but I hope to record some memories and thoughts that I want to remember.

We've had some big changes going on in our house and one of the things I have been working on most is trying to simplify. I am no where near I want to be but I feel that God has helped me to see the things that are truly important to me and the need to take care of those things first. I have been torn in too many directions and feel like I am not doing anything to the standard I expect of myself. I know I expect a lot but the point of simplifying to me is letting go of the things that aren't as important and focusing on the things that matter the most.

And one of the things that matter to me is recording our life for my kids to have. I'm trying not to put any pressure on myself and just blog when I feel like it or have the time. So here's to a new beginning of blogging!