Sweet Escape

We went away this weekend with some friends from Lancaster. Her parents own a cabin that they graciously let us stay at. This was our fourth time going there. The first time I was just pregnant with Natalie. It is kind of a fun reminder to think back to each time we've been there and see all the changes in our family.

Shaun and Holly were such a blessing to us in Lancaster. Hans worked with Shaun and we attended the same church and eventually were involved in a small group with them. Three years after we've moved back to Chambersburg they are still a blessing to us and we are able to pick up where we left off each time.

I was a little nervous about going overnight with both girls, but it was a fun, relaxing weekend. The girls did great - I think there is something about that cabin that encourages sleep! Natalie went to bed by her request at 7:00 Saturday night and she took a nap on the couch Sunday morning - this is the girl that's been fighting bedtime and naptime for months. I'm a little embarrassed to mention that Hans and I also fell asleep in the living room around 9:00 Saturday night - sorry Shaun and Holly, it was just too relaxing!

Anyway, here are some pictures from the weekend.

To those of you that know Natalie very well - this amazed us! She was so excited to ride this four wheeler, as well as a bigger one, and a dirt bike with her Daddy!

Me with both of my girls sleeping on the couch on a Sunday morning - I love, love, love getting away!

A Mess

I'm sitting here holding sweet baby girl as she sleeps and marveling at the grace and beauty of God. Not much more to say other than every time I find myself becoming overwhelmed by all that's required of me at this stage, I can't help but to see His hand at work. My life's a mess. I don't say that because things are really so hard or bad in my life right now, but because I see these glimpses of who I am outside of who God is and it's not pretty. My prayer this morning was quick and simple, but sometimes with the demands of mothering I overlook this truth. "God, I need you more than these girls need me. Invade my space today." So thankful for a God that sees beyond the mess.

Snow Day!

A snow day in October has actually been refreshing. Natalie and I were sick most of the week, and Hans has been busy with work, so an excuse to stay home was just what we needed to recuperate! Here are some pictures from our day.

This is the beginning of Hans' and Natalie's snowman. It had three more big snowballs on top of this, but I missed the photo op.

Brielle was worn out after her big two minute trip out into the snow.

Natalie was so excited about the snow. She definitely enjoyed it more than last year. She didn't even mind too much when her mittens got wet.


Brielle is starting to smile a lot now. I couldn't quite capture it.

Hans was building a computer for church, and Natalie wanted to help. He set her to work on her keyboard. I think she's a lot like her daddy.

Fall Family Outing

I've started so many posts in the past week, but none of them have been completed. I figured I would just post some pictures, and hope to write more later. These are from our trip to City Park last weekend.

The Park

After my last post I wanted to show the wonderful part of being a Mommy to these little princesses. We have a park within walking distance now, and we have been enjoying a little escape in the afternoons. I love these times and what they have been teaching me about letting things go and enjoying the moments!

Transitions

This has been a tough week for me. It seems like all the newness of being a family of four wore off or settled in and I was just left as a frazzled momma of a toddler and newborn. Which by the way is what I want to be minus that frazzled part, but some days it just seems like I need a big dose of remembering why I want to be that. Because despite all that's wonderful about this stage of life, there's plenty that's just tough.

Natalie is two. I say this not because it's a bad thing, but because sometimes I just need to remind myself. She is not three or four or twelve. She's two - adorably, lovably two. And with all the things I love about this age come some challenges.

Potty training is one of them. I wanted to accomplish that before Brielle came and then the timing just didn't seem right and/or I was feeling a little bit pregnant/lazy. Then as soon as Brielle came Natalie wanted to use the potty all the time. So anyway we are working on it and I'm realizing how very impatient I can be when things do not go as planned (aka there are too many soggy or poopy diapers.)

In general, I think God is showing me how ungracious I can be sometimes. This vibrant little girl pushes my buttons, and I react. So in turn, this vivacious little girl pushes them again. It's a game we are playing and sometime I am going to catch on and remind myself that she is two and that she is overall lovely.

Brielle, my little peanut still wants to sleep most of the time - during the day. She falls asleep most times when I feed her and so it seems like an endless job (yes, quite often I feel like nursing is a job. A job I'm happy I can fulfill, but a job). Then there is night time when she becomes totally restless and very noisy. I love the mornings when I can scoop her up and feel nothing but love for her all over again, but nights are rough. And again, I can be so ungracious (thanks God, I'm working on that!)

Anyway, that's where I'm at. A tired Mommy with two lovely girls who are teaching me a lot about who I do and do not want to be! I'll keep working at it.

Five years

Hans and I celebrated our fifth anniversary on Thursday. Five years... I'm not quite sure how that happened. Like they say - time flies when you are having fun! I also can't believe that we have been living in Chambersburg for more of our married life than we spent in Lancaster. I guess having two babies has a funny way of changing time. That and being involved in a ton more things. Anyway, I'm so glad we had those two years together in Lancaster to establish ourselves and I'm grateful for the last three years as we've plunged together into parenthood, self-employment, and church leadership.

As a tribute to my wonderful husband of five years here is a list of some of my favorite things.

1. This man is passionate. You can't know Hans and not know this. When he is sold on something, he's in 100%. Sometimes I fight against this, but in my heart I know I wouldn't want it any other way.

2. He is so handy. This guy can fix/build/make/create just about anything. There are so many things that surround me every day that would not be except for him. Poor guy - I don't even hang up a picture without asking for his help. I love having this guy around.

3. He is an incredible daddy. I wouldn't say Hans leaped into parenthood nor that he stumbled into. It's more like he walked in and said, "ok, let's do this." And he has risen to the challenge. I would not want to be in this without him. And there are two little girls in this house that know the love of their father - what a gift!

4. The list could go on and on, but since I'm typing with one hand (the joys of being a momma) I'll just write one more thing. He is a great husband. We don't always see eye to eye, sometimes we drive each other crazy, we are both stubborn and determined, but we make a great team! I know there is very little this man wouldn't do for me and I feel secure with him leading us.

What a guy:)