My Spirit{ed} Child

These pictures just screamed at me to be used when I sat down to complete my layout for the LCTS latest sketch (#151). You can find the sketch here.

I originally had other pictures picked out, and after I got them printed, I looked through the rest of the album that they came from, and decided that these pictures of Addison playing in the living room curtains needed to be scrapped instead.

The chipboard 'spirit' piece defines Addison to a tee. She's head strong, and knows what she wants and doesn't want- and when she wants it (or not), and nothing else will persuade her to think or believe otherwise. Learning how to raise her and discipline her has me stumped, but thankfully I've come across some resources lately that will hopefully help out with that!

Having said that, she's also our fun-loving clown in the family. She sure knows how to make us laugh- and she sure knows how to have fun! She isn't shy- she's a bigger social butterfly than her daddy and I combined!

To sum up, I just wanted to capture the essence of Addison in this layout. I think this defines her perfectly!!

There You'll Be

It's been three long years since we gathered with them last; it was at Gwynne, and husband and I were still dating. It would be that Christmas morning that he placed that beautiful, glittery, white gold promise on my finger.

Three summers later, we are back, gathered in a large circle- during the day, wherever there is shade; at night, around the campfire, swapping news, jokes and spreading many hearty laughs.

This time around, there were two little ones in tow, two new boyfriends, new fishing licenses, and a new campsite (to most of us). There was no tv (my most favorite part of the weekend), although there was lots of playing on cell phones (I am guilty of pulling it out every so often as well); they were a handful! The first day, we let them run around- I am so PROUD of and impressed with little maren for the amount she WALKED. There was no crawling of any kind all weekend. JUST walking! Then, we got smart and kept her barefoot. It hurt to walk on the gravel, so she stayed on the blanket we spread out for them to play on. She played really good there.

Miss Addison also BLEW me away--she was not afraid of anyone there. She would willing go to anyone that held their arms out to her. And, she would sit with them, laugh at them, and squeal every so often in delight. When she wasn't being cuddled by someone, she played happily on the blanket too.

At the close of this weekend, there are # things that I've learned:
1-we WILL take the kids camping again
2-less tv equals better quality time together
3-four days is exhausting! (with children this age, at least)
4-hail is ridiculously LOUD in a fifth wheel trailer!
And lastly--
5-no more heating bottles on the stove; the microwave is the way to go!!

Handful

My dear wild child, it is quickly becoming time for mama to baby proof her house.

Instead of putting you in a highchair while I did the dishes and talked on the phone with grandpa, I left you on the floor to play. I like that you are able to move around and entertain yourself while you're at it, but I find I still have to watch you like a hawk because you're getting into things I don't want wrecked!

I followed you into the dining room and watched you tugging at my sweater which hung on the chair above you, and then watched you get yourself stuck under a chair flower pot at the patio window. When I pulled you from there, I followed you around the table to the opposite corner of the room where one of my wedding flower arrangements stands- you began tugging at the flowers in the arrangement.

THAT was enough, I decided.

Time to put you into something that won't get you into trouble!!

Everything that is on the floor and anything that is within your reach that is breakable and sentimental are going to be put away, not to come out again until you are bigger. I'm a little sad some of my pretty things have to be put away, but I'd rather keep them in good condition than miss them once they're ruined!

This afternoon, I put you and your sister down for a nap, and I came back a few minutes later to try and hush your crying, only to find you sitting in your crib--I left you lying down! This is the first time I've found you sitting up on your own.

Good on you, baby!

You definitely are a handful, but I wouldn't want you any other way!