What to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon?

Dance- off, of course!
I know you have to dangle your head to the side to enjoy this video and I have spent way too much time trying to turn it, with no luck, but go ahead and dangle, this boy's moves are worth it.

Later in the day, when we were especially desperate to "get the jumps out", Daddy to the rescue!

Sorry, Honey, but is anyone else reminded of Bill Cosby in "The Huxstables?"

Perfection

Kelly's topic this week for Show Us Your Life is parenting advice and while I am certainly no expert, I have learned a few valuable lessons over the past few years. 

The biggest is letting go of the desire for perfection. You all probably know someone who is "that mother"...her children are never sick or disobedient. She will go to extravagant ends to make her and her family the picture of perfection. Once I entered the mommy world and encountered a few of these women and the effects it has on the whole family, I realized how alienating and damging this can be. 

Our house gets really messy, I lose my patience and yell, Todd and I have arguments, my car looks like a bomb has gone off in it, sometimes I let the babies just wear a diaper around the house to save myself from having to do more laundry, but we love each other despite the quirks and flaws.
 That is what family is all about.
That is my new perfect.

 A favorite found on pinterest...

This girl....

brings so much joy to this house....

I always knew having daughters was going to be fun,

but I wasn't prepared for this little  sweet fireball.

Dusting, changing sheets, running errands, getting pedicures...

it's all a glorious adventure through her beautiful eyes and I am thankful.



Meet the newest members of our family....

 Tom and Jerry

Actually (and much to Todd's relief), they will only be with us a week and then will go to live in AC and B's first grade classroom. 

Last week we got room assignments (we have decided to put them together and we are thrilled with our teacher!) and when she called to set up our meeting, I asked if she needs anything for the classroom. I have learned that by just asking this, I can get the teacher a useful first day of school gift instead of another candle or notepad.  Anyway, she mentioned that she would love to have an aquarium of Dwarf African Frogs as a classroom pet.  

So here they are and AC and B are so excited to take them to school!

Sunday Funday

Last year, AC and B won passes to Six Flags for reading.  We were suposed to go on Good Friday, but sut we ended up being out of town that weekend.  So, going to Six Flags ended up on our summer to-do list.  Today seemed to be the day....

A very fun day, despite te heat. 

A Fun Day

After this crazy week of sickness, we were ready for a little adventure today and since it's hotter than blazes, we headed to a nearby town to play in the natural springs and explore the caves. 

 It so nice and cool in the caves, I could have pitched a tent and stayed until October, when it might be a little cooler.

 AC and B feeding the trout....all was going great until B decided he would like to try catching a fish with his bare hands!

 Wading in the springs....the water was so cold!

The babies taking it all in......

2 funny stories from today:

-We stopped at a little cafe for lunch. It got quite busy and there were only 2 girls serving tables.  When our server came to clear away our dishes, Brian said, "Wow, you have your hands full!  If you will tell me where to take our dishes, I'll clear our table."  That boy's sweet heart just gets me.

- When we got to the caves and we were trying to get the babies loaded in the stroller and situated, AC and B were standing by the car watching a large motorcycle group pull into the parking lot.  One lady saw them watching and said, "Maybe when you all get a little older, y'all can ride."  AC quickly said, "We aren't allowed to in our family.  Mama says it's tacky."  I thought I was going to die!  And for the record, I have said they are dangerous, not tacky....but whatever keeps them away from motorcyles works, I guess.

Marriage Advice and Date Night

Today's Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner is about marriage advice. 

While I certainly don't feel like I'm in a position to give marital advice, after almost 11 years of a great marriage, I will offer these tips:

1.  My favorite, which I shared on our 10th anniversary remains to be true: 

We had a book at our wedding for the guests to write well wishes or advice. I love to go back and read what everyone wrote, but my favorite is by my uncle, Rick. He wrote: "Todd, begin every day thinking how you will help Michelle that day. Michelle, begin every day thinking how you will help Todd that day."

2.  Let God be the center of the marriage and the 2 of you be the balance.  Neither Todd or I are exactly laid back, but by letting God lead us, we are able to strike a balance for who must "freak" and who must be "laid back."    Very important if you are both Type A!

In other news, tonight is Anna Cate's night for date night with Daddy....

She has been so excited and wrote him a note this morning with the time of their reservation so he wouldn't forget.....perhaps we have another type A in the future?