Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Food

February 26: I went to the grocery store today while Matthew was at school. When he got home that afternoon I was getting him a drink, and he looked in the fridge and said "Thanks for getting me more food Mommy." In other news, Caroline wore underwear today for the first time!

February 25: A few weeks ago we joined Annie's Buying Club which is an organic produce co-op. Every Monday I pick up a huge box of fresh fruits and vegetables that feeds our family for the week. It's made our diet healthier, our grocery bill smaller, and trips to the grocerry store less frequent. And I really feel like the food tastes better too!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Marco Polo

February 24: Every once in a while Brian will get free tickets to something through work. A few months ago we got tickets to a Gator game, and this week we got to see a polo match! We invited our friends the Tobiassens and we had a great time tailgating together. The kids play really well, and we did eventually get to watch some of the game when the sun tired them out!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Date Night Trifecta

February 23: Tonight was our third date night this week! We usually average about one date night a month, but due to surprise valentine gifts for each other and a youth for Christ banquet invitation, we had three just this week!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Ireland Training

February 22: It's so great having the Y right across the street. It makes triathlon training so convenient! This morning I enjoyed a swim in the heated pool and even had time to come home and shower before Brian went to work.

February 21: For Valentine's Day Brian got me tickets to see Celtic Crossroads. It made me even more excited for our trip to Ireland this summer! The music was amazing, and I loved their accents too. It was nice to snuggle up with my honey as well :o)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Future Dr. Foster

February 20: This morning I had a close encounter with the pavement during my bike ride (let me be clear, this is not the part of the story involving any type of love). When I got home I showed Matthew my cut up knee. He gave me a very concerned look and said "Mommy, you need a band-aid." He then proceeded to climb up on the stool and get his Cars band-aids out of the medicine cabinet and help me put them on.

The Protector

February 19: This afternoon we were at the dog park in our neighborhood, and there's one dog that is used to herding. Whenever Matthew and Caroline run, this dog runs over to them and tries to herd them. The first time he did this today Matthew immediately went and put his arms around Caroline. I'm not sure if he was protecting her or hiding behind her, but either way it was precious!

Monday, February 18, 2013

No Pants Required

February 17: We got Caroline a baby doll stroller for Christmas, and while her baby doll does get lots of rides,it seems the stroller is mainly used for Matthew to push Caroline around. Right now he is giving her rides all over the house while I put dishes away. I love when they play together so nicely! Oh, and did I mention that they are both pantsless right now? Love it!!!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

February 16: Our neighborhood is pretty awesome. We have great neighbors, a fantastic playground, and a sweet dog park. And the best part is walking to the playground or dog park with them!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Sweet Voices

February 15: Today we were driving to Brian's softball game and this is what I heard from the backseat.
C: Upset because her paci fell on the floor
M: It's ok, Caroline. Mommy will get it when we get there.
C: Yeah.
M: Do you want me to sing you a song?
C: Yeah.
M: Sings her "Twinkle Twinkle Traffic Light"

February 14: Chocolate. It's Valentine's Day, need I say more?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Sibling Love

February 12: This morning I woke up to the sweet sounds of my kids playing together in Caroline's bed. Normally I would not be super happy about the fact that Matthew woke his sister up early by climbing into her crib, but listening to them laugh and play together was totally worth it.

February 13: It's so great living close to family. Today we had an unexpected change in plans, so I called up my parents at work and asked if we could come over for the afternoon/evening. The kids LOVE going to Baba and Daideo's house, and I love that they can go there any time.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Strawberry Laughter

February 10: Strawberry shortcake is amazing. Due to some generous friends and a strawberry picking endeavor, we have an abundance of strawberries in our house. So what better to do than have strawberry shortcake every day!

February 11: I love hearing my kids' laughter. Brian was giving the kids a bath and I could hear their happy squeals across the house. It's so much fun to watch them play and grow up together.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Winter in Florida

I love where we live. I love that it is February 9th and we spent a large portion of our day outside. This morning we picked strawberries and fed goats at a local farm. When we came home I went for a run, and then we enjoyed a family lunch out on the porch complete with delicious, fresh strawberries! Brian and I did some reading outside while the kids napped. Some chores were done with the company of a breeze through the open windows and doors. Then 4 of our friends from college and their kids came over, and we watched the kids run in and out, all around the house and patio, playing and laughing. Winter in Florida = glorious! 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Love is in the Air

Since I've been behind on the blogging, I thought I'd jumpstart myself by writing about something I love every day this month. I realize that it's already February 8th, so I'll do a little backtracking today.

February 1st: This morning I told Matthew that he was cute. His response: "Mommy, I'm not cute. I'm a boy." I told him that he was both cute and a boy. He was a cute boy. Then he said "No mommy, boys aren't cute. Babies are cute. I am a boy, not a baby." I stand corrected!

February 2nd: Today we took the kids to Sea World. I love that we live close enough to do things like that! On that note, I also love Embassy Suites! We decided to stay in one after a full day at the park. Not only did we have a door to section the kids off once they went to sleep, we also got free drinks at the manager's reception and free breakfast.

February 3rd: I love football! Today being Super Bowl Sunday marks both a fabulous football event, and the beginning of that dark time of year where baseball and basketball make a feeble attempt to take over. For now I will enjoy the last few plays of the year, then begin the countdown to next football season.

February 4th: So living in Florida we often see alligators (or chomp chomps as Caroline calls them. Go Gators!). There's a certain pond in our neighborhood where a couple of them hang out. Every time we drive past it, we look out for the gators and about once a week we see one!

February 5th: We have the most amazing Life Group. Every Tuesday evening we get together to study God's word, challenge each other, and encourage each other.

February 6th: Two things I love: great friends and Chick-fil-A. When their forces combine it is pure bliss! So thankful that my dear friend Jodi sent me a text this afternoon asking me to meet her there. Nevermind that I already had dinner cooked in the crock pot, Brian was really late and I was spent so off we went! There's just something about their strawberry milkshakes that makes everything seem better.

February 7th: Caroline has picked up on Matthew's favorite picture-taking phrase - cheeseburgers! She carries her fake cell phone around snapping pictures and saying "cheeseburger!" She says it when I take her picture too, and has started cheesing for the camera.

February 8th: God has blessed me with the most amazing friends! Today ten of them and their (15!) kids came over for a Valentine's playdate. It was chaotic yet calm, with lots of laughter, a little bit of screaming, and fun had by all. I love these girls and their babies!