Late last night I found out that I didn’t have work today. I honestly had no idea, is that not weird? Anyhow, it made me feel so much better as I had a commitment in the middle of the day today. So I woke up and got my personal projects done and then played with the kids. Since I knew I was going to have to be completely alone, I told David we could download some free games for the iphone for him to play with during my meeting.

Then I put Nathaniel down and David went to his room to play so I could do my meeting. Then they came back down and it was time for lunch which Nathaniel likes to play with more often than eat.

And wear on his head. He’s recently learned the work HAT!! and likes to say it often.

And here he is saying choo choo. And Truck Fell! which he likes to say often, too.

A split second of attention.

And these are the shots David’s giving me. I take what I can get.

As I worked on some of my Soul Restoration homework the kids picked through their toys and discovered new ones.

And played with cars and trains at the table.

You can’t see it but David’s actually being kind to Nathaniel here and building some cars with him.

I feel like today went by too quickly. I didn’t fill it to the brim or relax enough. I often feel that way lately. Not enough. I am going to work on this because it’s not the most productive or positive way to spend my days. I get a lot done and yet I feel a bit empty so I want to work on what would help me with that so I can enjoy each day in its own way. Some days more relaxing and other days more productive.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for an unexpected day off.
2. I am grateful for a fun opportunity today. More on this later this week.
3. I am grateful that there was a Soul Restoration class today. I love each of them.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I have gymnastics class {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that i got some games on the phone.
3. I am grateful that I took lego photos on the phone.

Today has a lot of photos, mostly because I wanted to demonstrate how I like to take photos that tell stories and also give you a little glimpse of the craziness here. I know it’s fourth of July but we didn’t really do anything special for the holiday except hang out. While I sketched in the morning, David played on the phone and Nathaniel was watching him as he often does.

Then they sat at the couch and David drew Nathaniel a picture.

Nathaniel was quite excited.

Here’s the masterpiece.

Then David wanted to add more but Nathaniel wanted to have the toy back, and so is complaining.

And when that doesn’t work, he’s “crying”. I love David’s look here.

So David kindly gives it to him.

Nathaniel is still not 100% sure about the whole thing.

But is taking a closer look.

Then David takes then pen to add a bit more.

Which sends Nathaniel back to his meltdown.

So he gets the pen back and is finally happy.

Then they roughhouse a bit.

Finally Nathaniel is drawing.

Focusing hard with David watching.

And then he’s bored and walks away so now David gets to play with it peacefully.

A typical few minutes in our house. Happens many times over many different toys. Having two is so much more than having two individual kids. The interaction takes it all to another level. (often good and sometimes draining)

And I wanted to include this shot only because Nathaniel looks so very very much like me in it.

There you go. Our day was relatively quiet and typical here. We did go to a local path to take a little hike together but it’s been really really hot here so staying indoors is actually considerably more fun. Happy Fourth of July to those who celebrate it. I was grateful for the little extra time off and time to relax a bit more than usual.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a nice short hike with my family.
2. I am grateful for my simple but truly wonderful life.
3. I am grateful that this will be a short and relatively light week at work.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I drew a picture for my brother {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we went on a walk.
3. I am grateful that I had chocolate milk.

A lovely Sunday here. We changed the schedule around so the first thing we did was to take family photos.

We had some sweet ones.

And then went right into tickle time.

Which was so much fun.

That I just didn’t want it to end.

We tickled and tickled.

Then Jake and David played wii for a bit while I sketched.

And Nathaniel watched.

Then it was nap time and Jake worked while I did my art journal and other list items. David got to play some more wii. After that we had a friend come over with his son and they all played together.

Nathaniel enjoyed sitting at the table with the bigger boys.

And he was just his usual happy self.

Especially with Daddy.

Now the day’s winding down and we’re all relaxing. I have some books to read tonight. I feel so relaxed and peaceful. I hope it continues to be so.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I read two wonderful books today.
2. I am grateful for art journaling, I really love it.
3. I am grateful that Jake’s friend came. It was great to see all the kids playing together.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that we had a playdate with Nico
2. I am grateful that daddy played wii with me.
3. I am grateful that I will play connect-four with daddy.

We had some guests last night and there were more people than usual so we had to bring in one of the tables from the backyard to put the food on and we didn’t put it back last night. This morning, within minutes, Nathaniel had already claimed it as his own.

We did end up chatting late into the night so we both overslept and it meant everything was delayed. But nonetheless, we did get family photos after I exercised.

I love Nathaniel’s face in this one. He’s doing the no-no laughing face.

And I am laughing in this one. Jake was making jokes I couldn’t resist.

We had tickle time of course.

I really love these laughter shots.

And each of them make me super happy.

After we were done, I managed to catch this gem.

Then I got to work on my layout, sketching and other daily todos. Right around dinner, I snapped this of David.

And a few of Nathaniel. He’s saying Bob here which always comes with a hand-raise.

And here he’s saying “oh no!”

He is sad that Bob is over.

We are going out for date night tonight. Just to the movies but it will be nice to get away with Jake even if I didn’t get through all my todo list for the day. When I come home, I will try to do some art and I am hoping my jaw will feel better by then.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful I got a package in the mail from amazon. Some books I wanted to read.
2. I am grateful for class videos that have been keeping me company as I exercise.
3. I am grateful that we get to go out tonight.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Daddy will play wii with me. {* his pick for the journal} thank you Caroline!!
2. I am grateful that I got some pokemon cards.
3. I am grateful that I played wii.

Nathaniel’s gotten into Bob the Builder lately and says “bob bob” while raising his hand when he sees anything Bob the builder related. We’ve been watching a few intro movies on YouTube together.

And every now and then I say “Nathaniel” and he says “what?” It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve already said it, he keeps answering. I love that.

David had “David day” today where he got to do several things of his own choosing. One of them was to play Wii.

Here’s more of Nathaniel watching Bob on my computer.

Look at that smile. His joy is so visible.

Jake’s brother and sister in law had a baby today. Little Jonah. I wanted to take a moment to congratulate them and wish all of them a long and prosperous life. Another cousin in the family. We have a bunch of guests coming tonight so I have to run but I wanted to take a moment to apologize for neglecting the emails and comments lately. I will catch up this weekend, I promise.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for the weekend. Really really grateful.
2. I am grateful for guests coming over tonight, it promises to be fun.
3. I am grateful that did two layouts last night.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it was David Day. {* his pick for the journal} thank you Caroline!!
2. I am grateful that I played wii.
3. I am grateful that I had chocolate milk.