I’ve been doing my exercise first thing in the morning lately. Which means I feel a big sense of accomplishment early in the day. However, it also means I am tired and worn out really early in the day, which is not so great. David was home sick today, too. He was still coughing a bit and I just wanted to play it safe.

The little boy’s been struggling lately, too. Not napping until he’s supremely tired.

But he was delighted to have his big brother at home.

And gave him a lot of kisses and hugs.

David played im his room quietly for a very long time this morning and then I told him he could play on the computer.

Nathaniel played with his legos and watched us read.

And watched his brother play.

David was really engrossed.

And so was Nathaniel. Both my kids are such great players, thankfully.

Kids are down now and I am resting for a while. I might go out to see a few friends tonight but I am not sure. I feel quite tired so we’ll see. This is a typical “i don’t have enough to do” week for me. When I am not overwhelmed with todo list items, i end up accomplishing nothing. It’s ok. Productivity will come back.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it was a quiet day. I needed it.
2. I am grateful that I got an email from a great long-lost friend whom I love so much!
3. I am grateful that I lost almost 5.5 lbs this week! I could not believe it so I tried twice. Whoa!

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that mom got me a magic set {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I got to play on the computer
3. I am grateful I did my workbook

David woke up with a fever this morning, putting a dent in all my plans since I had scheduled to get a super duper amount of work done today. but alas, the boy was sick so he stayed home, got some love from mommy and was a total champ.

He always is such a champ. I adore this child. Adore.

The little one is becoming more and more of a handful.

He’s strongly opinionated and you need help if you decide you want to cross him.

So we rarely do.

In the end a lot did get done. I finished an album for CHA summer (yep already), did my exercise (and read), read to David, pushed out the Beta, did a bunch more work, finalized and sent in our 2011 taxes and checked in on my class. Phew. Tonight I am hoping to put together some blog posts and maybe even watch some TV as I work on my art journal. I am tired and I plan to sleep early. David seems to be feeling better thankfully so we’ll see how things go tomorrow.

I hope your Monday was well?

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a wonderfully happy package that came a day early.
2. I am grateful the taxes are finished. I never ever enjoy those and always feel good when they are done.
3. I am grateful David is feeling better.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I was home all day {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I got to play on the phone
3. I am grateful I get to read my magazine in bed.

Ok I have to admit that I spent most of today pouting. I did work on some projects but I also just lay on the couch, dead tired, for quite some time. But, some days just go like that. My todo list piled up but that’s ok, too. It will pass. Tomorrow I will catch up. I did my 2.9 miles early this morning and then we took our family shots. The kids weren’t really up for it though so we ended up doing tickle time pretty early.

And got lots of laughter shots.

Which I must admit, I love.

Jake and David went to learn to ride bikes while I was exercising (and Nathaniel was playing next to me.) so after family shots, Jake went to do some work, Nathaniel napped, and I worked on my minibook for CHA (yes, already working on summer CHA). When Nathaniel woke up, we all had lunch and I read to David. Then Daddy came home and they disappeared again, this time to ride scooters. While they were gone, Nathaniel tried on all his pairs of shoes.

He worked really hard at it.

Then he put stickers all over his shirt.

Then took them off his shirt and re-stuck them onto some paper. (after my explaining to him that sticking them to the couch was not ok.)

Then David said it was ok to snap a photo of him. (Daddy was mowing the lawn at this point.)

And finally it was family time but Mommy was feeling tired and super-grouchy so the boys played games on the computer while mommy sat next to them and read.

Then they went to bed, I worked some more on my minibook (still not done) and worked some on my art journal. Now it’s 9:30 and I am trying to decide between working more on my book and going to bed. But I am exhausted and I know if I stay up late, it will ruin tomorrow and I have a long day tomorrow so I am going to go sleep. The mini book will get finished in the morning.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that Jake took David riding today. He said we’re almost there which makes me so so grateful.
2. I am grateful that I read a fun book and did some projects this weekend despite my hectic schedule and yucky mood.
3. I am grateful that this is an appointment-free week. A rare one for me.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I rode my bike with Daddy {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I got to play video games with Daddy
3. I am grateful we rode the scooter

Today was scheduled to be a busy day so I exercised right after I woke up. Then, I showered and it was time for family photos. Here are my boys as I am setting the camera up.

And then all of us giving some love to Daddy. We all love Daddy so much.

Tickle time.

I love these moments so much.

And then there was some drama, of course. As the boys kicked balls around and laughed and laughed and laughed.

Then I worked on my layout (which too WAY WAY TOO LONG to complete) until it was time to go to the birthday party. Then we had to pick up the car and then we came home and I finished my layout and we had friends over and then they left and now I am trying to finish up all my dangling todo items. Too stressful a day if you ask me. I look forward to a relaxing day tomorrow.

As I was taking shots of my layout, David came down and asked me to take a photo so I happily obliged.

Now it’s time to relax. Maybe do some art journaling, too. Let’s see.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for some fun time with my boys at the birthday (and grateful I stayed away from the pizza and chocolate).
2. I am grateful I finished the layout. I am not a huge fan of it but i am still glad it’s done. Not all come so easily.
3. I am grateful I get one more day off before the chaos of work descends.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it’s Matthew’s birthday {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I get to stay up late and play a bit tonight
3. I am grateful that it was my wii day.

I spent most of this morning staring at the computer but not getting enough done. I felt so tired and worn out that my brain was just not functioning. On a positive side, I did walk/run the 2.9 miles now that April’s started. I then met a friend for breakfast. So both of those were great. I even sketched another angel. I’ve now made 5 angels in two days. Something is up. I had a meeting and did get some work done. But other than those, most of my morning was unproductive.

Little boy, took forever to nap. Then discovered one of David’s favorite toys from when he was little (the elmo phone.)

He’s been playing with it all day.

Then we got David, who was in a good mood.

Until I wouldn’t help him with his workbooks and told him he had to patiently do them.

Then it was reading time so Nathaniel played quietly while we read.

Oh yes, we skipped spring altogether this month and went right to summer, hence the shorts. It’s been extremely hot here.

As he always prefers to, Nathaniel came to be right near us while we were reading. He likes to make sure he plays or sits right next to his big brother.

I also got a huge box of amazing Maya Road goodies today so once the kiddos went to bed, I made a layout and now I am trying to decide between doing my art journal or going to bed. I’ve learned that while I get my second wind at night, staying up late often ruins the next day in a significant way. So I am trying to not do that anymore.

We have a full day tomorrow but a quiet one on Sunday so I expect this to be a productive and relaxing weekend. Here’s hoping I’m right.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for my goody box from Maya Road.
2. I am grateful it’s weekend, I really enjoy my weekends.
3. I am grateful for my husband who is buying groceries at this very moment. He’s my favorite person on earth.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that it’s April Fool’s day {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that tomorrow’s my wii day.
3. I am grateful that i got to play on the phone tonight.