Run the Race

Just your typical Tuesday...getting inked for the first time. This tattoo has been in the works for awhile now, and I can't believe the day has actually come and gone and I have my first tattoo! I have been thinking about this for a few months, and then literally "ran into" a girl in Utah while I was out for the Young Living convention last June who wanted the same type of tattoo which motivated me even more. A few months go by and then my friend Noelle gets her first tat (along with this girl Ashley I met in Utah within days of Noelle) and the motivation became real! Christian and I sat down one Sunday afternoon and designed what I wanted. Originally I was planning for it to be on my foot (appropriate, yes, for the symbolism) but three days before my appointment I looked up the pain of foot tattoos and read. Mistake...or not! I ended up making a pro/con list for my foot and forearm, and the arm won out. And let's just say, I'm in love. I am so happy with how it came out, with the design that Christian created, and the tattoo artist who basically copied it exactly as we wanted. He had one modification (which is great!) and said he had to add something to Christian's creation, hahaha. The artists at the shop were very impressed with Christian's work and I told him I think he has another career waiting for him on the side ;). My artist was also impressed with the size and location of my choice since it was my first...ha, I told him go big or go home, right?!

So, for the meaning behind my tattoo: the five dots at the beginning of the "r" are for my family. The abstract runner girl at the end, obviously ;) And the "run the race" from Hebrews 12:1 is so symbolic of my life, both in marathoning and everyday activity. We are only given one life and I want to live a life pleasing to Jesus, running the race He has given me with endurance. My kids know the meaning, Reid in particular has grown quite attached to it, and Gemma has asked Christian to draw a tattoo on her arm (as they saw him practicing on me before the appointment to make sure I would like it). I am looking forward to having the visual reminder on my arm, for the rest of my life, and also to let it be one more piece in my story and witness for Christ. Without further ado, here are the pictures of this very big deal in my life!

Cursive!?

My little artist has been practicing his handwriting, and just recently decided to try out his hand at cursive.  I don't even know where it came from or how he heard of the term cursive, but I was pretty impressed at his first attempt. This was while we were in St. Louis, and the owl picture is his replication of Lilly's.  Not too bad for a 5 1/2 year old, right?

Artist at it again

Micah is my artist, through and through.  He loves to draw, paint, color, write...you name it, he loves it.  I picked him up from pre-k last week to have him give me these two masterpieces.  Pretty impressed with the family shot, down to the dots on Christian's face for his beard (which is out of control at time, lol...love you, honey!!).  He drew everyone and wrote all of our names, all on his own accord during free time at pre-k.  I'm interested to see what career path Micah chooses as he gets older, as this has always been a passion of his.  

Allowance = Reward!

Micah's learning the value of money...through his allowance he was able to pay for this $8 Daniel Tiger doll today.  He didn't have him money at the store, so he had to pay up when we got home, and I think it was an excellent exercise in the beginnings of understanding what a dollar is equal to.  There's a lot more work to be had for his little 4 year old brain with regards to money, obviously, but I'm so proud of the hard work he's done to earn something for himself!  (Poor Reidees didn't quite like the fact that he also couldn't get a Daniel Tiger doll today and I felt bad for the little guy :( .  Life is hard sometimes!) 

Micah showing how much his prize cost him.

Micah's picture!

Micah's drawing of Daniel Tiger.  I'm beyond impressed.  Christian's abilities right there, I tell ya, not mine at all!!

And while it's here, Mickey's drawing too.  This kid is obsessed with those three animals on his left right there...Daniel Tiger, Monkey and Mickey.  They go with him everywhere right now!

Baby Girl's Nursery

Here are some pictures of baby girl's nursery.  It's not completely finished yet, but we've made some great progress since we've moved and I can't wait until there's a tiny little bundle to take up residence here!  Two more days!!  Eek :)

Spoil alert - 2 days early!  To those of you who actually read the blog, lol...a couple of the pictures below show the first letter for the name we have chosen for baby girl.

As best an overview as possible.  We went with a gray and pink theme.  And our kind friend Steve helped us install the chandelier...isn't it so cute?? :)

I love our bedding...and it took me awhile to get to the final product.  But it includes a gray and pink chevron crib skirt, a white and gray polka dot crib sheet and a solid pink bumper.  My friend Alissa also made an adorable gray and pink chevron crib blanket to match. 

The other side of the room.  In the hutch are baskets with different patterns/prints of gray, pink and white.  Chevrons, polka dots, geometric patterns.  On the right is a larger chevron print we found at Hobby Lobby, and on the left behind the glider are two paintings the boys did for baby sister.

The top painting is Micah's, and the bottom painting is Reid's.  Originally we only thought about having Micah do a painting (see the below pic - his first one!) but then decided why not give Reid a chance?  And his turned out awesome!  I think it's representative of their personalities a bit too...and while I know that Reid is only 2, Micah tends to be the more calculated/perfectionist type while Reid tends a bit more of the carefree/easy going type.  I love that they both had a part in decorating their baby sister's room - providing fond memories of our kiddos!

Micah's Artistry

Micah has really grown in his ability to draw people, and it's amazing to see.  I love watching his imagination expand and the way in which he can capture it on paper.  He's really taken to coloring/drawing lately and loves any moment Christian or I will sit down and spend time drawing with him.

We've also begun taking pictures and sending them to Daddy throughout the day.  February was quite a busy traveling month and this was a way for us to connect with him while he was away.  Below is just a couple of them.

I love how Micah's hand is grabbing my cheek here.  So sweet.

He's also taken to taking pictures and sending messages as much as I'll let him on my phone.  I thought this was a cute one he captured of Reid in the van.

Winter Fun

The below pictures summarize what our December has been all about.  It becomes difficult to keep two boys entertained when going outside is eliminated from your repertoire, but we are making due and finding ways to keep my two active toddlers happy.

Polar Express Time!

We brought back up the easel, Micah's Christmas gift from last year, that has been in hibernation.  I've found that rotating certain toys helps to keep them fresh and new, and the easel is a perfect indoor activity filler.

Costco time

Going "night-night"

And watching shows

A picture by the Christmas tree at church post a Micah melt-down :)

A date night with my lovely hubby to see Saving Mr. Banks, while Grandma and Grandpa watched the boys - win, win!!

Ball Factory - an indoor play place that Christian and I went to with the boys this past Monday.  They had a blast, and aside from the crowdedness, it really was a relaxing time out and about while the boys played.

Monday night we took a drive to West Chicago to see a house that would light up while listening to music to accompany it.  It was a longer drive, but really fun to watch the boys enjoying the light show, and we know it's the beginnings of a fun family tradition :)