Sun...

**Sigh** I love days like this. This morning I was greeted with rays of sunshine peeking through the window blinds. We're still under winter's frigid thumb but I can deal with the pressure when the sun comes out in full force. The girls were unusually cooperative as I got them fed and dressed for the errands that needed to be run this morning. And the blessed cooperation continued as we went from place to "kid-unfriendly" place. They were pretty much angels. And as I was driving home, one asleep and one quiet in the back, the sun warming the inside of the car in such a way that if I closed my eyes (I didn't, violation of Driving 101), I could almost imagine spring had come, I reflected on how nice it feels to get things done. For the past few months I have felt like I'm constantly trying to swim against the current of unfinished business, whether it be assignments, responsibilities, spiritual or personal commitments. Each month would end and I would feel like such a failure for not getting yet another goal met. And I still have a ways to go, but today I couldn't get over the fact that I'm actually meeting some of the new year resolutions that I had set for myself, even amidst this cycle of illness that we can't seem to get the kids out of. Colds came later than expected but they're here. The girls seem to be coming out of this round alright...hopefully dry noses and peaceful nights will stick around for a while. Anyway, I don't know whether it was the beautiful clear sky or the fact that I had two things accomplished today, but I've been in the most upbeat mood. We've felt unusually blessed as of late and I guess I just wanted to"outlet" some of that ooey-gooey goodness. And speaking of goodness, here's some more:

I love half-naked babies...especially this roly-poly one!

This cute red dress was only a few bucks and went well with the red bow I made...she looks scrumptious!

My mom used to make these donuts for us after school...I decided to try some myself today- yum!

Hope you are experiencing sunny weather outside (and inside), too!

Writer's block...

Ok, our lives are kind of boring. I mean, at the end of each day I feel like I still didn't get so many things done- so my days are filled with something going on to keep me from completing that "to do" list, but I'm at a total blank as I sit here to write about the "exciting" things going on in our lives at the moment. Well, here are some visuals to let you all know that we're still alive.

Kira's idea of the perfect February outfit

I'm interrupting her coloring time for a quick photo op

"Oh, that's why Kira likes it so much up here!"

She's not a picky eater, believe me...food is a close second to paper and anything lying on the ground

Thankfully, there have been some sunny days scattered here and there

Working on that tooth that's finally starting to come through

Ooo- P.S. We have a house in Michigan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're SO excited!!!!!!

Kira's groove...

Kira participates in a super cute dance class, "Happy Feet", every week and has for almost 6 months now. I'm finally getting pics up on the blog for it. I also posted a video of Kira doing one of her favorite dances but I couldn't get the dang camera to focus. Hopefully it's clear enough to see how much of a kick you can get out of watching these little people "shake it".

Melancholy baby...

Life has been pretty slow lately...I have nothing super fun or exciting to post. Quite a few things have happened post-Christmas, though. My parents came up to visit for a few days which is always fun. Christopher started school up again which is never fun. And here's a few pics of a baby who looks like she could use some fun.

Wait, do I detect a smile?....

....never mind.

A Christmas morning...

Here are some pics especially for family. (These are genuine clips of what life is like at the Wood home in the morning sans daylight clothing and brushes (hair and tooth)....don't judge too harshly.)

This is how I found Kira dressed when I went to get the kids up...don't ask.

I think I can, I think I can...

Whew, what a day. It wasn't totally a day from "you know where" but just one of those days you're SO ready to be over. One of those days that starts with a headache, little sleep and no husband. Oh, and two very LOUD children. Now, I'm not going to name names, but I had one of those parent-challenging days because of one of my children...the one who won't take naps...the one who decides to take her underwear off to do her business on the floor during supposed naps...the one who runs away from me while trying to load two children into the car...the one who laughs at my futile attempts to discipline patiently...the one who suddenly is literally deaf to every single word that comes out of my mouth...that one. Of course, I lost my internal battle to be patient halfway through the day. It didn't help that I had disregarded my mess of a house so that I could spend time wasting some of that mischievous energy playing outside all afternoon. Didn't seem to help. But after I had exasperatedly plopped said uncooperative child into bed after yet another mini battle tonight, I came downstairs still fuming. Part of me wondered in awe how the women in my life were able to raise so many more children (and still are) and come away from the experience completely sane! Can I really do this?? Of course, after about fifteen minutes, I start thinking about all the things I could have done differently today, worrying if Ki- uh, I mean, said child, would grow up remembering this day and how awful her mother was, scarred for life. It didn't help that I was going through pictures I had taken of her today, chastising myself for getting so frustrated and upset at such a cute, innocent(-looking) child. As I sat there feeling like the biggest failure of a mother, I noticed her face...her smile. It's so...genuine. Then, a tiny, timid thought passes quickly through my mind, You can't be doing that bad, look how happy she is! I almost didn't catch it. I guess, in the end, I hope she can filter through the raised voice, time-outs, and tears and know how much I truly love her and love being her mother. Because I really do. I guess maybe I can do this.

I think she's thinking about how unfair mommy's been today.