I loved being a mom this week...

and every week (but especially this week). I've been following Stephanie Nielson's blog (a great mom that burned over 83% of her body in a plane crash). Reading her article in the the Arizona Republic, really made me appreciate all I can do with my kids. My greatest days are the days I'm really present with them and have fun. Here's some reasons this week was so great:


We biked to the library. Apollo fed Annie a little snack on the way. We got a bunch of books that have fun songs. My favorite is called The Lap-Time Song and Play Book by Adam Stemple and Margot Tomes. I've been switching putting the kids on my lap while we do the rhymes. The kids played with the library toys while I read my books and then we read together. Carleton joined us and biked home with the kids while I had some fun alone time enjoying my books ranging from raising happy toddlers to decorating a nursery.





I wore an apron. I felt like a homemaker. Apollo blew bubbles outside while Annie watched him and I cooked dinner. It was the first time I wore an apron to cook- I wish I had dinner ready more often when Carleton gets home. By the way, I love the dollar store and the dollar section of craft stores because they have great keep-kids-occupied projects instead of putting them in front of the tube. I'm using the Simple and Delicious magazine Ziggy bought me where they give you a grocery list and have a week's worth of dinners.







Apollo crafted. He made a cute bracelet for my neighbor and was so proud of himself when he gave it to her. He kept saying, "I made it." All I did was tie the knot for him. I loved the little car he made out of bristle blocks.





I crafted. I made some hair clips and flowers for this onesie. I also got some great ideas from a baby shower. I want to learn how to make these booties. Tami and Kimberly, I'm ready to learn if you'll teach me.








We went to the Spectrum. I love Anthropology and a cute little baby store (can't remember the name). I took pics on my phone of ideas on how to decorate or things I want to make. Carleton joined us after work for dinner, carousel rides, and playing in the fountain. Apollo looked up at the lights and said "it's a triangle."







Family bike rides. On one, Apollo fell asleep on Annie and she wasn't too sure about it.



Annie and Apollo played together. They are becoming good buddies. Apollo will say "I want to play with Annie." I told him I wanted to take a nap (trying to get him ready for a nap and because I was tired) and he told me to go to bed and he would play with Annie. Carleton and I jokingly told him the other day we were going to go in the back, and asked if he would watch Annie. He went to pick her up to put her in her play chair. Carleton helped him and then Apollo played with Annie. Wouldn't that be fun if he really could babysit her:)





Took a nap with Apollo. I usually don't but it was fun to snuggle with him for a couple of hours. I snuggled him and he snuggled his bear.


Crochet Night. We had some great Chinese food (thanks Joanie) and I learned some new tricks to make some cute hair and clothing accessories (thanks Jennifer). Here's the yummy dessert we had. I'll get the recipe and post it on my other blog.



Trained for a half marathon. I'm enjoying listening to SuperFreakonomics. I used to be nervous for a long run (9 miles) but Carleton took the kids and pushed them this time on his 10 miler. I look forward to running now on Saturdays. This is the day I go without the kids. I get to enjoy our beautiful area and listen to a good book.

Went to the park. Apollo loves park toys. One day I took a book and read for a minute while the kids played. Apollo likes to go with Annie down the slides now and hold her on some of the kiddie toys.

Carleton's highlight was going on a great mountain bike ride with his friends. He came back pretty pumped. Apollo's was helping Daddy clean his bike. He loves tools and doing anything with Dad.