Friday Photo Favorites: Best Friends...

Peter and Isabelle

Peter and Isabelle are only 16 months apart but the distance between them seems to grow smaller with each day they spend together.

From birth Isabelle has adored her big brother's every move...

and was determined to be next to him as soon as she could tag along.

And he, for his part, has embraced his companion with equal enthusiasm.

One of their favorite past times is sitting together, reading books...

playing with their babies (before little brother Daniel arrived)...

or just chatting in a laundry basket.


They experienced fishing for the first time together.


Once, I found them outside, reading in their baby strollers together,


and watching a movie in a box, in a basket.

How blessed they are to have a best friend so young,


and for the rest of their lives.

Small Successes

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

1. I walked a crying baby at 4:30 am instead of nursing her, AFTER having already been up twice with two wet beds and a missing pacifier.

2. I went to the doctor this week upon her urgent orders, requesting only that I could finish sweeping up my pile of dirt in the kitchen first. And I did not get upset, after being sent back to the "blue room," when I discovered I was in line behind a dog and horse. Although I was relieved to learn the doctor could not find a heart beat in my abdomen, and my ears had neither an ear confession nor bugs in them. I can not say as much for the dog. In the end, the interruption was far more pleasant than driving across town, and my budding physician was delighted to have someone besides a brother and his toys to assist.

3. I waited until 1:00 pm to write this, my designated time.

Friday Photo Favorites

I am joining my sister in taking a look at some of our favorite photos, old and new, on Fridays, lest you all forget how adorable my children are.

Oh, to be free...

Small Successes

1. I walked a mile in someone else' shoe. Someone with very poor fashion sense.


My sprain from last Monday turned out to be an avulsion fracture of one of the foot bones. Thankfully, only another couple miles should be required of my new attire, before I can hobble on my own.

2. I called for help. Not vocally. Not even literally, I guess. My husband dialed the numbers. But when it was clear ankle, boots and crutches were more than my husband and I could handle, we called in the Calvary and repressed my desire to keep all my balls in the air on my own.

Thank you for all your help, mom, you have been amazing!

3. We played Slap Jack instead of putting the kids to bed. They did eventually find their beds, but one big boy was much happier knowing his promised game was not postponed yet another day.