So Many Blessings!

The past week has been full of so many blessings and wonderful memories! Last Sunday (022413) we took the kids out to Chad's grandparents home. They live about 40 minutes from us and had yet to see Harper. They are so precious to Chad and I. We had called them to ask them if we could take them out to lunch and that turned into them saying they wanted us over for lunch. Did I mention Chad's grandparents are 96 and 90? His grandma always makes enough food to feed an army and we really didn't want them to do anything but enjoy an afternoon out. After pleading with them Chad gave in but asked if we could at least bring lunch to them and grandma said no. She was willing to let me bring a dessert. :) On the drive there Chad told me grandma said she wasn't going to do much which I knew for grandma meant a seven course meal. And when we got there she had a beautiful turkey dinner ready to go. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. They have been married for over 60 years and still joke with each other as if they just started dating. The boys love them and I'm grateful that they will have memories of spending time with them.



Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with the kids



Harper cuddling

Playing go fish

Afte lunch we played Ucher with his grandparents while the boys built a fort with dominos. Afterwards Noah really wanted to play go fish so he used his Mario Memory cards and they had a serious game of go fish. What was so cute if that grandma and grandpa haven't heard of any of the characters so I was a little concerned with them being able to make matches etc but everyone hada great time and lots of laughs!

Monday Harper and I met my girlfriend Sandi for coffee at my favorite coffee shop! We spent over two hours talking and enjoying our time together. I love love the coffee shop that is down the street from us. They have a fireplace and make it feel so comfy.  Monday night I met my girlfriend Nat at Starbucks for impromptu chat as she was in need of some girl time. I opted for chai tea and enjoyed seeing her. 

Tuesday was low key and Harper and I stayed in pjs all day and relaxed! I'm enjoying those days! Wednesday the boys had a snow day so we had fun playing board games and being home.  They spent a good hour in the am outside making forts and have a snowball fight. I was happy to stay inside and watch from the window where it was safe. :)

Thursday was a day that I will never forget! I haven't shared many details since L was born. She is the daughter of my dear friend Mich. She was born four days before Harper and has been in the hospital ever since waiting for a new heart. Thursday they got the call that a heart was available. Mich called me in the afternoon and we were able to talk for almost an hour while she was headed to the hospital. Her husband was already there so it was nice to be able to help keep her mind busy and provide laughs where I could. We prayed fervently for little L and the doctors and everyone involved, especially the family whose precious child died.  Friday morning she was taken back for surgery and is now recovering. She is expected to remain in the hospital for a minimum of three weeks but God has answered a huge prayer and we couldn't be more excited for her. 

The boys had school off on Friday and I planned on having a day of small surprises for them. :) They love surprises and couldn't wait for the first one. Chad brought home donuts for them to enjoy which is always a welcomed treat for them. I made my steel oats and enjoyed listening to them chat it up. After breakfast we all got ready and headed out to pick up our "mystery guest". They were having a blast trying to figure out who it was. We picked up my sister Jess who was also off from school and headed to the bowling alley to bowl a few games. They were thrilled!

the boys with Jessi

Noah was all business in the beginning

He loved sliding after his turn

Ky was quick to follow suit

After we bowled we went out to lunch and stopped for a cold treat on the way home. We finished the day off watching a moving at home with popcorn.

Our weekend was busy but fun. Noah had tennis lessons Saturday morning and then we met up with a friend of his from school and her mom for a play date at McDonald's. I will be the first to say that I'm not a fan of McDonald's at all and their play lands make me crazy but the boys love running around in them and its a great way for them to burn some energy. They had blast with Em and her mom and I got to catch up a bit. Chad was on call this weekend so we weren't able to go to church which I was bummed about but I wasn't brave enough yet to take all there by myself. Sunday I promised Ky that we would made homemade granola. I got the recipe from Chad's sister and was pleased to find out that the recipe was a "clean" recipe! We had a wonderful time in the kitchen together and the end result was quite tasty! I'm excited to try a few other kinds and give these to the kids for snacks in lieu of processed granola bars.

ready to make homemade granola

Ky measured everything

ready to bake

It's hard to believe that I have one month left at home with Harper before I return to work. My heart is sad but I'm trying to enjoy each day as it comes and not look to far ahead. I've been reading the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and have been so blessed by it! God is using it to speak to my heart during this season with H and I'm soaking it all up. I can't believe she will be two month old this week.



Ready for our coffee date:)



Bundled up to go bowling!

Napping :)