Our January 2024

 January was a quick month. One of my personal goals for me is to put my phone down more as I want to role model that to my children. And I want to be more focused and intentional with my time with my kids. I only get this season for a small window of time and I really want to enjoy it this year. 

So, that means I have way less photos to share as I capture less moments by being more present. And putting my phone away which doubles as my camera. But, the pictures I have are good and still sum up my month. And I thanked myself for not having as many photos to sort. The whole process of finding pictures and sending them over took about 10 minutes, the fastest it has ever been! 

So here are some of our finest pictures from January. One of the most important pictures to me show that we baptized Avery!

It was a blessed day with grandparents sharing the weekend with us. Our children requested to be the godparents (sponsors in this case) and they were approved. It meant so much to all of us. The grandparents stood in to help with a promise to teach and guide the kids as they grow. 

                                                          

Avery also turned 10 months this month and I posted about her turning 9 months earlier, as the pictures were so cute they deserved their own post. See that here! I am blown away by how fast time goes and it won't be long before we are celebrating a one year old!

Even with the cold, we get out as much as we can!

Avery and I love to make sure we get out at least once during the school day, but typically a few times. I bundle her and we go! The fresh air is good for us both. And we both love the park! She is in awe at everything, especially dogs and the the geese!

We got a snow day and it was the best bonus day with my kids!

Each kid got into the kitchen to make something so we had a great quantity of food! Then, we cozied up after feasting for a family movie.

I laugh that this photo is in here. An ordinary moment that most people wouldn't stop to think twice about. But, this was a big deal. Payton sorted and organized the playroom and found things to donate. She is a super saver and typically won't part with anything (which is hard as I try to declutter), but she is starting to make some progress and helping us to lighten our load, even if just a tiny bit. 

Our sweet neighbor brought us fresh banana bread, right out of the oven. It was the best surprise and a reminder that we can serve others and bring joy in the tiniest of gestures. Our family was so thankful for this treat. 

I am collecting photos of Avery sleeping in the vehicle. I am going to be honest with you, nap times seem to yo yo between really good (like 3 hour nap good) and really not good. The not good ends up with me resorting to driving in the vehicle to get her to actually nap because she refused all day. It isn't ideal as I prefer her sleeping in her crib so I can nap or get a chore done that isn't easy with a child on my hip. But, we are surviving. And, gosh, I am just so thankful to be her mom. She's a true blessing. 

Speaking of blessings, my oldest blessing left me this note to find as I read my book at night. I am so thankful for her and her sweet heart. 

The one day we had a clean kitchen. I just had to document. It didn't last but 20 minutes but it was so, so good. With a baby, we are not in a season of regularly cleaned kitchens. I know we will get back to that eventually. For now, I document the rarity that I can see our countertop. 

Riley has really taken to reading, which has been so fun to see. He now has a book on him at almost all times and begins to read as soon as I pick him up from school. In the last few months his reading skills took a huge leap and I just love watching his love for books grow and grow. 

We had another bed weather round but didn't get out of school for. Instead, I documented how hard it was to see. But, we made the trip. And lived to see nicer days!

One of the few pictures I have documenting basketball. Riley went out for basketball and his season ends in February (so those pictures will be in next months). It has been so fun watching him learn about this sport as its his first time playing. He has grown a ton in a short period of time. 

I got to sneak out with these 2 for Chinese. We thought the restaurant was closing as the couple who owns it is retiring. So we went with bittersweet feelings thinking it would be one of our last times there. But, we were excited to hear that the owners had other family members that would come to run the business so it is not closing. We enjoyed our meal and are excited to know this restaurant will continue to be a staple in our town. 

                                                          

A random picture of Avery being silly after her bath. I couldn't help but snap a quick shot of this. Before I know it, this kid towel won't fit her and she will be telling me stories of learning fractions at school. I will wonder how quickly we left this scene and ended up with such advanced forms of talk. 

So it goes, babies don't keep. Time is a thief. I am reminded of that constantly with each of my 4 children. They change and grow so fast leaving me behind and constantly trying to catch up. 

As the month came to an end, the sun came out and warmed up our region of the earth. We headed to the park after school one day for some play time together:

What a good, beautiful month it was. I am so glad to be here for it.