Celebrating Motherhood

Happy Mother's Day to all the women who have had their hand in helping raise a child of God!

We have had an eventful day over here. It began yesterday when Atticus was going down the slide at the playground. His foot got caught underneath him and the tears started. While there were a lot of tears, there didn't seem to be any swelling and only minor discoloration. After a bath and dinner, he seemed to be much happier and we decided that if it was not better by morning we would head into the doctor. 

Morning did not bring the improvements that we were hoping for. Atticus could not even stand up without bursting into tears. We called the doctor's post (the after-hours doctor here), an appointment was made at the hospital and in we went.

After visiting with the doctor we were sent for x-rays and then we waited...

Good news is that the x-rays did not show any sign of a fracture. Bad news is that Atticus' ankle is sprained. Thankfully, as long as we don't try to make him stand on his foot, he is still maintaining a pretty sunny disposition. If we don't see improvement within the next few days we will need to go back to get more x-rays, but we are hopeful that things will begin improving.

While spending the morning at the hospital may not be the way most people picture spending Mother's Day we sure have felt an outpouring of blessings today.

To begin with, we have a wonderful neighbor (who has befriended us greatly), that graciously loaned us her car this morning so that we could get Atticus to the hospital. We then had a relatively quick visit at the hospital, getting in and out in an hour and a half. The doctor we saw spoke impeccable English, was patient and very kind; we felt she really took the time to be personable and was extremely knowledgeable. Things were not as bad as they could have been for Atticus and we got to spend the time together - even if it was at the hospital.

Amidst all of this the boys still found time to spoil me. I was crowned and given my very own scepter and a beautiful bouquet of flowers, treated to a tasty breakfast and dinner then indulged in a delicious dessert. And we were even able to talk to our own lovely mothers.

We are so grateful for the blessings we have felt today and are particularly grateful for all the incredible women throughout our lives that have influenced us for the better. 

I set apart some time today to make sure I read one of my favorite talks about Motherhood by Sheri L. Dew. This talk addresses the divine role of mothers, the importance of mothers and the very crucial fact that all women are mothers. If you would like to read it, you can check it out here.

"If we really want to make a difference, it will happen as we mother those we have borne and those we are willing to bear with....we are the Lord’s secret weapon"

---Sheri L. Dew

Love,

-The Clog Crew

Easter Monday: Keukenhof

Our family tradition is to head to Keukenhof on Easter Monday as a family. Granted that tradition has only been in the making for two years and may need to slightly alter should we ever move, but we will enjoy it while we can. Both years Keely has even been here to join us. So all 4.5 of us headed off in the morning to check out the flowers.

We had a great time; the weather was beautiful, the flowers were spectacular, we got lost in a maze, played at the playground, dressed up in costumes and finished up in time to go for lunch at a Dutch Pancake House. The garden really is a little piece of heaven on earth, especially when you're in such great company!

We were particularly spoiled because we had the photography expertise of Keely on hand! So without further ado, enjoy some photos of our day (compliments of Keely).

Love,

The Clog Crew

planning our route

flower close-up

Atticus looking handsome, as usual

family photo at the well

Keely: The Tree Hugger

Following Atticus' lead through the maze

37 Weeks pregnant and waiting for the boys to decide which way we go to get out of the maze

The boys up in the tower trying to spot the way out of the maze

The girls all dressed up.

The boys taking their turn to dress up.

Keely catching some much-needed rest.

contemplating life...

family photo on the water

another gorgeous flower close-up

Keely enjoying the view of the tulip fields

you can tell by the look on Atticus' face that he is pretty used to his parents acting ridiculous

The Milkstache

While on a recent trip to Ikea Atticus enjoyed sharing an icecream with Daddy. The result was a lovely "Milkstache". We pulled out the camera and asked him to smile...

This is the smile he gave:

It sure puts a smile on our faces!

Love,

-The Clog Crew

Random Pregnancy Thoughts

Last night we finished packing what we could of our birth bags. There is a very neatly organized list located next to our bags so that we know what else to add when the moment comes.

Yes, we are planners. Or rather, I am a planner and Jason has wisely learned to jump on board.

We had an appointment with our midwife yesterday and as we approach May (our estimated birth month) our appointments get closer and closer together and I have realized how mentally unprepared I am to progress from this pregnancy. 

In the final month of pregnancy it is so easy to get caught up in the constant heart burn and swollen ankles or the new found difficulty of every day tasks, but I love this experience. I love the connection I get to have with the little life inside of me; it's incredible. For the last 9 months I have been able to provide a safe refuge for a child of God as they have learned the very basics of life - muscle control, breathing, sucking. I have been blessed to play a roll in the creation of a life. I love seeing the look of amazement on Jason and Atticus' faces when they get to see/feel the baby move or hear the heartbeat. I love that my body knows what to do to adjust for all the changes happening inside of me. Being able to carry this child is a tremendous blessing and I get to experience it firsthand and see all the incredible ways that it brings our family closer together. It's a beautiful thing.

With all that in mind, I know there are plenty of blessings to look forward to beyond pregnancy and that pregnancy is a preparatory step for all the wonderful adventures ahead. 

It is time for me to prepare mentally for the transition and prepare to let go of this part of the journey when the time comes. That means it is time to give up control and accept the time line and plan that Heavenly Father has for our growing family. Whenever that time comes, I know that our love will grow and expand as we welcome another member to our family.

Love,

-Laura (and the rest of the Clog Crew)

Where's Atticus...?

Atticus loves to play hide-n-seek. After dinner, when his teeth have been brushed and he is in his pajamas, he gets to play a round of hide-n-seek with Mommy AND Daddy (which he seems to think is pretty spectacular). His favorite place to hide lately is behind the curtains in the living room.

We aren't sure what gives him away the most; is it the giggling? is it the feet sticking out the bottom? or is it the incredibly cute silhouette we can see of a little boy as the sun sets outside our balcony window?

Whatever it may be we all break into laughter when Atticus gets caught and begins to giggle uncontrollably.

Love that smile!

It's a lovely way to round off the evening.

Love,

-The Clog Crew

Piece of Cake

Another year for Jason. Hip, hip HOORAY!!!

The weekend before his birthday we went out to the restaurant of his choice, which was an Asian-fusion buffet. The day of his birthday it was a birthday breakfast, lunch and dinner. Is it any surprise that he loves food?

In the afternoon Atticus eagerly helped put up some decorations.

Trying to blow up a balloon.

birthday banner

The birthday boy's pick for dinner was homemade pizza, with extra olives, and carrot cake with cream cheese icing for dessert. 

The cake ready for some birthday singing.

The birthday boy was pretty excited to bite into all that sugary icing and cake!

Blowing out the candles

Atticus was pretty excited when he realized that he got a piece of cake too. He also couldn't wait to show Jason the card that he helped Mommy make for Daddy, he even "helped" sign his name on the card!

A day full of sweets and treats. The evening wrapped up with Jason opting for more cake and an old Jimmy Stewart movie. Jason enjoyed receiving so many thoughtful birthday wishes from family and friends. Thanks for the love!

Love,

-The Clog Crew

Painting...

It took a lot of courage but we finally did it, we let Atticus try out painting. 

And wouldn't you know it - he loves it. The colors, the textures, the messes, he loves it all. He is pretty serious about it too; he wants to turn page after page into a masterpiece. And we learned very quickly that paint time needs to be scheduled right before bath time.

Atticus hard at work

The artwork for the day

The artist's hands

Atticus will definitely be getting more time to paint, we just need to work on coming up with some creative and fun ways for him to experiment.

Love,

-The Clog Crew