Thomas: January in Pictures.

January was a tough month for us. ICU meant 6 day work weeks +12hr shifts for Mark. 2wks of nights then 2wks of days. The last part of the month was 18 days 16 of which he worked trying to keep people alive all the while feeling totally stressed out about everything he needed to be remembering and hoping that he wasn't forgetting something crucial.

We totally preferred nights because we saw him more and nights in the ICU are way more relaxed than days. I'm not sure I have ever seen him more stressed out or worn out. Not even for boards. But then again I hightailed it to Canada during board season. :)

A rare moment with Dad!

But I have to say that there were plenty of blessings that came along with such a stressful month.

Heavenly Father truly blessed me to find joy and happiness taking care of everything at home instead of feeling totally worn out (although there was plenty of that too). I love being a stay at home mom. And I am grateful for my dad for working 6-7days a week. Seriously, when Mark and I got married and Sat. would roll around I'd turn the music up and start cleaning -because that's what you do on Sat. right? Mark quickly informed me that the rest of the world plays on Saturday. Say what?

Anyways since Mark was working so much when Saturday rolled around I just turned up the music and kept working too.

And it felt like home. :)

I found myself laughing to myself because I was enjoying it so much.

I found so much joy in spending time with my kids.

I love them and they missed their Papa.

There were some long hard days.

Days where you just say a prayer, square your shoulders, and then do the best you can.

(oh wait, isn't that every day!!)

Did I mention I love these kids.

This was in the middle of January!! In Michigan! Look how beautiful it is. Green grass and everything. We showed Papa the bird sanctuary and it was really fun. Looking at these pictures makes me happy. Winter doesn't last forever, and neither does ICU!

I LOVE everything about this picture. Wilson adores his baby brother. Look at him! 5yrs old and it's no big deal Mom. I can eat, balance the baby, and keep him happy all at once.

My kids love to crank the music and then dance - leaping off of everything in sight!

Don't worry we had school too!. My favorite thing about this picture is Zina's doodling in the background. She was supposed to be going over word families and instead she was designing dresses. :)

LOVE them!

Finally a Snow Day!

We had friends over (because it was a real snow day for public schools as well) and played in the snow, built a fire, made hot chocolate and nachos and built forts!

Bryce, Addie & Zina.
And don't forget Wilson in the back on top of Mouse Crumpet (It's supposed to be Mt. Crumpit but Sammy dubbed it Mouse Crumpet)

My intense little 2yr old!

Sammy is so full of love, and anger, and sadness, and frustration, and make believe, and joy, and giggles. He is learning about his emotions and feels them all so deeply.

Oh this boy. I have no words.

Seriously, I get to snuggle and mug on this boy everyday. I love it!

And keep this precocious little monkey entertained. :)

I have the best job in the world.

Don't you love that Monkey is wearing Sam's clothes?
This is Sam and Wilson's restaurant. They always feed Monkey and Sunshine Bear their "good" food before they feed them sugar. :) Sammy is really into "mine friends." Whether they are real or make believe he loves them so dearly!

Zina and Wilson hopped up and made everyone lunch this day. Wilson made me a ham, cheese, avocado, pickle sandwich. It was really good! (even if he is camera shy :)

Zina made Sammy and her Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches.

Zina learned about fractions the other day and has since taken up baking like CRAZY. If I let her she would bake all day long. She absolutely loves it. The other week when i had a bad headache I told her the recipe for Pizza dough and she made it for Friday pizza night all on her own. I was so impressed because it turned out perfect and I didn't even step foot in the kitchen!

She also made this platter of goodies the same day with her easy bake oven. Cornbread, scones, cheese quesadillas, strawberry crumble, fruit bars etc.