Should be Mandatory:)

Today is "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day". Really. It says so in my planner. Clearly it must be a real 'holiday'...Guess I'm just not understanding why Joel didn't want to take P with him today. I mean, who wouldn't want to take this guy to work??

Ok, so in all fairness, this was nearly a year ago-while I was packing up boxes, getting ready to leave our Lincoln house. P didn't waste any time before he began emptying boxes in the pantry. So helpful! I had been wondering where we were going to pack all that heavy pasta, and those Cheerios, what a load! He's much more helpful now. More hands on. The other day he was throwing the laundry out of the basket-into the closet. I'm sure there's a method to the madness. I just haven't figured it out yet.

A Traveling We Go...

We've been taking Preston to a Natural Doctor, and are quite positive about the progress he's made so far. One of the positive? things is that he's got so much more energy now, and is sleeping less. Also, the eczema on his feet/legs has improved, along with his appetite improving! We're doing 'the cleanse' this month, and will be hoping and praying that we can improve his allergy issues/tummy problems. He hasn't even had intense tummy pain since April 3rd!!

Our weekend in Iowa was...awesome! Joel's Mom really noticed a diffe

rence in Preston, as he is such a 'happier kid' now, and that is a relief to us. (He's still naughty though.) It was so nice this trip, to have him playing (outside even) with his cousins, and not constantly having a fit, over SOME thing!! He also slept through both nights too, which is always a relief when being away from home~but especially news worthy when he's in the SAME room we are for the night!

I have to say, that each time I'm with my In-Laws, I love them more and more, well~like FAMILY! Oh, the irony, huh? They are such a great bunch, and really love the Lord with all their hearts. Joel's Dad has been Pastor in Farmington for 18 years. 18 YEARS! They are still on fire for God though, and their heart and vision for the ministry are inspiring to me!!

Besides having time to chat and "referee" the kiddos, we got to go to the Dutchman's store~which was an amazingly quaint "trading post" type store, run by the Mennonites. I thought it was so adorable that all the cashiers had on little head pieces, and wore long, flowing skirts. I could have spent the day there! But, alas~$20 and about 45 minutes later, we were on our way. I was able to procure some of Joel's long awaited chocolate-minty-fancy-candy things, that he was way excited about. I think it's safe to say I've eaten at LEAST half the bag. Yum!! I also bought a doily~wall hanging thing that looks hand made. I couldn't ask for more.

Our trip ended with a stop in Des Moines, where we visited Joel's Uncle's church. He is also a Pastor, and their church was amazing. They are a fairly new work (about 2 years old) and the people were INCREDIBLY friendly. We went to Culver's afterwards, with his Uncle and family, and chatted until after 9:30, which put us home just before midnight Sunday night. Whew! We knew it was time to leave the restaurant because Preston had thrown his second salt shaker into the trash, and we really didn't want to get caught. Sometimes I wonder whatever possesses him.

I'll sign off with a photo of me from the Dutchman's Store. For just over $7, I could have owned one of these:

Target Fun?

Today we went to Target. I am always way excited to shop at my favorite 'upscale' department store, and today was no exception! I met my friend Julie with her adorable baby at the awesome Target at 168th & Maple. There were Clearance Clothing items to peruse, discount merchandise to FIND, I was salivating over the possibilities. 

Then, it began. By 'it', I mean the WAR of 2 minds, which is inevitable, whenever I take my toddler out on any 'pleasure outings'. It started with him wanting to play hide-and-seek with me. Only, I wasn't really playing. I'd find him, bring him back to the cart, and off the little maniac was again. Hiding behind a clothing rack. Running to another aisle. The possibilities were endless. And annoying. I took off my sweatshirt, because I was really starting to feel the burn! By the time we got to the dressing rooms to try on our clearance collections, P was being LESS than cooperative. I would step out to show Julie an outfit, and he would slam the door. Repeatedly! No chance for us to go unnoticed, in a store!

While an hour and a half is JUST right for me, in Target-wonderland, it's apparently WAY too much for my 2-year-old ball of fire to handle at this point. I'm just going to have to accept that from this point until he's oh-12-that being a stay-at-home Momma means I'm gonna stay AT home. It's not like I'm going to have to start turning down friends' offers, they're just going to STOP asking!