The Ihrke Family Blog: March 14, 2014

   I've been asked several times if I plan on writing any more on my blog. I was pleased to hear that it is, in fact, being read! The last two weeks seem to have flown by and although nothing "exciting" has happened, it may be time for an update. Cooper has made up his mind that rolling no longer holds its appeal as much as scooting. Not too long ago, he had made his way across the living room on his tummy under the watchful eyes of his grandparents! No doubt he'll be sitting up on his own in no time and as my mom says, I'll have a walking 7 month old! YIKES! he's particularly cranky the past few weeks because those dang teeth are wanting to make a debut. I've never seen so much drool come from such a small person! Donovan drooled for a bit but that was right before his first tooth popped in at around 8 months. So we wait...
   I was asked a few days ago if I was interested in working part-time at Donovan's daycare because they haven't had a very good retention rate for the past few months and they were in desperate need for some more help. I accepted and this morning was my first day. Let's just say I appreciate my children a lot more than I previously did! And I have to have respect for the woman that runs the facility! I don't plan on making this a career (for sure!) but I do get to bring my kids to work and gt paid for it! Plus, it has been so nice out the last few days and I've been able to get out of the house with the kids. I plan on walking to work as much as I can so that I am 'bathing suit' ready for our Hawaii trip next summer. It will be our first kid-free vacation and I cannot wait!!!
   We got some exciting news recently that my older brother proposed to his girlfriend and are in the midst of planning a wedding for either later this year or early next year. My younger brother and his wife are having a ceremony and reception in May to celebrate their marriage. They did what Karl and I did and got married at the courthouse a few years ago and waited until they were back in California to host the traditional wedding. Karl and I had planned on doing the same thing this year but with the arrival of Cooper, a big move to another state, and our financial focus, we may push it back for another year or two. I'm not sure why it is so important to me that I wear a wedding dress once in my life but I think the main reason I want to do a wedding ceremony (or vow renewal) and reception is because I feel like I cheated some out of that experience (and not necessarily on my side of the family). All this wedding planning and excitement really reaffirms my desire to have a 'wedding'.
   Well, another lovely weekend ahead and there will be some 'spring cleaning' going on. I guess it's true that fresh air truly clears the mind. Just in the last four days I have been walking and I feel less tense and less stressed out. Plus my kids like riding in the double stroller and I get quite a workout. It just needs to warm up a bit more so we can explore the hiking trails along the Columbia Gorge. Big plans this summer!!!
   I look forward to the next few weeks and what they will bring. I pray for the patience to continue down the path I am headed and the motivation to stay the course. I just try to remember in times of frustration that these are temporary situations. In the meantime, I'll live my life the best way I know how; with love.

V/R
Shara