Sisters

Most days these two don't want to dress alike anymore so I thought I better snap a photo for grandma when I can.

Out for a ride

So again I am not doing good at writing, sorry too often we are outside.  The girls love summer.  They would play outside all day long.  We been spending huge amounts of time playing in an inflatable pool, and on the swings.  (Grace decided no more baby swing for her, she is growing up so fast.)
Last night Adam when out into the field and cut some paths for Jackie to drive through.  The girls were in heaven.  Cruising through some twisty trails surrounded by grasses taller then they are.  I think that this will defiantly be on the list of things to do again today if the rain holds off.

But really today will be a day for Grace.  This big girl has earned her trip to Build a Bear.  (I am glad to be done with diapers.)  Aunt Kate is coming into town to go with us to the mall.  Both girls are super excited.  Way to go big girl.

Potty Training

Grace is my strong willed independent child.   At this moment this is a trait that has been causing some trouble.  I know some day this will be one of her best characteristics so I am trying hard to remember the goal is not to force her to bend to my will but to convince her what I need her to do and what she wants to do are one in the same.

 So it's not been awful but it's not easy getting her to listen about Potty Training.  She had been going before bed for a few weeks before we really started training on Monday.  Some days she is on board and does awesome, but then when it is not what she wants to do there is tears and screaming.  Today was a great morning, easy accident free she was telling me when she need to go and did perfect even out in public.  Hence the ride on the carousel.  But as nap time neared and she was busy playing then accidents happen.  Oh well I know it will come it just takes time.

Brave

I am often amazed by Jacqueline's Bravery, her willingness to do any Giant Inflatable or the High Ropes Course at the Bowling ally.  She often tells me she is "Brave like Mereida" of course all things come back to a Disney Princess at our house.  As brave as she is these rope disk were hard for her at the park a few weeks ago, mostly because we were getting close to bedtime, tired and fear go hand in hand.  I encouraged her to be Brave reminder her she could do it and after a few words of encouragement eventually she made it a cross.  At the same time I had been talking to Adam about entering ArtPrize this year, and before I put her to bed on this night Jackie told me to be Brave that I could do it.  So I listened,  I cannot tell her to brave if I am not going to be.  Today I signed by Hosting Agreement my work will be a Central Reformed Church this fall.  It is not quite done but here a sneak peak...http://www.artprize.org/tara-meeuwsen/2015/a-solemn-request  Thanks Jacqueline for reminding me to be Brave.