Apparently, I have a handful...

Does anyone else have a handful? A handful of what you ask? Apparently, I have a handful of kids. Why is it that everywhere I go that is basically the first thing out of a stranger's mouth when they see me coming with my children? Wow, you must have your hands full. Boy, you sure have a handful. Is it a compliment or a put down?

I had yet to figure it out until today...at Wal-Mart of all places. On most occasions I have no problem taking G, B and L into places. It is not hard, it just takes pre-thought and organization. I had 1 errand to run this morning at Wal-Mart. I needed to return something and buy milk. I wanted to be in and out of there in 10 minutes. Wal-Mart can get you in trouble when you have a 3 year old. He wants everything he sees. So I tried to alleviate any wandering around and decided to put G in the stroller with L and put B in the Bjorn. Apparently, I must have hand my hands full with 2 kids in a stroller and 1 strapped to my body in the 100 degree heat. Before I could make it to customer service, 4 strangers said, " Wow, you must have your hands full!" I politely nodded, smiled and went about my business. In my mind, I am thinking I hate that phrase. In my opinion, it sounds rude. My children are well behaved in public 99% of the time. So why are my hands full and the lady with 1 child that is screaming for a toy or pulling things off the shelf doesn't have her hands full. But I digress...

But, while I am standing in the customer service line seething about how full my hands apparently are, an older gentlemen joins me in line and strikes up a conversation about my kids. It was your basic conversation, and then he started the dreadful phrase...Wow, you have your hands full, is what I was preparing myself to hear for the 5th time that morning. But instead that sweet gentleman made my day and said, "Wow, you have a handful of blessings!" So from today forward when some random stranger tells me I have my hands full, I will simply respond, "I sure do. I have a handful of blessings!"

Daddy Time

If Brian is home, then you can be sure to find at least one child if not all 3 attached to him.

They could be reading...

on the computer...

swimming...

or playing at a party (that is Graham in the corner getting ready to jump on his back). They love spending time with their dad.

Chuck E Cheese = Good times!

2 out 3 in diapers deserves a celebration. The girls enjoyed the pizza and the limited freedom in the toddler area. Graham had a GREAT time. He was allowed to go off without mommy but I had Sophie there as my watchful eye. Bryce

Layne

Graham

Graham with Sophie

Cousins~Doffing

Bryce, Hunter & Layne entertaining each other.

Bryce

Layne

Haley, Hunter and Graham cruising the driveway in H-town.

Graham and Haley hugging goodbye.

A day in the life of Bryce and Layne

We love reading with Grandma!

I need a few more minutes to finish up this book and then I will get out of these pajamas.

Now that I am dressed I can walk on out of here.

I bet you can't catch me...I am out of here!

Maybe I can get out this way...

Family Fun in Illinois

Relaxing on Vacation!

Graham, Layne and Bryce taking a snack break.


Bryce soaking up the cool weather.

Grandad entertaining Layne.



Lola and Layne


Aunt Aimee trying to carry the girls.

Graham blowing bubbles.

Jordyn twisted her ankle and was waited on by everyone.

Jacob playing T-ball with his Great Uncle Keith.

Heritage Days~Macomb, IL

Heritage Days is the big summer event in Macomb, IL. Grandad Graham grew up in Illinois. One day while we were there we took the kids to the fair. Graham loved riding all the rides and the girls enjoyed watching all the people.

Bryce and Layne

Graham driving the car.

Brian, Graham, Jacob and Jordyn on the Fun Slide.

Graham and Jacob riding the Amtrak train. Graham loved ringing the bell.