Heart Gone Walking

Mascara and sprinkled pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:09:00 +0000

I'm still in the honeymoon phase with summer. She's still pretty, I'm loving her warmth and the outdoor water toys aren't covered in grime yet.

But the lovey-dovey feelings might be ending since the mulberries are dropping and covering the patio and walkway. It's that special time of the year when I cry after mopping the floor because the little purple stains return immediately and taunt me in nightmares.

Today, we stayed home all day and spent the entire morning outside. Most of the morning was spent encouraging and teaching Caleb to share.

That's code for endless tears, screams, fits and timeouts, all because Madeline played with or maybe even glanced at the green wheelbarrow.

I'll be honest, there are some days when I feel guilty that I get to be with the kids while Joe works. On those days, I feel bad that while he's slaving away to deadlines, bosses and clients, I'm playing in the pool or shopping at the mall or meeting friends for playdates and lunch.

Today was not one of those days.

I'm pretty sure if someone came up and offered to put Caleb in repeated timeouts for tantrums in exchange for shoveling manure, I would have gladly switched. The repeated fits and the fact that I haven't been sleeping very well had me wondering if 10:30 a.m. was an acceptable bedtime.

Regarding my insomnia, I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm blaming it on a drowned chipmunk I discovered on Sunday evening. The image is haunting me and I could write an entire essay on that tender moment but I'm not emotionally ready yet.

Anyways, Mama's emotional health was at stake by lunchtime so I fed them a big, healthy meal, bathed the sunscreen off Caleb and prayed for him to take a really long nap. I had big plans for a nap myself.

But after I laid Caleb down for his expectant marathon nap, Madeline had an idea. Since Joe was gone (like every other afternoon but who's keeping track?), she thought we should do a girls' night out except in the afternoon and at home and with make-up. Specifically my eyeliner and mascara which she's never used.

One look at her excited, hopeful face and I couldn't say no. So I made some tea and dug out her dollar store make-up from her slumber party and some of mine.

This girl wasn't playing around. She had a very specific plan in mind. She would pick all the colors. I would do her eye make-up and teach her how to apply everything else. Then she would practice by duplicating her look on me.

Rainbow Eyes got her wish and while I mourned the loss of a nap for myself, I'm glad we did it.

She's totally my favorite 6 year old.

The look was intense but she was over the moon with it.

Then it was my turn. Let's just say she looks way cuter with blue and pink eyes and a Joker mouth. She begged me to not wipe it off and every time I glanced at myself passing a mirror, I scared myself.

Joe worked late so we had pancakes and sausage scramble for dinner. Madeline asked for sprinkles on her pancake and first I said no but then I thought why not.

You're only a kid once, right?

Madeline's summer bucket list

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:38:00 +0000

I've never made a summer bucket list before but have always wanted to. While I was writing out one for the family a couple days ago, I asked Madeline to write up a list of all the things she wanted to do this summer. She didn't know how to spell everything she wanted to do so she drew pictures when necessary.

This list now has a place in her childhood memory box, along with hospital bracelets and school projects. I just love it.

Here is Madeline's Summer 2013 in English and hieroglyphics.

This list reads (with pictures described in parenthesis):

go to (Ferris wheel) and do (train)
go to (ice cream)
go to (Nova's pool)
go to Amelia a lot
go the zoo a lot Blake and (Morgan)
go to the mall

The Ferris wheel and train represent the Indiana State Fair.

"Nova's pool" means her grandma's house because a horse and a pool are there.

Amelia is her newest cousin who is eight weeks old today. I LOVE that "a lot" is underlined. Clearly seeing Amelia is very, very important.

Blake and Morgan are her friends who love the zoo and frequently let us in for free with their membership.

It made me laugh that the only phrase she wrote perfectly was "go to the mall." That's my girl.

In which I confess my thoughts on "Call the Midwife" (sorry, dear friends)

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This was this morning before we headed out for errands. I love everything about this picture. Madeline wanted to dress like a cowgirl for her playdate later. Please note the keychain with keys. It was her summer reading prize last night and she's obsessed with it. On the bright side, it's the equivalent of a cowbell around the house. There ain't no sneaking up on Mama now.

And Caleb? How do I even express how much I love those squinty eyes and chunky calves?

I didn't think the morning was too exhausting. We cleaned up around the house, headed to our second home (you might know it as Target), dropped Madeline off at her cousin's to play and drove to Trader Joe's.

Caleb fell asleep about 10 minutes before we got to the grocery, about 11:45 a.m. I let him sleep a little bit longer and thought he would be fine if I woke him up. He normally naps around 1:30 - 2 p.m. so I thought it was just a quick catnap.

I was wrong.

He slept when I pulled him out of the car seat. He kept sleeping as I got a cart and started shopping. And he slept the entire time. I felt like the worst mother ever, forcing my sleeping kid to go grocery shopping with me. He NEVER has done anything like this. He never falls asleep on us, only in his car seat or crib. He must have been just plain ol' tuckered out.

He slowly woke up after I put him back in the car seat and he sleepily stared out the window the rest of the car ride home. We came home, I made him a super nutritious lunch to eat outside but he was only interested in the nasty mulberries on the ground. Then he played in the backyard happily while I read.

Madeline came home, full of playdate energy and stories. Caleb was thrilled to be reunited with his sister and they happily dug in the dirt while I kept reading.

Then it was naptime and I was faced with the tough decision of reading or watching "Call the Midwife". Now I gotta confess something. I go crazy over anything British and heard rave reviews on this show.

But. But, my friends. This show is about midwifery in the 1950s and I spend the entire episode so anxious and nervous because some mother and/or some baby will probably die. I can't even eat while watching it because you just never know what you'll see.

As you probably can guess, this prevents me from enjoying the show.

I just can't get into it. I want to finish the season but whenever I have a few minutes to turn it on, I would rather do anything else. I think this means I don't like the show.

Which just saddens me to pieces. I don't like a British show. Sad trombone.

So once again, I chose not to watch it today. I read instead.

Then Caleb woke up. After his naps, he always wants to snuggle with me and his blankie. This is one of my favorite parts of the day.

This picture is completely deceiving. It might give the impression that this is typical behavior at the library. But I actually had to scramble for my phone to snap it because I've never seen it before.

In my dreams, we can just calmly glide in the library because my children would never fight over the elevator buttons. My kids always ignore the computers and toys and instead silently browse through the shelves before settling down in their respective corners to read books for the next 45 minutes.

Or Madeline heads straight for the computers until I pry her away which always takes awhile because I'm too busy chasing Caleb and attempting to corral him in the kids' area. Several times, he escapes and runs straight for the computer area to chat with the adults. And I'm not exaggerating when I say I chase him. I'm usually sweating by the time I finally restrain him in the stroller for check-out.

It's a lovely and relaxing time.

Last night, Joe needed to work late so he came home to spend a little time with the kids before leaving again. This was Caleb's response.

For a good 20 minutes.

Such sad times.

I pulled out the phone because it's one of the best distractions. As you can see in the progression of photos, it worked for a minute before he melted down again.

Such sadness but he sure loves his daddy.

Classical Kindergarten Homeschool 101: Katie-style

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:49:00 +0000

We've pretty much wrapped up Madeline's kindergarten year. And by wrapped up, I mean she finished her once-a-week program and also back in May, Mama just kinda was done for the year.

From the first day of school to the last day, her love of boots was constant.

Now that we finished her first year, my verdict on homeschooling is in. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we are going to do it again next year with first grade. While there were times of settling in, figuring out a routine, tweaking and pushing through, we both had a great time learning together and it was more fun than I even thought it would be.

I'm going to write several blog posts to recapture the kindergarten year, kind of like a series but really more like random thoughts. I've been asked a lot what our homeschooling looks like so I thought it would be good to write it out. And selfishly, I also want to be able to look back and remember what she and I did together.

So if you have zero interest in our homeschooling days, my apologies for what's ahead.

My approach

After researching various educational ideologies and methods, I agreed the most with classical education and wanted to teach it in a very laid-back, kindergarten-appropriate way. Going into the year, I read up on Charlotte Mason's approach, devoured Susan Wise Bower's "The Well-Trained Mind" and loved Ruth Beechick's "The Three R's." I took what I liked from these three educators and some others and mashed them together to create Katie Mayes's Homeschool Method (patent pending).

We didn't use any formal curriculum except Handwriting Without Tears and a big, fat kindergarten workbook from Costco. I only bought the workbook because Madeline loves worksheets of any kind and I knew it would come in handy when she wanted something like that.

Instead of textbooks, we checked out a lot (and I mean A LOT) of library books. I'll explain this later when I cover different subjects.

Our weekly schedule

We didn't do kindergarten every day in the sense that Madeline and I sat down together at the kitchen table and worked through different subjects every single morning. But since learning can happen everywhere at any time, I viewed most of our days as school days.

On Mondays, she went to her once-a-week school and studied science, history, recitation, handwriting, art, music and Latin.

Tuesdays and Thursdays were dedicated homeschool mornings.

Wednesdays were BSF which lasts two hours and is run like a school. The kids memorized the Pledge of Allegiance and weekly Bible verses, sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and hymns, had play time, crafts and lessons. My kids play hard there and come home ready to nap so that's pretty all we ever do on those days.

I kept Fridays open for play dates and trips out to the Children's Museum, zoo or wherever. Depending on our friends' schedules, sometimes we swapped this day and went out on Tuesday or Thursday and stayed home on Friday.

Every week looked so completely different from the next and I LOVED that part of homeschooling. We had the flexibility to make learning work the best for Madeline and our family.

Our daily schedule

It took a couple weeks last fall to figure out the best routine between her schooling, keeping Caleb entertained and staying on top of housework. Most Tuesdays and Thursdays (our homeschool days), Madeline was very excited to start school right after breakfast. She would ask over and over if we could start but I needed time to clean up from breakfast, get Caleb situated and prepare school.

The best solution I came up with was a daily chore list for her. After breakfast, she knew she had to finish her chores before we could start school. Lest you think I had her scrubbing toilets, her list was:

get dressed
brush her hair and teeth
clean her room
wipe down the kitchen table
practice piano for 15 minutes

Basically, she had to get ready for the day before we started. School began at 9 a.m. so she knew if she finished her chores before then, she could have play time. Having this chore list and a clear start time made a HUGE difference for us in starting the school day.

A couple times, I tried to go out in the morning and do school in the afternoon. For whatever reason, that just doesn't work for her or me so we try to do school first thing in the morning and be done before lunch.

As far as which subjects we covered in a morning and the order, this was switched up A LOT. Sometimes I picked it; sometimes she did. Every day, we covered the core: reading, Bible, literature, recitation and handwriting. Then we fit in subjects like math, science, copywork, history, music and art around our core but didn't necessarily cover them every day.

When she asked for something, we did it. My primary education goal is to encourage a thirst for learning in her so if she asked to play a math game, I wanted to do it with her. She fell in love with history and spelling this year so we did that most days. (However, this doesn't work the other way around. If she didn't want to do something like handwriting, she still had to do it anyway.)

Ernest P. Worrell happened here

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 04:24:00 +0000

More and more, Madeline and Caleb are playing together and it makes me so happy. They are also annoying each other to tears more frequently but I'm choosing to look at the glass half full of root beer.

On Friday, Madeline wheeled her pink wagon to my room because I was attempting to write and needed them to just play on their own. Amazingly enough, it happened. They actually played together. He didn't throw all of her toys on the ground. She helped him get in and out and let him touch her beloved Merida bear. They laughed. They giggled. I wanted to run out and buy a lottery ticket because it must be my lucky day.

Sure, it ended with frustration, yells and a walk in the rain because Mama realized we all needed to just get out of the house but for several glorious moments, it was sibling bliss.

Our weekend was filled with pancakes, Connect4, a graduation open house and a bottle of shiraz. We walked to our favorite neighborhood art fair for free admission, free hot dogs, free lemonade and free balloons (the best ever). I read two books. Joe mulched our yard and Madeline and Caleb got filthy helping him.

But you know what my favorite part of the weekend was?

For Friday movie night, we watched "Ernest Goes to Camp."

For real.

That happened.

And you know what? Madeline LOVED it and I found myself laughing out loud at it. She now tries to imitate Ernest's laugh which is possibly my favorite ever. And the movie was so horribly 80s that it was fantastic.

We have hardly any plans for this coming summer week. June? You're not looking too shabby, baby.

I did it again

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 31 May 2013 19:43:00 +0000

You guys, I need some help. My fiction reading list has run dry which means I desperately grabbed a random book with a pretty cover off the library shelf on Monday.

It promised to be witty, funny Brit chick lit.

I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the worst books I've read. Horrendous writing, the dumbest plots lines possible and worst yet: a typo on page 306. (The fact that I made it to page 306 and finished the book tells you how desperate I am for novel right now.)

Seriously, how do typos happen? I understand people make mistakes and I know I have many, many typos in my blog posts and other writing. Human error happens.

But a typo in a book? Isn't a manuscript read by numerous people during the publication process? And not one person noticed it? I really don't get that.

Although, this book was so bad, I can totally understand if the editor got to page five, chucked it against the wall and just said, "forget it."

Anyways, I come to you for help. I'm in the middle of several great non-fiction books but really just want some novels right now. They could be light, fun beach reads or something more serious. As long as it wasn't written by a second-grader, I will gladly take your recommendation. (And if you have a non-fiction book, I'll take it to. I won't say no to a good book.)

If you are looking for some books to read, my favorites of the year so far have been:

Divergent (it's a series so clear your calendar)
The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected
Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn
The Curious incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Also, for those with littles in Indy, the library summer reading program starts on Monday, also known as Madeline's favorite time of year. One prize is a peace sign window cling and I'm guessing her bedroom windows will be covered with these by August.

Please give me some books to check out on Monday. Otherwise, I might discovered the world's second worst book. I have a knack for it.

When the KIB block captain goes to the Indianapolis 500

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 30 May 2013 05:59:00 +0000

For Madeline's birthday gift, my mother-in-law took her shopping yesterday. She told Madeline she could pick out anything she wanted.

They came back with a new swimsuit, exercise clothes, tennis shoes and glittery sandals.

She asked me to take one picture of her posing and another of her running.

How could I not obliged? This kid cracks me up. Just when I think I know her, she goes and buy exercise clothes as a treat. Who knew?

One story I didn't include in my ridiculously-long Indy 500 post was Madeline's reaction to the trash.

When people ask me how it was to take a 6-year-old to the race, I tell them this year's weather made it so easy. Madeline loved the race and everything is so smooth. No rain delays, no sweating in the seat, no rationing of precious, cold water. But one thing I didn't expect was Madeline's reaction to the amount of trash at the race.

She is the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful block captain for our neighborhood. After we signed her up, they sent her an orange trash-picker and she takes her responsibility pretty serious. We go on evening walks, up and down three streets and three alleys. She really, really likes picking up the trash.

If you've ever attended the Indy 500, you know that the speedway gets pretty trashed. It's like the amount of trash after a professional basketball or football game times 5,000. When we were walking in two hours before the start, trash was already littering yards, sidewalks and Georgetown Road. Madeline could not believe all the litter. I tried to explain to her that it happens on Race Day but it would all get cleaned up later. My explanation really didn't help.

After the race ended, we walked out of the stands to trash now just completely covering every surface. It was impossible to walk and not step on or kick trash. Beer cans are thrown everywhere, Styrofoam coolers are left on the ground with ice spilling out and huge turkey legs, gnawed to the bone, are just left on the ground. It's pretty disgusting but par for the course.

Well, it was more than my little block captain could handled, She could not stop talking about the amount of trash, no matter how much I assured her that it would all get cleaned up. I could tell it was just really overwhelming for her. Halfway to the car, she couldn't take it anymore.

She stopped walking and held out her hand. "Can I please have some 'hanitizer', Mama?"

I think she was so grossed out that she had to make something clean, even if it meant wiping hand sanitizer on her palms. With thousands of people walking around us, we stopped, I squirted some hand sanitizer on her hands and we moved on. It really did calm her down.

Later, Joe showed her a news clip of all the people who come in to clean and raise money for their different causes. I think it set her heart at rest.

At the very least, she's stopped asking to go back to the track with her picker.

Memorial Day weekend in Indy

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:41:00 +0000

Buckle up, y'all. It's a long one.

To those of you who don't live here, I'm sorry for the statement I'm about to make but... I really don't know how people can live anywhere but Indianapolis during Memorial Day weekend. It's more fun than watching "Judge Judy" and eating butter.

Last week, we started our race day festivities by going to Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo. This is an annual race when tortoises slowly make their way down a ramp to fruit platters, all in front of a screaming crowd. It is every bit as hilarious as you can imagine.

We met the queen and two princesses outside the entrance. Their presence blew Madeline's mind.

Once inside, she made a quick pit stop.

Before the race began, Tony Kanaan signed autographs for the kids. (And he did every single kid who was waiting. So awesome.)

I didn't get any pictures of the race because we were all laughing so hard and cheering for our favorites. Trust me, it's funnier in person than just describing it.

On Saturday morning, we headed downtown for the Memorial Day parade. Caleb loved it.

Believe me, he really, really loved it. (Yes, he was signing "more.")

Later that night, I was living the thug life. Don't be hatin'.

Then it was Sunday. Madeline and I went to her very first Indianapolis 500. My brother Zach got free tickets so he, Greg and I got to all our oldest kids to the race. (Brace yourself for an onslaught of pictures.)

Everything about the day was easy. The weather, the traffic, getting around, everything. We left Greg's house after 9 a.m. and were in our seats before 10 a.m. We dropped our coolers and showed the kids all the sights.

Timing was perfect. We got right up on the barriers of the Gasoline Alley entrance as Tony Kanaan (and a few others) walked out.

We made it back to our seats just in time for the traditional pre-race fanfare while the kids made signs for their favorites. (In case you can't read it, she's Team TK all the way.) Once the race began, Madeline WOULD NOT put down her sign. She simply would not put it down. Greg thinks we have a little cheerleader and I think he's right.

If the kids weren't up front holding their signs, they were hanging out on the first row. Oh, bless them.

Then Uncle Peter walked over from his seats to hang out for a bit. He was immediately taken down.

She was so happy to see him there.

And then that last lap. It was a bummer to end on a yellow with the pace car but still so exciting to watch Tony win it. I've cheered for him for years. He's hilarious in interviews and always so nice to fans. Madeline and I were thrilled he finally won.

She was so excited, she couldn't keep her eyes open.

Then, it was back to reality. Caleb's blanket and The Brazilian (not to be confused with TK) were left back at Grandma's house so we attempted to put him to bed without them.

It did not go according to plan. So Joe took off and Caleb got to watch the race on TV with me. Forty minutes later, the baby and his lovies were reunited and he fell asleep immediately.

On Monday, we really didn't do anything. We took a long walk to the river and taught Caleb how to throw rocks.

Later, my legs were a race track for him. See? We literally did nothing.

Around 5 p.m., I finally showered and we headed out to a cookout with friends. Madeline and I made a patriotic berry trifle. I cannot recommend this enough. I may or may not have eaten seconds after putting the kids to bed.

Anyways, our friends' dog loves to be pushed around in the doll stroller and my two kiddos were more than happy to help him. It was possibly one of my favorite moments of the whole weekend.

Even if you didn't go the race or push a dog in a stroller, I hope you had a great weekend too. And thanks for reading the blog post now known as "The Non-Magical Post As Long As 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.'"

The party you won't find on Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:58:00 +0000

I've been meaning to write this post all week but I just couldn't muster the energy. You're about to see why.

On Friday night, we hosted 10 girls for Madeline's birthday party and seven of them spent the night. In many ways, we are still recovering and might be for the rest of the summer.

I love to throw a birthday party and have a theme and fun food and all but this year, we kicked it old-school with a simple slumber party. Pinterest was not consulted but 1987 was.

Madeline requested a rainbow cake. We bought a white cake mix, added an obscene amount of food coloring and made our own version since she wanted a long, flat cake.

She wanted a long cake so she could add her "Brave" characters, candles and sprinkles. She told me she wanted the cake to "look like a celebration" and I think that goal was accomplished.

She picked the menu: sausage pizza, barbecue chips, pink lemonade for Friday night dinner and chocolate chip pancakes on Saturday morning breakfast.

(PSA: I bought two ready-made pizzas from Aldi's. These are my favorite. They are huge, taste so good and are only $4.99. Don't confuse them with frozen; they're in the refrigerated section.)

The girls arrived in princess dresses, ready to eat. We fed them on the floor. Don't judge.

Dinner may have been one of my favorite parts, primarily because we could listen to their conversation. Someone yelled, "Raise your hand if you want to be a teenager!" In the kitchen, Joe solemnly raised his hand and said, "I'd go back."

For the next several hours, you would not believe how noisy the house was. Insanely noisy. But I loved every second of it. It was one of those times when it was utter chaos but you are just so happy to be a parent and soak it in.

Madeline wanted a super-girly party. She insisted on make-overs with real make-up and manicures with real nail polish. (Don't tell her dollar store make-up ain't real.)

They felt like super models afterwards. One precious little girl said, "Katie! I'm so good, I didn't even use a mirror!" as red lipstick/blush/eye shadow was smeared across the lower half of her face.

Then they spread all of their stuff across the floor and settled in for screen time. First, we watched Merida's coronation in Disney World. Which was such a huge hit that we then watched video after video on princesses in Disney World.

Then they watched "Brave" and Joe and handed out popcorn, more pink lemonade, cleaned up spilled drinks, threw soaked precious blankets in the dryer, more popcorn and still more popcorn. Finally, we cut off the popcorn supply and sat on the couches, wondering what to do with our night which clearly wasn't going to end for several more hours.

Also, the noise level did not decrease. At all.

When the movie ended, everyone wanted pedicures so I sat on the floor and did foot after foot of the same pink and purple pattern. We turned off the lights, told everyone to find their sleeping spot and started "Tangled" at 11 p.m. in hopes that they would drift off into peaceful slumber.

(Please note my child in the bottom left corner, wearing her Merida dress over her pjs with a crown. Par-tay girl.)

At 11:30 p.m., only two had fallen asleep and it was clear the others weren't winding down as hoped. So we turned off the movie and gently but firmly asked them to be very quiet since some were asleep.

And thus began the longest stretch of the LOUDEST whispering you have ever heard, interrupted by Joe and I going in and telling them to cut it out and go to sleep.

Remember how earlier I said I loved every second of the party? Listening to the giggles and stories, painting tiny toenails and doling out popcorn and pink lemonade, just so grateful to be a mom? Well, those warm fuzzies dissolved 1 a.m. and my mean mom tone came out.

At 2:30 a.m., the remaining strong ones only fell asleep as Joe stood over them, forbidding any talking. Did you catch that time? It was TWO THIRTY A TO THE M. I had long fallen asleep somewhere around 1:30 a.m. when I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

At 6:30 a.m., I heard some whispering which was more like hushed shouting and Madeline appeared next to our bed.

"Um, guys? The girls want to know if we can have more cake."

Seriously, kid? Did you honestly think we would say yes?

So we turned "Tangled" back on and started making breakfast, all while hoping the coffee fairy would appear with triple trenta Pikes.

When the parents arrived, I avoided eye contact when they asked what time the girls went to sleep and pretended to do anything but answer the question. I wanted to say, "It was 2:30 a.m. but we tried our hardest and the pancakes were whole wheat!"

In the end, we were all very exhausted but it was so so so fun. Madeline had the best time and the party lived up to her expectations. I think the other girls had a blast but I haven't been able to ask them since they've been sleeping since Saturday afternoon (or so their parents wish).

The party wasn't fancy or crafty and there was nary a trendy chevron in sight but it was perfect for my 6 year old and a night she'll remember.

She still thinks it's her birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:46:00 +0000

Well, y'all. I'm sorry if I made you cry on my last post. That wasn't my intention at all but judging by the amount of texts and emails telling me so, I guess I was way too sappy.

But you should probably now I was near tears the entire time I wrote it so I was right there with you.

We had a wonderful day celebrating Madeline. It started with presents on the table and a giddy girl in a nightgown. She got chalk from her brother and writing items from Joe and I.

The girl is like her momma and loves fresh journals, paper, folders and pencils.

We ate pancakes and watched Disney Junior in the big bed. (I may or may not fell back asleep during Doc McStuffins.)

Then we got ready for the day and drove off to our first destination.

I planned a couple things for the day but didn't tell Madeline until right before we were about to do one. We got in the car and I handed her a card. It was a mailer from the library, reminding her that she could get an adult library card when she turned six.

This girl has been SO looking forward to getting "a real card."

So we went to our branch and were so happy to see our favorite librarian working. She got Madeline her new card and she immediately wanted to check out Brave and horse books.

(And no one was surprised.)

Then we got back in the car and I had her open a small paper sack. It was filled with her favorite snacks: rainbow goldfish and GoGo Squeez. We told Madeline we were heading to Noblesville to go picking at the antique mall.

It was a beautiful day. I love downtown Noblesville. We parked on the square and let the kids run around in the courthouse green. It was just one of those moments I want to always remember.

We headed into the antique mall where:
1. Madeline would have made Mike and Frank very proud
2. Madeline wanted to buy everything she saw.

At 12:25 p.m., I snapped this picture of her. She was officially six years old.

Then we walked over to an ice cream shop for lunch. It was burgers and mini corn dogs served in red baskets and a little girl who very studiously wrote down her favorite ice cream flavors in her new journal.

She picked Super Friends flavor which tasted like bubblegum and had about four colors in it. She also talked to my dad on the phone in her super-animated way and, again, no one was surprised.

We were pretty exhausted so we drove home and Caleb fell asleep in the car. After a rest time that I regretted not napping through, we got back in the car for another stop. But as we were pulling out, we experienced the best Hunley Holler.

Our friend Ryan works down the street from us and if he drives by while I'm outside, we call it a Hunley Holler.

Well, he drove by right then to deliver a huge Oreo cupcake to Madeline with a transcribed note from Addie. Friends really are the best, aren't they?

Then we were off to our last stop: Madeline's favorite hardware store, Sullivan's. We got popcorn and wandered through their gift store while Joe picked out tomato plants.

On our way home, we got drinks at Starbucks (clementine Izze for Madeline, iced coffee for Joe and me and ice water for Caleb). Joe and the kids planted the tomatoes while I "cooked" dinner.

(Madeline requested mac and cheese which is why I needed to include quotation marks. I feel a little guilty how easy the dinner was.)

Then it was dessert time. We did blindfolded sundaes and I cannot recommend this enough. It was hilarious for all involved.

Of course, my photo storage maxed out when I tried to capture it so it's only the beginning. But you have to believe me that it got much stickier, much messier and much more hilarious as the sundae was built.

Even Joe and I did it.

Whipped cream flew everywhere.

Caleb did not complain.

Madeline turned six and no one complained. We love that little girl.

She's six

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:59:00 +0000

Dear Madeline,
Today you are six. I can't believe it's actually here. I've been simultaneously dreading it and looking forward to it. You are so excited for everything today means: the balloons, Daddy taking the day off, the presents, the surprises and more.

In the morning, you'll eat Daddy's pancakes on the "You Are Special" plate. We'll do some fun surprises I've planned for the day. We'll eat your requested mac and cheese for dinner. It will be simple but special.

It's your birthday and we'll all be together, my favorite thing to do.

Every time I hear "This is the First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes, I think of the afternoon you were born. Something in my heart shifted when I saw your face for the first time. My favorite line is "Yours was the first face that I saw // think I was blind before I met you." That's exactly how I felt, like I had never seen a person or color or beauty before. I saw your face and was forever changed.

My second favorite line is "I'm glad I didn't die before I met you // but now I don't care I could go anywhere with you // and I'd probably be happy." After you were born, I can remember thinking, "This is what it means to say, 'I could die happy.'"

You weren't, aren't and never will be a perfect person. Please never believe that we expect that of you. BUT you are the perfect gift to Daddy and me and we are so, so incredibly thankful.

This was the year you became hilarious like it was your job. You've always been funny but I don't think I've ever laughed so hard as I have the last twelve months. For example, last week, you said, "Mom, there are two types of fire. There's one when your house is on fire and then there's when you're really rocking it."

Oh baby girl, you're on fire all the time.

This was the year you stepped up as Big Sister and I couldn't have survived without you. When Caleb is upset, you always know what he needs and how to soothe him. He loves your lap as much as mine. He was fussing tonight as I was trying to cook dinner and even thought you were in the middle of an art project, you stopped, got his favorite books and read to him, all without me asking. Thank you for loving me and him well.

I've always prayed you would have a tender heart and I see it shine when you're with your brother.

This was the year you became Merida. From the moment we bought your Merida dress, you wanted to wear it constantly. When I bought it for you, you were so excited that we paid for it, changed in the Target bathroom and then kept on shopping. I just couldn't deny you that thrill. Then there was the Merida bear. Goodness, you carried that psychedelic bear everywhere with you.

And let's not even get into your Merida toy collection, blanket, bow and arrow set, coloring books...

This was the year you fell in love with "Fire Burning," "Ho Hey" and "10,000 Reasons." When we're driving around, you always ask to listen to one of these songs.You and Caleb especially love "Ho Hey." You sing the words and he grunts the hos and the heys. The first time I heard you both singing the duet, I thought I was going to run off the road from laughing too hard.

And then there was the time you told me you couldn't understand "Fire Burning" because of "all the Spanish."

This year, you lost teeth, grew inches, carried a purse everywhere and taught me so much about grace and kindness and love.

This year, I taught you to read but you taught me to see beauty everywhere.

This year, we've laughed together, cried together and asked each other for forgiveness.

This year, our days were heaping piles of berry parfaits, books, back-scratching, giggles, questions and music.

This year, I spelled a million words for you but you know how to spell "I love Mommy" by heart and constantly heap little, scrawled love notes on me.

There is no other way I'd want to spend my mornings, afternoons and evenings than with you.

Madeline, you are a joy. You are a gift. You are my beautiful thing given by God.

Mama loves you and I know you'll rock 6.

"I belong with you

you belong with me

you're my sweetheart"

When years slip away like water

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:26:00 +0000

I stumbled across this photo tonight while searching on the computer for something else. I'm honestly not sure if I had ever seen it before and it kinda took my breath away to look at those people.

Those tired people had no idea what was in store for the months ahead. They were just thinking about their love for that bundled boy and ready to get home to their girl.

They didn't know about the upcoming reflux cries, the hospital stay or the sleepless nights which would last a year before that baby would sleep through until morning.

They didn't have a clue how wonderfully different he would be from his older sister.

They didn't know how their love for him would change them.

They didn't know how he would turn them more and more to the Lord as they try to figure out how best to parent him.

They didn't know that tiny guy would turn into a marker-kissing Cheeky Magoo just 18 months later.

Madeline is turning six next week and that number is messing with my heart.

Six seems old.

Six is tying laces and sleepovers and a two-wheeler named Shimmer flying down the street.

Six is the loss of the baby face.

It just doesn't seem like it took six years to get to this point.

With beauty and starkness, Jen said six is one-third of the way done and that truth puts an ache in my heart.

I know they're a gift from God. I know I need to hold them loosely because He's the only one who holds them firmly. I know my job is to raise them to be thriving adults.

But tonight I selfishly want to just raise kids who stay squishy, fat-thighed and soft-skinned kids forever.

I'm not ready to be a third of the way done. I've made so many mistakes and need to do so much better. I want to hit pause while I figure out myself before I leave lasting marks on them.

But that's not how it works.

I don't know what's coming in the next 18 months or six years but I'm thankful that God does. I'm putting all my fragile eggs in His basket and trusting Him with my babies.

"To the glory of Him and the ruin of me..."

Creating my summer bucket list with KidVentures

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:16:00 +0000

Here's the skinny on me and summer: I like air-conditioning. I love seeing the beautiful outdoors... through a screen. When faced with a trip to a park or the library, I always pick the library.

Since becoming a mom, I've tried to push myself to go outdoors more because I want my kids to love the outdoors (and I also love a house that stays cleaned up longer than five minutes). I've gotten a little bit better, thanks to friends like Jenn and Jaime who practically live outdoors in warm weather, but when I start thinking about the family summer bucket list, the list is more heavy on the "eat slushies" kind of items than "play outside" ones.

So I made it a goal to be more intentional about getting outdoors in a park or the pool this summer. And that's definitely a fool-proof plan because we all know how well resolutions stick...

But then I found out my friend Jen was writing an e-book, "KidsVentures: 50 Outdoor Experiences of Childhood Discovery" and I felt like the clouds were parting and angels were singing.

Y'all, I listen to every word this mom says because she parents quadruplet boys with grace and adventure. Her approach to motherhood is non-fussy, flexible and fun. She embraces and encourages her sons to be rough-and-tumble, get-in-the-dirt boys who are polite and hilarious and oh, so lovable.

Madeline is in the same class with Jen's boys and she loves them to pieces.

(See what they're doing at my house? Playing inside, on the couch. SOS.)

I read Jen's book last night and immediately added it to my Kindle on my phone so I would have it everywhere I go this summer. Her ideas are easy, playful and perfect for even my girly-girl. Jen gives so much detail that I know I have no excuse not to pull these off.

(A zipline for toys? I'm envisioning a swinging Merida being hoisted up in the near future.)

If you're creating your family's summer bucket list or need some ideas ready to answer the "I'm bored" line in a couple weeks, get a copy of KidVentures for just $5.

And then tell me to get off the couch.

Maybe it's summertime

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:18:00 +0000

With how hot it's been, I feel like we've skipped right into summertime. Once again, I was caught off guard and Caleb wore 9 month pants today because they fit more like a weird pair of capris and Mama only had one pair of real shorts for him.

And then last night we saw the true sign of summer: a 10-pound, sagging diaper after he played on the slip-and-slide.

Dear Lord, please let his legs stay like this forever. Love, Katie

Joe rented a U-Haul to transport some stuff (we're not moving) and Madeline was thrilled to do the two-block ride with him. And I want her to never take off those sunglasses.

Without naming names, my sister-in-law sent this photo to me and another sister-in-law.

This was one of the best things I've ever received for two reasons:
a) the picture made me laugh and
b) my other SIL's response was "I don't mean to be a stickler but wasn't he in Hufflepuff?"

Seriously, best ever.These are my people.

Last week, I stumbled across Memes for Jesus and this Hunger Games one touched me deeply. I will never hear Cinna's name the same way again.

Enjoy the weekend, you Cinnas!

Overalls and smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:21:00 +0000

I know this picture is blurry and technically a bad shot. But I love it just so much. It perfectly captures Caleb's passion and never-ending motion. He's not always happy and the end of this grocery trip ended in tears. When I say he's passionate, I mean whatever he's feeling, he will fully express it.

Little boys in overalls melt me. I would dress him in overalls and stripes every day if I could. And don't even get me started on those rosy cheeks.

Over the last couple months, Madeline's smile has changed from the big, toothy grin of a toddler to this sweet smile. At first, I begged her for big smiles when I wanted a picture. But now I don't ask. While it's way too mature for my baby, it's such a perfect big girl smile for my almost 6 year old.

Also, since when does Madeline look like a giant in a kid table?

Oh, these two together are just my favorites.

I just hope they can survive Joe and I as their parents.

Why I love Bible Study Fellowship

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:15:00 +0000

For the last two years, Madeline, Caleb and I have participated in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I talk about it a lot because it's the best Bible study I've ever done. Recently, several people have asked me about it so I thought I'd answer the common questions here.

What is BSF?

BSF is an in-depth study of the Bible, taking just one book per year (October - May). For example, this year has been a slow trek through Genesis. Just Genesis, from chapter one to chapter fifty. Maybe that sounds boring to you but I promise it's fascinating to slowly go through the Scriptures and truly gain a thorough understanding of the cultural context, how each chapter relates to another and discover the author's true intentions with the writings. There is no religious, political or philosophical agenda at BSF; it's just pure study of the Bible.

Every week, one section of Scripture is studied in four different ways:

1. daily study questions, divided over six days (commonly known as "the dreaded homework")
2. small group discussion
3. large-group lecture
4. in-depth notes

The first part takes place throughout the week. The second and third parts take place during a two-hour meeting once a week (either in the morning or evening). The fourth part is handed out after the meeting and to be read through the next week.

Why I like it

While I could very well camp out on this section for 5,000 words, I'll attempt brevity.

I like BSF because it's just the Bible, no fuss. There's no fog machines and no catchy one-liners. You're encouraged to simply pray for God's wisdom, read the bible and answer the questions the best you can, without consulting a commentary or looking to other people for answers. While many people are blessed with the gift of communicating the Bible to others through books and sermons, we each need to read it for ourselves. I don't just want to hear what someone else tells me is in the Bible; I want to open it on my lap and I want to read it for myself.

I'm slightly obsessed with the BSF kids program. During morning meetings, there are classes for kids up to age 6. During the evening meetings, there are classes for kids 6-18. The kids learn the same passage as the adults (at an age-appropriate level) and the teachers are AMAZING at sharing the stories and pointing to God and his love and grace at the same time. Madeline has learns TONS and even though they're so young, the babies class has a lesson and songs and everything too and I love that Caleb is getting exposed to it too.

BSF is an international organization and every week, everyone across the world is studying the same thing. Every week, my sister-in-law in Dallas does the exact same study as me. If I traveled to France or Hong Kong or New Zealand, I could show up to a BSF class completely prepared because they are doing the exact same homework and discussing the same passage as BSF in Indiana. I love that it demonstrates the relevancy of the Bible to everyone, everywhere, at all times.

BSF is open to anyone and it's completely free, every week, every year. It doesn't matter whether you've read the Bible since you were 3 or if you've never read a single verse. It's interdenominational and non-denominational and the chairs are filled with all different kinds of people who just want to study the Bible.

Is the homework really that bad?

This is kinda a tricky question. I want to say no. I want to say it's broken down into six easily manageable parts. I want to say I study the Bible every day so it's simple to just do a few questions every day. But I can't say all that.

The truth is there have been numerous weeks when I started my homework the night before and did six days of work in an hour. There have been a couple times when I showed up with a blank piece of paper.

Here's the deal: the homework just takes about 15-20 minutes a day and I learn so much more when I actually do just a little bit every day and really take time to think about the passage over the entire week. The homework really isn't that bad but I just don't always do it the way to maximize its impact. (This is just one reason why grace exists.)

But if the "dreaded homework" is what's holding you back, I would really encourage you to sign up anyway. Because, really, the homework is totally doable.

My mom recently told me that discipline creates discipline. I want more discipline in my life. (Um... four episodes of "Broadchurch" in one night? Yeah, I have time in my day but not discipline.) I really do want to read and study the Bible every day and BSF spurs me on in that direction and gives me a very tangible reason to open my Bible.

How do you look into it more?

This year's study is wrapping up in May but next year we will be studying Matthew. (I'm totally excited to study a gospel book.) This week and next week are introduction weeks for people who want more information about how BSF works. You can find details about classes near you here and find specific locations and times. You don't have to RSVP or sign up for an intro class; just show up. If you want to come with me, just email me and I'll tell you more about my class.

If you still have questions about BSF, please feel free to ask me. I have had a great experience doing it for the last two years. I was raised in a Christian home, always went to Christian schools and have read Genesis so many times and knew all the familiar stories.

But, oh, you guys. I was completely blown away by God's grace and mercy and love for broken, messed-up people while studying Genesis with BSF. It truly has been a life-changing study for me.

(I'm sorry this was forever long. If you read all of it, you're awesome and I love you.)

And then I wore pajama pants and rain boots

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:56:00 +0000

The weekend started off on the right track with one of the best gifts ever from my sisters-in-law. It combines my love for tea and the royal family in the most perfect combination. I just don't think I'll be able to use them. I want to frame them.

Seriously, that's the Queen, chilling in a hot tub of tea. Amazing, I know.

This weekend felt long and busy and relaxing. I know a lot of people don't like gray, drizzly days but I love them. While I'll be happy when park weather finally arrives, I don't hate the rain while it's here.

On Saturday, Joe worked while the kids and I ran errands and headed to my parents to check out their chicks. They got five baby chickens a week and a half ago and those little things have already grown and changed so much. Sorta like my kids but a smidge faster.

Of course, if the wheelbarrow is out at my parents, there WILL be kids riding around in it and smelling of mulch.

That afternoon, Madeline went to a circus-themed birthday party and got her face painted. She was a bit enamored with the face paint and I couldn't blame her. She looked beautiful and has already mastered the art of a good selfie.

I'd like to tell you our Saturday nights are filled with wild and crazy adventures or super romantic dates around the city.

But the reality is more like this picture: me making a milkshake run in my pajamas at 8:30 p.m. It should be noted that this run almost didn't happen because it was "so late already."

When Joe made his marriage vows eight years ago, I'm guessing he wasn't envisioning his bride wearing Christmas PJs in the Wendy's drive-through, longing to be in bed before 9 p.m. He had no idea just how lucky he was.

With all the horrible stories in the news recently, it does a soul good to hear a happy story. This is my eighth grade Bible teacher and I'm one of the 2,800 students who receives a letter on my birthday every year. And yes, his letters are filled with details like Madeline and Caleb's names and the fact that I stay home with them and wanting to know how I liked homeschooling this year.

And no, I don't know how he does it either but I am grateful for him and all my other teachers at Heritage.

These days...

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:04:00 +0000

Sometimes I wonder why I don't get much done during the day. And then I spot this blurry picture on my phone and think, "Yeah. That's why."

Caleb is in the stage where he runs around, throws everything, empties containers, runs some more, zooms cars in circles around the house and clears surfaces with one swipe of the arm faster than you can whisper, "Peace out, kid."

Always in motion. Always, always, always in motion.

But he's also in the stage of irresistible grins, saying "mama" and "hot" for the first time, bare belly tickles and identifying parts of the face. (Getting stabbed in the eye by a pudgy finger is still fun at this point.)

While he doesn't say many words, he understands so much of what we're saying. It's amazing how much easier life can be when he and I can communicate.

I can say, "We're gonna go" and he'll run to grab his shoes. I can ask, "Where's your cup?" and he finds it under the ottoman. (One day, we'll work on not rolling it around on the floor, just not today.) We can ask, "Bath?" and he bounces around and claps like we gave him a gallon of ice cream.

He loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, anything with wheels and his daddy.

This boy, who is all boy, makes me to very, very happy.

Days are also flying faster than jets because of homeschooling this girl. On the days we're home, our mornings are stuffed with "Fancy Nancy" readers, Boggle Jr., "The Secret Garden," counting bears and ancient China. Then it's lunchtime, nap for Caleb and rest time for Madeline. Then it's time to start dinner and then another day has blown past me without realizing it.

So I'm trying to carve out more space to do the random things she wants to do because she's only 5 years old for three more weeks.

Like shop her store in the toy room. She wrote out prices on bits of masking tape and stuck them on e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g., used my label maker as a cash register and told me to by anything I want.

Or say yes when she asks for another girls night. For $2 at Chick-fil-A, we got a mini sundae, a small coffee and 90 minutes of conversation.

Or let her do my hair when it was soaking wet after a shower. Many clips, a brush, a comb, a hair dryer and a random headband was used but it actually turned out fairly decent.

Moments like these make me so incredibly thankful that I got to spend another year with this girl. I know first grade is the impending reality but I'm choosing to soak in these last few weeks of kindergarten.

Memory lane in Muncie

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:26:00 +0000

After our trip to Ball State last weekend, I got all nostalgic and nearly weepy and wrote way too much in the recap blog post. So I dumped it here. It's possible I rambled.

I spent two years in this house on Linden Street during college. This is why my roommates and I were (and still are) called Linden Ladies. I have a lot of fun memories in that house, none of them include discussing how big my room was.

(It was the tiniest, narrowest, coldest bedroom in the history of the world. Harry Potter's cupboard under the stairs was possibly more comfortable.)

It's the house where we had Pie Day Friday.

It's where we stayed up late talking on a couch, a bed or a giant navy blue bean bag.

It's where I was terrified to walk around when Peanut the hamster escaped.

It's where I watched too many movies, studied too little and didn't clean up enough.

Where I spilled secrets to Bridget and celebrated when Christine chopped her hair for Locks of Love. Where Emily, Lani, Erin and I came home after dates with our now husbands. Where Lia slept on the couch as our unofficial seventh roommate.

It's where I ate broccoli and cheese Rice-a-Roni several times a week and made two meals out of boxed mac and cheese by scrambling an egg in the leftovers. (Don't knock it, it's delicious.) It's where we came back after midnight Ricker's runs with giant flavored pops and queso from Puerto's and on the lucky days, Erin brought home containers of buttered rolls after working at Texas Roadhouse.

The day we graduated and moved out, we covered the nail holes with toothpaste and cried.

This was the first place Joe and I lived after we got married. I finished school and started working the summer we married but he had one year left so we lived on the cusp of campus in a converted carriage house. It was divided into two apartments and we lived in the upstairs. It was the most perfect living situation.

It was just a flight of stairs, a living area, a bathroom, a bedroom and a kitchen but it was charmingly old with tons of character. It had a fireplace, wood floors, creaky steps and a carved-out telephone nook in the wall. Best of all, utilities were included.

It's where we set up all of our wedding gifts and hung up my wedding dress in the closet.

It's where I tried my first nice dinner as a wife and ruined every dish except the carrots. And then I learned Joe doesn't like cooked carrots.

It's where we watched the first season of "Lost" in one weekend because we literally did nothing else. (Again, pre-kid days.)

Where we set up for our first Christmas with the ugliest, most laughable fake Christmas tree ever.

It's where Joe tucked me into bed at night and waited until I fell asleep before heading back out to work in the studio until 3 a.m.

We crammed a million memories into that first year and I cried the night we moved out of our first home.

Just promise me both these homes will never get knocked down.

The homeschool school

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:40:00 +0000

Today was Roman and Greek Discovery Day at Madeline's school. Today reminded me that I can't imagine homeschooling without her school. We just love it too much.

The kids arrived in sweet anticipation, dressed in togas. They made laurel wreaths and torches in art. They ran Olympic torch relays in PE. They taste-tested plates of dates, goat cheese, honey, eggs, hummus, grapes and more during lunch. They read the story of Cyclops. They watched three Greek tragedies, performed by staff and parents (including yours truly).

I'm not saying you can't homeschool with an all-day program like this. I'm just saying for our family, we wouldn't want to. This school and its staff has been awesome and a perfect fit for us.

Madeline gets to experience all the very traditional school activities: lunch, recess, teachers, classmates, music, art, Christmas programs, field trips, uniforms, school pictures, line leader responsibilities and bathroom breaks.

She's learning through classical methods and speaks Latin around the house.

I get to have one Caleb day and four days with both of them.

I get to know parents like Jen and Adrienne. They're so funny I frequently have to read our group texts out loud to explain to Joe why I'm shaking and laughing in bed. We prefer to solve the world's problems on the school playground or at the Holiday Inn Express in Vincennes. (True story.)

I get to volunteer in Madeline's classroom or the school nursery with Caleb. Volunteering looks more like chatting and joking and laughing ridiculously hard when one of us falls flat on her face but for some reason, the teachers keep telling us to come back because we're "helpful."

More than that, I love glimpses of Madeline in her classroom. Laughing with her friends, listening to her teachers, quietly walking down the hallway. Even though she and I spend most of our time together, I relish seeing how she is around everyone else. (I'm biased but she's still a shiny little bundle of joy.)

She especially loves it when I pull her aside to snap a picture. I'm guessing in this photo, she's thinking, "Golly, Mom, I sure love you."

There's no way she's thinking, "Can you please take the picture already so I can go back to my friends and stop fake-smiling?"

Right?

"But what is a weekend?" - Dowager Countess

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:18:00 +0000

I feel like this weekend was about six days long in a good way. We did a lot of fun and different things and we're now pretty exhausted but it was totally worth it.

I'm starting with this picture of Cheeky because isn't it just the best ever? I think I could look at that smile all day long.

You know what could possibly be better?

Fresh-bath hair Caleb.

It's this long because I have no idea what to do with his hair so I just keep letting it grow out. It's now reached a very awkward mullet stage and really needs some action to be taken. But I'm too scared to put him through the trauma of cutting so we'll just keep messing around with it after baths.

On Friday, we dropped the kids off at Grandma's house and headed up to our alma mater, Ball State. (Chirp, chirp.) We drove through the campus which is barely recognizable from when we were there. Which made me feel OLD.

We drove by every place either of us lived. It was sweet to reminisce because we both had really great college years. I loved my journalism classes, studying in the library's nooks, laying in the grass in the Quad, bible studies in the dorms and Chick-fil-A in the Atrium. I loved my roommates, my friends and dating Joe.

I did not love my aerobics class and walking forever (or 15 minutes) to get home after a long day.

But I loved everything else.

We were at Ball State because one of my college roommates Bridget is on staff there with Cru and we went to a dinner to hear all about their vision to share the Gospel on campus next year. I am so stinking proud of Bridget and all the work her staff does to love on college students. It's a ministry and a person Joe and I absolutely love supporting.

On Saturday, my parents took Madeline and my nephew to a play so Joe, Caleb and I spent the afternoon in downtown Noblesville. We drove around the neighborhoods and the square while Caleb napped. Then we got coffee, browsed little boutiques and antique stores and refilled our coffee for 55 cents.

I'm drawn to two things when I go antique shopping: books and dishes, specifically tea cups. I just cannot get enough. Joe loves this about me. (Don't ask him, just believe me.)

On Sunday, we needed more college campus in our lives so we visited our brothers at Purdue. Joe's brother Joel and my brother Peter are both there. Madeline has mad love for her uncles and they love her. (And they love Caleb too, despite the lack of photographic evidence.)

It was chilly but a really beautiful day to walk around the campus and see where they each live.

And while I love my life and my kiddos, husband, routine and responsibilities, I did look longingly at those college students, sprawled across campus and in the Union and in coffee shops and I kinda wish to go back to 19 years old and enrolled.

Spring time on a campus is one of the best times, right?

And now I'm back home, where my Sunday night was grocery shopping, rocking a crying baby to sleep, peeling 36 hard-boiled eggs for school and watching a movie in bed with Joe.

And I know deep down in my heart, college was great but real life is awesome.

April life

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Life is always colorful with these two. We've been leaving the house on the beautiful days and splashing in the puddles on the rainy afternoons. We've been on spring break, back to school, taking walks and dressing alike (just me and Madeline; Caleb is his own fashion stud).

This has become one of my favorite pictures of Madeline ever. Even though I've loved every new year and the changes they bring, I'm not really looking forward to her turning 6 next month. She's looking more and more like a grown-up girl and losing much of her baby-ness.

Little Cheeky is running circles around all of us and lifts up his shirt every other minute so we can grab his belly. He's 17 months and three days and I feel like he's been in our family for longer than I've been alive.

Same goes for this girl. That face, my heart.

On Saturday, Madeline went to see a baby horse (Her mind? Blown.) and Joe, Caleb and I walked through Holcomb Gardens. This boy loves stomping around with his daddy.

He just doesn't like smiling for pictures.

Joe had to work late and since he got back after the kids went to bed, Madeline wanted to make him a welcome home banner. She's a sucker for big displays of affection.

April has been very kind to us.

Home days with my homeboy

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Mondays are the day I get to drop Madeline off at school and spend the whole day with Caleb.

Today was overcast, drizzly and cold so instead of running our typical morning errands, we just came home straight from school. I'm not sure what was in his Cheerios this morning but he was exceptionally cute and charming.

I needed to knock out some writing while he played which sounds simple, doesn't it? But Little Guy just wanted to play hide-and-seek with me. With the most adorable grin and squeals.

Oh my goodness, he was just too cute.

I never want my posts to make it sound like I don't have rough days because tonight sure didn't end happily with warm fuzzies. My brain was shutting off around 5 p.m. and I was beyond ready to send my kids to bed around...oh...5:57 p.m.

But. But...

I do really enjoy these kids. Yes, they are exhausting but they are fun. They are way too loud but they crack me up. They smell but they also love to cuddle. They bring out the best and the worst in me, sometimes all in one day.

I wouldn't trade them for all the tea in China.

The weekend that was

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:41:00 +0000

Last night, Joe and I were in bed, watching Miss Negativity who is Rachel Zoe and he said, "That was a really fun weekend." And it really was.

It was filled with friends, "American Pickers," furniture rearranging, church, coffee and Irish soda bread.

Sometimes you meet people and even though you don't know them AT ALL, you just feel like you've been friends for a really long time. Well, I randomly met this woman in a teahouse (of course), we exchanged numbers, I stalked her online to make sure she wasn't Russian spy Evelyn Salt and we met up for pizza and wine the next week. After four hours of talking, we shut the place down and they kicked us out.

It's an understatement to say we get along.

So on Friday night, our families had dinner together. We stayed way too late and our kids ran all over their house. They have six kids and my two fit in the middle of them so everyone was loud and crazy and looked out for the little ones. Plus there were bunk beds which is Madeline's ideal. Fun could only be had.

Saturday was our free day. I went for a run (I know), Joe helped Madeline with a special art project, "American Pickers" was watched, I read half of "The Insanity of God" and not much else was done.

In the middle of doing nothing, I suddenly couldn't handle having the TV in our living room for another second and it had to go. It wasn't a completely impulsive decision. I've been thinking about getting rid of the TV for awhile because we watch most of our shows online and it takes up so much of our living space.

So I asked Joe if he really was OK with ditching it and as soon as he said yes, we loaded it up and dropped the TV and entertainment center at Goodwill. We also packed up most of our DVDs and nearly all of our VHS tapes.

(Do you still have tapes? We did. Tons. And it was kinda sentimental going through all these movies that I watched throughout college and nearly every night during our first years of marriage. I kinda wish there was a counter on the tapes to know how many times I watched "Notting Hill," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "One Fine Day" and "Dirty Dancing.")

(I know. I'm a sentimental rat pack and I'm doing my best to handle it.)

The only remaining DVDs are Harry Potters, Jane Austens, Brian Regan, "The Devil Wears Prada," and "Hands on a Hard Body." These survivors describe me pretty well.

We sold most of our DVDs to Half Price Books and used the money to treat ourselves to takeout. Joe and I don't splurge much but when we do, it's quesadillas and chimichangas from Cancun. It's a testament to how much I love Joe that I didn't pop open the salsa on the drive home.

We went to church on Sunday, made Irish soda bread, we caught up on "It's a Brad Brad World" while the kids napped and had some old friends over for dinner.

Remember these adorable redheads? If possible, they've only gotten cuter, as evidenced by this picture I shamelessly ripped off their dad's Instagram.

Days like those make it hard to not live for the weekends.

May your weekend be green with shamrocks

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:45:00 +0000

I woke up this morning and saw a sleeping Madeline who apparently crawled in with us at some point in the night. When she woke up, she sleepily said, "Happy St. Patrick's Day parade day, mama."

We love St. Patrick's Day in our house, a tradition from my mom. Even though St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, Indy always does their parade on a week day so it was today.

Preparation for a successful St. Patrick's Day parade always starts the night before. The girls do our nails. This year, I splurged and bought a $.95 bottle of "New's Eve Party Glitter" to go on top of the green. Madeline was over the moon.

(Sidenote: when did Madeline's hands get so big? Don't these look like they belong to a a girl who isn't 5??)

Madeline wore a green knit dress (now in the third year of its use) (how cute is her baby face from just two years ago??) and Caleb wore Beckett's "Little Charmer" shirt. Everyone wore Irish buttons.

Madeline dressed herself and came into my room, yelling, "I'm ready, I'm ready!!" and waving her Irish flag. Listen, if you had shamrocks on your head, you'd be ready to party too.

It was chilly today but these two didn't mind. They brought in a haul of candy and bounced their little hearts out. (Well, my girl did at least.) Caleb's behind them, stuffed inside a fleece sack in the stroller.

I know some people think I'm crazy with how much I love holidays and parades and glitter door hangings but I still celebrate it all. Making these days extra special with my family is worth more than a truckload of butter and root beer.

P.S. This morning, Joe told Madeline he wasn't sure if he'd be able to meet up with us at the parade. (In the end, he did come.) This led her to lament, "Oh, I just wish Daddy could spend the holidays with us." If you ever hear her say this, please know she's referring to the St. Patrick's Day parade and not Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween or Easter.