Heart Gone Walking

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.

Little moments make up a childhood

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:06:00 +0000

I do this sometimes, don't I? I'll just disappear for a bit and then come back, la-di-da like nothing happened. Nothing significant has happened, it's just life gets full and good and I don't feel like blogging for awhile.

But then my fingers start to itch and I suddenly can't do anything else for a minute but sit down and tap something out.

Madeline and Caleb have started really playing together over the last couple of weeks. They've always been interested in each other, liked each other and played next to each other. But lately, they've started playing together -- really playing and interacting together -- and it makes me so incredibly happy every time I look over and see it.

Caleb is growing and changing every hour and seems more like a toddler than a baby these days. But then there's a moment when he falls asleep on my chest under his baby blanket and I can breathe in his babyness and am reminded of just how tiny he still is.

If there was an "attach to the hip" program, Madeline would totally sign up for it. She wants to hold Caleb's hand as much as possible. She gets her best shot when he falls asleep in the car. I don't blame her; chubby hands are the best.

Did you know Madeline's favorite show is "American Pickers"? She absolutely loves to watch it while cuddled next to Joe. This weekend, Joe let her pick our basement. She brought up her best finds and negotiated with me. She used phrases like "It'll go to a GOOD home" and "It's got water damage so I'm really just interested in the frame." At one point, we couldn't agree on a price so she made me flip a coin to declare a winner. She won.

Also, she made me call her Frank.

Also, this kid is the best, Like, really, truly the best.

Today, Joe accidentally took my keys down to work with him. Madeline has a parks class this afternoon so unfortunately I really needed them. So he came home over lunch to two ecstatic kids and tacos. Everybody wins.

P.S. If you need to find me when I'm not blogging, I'm katiejmayes on Instagram.

She turned 30

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:39:00 +0000

I turned 30 years old today. I've actually been pretty excited to enter my thirties because I think it sounds more credible than 20-something. This is probably the residual effect of marrying at 22 and baby at 24 and watching people's eyes widen when I share my age.

However, I fell in the shower this morning like a true Golden Girl and my second thought during the incredible slow-motion fall with flailing arms (after praying, "Oh Jesus, don't let me break a bone!") was "Maybe this is the beginning of the elderly end..."

I'm thinking about installing a medical panic button in the bathroom if I want to survive my thirties.

A couple months ago, my friend Vicky sent me a link to a woman who did 38 random acts of kindness on her 38th birthday. I fell in love with this idea but filed it away in my brain, back where dusty old crockpot recipes and school registration tasks reside.

Joe asked me several times what I wanted to do on my birthday and I couldn't really think of anything. Then on Saturday I remembered that post and told him I wanted to do that. Late Sunday night, after a long, fun weekend, I sat in bed and wrote out a list of 30 random acts of kindness.

Let me just say, while it's possible to pull this project off without any sort of planning, it wasn't my smartest move. Oh, 29-year-old Katie liked to live on the edge. Today's 30-year-old Katie is so much more mature now. I mean, come on, she's "thiiiiiirty."

Joe took the day off and we spent all day running around like crazy people with a getaway car. Madeline had school so unfortunately she missed some of it but I saved the best ones for her.

Also, while I truly do believe 30 is young and nowhere near old, I now realize 30 is a big number when it comes to doing 30 things. I was wiped out by the end of the day.

And I mean, wiped out, like sprawled on the tub floor, reaching for the big red "RESCUE ME" button. But it was worth it. Totally worth it.

Here's everything we did that made today one of my most favorite days ever.

30 Random Acts of Kindness on My 30th Birthday

1. Wrote a letter to Joe (he is everything to me)
2. Paid for the car behind us at Starbucks
3. Bought a drink for Madeline's teacher
4. Wrote a card for the director at Madeline's school
5. Spent the morning helping in Madeline's classroom

6. Donated books to Indy Reads Bookstore
7. Paid for someone's meter
8. Donated groceries to Second Helpings
9. Wrote a letter to my parents (they are incredible people)
10. Put quarters in carts at Aldi's

11. Donated clothes to Goodwill
12. Wrote a letter to my BSF leader
13. Picked up trash at our neighborhood park (don't worry, Mom, I didn't use my hands; we had a trash picker from KIB)
14. Left a treat for our postman
15. Collected grocery carts from the far corners of the Kroger parking lot
16. Bought coffee for the dancing Gold 4 Cash man

17. Delivered balloons to patients at Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital
18. Delivered cookies to nurses at the hospital
19. Handed out coloring books and crayons to siblings waiting in the labor and delivery waiting room at St. Vincent Women's Hospital
20. Sent stickers and a card to a child in the hospital
21. Wrote a letter to a soldier

22. Wrote a letter to my sister-in-law
23. Delivered muffins and art to our local firemen
24. Delivered muffins and a card to our favorite librarians
25. Brought treats for the Paws to Read dogs at our library
26. Hid a dollar in my favorite kids' book
27. Gave a coloring book and crayons to a kid at the library

28. Cleaned up the kids' area at the library
29. Taped quarters to a vending machine
30. Hung up art for a patient at a rehabilitation center who hasn't had any visitors

We ended the day with dinner at Outback Steakhouse, thanks to a gift card from our friends Sarah and Brad. (Thank you so much!!) We were tired but it was the perfect way to end the day, a huge burger and my favorite people. We were nearly dead on our feet but swung by my parent's house for a few minutes which really completed the day.

Today was an absolute blast. It really was one of my favorite days ever and I'm so so so thankful for these two. There is no way I could have done half of this without Joe's help and I know everyone would rather have art from Madeline instead of me.

Bring it on, thirties. With Joe, Madeline and Caleb in my getaway car, I can handle anything you throw my way.

It's randomness because I'm tired

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:23:00 +0000

I feel like I don't get a moment to myself much. Most days, it doesn't bother me to constantly answer questions, help someone, read out loud or watch a great dance act. But there are times I need quiet. Today I was in the bathroom and Madeline knocked. I asked if she needed something, she said she had a question and I told her she could wait.

Then she stood outside the bathroom, singing (loudly), "Oompa Loompa, do bah di do, I've got another question for you!" Each verse was louder than the last.

It was not a quiet moment to myself.

Caleb loves a certain hat of Madeline's. If it's cold outside, he takes every other hat off immediately. But he loves this hat so much, he wears it around the house. I think he and his cheeks are irresistible in it.

This is a total Caleb maneuver. He loves to look at the world through his legs. Don't ask why but he does this all the time. This was him watching me pour his milk. He does it all the time.

See the hat love? And the cheeks?

Normally Madeline and Caleb nap at the same time in the afternoon. While I love having some time to myself (when no one is singing "Oompa Loompa"), today Caleb went down early and woke up right after Madeline went down for her nap. It was so fun to have some down time with Cheeky. He's snuggliest after naps and needs some time to warm up so we just read books on the couch and snacked while he was still.

And then he warmed up and started moving around at normal Caleb-speed, which is roughly the speed of light.

Janna gave us a big coffee table book, "America 24/7" and Madeline loves it. It's filled with thousands of pictures and the only downside is Madeline wants to show me every. single. one. Today I told her I needed to get stuff done and couldn't look at it with her. After awhile, she brought the book to me and ask if my work was done. Then she showed me how she bookmarked all the important photos. She used rulers, hair bows and combs, among other things.

I've started taking photos at 10 a.m. every day and posting them on Instagram. I don't really have a plan for the pictures but I just like seeing what we did every day and how every day is different.

I didn't post today but Joe did. He created this meme. This is why he's hilarious.

Our free day

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

Today was one of my favorite days in a long time. Madeline didn't have school today but instead of making it another learning day at home (like a responsible mother), we treated it as a free day.

I told Madeline we could do whatever she wanted. She chose the Disney store and a girls' night with ice cream.

Who needs school when she already knows what's good in life?

So we straightened the house, packed our lunches and headed out to the mall. Madeline still loves the mall. She's such a routine kiddo when it comes to visiting a place. Her latest mall routine is to enter in Von Maur (which she calls the Disney Hotel store because she thinks it's like the Grand Floridian Hotel), visit the Disney store, the Lego store, Build-A-Bear and eat lunch in the food court (in that order, no exceptions).

So we did. She, of course, saw a million items she wanted to buy but we only drop two pennies in the fountain (mama's rules, no exceptions). While we brought most of our lunch, we bought chicken nuggets at Chick-fil-A (a huge treat for her).

Madeline and Caleb wore themselves out in the kids' area and would have kept playing if I didn't drag them away.

At home, Caleb napped for three and a half hours, Madeline had quiet time in her room and I wrote while watching "Parks and Recreation."

Joe came home but realized he left his phone charger at work so he took the kids with him to go back and get it. Which is how I unexpectedly had 30 minutes by myself with dinner already in the oven.

It was glorious.

We had the Six Sisters' creme brulee French toast for dinner. Basically, we had dessert for dinner. It was so good.

Caleb entertained us all through dinner. At one point, Joe playfully flexed his arms and Caleb took it to another level.

It went on and on.

And on and on. We laughed all ridiculously hard.

Then Madeline and I headed out for our girls' night. Madeline wanted to go somewhere where "we could talk and talk."

We settled on the local ice cream shop. She got cotton candy with chocolate chips in a sprinkle cone and barely stopped eating to take a picture.

We talked and talked. She was very relaxed and in her element.

She went back and forth between serious and mature and then completely goofy and giggly.

Then she surprised me and pulled some "games" out of her purse. This girl came prepared.

She brought the freebie gift she received from the Lego store, made up about six different games for us and used the shop's take-out menu as a scorecard.

She also brought a notebook and we made up our own Mad Libs and stories.

After an half and a half at the ice cream shop, we headed to a bookstore. This girl speaks my love language. On our way, she asked to listen to "Fire Burning" and "Rolling in the Deep" and we danced and bounced in the car. She desperately wants to learn all the words in "Fire Burning" but says she doesn't understand the Spanish.

In the clearance section, I bought her a notebook, planner and calendar for $3. She was so grateful, you would have thought I lassoed the moon for her.

This girl is such a joy and gift. It was a wonderful day.

The non-weekend recap

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:06:00 +0000

This picture has nothing to do with our weekend because it was school on Friday. But seriously. That face. She slays me.

And this is why I'm thoroughly entertained all day long. I never know what I'll see when I come around the corner.

(Related: last week I walked into the family room and found Caleb climbing our TV. He's entertaining in another way.)

Our weekend was more low-key than you probably thought possible, since most of our weekends are primarily movies, coffee and naps. But we really did nothing this weekend.

Joe, Madeline and Caleb did one of their favorite weekend past-times, watching "American Pickers" together. If you want a good laugh, have a conversation with Madeline about Frank, Mike and Danielle. I think she and Joe have probably seen every episode.

Madeline has been studying ocean animals and each week, she draws the latest creature on the aquarium with window markers. While apparently some people hate window markers (cough cough Christina), we love them. They've kept Madeline very busy on windows and mirrors this winter and they clean up super easy.

We tried to teach Caleb how to blow a kiss. He got the gist of it on the first day. And then he turned it into this uber-adorable thumb-sucking/thumb popping experience. No one teach him how to do it differently!

Lastly, Joe and I watched all 13 hours of the Oscars last night. For people who don't understand Twitter, watch just one major televised event with your Twitter feed up and you'll understand the beauty of it.

It was a dude of a show and I really didn't like the host but this joke made me laugh so hard, I cried. I don't know why.

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A blurry couple of days

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:30:00 +0000

This week has been a blur. I know my cold has contributed to that but our days have also just been packed.

Monday was the last day for Madeline's teacher who is starting her maternity leave. Madeline adores her and made a card all by herself. It reads, "Dear Mrs. P, I want you to have the baby. I love love you. Madeline." The picture is Madeline holding hands with Mrs. P. (Apparently, one of them is wearing Joseph's coat of many colors.)

Caleb's favorite part of every Monday is craning his neck to watch Madeline walk out of school. He sticks his legs straight out in anticipation and then his whole body shakes with excitement when he sees her.

Before bedtime, we've been reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" as a family. Most nights, Joe reads while I scratch Madeline's back, arms and legs, her favorite thing. To give you an idea of how much she loves it, Joe's nickname is the Pancake Master and I'm the Scratch Master. I'm so honored.

On Tuesday, the kids and I went to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Discovery Concert. It's a concert just for kids and we went with our homeschool group. It was fantastic. Madeline loved it and Caleb sat through the entire performance spellbound. Dance Kaleidoscope performed with the orchestra and the program focused on meter, tempo and dynamic. I love opportunities like this.

Today was BSF which means crazy morning, quick lunch and exhausted by nap time. Caleb still takes a morning nap so when he doesn't nap on Wednesday mornings, he's t.i.r.e.d. by lunchtime. Thankfully, he was still very happy after smearing peanut butter everywhere and then promptly took a three-hour nap.

Tonight was a big night for Madeline. My cousin's daughter was in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and Madeline has literally been counting down the days to the performance. We read the book last summer and listened to the audiobook yesterday and today to help pass the time and refresh our memory. The jury's still out on whether Madeline liked it or not.

The last Downton Abbey wrap-up

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:05:00 +0000

Something was special happened over the weekend. I became an aunt for the fifth time.

How beautiful is this little boy? Fresh babies are simply amazing and wonderful and weigh approximately one cloud.

Sy is so tiny and so loved and I'm itching to get my hands on him again.

I had to start with my nephew just to prove to Julian Fellowes that a new baby can be a happy event. It doesn't have to be ruined by death and sadness. I hope that message gets across the pond.

I've been wanting to write a Downton Abbey finale wrap-up but wasn't emotionally prepared until tonight. I have a head cold and don't want to face the reality of Matthew's death. But I need to get it out now.

Ever since last week's preview, I was dreading this episode. Branson and a love interest? Too soon, Jules. Too soon. But then the episode started one year later and I thought, "Hmm, OK, I'm open to possibilities."

But then Edna waltzed in and you knew she was trouble since her name started with an "E". And you also knew she needed to go before she could even put away the linens.

And the aunt and uncle who hated each other? I seriously wondered if one of them was going to murder the other. (Don't laugh, Jules has written weirder things.)

Truly, Drunk Moseley was a bright spot. Even though I dislike Sober Moseley, one can't help smiling when Drunk Moseley threw his hands in the air and spun around without care. I would invite Drunk Moseley to a party.

Overall, I feel disappointed with this season. It felt rushed and forced. I miss seasons when someone waits four years to love someone else. (cough cough Branson and Sybil cough) I miss having three story lines instead of 12. (For the record, I do not miss Pamuk. That was a blight.) At times, I thought the show became juvenile. I actually laughed out loud when Mrs. Hughes sat behind Branson and Edna on the carousels. Her stalker positioning and scowl of disapproval was so ludicrous.

But the scene with Mrs. Hughes and Branson? At that moment, I was so proud of her. (In my mind, she practically my grandmother. We're tight and she gives me the best advice.)

Finally, do I need to go into detail about how awful it was to see Matthew's face with blood one minute and then a cheery-faced woman asking for donations? I was so confused and emotionally stunned. What just happened? Is this merely an interruption? Was that really the end of the season? Will someone else die if I don't donate?

Once I got over my shock, I realized they are asking us to pay a lot of money for a season filled with Lady Mary, bitter party of one.

I'll definitely be watching next season but if it starts with Branson making moves on Lady Mary or if anything happens to Mrs. Hughes or Daisy, I'm jumping ship.

And then I started ranting about Lady Edith...

noreply@blogger.com (Katie @ Heart Gone Walking) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:13:00 +0000

Well, sad news. My laptop appears to have a bug or virus or whatever they're calling it these days. When I get on the Internet, I can search on Google but then I can't actually go to any other page. SADNESS.

Joe has tried several times to fix it but with no luck. Much like Lady Edith and her issues with catching a break. (Interested and flirty editor who is forever married to an insane woman? She's still having breakfast at the breakfast table, for pity's sake. Because that's what spinsters do. How much can one girl handle, Julian? HOW MUCH?)

So, um, anyways. That's why I haven't been blogging. Not because of lack of material or desire to write; Madeline and Caleb are still tossing out plenty of good memories and hard laughs. (Like how Madeline was extremely confused watching "The Parent Trap" this weekend because she just couldn't understand why the girl wanted to become a boy. My apologies, short-haired Hayley Mills. I think you're darling.)

So I have no Internet during the day and I'm too tired at night to write on Joe's laptop.

And when I say I'm tired, I mean I'm too tired after watching the Dowager Countess and Tierra's eyebrow, two women who should never be in the same sentence.

And when I say Cousin Violet and The Uncontrollable Eyebrow, I really just mean Dr. Zoe Hart. She is my true love right now.

In case you think I'm just frittering my time away, I'll have you know I embroidered not one but TWO gifts, washed, folded AND put away all the laundry, researched homeschool curriculum, copied down my new favorite recipes onto recipe cards, all while watching said TV.

I am a homekeeping, couch-loving marvel.

(I could also included reading "Unbroken" during commercial breaks of "The Bachelor" but I feel like that's an insult to humanity. So, for the record, I'm saying it never happened.)

Hopefully the computer will be fixed and I get back to fascinating details like how many cups of tea I can drink before noon and 73 versions of the exact same photo of my kids.

Until then, I'll be smooching on these creatures, Cheeky and the Storyteller.

And then I rambled...

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

We were running late today before anyone even got out of bed. Why, you ask? Because only amateurs get behind schedule after 10 a.m.

Mondays are school for Madeline and we have to leave the house by 8:25 a.m. to make it to school on time. At 8:30 a.m., the kids were still sleeping and after a busy weekend and sleepless, teething nights, I wasn't going to wake them for $12 million.

(That's a lie. I would've woken them for $15 but no one was there with a cash offer.)

They finally woke just before 9 a.m. and since I had already texted the director to say we were going to be late, the pressure was off to scurry around. Somehow, miraculously, without repeating, "Hurry, hurry!" a thousand times over again, it was the fastest we've ever gotten out of the house. I do not know how it happened nor how I can make it happen again.

Well, maybe it had something to do with the lackluster lunch I threw together of a leftover pig in a blanket, cheese stick, yogurt and a handful of dried cranberries. Also, breakfast was NutriGrain bars and fruit in the car. And my hair wasn't brushed.

Proverbs 31 woman, baby...

(Also, I made pigs in a blanket for the first time last week. Madeline went crazy over them but the best part is she cannot keep the name straight. She's called them everything from piggly-wigglys and pigs wrapped in a napkin. Love. Her.)

Joe got sick yesterday and stayed home today. I wish we could have enjoyed the day together but he and his germs cuddled up together in the bedroom, far away from us healthy people.

Caleb and his cheeks were off schedule all day because he slept in so much (and was up for most of the night). He was pretty happy until he wasn't. And that is the story of Caleb's young life thus far.

I picked Madeline up while Caleb stayed back with Joe. It shouldn't have felt so weird because I do go places by myself but it was really odd to have just Merida Bear strapped in the backseat on the drive up.

Now that I typed that out, maybe the odd part is having a psychedelic rainbow bear with a buckled seat belt staring at me in the rearview mirror.

A mom at the school had something for me and wrote on the envelope: "To Diana Spencer, aka Diana of the Lake of Shining Waters, from Anne Shirley."

She speaks my native tongue. (Also, have you seen this "Anne of Green Gables" photo shoot? Love, love.)

Once home, it was a blur of rounds of Old Maid, dinner prep, Caleb crying at my knees when I didn't feed him the raw onion I was chopping, and going through the bedtime motions until "The Bachelor" came on.

My favorite part of the entire two-hour episode was the commercial for this week's "Nashville." Goodness gracious, Deacon.

My second favorite part of "The Bachelor" was Tierra insisting she doesn't like drama. Really, Tierra? If you don't like it, then why is your right eyebrow so good at it?

And that was Monday.