Alright people, we know it's been FOREVER since we last blogged but we're back up and running.  Life is beginning to slow down (a little bit) and we're getting into a "normal" routine:)  Life has been even more crazy than normal with us working, taking care of both chillins, and our big move just over a month ago.  We are settled into our a new house and while there are still things to be done, we're absolutely loving it here.  Going from 2 rooms to 4 AND having a yard has been life changing.  When people ask me about it I say that I'm embarrassed that a "thing" can bring us as a family so much joy, but the reality is that it has.  Having a yard for Avery to play in has been amazing and Andy and I have really gotten into gardening and what not.  We have a fruit/vegetable garden and flowers all over the place, it's so great!  We're in phase 2 of construction, we're currently having the girls' bathroom re-done and we did some work on the kitchen (tore down a wall, new flooring, etc)

As far as the kiddos go Aves is almost 3, we can't believe it!  She's a non-stop talker (as Jeff says who is doing the construction) and she's VERY BUSY.  She is starting a real dance class the week of her birthday where they have a uniform and it's tap and ballet, she's going to love it.  We've also signed her up for preschool starting at the end of august because she needs a little bit more stimulation and attention:)

Myla just turned 7 months and we're working hard on her sitting up which she's not quite doing on her own yet, she's just not into it.  She loves playing with toys, chewing on EVERYTHING, and being entertained by Avery.  Unfortunately...she's also a Daddy's girl and despite all the things I try, she gives the biggest smiles to him;)  She's also getting sooooo close to giggling, we're just not quite there yet.

It's Andy and I's birthday week which was good.  We both worked both of our birthdays (to keep it fair:) but we both felt loved and special.  I'm attaching a link to some pictures of the last couple of months including a trip we took to winnemucca, NV to enjoy Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's 70th wedding anniversary.  Enjoy the pictures and expect a house update of photos soon:)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.757459094427.2144881.68602760&type=1&l=7ec99c7b1a http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.757459094427.2144881.68602760&type=1&l=7ec99c7b1a

Avery worshiping

Here's the same song as before but Avery doing a solo:)

I need you

This is a new song that Andy has introduced to the congregation at church, it's called "Lord I need you" by Matt Maher. I sing it around the house all the time so Aves started singing it too, such a joy to have your 2 year old walking around the house singing worship songs:)

Smiles!

We finally got a smile on camera...it's in the last few seconds!

Seasons of Life

Life constantly seems to be changing for us Koning's...never a dull moment! I am in full swing back at work fulltime and Andy is still working full time at the church. We laugh because with us covering child care we feel like we're both single parents/the full time worker/full time stay at home parent because we both do it all:) however, I couldn't ask for a better partner in crime through all of this, on my work days Andy lets me sleep in until at least 0900, then he heads off to work when I get up; he then heads home around 1400 (2pm) for me to leave for work. I try to get everything done so he can just play with the girls when he's not feeding, changing diapers and/or finishing up his work from the day but I don't always succeed. He's often stuck with washing/stuffing the diapers, a bath or two, etc. and never once has he complained. Boy is he amazing!

We've resigned to the fact that this season of life = being tired. We know it's just a phase which is what makes it okay...Myla is doing a great job sleeping through the night but her last feeding is between 10:30-11pm and she's up around 0800. I know, you're thinking, "that's 9 hours, who are you to complain?" but generally there is more to do after putting Myla down like brush my own teeth, pick up, etc. Bed time is usually around midnight and then we have to get up once or twice to pop Myla's nuk in her mouth (usually done by Andy) blah blah blah you get the idea; bottom line, we're tired!

I recently heard from a TV show that being a parent is being a servant, I loved that because it's so true. And I never realized just how much my parents did for me until I had my own kids (and I'm sure I have so much more to realize!). This past weekend has been a perfect example of that in Andy; it was my 3 days off of work (happens every 2 weeks) and I unfortunately came down with the stomach flu yesterday. Boy was it a rough one; I was upset because not only did I feel awful BUT I couldn't hang out with my family for one of my only 3 days off. Andy totally took it for the team and did EVERYTHING (including rubbing my back as I vomited:)

I'd like to say that I'm loving this season of life and I enjoy every moment but the truth is, I'm not. I know we're blessed and I wouldn't ask for any other life than the one that I have but it's work and we're tired and somedays I'm just glad if I find joy in 10 minutes of the day. That's my reality. This blog that a friend of mine posted words it perfectly (it's a little wordy but you get the idea in the first few paragraphs).

http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/04/2011-lesson-2-dont-carpe-diem/

The truth is raising kids is hard, working full time is hard, putting time into our marriage is hard, finding time for friends and family is hard, but we do it. And we're grateful. We thank God every day for this little family that we have, especially through the not so easy seasons of life.

Gingerbread

our activity of the day today...making a gingerbread house! i know i know it's a little late, but better late than never!