Great day!

Today was a magnificent day with the girls. It was a day that I wish I had my camera with me because they were both so well behaved and we did some activities where pictures would've been nice to have!

We started our day at storytime at the local library. Sadly, this will be our last week going, because we'll be out of town and then G starts preschool, but we've gone the last three weeks and G has had a great time. She's been coming home and singing some of the songs, and today she sat so still while we were there.

The leader of the group is amazing! This is by far the best storytime that I've been to. They sing a hello song, and then read a book. The book is always followed by some sort of finger play or action based rhyming story, and then another book. Then, we'll sing a song or play a game. Today, they had a snowball fight, even though it was over 100 degrees outside! Then, they colored a picture of themselves to make a banner.

The last two weeks I've let G choose a few books to take home. These books are whatever her heart desires, and I try to not have any influence. Which may explain why we've been reading Christmas stories! This week, I did not let her choose a book because we're headed out of town, but I promised her we'd go when we got back and she was perfectly happy with that!

After the library, we headed to the post office to ship HPA packages. And, then we went to pay our rent.

After those quick errands, I decided to take G out for lunch, so we went to Braum's. I've been wanting to try it, and wasn't sure if DJ would really enjoy it, so it was perfect with just the girls! To be honest, I don't think i'm crazy about their food. It's typical hamburgers or chicken strips with fries, or maybe a salad. I didn't get to look at all of their ice cream selections, because I'm thinking that's what you really go there for! But, G and I both got a milkshake with our meals. G chose strawberry, while I stuck with chocolate. I'm not sure about hers, but mine was delish!

We were sitting at the table eating, when this older man walked in carrying a Bible and a few other books. He sat right at the table behind us, so I would be able to make good eye contact with him. Before he sat down, though, he kneeled down, and did the sign of the cross. So, my first guess was that he's Catholic, although I've never seen a Catholic person do this at a restraunt? In my head, I tried to tell myself to not make eye contact with him, or to judge that he might be a crazy man, but there was something gentle in his eyes. He eventually came to the table, which I had dreaded that he would, and asked if MC was a 'new baby'. I replied that yes, she was just 2 months old. MC smiled at him, and he gently stroked her arm, then her head, and yes, her cheek (which, I tried to not let him see me cringe), and then he patted her bottom a few times. He was content after that and went to order his food. I wonder what he was thinking and what his life story was. We went to the restroom before leaving and whe we came back, he was eating and doing a Bible study. I politely smiled at him and told him to have a good day and left.

Sometimes I struggle with teaching G about strangers. I want her to understand that she shouldn't talk to strangers, but strangers approach me all the time to look at MC and gawk at all of her hair. I'm use to it, because they did the same when G was a baby, but when they leave, G always reminds me that they were a stranger and I shouldn't have talked to them.

The girls and I then made a quick trip to Hobby Lobby to look for fabric for their football shirts this year, and then we ran to the mall so I could get moisturizer.

The entire time, G held my hand and was a wonderful listener. We've struggled with outings over the last few weeks and I've come to be 'that mom' with the screaming kids that always gets 'the looks' from other people wishing that I could calm down my kids. But, we didn't get that today!

G had also come accustomed to asking and/or getting a toy while we were out, and not one time did she ask for one!

We were thankful to get home and out of the heat! It was over 100 degrees outside! G and I both drank a huge glass of ice water as soon as we walked in the door!

Later in the afternoon, we were surprised with a package from Nana, DJ's mom. MC received this adorable glow seahorse that plays music. I've heard amazing things about how magical they are, so we'll see!

And, G received a baby Rapunzel doll! She had to go retrieve her baby Cinderella and take her picture with both of them!

It was such a nice break from our previous stressful outings! I have high hopes after today that I can do this! That I can be a mom of two girls, and that I can get out with both of them and survive! I just need to have a plan, and plenty of water since it's so hot!

I also started reading, "How to Make Your Kids Mind Without Loosing Your Own", and I think it's helped provide a new prospective on things. I'm sure i'll be sharing more about that later!