Desperate times call for desperate measures, and last night was definitely a desperate measure. I found myself crawling into M’s bed to sleep with her last night after she kept waking every 15-20 minutes screaming for mommy.

“Tingles” are more powerful than any medicine. The light, soothing, goosebump-giving touches across the back used to be the only thing I craved when feeling under the weather too. In fact, I would take tingles over a massage any day .

I’m thankful we let M jump straight from toddler bed to the spare queen bed we had. More room for those desperate nights.

Sound machines are pretty nifty. Despite sleeping with a kicking toddler, I slept pretty dang well thanks to the sounds of “soothing rain”.

I don’t care how well rested I feel, the day must begin with coffee. Especially on a chilly fall day.

Picturesque, no?

I need to finally find a new pediatrician for Braedon and Makenzie. We had billing issues with our current office after the last appointment. The doctor called Braedon a “she” his entire last check-up. It took over twenty minutes to get through the phone line today to even schedule an appointment for my sick child.

I will give them credit that today’s actual appointment wasn’t terrible. It didn’t take the standard TWO HOURS in office and I liked the doctor we saw today. Too bad the office has gotten so big we can’t be guaranteed to see him and the whole atmosphere is much less personal and caring. I am just over it.

And on a high note, Chelsey knows how to pick a good book.

I just can’t put it down! And I never knew how much I missed reading a real book. Don’t be surprised if I disappear off the face of the blog world for awhile. Wait. Do be surprised if that happens. I guess I should say don’t be surprised if I don’t do laundry all week. Yea. That’s more like it.

• What is the last good book you read?
• What was a special thing your parent did to help you feel better when growing up? Tingles! The tingles!

Despite busy schedules, a lot of rambling thoughts, exhaustion, and cranky toddlers to manage, we have still had plenty of good times this week. Including our Thursday ritual of picnic lunch with daddy!

The past couple of weeks we haven’t been able to have our regular Thursday lunch meet-ups because of radio shows and dermatologist appointments (in the clear! yay!!), so I couldn’t wait for today.

Like I said – things have been slightly hectic around here lately, so I had to toss together the quickest things possible for our picnic lunch. PBJ sandwiches for them…

And a hummus, tomato, and sharp cheddar cheese sandwich for myself.

For the record – that combo is immensely better grilled with some butter. Stacy’s pita chips by the handful help make it more satisfying though.

After lunch, came play time. Prepare for picture overload. You simply can’t help yourself but to snap pictures when you have the two cutest kids alive.

Told ya. Cutest kids alive.

I also had some fun learning that kids are strong little creatures and would own me at their games. I tried out this funky sliding monkey bar thing…and could only ever get halfway across. How do kids have endless energy for this stuff?!

And we can’t forget Peter’s “Me Tarzan. You Baby B.” moment either.

Classic. And now, bring on the “I can’t believe you would do that with your 9 month old baby you horrible, horrible parents” comments. I can take ‘em.

It was the perfect little afternoon.

“Must-Dos” or “To-Dos” to Make The Day Count

Lately, I have thought a lot about how I fill my time. You know I am a doer. I incessantly have to-do lists running through my mind. Yet, I know that in order to live a fulfilling life I have to take the time to focus on what truly matters.

Then one day it hit me. I have to shift my focus from my “to-dos” of laundry, dishes, organizing, emails, etc to the “must-dos” of loving others, taking a breather, caring for the health of my body, my mind, and my relationships.

Now, I have my to-do lists, but more importantly I have my “must do” list that trumps anything else for the day. I tell myself that if my "must-dos” happen, I accomplished all I needed to for that day. Sometimes things like laundry and emails can wait if you don’t get to them. Your children, your body, and your spirit can’t. Give it a try sometime. It’s pretty freeing.

• What is the last thing you did outdoors?
• What would be on your “must-do” list for a day?