What a week, friends! Back yard obstacle courses, dressing like Barbie, having Hudson dedicated at church, glitter explosions… have we got stories to tell!

Last week, I built a little obstacle course for the girls in our backyard. It was simple and involved walking on a wooden bench, crawling through a tube, and going down the slide. But oh man. This week, Allen stepped up the game. Tires, wooden posts, rocks, the Cozy Coupe… see for yourself:

Ruth loves it! Our girls would be outside all day, everyday and I love that about them. I hope they never lose that adventurous spirit.

But they both also have a girly side. Yesterday, I asked Ruth, “What should I wear to work today?”

She said, “Your pink dress and then you’ll look like Barbie from Dreamtopia!”

I laughed, but put the dress on. I asked Allen to take a picture of us together and I want us to take a minute to just enjoy the look of pure joy on Ruth’s face:

She was so pleased that I looked like Barbie. Too funny.

On Sunday, our sweet boy was dedicated to the Lord:

It was a sober reminder of our role as parents. We are called to raise our children in the Lord, teaching them His ways. I shared more thoughts about it on Instagram this week (@mjbatts) if you want to take a look there.

The other fun thing from the week: Glitter, beads, and confetti all over the place and a look on Ruth’s face of “Who me?!”

When Allen sent me this photo, it reminded me of the infamous oatmeal picture of 2018…

While we are no longer finding oatmeal (praise the Lord), we have swept and vacuumed several times this week… and we keep finding glitter/confetti/beads/whatever else was in that mess.

I was listening to an old episode of Risen Motherhood this week and was reminded that children are a blessing, not a burden. They are a delight, a gift from God. It’s amazing the change of heart we have in a situation when we are reminded of Truth.

Couple other highlights: Allen started classes again. Clara wore my heels around the house. Hudson started sleeping better. I finished crocheting a hat. And finally, Oggie (our dog) got updated vaccines and Ruth tried to hold onto the leash all by herself…

Anyway, that’s our week in a nutshell. So thankful for the crazy, full, glittery life God has given us. And so thankful for you, friends, who walk this road with us.