breathing

So, I tend to be an anxious person. This is no secret. Much, much better nowadays, but it is still in me. And so when I can't find anything really worthwhile to be uptight about...I find something really silly. Lately, I keep looking at the trees losing their leaves and my children growing before my eyes and realizing how much I'm loving God and being a part of this whole thing (life) ...and I get anxious about change. Change that isn't even bad. Just change in seasons and my kids growing up and what will God be like in a few years? Will he still be letting me in on little bits of insight? Will I still be able to enjoy Him? I know, dumb question re: God. Because HE IS GOD and he is everything and I'm the one who changes, not HIM. But even though I know this, I still let my mind wander. I'm amazed at his patience. I love learning about FAITH and what that means.

Even though in a few weeks, the leaves will be gone (eek!), and my children will be playing new games and maybe even taller...and we'll have new challenges in our life...God is there. In the future. I don't have to worry. He always brings more good things and more moments I want to cling to. And he always shows up. I'm so thankful that he gives me many blessings, and many moments each day to recognize His presence. No need to be anxious...

train ride...

We went on a super-fun train ride with the family last Sunday. I forgot my camera...but thank goodness for sisters! My sister posted all of her pictures on facebook. Come and look You wanna be friends? I'll totally be your friend:)

Here is one funny picture from the chaos of four kiddos, 3 and under! You might notice that I cropped myself out of the picture because I had a wretched expression on my face. Sometimes this happens...

no time for this...

I don't know...{sigh}...I have absolutely no time for this kind of foolishness. I should not even be posting these right now. But I am. Oh well. I have this tendency to find time-sucking activities online so I can avoid doing real work. It is very remarkable. Look what I did the other night...








Isn't my husband a hottie?
But it was fun...:)

These are some boys I love. How can I resist? As if you all didn't know that already...

Oh, and Griffin was in an intensely bad mood today. All day. As you can see by his irritated face! It might have had something to do with the large amount of corn nuts he consumed yesterday.

And Parker, always my little poser, had a very good day!

new survivor challenge

So I'm really not a fan of male-bashing at all. I think that men get a bad rap and I dislike hearing women complain about them! And...my husband is the greatest--he really values my work here at home and is glad that I'm the one doing it! But I just thought this was really funny and reminded me that other women are in the same boat all over the country! An email that I got quite a laugh over...

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and
3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework,
and complete science projects, cook, do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.

In addition, each man
will have to budget in money
for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.

He must make
one unscheduled and inconvenient
visit per child
to the A & E.

He must also
make biscuits or cakes
for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside
and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewellery,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or
slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings,
church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to
read a book to the kids
each night and in the morning,
feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 8:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labour,
each child's favourite colour,
middle name,
favourite snack,
favourite song,
favourite drink,
favourite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over
and over again for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right
To be called Mum!

grandma dee and me

My mom let me borrow her camera (thank you!!) and I found a bunch of cute pictures on her memory card. I especially love this one taken this summer with my grandma dee. Coffee in hand and everything--how fitting! Love you!

a Sunday afternoon

I can't take a picture and post it because I am cameraless...but I will try to paint a picture of this ordinary moment:

I hear: Jason Mraz, Griffin playing happily in the bathtub, Parker's little voice coming from downstairs...hmmm now he is crying. Daddy to the rescue.

I see: the view out the window in our computer room...pine needles, pine cones, some maple leaves changing to yellow and the sun getting lower.

I smell: Perfect Autumn Leaf from Bath & Body Works. Perfect, indeed.

I feel: LOVE... and Griffin's new penguin jammies next to the keyboard.

I taste: Frosted Mini Wheats...my favorite cereal at the moment. It is a late afternoon snack that turned into an evening meal. Whoops:)

chili for guests

I'm making my pumpkin chili today for guests arriving later this evening. Just the process of making it makes me feel fallish. For those of you who have asked for the recipe, here it is from last year's halloween post. Oh, the cuteness of those two little boys of mine is sometimes overwhelming! Love them.

Happy Friday and a wonderful weekend to you all...

tagged...

I like to be tagged. Not the real kind of tag in elementary school...the pretend, blogworld kind of tag where you get to write random things about yourself. This time I get six. Thank you, Anya:)

1. I usually don't stress about money...and I usually think that is great. But at this very moment, I am stressed about money and I don't think it is great. Ugh.

2. We've been eating pumpkin like it is going out of style. Pumpkin waffles, pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin bread, Pumpkin muffins....hmmmm.....oh, and Griffin eats pumpkin puree like it is candy! We love it. I wish I thought about using it more often. I'll be using it in our pumpkin chili for our annual Halloween party. We might just turn orange before the month is over.

3. Oh, Halloween!!! I can't wait! Griffin is going to be a bear because I found a bear costume in our garage that is size 24 months. No question about that one...he IS a bear most days. A very cute bear. And Parker wants to be a Power Ranger. I don't know how he even knows what a power ranger is! I've tried to change his mind but he is adamant. And Jack apparently is going to be a Power Ranger as well.

4. Just as I was deciding to do a series of picture posts, my camera broke!! Oh, what is a mama to do without a camera? I seriously think that it is torture. And it didn't help my #1 on this list. Bummer. However, I found information on Canon's website about a common problem they are finding with my model and will likely fix it for free! Woo Hoo!! But I need it back fast, or else;)

5. I'm reading Water Cooler Diaries...seriously so cool! I love reading about other people's lives in short snippets--which is sort of crucial for my lifestyle right now!

6. I must get off the computer right now. Right this very moment.....but I'm a professional procrastinator and I just don't feel like doing pilates right now. This is much more comfortable. Yep. I could do this sort of thing for a while:)

It has been a messy day. We're fine. Nothing is really wrong. Here is the very short story....roto rooter to the rescue. And the culprit? A little boy who likes to use half a roll of toilet paper--each time he goes #1. :)

Enough with that. Let's have a do-over...

****************

The day was actually very good. Let's see...

flowers from Tara's yard, juice boxes for lunch, super cute flash cards from Auntie Vicky

An autumn walk on the way to B's school.

We take the scenic route so we can get some exercise and see the chickens/ducks/bunnies. What cute little backsides, don't you think?

Yes. It was a very good day.

Jack

Have you met Jack yet?

Let me introduce you...
He's very, very cool. Oh, so cool.

Jack is...
about ten, we think
white, spiked hair
He knows how to water ski
and he can do flips
very agreeable and patient
not required to sit in a car seat
always makes it to the bathroom on time
not afraid of monsters
a skateboarder
the best playmate ever
a constant addition to our dinner table
and he eats pizza, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and more
can shrink himself

Jack showed up at our house a few months ago and he is Parker's very best imaginary friend.
We love you, Jack;)

well, that was fun

Try a wordle. Just typing that makes me smile:)

puter down

I have a love/hate relationship with our computer...and right now it isn't on my nice list. The thing won't even turn on! It isn't listening to me and I really don't like it when it does that. Puter needs a timeout.

Until we find a solution to this bad behavior I will be MIA. Grrrrr.

Love to all...

My 2+2

I've shared this before, but I think this quote is one of things that inspired me to take on two more kids during the day. I enjoy giving what is mine to give...

I've been wanting to write on here for a while about how things are going with my 2+2 kiddos. But really, I decided to wait for a couple of weeks so the honeymoon period would wear off and I'd be left with some real feelings. In a word--it is GREAT!

Not great, as in This is so easy, they're perfect kids, I'm so good at this, and everything is hunkey dorey sort of way.

But great, as in these kids are such blessings, God has orchestrated all of the details, this is hard work, but God gives me enough energy each day sort of way.

More later, I am sure. But for now, I'm enjoying my 2+2...

fall fun...

Who DOESN'T love fall? I'm in love with this season for so many reasons. One problem I have with it is that there are so many things to do together as a family and not enough time! We've enjoyed some great times together lately, including a family hike and a trip to the fair...

I think hiking ranks up there with reading with my kids as one of my favorite activities. I breathe in the fresh air, capture a glimpse of my family in their element... and it is bliss.

And what can beat watching a child's eyes light up after petting a chicken? My mom and I took Parker out to the fair the other night and it was so special! He was SO into the animals...especially the chickens! He asked if he could have one. My mom told him that was up to his mom and dad. I think that he should be able to get a chicken if I can get a mini horse and keep it in our dog run. Is that a deal, Joely? ;)) It is totally a win-win situation!

just the two of us...

You know what I was thinking here? I was just bubbling over with love for my Griffin, whom I had met just moments before! What a good, good day.

I am reminiscing today because Parker and Joel are off at the lake and Griffin and I are alone and loving it! I love being able to devote all of my attention to just one child every now and then. I've noticed that Griffin has been acting a bit jealous lately because of the extra kids around and so I'm so happy we get to spend some time just the two of us.

To my Griff...

Oh, how I love you! You make me laugh all.day.long! Like yesterday, when you found the only mud puddle in the park...and swam in it. Even when I shouldn't be laughing, you flash your photo-op grin and I'm a gonner.

You know, you are exactly like your daddy. I mean, exactly. I don't know if there is a bit of mama in you...except maybe the crazy big eyes. Your appearance and your demeanor is just all daddy...which is maybe why I have a bit of a crush on you!

Your spirit, your heart, your humor, your energy, and your buttery tummy...all of you...your mama loves you forever.

Even when your throw your eggs at me.

love you, mama

freaking lucky

photo: B., Griff, and Park watching the cars go by.

I'm not sure about other people, but my reflective thoughts do not come out in a poetic fashion. I am no poet...I guess beautiful words are not my specialty. My reflective thoughts come to me in this sort of way....
"YOU are so FREAKING lucky!!!"

Yeah, how is that for beautiful? The "freaking lucky" one keeps coming back to me...usually while I'm watching my boys play nice together (he he) and I'm just overwhelmed with love. Or when my husband tells me how much he loves me...or I come home to our cozy house...or when I get to spend time with our great families...or feel such love from friends. I don't deserve this.

But that is just the thing, I DON'T deserve this. And that is the beautiful part. In fact, if I got what I really deserved from my efforts, my life would resemble a pit. A big, fat pit. A slimy one. You think that is an exaggeration, but it is not. Most people with my faith background know this has nothing to do with luck. Some would call this amazing grace...or maybe just say that I've been blessed--which is true. But I apparently like to call it freaking lucky.

I have a good life and I'm so thankful...

seven!

changes

This is a picure of Griff from one year ago this week. Can't believe how much he has changed!

I'm feeling change creep up on me in a lot of ways...and I like it. Really. Well, for starters, I've changed some things up on my blog and that is always fun. I've added just a few things on the sidebar in the last couple of days. But these are just minor things.

Fall is coming! Woo hoo! Can you feel it? I can't quite smell it in the air yet, but I sure can feel it. We are no longer experiencing hot, hot days. This is nice, but I'm wishing that we could just get to the eighties. I know, I'm so demanding! But our big change comes tomorrow morning. Seven a.m., to be exact.

My cousins children, "T" & "B" will join us tomorrow! They will be in my care during work hours, Monday through Friday. I can't tell you how excited I am. We've been looking forward to this all summer. We had a trial day last Monday and it went fantastic...all four of the kids were great. Heck, I even took them out to the park and Wal-Mart!! I don't even like to bring one child to that darn store but there is something about the power of numbers that sure helps the situation...and maybe the fact that B is five and a girl:)

I expect to have days when I'll want to throw an adult tantrum and pull my hair out. I know they'll come. But I have those days now...when I want to run away and stop being mom. I know I'm not alone in this:) But I view this opportunity as a true gift...I am so sure that this is the thing for us. Last Monday I felt such confirmation while the kids were over. It was busy and loud, at times, but I felt such a peace and so in my element. I can't wait for tomorrow!

And this brings me to the next change (of plans)...no former preschool for Parker this fall. I had gone back and forth all summer and was leaning toward yes until the day I had all of the kids. Things felt so right at home and Parker was definitely experiencing some of the social aspects of school. I decided last week that Parker didn't need to go this year because many of the aspects of preschool that I was excited about are now going to be met at home. Also, the thought of packing of all of the kids for drop-off and pick-up and coordinating that with B's kindergarten schedule was daunting.

So, all that to say, we'll be doing a little bit of school at home...since we'll basically have a preschool here with a 1, 2, 3, and 5 year old! Academically speaking, let's just say I was one of those annoying, overly ambitious, first time moms and I taught Parker just about everything before he was one and a half. Okay, not everything, but enough that I now think he is smarter than his teacher. I've learned my lesson...I haven't even started to teach Griffin anything like that...he's just going to be a kid for a while:)

Oh, and another thing...Parker will start SoccerTots later in the fall...can't wait!

sometimes this is true...

Tara brought this magnet home to me from Kansas! Those KS women know how to have a sense of humor. Funny thing is, I really do enjoy housework sometimes:)

no more rules!

I used to think I was such a rules person. I thought I liked them. I really did. You know, because rules are safe. And as a mom, I thought I liked them even more. Until fairly recently. I've gone through a transformation of sorts as far as my parenting style and expectations for myself. While it may not seem obvious to onlookers, I know by the peace I have in my heart and mind. Let me explain.....

I used to make rules that I told myself were really goals or guidelines to help me be a more successful at my job. For example:

I will read 20 books to Parker everyday. (20 books? Geesh...)
We will do flashcards for numbers and letters everyday
And an art project everyday
The kids will eat from the major food groups at each meal
We will memorize a bible verse each week
I will get up every morning at 5:30 to do my devotional
I will work out 5x's a week
And I even had a schedule in the kitchen for our day. I cringe when I write that.

Seriously, the list could go on and on and on....blah! It is really embarrassing to me now. While some of those things aren't unreasonable, I was viewing my virtual list as a checklist! I was bound by these "guidelines" and realized that I failed every single day. Failure, failure, failure. I told myself that all of the time.

But here is the thing...I really am not a list person. I'm no type A whatsoever. My personality is very laid back, go with the flow. I follow my instincts, do what I feel, that sort of thing. And when I do...things work. My head works:) I like some routine, but I am so not a schedule person. I was just not working with my idea of what I was supposed to be doing. Does that even make a bit of sense? And most of all, I hated being a failure and being bound by my made-up rules.

Then something happened. I really wish I remembered what I was reading at the time or who influenced me or whatever, but I don't. I really wish I had blogged about things I was learning. A lot of what I've learned about this past year has dealt with freedom...at least I remember that much. But maybe it was more of a slow change and I'm just now realizing what happened.

I don't have a list anymore. None of that junk above is allowed in my head...I have a "no rules" policy. Sometimes my old rules creep up on my and I just brush them away now. I just do the best I can...I allow myself to mother in my unique way....and move on to the next day. I feel like myself now. I'm still learning (and always will be) but I feel more freedom to be the me God has designed me to be. And it is so good.

Kristen & John

new

So yeah, I got a little bit bored with the old look and decided to change it up a bit. I'm still working on it but I just felt like it needed a little jump start:) What do you think?

around here...

Just some stuff to say in no particular order...

*We had a girls night on Wednesday with my mom, Kels, and Andi. Lovely dinner, good conversation, and then...
*Bought some pink pants at the GAP. And I love them. Kels talked me out of the green ones. She said they were a little bright for me. Hmmm...
*Oh, and then we went to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. It was really good and fun. However...
*After the movie, as we were walking out....I'm not sure what happened but I totally fell over! I think UP the stairs. There were other loopy things I did that night but I can't remember.
*Tara (my super-great friend) just returned home from a month in Kansas. I'm sure she was busy busy and happy to be with her family, but I sure have missed her!
*My boys take baths as a mid-day activity when we're not out and about. Does anyone else do that? I mean, it isn't to get the clean again, just to have some water fun. They love it!
*No one ever told me how practically 90% of parenting is about food. Food, food, food....all the time.
*Speaking of, I bought the cookbook Deceptively Delicious and I'm really enjoying it. Adding pureed veggies to foods sure shouldn't substitute offering them to kiddos, but it is great insurance. Heck, I don't even eat enough vegetables so it is good for me too.
*I really like dinosaurs. I don't know tons about them, but I am so excited that my boys love them so that I can learn more. I love being a mama of boys. I like experiencing all of these new things. I was so girly as a little one, you wouldn't even believe it!
*But it has been a long time since I was a girl in kindergarten...can anyone give me some good ideas re: what little girls like to do. I start watching my cousin's children very soon. Eeek!
*Oh, how I love the Olympics. It is a good thing they're only for two weeks because I am watching so much TV. I love so many of the events. I can get into almost anything...except ping pong.
*We had such a great visit with our friends last weekend. They came over here and we took them to the lake, spent some time at Greenbluff and the park and just enjoyed their company. Oh, and the kids got along so great. We actually got to hang out as adults this time and that was just the best! And I'll put up some pictures soon. I didn't really get any good ones but Aleah got some amazing shots!
*One of our very good family friends is getting married this weekend! And Parker is the ring bearer!! Ooohh, it is going to be a fun weekend!
*This wedding has brought a sister of the bride back into town. This sister was my very best friend while we were growing up and (because of a long and confusing story) I hadn't seen her in over six years! A small group of us got together on Monday. It was so fun and strange how we clicked back into our familiar roles. I really wish I had a picture!
*But you can be sure I'll post plenty of pictures from the wedding and my little man in his tux...oh my!

Why Watch?

I am going batty. Okay, so if I had a job that paid and gave sick days and all that fun stuff, I would seriously be taking a mental health day. They are driving me insane. "They"=mylovelytwoboys :) I know it probably happened gradually, but it seems as though Parker and Griffin each learned a new word today and are using it proficiently.

Griffin's new word is "watch". Actually, it comes out "OTCH!!!", but I get the idea. Watch...as in:

"Watch me throw food!"
"Watch me eat this dirt!"
"Watch me run and trip!"
"Watch me bounce my head on the floor!"

And I have to admit, Parker's new favorite new word to use is not as cute. Really, not as cute. It was the first time, but after a few thousand repetitions, it loses the cuteness. One word...why?

Me: Parker, it is time to go home now.
P: Why?
Me: Because it is time to go home.
P: Why is it home?
Me: Because it is the house Daddy and I chose.
P: Why did you choose it.
Me: Because it is green:)
P: Why is it green?
Me: Because green is pretty...
P: What?
Me: You heard me
P: Why
Me: What?!!!
P: Why?

He also really likes what, who, where, when and uses them in the wrong way sometimes. Ugh.

another adventure

Remember this trip? And this trip in '06? Well, it is time for our annual "camping" trip with our friends from across the mountains. And this time, we're doing something a little bit different but we'll still be together--which is the idea:) We're looking forward to maybe spending more time talking and less time chasing after kiddos. Hmmm...I'm not sure if that is possible, but I'm sure we'll have fun! Be back with pictures soon! I guess I better get that camera battery charged...

refreshed

After being sick last week, we were out and about again these last few days. For me, sick kids=lonely days for mama. It took me a while to realize why I was feeling a little down and the it dawned on me...I missed my friends! As you all know, play dates and activities are not all for the kids. I need those relational connections! And, by the way, I have some of the greatest girlfriends. And on top of getting out with the kids, Joel and I got to go on a date and I even got a night out with the girls. A good week!

We took the boys downtown to Riverfront Park and Red Robin for a family date. I love Red Robin because screaming kids don't seem to phase the people, for the most part! Plus, the Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Burger is the bomb.

Here are some pictures from the big fountain and the carousel ride...

little cowboys

My boys were total rascals today. No, really they were really quite BAD! It is like they ate something weird or they were bit by something...they were something else, especially this evening in the bathtub. Parker and Griffin were sliding and flipping and making noises that I've never even heard come out of a human. There are days when I really feel like the males are taking over the house...today was one of them!

Joel is working the weekend so Kelsey and I took the boys on a fun trip out to Greenbluff. I was the woman with the crazy kid throwing rocks and running all over with chocolate ice cream all over him. Ugh. Anyway, there were some really bright moments today....

Parker and Griffin's first horsey-ride! I used to show horses as a kid so this was extra special for me. Parker was a bit weary at first, but after he saw his little brother become a cowboy he was begging for his turn. I was a proud mama!

And then, to make the day even more exciting, Grandpa took Parker for a "tractor" ride. Lucky boy. Especially for a naughty one ;)

freeze please

I'm here...but not really here at the computer much. I've been thinking about how busy summer is. How can it already be near the end of July? I have so many things to accomplish, people to see this summer. It can't be August running towards us! And I stay at home with my kids--I shouldn't be that busy. I'm really not...it just seems that way maybe?

Anyway, no point to this bit of a rant. Just saying that life is going by super-duper fast and I can't keep up. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess, but I'd like to sit and sip my coffee for a while, if you please. Thank you very much.

first in 6 months!

We recently returned home after another wonderful vacation with family--this time to Glacier National Park with my side of the family. Now, a few of us are sick. Can't tell you how many episodes of Backyardigans we've had on today:) I secretly love that show....but after today, that may change! I didn't even feel a bit guilty about excessive TV today. My super outdoorsy boy rejected the idea of walking to the park. Now, that is SICK!

I'll put together a little slide show of our trip later....after I swipe a few from other family members:) But I love this picture of Kelsey and me after our "strenuous" hike! It is the first one of the two of us taken in six months! Yes, we were reunited with our little sis and we couldn't be happier!

momobile

I know, three posts in one day after a looooong absence is totally crazy! I guess I'm just in the mood to get caught up.

Check out my new momobile. Mazda5. I love it! Isn't she a beauty? You tell me...is the a van or a car? I like to keep it a mystery:) Hmmm...I believe the color of ours is more like a dark gray/blue.

what a boy!

This picture captures my oldest baby in all of his glory! The expression is sooo Parker. I love this picture. I love this boy...

p.s. thanks dan:)

lake pictures

Feeling pretty lazy so I don't feel like making my own slideshow:) But here is the album Dan put together for us! Enjoy!

the good life

We spent the last week at the lake. Oh, it was so good this year! I took about two pictures the entire time, but our friend Dan captured the best moments and was nice enough to share. I'll post some later. I miss recording our life on my little blog so I'm going to get caught up a little bit.

I was feeling ambitious a few Saturdays ago and decided to take the boys up to Greenbluff to pick strawberries....on my own--Joel worked the weekend. I used to sit around and feel slightly sorry for myself on Joel's work weekends, but not anymore! I try to do special things and just enjoy the time. I try, at least. It ended up being a great trip. The boys were wonderful and got a kick out of eating all of the fruit and petting all the animals. I think they also enjoyed charming all of the old ladies:) Just another day in the good life....