So thankful for my village

I think it's fair to be honest.... there are some days when I wonder if it's too early to have a drink.  And to be even more honest, sometimes a drink really does help.  It gives me a moment to stop, to literally and figuratively let go of what is happening around me.  I get to regroup and then turn around to face the rest of the day.

I'm sure I'm saving my kids many hours in therapy but just having a sip of something strong... maybe I'm just saving myself.

It's amazing how many highs and lows I can have each day.  The joy from the highs seems to hold more strength than the stress from the lows... for that I am so thankful.

I forget how difficult it can be to have a toddler.  And I'm not sure how that is since I'm literally in the midst of raising a toddler... but I am frequently stopped in my tracks by the thought "wow, I forgot how difficult this stage could be".  Which means I will again forget, which is the gift God gives us to get through these hours/days/years.  We get to let go of the tough stuff since it's temporary and hold onto the wonderful stuff since that is really what matters.

Yesterday was very difficult, this morning wasn't all roses.  Andrew really wore me out during Natalie's dance class (it didn't help that I had just finished being physically worn out during a spinning class).  On the way home I felt exhausted.  I thought about sending a text to Trever... "exhausted" was the only word that came to mind when I thought about what I would write.

And then I walked into my house.  And there was my dad standing at the stove making grilled cheese sandwiches.  If I hadn't been so shocked I think I might have cried.  He was an hour early (thank goodness for whatever caused that miss communication), and he was making lunch for my kids (and me since I stole Natalie's sandwich).  I felt my body completely relax, I was filled with peace.

We ate, I showered (yes, showered, it felt great).  By the time I was out of the shower Andrew was in bed, Natalie was getting ready for a rest and my dad was doing the dishes.  Seriously?

You know how they say that God knows what we need even when we don't know how to ask?  Today I saw that in full color.

There is no one (other than Trever) who can walk into my house and take over in a way that makes me more comfortable than my dad.  Everyone has their own strengths, I'm grateful for each relationship we have with each of our parents, they are all so special.  But today, no one could have taken better care of me.  He just stepped in and brought a calm to my heart to my body that was so healing.

And I got to run some errands and then volunteer in Nathan's class.  He didn't expect to see me walk in.  I didn't expect to see his face light up that much.  It was priceless.  I love being a part of his day.  I just want to be around my kids all the time, soaking up the joy of watching them walk through their worlds.

I am so thankful that we are able to raise these amazing kids with a village.  We are blessed, the kids are blessed and I believe the grandparents are blessed too.

Kindergarten talent show

All the big kindergartners.  I can't believe the year is over all ready!

Trever couldn't be there, I'm SOOO grateful that my parents were able to come.  My dad is awesome with Andrew and is so great about taking over so I can actually watch my kids during their special moments.

Nathan sharing a picture he had drawn for his talent.

With his "cap" getting his graduation paper.  We are so proud of Nathan.  He has adjusted to school and loves to learn.  And he loves his teacher, which is great since she'll be his teacher again next year. :)

Swim lessons

It's been so fun watching Natalie get brave in the water.  She loves having a class to attend.  And she is so proud of herself when she accomplishes a new task.  And she LOVES when her grandparents come to watch!

So far our kids aren't water babies, but I'm glad she is having fun and willing to try new things.

Our new front path

I can't decide what to write... 

should I point out that we know that the kids shouldn't be playing in the wet concrete mix?

or should I just love how cute they were?  how much fun they had?

Not to worry, we washed them off quickly and kept their skin lathered up so they didn't get sore.  I love how kids find so much enjoyment from learning.

And I also love that we have a new walkway!!!  And it took very little effort on our side... and it cost less than the other options.  Less work, less money.... I had no idea that equation was a possibility!?!?

Yay for all of our friends who come over this fall/winter/spring (and some of the summer).  

No more walking in the mud!

little shoes

What can really be said about such cute little shoes?  They stole my heart when Nathan wore them, and the ache is still there when I see them after Andrew has kicked them off.  

Those little shoes that hold the little feet that carry the kids who steal my heart. Love.

A day at the LBA park

I can't believe I had never been to this park!  

The kids and I met up with a friend and her kids.  She and I are both pregnant. The kids are all close in age. What a great play date!!

The best part?? There is a zip line!  I'm thinking that the next time we go back I am going to give it a try. 

I wouldn't mind having this huge climbing web in our back yard. ;)

Sweet moments from today...

Natalie in the car with Andrew, on our way to get Nathan from school (completely out of the blue):
"I don't need a baby, I'll have Abigail".
Me: "Do you mean you don't need Andrew because you'll have Abigail as a baby?"
"Ya.  I'm gonna have Abigail for a baby.  For a little bit."
"Natalie, do you realize that Andrew isn't really a baby anymore, he's becoming a kid"
"No, he's still a baby."
"When will he be a kid?"
"When he's 2."

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

Tonight I put Andrew to bed at 5:30pm.  I wasn't sure if it was a nap or the start to his nighttime.  He woke at 8:30pm crying.  I went up with a bottle, checked his diaper and then just cuddled him.  He wanted to play, but he was also rubbing his eyes.  He reached out and grabbed a teddy bear and started talking quietly to him.  Just  smiling and giving some baby talk.  When I went to put him into bed I started to take the bear away, he grabbed him and curled his arm tight around him.  Too cute, he is currently laying in bed with the bear tucked into his arm, his nigh-nigh in his other hand (sure to go into his mouth so he can chew on it to go to sleep) and another favorite blankie laying on top of him.

He is our first little one to have these comfort measures.  He's definitely the first to actually care about a stuffed animal... I wonder if he'll show that desire again or it if was just from being tired and awake.  He's so darling.

A Celebration for Abigail

What a wonderful day.  All focused on celebrating Abigail.

The day started out with a breakfast with my best friends from high school. We easily could have spent hours more sitting at the restaurant. 

Then we did a quick photo shoot.  Lots of belly shots and friendship pictures.  I hope Abigail is able to meet each of her Aunties.  I'm sure she can already feel their love.

Next we headed over to Jen's house for a fun party (thank you, thank you, thank you to the wonderful party planners!!!).  Look at this picture... it was amazing.  So many amazing women.  They day could not have felt more special to me.  The strength and love from all of these women was tangible.  My heart swells just thinking about it.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by so much support, amazing.  Friends drove hours to be here, some flew up from California.  I was on cloud nine all day, it was so special to really celebrate Abigail. Not to feel fear or apprehension, but true celebration.

I love that Abigail is able to touch so many people and she is not even here yet.  

Home Depot fun

The first Saturday of the month Home Depot has a kids craft day.  The kids build something simple and then get to paint it.  It's a little bit hands-on for a mom who is pregnant and helping 3 kids.  Thankfully Trever was able to join us.  

It's probably a good thing that we forget to go each month... 2 new "things" around the house each month (and soon to be 3 when Andrew gets involved) would really start to add up!  

Andrew might not be old enough to build, but he still has lots to do to keep him busy!

Fashionista

Our budding fashionista.  Natalie isn't always this layered, but she is very sure of the choices she makes.  Lucky for her we think there is nothing better than hitting the town with a kid who is dressed exactly how they would like to be dressed.  

It used to be PJ's all day... now it's lots of pink and accessories.

Slip N Slide

We are trying to take advantage of every beautiful day that we get.  After a hard winter the sun is cherished.

Nathan not wanting to actually slide, but loving to run.

Charlie Turcotte being brave but keeping her face out of the water.

Starting to get brave!

Natalie was happy to just hold her suit and watch. 

A touch of Pi Phi love

Abby getting some Pi Phi love.  My college friends and I met up in Seattle for a night of fun.  I don't get to see them often enough, but I love every moment that we spend together.

Covered in sand

It felt a bit like deja vu when I walked outside today.  There was Nathan, smiling and having fun. There was Andrew covered in sand.  It was in his hair, his ears, in his hood, down his shirt and pants.  

Although Nathan got in big trouble it would have been MUCH worse for him if Andrew had seemed upset.

Here is Nathan and Natalie in a similar scenario 3 1/2 years earlier. (October 2008)  Nathan really is such a loving, empathetic big brother.  But he also has moments where we wonder "what were you thinking!?!?!?!"

 Natalie is clearly pissed.  As she should be, sitting there getting covered with ash!!  

I'm sure it's easy to wonder "where are the parents?"  Nathan loved to just push Natalie around in her stroller, I'm sure we had just stepped inside for a moment.  But that's all it takes with kiddos, they seem to know when they have the freedom to try something new. ;)

Moments later she was getting cleaned off and then they were both in the bath for play time.

A glimpse to our future?

Natalie melts my heart.  What fun, I will LOVE it if she wants to be a cheer leader. 

And it's nice to see that she is already learning to be a Cougar!!

Bowling

Ever since their birthday party the kids have been asking to go bowling again.  And every once in a while I convince myself to step out of the box and go for it.  We had such a great time, well mostly.  Nathan had to learn the hard way that bowling at the bowling alley is not quite the same as bowling on the Wii.

There was some serious frustration... from both of us. ;)  He was pissed that he wasn't getting a strike because "he gets lots of strikes on the Wii". Life's lessons aren't always fun.  (Running 7 minute miles is a TON easier on the Wii also!).

Natalie's ball is almost bigger than she is!  I love this little girl, so determined to do what her brother does.  She's so fun to have around.

I should show him this picture and point out that you don't get to slide like this while playing the Wii.

Mother's Day

Is there any day more fun than Mother's Day?  My day was filled with love from the kids.  

I'm a blessed Mama!

What sweet, happy faces!  I love the way they wrapped the box.

Making some hand print art.  

Flowers that the kids gave the mom's at church. 

Hearts that the kids drew and then Trever cut out.  Then they each picked a color to paint their heart.  They are going to do some mosaic tile work on them.  Trever and I saw something like this while out on a date.  He is so creative, love that he encourages creativity for our family.

CUPCAKES!

The kids and I are enjoying a baking trend (thanks to a blog I love). And we don't have a risk of running short on sprinkles any time soon.  So I decided today was a great day to let them decorate to their hearts content.  Clearly they were pleased!

The finished cupcakes, I can't help but to smile. 

Andrew loves being invited to the party, especially when there are treats.

A Day of Fun at the HOCM

We finally got a membership to the Hands On Children's Museum.  The kids are loving it.  And we love being able to take them as often as we want, even if it's just a quick visit.

The new museum is opening in November.  What fun.