For the Love of Naps

Friday rambles.

2013-05-17T14:53:00.000-05:00

At Syd's class this morning we get to share joys and concerns. I shared my big joy....Syd napped twice this week. That's two more times than she has napped in weeks. I am ecstatic. She needs it. I think the earlier nap time helps. So we will keep striving to get her down by noon. Many have suggested and I have pondered...but with preschool pick up it is hard to juggle. I will prioritize it though.

Today it is raining. And it is exactly what I needed this afternoon.

Took three days off this week from the gym but got back at it this morning and it really does make all the difference to my day.

This week we had major garage sales happening. I scored deals on the things I NEEDED (Soccer shoes for Charley and golf clubs for Henry). And I also gifted my kiddos some fun new toys that have kept them busy ALL. WEEK. LONG. Syd now knows what a garage sale is. I have raised little garage sale pros. They know that we don't buy at every one. They hop in and out of the car quickly. But on Thursday I ran to a few by myself when the sitter was here and that was heavenly. I love striking deals on things that we only use for a bit or it doesn't matter if it is brand new. This time of year when you have a few moments to waste before picking up or dropping off kiddos...Wednesday - Friday around here always offers up quick time wasting stops.

If Syd requests "do-do" song she wants her class song titled Baby Shark. If she asks for "double x" that means she wants the Alphabet song. She used to call it ABC song but now it is "double x" ...meaning "w u x"

Everyone at ECFE with a 2-3 year old is struggling with kids that don't eat. They all like their milk and have a hard time getting them to eat meals. We are all trying hard to have a strategy on when to give the milk and encouraging each other to stick to one snack mid morning and mid day. But it is hard. And it is such an emotional battle for these littles and us mamas.

A handful of chocolate chips makes putting sheets on the guest bed WAY more fun.

The flowers on our deck are looking great. Syd and Henry are watering champs and today the rain will be magical. Our lawn is ready for a cut too. Hopefully this weekend.

We have two soccer games tomorrow. Hoping it doesn't rain.

A mid afternoon cup of coffee hit the spot while the rain fell.

Being firm and holding your ground as a parent is exhausting and hard work. I have waited all week for the boys to put away their laundry. I offered to help multiple times. I finally said NO screen time until it is put away. They put it off yet another day. Finally I made them do it last night. It took less than 15 minutes...but Charley threw a fit through the whole thing...so they still didn't get to play their video games after...because I told them if they whined the video game would wait til another day. With Ed's encouragement I held my ground. When I am home alone with three kids it is so hard to hold my ground on ALL the little things that are so important to hold my ground on...snacks, playing with neighbor friends, cleaning up, homework, practicing, helping around the house, treating each other respectfully, eating their fruits and vegetables.

I got new guest bathroom towels this week. They do not match the paint in our guest bathroom because I hope to paint in there at some point. Sooner than later. Do I need to post a sign so people know this? So Aunt Pat, the towels you gifted us for our wedding...are going to be back up towels now. They made it 10 years! Is it silly that I am so excited for these new soft towels. I might have to be a guest for a day sometime soon :)

Yesterday I worked in our front flower bed. We don't want to spend money on flowers there this year because we might do some cement work up there. So I split up a plant that does well there and gets too big for that space and spread it out....I think it will work for the summer.

If you tell Syd that her new haircut is pretty she responds with "Mama haircut too." I got my haircut short....possibly too short. So easy. Love that. But it is pretty short. Probably the shortest it has been in a long time. I took this old picture from like 14 years ago in as my idea....

It's Friday.

Time to enjoy friends.

Time to get things done, summer is right around the corner.

Time to relish spring soccer games with hot coffee in hand.

It's time to weekend it up!

What's new with you?

Thanks, Aunt Jane.

2013-05-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

I have an Aunt Jane, one of my dad's sisters, that lives in Okinawa, Japan.

She teaches on a base there and has lived and taught there for more years than she has lived in the states. She and I have always connected over our teaching passion and last summer she even came and helped watch Syd and Charley when Henry had surgery. So special that they can know their Great Aunt that lives SO far away.

This year Charley's class did the Flat Stanley project...where each child sent off a paper person and waited to hear about the adventures he/she had. Charley sent his to his Great Aunt Jane.

Boy oh Boy did she go above and beyond.

The package arrived and Sydney and Henry hopped excitedly into the double stroller so they could deliver it to Charley and his class.

Here is Flat Stanley....sportin' some Packer gear.

Charley got to show everyone where Japan was.

And then proceeded to empty out the box of all sorts of treasure...

a Japanese newspaper, children's book all about Tokyo and Japan, lots of different Japanese money that he got to share with ALL his classmates, chocolate cookie treats, post cards, and a very detailed book that his Aunt put together sharing so many neat facts about Japan.

Charley's teacher was speechless.

She also sent along three t-shirts for this little crew! The boys absolutely LOVED theirs.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in your everyday and miss out on the connections you can have with relatives that live far away. Jane is so super at calling, emailing, and even showing up in the US. I am so lucky that my children know who their Aunt Jane is. This year she is going to hopefully attend our annual cousin Survivor weekend. I have no doubt she will be a fierce competitor and might have us all trekking to Japan for Survivor 2014! How cool would that be!

Thanks Aunt Jane for making all of our days...but especially Charley's. He was so proud to have such cool stuff to share with all his classmates! I am planning on really taking some time this summer to go through all the Japan stuff with these three. So cool.

quick....

2013-05-16T14:17:00.002-05:00

We have a busy couple weeks ahead of us with lots of guests coming to stay. Friends are popping in for a stay on Friday night (Can't wait Mike and Kelly!). Grandma Charlie is coming for a few days, thank goodness, because I am craving me some Charlie time and we aren't going up north until the snow melts. haha. And when she leaves I will have a day to strip the guest bed and remake it for my crazy family. Who will be camping in all nooks and crannies of our house. Meanwhile, the school year is coming to an end ferociously fast.

But guess what?! Syd is napping. AGAIN. Yep, she napped on Tuesday. I figured it was a fluke and didn't even attempt yesterday because we were too busy outside planting flowers. But today, she went down again. Bliss. This mama is one happy camper. Silent squeal going on here. Third one of the day. The first one came at 9:31 when I pulled out of the driveway, ALONE. I nabbed a college neighbor home for three weeks. I asked her to come for two hours so I could go to some "meetings" aka...garage sales and Target all by myself.

I actually squealed another time after I stopped to get my garage sale money and realized that I had two full hours ahead of me ....and realized quickly that my window was still open. Luckily, no one heard.

Ed sees it. He can't figure out how to fix it. And there isn't anything major or scary or sad going on here. I am excited for guests, beautiful weather, planting flowers with my kids. I have been getting my workouts in...well not this week. All is so good. But I still can't shake this feeling of anxious overwhelming funk.

So today, there is a skip in my step because I nabbed a few moments to hear myself think or not think. I got the guest room almost set for our first round of house guests. And there is a cool breeze blowing through our house. I am hopping my mood can carry through to when Ed gets home...because the last few nights I have been sleeping before the boys.

Does any other mamas out there relate to the importance of catching a few moments to yourself when you are supposed to be taking care of your children. Not after they are in bed or when they are napping. But moments when you really get to say you are getting a break. Moments when you are kinda free to roam or shop or sit or do whatever. Most of my moments happen when they are still sleeping in the morning or very near or after they are in bed....times that I consider my break time too. So this morning's moments were extra special. I may just have to take advantage of our neighbor gal again. She is there for only 3 more weeks.

Best get off this machine and go get a few more things done. The bathroom cleaning is next...ugh. Such a bummer of a task.

just some recent moments

2013-05-15T16:45:00.002-05:00

I have been terrible with blogging lately...so I am playing catch up.

Because the moments have been there...I just haven't settled down to note them here.

Mornings come early again.

Coffee...on the deck...while she colors in her "parkle shoes."

Rainy days have passed and a duck couple became frequent visitors...amazing to us all as they perched on our deck, wandered our yard, and quacked like crazy when sitting atop the playset.

Spur of the moment (today) we ran to the local flower shop for a few flowers.

We aren't doing our front flower bed yet...pondering having some work done around that area.

So we did our pots. I think this year we will keep them watered...given Syd loves to play out on the deck...something for her to do. Right?

We have this large pile of wood that needs to be split, stacked, and used...but Ed hasn't the time.

So it sits. So today I rolled and lifted some of them and came up with this little set up. I am sure there is something that Ed won't like about it. But I think it looks fun. And our deck is so massive..it needs a little something on there.

And we have been treasuring friend get togethers. It just seems like they happen more frequently when the weather gets nicer. Last Friday we went and spent time with friends that got some new baby ducks and chicks. SO SO special. And so so fun to come home with a dozen or so fresh eggs!

We got to see them swim for the first time. Amazing how they just do it.

And I have enjoyed a glass or two outside with friends or with my kiddos. Slowing down. Forgetting to worry about dinner...and rather wander and explore with them.

The days are long...but the school year is quickly coming to a close.

Are you ready for summer?

I am.

and....she napped!

2013-05-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have felt a little like that pour cilantro plant...at least I think that is cilantro.

I get a little over-watered with my Sydney time.

Given she has stopped napping and really, hasn't wanted to hang out quiet in her crib either.

She needs to be watched all the time because she is at that testing stage..and the stage where she has figured out how to open doors and reach things.

But today, she naps. And I am not sure what to do with myself.

Yesterday, as I buckled her in to her carseat after her haircut..I will admit to looking at her and silently wondering, "Maybe she'll nap now!" HA! That's how distraught I am over this loss of nap thing.

If you are an in real life friend you have heard me obsess about this blip in my life. Sorry, friends.

Today she naps.

She is probably sick or getting sick.

She was up at 2am but went back to bed. And up for the day at 4:45 which she hasn't done in a long time. Maybe it is teeth. Maybe it is her new haircut. ha!

But, this afternoon I am getting my hair cut and I have two little tag alongs due to the timing of the appointment so I am grateful that my little roo is taking a little nap.

And her new haircut....

looking at this picture from a week ago...

I am loving her new haircut more and more.

And I think her daddy is loving it too.

Even her brothers can't help but stop and smile at her.

It is Tuesday.

I got a moment.

What should I do with it?

The real first haircut

2013-05-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Most days...this is Syd.

She pulls out her hair clips and rubber bands.

I have to bribe her with marshmallows to stand still so I can put it in pig tails as FAST as I can...which means they are way crooked.

It isn't a battle that I want to fight each morning.

And with playing outside and the wind....

I decided it was time.

Daddy didn't want it cut. I promised to not pixie cut it.

I think he will realize when he sees her beautiful little face that it was a good choice.

All morning Syd told everyone that acknowledged her "Haircut. Me!" followed by a crazy person laugh...that went on for like 5 minutes.

So that up there was her waiting for her turn at the salon.

Here goes...

The back has a gentle and slight stack to it. So nothing drastic but gives it a really cute shape.

She looks like a definite big girl. She is going to make me catch my breath a lot these next few days.

But it was time.

Spring finally arrived...and we have been....

2013-05-08T07:24:00.000-05:00

Spring finally arrived this week.
So we've been packing in as much outside play and fun as possible.
We typically spend an hour outside before the kids head off to school.
Park visits.
Bike rides.
Lots of swing rides and bubbles.
Walks about the neighborhood.
Soccer starts tonight.
It's here, I think.
Although, I have the snow pants still hanging close by. :\

This past weekend, even though the sun didn't shine too much, we hit a local historical park that was hosting a Civil War weekend event. We were pretty much the only ones there for the first hour. And then some friends met us for a bit.

Here are some snapshots from our outing.

I think Grandma Charlie would get a kick out of an event at this park. It took Henry a while to get used to the experience. The people take on the time period and speak to you like you are there visiting them at this time. It can be a little confusing to the kids.

The coffee smelled great...and was brewing at each little house or camp we visited.

A lot of time on the weekends, we get wrapped up in getting stuff done or we're just happy being home as a family. But it sure is nice to sometimes get out and enjoy the kids outside of the space where to do lists loom. If you live in the area...we have been to two events at this park and both have been worth it. Email me if you want more info.

Hoping to catch up on blogging in the next few days. We'll see.

gumball moments...

2013-05-03T16:51:00.000-05:00

A mama's day is kinda like the experience of a gumball machine....

you put your quarter in and you can't wait to see what you get.

I always hope for a red cherry one.

You position your hand and slowly lift the door.

What pours into your hand is it.

And you embrace the color...even if it wasn't the red one that you wished for.

A mama wakes up with the amazing ability to anticipate the day ahead and look for the fresh start...but what rolls out of the door is out of her control...because the little people she loves up all day are just that...little people with their own moods, personalities, and thinkers.

And thankfully, the love of this job of being a mama is worth it, every moment...the good and the bad and the ugly. And I wouldn't want to miss a second of it. So I'll keep putting my quarter in.

Embracing the moments that rolled into the palm of my hand today.

Made it to barbell class with Jessie, even after a late girls night out.

Waffles for the kiddos.

Knowing Ed was on Charley's much anticipated field trip.

Handed off my camera to Ed so he could snap pics on the field trip.

Syd proudly walked into her class today and spent the first 20 minutes washing her hands at the little sink...it was her toy of choice today, which made all the teachers laugh.

Spent 45 minutes sitting around a table discussing motherhood, love my ECFE mornings.

Quick Target stop for dinner ingredients.

Henry was content sorting beads with his little sis, building legos, racing cars in cardboard boxes, watching Peter Rabbit, and more.

Pistachio nuts were nibbled. An extra cup of coffee was reheated this afternoon.

Books were read, twinkle twinkle was sang, and Syd hung out in her crib for 25 minutes today. I am clinging hard to these moments.

Syd drank water in her tea cup, but poured most on the table, and nibbled pretzels from the big bag.

The grass is more green than brown even though it snowed all. morning. long.

I cleaned out the fridge while Syd nibbled her pretzels.

Picked up toys and got two loads of laundry done but not folded.

Listened to three kids with too much energy play doggy together.

Heard the joy Charley shared about the field trip.

And anticipated the start of the weekend and Ed's arrival home.

And letting go of the moments I didn't get.

A stop at the salon for hairspray. I've been out for two weeks.

I didn't get a bathroom cleaned or anything vacuumed.

I haven't made the pizza dough yet for tonights pizza making dinner or prep the pizza toppings.

Never made it to Costco this week.

Our bedroom is overflowing with laundry that needs to be put away.

I didn't put my feet up and play a board of Candy Crush.

Didn't get a blog written....besides this five minute ramble...

Didn't get the call in to ask questions about Henry's kindergarten visitation on Monday.

I didn't go through last Friday's notes from school and will now add today's notes to the pile.

I had no adult communication all afternoon, which means Ed will get his ear talked off later.

What moments rolled out of your gumball machine today?

Stream of thoughts

2013-05-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

Stream of thoughts....

Those shoes were from the junior section, which I didn't realize. HA! And I feel like they might look like slippers. But growing up I LOVED me some Minnetonka moccasins from the north woods. I always saved my money and stocked up when at the cottage. I figured go bright and I don't have to worry about matchy matchy.

We woke up to NO snow. Happy dance done, in my junior slipper shoes.

My boys no longer have that yummy little boy baby smell. This is hard.

Speaking of smells...I told Sydney she smelled like a hamster one day. The pee smell. And she giggled and said "coconut" because that is our neighbor's hamster that we babysat. But when she says coconut...it comes out like "corn nut". Now whenever she has smelly diaper she shouts "corn nut!" I didn't meant to make it stick. I was just trying to be silly one day.

I have no motivation for cooking meals at dinner lately. I go to Target almost every day to get some random grocery item we NEED. Our fridge and cupboards are full but not with the ingredients for meals. This is sad to me. I don't know how to fix it. I can't find time to sit and look for recipes.

We do have time for and love google images in our house. You can go on there and type in anything with the words coloring page following it and bam! You have hours of fun for your kids. The last few days we have been printing snakes, lions, and dragons. Glue them to Popsicle sticks and add another hour to their fun.

Sydney prefers circle cheese these days. That's the Colby jack that comes in a large circle from the deli for sandwiches. She demands circle cheese all day. She also poops 3-4 times a day at the minimum...so have at it girl.

Speaking of poop....the boys never flush. It drives me nuts. I cared when they pooped for maybe the first three months of their life...and for Charley...maybe the first year because of daycare and her notes to me each day. But seriously, I don't need proof anymore. How do you fix this?

I enjoy a cold Coors Light lately. I know, it isn't fancy.

Whenever our neighbors celebrate a birthday, we tend to get a big plate of yummy cake left overs. Delivered to our door, in the rain...on a random Wednesday. Awesome.

GNO tonight. Yipee!

When you walk around a school or the world lately, and you see kids...do you notice they are all dressed for floods. All the kids' jeans and pants are too short. As parents it is hard to justify going to buy new pants when shorts should be filling our drawers at any moment.

All my kids field trips land on Fridays. The one day Syd has her class...that she asks about every day.

We have ducks hanging out in our yard lately. Love spotting them with Sydney.

I almost cried at Target the other day when they were out of my creamer. I HATE having to make another trip or stop when I already had to drag two or three kids to one stop they weren't excited about.

I LOVED this post today.

When we walked Charley to school he got so far ahead with his neighborhood friends that we didn't even get to say goodbye. I feel incomplete. Need to start saying good bye at our house.

Not letting paranoia get the best of me today.

There is a Civil War thing going on this weekend at a local historical park. I am hoping the temps get nicer so we can go wander there. I think the boys would have a blast seeing the reenactments, muskets going off, and all the other fun stuff.

My friend Haley stopped in with the cake last night. She spotted the antlers and loved them. She said they are totally the in thing right now. She knows her decorating stuff. So I am feeling more confident about our front room. Pictures might appear soon.

It is Thursday. We have a library fine and some library book bins to fill around the house. And maybe we'll spot a garage sale today. It is spring, right?

Off to change a diaper.

And then we're off.

Antlers? bright junior shoes? regular kids? coffee creamer? library fines? what are you lovin' today?

today...rain, snow, mama school, and potatoes

2013-05-01T15:59:00.001-05:00

The other day we were hanging out in the front yard of a friend's house in polka dot capris.

Pulling wagons and enjoying the spring breeze!

The other day...

Henry demanded radishes for snack. We had a grocery shop planned and he trekked right over to the radish section (yes, there is a radish section, ha!) and bought some. He sat out at the picnic table YESTERDAY and snipped off the ends and then washed them. He wanted to nibble radishes while watching his favorite cartoon, Peter Rabbit. How cute is that. Love this kid.

Makes me so excited for the farmer's market to open.

But today it has rained all. day. long.

And I LOVE a rainy day. Especially after a nice streak of weather that keeps us outside.

I love being cozy, baking something, and getting things done that otherwise loom in my brain stressing me out because I am not inside doing them.

I love that the rain will bring green.

But later it is supposed to snow. Like winter weather advisory snow. 7-9 inches or something crazy. Let's pray it doesn't happen.

So inside we are. I have had a hard time motivating Henry to sit and work on any school type stuff with me. Charley used to love to sit with me. Henry is super happy puttering with Lego blocks or doing his own thing. He is a different kid. But he is so ready to go with this learning stuff. So I am trying to get him motivated just a tad, without pushing it. Because, I know that isn't good either.

So we started an a little science activity.

Remember doing this as a kid...growing a potato vine.

He doesn't know what will happen. We are going to observe and log as we go.

While I had him sitting there I grabbed my pile of fun and tempted with him...

for every 10 minutes of work he could earn a sticker and when he earned 20 he could choose a new app for the phone/ipad or a trip to Cherry Berry...a local serve yourself yogurt shop.

That's all it took. Away he went. 30 minutes going strong.

Miss Syd hasn't napped for 3 weeks.

I won't stop putting her up there. Because it makes me want to cry thinking that naps are no longer for this girl. I said to Ed that someday when I get weepy that she is heading off to preschool or kindergarten or college...tell me to suck it up...I got plenty of time with this chica. She is my tag along 13 hours a day.

So she joined in on the fun.

At first it was cute.

But then she got a little bossy.

And he is asking me to get her her own book to work in.

So for now....

We'll see if it snows or not.

And we'll enjoy some homemade chocolate chip ice cream and wish we were licking the cone quick before it dripped.

We'll relish the lamps being lit, candles flickering on the kitchen counter, and the chaos that resumes at this point every day.

Happy Wednesday friends.

P.S. This is a pic that I am saying is Henry's picture of Mother Nature...fits right?

bike envy

2013-05-01T10:21:00.001-05:00

CHECK OUT WHAT THIS AMAZING DAD RIGGED UP!

He was able to take the three boys out for a ride while the mamas hung back with the three little girls.

Ed and I are looking for bikes...so we can venture off our street with the kids.

And when Ed sees what his buddy Cory rigged up...I can only pray he doesn't try to top him by adding something else to tow.

This does prove that Kim and Cory could TOTALLY handle more than two kids! Hahaha!

**** Note: Cory ALWAYS wears a helmet but he gave up his helmet to Charley and Kim gave hers to Henry.

so they...

2013-04-30T11:02:00.001-05:00

I stand outside at 0' too early.

So they can run.

And blow bubbles.

And ride bikes.

"It is my personal approach that creates the climate.

It is my daily mood that makes the weather...
I possess tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous.

I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.

In all situations, it is my response that decides whether the crisis will be escalated or

de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized."

Haim Ginott

(I read this quote here this morning. Thanks Sarah)

Tomorrow the temps will drop 30-40 degrees, supposedly.

Winter jackets- once again.

Bah-humbug.

But no matter what Mother Nature gifts us...it is important to remember the impact my mood has on the weather in our home. It's scary sometimes, the power a mama has. And sometimes I wish my mood didn't impact so much.

But luckily, my personality looks for the fresh starts, do overs, and moments to embrace.

What moments will your mood embrace today?

She's two...

2013-04-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

And all day long we hear this...

"I do it."

just can't get enough.

2013-04-29T17:47:00.000-05:00

I just can't get enough of the song I just posted up above.

I love it. ALL of it. The guitar, the lyrics, everything.

I just can't get enough of this weather.

Summer's coming. We could feel it this weekend.

We had sticky, sweaty kids.

We could see it on their faces...pink cheeks, dirt smudged faces,
and necks that got a little too much sun.

Sandbox opened.

A morning run began with the moon and ended with the rise of the amazing sun.
I just can't get enough.

It is going to be a summer of lots of wandering about for this mama.
Watching my speedy little explorer who just can't get enough of the world outside.
There will be little done on the 'to do list' most days.
I will have to be strategic with my inside chores.
And we have to all realize that we can spend time inside, even when this weather is so splendid.
We can. And it IS okay, and we don't have to feel guilty about it.

However, the dishes can pile up. The toothpaste can decorate the bathroom sink another day. The laundry can mound couches.

Because this is it.

It's the pushes that matter.
The pushes that include giggling and squeals.
The pushes that make them so excited that they want to tell their daddy.
This is what I can't get enough of.

Today, spur of the moment, I packed up a lunch and we piled in the car.
Drove to a near by lake.
And I ran/walked pushing more than 60 pounds of kid...plus double jogger stroller.
We made it around the 3.46 mile loop. It was a great workout and a great peaceful little outing.
The lunch kept them busy...along with the birds, and the chatter.
I can't do this long of a stroll every day. But once in a while they'll put up with it.
Yes, Henry still rides...maybe odd, but thankful. He hasn't mastered the two wheel bike without training wheels yet...so this works.
It sure makes running without pushing so much seem like a breeze!

Watching a two year old run.... I just can't get enough.
Watching your five year old burn rubber in his "fast" shoes.... I just can't get enough.

What are you doing this Monday evening?

While you are sipping your coffee in the wee hours of your Saturday morning

2013-04-26T20:15:00.001-05:00

Hoping there's a new one for you here Raina...but, probably not.

Here are some favorite links lately...and I added a clip from each post or article so you could get a feel for what it's about. If you ever have one to share, send it my way! Or link in the comments!

For the Love of Hand-me-downs by Girl Gone Child

Most of my wardrobe is a hand-me-down from someone. I wear my great grandmothers' jewelry and my Nana's boots and my Grandmother's coat. But mostly I wear clothes that once belonged to strangers. They're the things in my closet that bring me most joy and because of that, more compliments... because I feel happy and beautiful and interesting wrapped up in the whispers of other women's stories. And, yes, I realize that sounds very "peace sign necklace" but it's true.

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Finding Balance and Being Happier by doing Nothing by In Pursuit of Happiness

This empty space is good. It’s important and necessary even, I believe. Our bodies tell us so with sickness, fatigue, and a craving for foods that will inevitably put us in a coma for a few hours. Sit your asses down, they are saying. Just sit.

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Being A Mama from I should be folding laundry

"15. Every day, from morning to night, there are people who love you more than they love themselves. Even with your imperfections, your lack of patience, even without makeup, you are so loved. These people are your children and they are so lucky to have you."

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Exhausted new mom's hilarious take on 'expert' sleep advice goes viral by Rebecca Dube

Don’t let your baby sleep too long, except when they’ve been napping too much, then you should wake them. Never wake a sleeping baby. Any baby problem can be solved by putting them to bed earlier, even if they are waking up too early. If your baby wakes up too early, put them to bed later or cut out a nap. Don’t let them nap after 5 p.m. Sleep begets sleep, so try to get your child to sleep as much as possible. Put the baby to bed awake but drowsy. Don't wake the baby if it fell asleep while nursing.

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If you took the time to watch this amazing little video I posted the other day....then you will get a kick out of this one. HILARIOUS!

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10 Mindset Goals for Mom by Finding Joy

Source: rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

'nacho' ordinary day

2013-04-25T17:14:00.003-05:00

Today was NACHO Day, in more ways than one.

That was lunch. And I used the motto "As big as my face" when I ordered for the second time this week.

There was no sharing. Seriously. Nacho obsession is over. I hope. I am sure my friend Haley does too. She is sick of getting my texts about random nacho meet ups with no follow through.

Yesterday I felt like this:

Alone. Tired of fixing meals for just kids. Missing Ed. And NO adult conversation, except when I interrupted my mom at work.

But today "nacho" ordinary day. Get it..."Not your" Ordinary day!?!

This morning we had our monthly Mom's Club meeting. An organization that I can give credit to for bringing many amazing mamas into my life. Seriously. If you've got one in your neighborhood. Sign up. I was on the board this year, so once a month we try and lure all the ladies, and their kiddos to a little meeting. No one comes. And that's okay...I guess. Kinda sad. So today I suggested to a few gals we go grab nachos afterwards. Everyone was on board. When I blogged it this morning...a local friend texted and asked if she could join in. LOVE THAT!

So in we walked...at 11:02 --5 kids under 5 and 4 moms. We all ordered water and some yummy food. We chatted. The kids all hung out and munched chips. And I got my nacho craving fulfilled. I swear when he came to take my order Sydney said "Nachos."

Henry got to catch up with his little friend who then came over for a quick short playdate...and when her mama picked her up, we got to chatting...and an hour later we were meeting again at the park.

Later this evening I am planning to meet another mama friend to take an evening stroll around a local little lake...because spring is here and this mama needs out, alone.

So today, was 'NACHO' ordinary day. My plate that I call life was piled with good friends and moments captured because I left the laundry sit on the couch. The dishes sit on the counter. And the bathroom smelling like pee for one more day. And Amy can back me up, since she popped in to see the new front room stuff and ended up chatting while standing facing the mound of laundry and the smelly bathroom. GEEZ! But you know what! That's what matters - the good conversation. Being real. And not letting any of that slow us down.

My cheeks are sun kissed. My belly is full. And my heart is so grateful for good friends.

Especially ones that remember their wallet and can whip out a $20 because, for the second or third time in a row I haven't had my wallet when I have lunched with her. Thanks Lynelle!

Enjoy your spring like evening MN friends. And everyone else! I think we can say confidently, "It. HAS. Arrived."

I wasn't aware of this link up party til this morning, but I wrote about friends quick yesterday! Hope that's close enough.

the conundrum

2013-04-25T09:42:00.004-05:00

The conundrum...

Ed will finally be home at dinner hour tonight.

Do I escape when he walks in and go wander the mall or sit at a coffee shop and read?

Or do I hang tight and enjoy a family dinner and embrace the help at bedtime, which will most likely be chaotic because they won't know how to handle the excitement of daddy's presence?

Both things would do wonders to revitalize me for the end of the week and weekend.

It has been a lot of solo parenting time, and when I stay home all day, it really is 24 hour on duty.

Luckily, I can ponder this with good pals and little ones over NACHOS in a bit! YES! You heard right, I roped some good friends into digging in to a pile of goodness in about an hour and a half. Well, they open at 11. And we will be waiting at the door. The invite was to share some nachos. But I am wondering if they would think it rude if I ordered myself a platter, hoping to overdue it so the craving no longer exists. HA!

Oh, boy! It's nacho day!

Even Syd was sitting and reading one of her board books to herself and used the word nachos twice.

HA!

Vote: Should I stay or should I go?

Wednesday words

2013-04-24T11:22:00.001-05:00

I figure Syd was such a good sleeper the first year of her life. That this is her payback. At least she embraces her crib time in the afternoon.

Are you ready for some random rambles and phone pictures.

I hope someday that Charley realizes that when our mornings get hard, the last 20 minutes before he leaves us to go to school...that it takes me an hour or three to shake the sad feeling I have thinking those last minutes weren't smooth, calm, and right. And if I could call him, to make sure he knew I loved him, I would. But I don't.

This morning we walked around the block after dropping Charley off at school. Then we got sticks and broke ice along the sides of the street and sat on the driveway, soaking in the soon to be spring sunshine. We are looking at a 30-40 degree temp change in the next three days. I'll believe it when I feel it.

make your own snack mix afterschool snack.

I have been craving nachos for two weeks. They creep into my mind when I have a moment to relax. Sometimes I can't get them out of my head. I even tried to make fancy cheese sauce and added all sorts of fun nacho toppings for Ed and I the other night. That darn nagging nacho feeling still sits there. I ran to Target this weekend with Sydney and almost stopped at a new Mexican restaurant en route. But didn't. Seriously driving me insane.

I play pandora a lot in our house. My favorite channel right now is Tristan Prettyman's channel. Perfect mood music.

we've been embracing the pool lately. didn't realize it was open at decent times all winter. darn.

Syd woke at 4:30 this morning. I got her a smoothie, tucked her in, sang Twinkle, Twinkle, and she replied "Sank you!" And went back to bed for an hour and 50 minutes. Bliss.

The last two days I relished small outings that had me focusing on the kiddos and not the laundry. Today our hallway has five laundry baskets lined up. One load in both the washer and dryer. And three loads on the couch ready to be folded. Beds could use fresh set too. We'll see how much I get done.

Sometimes I am reminded that someone real in my life reads the blog. I forget that this person might read it and when I remember because they mention it to me or Ed...I get anxious. I feel like I need to go back and read everything with them in mind. Ed reminded me I shouldn't do that though. I write here for our family.

I love eating out. enough said.

we love these self serve yogurt shops. Yummy. but need to announce topping limit before entering.

I have great days with my water intake and then I have awful days. I think it throws off my body.

You know how you aren't always aware of the last time your children do something. And when you are, it can be heart wrenching. Probably why we focus more on their firsts. This loooong winter has me sad about the last snow fall. Last big snowfall for Syd as a two year old. HA! I need to be slapped. The sun is out. Later it might rain. I love both. It's time.

I have noticed that with three kids I am a lot more hesitant to commit to outings with advance notice. I have to feel the energy, the kids have to fit the mood, everyone has to be on the same page. Same with having people to our house. Some days things feel out of control here and I couldn't imagine someone walking in the door because there isn't a couch to sit on, a counter without dirty dishes, or a toilet without signs that I have boys that pee and miss. Other days, I could beg for someone to come over or join us on an outing. I hope my local friends know this about me. Spur of the moment is my season. Keep us in mind for spur of the moment. Love it. Less time to get anxious or dwell on the work involved the better.

I hung antlers from a deer Ed got a year or two ago in our front room, or rather Ed did. ( I know! crazy right?!) But everywhere I look I see antlers seem to be the in thing for decorating. I waited weeks for Ed to hang this other new purchase, but when I stumbled down half asleep on Sunday morning and mentioned the antler idea...five minutes later they were up. Funny how that works. Who knows if they will stay up. I haven't posted a pic of our new room/paint etc. because I feel like I need some in real life family or friends to see it in person before trusting that "we done good." Maybe at some point I'll post a pic :)

I threw away all our markers. It was so liberating. I can't even encourage you enough to let them go. And indulge in a few new packs. Revitalizes coloring. Especially weeks when daddy is going to be late every. night. of the week.

Syd got some cute kid friendly toenail polish from her Aunt Becca for Christmas. I can't wait to paint her toes. I have been waiting for green grass. If it takes much longer we might have to pretend her green rug is grass.

Have you seen this...hilarious. Even Ed said so.

Last night all three kids were running around, going in and out of this tent they set up, playing make believe, and laughing a lot. It was one of those perfect moments that I could actually take in.

My sister challenged herself, and others, to blog a post, even just a picture, everyday this week. I'm trying. It has been a while since I have rambled...a least I feel like it has.

Add a ramble in the comments. You, the one that reads but never comments. You can do it. There is an anonymous option. Sign your first name or initial or nothing :) One of these days I will pick a random commenter on a random blog post and have my mom send them a gift card to Starbucks or an ice cream spot or Target or something. I say I'll have my mom do it because I don't go to the post office. seriously. Worst errand for me. But she is the absolute best mailer I know of. Be brave!

Tell me something. anything! Tell me something I should write about. Tell me what's for dinner! Tell me what spring clothing item you are itching to wear! Tell me somewhere to go with my kids! Tell me your favorite place to get nachos!

Finding the amazing ...right there on my Facebook page.

2013-04-24T07:09:00.000-05:00

Blogs, ecfe classes, moms club, friends, and books aren't the only places I find inspiration for motherhood.

Facebook has connected me with mamas from my past and present.

Facebook is an interesting social media outlet with lots of pros and many cons.

But, last week when all the sad was going on around our world I looked for the smiles and the good that would update on that ever changing screen. And one of my "friends" shared something that her little boy did in celebration of Earth Day.

One funny thing about Facebook is...you sometimes connect with someone because of a brief connection in life. In this instance I had heard of this amazing person from Ed's childhood, but hadn't met her. Until there was a wedding (Katie and Casey's), some wine, dancing, and laughs.

And then... why not? Let's be friends on Facebook.

Then we ended up being pregnant with our littlest at the same time. Due within days of each other. And periodically we talk on Facebook a little deeper than liking each other's pictures or status updates.

She is someone who I know I could learn so much from if we could hunker down on a couch with some coffee, meet a park for a play date, or wander a path while letting our kids burn their never-ending energy.

So when she shared this on Facebook my heart smiled and I knew it would be added to our bucket list this summer. We won't get to do it this Earth day, like she did. So we will tweak it and remind others that every day is earth day. But this is definitely on my list for our summer. When the days are long.

We will collect some bottles and containers.

We will wash them up.

We will decorate cards to attach to those bottles.

And instead of a winter hat and cute jacket, we will hopefully be sporting some flip flops and shorts.

And we will find a spot in our community.

And give away our little recycled vases of flowers. Reminding people that beauty can come from the simple things around us. Woody's goal had been to just give away these flowers but, many insisted on donating money to him. Supposedly, he was able to donate close to $50.00 to a local animal shelter (I think!). Isn't that amazing!

I just loved this whole thing and I asked her if I could share it here because, I think that many of you have lemonade stands and little ones, well, not so little, that would really get into this type of thing. I thought maybe some of you would like to add it to your summer bucket list, too.

Thanks again, Tiffany, for letting me share your son's random act of kindness/ Earth day celebration.

Maybe some day we will actually get our crews together to run and play.

Tuesday adventures

2013-04-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

This morning we woke up to pure beauty.

And we ventured out and shoveled and played.

Bounding back in we devoured pancakes and got ready for the day.

Our day was wide open. The sun was shining. So, I decided we would pretend it was more springy and embrace a world with too much snow coating the branches that should be full of buds and leaves.

We hit up a favorite walking spot. And ran, slid, and sauntered along the path.

Letting the quickly melting snow plop on our heads.

Here's Henry trying to help that snow along.

We spent a good hour meandering about and then decided to go get a treat.

I told them going in that they could order anything they wanted.

As long as it was the size of their face :)

Syd settled on a flower cookie with purple frosting.

She ate the whole thing.

Henry chose a classic chocolate chip cookie and nibbled that thing slow and steady. Leaving only a crumb.

And I sipped a large latte. Also as big as my face :)

The whole outing took about two hours.

We burned some energy, ate a treat, got out of the house, enjoyed the beauty of mother nature's winter finale, and returned home fulfilled and content.

It was a morning of saying yes to slowing down, focusing on the right stuff, and enjoying a few "just us" moments.

What are you savoring this Tuesday morning?

Hello Monday....

2013-04-22T14:22:00.002-05:00

Here I sit.

Monday afternoon.

Syd isn't napping. But she is up there doing her thing.

Today, it might be throwing out all her bedding, or undressing and redressing, or playing with her "red bear", or looking at her books. Maybe she will doze off. But I don't even expect that anymore.

It is pouring rain out.

All the snow is almost gone.

But don't get excited for us.

Another 4-8 inches is expected to land here in the next 12 hours. Yipee.

You know when you anticipate something so much that you start to worry and have anxiety about it.

Too much think time.

That's how I am starting to feel about spring.

Maybe this winter thing is safe.

Maybe the routine and the winter gear is just easy.

Small chunks of outside time. Not too many knee injury's when they are padded with pants and even snowpants.

All the sadness going on last week around our world had me focusing hard on our normal, our simple routine, and now mundane winter rhythm. Trying to change it up we took a morning and visited a local bakery for a tour. I tried to give Syd just a quarter of a donut...but, there sat a half and since Henry wouldn't take it...the baker heard her demanding "BIG ONE!" So he smiled at her and said, "It's all yours." Splendid.

....because after the tour we got to decorate a cookie too.

Taking the morning to relish these two kiddos, on an adventure that included too much sugar...was just what we needed. I am realizing, this mama needs to say yes more often to these moments. It has been 5 years being home and I feel like I have started focusing too much on the "must do" stuff. Worrying about things that don't matter as much as saying yes to little happy moments that bring smiles and sugar highs.

And I was so strong and didn't bring home any goodies...but later when the last snow storm hit, I so wished Ed and I could have nibbled up a treat while enjoying a glass of wine.

---------------------------------

Also last week our scout Charley left the house a Wolf, marched across a bridge, and became a Bear.

I'm not sure about the scout stuff. I don't think we are embracing it as much as we could or should.

I think there are unbelievable lessons and opportunities that it could bring our boy. But when we don't make time for it, it becomes just something we have to squeeze in and get done. Sadly.

It is a community with parents all wanting to expose their boys to service opportunities, fun, and growth. He gets a lot of joy from all that he has done ...all things we need to consider as we look ahead at adding more commitments to our evenings.

And no, I didn't realize he had this well worn pair of pants on leaving the house for the ceremony.

As he crossed and I snapped pictures I noticed how that knee flashed so obnoxiously.

----------------------------------

This weekend we didn't have much on our calendar.

We have finished much of the painting project we began.

And late Saturday afternoon we decided it was Hibachi night.

Ed and I love going to restaurants like this and we have taken the kids a handful of times and they are always entertained, which makes it worth the extra bucks, because we can enjoy the meal a little more rather than scarfing the food down hoping no one loses it.

It was delicious.

And a perfect ending to a Saturday that should have been spent cleaning our garage and pulling out our grill. But, that will wait until May...because 8 inches of snow mean, we best keep our snow shovels and sleds out.

Syd doesn't seem to be falling asleep.

Which means, I best wrap this up and go get the little pip.

She goes to bed at night so perfectly. It is rainy and dark...I just don't understand why a nap doesn't just happen. Oh, well. Earlier to bed then.

It's a big week for me.

Ed is in town, not travelling, thank goodness.

But, he has extra long days with dinner meetings.

I know that it isn't easy on him, to not be here for the chaotic evenings, and my superb cooking. And when work dictates these long hours I try really hard not to get crabby and suck it up and tie that supermama cape a little tighter.

The days are long, but the years are short. And someday I hope these long days are vibrant memories.

But I know that I don't always hide my crabby attitude, and I hope he always knows, I appreciate everything he does for our family.

It's Monday afternoon.

Give a shout out and share one thing you are missing these less than spring like days?

I am missing the opportunity to take the kids outside during that hard time of the day when a little fresh air would give us all that extra little boost to get us through those last two hours of our day.

pin a smile on your face :)

2013-04-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

Source: everydaypeoplecartoons.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: staymarriedblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: protectpets-earnbig.net via Dana on Pinterest

Source: pinterest.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: fabulesslyfrugal.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Grace on Friday

2013-04-19T08:32:00.001-05:00

I had a long rambling post started. But then I just wanted to stop. And be grateful.

1. Grateful that at least the 6-8 inches of heavy ass snow looks beautiful. And the occasional warmer temps means that there isn't a layer of old snow on the roads...means Ed's commute was almost normal this morning!

2. Sucking it up and not resorting to the easy parenting choices of letting them turn on the TV or pick up a ipod thingy. Charley had to get things done to earn that time this week. A longggg winter and a lack of spring has left us staring at small screens a little too much.

3. A morning of ECFE class time with my girl Syd. And today she gets her big brother Henry as a tag along. A gift MN offers to moms and dads. Not all states provide these classes. And I swear my stay at home mommy success is partly because of these classes, the friends I have made, and Nina and Miss. Shari who are awesome teachers.

4. Our neighbor Dave for helping snow blow the heavy snow this morning...I made it to the gym this morning...even though at 5:10am they hadn't plowed much. Boggles my mind. I sure wasn't looking forward to the looming driveway snow shovelling extravaganza. Now the job is cut in half.

5. Miss Syd is full of inspiration with her "I do it." "I try it." " I do it." attitudes. She is in that phase.

6. My ability to tolerate the most annoying phase the boys are going through right now. The copy stage. You know the one where they take turns irritating the heck out of each other by copying them and then tattling. Yipee.

It's Friday. Hoping for more blog time. But if I don't make it back.

What are you thankful for!?

worth it.

2013-04-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

When I watched this video I found that I caught my breath, teared up, sighed, nodded my head, and more. I watched it a couple times and then had Ed watch. The looks on the women's faces as they gazed at the pictures take your breath away. Such a strong message for women of all ages.

Take a moment. This one is good.

a thank you to you, the ones who stop by.

2013-04-18T07:36:00.001-05:00

Recently, there have been things going on around me and I have sat down to process them and I write and never post the writing that I have done. And I have realized, just by sitting down and writing it, I have felt better. A load off my shoulders, like my thoughts have been able to escape my mind. I feel lighter.

It was recently that I realized, if writing can do that for me, maybe I can consider myself a writer in a teensy tiny way. I have a hard time saying that because my brother is a REAL writer. He knows all the tricks and skills. He uses the right grammer, techniques, and language. He publishes things and teaches all he knows. I, on the other hand, am a rambler. He compliments me. But I know there are a lot of mistakes in my writing.

Recently, a friend shared an article regarding the phenomena of blogging and the friendships that can be built among bloggers and the place in our heart that a blogger can be. A snippet from the article....

Why do bloggers affect us so much?

They’re not our family. They’re not our friends.

Certainly, what we feel for someone we know and love is not the same as what we feel for a person we’ve never met.

But that’s the thing about blogs: They affect us because they generously invite us in. Bloggers share many parts of themselves, their families, dreams, hopes. We feel a connection that transcends the barrier of a screen monitor. And when a blogger you like is suffering in a way you could have never imagined, and you’re watching that pain unfold post by post, picture by picture, it hurts because it almost feels like it’s happening to a friend. Because in a way, after reading dozens or hundreds of their posts, you do know them, maybe even better than you know some of your “real-life” friends. When a child dies, it hardly matters if you’ve been acquainted with that mother’s circumstances for years or since last week. You hurt deeply for her.

As one woman on Facebook posted to Kate, reflecting a sentiment that was repeated over and over: “We don’t know each other, but my heart is with you and your whole family.”

People often lament the breakdown of community in our society. And therein lies the power and beauty of the blogging world: In a few days, Kate’s fan base and support network grew from hundreds to thousands. Her fellow bloggers rallied around her, as did an ever-growing army of caring strangers.

I surprise myself when I think of myself as a blogger. I am a person that cares a lot about what people think about what I say and how I say it. If someone doesn't email me back - I get an anxious and paranoid feeling like I said something wrong. I have several friends that are my reassuring team. So it is kind of interesting that I put myself out there with the blogging.

But I have had a really good experience with the blogging world I have become a part of. They are inspiring, uplifting, supportive, and a happy place. On our wall of picture Christmas cards this year...there were a good handful that were from all over the country, people I have never met, but are definitely in my heart. And even Ed can tell you a little about them, because after reading about something happening to them, I share it with him like I do with my "in real life friends'.

On facebook I have friended blog connections, and often times realize that from reading their blogs I might know more about them than some of my "in real life friends." There are women who have battled breast cancer, lost children, are going through family changes, and are expecting babies. And I realize that I am just as heartbroken or just as excited for the ups and downs in their lives.

Where am I going with this.....

I guess, I just want to thank anyone who stops by here and reads and thinks about our family. Puts up with my misspellings and bad grammer. My rambles and days when I don't post. When you stop by and comment or share a thought it makes my day. I blog with the hope that someday my children will appreciate having a place to see who their mama was on a day to day basis. I have failed at the baby book thing and this is where I hope they come to see the choices, thoughts, worries, growth, excitements, and everything else, that has come along the way on this journey of raising them and being a woman. But, I also blog because I get so much from the blogs I read and the friendships that I have built from this little spot in cyber space.

So thank you for putting my family in your thoughts and heart. It means the world.

It is Thursday and we are off to tour a local bakery and eat cookies this morning. Can't wait!

It's rainy and cold...so we will return home to cozy in. And maybe we'll be cookie-ed out or maybe we'll be inspired to bake :)

I can tell Syd is on the verge of being sick. So we will tiptoe through the next few days in hopes of beating whatever it is that wants to settle in on her little body...because, after this next snow dump....we have high hopes that spring might actually show up - and we don't have time for sick stuff.

And today is a three post day. Because when I post I have no self control...so check out the Throwback Thursday post from earlier and I think there is another one coming this afternoon. Aren't I on the ball :)