The Dolly Mama

Weekend

2012-01-31T16:42:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I live in a postcard.

We call it our mountain, as if we are the only ones that can see it.

As beautiful as it is here, sometimes we need a change of scenery.

Ethan and I snuck away to Seattle last weekend. ALONE. For the first time in 4 years.

Our hotel was right on the water.

Ethan had never been up the Space Needle before. So of course we went. I have to admit, my heart was racing on the elevator ride up.

The view from the top.

I was fine once I was up there though. I think my cappuccino helped.

We didn’t go in the EMP but I think its one of the coolest buildings ever.

I didn’t haul my big camera around with me the rest of the weekend, but we had all sorts of yummy food, and went into all sorts of fun stores. Maybe I’ll post my iPhone pictures later.

I’m so thankful my Mom was able to watch our kids for us while we had a chance to reconnect as a couple, not just parents. The kids didn’t miss us one bit, so I think we’ll have to do it again soon.

SnowMageddon

2012-01-23T21:19:00.001-08:00

I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but we had some major weather up here last week. Record snow in some places and then tree splitting, power killing, crazy ice. We were without power for FOUR days!

By the end of the storm this beautiful birch was completely bowed over, all its limbs on the ground.

We lost the tree, but gained some gorgeous wood for crafting with.

I know this is kinda gross, but my kids LOVE to eat icicles. {Olivia especially} She told me they were “good for her.”

The first day without power was fun. Our house was warm, our food was still cold, spirits were high.

Day two: I finished reading my second book, and played board games til I couldn’t see straight. I also wore my down coat and two pairs of wool socks non-stop.

Day Three: woke up to 50 degree house, had cereal for the third meal in a row and decided we needed to get out of the house even if it killed us. The natives were restless.

Somehow we put chains on the van and made it to Costco where we drooled over generators and inhaled hot food.

That night we decided we’d had enough and crashed with some very generous friends.

We had pizza, watched a movie, made sugar cookies and learned how to knit. Talk about some fun friends.

To make sure our friends stayed our friends, we moved our tribe to Ethan’s Aunt and Uncle's house. They spoiled us rotten. Free access to a laundry room, bins and bins of toys pulled from the attic and Tutta Bella pizza made us pretty happy nomads. We shared two bottles of wine with them and stayed up til 1 AM talking. Not smart, but oh so fun.

Sunday found us home, finally, sorting through the remains of our fridge and freezer. Thankfully we didn’t loose too much. It was all packed into coolers with snow and left outside.

It feels like last week was somewhat of a black hole. I’m still in a slight daze, but eager to get back to routines.

Here’s to hoping for an uneventful week.

Hunkered Down

2012-01-17T11:58:00.001-08:00

They have been predicting quite a few days of snow here, saying, “Get ready for the Winter Snow Storm!”

It has snowed quite a bit for the past few days,but not a whole lot of it has decided it wanted to stick around. Yet...We are in for a few more days.

Yesterday was conveniently a holidays for the kids, so we gladly hunkered down.

We read books and drank hot cocoa by the fire,

worked on some knitting projects,

and watched snow falling out the window.

These two even managed to fit in some sledding while Ruthie was at school today. Chandler’s was cancelled.

Don’t let the lack of snow fool you. They were actually cruising.

We have a fantastic sledding hill.

Snow

2012-01-17T07:02:00.001-08:00

Snow falls like a benediction

blessing all it touches

with muffled stillness.

The quiet crystalline worlds

clamor across the muted sky.

Each flake a silent contradiction.

Frozen movement,

ubiquitously unique,

insignificant masterpieces.

Landing unknown,

but known.

Sunday Lunch

2012-01-16T11:23:00.001-08:00

We had company for Sunday lunch for the first time since we’ve moved. It was a delicious milestone.

I thought I would share my menu with you.

The salad was perhaps my favorite thing of all. I loved it so much I made it again for lunch today.

Baby spinach

Thinly sliced red onion

Celery

Diced Apple

Candied walnuts

Goat Cheese

Vinaigrette:

1/4 C Honey

3 Tbl Olive Oil

2 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 tsp Cinnamon

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/8 tsp salt

We had this Pork Tenderloin, which is always a winner,

Curried Buttered Carrots, rustic bread, and a fabulous red wine.

We topped it all off with double chocolate caramel brownies and coffee while we watched our kids throw snowballs at the sliding glass door.

Perfection.

::Day 24::

2011-12-25T16:30:00.001-08:00

We hosted my side of the family and a few friends on Christmas Eve. All told, there were 27 people here {that is minus quite a few too!}. I’m always amazed at how many people this house can hold. Food and laughter were abundant. There was even an intense game of spoons, won by yours truly. If you only knew how competitive my family is, you would be impressed.

I snapped a few shots of the day, but I know there were many other people taking pictures. I hope to get some of those. {hint, hint}

Merry Christmas and pardon the photo dump.

Christmas Eve-Eve

2011-12-25T15:12:00.001-08:00

I stayed up way too late partying with some of my favorite people.

Baking Day

2011-12-22T15:10:00.001-08:00

Don’t you wish you were our neighbors?

:: Day 22::

::Day 21::

2011-12-21T13:35:00.001-08:00

Learning how to tie his shoes.

Amaryllis

2011-12-20T18:17:00.001-08:00

This flower will always remind me of my dad.

He faithfully buys my mom one each year on her birthday.

Olivia has been enraptured with this bulb. She exclaims over it every morning, yelling at me to come and look because another one has opened.

“Its booty-ful mommy. It’s a booty-ful flower!”

::Day 20::

:: Day 19::

2011-12-19T18:56:00.001-08:00

Hanging the ornament for tonight.

We are about a week behind on our Jesse Tree readings and our ornaments are just paper ones the kids made. Not the beautiful felt or embroidered ones I had planned on making. But there is beauty to be found in the simplest of things and we all love this new tradition. In spite of our forgetfulness and busyness, the story is being told.

We are still waiting, counting and longing for all of our imperfections to be made perfect.

Maranatha Lord!

::Day 18::

2011-12-18T19:33:00.001-08:00

My Lamb and Wise Man {crown not pictured}

Whew! We made it.

The program was tonight.

It feels it has been a long time coming.

I feel like this marks the end of my official engagements.

Let the parties begin!

We just had carolers at out door for the first time ever!

Such a fun neighborhood.

::Day 17::

2011-12-18T14:46:00.001-08:00

He said he never would.

The risk to reward ratio was not good enough for him.

“Do you know how many people have died putting up Christmas lights?”

I didn’t say a thing.

I didn’t try to convince him or change his mind.

I knew he would come around.

And in the end he did.

But it had nothing to do with me.

In the end, it came down to good old peer pressure.

We were the last house in the cul-de-sac with out lights; a sad, forlorn dark spot in an otherwise twinkly and festive row.

But not anymore.

Now we twinkle with the rest of them.

And best of all, no one was harmed in the decking of these halls.

::Day 15::

2011-12-15T15:46:00.001-08:00

Olivia’s pre-school class decorated cookies today.

It was a whole lot of gumdrop buttons,

and a whole lot of fun.

Just one more reason to love Trader Joes

2011-12-14T22:56:00.001-08:00

As if we need any more reasons. (2 buck chuck anyone?)

But seriously, the gift tags and garland templates are a pretty awesome after school craft.

The only reason I know about these uber special bags is because I am a loser when it comes to bringing my own grocery bags. Its like cardinal rule number 2 here in the Northwest: Bring your own grocery bags. Number 1 being: Slippers are perfectly acceptable footwear for any occasion. Costco, restaurants, school…no problem. (All actual places I have seen slippers being worn)

Like I was saying, I fail miserably at this whole bag thing. They even post big signs at the front door of the store. “DON’T FORGET YOUR BAGS!”

Hmmm. Oh you mean those twenty unruly, un-stackable bags in the back of my car? Why, yes. I think I will turn this itty bitty cart around and trek back through the sloshy parking lot, with two toddlers, and then take up half of my cargo space just to hold my re-usable bags. Fabulous idea!

OR….

I could just be half-way green and distribute the precious paper parcels to be re-used at a moment of creative critical mass.

Don’t tell anyone, but I may even asked for extras.

Special Helper

2011-12-13T14:13:00.001-08:00

He has helped me with this job before.

As much as I hated to give up my tradition of hand addressing all our cards, this year I put up my white flag. We just had too many cards to send. We are abundantly blessed with friends and family.

My printer threatened to steal my Christmas joy for about 40 minutes. But then I showed it who was boss.

“You WILL print this fancy font on this abnormal sized envelopes…or else!”

P.S. I may have a few extra cards to send. Want one?

::Day 12::

2011-12-12T21:44:00.001-08:00

I didn’t take this picture.

Obviously.

So technically it doesn’t count for the DPP.

But I’m gonna post it anyway because I love it.

A lot.

Just call me a rebel.

Wanna know who did take this photo?

My amazing friend.

She’s been helping me with my new camera.

I kinda like her a lot.

::Day 11::

2011-12-11T15:24:00.001-08:00

The topic of discussion: The new ornaments they received today.

::Day 10::

2011-12-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

Eat your heart out Justin ‘Beaver’

Today was one of those rare days with absolutely nothing planned. I get a little giddy when I see a totally clear spot on my calendar.

We slept in, watched cartoons, did the dishes, and finally caught up on the laundry pile and had two leisurely cups of coffee.

At lunch time we decided to go out with a Groupon that needed to be used. I don’t think I’ve had one expire on me yet, but this was cutting it close. We went to the Original Pancake house here in town. We had one in Birmingham that we loved, but what’s not to love about breakfast food? Its one meal I can guarantee all of my family will eat.

As far as restaurant experiences, I feel like we have almost arrived. You know, when its actually fun to go out to eat with your kids. Versus slow and painful torture of a most public kind. We just have to get over Austin’s penchant for throwing absolutely everything on the floor, and I think we’ll be there.

The day was rounded out with naps for everyone. There is only about 2.5 hours of daylight here, so its really an ideal napping climate.

We tucked the kids into bed {again} after watching a documentary on Alaska. Did you know there are ice worms that melt if they get above 40 degrees? I just wish you could have heard Olivia’s “ewwwww”. It made the movie.

::Day 9::

2011-12-09T23:21:00.001-08:00

Pretty self explanatory.

::Day 8::

2011-12-08T12:59:00.001-08:00

Her favorite ornament.

Not really sure why.

Its Olivia, so I don’t really try to figure it out.

::Day 7::

2011-12-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

Somebody got her braces off!

Bonus photo:

This is her ‘you can’t make me smile’ look, but its proof I’m making progress with my new tools.

::Day 6::

2011-12-06T22:08:00.001-08:00

Proof that I actually do get dressed.

Alternate title:

Need a new full length mirror

Alternate title 2:

Must learn timer mode

Alternate title 3:

I was a leeeeeetle bit over dressed

{Note to self: you don’t live in Birmingham anymore}

::Day 5::

2011-12-05T20:32:00.002-08:00

This poor rosemary plant, I moved it outside because it was getting too hot and sad inside.

I don’t think its too hot anymore.

Its been pretty chilly here.

Chandler was excited to tell me that even the bark on the playground crunched with frost.

I spent all of today cleaning, and organizing like my life depended on it, trying to make up for a weekend of ~~slacking~~ fun.

I was so productive I actually never got out of my pajamas.

Scandalous isn’t it?

Somehow, I feel if I take the time to change I’ll loose my momentum. At least they were festive red and green Christmas pajama pants. That makes it a little better right?

Now that the house is quiet and the kitchen is dirty once again, I feel the bath tub calling to me. My motivation is gone. All I feel is tired. Most of what I did today has been undone already.

But, His mercies are new every morning. Are they not?

Tomorrow morning can’t come soon enough then.

Christmas Card Outtake

2011-12-04T14:03:00.002-08:00

This year we are starting a new tradition of giving the children a gift on each Sunday of advent.

Last week was books, this week was matching jammies.

Christmas Ships

2011-12-04T07:58:00.002-08:00

Caroling Christmas ships

Epic bonfires

Hot chocolate {mine may have had a little extra something-something in it}

Family and friends

Magic

taken with instagram because lets face it, it’s a little hard to haul a huge DSLR when you’re hauling littles too

First Piano Recital

2011-12-02T21:00:00.002-08:00

She found her name in the recital program.

She was second.

I count the rest of the performers.

Twenty-six in all.

I breathed a sigh of relief that we didn’t bring the rest of the gang.

We’d have never made it.

My stomach was all fluttery for her.

I used to have terrible performance anxiety.

Not her.

She was a natural.

Perfect.

Not one slip.

Advent Calendar: Day 1

2011-12-01T20:48:00.003-08:00

The kids have been eyeing their Trader Joes chocolate advent calendars for a week now. Each time the pantry door would open, a peek of red would catch their eye and they’d have to number the days all over again. It was the countdown to the countdown.

Today was my own special day of waiting. Obsessively checking my UPS tracking number every few hours. Straining my ears every time I heard a large truck on the street. Could this be it? Nope. Wait! Maybe this is it! Rinse and repeat more times than I care to admit. It didn’t show. I began to wonder if maybe I’d missed it. I happen to leave my house a lot during the day. Not by choice mind you, but I have places to be…children to shuttle. But that darn tracking number still said “out for delivery”, and so I held on to hope.

Finally, FINALLY, at 8:30 pm my present came. Poor UPS people, they must really hate this time of year.

Anyway, thanks for being elated right a long with me. I know you are. I can feel it.

Now, I just have to wait for the batteries to charge.

Get Ready!

2011-11-30T18:45:00.003-08:00

Because here comes the December Photo Project!

Sorry if you got all excited that I had an actual blog post on here. But there will be some a coming. I promise. This will be my third year participating and I’m so excited for this project. My excitement might also have something to do with the fact that Christmas is coming early for me. As in tomorrow. The UPS man doesn't know it, but he is going to be delivering a very special package to my door tomorrow. It just so happens that this gift is going to have the word CANON on it.

Seriously. CAN’T. WAIT.

Are you in?

Apple Flavored Memories

2011-10-12T22:54:00.003-07:00

I don’t know why I wanted to go, or why he even asked me to go. He had sons for that sort of thing. But he asked me instead, and I was delighted. I don’t remember the car ride. I’m sure it was dark and sleepy just like my memory of it.

Suddenly I am cold. Icy blades crackle under my feet. I am lost in the sound of my steps and the steamy swirls of breath that escape from the scarf around my mouth. I forget my purpose for some moments, walking just to walk. Then the dog bolts past me like the loaded weapons behind us. I remember now. I should pay attention. He is running on instinct. The birds know this and scatter up from the bare branches. I strain in the weak and thin light to tell where they have landed, distracted by the lavender mountains that surround me. My heart is not in the hunt.

I watch, willing myself to turn away, but stuck. I’m mesmerized by the gore and the steam of the life that was, but also by the swiftness and strength of the the hunter’s hands. Its over. Done.

Frost tickles my nose and makes it pour. I sniff for the thousandth time that morning, but this time I smell a sweetness hidden in the air. We turn from the blood and feathers in the field to find an apple orchard.

Bright globes as red as my cheeks dot the trees. Fermenting older brothers lie on the ground joyfully giving up their essence as they are absorbed back to the earth. We walk among the trees for a time drinking in the air, searching for the perfect prize.

A stump on the edge of the orchard beckons us to sit. We oblige it, apples in hand.

He sets a loaf of sourdough and a summer sausage onto the wood. We rip the bread, crust crumbling in our hands. I wait for his red Swiss Army knife to slice the sausage and then I eat. The bread and sausage are tangy, chewy and salty. Its not a breakfast I would ever choose. But here in the field it seemed to be the only type of breakfast worth having. Before the bread and sausage fade from my mouth I bite into my apple. I gasp, astonished by the crisp sweetness that floods my senses and drips down my chin. I think to myself that this must be the way God made apples to be enjoyed: In the middle of a field on a frosty morning, sitting on a damp log with my Dad.

Never has an apple been more of an apple than in that moment.

With all of my hundreds of memories revolving around apples this is the one that has been bubbling under the surface waiting for the perfect moment to pop back into consciousness. That moment was today, making a huge box of apples (from my Dad) into applesauce. This memory burst onto the scene demanding to be recorded. I had no choice but to comply. Thank you for indulging me.

Changing the Sheets

2011-10-11T16:59:00.001-07:00

I changed my sheets today.

I know.

Try to keep your excitement under control as I share this earth shattering news.

However, as I wadded up the silky summer weight linens into my washer, and stretched the nubby, heavy flannel ones back on to my mattress, I felt myself changing with the sheets, a sort of nestling into the season. I’ve been waiting for this moment to hit for a while. I can feel like I can say: I feel home, I feel routine, I feel content.

Finally.

Moving is a process that lasts much longer than just unpacking boxes and switching all your bills. Oh, and did I mention time line is indefinite?

This isn’t some epiphany that I’ve just happened upon. I’ve known it for ages but somehow I tricked myself into thinking it didn’t apply to me. Consequently, I’ve been struggling with a general feeling of panic and asking, “I am so happy here. Why am I still feeling this way?”

Its been a little painful and sometimes overwhelming as God has been tugging at my corners, just like a fresh sheet on a bed, to fit into the new normal of our life.

I didn’t realize good things could be so hard to incorporate. I’ve had to be stretched to embrace new friends, new routines, and the realities of living near a rather large and fabulously social family.

The next thing I have to embrace is the fact that my baby isn’t a baby anymore. He is a toddler.

That one may take a while.

First Day

2011-08-31T08:56:00.002-07:00

We carried on the tradition of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast on the first day of school. I made the older kids eat something a little more substantial with their doughnuts to avoid a mid-morning sugar crash. As you might be able to tell by the pictures, the sugar had already started to kick in for Olivia and Austin. We’ll just call Olivia Sassy McSasserson today.

I saw a mom crying in her car in the school parking lot. I wondered what was wrong with me. I wasn’t anywhere close to tears. Then I turned around in the car and saw the two reasons I wasn’t in tears strapped into their seats.

I have a feeling it's going to be a good year.

Oh, and, Chandler's outfit? He totally picked it out all by himself.

Happy Birthday Austin!

2011-08-30T10:45:00.002-07:00

Today Austin is one. {Remember his birth story?} Of all my children, his first year seemed to go the fastest.

Because of our move and recent computer changes, I’m missing a good portion of his baby pictures. In spite of the gaps, I was able to put together this collage of his first year.

Over the weekend we had a party for him with all of our family. We had 35 {!} people here and we were still missing quite a few. We had a fabulous time hosting. I was having so much fun in fact that I forgot to take more pictures. But here are a some of the ones that I managed to snap.

The color scheme was not really planned, just kind of a happy accident.

The BEST cupcakes I have ever made. Seriously. Double lemon. I’m still dreaming about them.

The brunch spread.

So special to have Austin’s {Great} Grandparents at his first birthday!

Me and the birthday boy.

As well as being Austin’s birthday, today is our last day of summer break. Tomorrow is back to school. We celebrated by sleeping in. I’m thinking dinner out is a good idea too.

we’ve got our 70 on

2011-08-22T09:11:00.001-07:00

and we’re gonna soak up the sun. Like a sponge.

We’ll wring every last droplet of summer out.

Savoring the sweetness and drinking it in.

Satiated.

About to burst with the fullness of the season.

Memories made, kept, stored.

Close to the surface, close to the heart.

Mellowing.

Turning golden, like the leaves.

Projects

2011-07-21T14:11:00.001-07:00

I’m blessed to have a man that speaks my love languages:

Projects and Decorating.

I found the plans for this playroom system online and he built it and improvised according to my specifications.

Isn’t he too awesome for words?

I kinda think so.

Do you think I should paint the backs to match or decoupage them in a fun print, sorta like this?

Also, I’ve started collecting globes that I find at garage sales. I got the one on the right for free!

Then he built me this laundry pedestal. I have a basket for lights, darks and colors. Only problem now is, I can’t overfill them.

The green paint came with the rental. While it definitely wouldn’t be my first choice, I’ve learned I can make almost any color work.

Finally I thought I would show you our latest craigslist find. I couldn’t move Austin for the picture. He was just way too cute. Don’t you think?

Growing things

2011-07-21T13:34:00.002-07:00

“The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with his own hand, planted me here in this part of his vineyard; here I grow and here I will abide till the great Master of the vineyard thinks it fit to transplant me.”

-Samuel Rutherford

The great Master Gardener has blessed this {for now} home of ours with an abundance of hydrangeas.

Would like to come and pick some? I’ll let you. Only if you promise to stay for a cuppa though.

Today I am thankful for the gift of flowers in my yard and vintage Ball jars.

consuming

2011-07-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

In the space leftover after the here and there, and the this and that of summer, I’ve had a little down time. Summer bedtime for the kids is between 8:30 and 9:00. That means I have about 45 minutes of quiet grown up time before I’m falling asleep too.

~~I am a reader.~~ I used to be a reader. Then something happened. Something in between babies 3 and 4, in between multitasking and efficiency; something in between Facebook and Pinterest and my Google Reader.

“Once I was a scuba diver in a sea of words, now I zip along the surface like a guy on a jet ski.” –Carr

Um yeah. That’s me.

In effort to re-train my brain to consume things slowly I’m starting small:

Its been a while since I read this one, but I found the first three books in this fabulous series at Costco at a price I couldn’t refuse.

On my to read list:

Love in The Ruins

When Helping Hurts

Shades of Milk and Honey

Divergent

And then there is my netflix…..

I thoroughly enjoyed The Kennedys. All of the actors were fabulous. Cept for maybe Katie. {Sorry Katie} Her facial ticks and fake accent were almost unbearable by the end. If you are like me, and fairly ignorant on this era of our nation’s history it’s an entertaining way to learn.

Think of him as House with a British accent and cheesy music; minus the addiction and womanizing. Ethan and I made it to the third season and then our netflix went wonky and decided to only carry the first season. I was only mildly disappointed to not finish the series as the writing was starting to take a turn for the worst.

Also, did you know Martin Clunes is the voice of Kipper? A certain 2 year-old here is mildly obsessed with Kipper.

I’ve also been tempted to re-watch Sherlock, Downton Abbey

But I think I’ll watch this first.

Finally, I’ve been trying to re-hone my piano skillz. I never had a whole lot to begin with so I don’t have too far to go. However, I’m really loving Chris Rice’s Living Room Sessions. Its hard enough to make me have to practice, but easy enough to not get me too discouraged.

What are you consuming?

I know I have some piano playing readers I’d especially love to hear your sheet music recommendations.

Lately,

2011-07-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

We’ve been…

Enjoying our bountiful CSA produce.

Cheering for the Mariners. We were gifted AMAZING tickets. Note our feet in the picture {for scale}. Do not note my lack of polish.

Doing our best Statue of Liberty impressions.

Getting into sister’s nail polish. {thank goodness it was washable}

Wondering when our tomatoes will ripen. {See the naked babies in the pool? I despise wet swim suits}

::Not pictured::

VBS {we are on our second session this week}

Proclaiming Olivia officially potty trained. {unless you count dry nights as being official}

Craigslisting like crazy. {decorating and saving money at the same time. what could be better?}

Making new friends.

Spending time with family. {we were in a family time famine for 7 years. thankful for the feasting now}

Fun Mom Friday {Bike Edition}

2011-06-24T09:15:00.002-07:00

{I’m linking up with Moriah today for her Fun Mom Friday carnival}

So, as I was saying in yesterday’s post, summer in the Northwest is more a state of mind than an actual season. However, on Tuesday, the calendar said summer, and for once the weather agreed. We recently purchased bikes with the intention of riding as a family. We had our maiden voyage on Tuesday, the first day of summer, and the hottest day of the year. And by hot I mean 75 degrees. It was glorious.

Austin really just wanted to be asleep in bed when we started our ride, so he wasn’t super thrilled about the whole thing. Olivia on the other hand was a great seat mate. She held his hand and said, “ Look we’re going fast Aussies!” {her nickname for him}

Although we just rode in our neighborhood, we usually have a destination, The Mountain. Granted, The Mountain is not always out thanks to our abundant cloud cover, but on this day it was. Our neighborhood is SUPER hilly and some of us {me included} almost didn’t make it the top. I had to have Ethan ride my bike with the trailer up the last hill. He swore to me that the trailer would not attach to his bike…..I’m still a little skeptical.

We made it! Finally. Chandler is crying in this picture, and all of them, really.

But even he admits that that it was worth it and can’t wait for our next ride.

Summertime

2011-06-23T14:28:00.001-07:00

:: And the livin’s easy ::

Not really.

Nothing is easy with four kids.

But it’s been good.

We’ve been entertaining, meeting new friends, building projects, riding bikes, going to the beach, planting tomatoes and zucchini, wearing sweatshirts….you know, normal Washington summer things. You won’t hear me complain about the weather though. Nope. Not this girl. Many locals have asked me how I’ve been adjusting to the climate change, hoping to commiserate with me. Instead, they looked stunned when I tell them how much I love this weather. I’m fully aware that my affection for the coolness might wear off… eventually. But I am certain that I will never miss feeling like I’m climbing into someone’s mouth every time I step outside; hot, damp, and sticky. No thank you.

I gave Ethan a hammock for Father’s Day.

It was all sweetness and love for about 1.5 seconds.

And then there was this:

Which lead to this:

Yup.

Happy Father’s Day.

Summer Break

2011-06-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

Today the children woke up determined to be miserable.

Me: “It’s the first day of summer break! YAY!”

Them: “There is nothing to do.”

Me: “Look I think the sun is shining, go ride your scooters.”

Them: “There are too many clouds. It will probably rain.”

Me: “Lets take a walk at the park.”

Them: “We hate walking and its cold.”

Rinse and repeat a couple hundred times.

I couldn’t take it any longer. Sometimes the solution to their grumps is to just GET OUT.

I decided to take them to a nearby park with a fabulous walking trail around a lake. I had told they older two they should wear a sweatshirt, but they informed me that they had done a weather check (which consists of them sticking their wrist out the front door for two seconds) and determined they didn’t need sweatshirts. It was not a battle I was willing to fight.

I spent the first half a mile of the trail pushing the double jogger and pretending that the two teary, whiny and shivering children limping 100 yards behind me, were in no way associated with me. I even started jogging for a bit and told them that was how they were supposed to warm up. Lets just say they weren’t fans of that idea.

They finally snapped out of their funk when I started to point out all the wildflowers and berry plants I could remember.

Buttercups, Bleeding Hearts, Foxglove, Honeysuckle, Lupine, Robert Geranium, Blackberries, Salmon Berries, Thimble Berries…

I had forgotten about all the wildflowers here. Each different one brings back dozens childhood memories.

I hope their memories will be as sweet as mine.

He insisted on tucking in his shirt. Apparently it was too baggy. Isn’t he delightfully dorky?

This guy just crawled under my desk and bit my big toe.

I screamed.

He laughed.

The end.

Happy Things

2011-06-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

{plus}

{equals}

::afternoon bliss::

Its my, I’d really like a starbucks drink right now, but I can’t fathom loading all the kids up in the car and actually driving to the store, drink. While I enjoyed my treat I let the kids have one too.

Bubbles are such happy things.

We Make Do

2011-06-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

Who needs a jungle gym

when you have the perfect sized tree?

Who needs Baby Einstein movies

when you have a front loading washer?

a few things I’m loving, and one that I’m not

2011-06-01T16:36:00.001-07:00

We have a lilac tree in our back yard.

The smell is amazing.

They are impossible to resist.

Wednesday is chapel and the kids dress up for school.

She still wears a bow. {sometimes}

My baby proof hairstyle. Courtesy of this and these.

New {to me} red shoes.

Thanks Es.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Not pictured

The children learning how to sleep in

NOT being here when the baby had a major blow-out

{I love you honey}

One dollar Costco Mochas

Finally feeling like I am catching up on life

Packages in the mail from my favorite store

{they had an amazing sale}

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Are you ready for the one thing I’m not loving?

If you have a weak stomach you might not want to scroll down.

Seriously.

I couldn’t even take this picture.

Ethan had to.

I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

::: hello 9 months :::

2011-05-31T19:02:00.001-07:00

Hello crawling

Hello climbing

Hello bruised knees

Hello busy

Hello teeth

Hello biting (ouch!)

Hello big people food

Hello baby boot camp (this Mama is so done nursing at night)

Hello Mama’s boy

Hello stranger danger

Hello beautiful boy

A House is a Home for Me

2011-04-15T13:04:00.002-07:00

Hello Dear Readers. In the month or so that I’ve been away, we’ve been slowly turning this house into our home. It’s a process to be sure. There are still boxes to be opened, pictures to be hung and furniture to be re-arranged. But we are getting there. Each morning I wake up feeling less displaced as our daily rhythms become more sure.

Each day is filled to the brim with new discoveries.

Mountains to climb and daffodils to pick,

Streams to play Poohsticks on,

And more cousin play dates than we could have ever hoped for.

The days are mostly grey here in the Northwest, I won’t deny its been an adjustment for me.

But it makes me appreciate every single spot of joyous sunshine I happen find.

in which two coherent thoughts are not strung together.

2011-03-02T12:36:00.002-08:00

I’m gonna be honest here friends, this whole moving across the country with four kids, trying to homeschool, trying to keep my sanity thing. Yeah… Its not working. I guess God knew what He was doing keeping me in one place for seven years. My nerves can’t handle the unscheduled topsy-turviness that is moving.

All you military women that move every 3-4 years, you are my heroes. Seriously.

I still have 3.5 weeks til ‘M-Day’, but for some reason it feels like its next week.

Any-hoo, enough of that happy/sad business for now.

Life continues on whether I am ready for it or not. And in spite of all my emotional upheaval of late, I’ve had some pretty amazing moments of joy.

Like this for example:

I dare you to look at that picture and not smile.

Its simply not possible.

This gorgeous guy just turned six months. Kinda.

February has always been my least favorite month. First there is the spelling. Does anyone pronounce it the way its spelled? And what about the days, are the 28 or 29? Why does it think its so special that it can’t have 30 or 31 days like all the other months? Then there is the fact that it is the month directly following January the shiny new sparkling month. But what does February have to offer? Valentines Day? Presidents Day? Both sad excuses for holidays if you ask me. But now, February has grown even more distasteful to me because (are you ready for this?) it has forever deprived my youngest child from ever having a half-birthday. So, BOO to you February.

And moving on...

These two are pretty much identical twins. I can hardly tell their baby pictures apart.

They love each other. A lot.

You ready for some food links?

K good, because food is kinda on my mind these days. I am on a mission to use it all up before we leave. This is a terribly hard task for me, a lover of all things bulk and on sale.

In trying to use up all the food in my pantry and freezer I came across this recipe for Baklava. I’ve never really like Baklava but I thought I would give it a try because I had some phyllo dough, lots of nuts and honey that all needed to go. I used walnuts and pecans (pronounced puh-cahns NOT pee-cans) because that’s what had. It kinda takes a while to make, but,

OH.MY.WORD.

Don’t make that recipe unless you want to gain about 5 lbs. Because I think I ate about half of the pan. Its that good.

Um, lets see, what else?

Hate using canned soup?

Me too!

I found this amazing substitute (scroll down to the bottom) and wondered why I’d never done it before. Also, that Chicken Divan is almost identical to my trusty stand by. ( I used sour cream instead of mayo and no bread crumbs) I highly recommend it.

There are a some other great recipes on that site that I am in the process of trying out. My goal is to make a bunch of freezer meals not have to cook at all the last two weeks.

See this girl? She decided that now was the perfect time to potty train. I was most definitely NOT going to potty train her until after the move, but God seemed to think that I was up for the challenge. Apparently He didn’t get my memo. We still have accidents every day, but we have many more successes. So I guess I need to be thankful.

Does this happen at your house?

Its pretty much a nightly occurrence here. Love that man.

Need a good laugh? Here is one reason I'll be happy to leave the South.

(HT to my friend WonderGirl)

And finally:

Even though I sometimes wonder where they came from,

I am blessed.

First Food

2011-02-17T10:26:00.002-08:00

I had a quiet morning today. My awesome sister-in-law took my three amigos to the park.

{I actually have many awesome sisters-in-law, this one just happens to be the closest so I get to experience her awesomeness more frequently.}

I had planned on using the quiet to do some yoga and finally conquer the laundry mountain on my bed. But, 20 minutes into my yoga session, guess who wakes up? Amigo number 4, and he is ravenously hungry although he just ate.

Sheesh. I mean can’t he just go on nursing forever?

Apparently the solid food stage is rapidly approaching. Whether I am ready or not. He is almost 6 months after all. So I decided to give him a little solid food test run without the rest of the peanut gallery underfoot. I didn’t have any rice cereal in the house, but honestly after reading this book, I’m not sure that I'll buy it anyway.

First food of choice: Avacado

{I ate the rest of it with salt and fresh lime juice for lunch.}

He liked it. No gagging. Lots of serious tasting and smiles.

The birds and sunshine were quite distracting though.

I don’t think that I have a favorite stage/age. I love each one as it comes and as it passes.

Do you have a favorite?

P.S. Want a great resource for baby food? I love this site.

What I wore

2011-02-16T06:20:00.004-08:00

My life at the moment doesn’t afford a whole lot time or money for clothes shopping. So it should come at no surprise that most of my wardrobe is from three main stores. Target, Wal-Mart, and Costco. Fitting rooms are a thing of the past. If I happen to see something I like, I fling it into the cart on top of the bananas and milk as I walk by at warp speed. I’ve had too many embarrassingly loud questions come from my children while in the fitting rooms. Don’t even get me started on the mirrors and lighting. They are dead to me. Public bathrooms too. {shudder}

But, we wont’ talk anymore about my phobias here today. Today is about pretty happy things like clothes and jewelry and not spending a lot of money.

Dress: Wal-Mart

Boots: Wal-Mart

Earrings: Wal-Mart

Necklace: Target

Jacket: Gap found at a thrift store

This entire outfit was under $45

$45 is pretty awesome. But what this outfit really needed to make it over-the-top awesome, was a pair of perfectly distressed, thrifted cowboys boots. But those boots seem to be my holy grail of thrift shopping. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

Just in case you happen across some in your thrifting adventures, I wear a size 7 1/2.

Head on over to the Pleated Poppy for more fun!

a few things

2011-02-15T14:11:00.002-08:00

Hey friends. How are we all doing today? Are you sufficiently recovered from your candy hangover? I didn’t actually get a candy hangover this year. I did, however, get a bad restaurant hangover. The restaurant kind is worse. Trust me.

Eeeeeeeenyway…

Even with that bad experience I had a happy Heart Day. I had hinted, well no, to be truthful I don’t hint anymore. I told Ethan that all I wanted for Valentine’s Day was a love letter and this.

The kids went with him to pick it out and apparently they were really disappointed. They tried to talk him into getting me jewelry and flowers. A camera card just wasn’t quite romantic enough for them. I happen think its pretty awesome though; and so was the love letter.

For his present I splurged and bought ~~myself~~ ~~him~~ us some fancy 600 thread count sheets. I’ve never bought super nice sheets before, but let me tell you. I’m never going back. I have officially become a thread count snob now. The kids even noticed the difference. They all snuggled with me for a LONG time this morning saying things like, “Wow Mom. Your bed feels different. Its really nice. I like your bed. Can I sleep in here with you tonight?”

In other breaking news, Austin thinks that back-time is wake time. So now, instead of sleeping like a good little baby when I put him down. He flips immediately to his back and plays, and yells, and laughs, and does anything but sleep. {sigh} I go and flip him back to his tummy every couple of minutes hoping he’ll get the hint. {yes all of my babies sleep on their tummy} He really is so cute and entertains himself so well, I’m not too terribly upset. Yet. Hopefully this phase will pass quickly.

Also, I don’t know how the weather is where you are dear reader, but its pretty amazing here. Like 75 degrees. A week ago we had snow, and today I am wearing a tank top and capris with my window wide open. Bliss.

I wish I could send you baby giggles and sunshine wherever you are today.

Flattery will get you nowhere

2011-02-14T13:39:00.002-08:00

But thanks for trying.

Translation:

I love you Mom! You are so belle when you go to church. When I grow up I want to be just like you. I love you! I hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day. When we move to Washington will we get a dog? A cat? A bird? What will we get in Washington?

Love, Ruthie

I was totally teary until I got to the end.

Stinker.

Do me a favor?

2011-02-10T06:15:00.001-08:00

I’ve been doing a little re-designing and cleaning up around here and I’ve reinstated my blogroll.

What do ya think?

If you don’t see yourself on the roll and you’d like to be on there. Leave me a comment. I’d love to add you.

Conversely, if you see yourself on there and you’d rather not be there cause your shy or you just plain don’t want to be associated with the likes of me. Let me know.

from my kitchen to yours

2011-02-09T13:37:00.003-08:00

My kids are great eaters. {usually}

When it comes to dinner I tell them that they have two options: Take it, or leave it.

The end.

I don’t take special requests for dinner unless someone is in the throes of sickness.

The problem is they don’t all love the same things. They’ll eat something they don’t like, but not without some sort of coaching and/or promise of dessert.

So when I found a meal that had a 100% approval rating, {no coaching required!} you’d better believe I did a happy dance and committed that baby to memory.

I’m not promising your kids will love it, because lets face it, kids are weird, but my family happens to think its pretty rockin.

The Dolly Mama’s ~~Shepherds~~ Cottage Pie {see comments for explanation}

1 package Creamy Mash {unfortunate name, good product}
1 lb ground beef
1 onion chopped
1-2 cloves of garlic pressed
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 Cup Beef broth or stock
2 Teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste

Optional:

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Fresh Parsley

Make the mash, or use your own mashed potatoes you over achiever you.

Brown the beef with the onions, garlic and salt n’ pepper.

Drain meat and add the veggies.

Cook for a few minutes. No need to get the veg super hot.

Set aside.

Using the same pan make the gravy.

Melt butter and add flour. Cook for a minute or two until it’s bubbly.

Add broth and Worcestershire Sauce.

Stir and cook until thickened.

Combine meat and veg with with the gravy.

Pour into a 9 x 13 and top with potatoes and cheese if you’re feeling it.

Bake at 400 until bubbly {about 20 mins}

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top.

To add a little kick Ethan and I add some hot sauce, or as its known around here ‘grown up ketchup’.

What I Wore

2011-02-07T16:26:00.001-08:00

Oh internets, the {bloggy} force has not been with me. What with a cross country, house hunting, job signing trip and subsequent outbreak of the great plague of ‘11… My ~~thoughts attitudes~~ words have been less than stellar. And, if I’m gonna be completely honest, so has my fashion. Think What Not to Wear. I should have been ambushed {for reals} had I actually been able to leave my house.

Today however, two happy things happened at once:

1. I actually felt like getting dressed.

2. A big box of hand-me-down clothes came.

My fabulously stylish Auntie recently lost a lot of weight. She looks amazing. While I was out in Washington I finagled her into sending me her too big clothes. {Baby number 4 plus no time to work out equals weight coming off very slowly}

What I Wore series are not a completely new thing to the blog-o-sphere, but I was recently inspired by a new to me blog. I love where she says:

“I think fashion for moms is hard. We’re not really going anywhere {unless you count Target as ‘going out’} so heels aren’t necessary and we are spending time doing chores or crafts and a silk blouse doesn’t really stand up well to peanut butter or glitter glue. So we resort to comfy clothes and look {and feel} frumpy all day long. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of days when p.j.s or yoga pants are the best outfit choice. But when that becomes my everyday, I start to feel less attractive and become much less productive. Weird how that works. So, I guess you could say this is my encouragement to all the moms who want to look cute, but can’t quite fit a pencil skirt into their daily lives.”

I also have the added fun of making sure my mammary glands are accessible at all times. Joy.

So, without further ado I give you

What I wore today:

Cardigan: Eddie Bauer

White Tee: Target

Jeans: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans {My first pair thanks to Auntie and they are fabulous if you are dealing with baby induced muffin top like moi}

Necklace: Etsy

Belt: Vintage hand-me-down from Mom

a million bucks

2011-01-19T13:50:00.001-08:00

me [plus] hair cut

I asked Ruthie to take some pictures of me, because I’m always the one behind the lens. She was over-the-moon, self important, excited to try.

She did great.

But I ended up not liking any ‘cept this blurry one.

All the others looked weird. Not me. Or not how I see me. Like I was trying too hard.

But this one… Its happy. Like a new hair cut.

Chit-chat

2011-01-18T13:10:00.001-08:00

If I were to call you on the phone today, I would tell you that I feel out of sorts. Productive, but not.

We would compare our weather, and then I would say that I have a nervous pit in my stomach when I think about flying next week. You would sympathetically nod your head and reassure me that everything will be fine.

I would hold my phone against my face with my shoulder and take a sip of coffee. Then I would confess that a lot of my coffee drinking joy comes from cradling the warm cup between my hands.

I’d ask about your dinner plans, hoping to get some inspiration for my own.

Next I’d share my ‘big news’ that Austin started rolling over. Then I would confess that I feel guilty I’m not recording all these milestones more diligently. I’d ask why, as a mother, do I always feel guilty about something.

You’d hear the doorbell ring and then I’d say I heart Land’s End and I’d have to call you back because I was gonna go and try on my new things.

Four [and a half] months

2011-01-14T11:37:00.001-08:00

January is half over. Is anyone else stunned by this? I am moving across the country in 10 weeks.

Excuse me whilst I freak out.

We moved four times our first year of marriage. We didn’t have a lot of stuff, or kids (some would argue those two are synonymous) so it wasn’t a big deal.

Now I’ve had seven years to sit in one spot and collect. I’ve collected stuff to be sure, but I’ve also collected dear friends and memories. Possibly even an accent. The jury is still out on that one.

So, when do you stop keeping track of your children’s age in months?

For me, it happens at 2 years. 24 months seems to make sense. 25, 26….not so much.

Isn’t he darling?

He is as big as he is cute. Just ask my back.

I couldn’t tell you an exact weight because the Dr visits don’t really happen when they are supposed to the fourth time around.

But I will tell you this: He wears size 9 month clothes.

HUGE.

I’m pretty smitten with him and I think the feeling is mutual.

snapshots

2011-01-07T12:31:00.002-08:00

It is physically painful for me to wake up in the morning unless I go to bed at 9:00.

There is at least one child, quite often all four, in our bed at moment or another during the night.

Uninterrupted sleep is like a hazy dream. I can’t remember if it is real or not.

I think I am going to invest in a king size bed.

Olivia can’t stand to wear a diaper; cloth or otherwise. They drive her crazy. She also hates clothes. I have to re-dress her multiple times a day.

She also hates the toilet. She is physically scared of sitting on it.

This results in lots of puddles.

She had just made one such puddle while eating her grilled cheese. Apparently it stung her legs. A lot.

I may have piles of dirty dishes, but by golly, my sink was clean enough to take a bath in.

If I have learned anything from my fourth child it is to accept good enough. With all the previous additions I could pretend to keep up the appearance of perfection. But this time around, there is no pretending. I haven’t wholehearted learned to embrace good enough yet. My inner perfectionist still screams at me sometimes. But most days she is just a dull whisper in the corner of my thoughts.

As I took these pictures, I balanced Austin’s solid little body against mine. Soon I felt the slow trickle of spit-up slide down my cleavage.

Its now 2:30 in the afternoon and I have yet to take a shower today.

New Years Prayer

2011-01-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

Fresh page, new pen
Where do I begin
Words fail, tears come
I need someone
To take the thoughts I almost think
And carry them to God for me

Deep breath, exhale
Breathe in deeper still
Long sigh, I’m still numb
Is there anyone
Who can find the things I’m barely feeling
And give them wings beyond my ceiling?

Right heart, wrong place
It’s too far to outer space
Sorry, I forgot, You’re right here
I cup my hands around Your ear
I feel you smile, You feel my breath
You listen while I whisper non-sense

Simple exchange
Your will, I’m changed
And now my prayer ends
Thank You, Amen

-- Chris Rice

December 21

2010-12-21T20:35:00.001-08:00

Lots of family, lots of food.

december 19

2010-12-19T18:48:00.001-08:00

I. LOVE. THIS. MAN.

December 18

2010-12-18T13:17:00.001-08:00

I wish I could send a Christmas card to all of you. But I can’t. So you’ll have to settle for the e-version of it.

Olivia wouldn’t put the Bible down. I tried. She screamed.

She is spreading The Word, one Christmas card at a time.

From our stack of kids, we wish you a most Merry Christmas!

December 16 and 17

2010-12-17T13:20:00.002-08:00

His new spot. The changing table. Its rather frustrating when I need to change a diaper and find this spot occupied.

You try holding a squirmy poopy child and deposing 18 lbs of sleepy, stubborn cat.

Ethan gave me about 5 African Violet plants for our first anniversary. They were just itty bitty little things at first. But boy have they grown and multiplied.

Kinda like us.

Bright endings

2010-12-15T20:39:00.001-08:00

My days seem to end better than they start.

And for that I am thankful.

#15

Oh fudge.

2010-12-14T17:07:00.001-08:00

I had to beg a battery jump this morning at a gas station. I was in my jammies and slippers. It was cold. Like 16 degrees cold. It was epically embarrassing.

Right after I got home from dropping Chandler off (and getting a jump), I got a call from the school office saying that Chandler was sick. Chandler was most decidedly NOT sick but just happened to not like the substitute teacher.

He’s a good actor.

So he told her his head hurt.

I made him spend the rest of the day in bed.

Austin decided he did not want to nap today unless I wearing him.

My cookie bars didn’t stick together, and my eggs congealed in this soup.

(I still highly recommend the soup, even if your eggs congeal. Add some chicken and dill, and don’t cook while distracted.)

But hey, at least my fudge turned out.

Pardon me while I go self medicate.

DPP Day 14

December 13

2010-12-13T18:39:00.001-08:00

This crud will. not. leave.

But on the up side I have festive toes and tissues.

Mon Petit Garçon

2010-12-12T07:49:00.001-08:00

I have a thing for stripes. Not on me. On my kids.

I just love em.

For some reason, this particular shirt makes me want to speak in French. Sadly the extent of my French can be summed up in this video.

I tried singing Frère Jacques and Alouette but this was the look I got.

DPP Day 12

December 11

2010-12-11T17:07:00.001-08:00

We let the kids put up twinkle lights in their rooms.

Joy.

December 10

2010-12-10T19:29:00.001-08:00

Clean [flannel] sheets, hot from the dryer.

Most definitely in my top ten list of favorite things.

Ruthie’s too.

December 9

2010-12-10T05:36:00.001-08:00

Watching A Christmas Carol

In Santa’s Workshop

2010-12-08T11:21:00.001-08:00

Yes, that’s right. We (Ethan) super glue our Legos together.

No judging.

Chandler got a massive set of Legos for his birthday. Whenever Ethan has a free night he’ll build a project with Chandler. Quality guy time. However, he got tired of seeing his hard work undone the next day by an over enthusiastic five year old. What fun is it to make something that you can’t play with?

Hence the 6 pack of super glue.

Three tubes down.

Three to go.

DPP Day 8

seven

2010-12-07T17:59:00.001-08:00

I’ve never really had a problem sending my kids outside to play. Even in the frigid temps (note the ice on the hill) I still ~~lock~~ send them outside. And they have a blast. Today I think they were having an arctic expedition. They tried to get Milo to be their sled dog, but he declined the honor.

I posted this article on Facebook the other day and it makes me feel more than a little justified that I insist my children have creative and improvised play.

Speaking of creative, while I was outside taking a picture Olivia decided it would be funny to lock me out. Only she couldn’t remember how to UNlock the door. Did I mention how cold it was? Thankfully, I hadn’t locked my car and I was able to open the garage door.

She thought it was the best trick ever to see me appear at the garage door.

Day six

2010-12-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

My carpool, piano lesson, grocery store, stuck in traffic, drown out the crazy children, seasonal soundtrack. Love.

The most magical place in the house

2010-12-05T18:34:00.001-08:00

DPP Day 5

What I do in my not-so-spare time

2010-12-04T06:57:00.002-08:00

I can’t give him enough kisses. The smell of his squishy cheeks is addicting, and if he were any more delicious I’d eat him. Seriously.

He’ll be 13 weeks tomorrow. I guess I missed the three month marker. We’ve all had the nasty winter gunk for a bit now. Sickness has made the days hazier than normal, but even with his first cold he is a golden spot in the grey days.

He can squeal, give a real laugh, and have a conversation. (presumably about proper burping methods, paci vs. fingers, and his theories on birth order) He has been sleeping through the night for about a month now. (The only other child that accomplished that lofty goal faster was Ruthie) I notice his eyes following me as I move around the room. He is quite attached to me. Literally. It feels like I nurse all day. In reality its still about every 2.5-3 hours. And it shows. I have a feeling that he will pass Olivia up in weight very soon. I wouldn’t mind the marathon nursing so much if my weight loss was equivalent to his gain. Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. Not this fourth time around anyway.

But he is so worth it.

DPP Day 4

Day 3

2010-12-03T12:18:00.001-08:00

I’m not usually a crafty person. I love the results of sewing but I hate the process and I have no patience for minutiae. Not to mention all the mess that comes with crafting. My entire life is spent cleaning up messes, so to intentionally make a mess goes against every bone in my body.

Don’t worry, I do go out of my comfort zone every once and a while for the sake of my children. Its part of my sanctification I think.

So you can understand, when I saw this idea I nearly jumped up and kissed my screen. Its the perfect craft for me. Clean, green, and oh so cheap.

Course, the directions call for glitter but I x-nayed that idea right quick. I’d love to make mine all gold and sparkly but things in my house get touched, and moved, and licked, and sat on, and moved again. So, as chic as glittering magazine Christmas trees are, they’re not for me. Sure I could spend the entire month teaching my kids (and my cat) not to touch the Christmas Décor, but, I’d rather not.

I have cookies to bake,

presents to wrap,

carols to sing,

cards to hang,

and messes to clean.

Why cats and Christmas don’t mix

2010-12-02T06:03:00.001-08:00

I had to get out the camera this time. But you’d better believe next time I’ll get out the vinegar water.

DPP Day 2

Peppermint Cheeks

2010-12-01T07:05:00.001-08:00

Alternate titles:

My Elf on a Shelf

Costco Sized Christmas Candy

This is day one of the December Photo Project. Are you going to join the fun? You totally should.

Thankful for…

2010-11-25T06:52:00.002-08:00

Eggnog in my coffee. Chandler says eggnog tastes like Christmas.

Being married to my best friend. Even when he works 80 hr weeks we still know how to laugh.

My four munchkins. Our family feels complete with four.

Sleeping in.

Zicam and Kleenex. (at least I won’t over eat without my sense of taste)

Friends that feel like family.

Christmas shopping is done.

A baby that sleeps through the night.

We haven’t had the stomach bug in three years. (yes I keep track)

My last southern winter. Sunny and 75 doesn’t exactly scream Thanksgiving, but I know there will come a day soon when I will miss the sun.

milo

2010-11-13T14:26:00.002-08:00

there once was a kitty all in a jumble

asleep on my bed his purr was rumble

no longer a rumble it turned to a roar

a roar which soon morphed into a snore

he snored away his kitty cares

and upon my bed he left his hairs

into my blanket he curled his claws

and in his dream he clenched his jaws

he soon awoke and lifted his head

he peeked at me and then he said

“I know I’m gorgeous it can’t be denied

you couldn’t ignore me even if you tried

but could you stop with camera? its really absurd.

I was just to the point where I'd caught the bird.”

a saturday in my head

2010-11-13T12:36:00.001-08:00

words come

hazy swirling

into order

almost being

[pop!]

gone

beyond the horizon of my knowing

alternate title: no coffee

Family Circus

2010-11-09T12:59:00.001-08:00

I woke up to a pile of regurgitated milk. I put my hand in it when I went to put Austin back in his crib after his 5 am feeding. I normally doze in and out of those twilight nursing sessions and this morning was no different except for the nice thank you gift he left me. After I put him back I did what any self respecting mom would do; I put a burp cloth over the spit up spot and went right back to sleep.

The child has not stopped spitting up all day. He’s been like a fountain of sour milk; a very happy, smelly fountain.

I jumped in the shower mid morning for 2 mins to rinse off the spit up smell. When I got out three things happened all at once: Austin woke up crying to nurse, I spotted Ruthie and Chandler at the very top of the ~~mountain~~ hill behind our house [they appeared about two inches tall] and Olivia marched proudly into my room covered in pink Sharpie [the offending tool still in hand].

Scene: Me in a towel, holding a crying baby, chasing a sharpie wielding two year old through the house. The towel falls off mid chase and baby thinks that is an invitation to breakfast.

Brings a whole new meaning to the term “eat and run” doesn’t it?

Did I mention all the windows were open and I was expecting packages?

I curse the day I bought those sharpies.

Olivia did ruin her shirt but thankfully managed to contain the rest of her artwork to her hands. And the UPS man was running late.

I managed to control the inside situation and clothe myself before calling my mountain climbers home. We had to go to the library.

While at the library I ran into a stranger I had met last week at the zoo. We had struck up a conversation about birth order, our kids, what to do about biting, and homeschooling. Today we smiled and said hi like old friends even though I still don’t know her name. On Sunday I saw a man at Costco that bought my old dining room table off of craigslist three years ago.

Do things like this happen to you too?

Oh, and, it’s a sunny 75 degrees here today.

Happy fall ya’ll.

Civic Cutie

2010-11-02T09:28:00.002-07:00

Can’t help but feel I deserve a little more than a sticker for taking all four kids to the polls on a blustery day. Coffee maybe?

And did you know, the only proper place for a sticker is on your nose?

*Edited to add: Apparently you can get a lot more than just a sticker. Check it out!*

Blog central station

2010-11-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

I blog from here, social network here, pay my bills here, manage my calendar here, drink my coffee here, and occasionally eat my lunch in peace in quite here.

I also keep my hidden stash of pilfered [milky way darks] Halloween candy here. In the middle drawer under my scissors and office supplies. Just in case you are ever at my house. Feel free to help yourself.

Although, after reading this, you may not want to.

My little Tricksters

2010-10-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

A girly pirate

A goofy monkey

And a [finally] smiling astronaut

P.S. Wanna know why we trick-or-treat? I have friends that can say it better than I ever could.

2 Months

2010-10-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

I limited myself to two pictures in honor of two months. Because, truth be told, I could have posted about 20 of him.

Likes: Milk, paci, bath, talking, having his head rubbed, snuggles, having his diaper changed, listening to his wild siblings

Dislikes: going poo, being alone, sleeping on his back

Happy Things

2010-10-29T14:20:00.001-07:00

Today I’m thankful for:

God’s Fall artwork on my sidewalk

Paper. And a daughter that loves to write signs. They are my comic relief.

[No boys allowed in my room. But if it is Ethan or Austin, yes! They can come in. But not Chandler. Because he will just go in there and fight]

[Please don’t knock!!! I need some alone time!!! Shhh!]

[Please do not disturb. I am practicing my piano! So….SHHHHH!]

My kitchen windowsill

[Treasured bits of nature brought to me by my kids]

Not pictured:

Cold weather

Seat warmers

Leaves that go crunch

New clothes [still three sizes larger than normal. boo.]

Baby coos

New nephews

Dinner brought by a friend

The weekend

Sad Pooh Bear

2010-10-19T18:58:00.002-07:00

I got a little lost in time last night. I sat for a few hours looking through seven years of photos. Its a surreal feeling, seeing your children grow and change right before your eyes. In the midst of all my thousands of pictures there were a few videos. I’m not very good at remembering to take videos, but I’m determined to do better.

This one, circa 2007, had me laughing so hard I cried. Not unlike poor Chandler. He's always been my most musically sensitive.

sad pooh bear from DollyMama on Vimeo.

writing just to write

2010-10-18T18:33:00.002-07:00

I’m going to try and write a few words a day. Just to try and get my brain cells dividing again. I’m not going to promise these words will be highly relevant or of any great importance to anyone but me. It makes me happy I have friends that come and visit me here, but this blog is after all, a place for me. My little spot in cyberspace.

You have been warned.

I woke up happy and breakfast was a success. Meaning, everyone ate what they were given. But the day started to go south when I saw a stack of bills giving me the stink eye. I couldn’t ignore them any longer than I had already. One thing led to another and then I was neck deep in documents, bills and official forms. My computer’s operating system has recently been updated. And while its running at top speed, nothing is where is should be on my hard drive. I had a breakdown midmorning when I realized I couldn’t find any of my pictures from the last two years. GONE.

I had to call Ethan and cry.(stinkin hormones) He tried to reassure me the best he could. He is, at this moment, double and quadruple checking my external hard drive. I know they are just pictures, but I seriously think I will go into mourning of sorts if they are truly gone.

After my cry, I dug out from under the paperwork and realized my kids had taken all the cushions off the couches and made a pillow pile in Chandler’s room. Apparently they had been jumping in there for a while, cause when I finally stuck my head in there it smelled like a gym. Nasty. Thank goodness for ‘open up the windows’ weather.

I tried to get them to take naps. But only Chandler slept. Ruthie read and did crafts with Olivia while I snuggled with Austin. I watched a show on Hulu and popped his paci in every few minutes. During the commercials that are now all too frequent on Hulu, I web surfed for dinner ideas. I ended up making a variation of the Pioneer Woman’s Spinach Salad. I tried not to feel too guilty for serving my family processed chicken strips. I rationalized that they were eating spinach (super food!) and homemade dressing (no yucky stuff in that) so it canceled out whatever evil food additives lurked in the chicken. Right? Well even if that isn’t the case, it was still super delish and my kids gobbled it up spinach and all.

3/4ths of my offspring are in bed. The one that naps gets to stay up later. I’ve been shirking my bedtime story duties of late so I should really go in there now.

HE FOUND THE PICTURES! HALLELUJAH!

Amen.

I wish all Sundays were like this.

2010-10-17T18:42:00.003-07:00

Today was a good day.

Not every day is a good day. Most days I feel like Bilbo Baggins carrying the ring: “thin, sort of stretched, like butter, scraped over too much bread.” Not that I am comparing my children to the ring of power, but they do tend to suck the life out of me. Hence my lack of writing here.

Today was different. It was a day of rest and it actually felt like it. We were miraculously ready for worship a whole 30 minutes before we had to leave. Ethan and I had a moment to sit and leisurely enjoy our coffee instead madly whirling out the door as usual. Being fully caffeinated before our 9:00 church service was a HUGE plus.

We all had an easy leftover lunch and then settled down for our sacred Sunday naps. Everyone always takes a Sunday nap. Period.

Naps ended and the children played outside in the gorgeous weather while Ethan and I puttered around the house. Fixing the screen door (for the 20th time) doing the dishes, watching a little football, and laughing at Olivia’s delight in being allowed to run around the backyard fully unclothed. What is it with kids and being naked?

Austin and I danced to the Jack Johnson station on Pandora while I whipped up our ritual Sunday dinner (with a surprise side of bacon). Bacon makes everything better to my children. I think Olivia would eat a whole package if I let her.

The kids watched AFV and took their showers and now they are all tucked into bed. There was some slightly elevated blood pressure as we struggled to get them all down. Getting everyone ready for, and into bed can feel like the never ending task. There is always someone dragging their feet, causing trouble, and getting up AGAIN. But, I think they are all down for good finally.

Ethan and I broke out the chips and salsa in celebration.

We’re planning on watching this tonight. I saw it for the first time last week and loved it.

My prayer for the week ahead is that I remember this quote and live it.

“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”

How was your weekend?

Full Heart

2010-09-30T14:30:00.001-07:00

…and hands

Today Olivia is 2 and Austin is 1 month.

Forgive me. I’m lactating.

2010-09-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

I’ve been lost in a hazy newborn fog these past four weeks. Its a wonderful, exhausting, emotional, and surreal time. (As many of you know.)

My life is divided into two hour segments. Occasionally I get three hours. Last night was his first four hour stretch. (Hallelujah!) But usually, its every two hours. On the dot. Little dude likes to eat. Consequently, he has packed on the rolls. 3.5 pounds in four weeks to be exact.

So, given that my life currently revolves around my mammary glands, these pictures resonated with me in a big way.

My Mom nursed orphans alongside my older brother while she was a missionary in the Philippines. Sometimes three babies at a time (not at the same time, obviously). Salma did it too.

I’d like to think that I’d be that amazingly generous were I faced with a similar situation.

As it happens, I’m not. I’ve just got my one little piglet.

Speaking of piglets, I can’t get over that tiger nursing the piglets. Does she keep her maternal instincts after the piglets have been weaned or is she just fattening them up for later?

Note: Photo dump soon to come. We’ve had many goings on and the baby acne is almost gone.

One week ago today, I was in labor.

2010-09-05T08:25:00.001-07:00

I just didn’t know it.

It was a drizzly, gray morning. I sent Ethan, the kids and my Mom on to church without me. I had a deep need to be alone for just a few hours. My subconscious must have known it would be my last opportunity for a while.

The contractions had been happening for quite a few days now. I’d even had them every 10 mins apart for an hour before they fizzled back out to one or two a day. As the morning progressed so did their intensity. They weren’t getting any closer, just a random smattering, but I was having to breathe and focus through each one. I cranked up some music while I did the dishes, read and took a nap. (we have a long church service)

I was just waking up when everyone came home. They’d gone out to lunch, so the kids were ready to plop into bed.

I tried to take another nap, but

A) I wasn’t really tired and

B) I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was happening.

Ethan sensed my nervous energy and couldn’t sleep either. So, leaving my Mom in charge, we went to Krispy Kreme. I had coupons for free doughnuts and free coffee; a perfect rainy day treat. However, the atmosphere and clientele in K. K. left much to be desired. We took our goodies to a local botanical garden. We ~~nibbled~~ inhaled our doughnuts and sipped our coffee sheltered from the rain next to to pond. It was quite romantic and peaceful even though I was about 90% sure I was in active labor. I would close my eyes, breathe, and listen to the raindrops on the pond and the wind in the trees. I joked to Ethan that I could go ‘all natural’ if only I could give birth in a place a peaceful as that.

Doughnuts and coffee were finished, but I wasn’t quite ready to go home yet, so we went to our local dollar theater where the movies are literally ONE DOLLAR. Its quite a cultural experience going there. But its one of my favorite things about this town.

I managed to sit through the ‘Prince of Persia’ distracted enough to not notice how many contractions I’d had in the last 2 hours, but glad that I didn’t pay more than one dollar for that cinematic event. Pirates of the Caribbean it is not.

At home I managed to take a few phone calls, eat a little dinner, Facebook, and put the kids to bed before I decided I needed to fill up my huge bath tub and just relax. I had Ethan bring me a notebook and pencil, so I could actually start timing my contractions. If only I had an iphone I could have used this nifty app. Not the first time I’d wished for an iphone, but my coveting was quickly replaced with amazement as I saw that I was timing 8-10 mins apart consistently. A surreal calm took over and I told Ethan and my Mom that we should probably go in. No nerves, just a deep calm.

My mom managed to document our departure. Sorry if you’ve seen these already on FB. They still just crack me up.

Number FOUR!

I love my husband. He can make me laugh even through a contraction.

But, I’d had enough.

When I was checked at the hospital, I was already at 5cm! I made it one more hour, got my epidural, pushed twice and had a beautiful baby boy. He came out pink as could be and kicking. The Dr said he’d never seen a baby more ready to be born. Total time in labor at the hospital = three hours!

Introducing:

Austin Earl 7lbs 3 oz and 20 inches

He’s been a dream-boat of a baby and this recovery has been my easiest one yet. I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness and milk.

Its Sunday morning again and I’m in a quite house. The windows are wide open. A fall breeze blows the curtains and a baby sleeps in my arms.

Southern Exposure

2010-08-17T08:45:00.001-07:00

As our time here in the South draws to a close (we only have 7 months left!) I’ve begun to get nostalgic about all the things I will miss. I saw a church sign the other day that said,

BLUEGRASS, BAPTISM AND BARBQUE

I was kicking myself for not taking a picture.

I will miss the inevitable random conversations with strangers on outings. People are just more talkative in the South.

I will miss classic children's clothing and monograms.

I will miss patients that bring Ethan goodies from their farm.

[Cackleberry Farm Eggs. Good eggs from happy hens]

[Bread and Butter Pickles, Peach Cobbler Jam, Chow Chow]

First Day

2010-08-13T05:59:00.002-07:00

I’m a crier. I always have been. I’m sure it drove my parents crazy. After three boys they had a daughter that was a well of uncontrolled emotion ready to burst at the slightest provocation. I’ve become much better at controlling my emotions as I have progressed in years. But, as happy as I am for him to go to school I can’t help but get a little teary looking at these photos.

Its a good thing I have three other offspring still at home.

His super charged excitement was partly due to riding in Daddy’s car.

Saying ‘good-bye’ was probably hardest for Ruthie. She isn’t used to being the one left behind.

So how about you? Are you a blubbering mess when you drop your kids off for the first day or are you jumping up and down with excitement?

Me? I’m somewhere in the middle.

Homeschooling: Week Two

2010-08-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

Well, its been about what I expected. Ruthie eats up the one-on-one attention while the other two do all they can to distract us. We don’t need a drama class in this house that’s for sure. They’d all get an automatic A plus .

Today I decided to forego my afternoon nap and get some school done while the younger two slept. Ya’ll don’t know what a sacrifice that was for me, but I’m sure you can imagine. I rewarded my heroic efforts with an iced coffee. (something I have given up recently)

Chandler has his first day of school on Friday. Can you hear me singing ‘Hallelujah’ from where you are? He is almost as excited as I am. Almost.

Even with the younger two sleeping, distractions still abound.

I guess its always ‘bring your pet to school day’ when you home school. That and, ‘bring your crazy photo snapping Mama to school day’.

Not sure which one is worse.

Whoa Belly!

2010-08-07T10:26:00.003-07:00

I’m 36.5 weeks today. If you average 4 weeks per month… that would put me at ‘just about ready to pop’.

Believe it or not, I can still forget that I’m pregnant. Sometimes. Then I get a huge jab in the ribs (or bladder) which brings me swiftly back to reality.

There are numerous other major changes happening in our life right now. Having a baby seems like its been on the bottom of the list forever. I realize it will quickly become priority number one. For a couple of days anyway. Then he’ll fit right into our crazy family as if he’s always been here.

Right?

Summer Sun

2010-07-22T08:20:00.002-07:00

Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven without repose;
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays.

Though closer still the blinds we pull
To keep the shady parlour cool,
Yet he will find a chink or two
To slip his golden fingers through.

The dusty attic spider-clad
He, through the keyhole, maketh glad;
And through the broken edge of tiles
Into the laddered hay-loft smiles.

Meantime his golden face around
He bares to all the garden ground,
And sheds a warm and glittering look
Among the ivy's inmost nook.

Above the hills, along the blue,
Round the bright air with footing true,
To please the child, to paint the rose,
The gardener of the World, he goes.

R.L.S.

*All the flowers pictured were grown by Ruthie and by Ruthie alone. She is horticultural wunderkind.

A boy and his tiger

2010-07-15T09:36:00.001-07:00

This is what I wake up to every morning:

Chandler, the first to rise, takes upon himself the job of letting the cat in from his nightly prowl. He is quite the hunter, our Milo. Just this morning I rescued a baby bunny from his cruel game of catch, release and catch again. Bunnies scream.

Do you know what else screams?

Chandler.

Every single morning the cat stalks, hunts, and pounces on him like prey. Every single morning Ethan and I, awoken by blood curdling screams, roll out of bed to rescue him.

You’d think he’d learn.

By the middle of the morning Milo has turned from wild tiger back into mild mannered house cat. By naptime Chandler and Milo are best friends again.

Summa time and the living’s eeeeaaasy……

2010-07-14T16:19:00.001-07:00

Well, kinda. Just for this week.

We’re sending the kids to a VBS just up the street. It runs from 5:00-8:00 every night this week. And get this, they even feed them dinner! Those Methodists sure know how to have a VBS I tell ya. Why do I feel like I am taking advantage of them?

Ethan and I dropped them off last night and went to Costco on a date. Even with Olivia in tow it still felt like a date. We held hands and shared smoothies while he pushed the cart down every aisle. It was hot.

This morning had an extra bonus. My new sister-in-law offered to come and watch my kids for me while I ran errands. Bless her.

I love my children dearly, but having a break is just heavenly.

Even though I was just waddling around Wal-Mart and the Salvation Army (Wednesday is 50% off clothing day) I felt like I was in Nordstrom’s. Its so luxurious to shop alone.

I bought a little outfit for Austin today. The first one. He’s due in seven weeks and the nesting instinct hasn’t kicked in yet. I’m still in clear out the house to show mode. Not sure how that’s going to jive with all the clutter a newborn brings. Probably not very well. Just a guess.

Well internet peeps, I’m off to enjoy the rest of my evening. I’ll be doing exciting things like Facebook, reading, and budgeting. Try not to be too jealous.