Happy Friday

Many things have made me happy already today and there are many things I am looking forward to about the rest of the day...

1. Waking up with two happy boys ...very close to 7am!

2. Heading out for the zoo - just me and the boys. Spontaneous, spur of the moment, and simple. Sun shining, suntan lotion on all three of us, and lunch packed! A free outing!

3. A call from my good friend Molly. She is the proud mother of another girl! Mallory Skye, 9 lb. 1 oz. 21 inches long! Can't wait to meet her!

4. Nap time for Henry, mellow time for Charley, and time to get a few things done around the house.

5. And I am looking forward to this evening. Ed and I are having date night at a mexican restaurant we can walk to. Bring on the chips and salsa and pitcher of margaritas!

These past few weeks I have decided to try and slow down our daytime lifestyle and be more simple. I know I have signed up Charley for several summer activities...all of which begin at 8am and so I want to remind myself before all of this starts that when I chose to stay home with my boys I was committing to being home with my boys-- not out and about all the time, not hosting playgroups all the time, not travelling all over, not scheduling our time every day. I have noticed a difference with Charley's ability to keep himself busy, he has even started choosing to nap, our days are happier, and I am enjoying being home more. I was getting so wrapped up in having kids over to play with Charley that I was losing the chance to just play or be a family here. That is not to say that we still love having friends and playdates....just not every day! It is going to be a great summer and I am vowing that with all the busy activities that we don't lose touch with the simple summertime experiences - riding the bike, walking to the park, picnic on the deck, sandbox play, sprinklers, chalk, friends, and more.

My New Favorite Happy Song

This song is the BEST! It makes me happy! I played it a lot at my mom and dads. I like to play it in the car with the boys. It puts a hop in your step. What is your favorite song these days! Thanks Kelly for the fun mixed cd...and bringing this song into my life. What a happy one!

cereal puzzles...

Just heard this idea from a friend. She got it from her summer reading program. It is fast and easy if you need an activity to keep your kids out of your way for awhile…………cut the front off of your empty cereal box and cut into pieces, making a puzzle. Do this with several different kinds, mixing pieces in one bag so kids have to figure out which piece goes with which cereal box………………………….

Thanks Kimberly!

It's time he gets a few angels!

This morning we hung out with "Charley's Angels". It is the name of our playgroup. The name is hilarious because it really is Charley and a bunch of beautiful young ladies. They let him chase them around with a water gun this morning (no water involved). Yesterday some new friends popped over to borrow our wagon for a few days and we threw Henry and his little friend Charley (a girl named Charley -even spelled the same!) into the wagon together. Henry's facial expression didn't change too much. Charley gave him some attention which he seemed to deal with just fine. So he is starting his own angels.

Free the....

Freeze a small toy in a bucket of water and then have the kids work hard to "Free the _____. from the ice. They can use squirt guns, water, tools, or other creative measures. Sounds like fun to me! We will be doing this on the next hot day!

How Can I Not Love Him...even when...

He demands to play at 4:30 am by crying for an hour off and on. So we get up and play. The kid is making his mama run on 4 -5 hours sleep and all I can say....ugh! Babies and toddlers are cute for this reason...they can push us to the brink and we don't lose it completely because their little inquisitive smiles, their attempts at communicating with words, and their little eyes with the gorgeous eyelashes peer up at us with such adoration that it is impossible not to forget the agonizing hours from 4 am until 8 am when finally, exhausted he naps. May he sleep like an old man tonight.

My adorable early riser!

Bonus

We get a bonus visit with Uncle Mike and Aunt Becca now that they live so close to my parents. Just under a two hour drive and BAM! they are with their new cousin Morgan. So excited to see her and the little changes that have occured. She is still a very precious, tiny, petite, little gal. Mama Becca and Daddy Mike are so relaxed and calm with her. She is a very content little lady. Slept during dinner out at a noisy restaurant. Hung out in the backyard and hopefully made the journey home smooth too.



Charley has always idolized his Uncle Mike and today he got a little time with him playing baseball, a board game, and whatever else they could squeeze in. Henry was hesitant at first but warmed up quickly. He ended the evening in an almost matching t-shirt.


A heart to heart with his Uncle Mike


It was a fun visit. We can't wait until Morgan is a bit older and can enjoy a boat ride or some beach fun with us. But we will not wish her bigger because this time is so precious and will go so fast. Thanks for making the trip and visiting!

Already loved by many...

My sister is going to be a mama! It was so fun to see her this weekend. Her belly is bulging and the time is drawing near! EEEEEK!

Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bob's

We arrived on Wednesday evening. We had pizza and ran around before bedtime. Once again a long drive but we were here. Thursday morning we took the boys to the beach ...Henry's first time being independent on the beach. He wasn't too sure of it. It was really windy which didn't help. He sat on my mom's lap most of the time. Charley on the other hand was very busy.



Thursday afternoon both boys took a nap and I escaped for a little shopping...by myself and for myself. It was such a treat. I have been really good about not shopping for myself and was due for a few new items. It was such a gift to be able to ride in the car for 40 minutes and listen to music...shop (which I did in record time because there was no one to keep my eye on)...and then drive home listening to more good music.

Friday we ran to a few garage sales and then prepped for the sale we were throwing together at my mom and dads. We went down in the basement and emerged with many memories and lots of stuff to sell. We made our first sale on Saturday morning at 6:58. It was a nice day spent lounging around with the family selling a few items. We had a surprise visit from my Uncle Gerald and Aunt Marydonna from California and my Uncle Gary and Aunt Mary...along with them came my Grandpa! He does't go places much anymore so it was such a treat to have him surprise us. Actually, my dad took Charley to his favorite local restaurant for lunch on Saturday and when they got home Charley said, "Mama, I saw great grandpa!" I had no idea how he would come up with this as a trick and sure enough...it wasn't a trick. They ran into them downtown eating.

My dad and his brothers


My Grandpa


The Sale



Aunt Raina was here to hang out and have fun during all of this. Last night Raina and I both admitted to wanting to pay monopoly. So we got out that old game from the basement and gave it a try....three hours later I was proving to be the most powerful player and we ended the game. It sure was different playing as an adult!

This morning Charley, my dad, and I went fishing for a few hours on the lake. We didn't catch anything and didn't even get a nibble. But the lake was beautiful, Charley got to drive the boat, the sun was shining, and I of course love to look at the million dollar homes and dream.








It has been a busy visit so far and there is still much fun to be had. Obviously the boys are busy and having fun because Charley has napped two days here! Lovin' that!

This afternoon the boys are napping and we are waiting for the arrival of Uncle Mike, Aunt Becca, and baby Morgan. So excited to see her!

My New Hair

Yes, last week I cut my hair. I came home and felt more like myself in a long time. I am glad my sister encouraged me to cut it off again. It is so easy and so comfortable for summer. Anyways...it has been a few days and I have warmed up to it again and don't shock myself when I see my reflection in a window or mirror. I am ready for summer!

Hometown....

I was born in Illinois and I grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I loved Sheboygan and always thought it would be a great town to move back to and raise a family. When in college my parents moved to a quaint tourist area in southern Wisconsin. I have loved the area they live now since they started looking for a house in the area.

I ache from time to time ...missing the house I grew up in, the yard, the closeness of Lake Michigan, the frequent stops around town that I grew up making with my mom. I wish at times I could return to the town I grew up for any old weekend so I can run into friends from high school without it being a huge deal. However, I think of their home now as my home town now. Like they say...it is the people that make a house a home. In college when I returned home I focused my time on my family so coming home was never consumed by friends.

I came home here for a month before I got married, was married here, and came for week long visits during the summer when I was teaching. When I had the boys I have raised them to endure the long drive to Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bob's. I have the things I do every time I come home. I love bopping around the towns here and my parents house is filled with things that remind me of our home in Sheboygan. I love that they chose to live in this quaint town that is close enough to Milwaukee, relatives, and friends. I love that they have acquired hobbies that include boat rides and fishing with Charley (and someday Henry).

Even though I would love Charley and Henry to know the house, the bedroom, the basement, the yard, and the lake (Yes, Ed, Lake Superior is a great lake but Lake Michigan is pretty darn great too!), I absolutely love coming HOME to visit.

Note: We are at my parents right now and have been consumed with a garage sale, visiting with Aunt Raina, relatives, and today Uncle Mike, Aunt Becca and Morgan. I will catch up on blogging soon.

Maybe no one else does that in the world

Tonight Henry started fussing after I had quietly put him down. Probably hearing all the hubbub going on out here getting ready for a massive garage sale. My mom went in to lay him back down and she came out and said,

"He takes his two nuks and tries to stick them in his eyes?.?"

Yes, that is something he does when he is really tired.

My mom replied, "Maybe no one else does that in the world."

Very true! These little things are the things I want him to know about himself...

I did it!

Today the temperature in MN reached 90 degrees! It was awful hot! I say awful hot because in a way it was awful. I hate how the temperatures here go from cold to hot and we have very few really perfect days. Today it was HOT! My hair flopped in the heat. It stuck to my neck and felt yucky. So tonight...I did it!

People that have known me for years won't be shocked....but those that didn't know me when my hair was pixie short might have to do a double take next time they see me. Off to Wisconsin tomorrow! See ya next week!

No pictures....and no words can describe her....

I have a great friend and it is her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Lynelle!

I feel like a failure because I didn't even talk to her today...besides through our computers (both of which are Macs).

I became friends with her almost two years ago. We met in a playgroup through Mom's club. There are times when we see each other everyday of the week and then there are times when we don't see each other very often (like the last two weeks). We have thrown a garage sale together, we go for walks, we eat each other's cupcakes, and can just sit in each other's kitchens and chat. When I don't see her I miss her. I am comfortable around her, laid back, and at ease. She accepts my often times spazzy ways and goes with the flow. The thing I most appreciate about my friend Lynelle is the fact that she puts up with my erratic planning. I come up with things to do and places to go but then have to change the timing because of my boys and their naps or their eating or whatever. She is always willing to go with the flow. Charley loves her girls and has so much fun at their house or playing at our house.

Lynelle, thank you for being such a great friend. I love being a mom with you and look forward to many years ahead watching our children grow up together. Let's keep throwing in nights out with the girls...without the kids. I would love to treat you to a martini soon! Happy Birthday my friend! It is my goal this year to capture a picture of the two of us with one of our cameras!

I know where we will be all morning tomorrow....

The sandbox is full of gorgeous sand! I have to toot my own horn because I found the best sand! It is just like a beach! Washed, screened, not too fine, packing but not too packy and just great! I think my feet got a little pedicure tonight as we worked on putting all the sand in and leveling it out. I am so excited for my boys! Charley worked hard and got to play for a few minutes tonight. He is excited to show it to Henry!

Mr. Sandman....bring me some sand!

The sandbox sits - taunting us - mama can envision the busy boys. Charley can imagine fun with friends. Henry...well he has no clue but will love it. Last night I planted a few flowers and Henry dug right in. I think he is going to love the sandbox too. And he made no attempts to eat the dirt! yippee!

Sand is due to arrive any minute so we will be filling the box tonight.

Good buddies

Across the street lives a grandma and grandpa and they have some grandsons. One grandson is a good friend of Charley's. They always have a great time together. Last night Charley helped clean up their pontoon boat and then he got to have a picnic dinner on it. Later they got out their fishing poles and pretended to fish. It is going to be a great summer!

One of those really great weekends...

It was one of those perfect weekends...time with family, friends, getting things done, and relaxing.

Friday morning my brother came to visit. He helped us hit a huge number of garage sales. We all walked away with a little something. The most recent item that Charley got was a "Star Wars Light Saber". He carries it around and loves it. He tells me often how much he loves it and me. Henry has one too and already knows when he carries it to strut his stuff. Uncle Greg stayed for pb&j sandwiches and a little bike riding in the afternoon.




Then Charley and I worked hard to ready the house for our friends to visit. They arrived around 8 and we all enjoyed a few cocktails and catching up. Saturday Kelly and I hit garage sales with the little kiddos. The big boys stayed with the dads and hit up Home Depot for the sandbox needs. By the time we arrived home at 11 the sandbox was pretty much finished - minus the sand! The sand will be delivered this week...hopefully! Our friend Mike is a "Do-it-yourself God!" As Ed stated, "He knows how to get things done and done right." I know Ed appreciated having the help and I am so psyched for the sandbox to become the place to be this summer. Mike and Kelly also brought us a bunch of raspberry bushes. We got those in but aren't sure if they are going to do well in our soil, with our amount of sun etc. But so exciting! I hope we can visit them this summer and help them in some way. We enjoy spending time with them.


Saturday night we headed to Wisconsin to visit more good friends. Dinner, drinks, crazy kids running around, and good times. There were 6 kids there and one who will enter our world very soon. Molly and Gary have a beautiful home that they built, much of it was done with their own two hands and help from family and friends. We love going and watching the progress as they continue to make it their home. We come home motivated to do some small home improvement project which I am sure Gary would laugh at after all the major jobs he has conquered this year. So happy for them.

Kelly and Mike and family headed home on Saturday night and we woke up this morning and headed out to get a few flowers, tomato plants, and other things. Charley and I will work on planting them this afternoon or this week. Our yard is a happening place this year (swingset, sandbox, garden, raspberry bushes, green grass, flowers, hammock). Charley did wake up today not sounding really healthy. So he is taking a nap...second day in a row. While he napped I sat on our deck and read my book...something I haven't done too much. It was peaceful and nice.

It was a great weekend.

Pictures will spark memories later on...

I have decided to post some pictures periodically of our home and yard so that someday the boys can look back and remember life by seeing their home. We have lived here only a few years and we are slowly making changes, reorganizing, making it our own. Here are a few things we worked on last weekend.


Worked on spiffing up this chunk of landscaping. Not knowing much about flowers and plants...we'll see how this goes. Still need to work on the adjoining bush areas.


Learned to mow this weekend. Here is our side yard with our hammock that we all enjoy!


Happy Mother's day! Ed tilled the garden and we will plant soon.

Move this here..and move that there.

So I have been feeling like reorganizing and have also decided with some help from others that exercising needs to be a priority in my life. So we are moving the elliptical out to the front toy room temporarily until I am in a groove and routine. I hate that it is central to our living space but now that Henry has pretty much dropped his morning nap it is impossible for me to fit a workout in the am without waking up really early. By moving it out here I am able to patrol the two boys while getting my groove on. Ed has been very supportive and put shelving in the guest room closets....the guest room will not work as a toy play area too. Lately when Charley has friends over they spend most of their time hiding out in there. So hopefully this will work. I am worried about cleaning up with everything in there and I know it will be dragged throughout the house. I used to just open bins and drawers and wander the house and toss...I could probably play for the NBA..so now it will take a greater effort but I told Charley that we are going to take clean up breaks from time to time. So we'll see. I have been working on slowing down with the kids and so it should be just fine.

I was actually surprised that the elliptical doesn't look as massive and ugly as I thought it would. I figure I can get a workout in during the first hours of the morning and then hope to get a nice walk with the boys outside too. I need to get my butt in gear. It is time. The nursing has stopped, the metabolism is getting slower, and it will help my mood also! I know it! So here are the before and after shots of our reorganization.
Before


The move...


After

Boys at the Home Depot!

Worth a try...

So I found this idea on a blog or two that I follow yesterday and thought I would share with some friends. I got numerous moms who emailed me last night and said they tried it and it worked. So that meant...I HAD to try it today too. I put my assistant to work. He took uncooked spaghetti and stuck it threw cut up hotdogs.




This kept him busy for 20 minutes!



We put it in a pot and boiled it.




And....YES UNCLE GREG! It does work! This totally made my day.


It is silly stuff like this that make my day! Try it...it will make you smile!