A few things to share...

1. Yesterday Charley brought home a book he made at school. It is a fill in the blank book about his five senses and he must have sat with someone and told them what to fill in. These are the sentences:

I like to look at my brother Henry.
I like the taste of macaroni and cheese.
I like the smell of scrambled eggs.
I like the sound of my dad's van when he comes home from work. I don't like the sound of rough wind.
I like to touch my daddy.

2. Packer Ticket Update (If you don't know, my parents get each of their grandchildren on the season ticket list...which means someday they might have a chance at owning season tickets. My mom also got my niece Morgan on the list). Every once in a while we get a postcard that tells what number they are on the list.

Charley is 61,910

Henry is 75,312

Morgan is 80,031

Eli is 80,403

3. Tonight Ed gets the daunting task of visiting the dentist. He usually gets a good report. But since the appointment was after work he decided to just work late and then go straight there. So I touched base with my friend Jessie and we decided to meet at the park. We then walked to Perkins and let the kids enjoy some pancakes (it was kids eat free!). I thought of this because I remember my mom and our neighbor Kathy packing us up and taking us 6 kids to Big Boy...I can now imagine that they really wished they were kid-less, at a five star restaurant, sipping wine....The kids were pretty good tonight and Jessie and I got to finish our dinners and the large table of adults right behind us gave us smiles when we left so I guess we felt reassured that the kids were pretty good.


4. I have been talking about learning to can tomatoes all summer. I planted all tomatoes in our garden in hopes of canning. We didn't get enough at one time to can but we got PLENTY to enjoy throughout the summer. Tomorrow I am taking the boys on a road trip and Ed's cousin Molly will spend the day with me, teaching me her ways! I can't wait to hang out and learn from her.

5. At ECFE today it was time for snack and I hustled Henry over to wash his hands first so he could be the first one at the snack table. Hoping that being first would get him in the chair to sit. Last week he washed last and then wouldn't sit in his chair and the rule at school is you have to sit to eat. All last week we were battling the where to sit issue at home. So I knew it was a power thing between Henry and I. But like most moms, when your child is doing something odd or wrong you immediately feel like every other mom in the room is judging you. And both teachers did pull me aside and tell me ways they were going to help solve this for me. I walked out feeling a little pissed- I felt like they thought I let him wander around the house eating his pork chops and bowl of cereal. And I know this wasn't the case. I know my kid and I knew he was just going through a stage. So as we walked to the sink to rinse I was hoping, praying, and trying to send silent messages to my child ...I wanted him to show he could do it. And sure enough - he sat for snack! And all the mom's went on and on to him about what a big boy he was...maybe a little too much. But the really sad thing was I was thinking - YES! I won!

Tomorrow I GET to have a great day

So this weekend I was reading a blog that focused on the phrases "Get to" and "Got to". It spoke about going about our day and often times thinking "I've GOT to ...." and how sometimes we rebel and decline the opportunity. The writer spoke of his son drawing out the bedtime routine because he wanted to cuddle and because the dad's frame of mind was "I've got to do this," he rebelled and didn't cuddle. Later he realized that instead of thinking of it as a "got to" he could have thought of it as a "get to" moment. He realized that his son won't want to cuddle for forever and slowing down and changing one letter can make a difference on your attitude.

There are many, far to many moments during my day that I get caught up thinking "I've got to do this..." Last week Ed worked late many nights and I was "on" with the boys from 7 am until bedtime 7pm. So tonight I asked Ed if he could do bedtime. Like most moms...whenever I give up a "got to" I still can't totally relax and enjoy the freedom...I feel guilty. And my husband smiles and says things like, "I suppose I can do that." "If you really don't want to put the boys to bed." I already put so much guilt on myself when I step back and take a break from being a mommy. He likes to get me riled.

So this week, I am determined to think more positively about the mundane, responsible, annoying tasks - continue to appreciate the great parts of the day and especially all the things that as a mom I am responsible for doing. So tomorrow...

I get to wake up to two little miracles even if it is too early, because they are just so excited to start the day.
I get to make them breakfast.
I get to battle with Henry on where he sits at breakfast, but know that someday his determined personality will get him exactly what he wants.
I get to get them dressed (It is picture day so it could be a battle).
I get to convince Charley that it is time to turn off the cartoons and get ready for school.
I get to drive a van full of preschoolers to preschool.
I get to listen to kid music in the car.
I get to go get myself a flu shot.
I get to empty the dishwasher and reload it.
I get to slice and dice and freeze some giant green peppers.
I get to make my boys lunch.
I get to read with my Charley.
I get to decide what is for dinner.
I get to fold some laundry.
I get to put Henry down for a nap.
I get to keep my crabby boys busy while we wait for daddy to get home.
I get to make my family dinner.
I get to clean up after dinner.
I get to give bathes.
I get to snuggle and read with my boys.
I get to wake up and do it again on Tuesday!

Tomorrow I get to have a great day.
It is a privilege.


What do you GET to do tomorrow?

Fall is here...

The wind is blowing.
Our windows are open.
Leaves are rustling and falling from the trees.
Football is on.
Ed is brewing some pea soup. (Raina we will bring you some)
Life is good.
Fall is here.

Charley and the neighbor girls have been laughing and playing outside for the last two hours on our swing set and in our sandbox. I know the three of them would love to come inside but they are having such a good time and I just relish hearing kids playing outside on a fall day. I can see the future of long winter months of playing inside in our near future. They did take a short break to decorate some pumpkin cookies ...it's never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Decorating cookies with 4-7 year olds is a riot. No matter how slowly you explain how to shake sprinkles they still dump way to much on one cookie...and then repeat...and repeat...and repeat. Cracks me up!

Go Local

Our city has a farmers market that runs from spring until late October. Last year we started taking advantage of the fine fruits and vegetables that were available. Some of the items were a better deal than the local grocery stores. Sometimes, the deal isn't better money wise but you can't beat home grown carrots or tomatoes grown right here in our county. It is fun to go each week and see what is more available and what is no longer in season. A couple weeks ago I bought corn and I knew it was late in the season and we were disappointed but today she had a truck load again and I couldn't resist! We'll see what we get. So for $19.00, money that was passed to local community members for their amazing produce, we walked away with...



2 large squash (when we arrived that was what Charley was looking for!) $5
A bucket of potatoes $2
3 large sweet onions $2
a melon $3
5 Large green peppers $2
and a dozen ears of corn $5

I am planning on slicing, dicing, and freezing the green peppers to use in chilli's and spaghetti sauce this winter. Peppers are WAY cheaper at the farmers market! The corn I am going to cook up and freeze. We loved the ham and corn chowder and so I will make more of that this week to freeze. I have hopes of adding potato into it. I need to investigate that. This week we are taking a field trip to Ed's cousin's house. Molly is a big time canning goddess! She is going to teach me how to can tomatoes! I am so excited!

I challenge you! If you have a farmer's market available to you- give it a visit. You will be inspired to learn how to use some of the local produce! And heck, you are helping the community farmers, saving the earth because these fruits and veggies didn't have to be trucked across the country, and heck - it just feels right.

That's what neighbors are for...

I have this neighbor.
Her name is Kirsten.
It rhymes with "Beer-stin".
We enjoy wine together!
She has come to my rescue with ingredients when I bake or diet cokes on a random afternoon.
Today it was Worcestershire sauce - two tablespoons.
Charley and I were attempting Chex mix.
So Charley grabbed his umbrella, a small container, and two cupcakes as a Thank You!
And off he went to get our 2 tablespoons.

When we moved into this house I hoped for some fun neighbors.
I appreciate having Kirsten there for accompaniment to Wine Tastings or for a tablespoon of this or that.

I wish everyone a neighbor like this. And I hope that she knows I am here ....just not for Worcestershire sauce today.

Grace in Small Things #23

1. Rainy days that can be cozy and stay-at-home kind of days.

2. Carpools: I am in a carpool with two other moms for Charley's preschool and I don't have to drive at all on Fridays! So nice - especially on a Rainy day.

3. Rosies's dip from the Washburn IGA. Ed's mom brought it this past weekend...we are out of good dipping veggies so I have resorted to tortilla chips but no worries, if you have tried the dip you know it is good with EVERYTHING! Can't let it go to waste.

4. It is Friday and Ed has worked hard and long all week. It will be nice to have a low key weekend with no obligations.

5. New fall tv. Last night Grey's Anatomy started and it. was. good.

The. Boots.

These were once Big Brother Charley's boots. He loved them and wore them often. They are definite hand me downs. They are fading and starting to lose some of the ...well whatever it is that dinosaur boots have at the start. Henry has come to love these boots. This week he learned how to put them on...often times the wrong feet which shoes on the wrong feet are, personally, one of the cutest things on kids. He wears them all day, but must have them removed like a king when it is time to eat or sleep. And yes folks, today he not only sat for three meals, but he was latched in safely to his booster seat. WHA! HA - HA- HAAAA! (That is me doing my evil laugh!) I won!

I gave Charley my camera....

...and I think he can take a better picture of me than his daddy can.

I Want this More Than Life -

Lately, I have started to have bouts of anxiety about my boys and the life that lies ahead of them. And "More than life" I would like them to live long and healthy lives. I even extend it to their children, my grandchildren. Will they have a healthy world to live in. I know I have always had the normal motherly anxiety about my boys, however, with the scares that my sister has been dealt lately, it has really forced me to see the possibilities and it is scary. That whole week when we didn't know that it was just a lab error I had trouble not feeling guilty for my healthy boys. What miracles they are and how I take them for granted many moments during the day, and even snap more than I should over little things that just desire more patience. My anxiety has increased and it sits like a bowling ball in my stomach and then rises and feels like a golf ball is stuck in my throat. My heart races and I panic. I want my boys to always be healthy and I want all those in my life to live a life of happiness and health. But yet the nightly news or friends of friends have stories that weigh on my heart and settle in an uneasy way in my head.

Yesterday I posted a question on facebook about the flu shot and the upcoming H1N1 vaccine and got such good feedback from friends from all corners of life....what they have heard, what they have done in the past, what they are thinking...and it was overwhelming. I believe in the vaccines but I also get sick to my stomach sitting there holding my little boys arms down so they can be injected with some concoction that will hopefully prevent illness. The other vaccines bother me but don't cause me the anxiety that the flu shots do. I think it is because each year it evolves into a different cocktail...and is never a sure thing. Anyways, many friends reminded me that I need to do what I think is right for my boys. So this morning we went and Charley got the flu mist for the first time (I had to hold him tight but he took it well) and Henry got the flu shot. He hated it. Afterwards, we were supposed to go to a playgroup that has supported me for the last two years but I felt overwhelmed and knew that a good walk and some quiet time with my boys was exactly what I needed.

So we went to a park reserve, walked a trail for an hour, and visited a nature center. It was perfect and just what I needed. I did miss my girlfriends and I can't wait to hang out with them next time! But this morning I knew what we needed.



So this anxiety I push down and tell myself, "I can't live worrying about things that are out of my control. Life is meant to be lived." And I pray that this anxiety continues to be passing moments that remind me to appreciate the now in my life. A mother's journey is tough and lately Ed has been working late and I am making the decisions for these boys all day on my own, I think that adds to the realization that I can only do so much. And that they will be okay as long as they are loved. No matter what happens and no matter what they have to tackle - they are loved today.

If I could have one wish today it would be that my boys live healthy long lives and that they get to bring their own little miracles into a safe wonderful world.

I want this more than life!

Evidence...

Evidence my boys are growing up...


So yesterday Charley had his first visit to the dentist. I was a little worried...since I know it is a little late to be going for the first time. But he got lots of compliments from his dentist. NO CAVITIES! Strong teeth and good looking gums. We just started flossing in the last month or so and she did say to continue doing that more often. Charley was determined to be a brave boy and do a good job so he could pick a prize out of the box like his friend Emma H. Thanks Emma for helping Charley be such a brave boy. Unfortunately he picked some fancy fan thing and didn't ask how it worked and it was broken by the time we set foot in the parking lot. Oh well, I guess next time he will be ready to doing good again so he can pick a new prize! And YES Charley, I would not be your mama if I hadn't brought my camera and whipped it out for a few pictures.



Charley had a playdate right after school today and so it was just Henry and I all morning and over lunch. At lunch Henry climbed up in Charley's seat and ate his lunch...well he did get up and down several times to see a truck on our road, to get more cereal for his bowl, and to close the sliding door. I think he ate a lot more when he sat in his booster. How do I get him back in that thing!

Take a few moments...

Grace in Small Things #22

1. Thankful for friends who email to check in with me...because I hadn't blogged since Thursday!

2. Tonight I made soup from some of the corn I froze and some ham from the baptism this weekend. Charley ate two bowls and said it was "soooooo good!" Success! The biggest compliment is a four year old who approves!

3. Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest beer! Very good!

4. After hosting a weekend of festivities it is delightful to have a fridge of yummy leftovers.

5. We survived a crabby day - and both boys were in bed by 6:50...sleeping soon after. Tomorrow is a new day- my motto as a parent!

My boys in heaven...

Charley and Henry with their two Fabulous Grandmas!

Survivor Weekend

Four years ago my sister got married and before she got married...well actually this dates back to when I got married. For some reason my sister decided to throw me an extra bachelorete party with my cousins. These cousins we see usually once a year at Christmas. But over the years we were having more and more fun with them at family functions..mainly weddings, where socks, drinks, and dancing were involved. So they had a fun night out for me. When my sister got married we decided to do it again. I planned the event to the theme of "Survivor" (my sister is a big fan). I came up with challenges, we voted for people, it was crazy fun! The winner, my cousin Lisa, then hosted the next year. My sister then hosted the following year. And last year I won the title back and got to play "Jeff" and host here in MN. I can't believe I got almost all my cousins to come for the party. They arrived at 3ish and we poured margaritas and the fun began. I did warn neighbors that crazy things might be taking place over here. My cousin Lori was the Sole Survivor this year -so next year I will be travelling back to Wisconsin, but it sure was fun to have everyone here this year.

A quick overview of the challenges:

1. Race to 100 - a paper and dice game - HIGH stress!
2. Catch your food for the night - Grasshopper hunt with a team.
3. Bucket of Ice - I filled a bucket with ice, marbles, and golf balls- oh and garden hose water. They had 1 minute to get out as many balls as they could with their feet.
4. Build your shelter - a craft building a tiki hut
5. Worms in dirt eating contest - dirt cake, who could eat theirs the fastest and of course stick out their tongue to prove it was all down!
6. Sink your boat - They had to build a boat with the materials I gave them. Then they took turn putting rocks on each other's boats trying to sink their ship.
7. Spoons - the card game
8. Flashlight - their team had to take a flashlight from a bucket of 9 flashlights, race down to a bucket in the pitch dark, find the batteries that fit in that flashlight, insert them, get it working, and then pass it off to the next team member. They were timed.
9. And the ultimate challenge was the 4 step challenge:
step 1: Roll a log across the yard
player 2: dig for 10 eyeballs in the sandbox (watch out for toads!)
player 3: untie a knotted package
team: solve a puzzle
team: find frozen t-shirts, thaw them and put them on!

I think the overall night was good. It seemed like everyone was having a good time. The challenges were stressful, fun, and exciting! We didn't do any voting off this year. And we skipped the lawn games and church key challenge (two teams race to thread a bottle opener through their clothing, open the beer and drink it first). We will wait until all cousins can be present.

Thanks for the fun weekend ladies. It is really a special thing to hang out with cousins who you normally wouldn't see but one time a year. We are all very different people but when we end the night sitting around the fire, sharing stories, interests, and laughing - oh the laughter is the best ---- you are reminded that we choose our friends but our families are gifted to us. It makes life so much more fun knowing there are these people out there that would be there for you to laugh with, cry with, celebrate with and be silly with, if you ever needed them. I love that I know my cousins a little better because of this crazy fun weekend. See you girls next year - if not before!

Henry is baptized...finally!

Charley was baptized when he was 1 1/2 years old. Henry was baptized this past weekend...and he is 1 1/2 years old. I guess it is kind of our tradition...either that or we like to torture our kids with this scary man who pours water and oil on his head. We had a beautiful day. Henry's Godparents are Ed's sister Sara and my brother Dr. Greg (can't resist). We picked Greg and Sara because we know they will be interested and present in his life. We have faith that they will always take time to know what is going on in his life and give us a hand when he needs guidance. We know they will approach Henry with love and express great attitudes towards life and instill in Henry that he can do and be what he wants. They will help teach him that the world is a great place to live if you have an open mind and an open heart to the differences all around him. And they will get him an ornament at Christmas time ;)

Thank you to all who took the time to celebrate with us.

Thanks MOM!

Thank you mom for flying here last Wednesday night and hanging out until Monday late afternoon. Thank you for listening to me plan the Survivor party. Thank you for being laid back with eating and hanging out. Thank you for being up for rides at the Mall of America. Thank you for putting up with my bitchy sassy attitude a lot of the time. Thank you for speaking up and getting the "to go" cup. Thank you for pitching in for food and ice! Thank you for the ideas (socks!). Thank you for making the margaritas, finding a great ham and preparing it, and cutting up all the ingredients for the salad. Thank you for sleeping up in Charley's room on the crinkly sheets. Thank you for being excited and enthusiastic for EVERYTHING! Thank you for loving up my boys. Thanks for being a mom to me...even when I am 33 years old! I get it - a mom's job is never done. You are so vital in my life! I love you! Come again for a visit when there isn't so much else going on!

A Mom of Boys...

Growing up I think I always had girl babies when I was playing house...unless of course I coaxed my brother into playing along - but even then I think he had to be a dog. When I gave birth to Charley I will admit to being a little surprised and in awe....maybe a little afraid. I am not an athletic person. So I worried immediately, how was I going to be a soccer mom. But now I have two beautiful smart little boys. They are my joy and I could not imagine life any different. My days are filled with...

building trains, lining up match box cars, digging in the sandbox, catching grasshoppers, playing pirates, visiting parks, pitching balls, digging in the dirt, doing puzzles, playing games, watching Star Wars, reading books about transformers......

But, my boys also are great at shopping for shoes, getting pedicures (the boys can sit patiently while I get my toes painted), clothes shopping (Charley enjoys playing fashion show in the dressing room), baking cookies, doing crafts, folding laundry, washing windows, and much more.

I have two boys - and I am experiencing life with a whole new perspective.

Power Struggles

Dear Henry,

You are growing up so quick and lately you have been showing more and more of your personality and we all love it! You are giving us joy each and every day, but also testing us with your little tricks. I can see that you idolize your big brother because you are always watching what he is doing, and often go and try to do what it is he is doing as soon as he moves on to the next thing. Much of the day I am saying,

"Boys, be safe!
Boys! Be Careful!
Boys!
THAT IS ENOUGH!
FIND SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH!"

The two of you love to romp and rough house. And you, yes you Henry, are many times the instigator. Who can blame your big brother for getting jazzed and excited when you come and sit on his face, or plow into him with a giant bear hug. The giggles are non-stop.

This past week you have decided that you WILL NOT sit in your booster seat at mealtime. I have tried to battle you and let you wander and whine while the rest of us sit to eat breakfast...lunch...or dinner...in hopes that your hunger wins out and you sit down in a safe and buckled seat. However, you climb up in one of the regular chairs and sit -determined. Today was your first ECFE class and you refused to sit down at the table and therefore went without snack. All the ladies there think they have the answer...me, I know you are just trying to win!

When we play outside you stand next to Charley's big boy bike and cry. You want to ride it so bad. Which I understand...since Charley doesn't ride it. Someone should!

You are starting to thrust out of the stroller so that you don't have to ride in it. You would rather walk...like your big brother. You know where to hit the button so doors open with your power.

And last night when I put you to bed you refused to sit on my lap. Instead you wanted to sit beside me in the chair. This continued today at nap and at bedtime tonight. This is the biggest heartbreaking moment of all of these. You are growing up, you are showing that you are a big boy, you want some power.

My son, you are growing up. You are a big boy! Your brother is very impressed with all that you do and learn each day. He loves you following his lead. I am proud of you for figuring things out...but don't rush it. Cuddle, snuggle, and be safe - you will have plenty of time to do the Big Boy stuff. You are a joy. Your expressions are priceless...and your love of your dinosaur rain boots is priceless! (He wears them all day! He only takes them off to eat and sleep.) I love you little man! And most likely, I will win - you will be back in that booster seat, you will ride in the stroller when appropriate, and you WILL not be riding a giant two wheel bike this year!

Love, Mama

Where have I been?

The emotions that came along with Eli's medical scare last week, having my mom here for the last week, hosting a "Survivor" party, enjoying the survivor party, hosting Henry's baptism, enjoying Henry's baptism, and now getting back to the regular routine have left me needing to close my eyes mid-afternoon (even though I don't have that luxury). I have too many blogs to share and not enough time to sit glued to my computer. And actually--I am just kind of spent from all the worry last week to the exhaustion that comes along with hosting. Tomorrow is a new day...this evening might bring some quiet time for blogging...but don't leave me! I will blog again...you know once I do there will be like 5 posts at one time.

To keep you waiting I will share a few pictures of Ed and I that were taken this summer by a professional photographers. This man has been a great strength in the stress and excitement this last week.

Healthy Boy Eli is coming to MN to see his Aunt Sarah!

Yes! That is right folks! Eli is A-OKAY! A meaning : Amazing, Awesome, and of course Adorable! So my sister has once again had one of the worst weeks of her life...not sure how it compared to Eli's first few weeks in the real world. Last Friday she took him in for a minor issue that she was wondering about (this would be the day she returned to working full-time!). They drew some blood to have tested. On Monday night at 10:30, yes folks, 10:30! They were awakened by their doctor calling to inform them that Eli's platelets were drastically down again. Lots of what ifs...doctor said words like cancer and leukemia...which to any person, especially a parent leaves one breathless - and not in a good kind of way. He went in for a redraw of blood and his results were to be in last night or this morning. Finally, this morning my sister called and shared that ....

Eli's platelets are completely normal. There was a LAB ERROR for the first draw. He is a healthy little boy with an allergy to dairy! AHHHHHHHHHH! The relief is amazing but the emotions from the last week finally settle and one finds herself exhausted (and I am just the aunt). Raina has been working all week. Andy has been working all week. Eli has been his little old self: eating, pooping, sleeping, and SMILING! He didn't even cry for the redraw of blood on Wednesday evening! What a little trooper.

So what does this mean - it means that Raina and Andy had to go through a Hell of a lot of pain and angst - thoughts that kept them awake - that no parent ever wants to think about - especially parents of a little three month old. But it is okay. Everything is okay....well for Raina and Andy this will sit with them for a long time....

I think this just proves that prayers work.

So they will climb aboard the smurf tomorrow night and venture over to MN to celebrate and show that they are parents that can SURVIVE anything - and so can their little man!

Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow!

Today we wait

And pray!

Please put my sister, Eli, and Andy in your prayers. Waiting for test results.

Seriously....

This morning I had the Swiffer broom out (without a cleaning pad on it) and Henry found this to be very entertaining. He pushed it around, carried it around, and found lots of enjoyment in it. Now he is down for a nap and Charley is at a friend's house to play (Thank you Heather). I have time to do the floors without pitter pattering little feet following me around. And guess what!?

I CAN NOT FIND THE SWIFFER BROOM! What the heck! It isn't like it can get thrown in the wrong toy bin or shoved under the couch! Where could a 20 month old put something that is almost three times his height. I am baffled and also frustrated. It isn't like I can wake him up and ask him. I also have this deep down feeling that I got frustrated with him walking around smacking it into walls and furniture that I took it and shoved it somewhere without thinking.

So mom, you arrive tonight and the bathroom floor might not be as clean as I wanted because I can't find the damn Swiffer broom.

Thoughts for today...

1. I hate unloading the dishwasher. It is my LEAST favorite thing to do. I don't mind loading it. BUT I HATE putting the dishes away. Same with laundry. I don't mind washing it or even folding it but I HATE putting it away.

2. Today we went back to Choo Choo Bob's for story time. The boys loved it. I enjoyed watching them both putter with the trains, sing songs with Engineer Paul, and walk down the city street holding hands. A great distraction on an emotional day.

3. I have a friend and a family member struggling with health issues that their children are having. I can't imagine:
- waiting around for test results
-not letting myself obsess over the what ifs
and
-understanding the circumstances of life at the moment.

Today I feel guilty for worrying about the dishes waiting to be loaded into the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded. What a minor stress in the grand scheme of life. Though our lives are all relative to our own experiences, my stomach is twisting for these two mommies who will go from day to day loving up their little ones, while waiting for action to take place, and answers to come. My thoughts are with you both. You are amazing mothers and your kiddos are strong. Find a moment today for you and breathe.

Just not feeling blog-gy today. Maybe tomorrow.

Happy Grandparents Day

Dear Grandma Barb, Grandpa Bob, Grandma Charlie, and Grandpa Ed:

Happy Grandparents Day! My mommy is obsessed with writing about every detail of our silly simple life, but she is horrible about getting cards in the mail...whether it be for Aunt Raina's birthday yesterday...or Grandparents Day - these last four years! My mommy and daddy tell us often how lucky we are to have such special grandparents. We are lucky to come and visit you at your fun houses. We love going fishing with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Barb. We love berry picking and hanging out with Sylvia in Washburn. We love adventures with Grandma Barb, especially lunch at Skips. Time at the cottage is a favorite. We love when mommy and daddy go away for weekends and Grandma Charlie comes. Or better yet, we love in February when they go away and both Grandmas come at the same time. HEAVEN!

We helped pick out some of these favorite pictures of you. Thanks for being so special. We can't wait to see you!

Love, Charley and Henry

Happy Birthday Sister!

I hope you got lots of cuddle time with your little Eli today.
I know you appreciate Andy - but really, he is such a special guy for coming up with these little and big ways to make your birthday special each year. Tonight you will be surprised by a bunch of friends and family after a yummy dinner! Wish I could have been there! Happy Birthday!

Just another day here in the our house (without daddy)...

So Ed is on one of his annual golf weekends. So nice for him and so well deserved. Unfortunately this year Henry is choosing to teeth. He has almost all of his teeth but these two are giving us a run for our money. Well- actually I shouldn't complain because it is him that I feel so sadly for. They were working their way up a couple weeks ago...seemed to take a break and are working on it again. I know because his nose runs out of the blue and he has a constant waterfall pouring from his mouth leaving a big puddle where ever he is playing. He has been waking by 5:45 in the morning because his Motrin is worn off and he isn't about to take it and go back to sleep. He didn't nap yesterday and that pushed me over the edge and I took him in. I had an appointment made for 4 pm because I didn't want Saturday to roll around and wish I had gone. He has been more clingy than normal and I had a feeling maybe his ears were bothering him. I was right but it is such a minor ear infection that the doc doesn't want me to fill the prescription for a few days - he thinks it is due to the teething and will go away on its own. He has been so grouchy that today I was ready for another long one - and recently Grandma Charlie brought this t-shirt. How perfect!



We have had a really nice day just being home. Charley has been pretty independent and Henry has been happy and took a nice nap. They even helped me sort and fold laundry, clean windows, bake banana bread, weed what used to be the flower bed, clean the garage up, pick tomatoes, do more laundry, wipe off cupboard doors, clean the fridge, and PLAY! This evening for dinner I was so tempted to run out and grab something because I really didn't want to mess the kitchen again (how many mom's out there feel like their life is messing and then cleaning up the kitchen...never ending). However, we decided to make pancakes...and Charley thought it would be fun to take cookie cutters and make shapes out of them. He remembered from a birthday party we went to (Molly had the kids cut their sandwiches into fun shapes!). We've cut our toast in fun shapes but I forget how fun that makes a regular old meal. So we got out the pumpkin and ghost cutters and the boys were happy...and so was mama.

Watch this! So fun!

This is from Oprah's season opener. Watch how the crowd is all standing still ...except the girl up front! Wonder about that and watch!

Grace in Small Things #21

1. May every mom have the support of good friends while they conquer the sometimes long days...especially when daddy works late. I joined a Mom's club in our neighborhood and through it I have made some amazing friends. Two of which I hung out with tonight for a dinner play date.

2. Watching Charley slowly warm up to a play date with 7 young ladies he didn't know all that well. He cried when we left because he wanted to play longer.

3. Reading the "Things that Go" book with Henry...actually he reads it to me! He names things like : Boat, car, choo choo, ruck, etc. And laughs with such an honest happiness. Joy!

4. The boys finally sleeping and the dryer humming while I spend time in my virtual world.

5. Tomorrow is a new day and I am determined to not have a whiny four year old - as I fall asleep I will make a plan. His plan for the first hour and a half...wake up, help mama make pancakes, eat, and watch the new cartoon Dino Train! Then he gets picked up for preschool and Henry and I will take off for a morning walk. Sounds good...let's hope it goes this smooth.

6. A wonderful friend that had Charley over to play this afternoon. A little break for both of us.

Their MINE!

Taken by Jennifer Bahn -summer 2009

Meal Coop

Meal Coop.
The. Greatest. Thing.

I had a request for the details....

I have my friend Sarah to thank for getting me started. She had been doing one for a while and kept raving about it. She actually does it weekly - I personally could not handle that but, wow! That must really change her life! 2 hours a week prepping her four meals and she is done for the week! Imagine coming home from work and not having to figure out dinner. Or imagine having a long day at home with the kids and not wanting to make the kitchen a disaster trying out some new recipe.

I started by finding three others that were interested. I actually emailed two people in my mom's group that I thought, not even knowing them very well, would be interested. They were already both in a meal group (together). Very weird that I thought of them and that they were already doing one. But they both knew of people who had showed interest so I emailed and away we went. So know that you don't have to know the people that well - you will get to know them and that is one of the best parts. So Jessie, Paula, Gwen and I talked out the details. We planned on meeting once a month at one of our houses. I think my friend Sarah might meet at houses or a coffee shop. Our kiddos play and we chat. And the best part - we walk away 3 meals to use during the busy month. For me, I always make an extra pan or two of my meal so I then have a few more than 3. The family sizes in our group are different so we make the same amount for each family - enough for the largest eating family. Jessie and I have smaller (littler eaters) so at times they split our meals into two smaller meals which is great too. The meal mainly is the main dish and it has to be frozen (most meals can). If the meal is maybe smaller or cheaper we will throw in a side of rice or a garlic bread or something. I am known as "Mexican Shell Girl" and have made that recipe a couple times because everyone loves it. And since we do it once a month it is easy enough to repeat a recipe from time to time. It seriously takes 2 hours or less to make the meals. And those four or five nights that you don't have to cook are totally worth it. My friend Sarah's group invested in enough Pyrex 9x13 pans so that everyone has plenty to use. We just rely on the tin pans (that you can wash and reuse - I didn't realize that before this group). I was worried that was going to be a big cost for us but plenty of meals go in zip bags etc. So it hasn't been a big cost.

We have been doing it for a year now. My hardest part is finding a recipe that I am excited about and confident about to share. I have done a few recipes without testing them out first and everyone has survived. I know of meal groups that keep track of how much meals are costing but we don't worry about that. I think my friend Sarah's group also discusses the type of dish - chicken, beef, pork etc...since they do it weekly they don't want all chicken meals.

Let me know if you have any other questions. The people you do it with do NOT have to be your best friends....because they will become great friends who you are thankful for 3 nights a month! The gals that I first approached had made some yummy foods at potlucks that attended .

Go for it! It really is a time saver! It might even cut down on groceries! And for me...it is like eating out for dinner because it is something I DIDN'T slave over all afternoon.

Could it be the socks...

So last night we had a new babysitter and I had the boys in their PJ's. She put them to bed and this morning Henry slept until 7:05...waking only because I woke him. When I went to check on him last night he had socks on his feet...hmmm...I didn't lay out socks...it isn't that cold out...

So this morning I asked Charley if Henry wanted socks or if the babysitter just put them on. He responded, "She just put them on him."

This morning at breakfast Ed said, "Maybe it was the socks."

So Ed put Henry to bed tonight and he came down all proud..."I put socks on his feet."

We'll see.

Grace in Small Things #20

Moments today...

1. Charley telling his teacher that his daddy came to see his locker.

2. My neighbor coming to my rescue. I have not bought diet coke for our house for two weeks and today Charley was so tired and whiny after his morning at school. Diet Coke sounded sooo good. So I called...she had it...I sent Charley on a mission...he came back with the goods and a smile on his face. He just needed some fresh air. Maybe I should buy some diet coke and give it to her to put on her deck and I can send him over when he is in breakdown mode and needs some fresh air or space from his mama. Note: The diet coke was for me...I was getting tired and whiny too.

3. Going to the mall to return a dress and having Charley beg to browse some stores...what! Henry and Charley just ran and I followed slowly behind. Not what I had planned but I went with it.

4. Yummy meal coop meal. I am still raving about the Meal Coop that I am in. THE. BEST. THING! Tonight Pineapple Pork over rice. It was crock pot cooked so the house didn't get too hot and it smelled good all day!

5. Another handful of tomatoes from our garden...two big ones and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Life is good!

THE backpack.

Charley has been asking for a new backpack. He finds them at stores and doesn't actually ask flat out but hints by saying things like, "Other kids have this one but no one has this one." or "I sure would like this backpack someday."

The backpack he has is so big and last year it literally knocked him over running into school on his first day. I thought about getting him something smaller but this one is so big and sturdy and it has his name embroidered on it. Cute. So I said this morning to Ed...let's just use this backpack until he is a senior in high school...it will make a great prop as he grows bigger. Look at how much better it already fits.

First Day of Preschool (2009-2010)

Today my boy started his second year of preschool. Last year he went two afternoons a week. This year he will go three mornings a week. Henry and I will be on our own those mornings. Henry was a little lost today but I know this time will be good for us. Henry will hopefully continue to nap - which will give Charley and I some quiet time in the afternoons.




This morning the plan was to take Charley out for hearty breakfast before he started. Wouldn't you know it....Henry chose this morning to sleep past 7am! What the heck! I had to wake him at 7:05...so that we could have enough time. Daddy stayed home this morning to celebrate his first morning of preschool. So fun!

Charley didn't hesitate and was very excited. He brought his teacher flowers and chocolate again...hoping that they were her favorite...and sure enough - her response "Wow, my two favorite things!" He stood up a little straighter, smiled big, and looked over at me very proud to have "gotten it right."



Picking him up he was pretty happy. He did cry at first because they ran out of time and didn't get to end the day on the playground like they normally would. Now why would a preschool class run out of time on the first day of school...hmmmm...I solved that by heading to a nearby park with one of his preschool friends for a quick play. Perfect.

He had a great first day! I am so proud of him and know we must be doing something right if he can venture from our nest and survive and thrive happily! I have a feeling it will be a great year.

Tomorrow....

Tomorrow morning I will wake up to an excited little boy who is ready for his first day of his second year of preschool. This year he will go three mornings a week. Tomorrow I will take a picture of his little excited face and it will be the image of this school year. Here are a few from last year! My boy is going to be 5 this October. He has many friends starting kindergarten this year. We are so excited for them....but deep down in my mama heart - I am excited to have one more year before his official school experience begins...because once school starts - it is life----time to get a job and that is real world. So I will relish this year for each up and down moment we have. And tomorrow my picture will show how much he has grown since last September - may my boy enjoy this year of just being a kid.