A productive day, some great memories, and a horrific pin!

I have been cleaning house lately - not cleaning as in scrubbing - but rather I have been going through cupboards, drawers, and closets. I have a pile that is quickly growing that we will donate. This morning Charley and Henry went through our toy bins and amazingly we sorted things out and decided what we could donate and what we should hold on to. Ed could tell I was in a groove..so he suggested I go through some boxes that my parents delivered after we moved into this house. When we moved into this house we were graced with a large unfinished basement - plenty of space for me to fill with crap. Yes, I will be honest, crap.

So Ed brought up these boxes:

and the boys and I dove in. It was a little frightening....but it was also a hoot. I found notes from friends in High School. I found three diaries. I found books to share with my boys...I found jewelry that should NEVER have been available for purchase. I found an entire box of cassette tapes...Incredible! So here are a few of my favorite treasures...or at least the ones that gave me the biggest smiles...

 

First I pulled out these two books.  They were part of my Grandma Dort's collection. 

The memories flood back!

Our family went on a couple trips to the beaches in Florida. Impressed that these moved from Sheboygan, to Williams Bay, to Minnesota!  And they weren't broken!

The boys were very interested in the jewelry boxes...there were two.  This one was the most interesting.  One item I am really wondering about is tucked in back on the bottom level...

Why on earth did I have matches?

Or these horrendous earrings!

And this pin!  I remember this pin...WHY ON EARTH would I EVER WEAR THIS!  

And Maybe this is why I didn't date anyone in high school!

Oh gosh - does this item bring back heartache and pain. 

Yearning to be given one of these...or the turmoil of who would complete your circle...

I am rolling my eyes right now and smiling really big because I have two boys! YES!  We won't have to deal with this - I don't think...

  

Charley loved this jewelry box and the umbrella...it has a ballerina inside that spins with music.  I did point out the little girl on top....and then I realized - let him love it and fill it with treasures.  This is part of growing up -  finding treasures from your parents past.

Amazing how some books you NEVER forget!

Love that I still have this!

And this pencil was a favorite.  I REMEMBER IT!  The eraser is almost used up.  I remember it writing wonderfully and sharpening like a dream.  

  

This AWESOME cassette tape was one of 100's in this box:

YIKES!  If you loved mix tapes...you would be in heaven!

I even found one called "Depression 101"....what the heck was that all about?

I took those 8 boxes...and I now have 1 box that will be stored in the basement.  I have two boxes that will be donated.  And I had two bags of garbage.  I also had a small shoebox full of notes, diaries, letters, postcards, and more mementos to read through and enjoy!  

I am proud of myself for the hard work I have put in this past week.  We'll see what more I can find to chuck or donate this week. My goal right now is to have our living area filled with items that function with purpose in our life.  And I want our nooks and crannies to be filled with the items that are precious or hold memories...not junk :)

Doing this type of cleaning is exhausting.  My mind is tired...remembering such a wonderful childhood....and realizing how fast the time flies and how quickly the crap accumulates :)

Another Sushi night...this time with friends!

 

Since blogging about sushi making, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of friends who are interested in giving it a try (making sushi that is - they are already fans of eating it). 

My freshman year in college I lived in the all girls dorm next to a girl named Kim...she had a cousin Ed...and that is all I have to say...because Ed is now my husband and Kim is still a very good friend - and a distant relative now!  She is married to a really fun guy, Cory, and they have an adorable little guy, Tommy.  We don't get to see them as much as we would like...but after my sushi blog we talked and made a spur of the moment plan to get together.  

So we spent our Saturday evening making sushi, eating sushi, drinking Sake and wine, and playing games.  It was wonderful.  Their little guy and our two went to bed like little champs and then the fun began!  Ed showed how to make the first roll and from there Cory and Kim both jumped in.  

Let's do it again soon friends - maybe not the Sake part :)

The Sake that left me hurting a little this morning.

  

Cory's first try at a roll!

  

The girls were determined to beat the boys!

Making sure he didn't say anything that was Taboo!

On my mind this week...

This past week I watched an episode of Oprah that discussed the movie Food, Inc. Here is a trailer for the movie. Just these 3 minutes can shake you and make you think!



Her show also had Michael Pollan, Author of the book The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. He also has other amazing books - NONE of them I have read. I know my brother speaks very highly of this man and his thoughts.

I was very impressed with how Oprah approached the topics. She did not make you feel "bad" for the choices you make. She admits to enjoying meat - while featuring people who swear by vegan diets. Her goal is always to bring an awareness to the topic she shares. And this show she brought an awareness of food and eating in America. After this episode I had so many thoughts running through my head. My heart was pounding because this topic can be sooo overwhelming. As a person who loves to eat and someone who wants to eat healthy I will totally admit that ignorance is a little bliss in this area of life. I have not seen the movie yet, partly because I think it will be too much for me to digest and I will be so overwhelmed with all that I DON'T do or what I CAN'T do. There are so many obstacles to eating healthy - money, time, children, convenience, resources, and knowledge.

After much thought I decided to feel good about the choices I make.

• We buy eggs that are produced from cage free birds that aren't treated with antibiotics and hormones (I know these birds get to run around - that they CAN run around, because they are being fed diets that give them strength). 

• We are not the house to be at for snack time. I do buy several processed snacks for my boys but I also love to bake with them and I believe, eating a piece of homemade banana bread or even a homemade chocolate chip cookie is way healthier than a bag of fruit snacks. 

• We do our best buying organic milk. I am very adamant that our boys drink organic milk (although, lately Charley has been drinking regular milk). However, after being reminded of the reasons why I buy organic I will be buying organic milk from now on. 

• In the summer we visit the farmer's market and enjoy local produce and I now try to freeze and can things so that we are enjoying them all winter long with out worries of preservatives or pesticides. 

• I appreciate the fresh veggies and the little bit of time it takes to prepare it knowing that we are getting something real and not processed and canned. (I do buy canned goods too - but I always opt for the fresh.)

• And I believe I have challenged myself lately to make more homemade items like mac and cheese, popcorn in our popper, bread, and jam.  This week Charley and I are going to give bagels a try.  I figure this will keep Charley and I busy for an entire afternoon.  We will use this recipe that another blog I came across this weekend shared.

I have been writing about shopping frugal and I realized that being frugal does not mean letting go of standards and health. One of the facts they shared on Oprah was the fact that a box of candy or a bag of chips is often times cheaper than a pear. And buzzing through a drive thru to pick up a happy meal is cheaper than going to the store and buying a package of strawberries. I do take my kids for happy meals - from time to time. However,  I am proud of myself for always having fresh fruit and veggies in our fridge. 

Michael Pollan, who has spent 20 years reporting on food, shared five of his many rules for eating:

1: Eat food .

2: Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.

3: Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.

4: Eat only foods that will eventually rot.

5: Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself.

All of these rules make sense.  They are easy to understand.  I am going to think about them this coming week.

We can not afford to buy all organic or free range raised meat. But I am vowing to make sure that during my frugal grocery shops I will make sure that I am making choices that are quality and sound with my beliefs.

It is about being aware and being okay with the choices we make. And even if it is just one meal or one item that we choose to think differently about - we are taking a stand and voting for food that is produced to a standard of our desire.


If you missed this episode of Oprah and want to read up on what you missed you can go here.  I am just sharing something that really made me think this past week.  It is something huge and too overwhelming to take on all at once.  But it is something that I want to remember and start considering.  Just. considering.  I do not judge the choices that other people make whether they spend all their money on organic or if they choose to not buy any.  And it isn't only about organic...you can shop local, fresh, free range, etc.  It is a choice - that is what is so fantastic about living in America - YOU have the right to choose  - and what you eat is a choice you make 3 times a day 365 days a year!

Grace in Small Things #46

1.  Watching my three boys laying on their tummies while Daddy shows them the blueprints to a new project he is working on ....some kind of train cab type thing :)

2.  Listening to Charley direct Ed on what moves to make on the Star Wars video game....Charley speaks fast and non-stop and very firmly.  You really hear nothing from Ed...except a confirmation response "Here?  This?  Huh?"

3.  Listening to Charley talk to people on the phone....he strolls around the house and jabbers on and on.

4.  Charley and Henry did the 30 Day Shred routine with me today...they build their own dumbbells out of tinker toys.

5.  Tonight at dinner Charley quizzed Henry on his day at school.  He asked sincere questions about what Henry did at school.  Henry tried his best to answer them.  It was adorable.  At lunch Charley tried to teach Henry how to do a knock knock joke...I had to leave the room...partly because it was seriously frustrating but also sooo funny....it went something like this:

Charley:  Knock knock
Henry:  knock knock
Charley:  No say Who's there
Henry: kay
Charley:  knock knock
Henry: knock knock
Chalrey: NO! Say Who's there...

This repeated for FOREVER. Then Henry finally said "Who's there"...and Charley lost interest.  I LOVE that Charley takes the time to  hold real conversations with his little brother who is still a one word answering machine...for the most part.  He is starting to speak in small phrases...my favorite, "Water please."

Mamas Know Best...

I was sitting with a few moms the other day discussing our kids and we noticed that while talking about an issue one of us was having we all immediately started with the "Well, maybe it is because...." statements.

Then we realized what we were doing and all laughed because as moms we are always looking for reasons for our child's behaviors... always trying to be smart and tuned in with our child's needs.  If we can explain it, we think it will make it all better...which it doesn't always - but sometimes it does calm our anxieties.  It allows us to know that we are doing our best to be the mothers that our children need.

And let's be honest -- there is great satisfaction in thinking...."Maybe it is an ear infection."  Then taking them in and telling the doctor that we think it is an ear infection, and after their inspection they CONFIRM our DIAGNOSIS that it is in fact an ear infection.  I could literally skip out of a doctor's office if I go in thinking something and leave with the diagnosis I was predicting.  Sooo satisfying!  Why is that? I guess it proves that as a mom I know my child. 
    
Here are a few ways Henry stumps me and here are some of my possible explanations...am I correct?  Probably not!  But for some reason...thinking it all out is what quite a bit of my energy is spent doing during the day. 



Every night before I say goodnight to Henry he looks up at me and I say, "Tomorrow (followed by a pause)." 

And he says, "Santa?"  

And I have to explain, "No, Santa only comes once a year."  

If I ever suggest that someone is coming over or visiting his first response is, "Santa?"  He says it like a question. 

Possible Explanation:  This year around the holidays we never made it to sit on Santa's lap...usually a traumatic experience for the 2-year-old age group.  Since the big fat man in the red suit didn't traumatize him, he sees him only as the magical jolly man that he actually is.

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

Henry is partaking in two ECFE classes, one on Thursday in the neighboring district, and one in our district on Fridays.  He is a different kid at both classes.  On Thursdays he is shy and won't interact with any of the adults (even some of the moms who have been with us for over a year).  He won't participate in the circle time, although he does sit well and is so spellbound.  He barely plays with anything and he clings to my leg.  

But at the Friday class he plays and talks.  Today he walked in and proudly showed them the shirt he was wearing.  During circle time he did the motions to the songs.  During snack time he realized that I was going to leave and he was a little saddened.  But he kept his eyes on Ms. Shari and he played and laughed...I know this because of the two- way window.  Why is he such a different kid...could it be the more stimulating environment, the more options of play, and the teachers....

Possible Explanation:  Or could it be that on Thursdays Charley comes with.  We drop him off in a sibling care room and then journey on to Henry's classroom.  During the entire class, at every transition Henry says, "Charley?" I wonder if he is so stressed about where Charley is that he can't relax.  Who knows...but it is just a thought. 




Being a mom is tough; your mind is always working.  You are constantly making decisions based on what you think your little ones need.  This week my sister was having an issue with her little E-bug and she called me while I was with a good friend.  After I gave my her my sisterly two cents of advice, I got off the phone and relayed the issue to my friend, who has four kids.  She has to have experienced everything with four kiddos.  She of course, like all of us, had a couple of ideas...and even later called me to give me another suggestion.  What a good friend to continue to think about my little sister.

But the point - we mamas are in it together.  We are all about supporting and trying to know the answer to making our lives easier.  We are there for each other to brainstorm and make sense of the thrills and loops that this roller coaster of motherhood throws our way.

Thinking outside of the box....the lunch box that is...

It's Friday...we have had a long week.  We are looking to spice up life here on this FREEEEZING Friday.  So I got out two muffin tins and served lunch Muffin Tin style....

Homemade Mac and Cheese

carrots

grapes

ketchup

half a hot dog

a piece of cheese

I got this idea on another blog I read...but I can't find it now.  It isn't a new idea...but if you are like me...you don't always take the time to think out of the box to put a different spin on getting your kids to eat or making lunch fun.

Smiles were big.  Everything was devoured.  We'll do this again soon!  Maybe a Muffin Tin Monday Lunch tradition is something to start.

Another fun way to feed the kids will be coming soon!  Stay tuned!

Update:  found the link.

Grace in Small Things #45

1.  A glass of wine - or two.
2.  A bubble bath (hopefully).
3.  A phone chat with a friend.
4.  An email from another friend.
5.  A sister and mom who make me laugh, calm me, and help me appreciate the ups and downs in life.
6.  A great game of marbles with the family (Charley and I figured out how to play this afternoon!) 

Let's be honest...who doesn't wish it was this time of year....

 

These are of Henry when he went to the "cottage" for the first time.  Colleen- this will be you this year!

Grace in Small Things #44

1.  Norah Jones music...perfect for our evenings these days. 

2.  A neighbor that calls to tell me that my garage is open...when she notices that Ed's car isn't here.  Kind. Oh. SO. KIND!

3.  Time spent going through kitchen cupboards and boxing up stuff that we don't use...like a bowl I painted on our honeymoon...we haven't used it in 7 years....and I don't think we ever will. 

4.  Finding time to workout everyday.  It is going so good. It feels so good physically and mentally.  Charley joined me in the 30 Day Shred today.  Hilarious!

5.  Henry has started labeling things as "Cool" ... he also says "Bummer".  Cracks me up.  Number two definitely grows up a lot faster.  Ugh.

Driving preschool carpool...

I get to witness these little boy conversations (Charley age 5 and Tyler age 4)...

They started out disagreeing that deer can fly....because Santa's deer fly.  But after a serious explanation by Charley they came to an agreement that only Santa's deer fly not the deer here.  And then they both gazed out the window with little smiles on their faces.

Then Four year old friend Tyler explained that he was still in his pjs because it was pj day in his class.  He told Charley that his grandpa gave him these pjs (said with such love) and "even when they are dirty (said in a whisper) I still want to wear them."  Then they both giggled.

Finally, Four year old friend gave Charley a run down on level 8 of Super Mario Brothers for the Wii....beating some giant "Bowser" character or something...flashbacks...I think I remember that thing.

Then Henry and I stopped at Target to get a couple grocery items that we needed to complete a few upcoming meals.  Henry desired a cookie and today he gave the gal at the bakery counter a HUGE smile and even a "thank you" after she handed him the free cookie. 

Staying home with my boys and doing some of the everyday little routines often gives me so much joy some days.  Don't get me wrong, I really miss feeding the part of my heart that has a passion for teaching, but I am determined to do that again.  And this...I can't do again, so I am going to just smile to myself as I tote them around and listen to their life realizations and reflections.  Because it is going so fast and they are so precious.

Wordless Wednesday: Sorry Guys

Who is Sorry now?

 

 

 

 

 

Go here  or here for more Wordless Wednesday links.

Be honest....

Okay, let me set up the scenario...

You get the kids up.
Keep them busy while you get yourself presentable today.
Get breakfast made and down the kids' hatches.
Bundle them up.
Get out the door.
Do a Target shop.
Run home and throw it into the house...putting the cold stuff into the fridge.
Then head to a MOMS Club meeting.

I have been a member of MOMS club since staying home with my boys.  It has been a wonderful way to meet moms and children.  It offers entertainment that is affordable, free, and fun!  Love it!  Haven't been to much lately due to the ages of the boys and other commitments (preschool, library, ecfe, etc.) 

Today they had the monthly member meeting (No one ever goes except the board - I know this because I was on the board last year.)  This month they were getting people to come by offering a speaker experience.  She was going to tell how she saves money and feeds her family for only $400 a month!  LOVE IT!  So I showed up at the church that usually houses our meetings and the parking lot had quite a few cars there.  But everyone was still in their cars.  The church was locked.  We were locked out.  So we had to find a place to have the meeting...and the speaker - it wasn't like we could reschedule.

So a friend, we'll call her Jessie, volunteered to host it at her house.  Keep in mind this is only 9:30 am!  Everyone said great and headed to her house...possibly arriving before she did!

COULD YOU DO THIS?  When you leave the house in the morning do you think...I might have to host over 20 moms and children...maybe I should----

wipe up the spilled cereal and toast crumbs

          empty the dishwasher that ran the night before,

so you could put the dinner dishes and breakfast dishes away.

Do you have your boys put their clothes in the hamper...since they got dressed in the entry way...due to the rush of trying to do too much before 9:30am.

Are toys picked up so that 15 kids can find a space of their own to keep busy...

             while 15 moms sit around and try to absorb good information that brought them out on this FREEZING MORNING!?

I DO NOT consider this possibility.  

I did not go to her house because I couldn't imagine being in her position.  I could not even imagine it.  And after getting home from our morning out and about the reality sunk in and sat heavy in my stomach.  I COULD NOT have done what she did...because everything I mentioned in the last paragraph....

• the toast crumbs
• the spilled milk
• the cereal spoon on the floor
• the dinner dishes out and all over
• toys not put away
• last nights pjs laying in the entry way
• a dirty (just pee) diaper wrapped up and sitting next to the pjs
• a toilet that needed flushing (does anyone else have this issue with their little boy)

And the list can go on.  Maybe this friend would say she spent yesterday cleaning or having someone else clean...it doesn't matter.  It isn't the deep cleaning that I have even started to think about... I am just talking about the morning tornado that happens when you have to get out of the house and get somewhere at a specific time.

I am just saying..

I.  COULD. NOT. HAVE. DONE. WHAT. SHE. DID.

And for that - she deserves a huge hug...and an afternoon to herself....and a moment to breathe.  And I am helping give that to her.  Love you....we'll just call you Jessie - You AMAZE me!

So be honest...do you leave your house each day ....ready to host.... I can proudly say...no!

Who would have thought...

When we got married we registered for a bread machine....because doesn't everyone register for a bread machine.  Well we got one!  It has taken up a lot of space in our kitchen cupboards.  I used it a few times with box mixes.  But it has spent the majority of our 7 years together deep in a cupboard.

However, I would like to let EVERYONE know that our bread machine has been getting a little use.  I have now mastered a yummy oatmeal bread that is perfect for toasting.  And this weekend I mastered (ha, like I can say I mastered it....well I am going to) a loaf of french bread.  I make the dough in the bread machine.  Then I let it rise outside of the machine and bake it in the shape that I want...instead of the stubby loaf that the machine makes.  Here is the proof:

Shaping it into a loaf!

Letting it rise!

Yipee!

Served with Meatball Soup - compliments of Jessie's hard work....meal group rocks!

Ed just kept shaking his head at me on Saturday mid morning.  I was soooooo excited to watch it rise and then bake perfectly!  I let out multiple squeals at different points in the process! 

So what wedding gift do you need to brush the dust off....or what wedding gift has really been a favorite?

"Not Me" Monday

   
 I was not super excited that the Vikings lost the big game yesterday.....even though I live in Minnesota.  Even though I had many friends psyched for a win. Nope, a dedicated Green Bay Packer fan I am not!  Not me! 
Last week I wore jeans when I dropped Charley off at a friends.  I didn't head  home and put on my cozy pants and later pick him up in the cozy pants.  My friend didn't notice that I changed because, "you don't wear jeans all that much."  Nope, I don't own just one pair of jeans that fit me comfortably right now, Not me!

We did not put our boys to bed at 6:50 on Saturday night so we could begin our "date night."

  I do not leave laundry in both the washer and dryer too long.  Causing me to rewash the clothes in the washer from time to time.  And letting things sit in the dryer causes them to wrinkle...I do not then take them and make a mounding pile on our couch...leaving them even more wrinkled.  Which means, my husband would have to iron his work pants and shirts EVERY MORNING.  Nope, that's not me.  I would of course be more on top of the laundry situation in our house so that my husband could sleep an extra 10 minutes.

I do not physically ache when I see life changing before my eyes....like in these photos.  Nope, seeing my boys grow up is not a big deal to me.  Not, me!

 

 

 

Head over here if you want to read what other people are NOT doing.

At Home Sushi Date Night

Yesterday I surprised Ed with some sushi grade tuna.  We fed the kiddos early and put them to bed early (6:50).  We proved the "Sleep breeds sleep theory" last night.  Having them quiet at 6:50 meant they slept until 7:10!  WOO HOO!

Ed made the rice earlier in the afternoon.

Sushi Rice 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi or short grain rice
• 2 cups water (extra for rinsing rice)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Directions:

Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water.

Swirl the rice in the water, rinse, repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.

Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat.

Bring to a boil, uncovered.

Next, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover.

Cook for 15 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds.

Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi.

We cover it with a damp cloth while it comes to room temp.

Once the kiddos were in bed Ed made us Tequini's.  Nice try honey.  He knows I enjoy Tequila...but this was not how I like it.

Tequini

1-1/2 oz. tequila

1/2 oz. dry vermouth

Shake with ice and serve on the rocks, or strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with a slice of lime or a twist of lime peel. 

I am not going to attempt to explain how to make a sushi roll.  I know there are better resources...like here.  But I will say that making your own sushi is not that difficult if you just talk a little confidence into your soul and go for it.....and a Tequini helps.

An at home sushi date night is WAAAAAAAAAAAY cheaper than going out for it.  However, I am determined in the next year to take Ed downtown to a sushi establishment and do the chefs choice experience...where you sit at the sushi bar, give up control, and let them surprise you.  I hear this is the best way to 'do' sushi.

Little jeans.

Little boy.

Little bum.

Little jeans.

Little shoes.

Little cutie.

If only I could find myself a pair of jeans that made my bum look so adorable.

A little play and a little seperation...

The View from behind the one way glass.

Puzzle time!

Waiting for the toast to pop!

Hey LOOK!  It popped!

Many proud moments this week...

1.  I have consumed water consistently all week.  I have averaged 5-8 glasses a day.  I am almost thirstier than I used to be.  I used to drink one diet coke all day - nothing else.  This is hard. This is good.

2.  I have worked out every day this week in some form...except Tuesday.  I am most proud of the ache I feel from the wii fit and weights I have worked into my routine.  My trick - do them during lunch/dinner prep (while the water boils I bust out a few reps).  Whatever works...right?

3.  Henry went pee on the potty for the first time this week.  Nothing else since then but it was a fun first step.

4.  We also had Henry's second class at his new little school together.  Amazingly, he survived the small separation part again this week.  He did need his nuk for a little bit but he survived.  What makes me so happy ...I can watch him from a one way window.  I can see him but he can't see me.  And when I do reappear he is soooooooooo proud.  He walks taller and has this little attitude that pushes his shoulders back and gives him a bit more strut down the hallway...instead of the distracted toddler dawdle that usually occurs. 

5.  Charley has been enthusiastic about doing a little "mama school" lately.  His adding and writing of numbers are done seriously.  His reading and word work are done slowly.  He created his own snowman, played sight word bingo, and is excited to see what his journal question is.  Henry sits with us and putters in his notebook on his "work." 

6.  Right now I am feeling really balanced with our out of the house fun and our cozy in home fun.  The boys are seeing friends yet are also having plenty of time together and alone.  Both boys have times during the week and day where they entertain themselves or each other.  The balance feels healthy.  I admit that I go in spurts where I over schedule playdates, outings, etc.  When we do slow down I find that we are happier.  

7.  The last two mornings the boys have slept in until after 7 am.  Makes for a little more rushed "get out of the house routine."  But I am not complaining. 

8.  I have cut out cocktails during the week and this has been going great.  I feel like I sleep better...not that one glass of wine has a huge impact.  But tonight with our pizza I am really looking forward to a cold beer.

9. Today the boys were so busy giggling and playing up in Henry's room.  Listening to them is joy.  All of a sudden Charley was crying and all I could hear was Henry repeatedly saying, "Sorry.  Sorry. Sorry Charee."  He threw a flashlight thingy at Charley, and it hit him in the nose.  I am so proud of his instinct to apologize and give a hug.  I explained to Charley that throwing stuffed animals with Henry isn't maybe a smart thing because he doesn't get that a flashlight isn't like a stuffed animal. 

The weeks are busy.

The days fly by.

There are very few moments that drag around here. 

Thankfully we have had some low key weekends to slow us down, give us time to breathe, pause, and take in the moments. 

Did you have a proud moment this week?

What are you filling your weekend with?

Where do I find inspiration...

The last two evenings our internet service has been on the fritz.  That is not a good thing for me.  Once the boys are down I like to spend a little time, uninterrupted, to read some of the blogs I follow.  The blogs that remind me, challenge me, revitalize me, etc....before falling into a zombie state with some mindless tv....last night I caught up on Idol and Biggest Loser.  This is the first season I will try and watch Biggest Loser (I am finding it motivating).

So this morning I pried my eyes open before I heard any murmurs from my boys.  I was happy to find that the internet was back up and running and I had my few moments of blog inspiration.  Here are the couple of thoughts that will be in the back of my mind today.

Loving the Mothers we Are by Handmade Homeschool - Great truth


Morning by Life - Remember to appreciate your everyday moments

Kids Compendium:  Your Questions Answered by Small Notebook - Lots of ideas

What to do when you are two....

When your big brother is at school then it is time to play with mama.

So we got out some cars....

red ones,

blue ones,

and yellow ones.

And we lined them up - a little boys heaven!

Then we established some parking lots.

Finally, we worked on parking the cars on in the correct parking lot.

Working on our colors.

Kind of tricky and kind of fun!