A picture that I can't wait to share...

My boys had a super summer day today. It was probably one of my top days as a stay at home mom. We managed swim lessons, a grocery run to Target, leisurely packed up for the beach, and then met friends for a 2 hour beach playdate. It was heaven.

We got home showered and got Henry down for a nap. Charley kept himself busy with a quiet activity and I got a few things picked up around the house. When Henry woke we packed up and made a run for the nearby pool. It was our first outing to the pool. We ran into friends, who were leaving, but thanks Lynelle and girls for staying a bit longer to keep us company.

The happiness I saw on Charley's face was incredible. He is at an age now where if he is happy you can really tell and you know he is taking it in. He came up to me midway through the swim and said, "MAMA! Can we come back next year?" Bless his heart. I of course said yes...however, we will be going back many times yet this summer.

I have had Charley in swim lessons for the last couple months but what children truly need to learn to swim is just some time to gaing confidence hopping around in the water...following the lead of other children be-bopping in the pool. By the end of our pool outing Charley had realized that if he kicked when he pushed off in the water he could get himself from here to there! It clicked. So proud of him.

I grabbed my camera at one point to snap some pictures but the only one worth sharing...and I must say that this picture makes me smile so big....was the only one I needed to get. The life guard informed me they don't allow cameras...which I totally get...but I am so glad I got this one shot.

Henry was devastated that he didn't have any goggles...but our friends who we ran into, they have two girls, had a couple extra pairs...so my day was saved by these cute little yellow flower goggles that Henry wore for the entire 2 hours we were there.  Tomorrow we will go to Target to get him his own boy pair. 

Both the beach and the pool today were successful outings.  I LOVE pushing myself out of my comfort zone and letting my boys enjoy summer.  How else am I going to get to watch my little 2 1/2 year old kick around in yellow flower goggles like a little fish.

He just might get that he is going to be a big brother!

Today we went to a beach with some friends and in the middle of all the sand and fun my little Henry leaned over to the other mommy we were with and said, "My mama has a baby in belly."

We put the big brother shirt on him....but could he actually get it?  Hmmmm....

This is linked to Wordless Wednesday at Live and Love Out Loud and  5 Minutes for Mom

balance...for now?

As a parent, I try to find balance in our day to day comings and goings in hopes of bringing harmony into our home. This probably sounds corny...but nothing is worse than crabby mom and overtired and stimulated kids...especially if the two collide and happen simultaneously.

I am not saying that these moments don't happen here...often...but lately I have felt pretty confident and sure of the choices I have made for our summer schedule. And I am finding it is working for us. Even with an overloaded day thrown in there yesterday - everyone survived with minimal whining (by both mom and children).

Last summer we were out the door every day by 8am for multiple activities 4 days a week. This year I am just focusing on swim lessons during the daytime hours. We are on session two. Because Henry and I aren't in the pool and Charley has moved out of the preschool level and is in with the bigger kids he can go during the 8:30 time slot. Yes, early. But we are up here anyways (6:20 am, baby!). Henry is content starting the day off sitting "up" in the balcony watching. And off we go. From swimming we have just been going with the flow. Making plans and taking the days as they come. I am happy. I am relaxed. And the boys are experiencing summer.

It feels good to find the choices you made work for your family. It brings a sense of "I think I kinda know what I am doing in this thing called parenting." That feeling obviously comes and goes from moment to moment but lately, when it comes to our daily schedule. I think I got this one...at least for now.

Works for me Wednesday: Easy gift idea

As the end of the school year came to a close my mind raced for a teacher gift idea.  Then I remembered my notecard gift idea.  Throughout the year if I come across cute notecards...blank, thank you, birthday, etc.   I buy them and stash them in a box.  When it comes time to give a thank you gift I pull a few cards from each pack and make an assortment of fun notecards.  I tied them up with a ribbon and done!  Who doesn't need a fun stash of blank notecards in their desk drawer!  Michaels craft store and Target have great blank cards in their dollar sections.  Charley's main teacher of course got a larger stack but each teacher helper was also given a little something.   


For many years of my life, mostly when I was in college, my mom  would give my sister and I a box of cards for Christmas.  NOT a premade box of cards....rather, she went and handpicked a selection of cards with different themes (birthday, thank you, friendship, romance, grief, thinking of you...etc).  It was probably our favorite gift each year.  It might be silly to think of someone giving you cards that you would potentially send to someone who you are falling in love with, celebrating their birthday, or grieving for a loved one....but cards are expensive and a great card can be picked out and appreciated by anyone.  I LOVED this gift. 

I will bow my head in shame and admit that I don't send as many cards these days.  Friends go without birthday cards or cards of friendship.  Family don't receive Easter cards....I do however, have a card box, stuffed to the gills.  Filled with fun cards ready when the moment is there.  Because, who doesn't love going to the mailbox and to find something personal and thoughtful waiting with the electric bill.

This post is linked to We are That Family's Works for Me Wednesday post. 

Look what's happening tomorrow!

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from cookware to cribs to specific needs such as dining room sets and shoes.  I have been given the opportunity to give away another $50 gift card to one of their 200 online stores.  This opportunity start tomorrow.  Go here to read more.

Course.

I am making calzones tonight for dinner. One of the ingredients is pepperoni. Poor Henry missed his afternoon snack because there was too much action in the sandbox this afternoon. I threw him a piece of pepperoni...well passed it to him. He liked it.

Henry: "Mama, nother piece of pepperoni?"
Mama: "Sure, can you go in the fridge and get it."
Henry: "Sure"
Mama: It is on the top shelf.
Henry: Closing the fridge..."which shelf?"
Mama: "In the fridge, on the top shelf, in the fridge. In the red little bag."
Henry: "This fridge?"
Mama: "Yes, that fridge." (because we only have one)
Henry: "Course."

After some serious looking he did find it and grab a piece and then inform me...."Back mama"

Love my boy.

Grace in Small Things

1. Watching my Charley in swim lessons from the hot steamy upper balcony.

2. Running errands with my two sidekicks. They are good errand runners...hoping out of the car, holding hands without argument in the parking lot, sticking by me in the stores, not begging or crying for things, and always up for the next stop. I know I have only a few more years of running errands with these little sidekicks so I best enjoy them.

3. Found these little Life is Good t-shirts for Henry on sale at REI today. They were only $10 a piece. He deserves a new t-shirt every now and then. He also got some "ip ops". He is very proud to be like his big brother.

4. I am almost caught up on laundry. I have all the laundry folded and in baskets. I will attempt to put it away tonight.

5. Pistashio nuts.

Saturday

So Henry has had a weird few days of high fevers but no other symptoms. After our ER visit on Thursday night we followed up with his doctor on Friday afternoon. He was still running a 103.3 fever. All tests came back with nothing so they explained he would probably break the fever in the next day or two and then this Roseolla rash would show up on his torso. And boy did it ever. Saturday morning he woke up with it all over his belly and back and by mid morning it was on his face and hairline. Even though the rash is not bothersome...it looks so sad. But his appetite was back. Getting back to the Saturday morning thing...

Everyone in our house slept until 8am! AWESOME...right? Not so much, when Charley has his big soccer jamboree starting at 8:30! Ed quickly showered and headed out with Charley ...I sent some pancakes with them. Henry and I arrived a bit late but still got to see 3 of the 4 20 minute games. And the big moment occurred at the end when Charley was presented with his first trophy.

 The rest of the day was spent staying cool because the heat and humidity were pretty steamy.  Henry was a sad soul but his appetite returned and brother time was great medicine.

Dinnertime rolled around and without hesitation we ordered this...which we don't do very often anymore since we typically roll out our own dough...but there is something about take out pizza.  The boys waited patiently in the front yard to see the pizza guy arrive. 

A summer Saturday that we survived with sizzling temperature, busy soccer, a sick boy, and all the other stuff that comes along with everyone home with wants and needs.  Here's to a more healthy week in our household...and yours too!

First they build it - then we fill it!

For Father's Day Ed got this saw...he was pretty pumped. I had no idea what this would mean. But I must say - it was pure joy watching the satisfaction as he sawed his first piece of wood.

His first project, a compost bin, began and the boys were right there helping every step of the way.

The pieces that Charley is putting in are removable for easy access to the compost.  Very cool!

The compost bin turned out more massive than we imagined.  But, Ed managed to PROUDLY get it up on the wheelbarrow all by himself.  When I came out in the garage and saw that he had done this I shook my head, like any wise wife would. 

He responded with a huge smirk.  He then continued to roll it out to the spot. 

He did ask our neighbor to help him place it off the wheelbarrow onto the spot that he and the boys had worked hard to clear. 

 I think he did an amazing job on it.  It is beautiful...almost too beautiful to leave out in the weather and fill with all the things that should help diminish our contribution to the landfills.  We have a garbage can full of grass clippings a week- some will go in here.  We have tons of leaves in the fall - those will go in here.  And the boys will help take out our food scraps (because quite honestly, I don't see myself 8 1/2 months pregnant trudging through the snow...but we'll see).  My boys know what a compost bin is.  They are excited for the next step...filling it. 

Confirming - Three it is!

Well, here goes!

We are expecting our third little miracle come January 2011!

I have hinted and pondered fun ways to announce. Many have emailed guesses. We have shared with many "real life" friends and family and I can't hold it in any longer. Henry is going to be a big brother. Charley is going to be an even bigger brother.

I have waited to share on here because Ed has a couple buddies he was excited to tell...but he is having a hard time getting a hold of them so he said go for it. They most likely don't read our blog anyways. Sad for him - but I know his buddies will share the good news when they connect.

Baby will arrive late January...projected at this point between January 24th and January 30th (putting me at almost 10 weeks!).   Henry will be a solid 3 years and one month. Charley was 3 years and 3 months when Henry arrived. So spacing is about the same! We had an ultrasound and confirmed one miracle.

Both boys are excited and Henry shares that there is "baby in mama's belly" to those that we see. I don't think he really gets it yet.

On our list for the next 7 months...

1. Get rid of his nuk.
2. Potty train.
3. Move him to big boy bed.
4. Transition the boys to being roommates...with possible bunk beds! The actual bunking will be a reward...earned when they are falling asleep and waking without disrupting each other.

I have felt like crap the last 5-6 weeks. Not actually vomiting ...but an all day nausea that is impacting my life way too much. So that blog post regarding an inconvenience....the inconvenience is the morning sickness - NOT the baby. The baby is a gift...the morning sickness is NOT.   I have also been napping - thanks to my little Charley for being patient and allowing this to happen.

The house is a wreck - but I figure I am growing a brain and 10 fingers and toes and as long as the boys are enjoying the summer and we are all surviving - then that is all that matters. So laundry is out of control and meals are really lacking in the effort and nutrition areas. I have started to feel better though so things are going to get back on track.

Ed would probably like to find out the sex of this little joy but I wanted to go through all this one more time for the joy and surprise of it all. I really enjoy that this one thing in life is out of our control and so HUGE. I think not knowing builds so much excitement and anticipation for me, Ed, and our family and friends.

I started blogging after Charley and Henry were born. So I am excited to document this pregnancy a little more. Although with the lack of energy these days I just can't bring myself to sitting down like I used to. But blogging makes me happy. It is my hobby and little thing that I do for myself. The connections I have started making are so important to me and I love sharing the excitement of this with my online friends. So I am vowing to make a little more time for this again. It gives me happiness.

So Kiddy Cocktails will be my drink of choice this summer.

The number 3 is the new 2 in our house!

Cheers!

Lists are all I am good for these days...

1. I just can't get in a groove here on my blog. It is getting me really down. I have so many things that float through my head to share...funny, serious, exciting...but then when it comes to sitting down and composing my thoughts...I will finally admit it to the world - General Hospital wins out. Yes, I am a closet soap watcher. I Tivo it everyday and then zip through the episode in less than 30 minutes. It is my escape. I know it kills brain cells...but everyone has their little thing. And GH is winning these days.

2. I have also started an addiction to House Hunters. My husband happened to flip that show on one night and it was an episode featuring OUR TOWN and I recognized the house and it was one block away! Sucked me in...and now I have to know if they are going to pick A. the cozy cottage with the small master bedroom B. The small backyard but three car garage or C. The finished basement with deck of dreams.

3. Thank you for all the book suggestions. I am reserving them all and hope for a few to come in before my week of vacation.

4. Last night we spent 3 hours in the ER with Henry. He has had a high fever and a bug bite that seemed odd....but it doesn't look like the bug bite is related. He had to have a catheter and that was a horrid experience to support him through. Both of us were in tears. Ed had run home to relieve the babysitter who was concerned about an early morning dentist appointment - can I say we are done with that sitter for awhile. But when we did get home around midnight both boys went right to bed. When Ed and Charley picked us up at the ER Henry explained to Charley that he "had a big boy night."
Blessed. We'll see how the little trooper is today.

5. Kiddy Cocktail or Shirley Temple...that is the name of that drink! Sorry...forgot to share the answer.

6. Is it Friday? I think it is. I am so out of it. The boys laugh at the confusion they witness lately...pulling a glass of water towards me on the table but not stopping and pulling it right into my lap. Calling them by the wrong name throws them into fits and giggles...and not being able to think of simple words like ...I can't even remember what it was...maybe bucket (i think I described it as the yellow thing that can hold stuff with the handle laying there in the grass...verging on adding some "bad mommy language" very soon when both boys stood there staring at me.

7. When my husband got home from the ER last night to relieve the babysitter, who graciously popped over so we didn't have to bring both boys - YES I APPRECIATE THAT - he cleaned up the kitchen and emptied the....thing that you open and put dirty dishes in...what is it...ah, DISHWASHER. Then he filled it and ran it! I am determined to unload it first thing when I venture downstairs. I also have the goal of putting away all the laundry and finish what is left to do.

8. I pretty much forgot I owned a camera this week. Boo.

9. My nephew Eli turned 1 and I owe a HUGE post to him. All 1st birthdays are HUGE celebrations...but with the start that Eli had - His first birthday was extra huge in my, his godmother's, heart. Soon. Very soon.

10. More fun coming later today! Stay tuned.

Grace in Small Things

1.  VERY early this morning the thunder rolled.  There were a few really big booms that startled me awake.  My boys have NEVER woken due to storms - KNOCK ON WOOD!  They sleep through it every single time.  Blessed - truly blessed.

2.  Our raspberry bushes will give us a good bowl full of berries this year.  If the boys don't go and eat them before I can pick them.   And our garden, that needs some weed attention, is actually doing well and we have several tomatoes showing up already!  woo hoo!

3.  A weekend at home between summer travel weekends is always a blessing.  We will be busy with a soccer jamboree, a date with some of my girlfriends, and possibly tearing apart one of our bathrooms...but we are home.

4.  My blackberry phone.  It really makes me happy to be able to phone, email, facebook, etc out and about.  I know it is good to take a break but the luxury of sitting at soccer and emailing my sister is such a treat. 

5.  I have two leads on some possible bunkbeds for the boys.  One used. One new.  Both tempting for different reasons.  My worry...when are boys ready for the responsibilty of the top bunk....and how in the hell do you change the sheets up there? 

Works for Me Wednesday: Paint brushes + water = summer fun

Grab some paint brushes, sponge brushes, sponges, and a bucket of water and your kids will be busy "painting" without a mess!  Thanks to my mom for this idea that has been a favorite for many summers so far! 


This post is linked to We Are that Family's Works for Me Wednesday.

{updated}: Tis the season...

Rhubarb pie from our own rhubarb plant.  If you live in the area and want some rhubarb we have plenty!  Or let me know and I will whip you up a pie.  I hate to see it go to waste!

SERIOUSLY!  Let me know!

Rhubarb Pie - Settlement  Cookbook
3-4 cups rhubarb
2 Tablespoons cornstartch
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups sugar

Line a pie plate with pastry (I use store bought, my grandma said they taste just as good!). 
Cut the rhubarb in 1/4 inch pieces; sprinkle with cornstartch.
Add egg and sugar, mix well, turn into lined pie plate.
Cover with top crust or lattice strips.
Bake in a hot oven 30 minutes at 425 degrees,
reduce heat to 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
Mix equal parts rhubarb and sliced, fresh strawberries for variety.
** I usually cover the edge of the pie with tinfoil to keep it from browning or burning :)

Grace in Small Things

Heck with numbering the Grace entries. It is too stressful and I will do them more often if I don't have to go back and find the last one to see what number to give this one.

1. I added my favorite song these days to the blog. I just love it. That player at the bottom saves me so much money because I don't have to go buy the music ...I can overplay it, like I did in college, and then when I am sick of it move on to something new.

2. Thank you to the commenters on the blog or emails lately. It really is starting to spur me into blogging a little more often again. Get ready! Lots of exciting things coming your way! Little "inconveniences" will bring about big time joy....eventually.

3. Henry is just such a joy these days. And he has a little buddy named Sawyer that he is finally paying attention to when we have play dates. Here they are sharing some pretzels at a BUSY playground. This is summer to a mom of boys. Belly buttons, blond hair, and sun-kissed cheeks.

4.  Book recommendations...I need some!  Throw some names my way!  Please!  I have a month to get my hands on a pile of books...because Ed is coming to the cottage for a few days this year....and you know what that means?  Mama gets to put her feet up.....NOT!  But it is fun to dream!
5.  Who can name this drink?  Enjoyed by all ages!  I remember it most up at the cottage.  Why my parents splurged on these with a family of 5, I have no idea?   What a treat.  

3...

I like it. You?

Links I Love

Strawberry season is upon us. Check out this plan of attack...hulling strawberries with a straw?! Can't wait to try it. Thanks Amy from New Nostalgia

I Charley  tried her basic cleaner this week.  I bought a three pack of spray bottles at Home Depot and used the water and vinegar recipe she has posted here.  Charley did the windows he could reach, inside and outside, and then the guest shower.  It kept him busy for quite a while!  Thanks again Amy at New Nostalgia.

Multitasking....maybe not.  Thanks to Life as Mom

Why we won't be signing up for the summer reading program by Steady Mom...makes sense to me.

Dealing with Mom Guilt by Simple Mom

A reminder as you kick off summer with a house full of kids that are used to being in school by Clover Lane

YOUR neck is not kinked

Stop.
Right now and notice.

Life.

It is good to do this every once in a while.

There are times when things are happening and you realize how good it was when...

....you were getting good sleep.....not sick....when your limbs were all working....when something wasn't achy....when everyone in your life was okay....when you weren't consumed with someone's health or well being....when bills were paid and there was an extra 20 in your wallet for take out pizza....when friends called to make plans....when your kids listened, cleaned up, got along, made you proud....when your windows being opened could cool the house....when all appliances were working....when doorknobs turned and opened....when cars got you to and from.....or the weather wass perfect for biking to and fro....when your children find contentment and busyness in their imagination, each other, and their possessions.

The list can go on and on. It is amazing how your child's ear infection can make you appreciate their little whinyy time in the evening or their once or twice a night wakings. When you injure yourself you realize how valuable that body part is and how you never noticed it before.

I have been dealing with a teeny tiny something and I CAN'T wait until I can just just sigh and appreciate life. It is just a little inconvience but it is something that is impacting all parts of my life. And there are moments during my day when this little inconvience is not noticed. And I think - oh! This is what it was like.

I'm just sayin'

Stop.
Notice.
Your neck is not kinked.
Your arm not broken.
Your children are screaming happy in the next room.
Your fridge is full of groceries, maybe not what you want for dinner, but there is food.
Just realize.

And if by chance, you are going through something that has your life in upheaval. My thoughts are with you. Hang in there. Time passes. Moments pass. Wounds heal.  Peace is found. Friendship makes you strong. And there are probably still so many good things going on around you. Try and notice them.

Life.
Appreciate it.

Tis the season...

Tis the season for the Farmer's Market.  Our market is open from 8-noon on Sundays.  I love it.  We pack up thinking it is going to be this huge outing but it only takes about 15 minutes of our day.  We wander and all say what looks good for the week...or two.  We spend around $10-20 depending on the week ahead.  I very seldom buy fruit and veggies at the grocery store this time of the year - why would you?  The items that are grown locally actually have flavor.  They are a lot of the time cheaper, bigger, and they are real.  This time of year in Minnesota you can find a variety of potatoes, onions, salad, brocolli, sugar snap peas, radishes, strawberries, and much more.  Soon tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, berries, corn and more will be available.

Later in the summer I buy tons of sweet corn, cook it, strip it off the cob and freeze it in zip bags.  We used every last bag this year.  It was my dad's favorite part of Easter dinner this year.  I also buy big amounts of green peppers and chop them up and freeze those.  They work great on pizza or in soups and chili.  They sell basil in huge batches for $1.  I use those to make lots of pesto for the freezer.  I can't wait to see what I add to our freezer stash this year. 

And the flowers!  Oh the flowers!  Soon you will be able to buy huge bouquets of flowers for only $5.  I like to separate the bushel out and spread fresh flowers throughout the house.

I have many friends who have signed up for CSAs this year.  I am so excited to hear what they get each week in their box of goodies.  I hesitate to sign up for this because of the age my kids are.  I guess I like to get what I know we will eat and I don't want to get a big box of stuff that isn't going to be devoured.  However, it would be a great challenge to find recipes and try some of the things included in the CSA bushels.  There are also weeks when we are out of town or are granted a bag of garden veggies from family or friends and it is really frustrating to have things go to waste.  So we choose to take advantage of the farmer's market.

Whatever you do to feed your family - challenge yourself to get your hands on some local produce.  It is such a treat and such an empowering feeling - knowing you are supporting good old fashioned local farms. 

Just another Monday...

It's Monday. 

Monday. 

It's Raining..what's new? We haven't seen the sun for more than 20 minutes in the last week...at least it feels that way.

We got up and had cream of wheat cereal with strawberries for breakfast. Always tastes good when it is a wee bit chilly.

Then we headed to swim lessons. Yes, even after two evenings a week lessons almost put me over the edge I signed us all up for everyday for two week lessons. Day one down...9 left to go.

Ed forgot his cell phone so we spent over an hour in the car and drove to deliver him his phone. Selfishly, I insisted because I can't stand when I can't call him come 5 pm...which it is and I haven't heard from him yet. hmmmm.

As a treat, the boys and I had lunch at Noodles and Company. yummy.

Home with full tummies....nope, we made a quick stop at Target in the POURING rain to get ingredients for Lasagna.

I am trying not to rock Hank anymore before nap so instead I sit in there. I fall asleep. Charley is a gem and lets me sleep for a good 20 minutes. What a smart boy.

This afternoon I made four pans of lasagna...one for us tonight. And three for my meal group swap tomorrow. I hope it cooks up good and is decent for them.

  I also have dough prepping for french bread.  It probably won't be ready tonight.  boo!

It finally stopped raining and the boys are now out playing on our swingset and sandbox with the neighbor girls. Heaven. Love that I can see and hear them from the kitchen...while I DRAG myself to empty the dishwasher so I can fill it with all the lasagna dishes.

Maybe instead I will make a pan of rice krispie bars instead.

Rain expected again tomorrow...I think rice krispie bars would be heavenly to have on the counter so that each time I pass by I can cut myself a TEENY TINY sliver and enjoy, with my head stuck in the cupboard of course, because I can't let my boys have a piece everytime I indulge.  Oh admit it - all mom's do that...hide in the cupboard or behind the side of the fridge....anyone ---- anyone?

 I deserve a little treat after getting in the freezing pool at 9 am!

Ooooo!  I started a chore/job notebook with Charley and it worked Monday-Friday last week.  I am so pumped.  I will post about that soon! 

Soccer scenes

This spring we signed Charley up for soccer.  He has loved it!  I have loved it!  This weekend his game was canceled due to wet fields.  I am so disappointed, and let me tell you I never thought I would be disappointed.  Growing up I was never an athlete.  My parents tried.  They signed me up, exposed me, and cheered me on.  Thank you.  Swimming was the only thing that really took for me.  But now, as a mom, I have found pure bliss sitting and watching my son play. 

My mom came to visit last weekend to see him play.  I told her it would bring her back to the Saturdays spent at the fields. 

It rained.  Charley loved playing in the rain.  My mom noticed it too.  She remarked that the smiles he had during the ENTIRE hour game were true happy smiles.  They weren't forced, shy, or uncomfortable.  He was truly happy.  I do my best to capture some of the moments. 

This game my mom got to see Charley score his first goal.  He was super excited...so were we.  He came running down the field so excited.  And he got the cutest embrace from one of the gals on his team.  I only caught the tail end of it.  But you can tell that threw him for a loop. 

And then of course we have Super Henry who tags along to practices and games.  Eats snacks.  Cheers - he really does yell "Go Charley!"  And from time to time he gives it a go with daddy on the sidelines.  I predict Saturdays going from one game to the next in my not so near future!