Rainbows won't wait

For my birthday my mom and dad sent me a birthday card and inside my mom wrote this quote.  It is one that will be a daily reminder for me. 

Thirsty Thursday

I have always enjoyed a cold beer.   But mixed drink cocktails are something that always taste good.  Now that I am pregnant and passing on the cold summer beverages in the fun glasses with umbrellas sticking out of them, or the sweaty tumbler filled with a cold Honeyweiss and a lemon floating lazily in it....or a Blue Moon with a slice of orange....

What summer beverage makes you happy on a hot summer evening?  When your day has your childrens' cheeks kissed with sun.  When your feet are asking to be propped up on your husband's lap or the front porch swing squeak is calling for your hinder to plop itself down and breathe deeply.  Let me live vicariously through you. 

Works for me Wednesday: Bee Sting Survival 101

We were at the park at grandmas and Charley got a bee/ wasp sting. He cried. It. hurts.

On our walk home from the park Grandma Charlie dug back into her bee sting survival tip files and thought she remembered something about using mustard to help a bee sting. When we got home she decided to look online to make sure it was mustard...because that didn't seem quite right.

SOY SAUCE!

Charley hesitated when we told him that soy sauce could help the bee sting. So Grandma put a little soy sauce on the band aid and then stuck that on the little bulls eye sting mark.

SERIOUSLY, within 2 hours the bulls eye was gone and the swelling was gone. His arm looked like nothing had happened to it.

SOY SAUCE! I know I will be grabbing up some small to go packets next time the opportunity arises to stick in my first aid kit.

This post is linked to We are THAT family's Works for me Wednesday.

Dr. Mom

As moms when our children leave us puzzled by some little ailment it leaves us with bags under our eyes as we lay awake trying to figure it out, a few extra tubes of this and that in our medicine drawer/cupboard, it monopolizes conversations with friends, and causes us to take breaks from reality to sit in waiting rooms and ask the "experts"....

These days there is so much info out there on the internet that as mothers we can freak ourselves out diagnosing rashes, coughs, and different colored poop. It is a gift but also probably a stresser. It amazes me the moms I come across in my life who share their experiences where they solved their own little medical mysteries by changing a little thing here or there.

Last week one of the blogs I follow shared her daughters "Milk butt" issues. Truly frightening that she figured out how to rid her daughter of the "milk butt" symptoms just by thinking outside of the box...or rather thinking about what is inside the jug of milk.

As mom's we need to remember to trust our instincts and when I hear little stories like this it reminds me that even though I NEVER hesitate to run my boys into the doctor's office...there are so many little things to try and alter that can impact our children, without smearing chemicals or serving them up doses of man made medicine.

Find out tomorrow what Soy Sauce can do for you!

Birthday recap!

Last week I celebrated my birthday.

It began staring down the toilet. For the first time this pregnancy the gaggy feeling brought dry heaving. Not sure if it was the lack of substantial meal the night before (Ed and I went to a movie and then out for some nachos) or if it was a blip in the pregnancy symptoms. Either way...on my birthday - NO. THANK. YOU.

The entire day was spent trying to feel 110% so I could get all the last minute packing for our family vacation done.

2 friends dropped off little surprises that MADE. MY. DAY. Heather, thanks for the Jelly Bellies. I promptly put them in a bowl, in the corner of the kitchen, and began sneaking them throughout the day. And Jessie, thank you so much for the personalized soap dispenser. I want details because everyone I know and love is going to get one of these from me - if I can figure it out.

Ed picked up some fancy little treats instead of a cake. They were delicious.

The boys were wonderful. There was no jumping on the couch, they played nicely, and Charley even got some fishy crackers for Henry while I hovered over the toilet at 7:30 am. The boys being so good when I wasn't feeling 100% was the best birthday gift a mom could ask for.

Slowing down...but stay tuned!

This week I will be a bit distracted.
I will be doing a little relaxing.
I will be soaking up the fresh North Woods air.
I will have my boys, my family, and good friends sitting beside me in lawn chairs or on the dock.
I will feel the wind in my face as we skim the waters in my dad's fishing boat.

I will relish watching my boys enjoy the joys of childhood - simple - not distracted by computers, video games, televisions, phones, etc. buckets of toys, and fancy outings.  They will find joy in rocks, sand, lake water, a worm, and sticks.

I will think.
I will be.

I tried to pre - post a few posts to pop up throughout the week.  I am not sure what the internet connection is going to be for the next few days.  So we haven't TOTALLY fallen off the face of the earth....we are just letting our faces get a little vitamin D and taking a break from reality. 

More soon!

Happy Anniversary!

July 20, 2002

1 perfect day spent with friends and family.

1 relaxing honeymoon

 The transition from apartment to townhouse, to single family home.

The exciting purchase of our first vehicle together, the Tahoe...and the reluctant acceptance of the minivan. 

 1 little boy named Charley,

1 little boy named Henry, and

1 miracle on the way!

Vacations to Las Vegas, Naples, Georgia, Seattle, Mexico, and Maryland.

Weekends spent hungover - sleeping the day away...to weekends of sandboxes, parks, and early to bed early to rise.

Lots of memories.

And tons more life to live together.

 A decision that I am most proud to have made 8 years ago. 

Thanks for a splendid first 8 years of marriage.  My goal as a wife and partner in this marriage is to enjoy this family time so that when we become emptynesters (and we will!), we are still looking forward to travel, adventure, and making more memories as a couple!

Here is to many, many more years of wedded bliss!

Anniversary dinner 2010!

Can you believe it...mama is in a picture!?

Each Morning I Pray it Bubbles Forth

Lately, as I roll out of bed I give myself a pep talk ...something like...

"Today is going to be a great day.  The boys are going to be happy.  They are going to get along.  They are going to be entertained in safe and content play.  Patience is going to bubble abundently from my pores.  It is going to be a great summer day."

And within 20 minutes of all of us downstairs I am saying,
"Don't hit your brother.  Go up to your room if you are going to respond like that (Charley tends to fall apart if Henry picks the wrong spoon to eat his breakfast with).  Stop jumping on the couch.  Find something to play with.  Put on some pants.  Stay in your seat while you are eating."  And the one liners that burst my bubbles of patience errupt and don't stop ALL. DAY. LONG.

I appreciate that I am home spending my days with these two little gems.  And it weighs heavy when my patience doesn't flow from me like this...

But children have minds and moods of their own.  And they don't always all flow with each other or myself.  Every morning I hope to surround them in an environment of patience.

I know they are learning, exploring, and trying to manage the hundreds of emotions that come with hanging out everyday together.  But in reality, I am a normal mom, who has moments where my patience bubbles forth in small golf ball sized amounts ...and other times when it flows out like basketball sized abundance.  All I can say...is I appreciate when the size of my patience matches the need at the moment.

When in doubt, even on the most humid day...for example this day when I snapped these pictures, grab yourself a sparkling lemonade and your lawn chair.  Grab the dollar bin bubble blowers from Target and GET. SOME. FRESH. HUMID. AIR.  Because it is true what they say...15 minutes of fresh air can change the moods of all.

Kabobs = KABAM!

Grocery shopping lately has me bringing home loads of fresh fruit. I can't resist the cherries, grapes, pineapple, strawberries, and more. With both my first pregnancies fruit was something that ALWAYS tasted good...especially oranges. Lately, I can eat two oranges in about 10 minutes standing in the kitchen around 9:15 at night. And all is right in the world.

Henry my picky eater is less enthused about fruit much of the time. So I found these long skewers and washed up some of the yummy fruit purchases and put them to work.  We used bing cherries that I pitted, orange, grapes, blueberries, and pineapple.

They say that getting kids involved in making the meal will encourage them to try new things. While Henry was making his fruit kabob he tried an orange and "like this mama." And he tried a pineapple, "Like this mama! see!" "watch me!"

So if you have a picky eater...give fruit kabobs a try....or as a matter a fact, throw anything on a sword stick and you might find you have found yourself success with a picky eater!


This post is linked to Worked for Me Wednesdays.

Friday Night Leftovers

1.  I hate when a telemarketer or fundraiser "person" calls and you think you are talking/ listening to a real person but when you interrupt and just make sure by saying, "Is this a real person?"  and they don't stop talking ....you feel like an idiot.  If they are going to call to ask for money then at least have a real person do it.  Ugh.

2.  We went to the beach 3 times this week.  Anyone reading that is local - this beach is just perfect!  The water is great, the sand is groomed each morning, it is 5 minutes from our house, it is never too busy, and there is shade right up to the shoreline at 9:00am.  I am in heaven with this summer outing and will go more and more!  The last two days we went with friends and Charley was in heaven swimming around with his noodle and their kick board. 

3.  I don't need a nap yet today.  woo hoo!  Could my energy be coming back.  Or am I just thrilled that the kitchen is already cleaned up so I am not avoiding that task.

4.  Ed has been calling home midday to check in.  Love him.  Not sure if he is just driving and bored, checking in on his pregnant wife, or checking to make sure we are all still alive and I haven't snapped into a crazy person. 

5.  Charley's behavior has improved dramatically since last week.  I sigh and pray that that stage has passed and we are in the next stage of making better choices.

6.  Charley is in heaven playing with the neighbor girls and I struggle because I don't want to have to sit out in the cul de sac so Henry can be out there with him.  I also don't want him to pester the girls by always wanting to play.  How do you balance neighborhood friends? 

7.  This weekend we will celebrate our anniversary and my birthday a little early.  Since next week we will be busy with work, t-ball, packing, and travel.  I am excited for the little plans we have each day this weekend....a little babysitter time for the kiddos, a movie and meal for mom and dad, and a family dinner at my favorite restaurant. 

8.  I have five 20 gallon bins sitting on our couch ready to fill for our week at the cottage.  I realized a year or two ago that packing in bins makes loading and unloading pretty slick.  It also keeps things sorted and they can act as end tables.  They are lined on the red couch because the boys have lost the privilege of sitting on this couch...since they don't sit on it anymore.  Instead they do headstands, jump, or perform other stunts that make mama's stomach drop. 

9.  I am determined to get a little color on my upper thighs so at the cottage when I am the only mom, 14 weeks pregnant at that point, standing in the knee deep water for hours they aren't blinding people.  The lower part of my legs have a nice base tan.  I got a little color on the front today. 

10.  I am impressed with all the cheese shredding mama's out there.  I am motivated to shred more! 

11.  I take pride in packing our picnic lunches in containers that I bring home and wash.  I rarely use Ziploc bags...I do use them...but this week I have not used zip bags for any of our picnic lunches and we had 3.  By the time Charley is in first grade and needs to bring his lunch to school, I will have some system down that doesn't require any garbage.  It is very easy to do.  Give it a try.  I dare you!

12.  Okay, time to get something done around here.  Stay cool and enjoy your weekend.  I would love to know what you are looking forward to doing these next two days...or what you are eating!

This post is linked to Sippy Cups Aren't for Starbucks Friday Night Leftovers

Shredded cheese...what's your opinion!?

I have shared my preference for real carrots on here in the past. Yes, I do not buy those tiny mini carrots unless I am in a bind.  Instead I buy a huge bag of real carrots and take 15 minutes to clean and slice them up for a week of crunchy healthy snacks and side dishes. They actually taste like carrots! It is amazing.

Well, I have another food thing that has been bugging me lately. Shredded cheese. Growing up I know my mom always had to shred the cheese for meals like tacos or even lasagna. They didn't make shredded cheese like they do now...or maybe she just didn't buy into it.  So I am challenging myself to buy LESS shredded cheese. I am not committing to not buying it at all because as a mom with kids, a mom in a meal group that makes four pans of lasagna at one stretch, and a wife to a husband who loves his cheesy quesidillas, I know there will always be times when buying already shredded cheese wins out.

BUT SERIOUSLY! Have you bought a block of cheese lately and shredded it and used it on your tacos. It tastes like cheese! It feels like cheese! It is cheese! There are no weird enzymes, chemicals, or bacteria added to make it mold slower, not stick etc. I have a friend who had to go gluten free and she pointed out that they use gluten to keep some cheese from not sticking. This is what got me thinking...what is that powdery stuff on the cheese.

So in our house, from now on, I am going to try and challenge myself to shred my own cheese more often. It really doesn't take all that much longer. My shredder goes in the dishwasher. And while reading up on what they use to make shredded cheese keep in your fridge for weeks....seriously, weeks - kind of disturbing...I read that if you spray your grater with Pam spray it washes/rinses up really easy....I am going to try that next time.

So carrots...shredded cheese....is there another food that I should be thinking about?

Weekend Recap!

This past weekend we had some big plans.  We were traveling once again over 5 hours...more like 6 to see family.  To break up the trip we decided to break up the drive and stop part way and visit a water park / pool hotel.  It was not a big fancy water park.  But it was absolutely perfect for our family.  The boys were so excited and Ed and I were too.  It was our first mini-vacation as a family of four.  We had only stayed in hotels as a family for weddings prior to this.  We arrived at the the hotel just before 9. The boys were super excited about our room and we even went and took a few runs down the little water slides.  We enjoyed a leisurely morning with continental breakfast and a few hours in the pool. 

 
Around noon we checked out, found a local restaurant for lunch, and then ventured to my sister's.   It was our first time staying at their house.  The boys enjoyed some play time with their cousin Eli.  We ventured out for pizza at a unique..and slightly creepy pizza parlor that includes an amazing organ player.  Ed and I enjoyed playing Guitar Hero with my sister and her husband late into the evening.  It was our first time and it cracked me up. 

Sunday morning Ed and Andy got up early to go golfing with some relatives before my dad's side of the family picnic.  Typically we see our extended family at an annual Christmas party (which we haven't made it to most years).  But this year everyone decided to try a summer picnic instead.  And we had EVERYONE there...except my brother!  An amazing turn out!  It was a fun picnic that unfortunately was followed by a 6 hour drive back home.  Ed is a trooper who I know would much rather stay home and relax but when we are at the actual weekend outings he enjoys his time...it is the driving that sucks the fun out for him. 

Weekends with family are precious.  If only the summer weekend travel could be spaced out a bit.  But, when the drive is all said and done...and the last hour of craziness that almost puts Ed and I in the loony bin...we are glad we made the trip....I think :)

One Evening....2 different boys in green

WATCH THIS! It is worth it!

Oh goodness! This is hilarious! Take a minute or two! It will make you chuckle!

Magically delicious...

Some mornings are cereal mornings.  And to have a pantry with some choices makes it that much more fun for my boys.  So occasionally when we grocery shop I let them to wander the entire row of cereal and pick any one box of cereal.  I am never let down...they always pick one that advertises some toy or prize...most of which aren't included in the box anymore.  They never rationalize the prize as not being in the box or being dinky and worthless - and on the trips when I let them pick any box I don't argue.  Instead, I watch as they excitedly pick up different boxes announcing that they want "dis one mama?"  And when I say, "If that is what you want..."  then they hesitate and put it back.  They hug those boxes for the rest of the shopping trip ...which also means they aren't grabbing other end aisle attractions. 

Other mornings we indulge in mama's home cooking.  The boys love having eggs, pancakes, or waffles and I actually find peace in making them a yummy hot breakfast.  And it really doesn't take any extra time...because I have found Lucky Charms marshmallows are a pain in the hoo-haa to clean off little bodies and furniture.

Breakfast is their big meal.  No matter what they are eating - they fill up those bellies for full days of fun!

What breakfast gets you going in the morning?

Be honest...how often do you...

At the start of summer I told myself that it was going to be a summer of maintaining. I would maintain the house...keep it picked up, clean what needed to get by, not worry about falling a bit behind...the focus was going to be on the boys and survival. Getting through the first trimester of this pregnancy where not feeling great, eating, and being exhausted impact the day to day moments. I wanted the boys to have a great summer - fun, time outside, friends, mama's attention.

But as we hit the mid-summer days I am feeling a lot of pressure because it is driving me nuts that I go to bed with toys scattered ALL OVER OUR LIVING AREA. The kitchen is often piled with dishes and projects. Our garden is totally overgrown with weeds. The boys clothes are in laundry baskets, not hanging in closets or put away in drawers. The bathrooms could use a good scrub and the floors a good vacuum.   And dinner has been a mish mash of quick fixes.

Beach towels get washed, grapes are washed and bagged ready for the lake or park playdates, the car is actually clean and not a disaster with sand toys, waterbottles, sunscreen and lawn chairs ready for any pitstop....

But really, I just feel soooo behind that I can't seem to catch up.  Yesterday I worked on the kitchen floor and while I did that the boys trashed two other rooms that I never got on them about picking up.  So this morning when I wander downstairs that overwhelming feeling is going to hit.

But does it really matter?  Is it okay to just let it go for now?

A day is all I need...a day where I can clean up without more stuff being taken out.  Without distraction.  Where I have energy to use the day to get caught up. 
So I want to know...

HOW OFTEN DO YOU:

Clean your bathrooms?
Change sheets?
Scrub floors?
Vacuum?
Clean/ scrub the fridge?
Wipe down cabinets?
Dust?


And do you have a strategy so it isn't overwhelming?  I have made cleaning schedules, lists, etc.  Breaking it down does help but right now breaking it down seems so overwhelming and pointless.

Do you have help?  Would you give up your month gym membership to have someone come in and do some of the jobs that you like to think you can fit into the day but when reality hits and you are busy breaking up light saber fights and toting them here and there and just maintaining the baskets of laundry and the unloading and loading of the dishwasher...a little help isn't such a out of this world thought. 

Tag-a-long errand runners

We need milk...and eggs, bread, fruit...etc.

We have books to drop off and pick up at the library.

A carwash would be great.

The list goes on.

And most days I think...ugh, here we go..running errands with the boys.  Joy.

But really. 

My boys are joy. 

This little fellow sits beside me during Charley's 50 minute swimming lessons every morning for the last 4 weeks.  He chats, snacks, and keeps me company. 

How can I complain?

I shouldn't. 

He also takes my hand after JUMPING out of the car and reaching up to proudly close his door

ALL. BY. HIMSELF.

He holds my hand without asking or complaining.  Blessed.

And the time will come - I am sure sooner than I can imagine.  When I will reach for his hand and he will be 10 steps ahead.  Or even worse, they will both stay home and yes, errands will get accomplished a hundred times faster with far less gritting of my teeth. 

But for today I will remember that having these little tag-a-longs, who occasionally ask for a certain box of snacks or cereal, are a gift. 

They are company. 

They are my side kicks. 

And next summer I will have 3, yes THREE, little helpers. 

Life is good...even when I have put off our grocery run until after naps...which means that for lunch we will have some very random items from the pantry. 

Getting re-acquainted

This weekend there was a moment when Ed and I were sitting finishing our lunch and my 87 year old Grandpa got himself up out of his lawn chair and wandered over to Ed.  He leaned in and shook Ed's hand and introduced himself...even though they have met many times.  Ed had his sunglasses and golf visor on and that might have caused a little confusion...along with the fact that over 35 relatives and a bunch of great grand-kids were scattered about for a family picnic. 

With a sturdy handshake two of my favorite men in the world reaquainted themselves and chuckled over the story of my grandpa wiring his barn back in the day ALL. BY. HIMSELF.  Making sure to "have the juice turned off" both men agreed that electrical work can be dangerous.  Every time we see my grandpa he tells Ed about moving the farm back on the land when they widened highway 57.  He proudly shares how he wired the buildings on his own and how my dad got his electrical engineer skills from him.  I sit back and take in the moment with a little grin EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 

My grandpa treasures me as his "Schnooksie" and I am not sure why his eye sparkles so brightly for me.  But I sure do wish we lived closer so we could pop by more often.  He truly is a gentleman who has a heart for life. 

Friday Leftovers

• Rough week...tonight we are supposed to enjoy a mini vacation with our family of four. Haven't really done one just the four of us...ever. With Charley's behavior this week I have mixed emotions about doing anything too fun. But today I told him he would try and take a nap when Henry naps. So we got his sleeping bag out and he laid down in Henry's room. BAM! Both are napping and I am seriously freaking out. I am doing an insanely wild happy dance. I don't even know what to do with myself...I am afraid to breathe. Could this be the issue all week....he needed a nap?
• The last couple years my mom has brought Charley a new book to enjoy at the cottage.  Last year she brought him a book called Leo the Lighning Bug by Eric Drachman.  We get to catch lightning bugs at Grandma Barb's house so it is fitting to recieve this book from her.  Henry found it a week or so ago and the boys had me read it.  Then Charley remembered there was a cd for it.  So we played it.  It is a very heartwarming story and the voices on the cd are so soothing and the sound effects are amazing.  It lasts about 12 minutes and Henry won't even let us read to him anymore.  He just wants to crawl in bed and listen to Leo.  He LISTENS to Leo without looking at anything and falls asleep amazingly peaceful.  I would recommend this book if naptime or bedtime is causing you issues...it is worth a try. 
•  I am still not breathing...just sayin!
• Henry went to the time out this morning all. by. himself.  And he sat and I counted to 10 from the other room and he counted along:  "One, two, ree, or, ive, six, sebin, eight, nine, en!"
• I wonder how long Charley will nap today.  At this very moment I am so thrilled that he was put into morning kindergarten.  Life just works out.
• I hit 12 weeks this weekend.  I am expecting some huge bursts of energy and some huge cravings that will stimulate some pregnancy eating.  I have lost a little weight - which is kind of good - but I know this isn't the time to be losing weight so I am ready for the pregnancy hunger to kick in.  Hoping on Sunday during the family picnic!
• The vivid dreams that women talk about having when they are pregnant are in full swing here....recently I dreamt of being naked for a stressful college class, rolling out of control down a steep road in a wheelchair that I had to borrow so I didn't know how to brake, not being able to save Henry from a bottomless lake, and the emotional gut wrencher where I am left by my husband pregnant with our third.  Each of these dreams leaves me awake, sweating, heart pounding...maybe or maybe not with tears.  Pregnancy is an AMAZING journey. 
• We scored some bunk beds off Craigs list!  Solid oak, mission style, two bottom drawers, one mattress included, and located only 2 blocks away...Happy dance!  We just need to break Henry from his "ukkie" habit before we transfer.  After our week at the cottage I am determined to go for it.
• Still not breathing...
• Looking forward to some family time this weekend...hotel water park with my three handsome boys, sister and family time around a firepit with marshmellows, graham crackers, and pizza, and extended family time at a picnic with Joooooooooohnsonville BRRRRAAAATs and jello salad!
• Happy Weekending!

This is linked to Friday Leftovers! 

One of those days

It has been a day of ups and downs for me. I am battling some sass here from both boys. And when both boys are up by 6 am ready to go- it makes for a long day. By 7:30 Henry had hit Charley twice. I am attempting the time out with Henry (which requires me picking him up, holding him on my lap, while he thrusts, I meanwhile count down from ten and he slowly mellows, and then goes to apologize to his brother). Charley is throwing fits lately - when he doesn't get what he wants. As a mom it is so hard not to take the easy way out and give in. But I am holding my ground - most of the time- but it is both mentally and physically exhausting. I am jealous of Ed lately, coming home energized to see his two little men who are just waiting to know that he will read with them. I get down on myself when I feel so done when he walks in the door lately.

However, moments later we are entering the car shop to get our car worked on for 2 hours and the boys are wonderful. They eat grapes, blueberries, drink their water, color, play with the crappy toys they provide, and do sticker books together. I sit and sigh and realize how blessed I am.

On the way home they argue over some dumb plastic toy thingy in the car and I once again find my skin crawling and feeling like this day is so overwhelming.

Yet, when I go to put Henry down for his nap...Charley FINALLY cleans up the toy area without me being RIGHT. THERE. And Henry, naps for 3 hours and needs to be woken.

By the way, what makes a 5 year old ask you "Mama, will my head always be this size?" Because Charley asked me this in a serious voice while he changed after swimming today.

I know my hormones are all over the place and I am so thankful that my mom is available on Thursdays (and everyday) to remind me that all that I am feeling and dealing with is normal and valid. She reminds me to breathe and give myself a break.