Just for a moment...

Just wanted to touch back here for a moment before we started the new year.  Our Christmas break is nearing its end and it has been an interesting one.  One I coulnd't have forseen really.  I guess that's why they call it hindsight. 

The biggest thing being, we have no snow.  Midwesterners without snow is like taking a fish out of water.  I think.  I'm not from the midwest so mabye that's not entirely true and I'm certain there are many people who are excited about the very mild winter we've been having.  For me, it's a bit strange.

Usually, I'm thrilled to get a break in getting kids ready for school in the frigid weather.  Walking to and fro in the snow and ice does take it's toll.  And more and more, Jim is able to hang back in the morning so that I can just walk up with the big kids.  And really, with the coat issues Sara has been having it's probably just as well that I haven't needed to bundle her up.

But anyways, over break we usually play in the snow, sled, build snow forts, and shoo the kids out to just play.  This year was different.  I had to shoo the kids out to take a lap around the culdesac and they moaned and groaned.  Apparantly, it's no fun to be out in the cold (we're talking 35 degrees here, it's not like it's below freezing) with no snow on the ground. 

My thoughts are a bit of a jumble.  Jim just left with the kids and I want to finish this by the time they get back.  He has been working like mad to finish a major paper and today was the day.  Hooray!  Now he'll gear up to teach a class at the University for a month and then after that it's back to work like normal.

All in all, our Christmas break has been different.  The best part I think is that Sara gets to have playmates.  The girls seem to buddy up pretty well and play the most funny games.  Lately, they are putting baby clothes on their stuffed animals.  They come by it honestly.  I used to do that as a child.  And they didn't even know that, so maybe all kids do that?  Who knows.

I'm decluttering my house like a crazy lady.  I have a stack of CD's and photos to talk to Jim about and told him this morning in a chipper little voice;  "Hey let's go through these CD's today!   Wouldn't that be fun?"  He didn't really think so.  :)

Presidential candidates are coming to our little city like crazy too.  The hours of 5:00pm and 8:00pm will find the phone ringing nearly every 3-4 min. with a survey or announcement that so and so will be here at this time if you'd like to come out and show your support.

We'll go to one together as a family on Monday.  I'm really excited about it.  I think they are a hoot to go to.  I went to see Bush when he campaigned, oh how long ago was that, 8yrs.? no more than that.  Anyway, that was a load of fun, saw Obama a few years back.  That was more low key but very cool to be a part of.  Regardless of party I love to see how these things work.  The whole campaign deal.

Anyway, it's New Year's Eve.  We have plans to stay home this year and watch Kung Fu Panda 2 with the kids.  They are so very excited.

Happy New Year to you!

It's finally here...

We've been waiting and waitng.  Counting the days unitl Sara could put up baby Jesus on the calendar.  Thank you Maria, it has served us well, and brought much anticipation this season!

I like this picture; it looks kind of funny with the lighting.  It splits to rooms; our living room and our sun room.

To pass the time we've been sleeping under the Christmas tree, which I promise you is not on fire, contrary to this photograph...

having chess matches, baking cookies, wrapping presents.  And now, it's finally here. 

Christmas.

Kids are excited.  And sleeping soundly.  Although it's around this time that I usually get a little visitor.  I better scoot.

edge.of.their.seats...

The kids loved The Nutcracker.  They were getting squirmy in the moments before the curtain went up, and as soon as it did, backs were straight and I kid you not, edge of their seats for nearly and hour.  They've never seen ballet before and I hope this is the start of a wonderful tradition for our little family. 

I have wonderful memories of attending the program as a child to watch my sister perform.  Just hearing that music brought back so many scenes that I'd forgotten from The Nutcracker way back when.  When my friend Tara was a candy cane.  When Randall was the Mouse King.  When Maria was an Arabian Princess.  And on and on.  Oh!  I am having Nutcracker on the brain these days.

Kids begin their Christmas break tomorrow.  Yay!  More freedom around the house.  Matthew has taken a sudden interest in basketball so we will find ourselves over at the neighbor's house I'm sure, practicing our mad b-ball skills.

I'm currently reading a book titled Clutter Busting.  If you know me but at all you're probably wondering why in the world I'm reading a book about clutter.  I tell you what, no matter how good you think you are about getting rid of stuff this book will bring to light a whole new level of clutter that you probably didn't even know was there.  It's fascinating to me.  I love reading it.  And learning from it.  Christmas break will include more de-cluttering.

I finally bought a sewing machine.  I say finally, because it's been on my mind for several months now about whether or not I should buy one.  And I just realized one day that I was going to do it.  {Backstory} I made a quick trip to Seattle in November for my grandpa's funeral and while there picked up a ton of great fabric that you simply cannot find in my town.  Specifically, fabric to make robes for my three children.  A hefty first project I'm sure but I figured with a pattern I couldn't go wrong.  We got the project started out there and by the time I came home here to the midwest there were only a few weeks before Christmas.  I knew if I was going to get these done in time I'd have to have a machine of my own.  So off I went and bought it.  I am loving it!  Two robes down, one to go.  Christmas break will include more sewing.

It will also include I'm sure, getting my hair done by my girls, Pretty Pretty Princess, reading time with my boy, and wishing and wishing for snow!

As if on cue...

It wasn't much, but snow none the less.  Just a dusting really.  When Jim and I walked out of the annual Christmas Gala we were met with the very beginnings of snow.  The kind that is sparkly under the lights.  And I thought, now, that is just the perfect ending to a beautiful evening.

We'd spent the 2hrs. prior, sipping wine, munching horderves, and making small talk with other fellow employees and their spouses.  We go almost every year and the kids are usually amazed that mama can look sooooo fancy.

Don't you love what they captured?  It's their turn to get fancy tonight as I'm taking the big kids to their first ever,

Nutcracker! 

 Lots of excitement here.  Can't wait to see what they think about it.

A far cry from last year...

This time last year our yard was burried in snow.  We'd said goodbye to the grass and accepted that winter was indeed here.

This year?  Well, I'm beginning to have my doubts.  Not a flake of snow on the ground.  Our grass is as plain as day and school gets out for Christmas break in less than a week.  What?  But there is no snow on the ground! 

 Last night at the dinner table Matthew shared that it wasn't winter unless there was snow, and it wasn't summer unless there was hot, hot, sun.  That's my boy.

The fun about living in the midwest is the chance to experience all of those seasons.  But, I'm missing the snow.  I hope it comes soon.

Sara and I went for our walk this morning but more and more she prefers to walk with me instead of letting me push her in the stroller.  This means I forgo my brisk walk and switch gears for a meandering stroll instead.  We didn't get far today on our walk, but admired Christmas decorations in yards and what fun it was to just stand in front of one and listen to Sara as she described what she liked about it.

Have you ever analized yard decorations?  I suppose it is more fun with a preschooler, otherwise you're just an adult lurking around someone else's yard.  So maybe don't do that unless you have a young one with you.

Speaking of preschoolers, it's just about time for me to sign my little one up.  It gives me just the smallest twinge of something in my gut.  The *gasp* she's almost four already?  The *gasp* do I really  have to send her?  And then, I catch my breath and realize that yes, I do need to send her and while she will be missed around here it's okay.  She'll be okay, and so will I. 

 She's been a wonderful little sidekick and blessing for me to have with me.  In a matter of months it'll be time for her to join the ranks of all the other kids and go to school!  She reminds me that when she's four she will be ready to go.  Sounds like a good plan to me.

Until then, we are enjoying our mornings of coffee and special coffee and many, many games of Pretty Pretty Little Princess.  Have you ever played that?  It's a hoot.

Oh sweet one...

We worked on our gingerbread compound a little bit more today.  It's coming along nicely.  I think all the structures are completed and we're just waiting on a few more decorations.  Sara couldn't decide where she wanted to put her trees.  It's what she's trying to figure out in these pictures below. 

The other day she spent a considerable amount of time cutting twizzlers into small little pieces which Matthew later told me were her trees.  For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what they were supposed to be.

It cracks me up that she was so undecided with this.  Glad I was there to witness it.

I noticed the signs today...

Signs that winter is coming.  Well, besides the obvious; that I really needed my hat and gloves and maybe an extra layer today when I walked the kids up to school.  I went to the grocery store and saw them.  The tall post markers with red at the top to signal the end of a curb so the plow doesn't hit it.  So cars know to go around it. 

The very huge piles of salt downtown by the river that have been delivered in preparation for upcoming snowfalls.

The snow will come soon enough.  And it's funny to see those poles pop up in people's driveways too.  Except those ones seems to get shorter as the winter goes on because the snow keeps piling up and piling up without a plow to clear it.

I find myself looking forward to this winter unlike seasons past.  I think last year I actually truly enjoyed it but wasn't looking forward to it.  We had such success last year with ice skating that I'm just itching to get out there and have another go at it.  Another 6 weeks or so and I think we'll be on our way.

For now, just trying to manage kids who don't want to wear appropriate clothing or complain because it's still new enough in the season that mittens and bulky coats feel funny.  A few more weeks and it'll become second nature to everyone.  Until then, I just brace myself for the few moments before everyone gets out the door.  There is usually one meltdown; admittedly, sometimes it's me. 

sigh.

We'll get there.  A few more weeks and it'll all be second nature.

Breathing a little easier...

Well, four days without a kitchen sink just about did me in.  And it wasn't the eating simply or washing dishes in the bathroom sink that was the problem.  It was the "what if we can't get it unclogged?" that wracked my days with worry.  In my mind I saw cupboards needing to be ripped out, walls torn apart and a savings account dwindling down to nothing.

With a sigh of relief, our plumber was able to get it unclogged yesterday.  And if any of you locals need a good plumber, let me know; we found a great one.

Our very long string of warm days has ended and the crisp fall weather has arrived.  I think these were taken last week or maybe just prior to that.  The walnut tree in the backyard has been abundent this year and every time Jim mows he has to get the walnuts out of the grass first. 

This year he enlisted the help of the kids.  I am adoring this picture of Jim, the kids and the mower.

   

Oh how they love to throw chuck these walnuts!

When push comes to shove...

it turns out I clean the spice drawer.  Actually, I clean in general.  Call it nervous energy.  If you come to my house and it's sparkling clean there is a good chance I'm overwhelmed with life.  There is also a good chance though that if you come to my house and it looks like it's been tossed on its side....that, I'm overwhelmed with life.  :)

Did you know that three years ago this month I flooded our master bathroom?  I did a bang up job in there.  And, three years later it is still a torn apart, uncompleted bathroom.  Functional, but very raw.

Well, this weekend I managed to clog the kitchen sink.  Note to self, when making applesauce, just throw the peels in the garbage can.  It may take a little longer but it's got to be worth not having the hassel of unclogging a very looooonnnnnggggg drain.

It's still clogged by the way, and we are eating in shifts so we don't dirty a ton of dishes, and washing those few and clean(ish) dishes in the bathroom sink.

Thankfully, the rest of the hosue is fine.  We can all use the bathrooms and showers.  No major upsets there.  Praise the Lord. 

On a completely unrelated note, since our family has easy access to college athletics we attend as many home games as we can.  Jim and I did this a lot during our seminary days and we love getting a chance to do it again.  The kids are learning about different sports but they usually end up reading.  Matthew is always armed with a book or two wherever we go.  Like father like son that one.

Ella Jane has a little more tolerance for watching but usually defaults to a book too.  Sara on the other hand is usually on the move from lap to lap or whatever.  She doesn't last very long so sometimes we have to take multiple trips to the drinking fountain to keep her entertained.

I finished that Jodi Picoult book I mentioned last time.  It was crazy.  I might just come over and clean all your houses if I had that kind of stress!

Here's to a new week and a working kitchen sink.

{we hope}

Almost forgot...

Ha!  I almost forgot my password to log into my account.  It's been that long since I've posted!  I haven't had a whole lot to say, life has been stressful, life has been busy and on and on.

And then sometimes I think I have a whole lot to say and then think, well, it's not really anything really.

The boys are at the football game (which I just looked at online and looks like we won't walk away with the win tonight.  So sad; we were undefeated until today), there is banana bread in the oven, the girls are wearing tutu's and dress up shoes and dancing around the house...and no one has had dinner.  It's 7:04pm.  Kids are normally in bed at this house by 7:04pm.  But it is Saturday afterall and all of us were at the football game earlier.  The girls don't last much past halftime so we came home early.

I just checked on the bread.  It looks amazing!  I think I've made banana bread maybe 3x in my life.  I'm thinking maybe we should have it more often as it has made the house smell wonderfully delicious.  I think we'll have eggs, toast, and banana bread for dinner.   I love breakfast for dinner.  So do the kids.

I've been reading a lot lately.  The last two books I've read though had people die in them which I wasn't expecting and found myself a little unsettled.  Usually I know if that sort of thing is coming and here I just didn't.  Not that I've made it any better this next time around.   I'm reading a Jodi Picoult book.  Her topics are always so heavy but I still love reading them.

Here are the girls in all their dress up glory.

Not a nice and tidy put together post tonight.  Just something to get out there so ya'll know we're still here.  Enjoy the rest of the fall colors!

Summer Runnin'...

Summer Runnin'

Had me a blast

Summer Runnin'

Happened so fast

I'd start my runs under the sun

sweatin' it out to be number one

Ohh, ah, on a suumer night...

So my summer runs are over.  No more hot, humid weather to sweat it out in.  At least while on a run.  Summer is my favorite season of the year; kids are home, weather is hot and lots of time to play.  One of my favorite things to do is run in the sun.  Not the hot afternoon sun beating hard on my face but the after dinner sun still up in the sky but less likely to fry.  :)

We had a nice routine going where Jim would come home from work, I'd have dinner ready, have a quick bite, let it settle and head out.  The humidity is still there, the sun still warm, the need for water still high.  Such a great little route with water fountains along the way and my favorite spot was getting water on a little corner, splash my face and hands and be on my way up the hill, face in the sun, refreshed from my water.

Don't you love working hard?  Pushing yourself just a little bit further?  Wearing a shirt that's covered in sweat?  Stinking?  Summer running memories is what keeps me going on the blah days.  The ones where you just don't really know what to do with yourself.  Summer will come around again.  Until then, I'll take the runs on the cool 70-80 degree days we've been having.

{Oh, and the kids are still up early and ready to go.  I thought that would've passed by now.  At least I don't have to shoo them out the door}

{just yet}

My dear one...

{first day of third grade}

A penny for those thoughts?

What do you think?

Well, let's see.

Kids up at 6:30am.

Dressed and eating breakfast by 7:00am.

(inlcuding backpacks)

School starts at 8:10am.

I'd say they were a bit eager.

What do you think?

{by the way on the first day of school parents can come into the building and walk kids to classrooms.  When it was time to leave Sara was grabbing onto the door frame.  She didn't want to leave.  Who's going to tell her she's got two more years before she can go to school with the big kids?}

Summer...it ain't for the faint of heart.

That is for sure.  For summer to run smoothly and be successful there is a lot of work involved.  I am sure this looks different to every family but for us it looks like;

*signing up for the summer reading program at the library and attending free programs that they offer
*going to VBS
*playing soccer
*taking swim lessons
*summer camp on campus
*weekly themes (we had success with bugs, frogs, rainbows, plugged in, and space)

and that's just the programming part of summer.  Those are the fun things.  (We typically do not do programs during the school year so for me it's a lot of fun to be involved in something during the summer even if it means a lot of driving)

The tougher things are the everyday things.

A trip to the grocery store usually sounds like this...

everybody out of the van. yes you have to come in.  everybody out of the van.
yes, you can sit in the cart.  no you cannot sit in the back.  because that is where the groceries go.
stop hanging on the cart.
watch out for other people. stay to the right.
can you stop dancing now? keep your body still.
stop hanging on the cart.
everyone move forward.
you need to stand by me.  come here.
wait until we get home.

:) ha!  those are all things I say at the grocery store!  That goes for our Target runs too.

I will not miss having to take all three on errands, but I will miss having all three at home with me.  They fight a lot but we've tried to use this summer as a way to teach them to share, take a breath and get perspective.  Not an easy task for any aged child but part of the life lessons we're trying to instill.

The reward comes when one of the kids acts on what you've been trying to teach and you rejoice, thinking, yes!, they did it! they did it! 

So tomorrow it's 'back to the daily grind' as they say.  Getting kids up early and out the door ain't for the faint of heart either.  Big sigh just thinking about it.  Oh well, though.

We've had a terrific summer and tomorrow we'll dive right into fall.

Fall!  I can't hardly believe that. 

Happy school year to you.

So many good ones...

So many fun birthday pictures were taken last week that I can't possibly post them all.  But I will say I'm seriously considering putting up a giant (or a few lined up) bulletin board in my living room to fill with pictures.  Right now it seems like a good idea and a fun way for the kids to see them all on a daily basis.  And it may fulfill my desire to live in my own picture museum.

mmmm....

I acutally got the idea when I saw someone's very large bulletin board on the curb for pickup.  Since the small but powerfull flood that came through last week many a neighbor has had belongings hoisted to the curb for pickup.  All things damaged by water in flooded basements.  And when I saw that bulletin board, well, it got me thinking. 

In the meantime, we've got two older kids in the house this week.  Back to back parties, lots of friends and way too much cake!  But lots of fun pictures to enjoy.

The day was hot; water was a must if I was going to keep these kids happy outside!

How many m&m's do YOU think are inside?

Who doesn't love to make their own sundae?

Fill sponge at one end of the yard, race to measuring cup, squeeze water into bowl...

and dash back to tag your teammate so he/she can go.  First team to 4 cups wins~

Our dining room wall that I put together in March including Ella Jane's birthday banner that I made for her party...

using bias tape from my great grandma.  I love that it is all handstitched.

Matthew's birthday banner using fabric from my childhood.  My mom has a fabulous collection!

 His and hers party favors~

Thanks to my friend Alice who let me use her sewing machine to make one of these lovelies!

There are jelly beans inside that raspberry jar for the girls to guess how many are inside.

All in all a busy few days but oh so fun to get ready for.  I love getting ready for a party.  Jim has one coming up soon and we usually don't do much since we've just come off the kids' birthdays but that may have to change this year.  

Midwest Summers = Hot & Humid + Rosy Cheeks, Sweaty Bodies & Lemonade

It's hot here this week.

I'm not sure why she's looking down.  And she's a spy.  She is wearing all of her spy gear.

                           

I took these in front of the refrigerator on purpose in order to capture this moment in time.  This is what it looks like right now.  I've been trying to think of everyday mundane things to photograph for the future.  My kids will look back on them and it may (or may not) evoke certain memories.  Some of my favorite photos include the ones that are taken in rooms with toys strewn about.  I like to see what's been going on in the background.  That to me reveals the everyday life of the family. 

{We dry our clothes outside in the good weather and over the vent during the long cold winters.  Some of the pictures in the sunroom include the dry rack on purpose so that I can remember what was going on during that particular season.  It's fun to see and old favorite shirt or a pair of pants that have been outgrown.}

But anyway, back to the weather.  Yes, it's definitely hot here.  I filled up our pool just yesterday and the water is (no kidding) actually warm.  Like too warm to be refreshing.  With hose water and normal hot summer days it'll stay cool all week but because of the humidity and high temps. it's been warming up quickly!

Looks like we're back to nightly showers to clean off these hot sweaty little bodies.

I saved the princess last night...

Oh, it's so very late and my kids are in the bath...at 10:43pm!  We've had a wonderful evening with friends and let the kids stay up late running around getting all sweaty.  I think the girls have been in the tub for maybe 45min.  Their water is probably cold by now.  But they're up there still playing so I'll see how far I can get down here on this post!

So, yes, I saved the princess last night.  And taking a picture of it is probably what a 12yr. old do but I couldn't resist.  It had to be done.

{A little backstory}

My brother has a NES; the one we grew up with in the 80's and when I was home two months ago now, I had a chance to play and remembered how FUN it was!  So I was quick to search Craigslist for one and voila! turns out they are all over the place.  We bought one and my mom was kind enough to ship it to us.

We've had a LOT of fun playing.  And I've had a LOT of fun going back in time and remembering how to master Super Mario Bros.  I forgot how many secret things there are to be found!  So long story short, I saved the princess and there was a lot of cheering involved.  And Matthew is in awe of my super mad skills on the Nintendo.

{shortly after I started writing, the girls wanted to get out of the tub and off to bed we all went.  It's now the 4th of July and we're spending a quiet day at home after our ruckus evening of  playtime with friends.}

Do you remember back to when you were a kid and played different made up games with your friends?  But before you played you had to establish the ground rules?  And by doingso you spent at least 15min. arguing over what those rules were going to be?

My kids got to do that last night and it was so funny listening to 6 little voices trying to be heard at once.  I just stayed in the background while they hashed it out.  The game had something to do with everyone running and/or riding some sort of bike or scooter.

If you look closely you can see all six kids here running down the hill and into our driveway. 

The night was a big hit with everyone.

Lastly, the ice cream truck came down our street for the first time this summer (at 5:00 on the dot I might add...who buys their kids ice cream when dinner is about to be served?)  Me apparantly.  I remember getting a treat from the ice cream man once (maybe twice) as a kid and thought this might just be the year to do that for my kids.  So out to the street we went and orderd up some ice cream! 

Sara chose bubble gum, Ella Jane, Tweety Bird and Matthew, Sonic.

Happy 4th to you all!