It's Summer

It's the first week of summer vacation here. The kids got out of school Thursday afternoon, although Friday was supposed to be their last day (just a half day) but it was cancelled due to flooding. Again. Tim surprised me for Mother's Day with a trip to San Antonio with my friend Holly. We stayed in a hotel right on the Riverwalk and got a morning at the spa, too. It was so nice! We had the best time and talked, shopped, and ate delicious food. And walked! We waked so much that we had no regrets about all the chips and salsa we ate. I came home Saturday night feeling so refreshed. And so thankful for such a wonderful husband and such sweet kids.

Tuesday the kids and I were pretty lazy, but had Rose's kindergarten graduation to go to in the evening. Of course it rained as we left and just poured down as I got to the school. (It had already been postponed twice due to rain/severe weather.) As soon as everyone had trudged through the down pour and got sufficiently soaked it stopped and was a pretty nice night. I am so proud Rose. She worked really hard this year and learned so much. It was a difficult beginning with getting her to sit down and read through her readers and practice her memory homework. Man, the beginning of the year was rough on all of us. I'm glad for summertime.

A Tuesday in May

Today I watched 2 of my Goddaughters for a few hours. They are cute and Sam enjoyed having them here to play with. Tonight we went swimming even though it was after 7 when we left and we usually have a strict 8pm bedtime for the kids. I think we are all just ready for summer. Well, that and we had promised we would go if they finished their homework and ate all of their delicious tilapia dinner I made tonight. I'm in the middle of making more sourdough bread. D has been asking me if he can take a loaf to share with his class and that must mean it's pretty good! It makes me happy that he wants to do that.

chirp chirp

Well it's been quite a while since I've blogged... my laptop started breaking key by key and is soooo slow. I'm trying this out on my kindle.

The kids started school again! Rose is in kindergarten and that's really strange to me still. Sam is home with me and is still adjusting to not having her brothers and especially her big sister to play with. Anyhow school is going well so far. The kids are happy and like their teachers.

I recently told Tim I wanted to eventually run a marathon and about  10 minutes later he had a race for me to train for. I haven't been running regularly; I basically skipped out on May, June and July...and August. I started Monday with 2 miles. I'm using Hal Higdon's training plan. I started on week 6 since that will give me exactly 24 weeks to the race. I'm trying to only focus on the daily run and not get overwhelmed looking ahead and wondering if I'm crazy for thinking I could ever run 26.2 miles.

I will have to write about D's first hunting experience soon! I'll leave you hanging with that.

ten happy things friday

One

School started this week. D is in 1st grade and Ry started kindergarten, so it's just us girls at home during the day. (It's really sort of nice, but I do miss the guys.)

Two

Last Monday I started a new routine with my cleaning/ housekeeping. I do what I can until 12pm and then the heavy work is done and I'm just Mommy. I still make dinner and I clean up after our snacks. I'm not sure why, but this really works for me.

Three

 Popcorn shrimp. It's good and it's my lunch.

Four

Awesome deals on clothes. This really is one of the best times to shop. I found some sweet bargains on jeans and dress pants for the kids online.

Five

After looking at a lot of pictures of wreaths I got the courage to make one myself for our front door. I think it turned out pretty.

Six

I got these divided containers (but I spent half as much) for the boys' lunches. I was feeling like sandwich bags were coming out of my ears and these fit so much, plus I don't have to worry about running out of bags and it's saving me money. 

Seven

Our cat, Hugh. He catches mice.

Eight

The nickname Rose calls Sam... Samamfie. For some reason she just can't say SamaNTHa. It is adorable and I love how well they get along.

Nine

Running. I still like it. I've started doing intervals to work on my speed. That sounds all serious, but really I just don't want to be the last one across the finish line at our school's 5k in October.

Ten

I wrote this post and it's been difficult sitting down to blog lately, so I'm glad I got through this. And it's the weekend!! (almost)

So long

It's been so long since I've blogged that I don't know where to start. Or even if I should start. We've had a busy-ish summer and school is starting again in a few short days. In a way I'm excited for school to start; the boredom that leads to bickering and tattling will be knocked down several notches, but I will also really miss having all the kids at home with me.

Since I last wrote we have been to the zoo, took the boys to Schlitterbahn (had a blast), bought all the school supplies that a first grader and kindergartener need, got really behind on laundry, finally got caught up with laundry (only took four days!), Sam started pulling up, we found out our little town's swimming pool closed for the season on August 4 and Tim and I celebrated our 9th anniversary. It's been a busy, but good couple of weeks. I completed my C25K program! I am starting a new program to work on my speed because my pace needs some boost. I'm running my first 5k in October and I would like to have a respectable time.

I feel like this should be so much longer since I was gone so long, but there is rarely a moment that I'm not being distracted around here so this will have to do for now. Hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later!

ten happy things friday

one

This little cutie is crawling! At her 6 month check up the doc was very impressed with her being ahead of several milestones (by the way, don't let anyone stress you out about those timelines, Mamas, babies are all different- some are over achievers/show offs and others could care less about impressing you with anything other than how loud they scream or big they smile.) Anyhow, we knew she would crawl early and she was sitting and backing up and this week she got the legs and arms working together to go forward. Our lives will never be the same now.

two

I can't take a picture of this guy not smiling. In just about every single picture that I take at swim Ry has a huge grin on his face. While he's diving, when he comes up for air, when he's practicing kicks and floating on his back. Also, how awesome is that picture of him jumping off the diving board? He has no fear.

three

My D-Man. I'm so proud of him. I know he was nervous about jumping off that board, but he did it. I loved getting to watch both boys have so much fun.

four
The C25K program. I'm almost done with week 4. So I am half way! I'm happy with my progress- especially because at the beginning I thought week four was impossible. Honestly, every week I look at the next week's training and think it seems unlikely that I can do it and then every week I surprise myself and do it. It's not always perfect, definitely not "easy", but I never quit. I'm running for me, but having the family there at the park (there's is an awesome track there) really encourages me to keep going.

five
The blended iced coffee I made the other afternoon. 2 cups hazelnut coffee, two scoops Dulce de luche ice cream, handful of ice and a splash of vanilla almond milk. It was a great pick-me-up (and a nice indulgence).

six

Sisters. Rose is so sweet and such a good big sister.

seven
Fresh basil, rosemary and cilantro from our garden.

eight
Sleeping until 7am. On a weekday!

nine
The bbq ribs I made for Father's Day.... can't wait to make them again.

ten
A big birthday shout-out to CLB- Happy 30th!!!!

swimming

The boys have been in swim lessons since last Monday. It's amazing how far they've come since then. They started out practicing kicking and putting their heads under the water on the first day to jumping off the diving board yesterday. I was so proud of both of them! Friday is the last day of lessons and I think we'll miss it.... although I won't miss driving to town everyday!

pictures from a walk

After lunch today we went to find dewberries. We found some really good patches that should be ready in about a week that will make some good cobbler; I can't wait!

I'll be back tomorrow with some pictures from our birthday weekend.

A little fishy

 

Spring break was so nice! We were blessed with great weather and went fishing several times. Since we are recovering from a drought all the fish are pretty small, but the kids learning so that's okay. Spring seems to be here already and I am so glad! We are spending so much more time outside which means less mess inside- always a plus!

wednesday

This morning I helped the kids hook up some tents and tunnels to play in. I think they played in it for approximately 79 seconds before they started irritating each other. We're recovering from colds and hopefully we'll be feeling back to normal soon. I'll be back tomorrow. Maybe.... hopefully.

Go Fly A Kite

Sunday was sunny, warm and windy. The perfect day to fly a kite. After church we had few things to pick up from the store and as we were heading to check out we spotted 97 cent kites and snatched 3 of them up. I didn't expect to enjoy flying kites very much... I thought the lines would get tangled or the kids wouldn't like it. We had an absolute blast. We decided to load up our lawn chairs and head to the hay field (it's planted with oats right now) and try out our kites. Our friend, Carson, came along and helped get the kites going for the kids. It was so much fun and surprisingly relaxing. Afterwards we checked the game camera and got a nice picture of the bobcat that is hanging around back there as well as about 900 pictures of racoons and a few deer thrown in, too. I hope all of you had a good weekend!

trying thursday

Some days are tough.

Currently I am listening to Rose play in her room instead of napping, which will be a cruel punishment to me later because she's been very cranky all morning and it usually just gets worse if she doesn't nap. She did, however, come out of her room several times and at one point came over and said she needed to give me a kiss so she could go to bed. Afterwards she walked back into her room telling me, "It's okay Mommy, I'm going to be fine." I'm sure she will be, but will I?

Ry is eating his 12th meal of the day, but very kindly asked if I would like a "jelly tortilla" as well. No. No way on Earth would I like one, thank you.

Sam is being an angel and smiling at me when I seem to need it the most.

And....

Apparently Rose has decided that she doesn't like me anymore. But she is 3 and delirious from not napping and really has no idea what she's saying so I'm not taking it to heart.

I think coffee might help this afternoon. I hope.

off the top of my head

Yesterday after we picked up D from the bus we drove to the back and fed the catfish. (My father in law bought catfish to restock the tank, or "pond".) Buzz rode along in the feed scoop.

Rose. People always talk about the "terrible twos", but really you should be warned about the terrifying threes. I think it's a combination of wanting to be independent and still needy (???) with a side of jealousy of the baby thrown in. She's wonderful to her sister, but I think she really misses ALL the attention that she used to get. I do feel bad that I don't get to snuggle with her as much as I used to and I have been trying to get some quality one on one time with her.

 Ry is our negotiator. He will try to talk his way out of everything and nap time has been... exhausting. Between him and Rose nap has turned into a big battle that I've come to dread and yet, really look forward to. Well, I still look forward to it even though only Rose (sometimes) actually sleeps. Today it was nice outside and I gave Ry two options: sit outside and read or lie in his bed. It worked out really well and hopefully this will be the beginning of something good.... because I have a much better afternoon when I get a little break after lunch time.

Sam is smiling and cooing and being a good little baby. She gets needy at the best times- when I'm cooking, cleaning or doing anything besides holding her. That's only when she's awake so I try to do everything while she's napping, which thankfully is often.

Apparently I felt that you all needed updates on how the kids are behaving. I know it's been a week since I've posted last, but I am currently experiencing some sort of writer's block. I'll be honest I think that I'm on autopilot right now and trying to find time AND something to blog is too much most days. Maybe my own expectations are too high. I have been reading lots of blogs that are witty, introspective, creative and just plain entertaining... so I guess I feel like my posts should be as good as theirs. But I'm not going to give in to that pressure. I'm going to keep celebrating the small things that happen everyday. I don't know, I guess I just needed to get that out.

Tuesday

We had a great weekend. I got out of the house and did a little shopping with my mom and Sam and Tim installed our new storm door. We had some family come by and they got to meet Sam. I finally bought cabinet hardware for the kitchen, blinds for the kids' room and comfy pillows for the couch. Yesterday I cleaned, washed and put away... the kids were home and played outside all day thanks to the Spring weather we're experiencing. 70 degrees in January is lovely. It's hard to remember that it's winter with this short sleeve weather and I keep looking for plants and flowers to buy but there aren't any yet. Now I need to go plan dinner tonight, spaghetti squash with meat sauce. I bet the kids love it.

back on the blogging horse

So... hi there. If anyone was wondering what happened to me, I am still alive. I've just been very, very busy. Besides the holidays, sick kids, working on the house and the usual everyday stuff I have a newborn. A newborn that needs lots of holding and back patting and talking. I think every time I have sat down to write a little post either Sam wakes up or someone else needs me for something. To try to get something done while the littlest is demanding to be held I finally tried out the Moby wrap my sister is letting me borrow... Sam screamed. I took her out and then she spit up all over me, but I am going to try it again soon.

getting ready to yell at me. again.

Really, though, Sam is a great baby. I won't say that she's sleeping through the night (don't wanna jinx anything), but she has been sleeping really well. She simply prefers to be held instead of sitting all alone in her swing or bassinet when she's awake. She loves it when we talk to her (which is all the time) and has started smiling! 

Our Christmas vacation ended Monday and D went back to school. Apparently he had a really great day, but it's like pulling teeth trying to get him to tell me about his day. I'm not much of a talker myself and he does take after me quite a bit.

Rose turned 3 during my unplanned blog-cation.

She's beautiful, bossy and strong willed. She's also just plain adorable.

And not leave him out, Ry needs a haircut. Desperately. I think it's time to take him a licensed professional for this one. 

I spy a Rose!

Well, I guess I should get something to eat while I have the chance. Adios.

37 weeks

was actually last Friday, but I am finally able to post a picture today. 

and a few other pics...

top left: the mustang statue & 3 lil' Texans
top right: kids running up the steps... preggers couldn't keep up
bottom left: The Fearless 3 & saber tooth tiger
bottom right: preggers poses next to massive oak tree (did not make her look smaller) while offspring try to climb (they were terribly unsuccessful... obviously related to chimps)

Happy Wednesday to you!

just a quick update

So D has this whole week off for Thanksgiving break. When I was in school I believe we only got off Wednesday- Friday so, it's kind of awesome that he gets an entire week off. Yesterday we did our final grocery shopping trip prior to turkey day and the stores were already insane. It was so crowded and people were not as polite as usual, but I managed to not get caught up in the rush everyone seemed to be in. I even bought doughnuts since the kids were being fairly well behaved (we ate them afterwards while we waited in line for super cheap gas).

D and Ry spent most of the day outside riding their bikes and I repeatedly loaded and emptied the washer and dryer. (Now I need to put all that laundry away.) I also made a pie for Tim's work's t-day lunch that is today.

Today I'm cleaning up and then taking Rose to the doctor since she isn't feeling well. Last night was miserable, but even when she was obviously feeling terrible she managed to give me lots of big smiles. She's got a cough and "noisy breathing" which will almost always prompt us to visit the doctor. A cough and runny nose I handle just fine, but wheezing or grunty breathing makes me paranoid about it becoming pneumonia. Of course all the doctor's offices are busy since kids are on school break and it's a great time to get checkups done, but after talking to a nurse she found us an afternoon appointment. Hopefully we'll have her feeling better soon and I'll update tomorrow.

adios friends.

back to normal

D went back to school today and seeing all the kids in his class run up and greet him was so cute this morning. The first thing he did was give his teacher a big hug; I am so thankful that he likes her so much. (He's feeling better and just has a cough that wants to hang around.)

My other two munchkins and I headed out to do some shopping and hit up all three home improvement stores in town. I was expecting to stop only at Home Depot, but unfortunately their restrooms were under construction (Rose had to go potty) and I couldn't find the caulk I was looking for. So... across the highway to Lowe's we rolled. I found one part of my caulk (I needed two kinds) and thankfully their restrooms were open, as well as very clean. One more stop and I found what I hope is the right caulk and we were on our way home. We also went to the grocery store and found some ready to bake gingerbread cookies that I'm about to pop in the oven. Mmm... can't wait!

Happy Wednesday!

I'm having a good* day

I wish I had something really awesome to write about.... I don't. So here's a random update on what's going on.

At this very moment Ry is spelling every word in a book out loud and asking me what they spell. I think he'll have "elephant" down by this evening.

Also at this very moment, Rose is sleeping!

I finally remembered to buy Tums at the store this morning... no sense in suffering longer than a week with that lovely combo of heartburn and acid reflux each and every night.

It's Wednesday, so it was Chapel this morning at school. I ran to the store in the 15 minutes I had between dropping off D and Chapel starting. I made it back only 4 minutes late! It must have been the combination of sitting on a pew with some other ladies, the fancy box of animal crackers I purchased, remembering Rose's blanket and not sitting around waiting, but we made it though the whole thing! Rose was a bit talkative and sang her abcs (just the h-i-j-k-l-m-n-o part) most of the time (quietly, at least). Success! Ry was very well behaved... just thought I'd mention that. D was very excited when he saw us as he left to go back to class, but I am certain he will ask where we were at the beginning.

Hmm... yesterday I ate vanilla ice cream with ruffled potato chips. It was delicious and I wish I had more, but I don't. Pregnancy craving? Sort of. I have a habit of dipping pretzels and french fries in ice cream, so this was along the same line. Sweet and salty!

My nephew is turning one and his birthday party is Saturday. Yay! Okay, here's the problem, what do I get him? I'll ask my sister, but any suggestions for unique gifts? And I'm not a crafting type of person so sewing or hot gluing projects are out.

I sure hope everyone is having a normal, good* day.  

*A good day is always nice... Great! and Fantastic! days are for overachievers for the most part.

thoughts on tuesday

Tuesday might just become my baking day. This morning I made banana muffins (a new recipe) and pizza crusts for D's homemade "lunchables". I may be becoming that mom. There's no sense in fighting it if I enjoy doing these things and D actually eats and enjoys his lunch.

We're experiencing some sort of End of August Cool Front in the weather department. I really enjoy 90 as a high instead of 101. There is a remarkable difference in eleven degrees. I hope this wonderful trend continues.

D rode the school bus home (well, to the agreed upon pick up/drop off location) yesterday. He really seemed to like riding and was thrilled when I told him he was riding again today. My favorite part of him coming home in the afternoon is the hug he gives me without me asking.


Ry and Rose are playing better together. I think they are getting used to our new schedule. Yesterday and most of this morning they were relatively quiet while playing instead of screaming because they accidentally looked at each other!

I guess I better clean up the mess in the kitchen. It's now or never.