Time's a-flyin'

Wow. I haven't posted anything in July and by the end of this week, the month will be long gone.

I can't say that I haven't had the time, or even much to say, but I guess I just haven't taken the time to say what's been happening around here. (Although, the kiddos recent uber-interest in the computer means that they have some kinda alarm that must go off in their heads when I sit down at the ol' keyboard~not leaving much time for typing away our life's adventures.)

Life is full. Full of busy schedules, get togethers, lazy afternoons in the sun, book reading, party-going and family time. Family time. It was the one thing I longed for during the school year. As the school schedule takes over, life becomes the hamster wheel. We're just peddling to keep up with it.

But as summer has relaxed us, we've gotten into slow mornings (think breakfast at 8am instead of 6am), surfing the web for fun videos to watch (think "Phineas and Ferb- Squirrels in my Pants"), and made up games (checkers where the goal is to stack them as high as you can~ the ultimate "king me").

Vacations & staycations have been such a blessing for us this year. Thankfully, (with occasional family help), we've been able to do everything from getting a piece of summer at Christmas, swoosh down indoor waterslides, fly over oceans to explore an island, splash to our heart's content in a family pool, spend a whole week at a lake house, and explore nearby parks and playplaces.

Trying to sell our house is proving to be a huge lesson in patience for me. Waiting on God's timing is not something this control-freak of a momma is used to. But it's good. It's a life lesson. It's a chance for us to step back and really find out what matters to us.

This summertime we've had at home has also given me a chance to get to know my kids all over again. Not that I didn't know them during the school year, but now, with time - extended time, I can watch them, talk with them and really listen to what they are saying to me, to each other. Oh, the things I've learned. Josh is growing up super fast. Ellie's world is growing through books and a more curious mind than she's previously showed us. Owen. Well, Owen is learning a lot of from his siblings. Some good, some not-so-good. But, still, he's growing and developing this crazy sense of humor that will do him well some day. In a way, I look forward to our days alone when the kids go back to school.

So, in a nutshell. Family time. That's what we've been up to.

It's been such a different summer than any we've had before and I'm so glad it's not over yet.

Summer Reading: Lesson in Gender Differences

A difference between boys and girls:

Got back from the library this morning and Ellie absolutely devoured her books. Ahh. I love my little reader.

Josh, on the other hand, had to be convinced to sit and read, but the vulture book he checked out is turned out to be filled with ultra-cool grossness. (Did you know that vultures throw up on other animals to keep them away from their own meal? I'm seeing distinct similarities between them and mealtimes when our kiddos were in the eat-and-puke-it-up stage.)

Owen just thought it was keen to get his very own library card. In true boy fashion, he quickly discovered it could make "tooting" sounds when he held it to his mouth and blew. (no picture for this one, the hilarity that ensued from this was enough to make me forget to snap a memory)

* * * * *

Summer reading should be interesting this season. I'm desperately trying to take my own teacher advice and get the kids reading at least 15 minutes each day. As a bonus, it's been a nice (quiet) way for Owen to be willing to take a nap. When the house is buzzing with only the sounds of pages turning, it's easier for him to lay his active little body down for some much needed shut-eye. I have been thrilled to have my own opportunity to read and catch up on some books that have been shelved for the school year. Currently, a biography on Julia Child has been a fun way for me to get used to reading for fun again. I look forward to trying some of the recommendations from friends who carve out time for book clubs during the school year and other suggestions from various sources.

Ahh. Bring on the reading. Bring on summer!

It's gone!

Yep, it's gone.

It held on by a teeny thread as long as it could.



But the power of a sibling who has "been there, done that" prevailed.



Now, we wait for the Tooth Fairy!


Her little tooth will be waiting in this uber-cute tooth pillow made by her Aunt Sarah. Isn't it adorable?

The coolest guy I know.

This man has surprised me. (Not the cute little one with a cheese-mo smile, but the bigger cuter one with a smile that makes me melt. Still.)

Eight years ago this man celebrated his first Father's day. I'm not sure that was on the top of his "cool things I'd like to celebrate" list when he was young. If he doesn't mind me sayin' so. But he's surprised me. And, most likely, himself, too.

He wrestles. He kisses owies. He cuddles. He listens to little ones read. He takes them on adventures...anywhere he goes. Seriously, this man can make a trip to the grocery store with three kids in tow an adventure. He makes them laugh. Hard. I think he's the only one who can get Ellie to giggle so that soon we're all laughing. He builds with them. He teaches them about fishin' and other cool guy stuff. He runs. He plays.

And, he loves me, like no one ever could, which shows them more than a novel could ever tell them about how to love each other.

So, to the man who has grown into an amazing father...I love you and those little ones who look up to you everyday, love you, too!

Happy Father's Day, Dear.

Popsicles....it's SO summertime!

Signs

Apparently, I have my mother's hands.

When I was young, church was not the most interesting place for me. No fault to the pastor or for my parent's lack of trying, I was just easily distracted. The windows, what was outside the windows, the hymnals, the ceiling, basically anything that caught my eye could pass the time for at least a few minutes. Once a spider making it's way down the aisle drew quite a bit of attention for me and a few other young ones. Throughout the seasons, I had one favorite distraction.

My mother's hands.

My mother had, and still does, I think, have beautiful hands. An odd thing, yes, but still, very true. Her long fingers and the rings that were displayed on them were often looked to as a church distraction for me. I'd watch her diamond sparkle, fantasizing about my very own one day. When she played the piano, those long fingers moved deftly between the keys. Her nails were always kept relatively short, but were smooth, rarely painted. My first lasting memories of her are centered around the time she was pregnant with my youngest brother. She was about thirty-five at the time.

She was never one to spend a lot of time on herself, either from lack of time or the fact that she was brought up to not focus on "spoiling" yourself. And yet, her hands, and arms were always soft, gentle and yet, strong. I loved them.

As I sat in church the other day, still prone to some time of distraction, I began to give Josh a back scratch as he leaned forward in the pew. I looked at my hand. It was familiar, of course, but instantly, I was brought back to the old pew where I had once been.

My own hands have changed dramatically over time. Diapers, dinners, winters, summers, games, cleaning and age all have had their way with my hands. More wrinkled than I had remembered them recently, my first thought was, "Dude, I need moisturize these babies more!" And then I thought... they looked like hers. The way I remember them. Maybe not perfect in the world's standards, but beautiful, just the same.

As I thought more about it, I think what really triggered that memory, was the other reason why I liked her hands. She used those slightly wrinkled hands to give us those gentle touches that let us know we were loved. Back scratches in church were just one way of many that we felt the love she didn't always find time to say with words. Allowing us to examine her hands, hold them, squish the skin to watch to pop back into place...all ways to show us it we were loved.

There was an odd "full-circle" feeling to that moment in church. A recognition of what my mother did to show us love, but also, that here I was, where she had been, so many years ago, doing the same thing: Taking my family to church, showing love to my son through touch and seeing my own hands become my mother's hands.

I wonder if she ever had that same moment.

I have a feeling I am in for many more of those "look where life has taken me" times ahead. It's good to know that the road I travel is not one that is unpaved, or at least, untrodden. Motherhood truly is a journey. I guess one whose roads often come around the same bend every so often.

Happy Birthday, Owen

My little guy is three.

He has many-a-nickname...

• Mr. 3 (being child #3 and now age 3, this has many applications)
  
• Dude (as in, "Dude, WHAT are you doing? Promptly followed by, "I unknow?")
• Little Man
• Owie (a cousin favorite)
• Eyebrows (just ask him to show you his eyebrows...he's like a trick pony with this one)
  
• Captain Awesome (aptly named because of his overuse of this word...often said after he's hurtled through space with his tongue out, striking some funky pose, crashing into the ground)
  
• The boy who will bring us to the emergency room someday. (this week's bloody nose is just a small indication, methinks)

Whatever we call him, one thing is for sure. This boys brings us all pure joy. From birth this little guy has had the same amazing attitude: tackle life without reservations, add a smile and all will be well.

I love it, envy it and occasionally try to reign it in when it seems it might get the best of him. He'll learn some things the hard way, like his sister and he'll charm his way through the rest, like his brother.

I can't wait to see what this next year will bring.

I love ya, buddy.

Happy Birthday, Josh

Eight years ago today, I became a mom for the first time. I had no idea what I was getting into. It's been one amazing ride. Thankfully, one that is not over yet.

I'm not a overly sentimental mom (you should see how quickly I get the cute kiddo-created art projects flying outta this place), but this birthday has me on a wind of nostalgia.

Last night I regaled the family with story of Josh's birth.

The anticipation... the patience I needed while he seemingly decided to set up camp in my uterus for the near future...the induction date set and then pushed back even one more day while all those mommies' babies came into the world because of a local snowstorm (who knew the weather influenced birth?....apparently, not Josh!)...and then, finally, seeing him for the first time.

Remembering the details, talking about how each baby was different, was so good for me. I remembered how small and precious they were when we first saw them. Their size has changed, but not how precious they are to us. I caught myself getting that far-off look on my face like a goofy soap opera star. These children have changed my life in ways I couldn't anticipate. Encouraging, and challenging. Uplifting, and humbling. (all within a few minutes of each other)

I've been a mom for more than half our married life now. Life on our own is already a distant memory. But we still remember those days, too. I even get that silly wistful look on my face, too.

Happy Birthday, Josh.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

Top Ten of 2009

Wow, I guess it's been awhile since I posted here. Life is busy.

In my annual attempt to remember the excitement here at the Party of Five, with full knowledge that I am not as young as I used to be and therefore, not retaining memories as well....

The Top Ten of 2009: (sans pictures....computer crash ate all my pictures!)

10. Owen turned 2! This little boy brings a smile to my face any time of the day. Even when he's mad, he's cute. He's learned some interesting catch phrases, "Oh, no, he di-nt!" (complete with hand gestures) is one of my favorites. His laugh is infectious and I'm grateful he still likes to cuddle and let me kiss his cubby little cheeks!

2010 goal: Potty training and trying not to imitate everything that his sibs do.

9. Ellie turned 5. And went to Kindergarten. All Day. Everyday. It was a well-prayed for decision and we're happy to say she loves it. Loves her teacher, her friends, the bus and even her "homework." She's still gets tired and I'm beginning to realize she might need some wellness days off occasionally. But all in all, she is surprising me everyday by the things she learns, remembers and is interested in. Her birthday itself came and went fairly quietly, as I'm afraid it will too often (a birthday right before school starts is tricky!), but, thankfully she still young enough not to remember! (shh..don't tell!)

2010 goal: honesty, a calm spirit in the face of conflict and a way to harness her creativity (which usually ends up on the walls, table or any other surface besides paper).

8. Josh will be 8 in February. Although this isn't an event in 2009 technically, we're already thinking about it. (having a birthday a month after Christmas is tough...wait I'm noticing a pattern here). He is an excellent student, so full of energy and a real interest for all things family. He's our tradition-tracker, making sure that we've remembered "family night" and any other activity that keeps up hangin' together as a party of five.

2010 goal: Find out what to do when things are hard for you and continuing your talents in sports (we're so proud!).

7. Family nights have been our refuge. We've endured some interesting weeks, ones where we lacked serious family time and Friday nights have come to the rescue. The Red.box is our cheap family entertainer. We intersperse our nights with some game nights as well, knowing that our ultra-competitive first-born will most likely end up in tears if he doesn't win. We've had to say "no" to Bible study this fall, so we could keep our sanity, and also refocus our priority to the five of us. So many good memories have been had, snuggled up on the couch with a good movie, chomping on popcorn, and chatting about our favorite scenes, lines and characters. We miss our adult friends, but know that this time is fleeting and we're just trying to hold on as long as we can.

2010 goal: Find the balance between time with family and time with friends.

6. New niece and nephew. Oh how fun it is to rejoice with family on the birth of new babies! Ashlee was born in January and Andrew was born in June. These little ones are a joy to hold (and give back!). I think about how wonderful it is that our extended families are expanding. Each niece and nephew has their own distinct personality and I love seeing us all together. It reminds me of how much fun I had with my cousins when we were young.

2010 goal: Keep updated on what the little ones are doing (big and small ones!)

5. My knee surgery. Ugg. If there is one thing that will bring you back to reality it's a health crisis. You find who you can depend on, and who depends on you. As any busy mom will say, it is very difficult to take time for yourself. This forced me to stop and take time to rest. If this was a test on how well I could handle chronic illness, I can't say that say that I passed. No flying colors here. But, the support of my amazing husband and the surprising assistance and independence of my kids was a silver lining in an otherwise dismal situation. I am happy to report that I can run, play and move without thinking about my knee and it's month-long recovery in June.

2010 goal: Get strong so that this will become a distant memory.

4. 14 years of marriage. I have only recently realized what an amazing man that I am walking this life journey with. I run out of superlatives to describe how he supports our marriage, our family and our church. I'd add more, but some things are best said just to the ones we love.

2010 goal: Celebrate 15 years with an amazing man in an amazing place (hopefully!)

3. I sang in front of a crowd. This is one of those "Bucket List" items. It was my cousin's wedding and it was a silly song, but ~ I sang. People laughed (at the words, I hope) and I can proudly cross this one off the list. 2010 goal: Who knows!

2. A recharging trip to DC. After a month long recovery from my knee surgery, the hubs and I went to our nation's capitol to celebrate his cousin's wedding. Without kids. It was glorious. We did some sight seeing, reminding me of the fact we need to head back there some day with our kids. We did some laughing, reminding me that life is funny. No matter how sad it may seem some days. And we danced. On a rooftop. With young people who probably don't even remember the 'Macarena'. Reminding me that life can be a party like none other. Instead of feeling old and hobbled, I was able to boogie in the open air, with my oh-so-groovy dance partner for life.

2010 goal: Dance more, laugh more, get out and go places!

1. In some ways, it was an uneventful year. In other ways, I should be blogging every other minute about the wacky, happy, sad, eventful happenings of our little Party of Five. But, I think that in all that happened this year (big and small), I saw that my Savior is the one with His hands on the controls. He saved us when He saw fit, He held us when we cried, and He danced along with us when joy overflowed.

2010 goal: Lean on Him for everything. Everything.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Ants

Since the end of last spring we have had ants in our kitchen and eating area. On and off throughout the summer, I warred with these little buggers. We had weeks where they were a distant memory and then, they would reappear. I even got the kids so fired up, that their "alarms" would go off and the sounds of children screaming, "ANTS!" would sound through the house. Even Owen gets into it. I'd come around the corner to find them, nose to the ground, squishing these invaders to oblivion. (And then we washed our hands *wink*)

Although this is not a family pastime that I would like to continue, it has been a good way for us to fight off a common foe and see how we handle frustrating situations. I cleaned like a mad woman, even putting off breakfast one morning to practically hose down the kitchen. I was diligent in my efforts, but they seemed to always find some other avenue for finding miscellaneous food. My kitchen has never been cleaner, and yet, they come.

But these ants. In the midst of calling them an assortment of colorful names (in my head, of course), I began to admire them. They're tenacious, single-minded in their purpose, and are not swayed by the occasional obstacle. Heaven knows that I could use some of their stamina, drive and even flexibility.

What I don't need is their presence in my kitchen.

Who knew that a small insect held such deep insight?


Ps. I've used a variety of products, which work for a while. Now, I'm glad to say that having the Orkin man for a neighbor is good thing.