Life is So Good

I’ve been absent from blogging (obviously) for a while now.  There is no reason for this other than that living my life has gotten in the way of writing about living my life. 

 

We are well.

 

The boys are funny and smart and mischievous and amazing.  They are growing like weeds. 

My better half continues to be a wonderful husband and an amazing father.  Marrying him remains (hands down) the best decision I ever made.

 

Our little house is warm and cozy in spite of the biting temperatures outside.  We love to snuggle under blankets and watch cartoons.  We play games and read books and play.

 

Though the wind blows and the snow falls, my mind has already turned to Spring.  Much of my free time lately has been spent with my nose buried between the pages of seed catalogues and homesteading books.  Honestly I have garden & yard plans much loftier than my budget will ever allow but I will do my best to follow through with as many of those plans as possible. 

 

Maybe I’ll even find time to document some of that journey here.  Who knows?

 

The Big Boy Bed (alternate title: We are never going to sleep again)

Our little Huck was finally getting to a point where he could climb out of his crib, so we introduced the toddler bed this past weekend.  Frankly he’s not a fan, and we are struggling with keeping him in bed or even in his room for that matter.  The first night was rough.  The second night was better and gave me hope.  Last night he really fought it.  Here is the play by play…

 

7:15: I tuck him in and we say goodnight

7:25 I hear him moving around and he comes out to say he’s done with his nap and wants to play

7:26 I tuck him in and we say goodnight.  Before I am even out of the room he is up and following me.

7:28 I put up a gate at his bedroom door and tuck him in.  We say goodnight.

7: 55 I hear a crash as he uses brute force to knock down the gate.  He of course, came crashing down with it and is startled/upset.  We rock for a little while in the rocking chair while he calms down.  Meanwhile, Hubby tucks Tom into bed (the boys share a room).

8:10 I tuck him in and we say goodnight  (Tom is now asleep)

8:20 Another crash and “Mommy, I fell out of my room again!!”

8:22 I tuck him in and we say goodnight

8:35 I hear him talking and suspect he’s looking at a book.  Sure enough when I go to his room, he has turned on all his lights and is sitting on the floor between the two beds, “reading” a book about trains.  Tom?  Still sleeping.

8:36 I turn out all the lights.  I tuck him in and say goodnight.

8: 50 He starts yelling for me to come to his room.  I don’t want him to wake his brother so I go.  He has moved all of his blankets, stuffed animals and his pillow to the floor and states that he’s having a sleepover.  He wants me to join him.  I decline.

8:52 I remake his little bed, tuck him in and we say goodnight

9:15 I hear giggling.  A lot of giggling.  I go to see what’s happened.  He is grinning and points to his brother’s bed.  “See Mommy, I covered Tom with animals!  It’s funny!”  Sure enough, my first born is now buried under a pile of plush animals.  He is still sleeping soundly, oblivious to it all.

9:16 Huck helps me remove all the stuffed animals from on top of his brother

9:18 I tuck him in and we say goodnight

9:30 He wanders out (I’ve given up on the gate at this point) and states that he’s ready to watch some Handy Manny and maybe have a snack.  I say no to both.

9:32 I tuck him in and we say goodnight.  After a while, all is quiet and I start to think he’s fallen asleep.  I tiptoe down the hall to check.  I open his door and there he is, standing perfectly still in the middle of his dark room.  “Hi Mommy.”

9:35 I tuck him in and we say goodnight

9: 45 He starts to cry because he can’t find his blanket.  I go back and find it for him.  I tuck him in and we say goodnight.

10:00 Out he comes again.  This time I find him in front of our Christmas tree.  “Isn’t it lovely, Mommy?” 

10: 02 I tuck him in and we say goodnight

10: 30 He’s out of his room again.  The Christmas tree is like a toddler magnet.  The lights are off now and that makes him mad. 

10:32  I give up.  I take him to the couch and we lay down together.  He hates this, but I no longer have faith that he’ll go to sleep solo – maybe ever again.  After maybe ten minutes of whining/crying,  he is out like a light.

 

In sleep he is all innocence and sweetness, and in the morning he wakes up his usual happy go lucky self.  Tonight was a little better, but not by much.  We are hatching plans to keep him in his room, but aren't super confident in any of them.  We shall see.  What we do know, is that even though we are tired - we wouldn’t give up these fun little adventures for anything.  I am very thankful for boys who don't sleep and for boys who can sleep through anything!  They are both an amazing blessing.

Star Wars Behavior Chart

We needed something to track of Tom's daily behavior - something that would allow both my husband and I to know what the other parent had already done (put him in time out, took away TV etc). 

Tom adores Star Wars.  He comes by it naturally enough.  Both his Dad and his Uncle (my brother) are huge fans.  I looked on Pinterest for behavior charts that would incorporate the Star Wars theme, but didn't find much.  I asked my brother and husband for some ideas and had a few of my own.

I did an internet search for 'Star Wars Cartoon Characters' and used some of the results as inspiration for the guys I drew for the project.  I used colored pencils to finish them off.  I'm fairly happy with the results;

*Awesome (The Force is strong with this one)
*Good (Jedi in Training)  - this is the default position for his marker
*Warning (Much to learn, you still have)
*Time Out (Encased in CARBONITE)
*Lose ALL Screen Time (Welcome to the DARK side!) - no TV, no computer, no Kindle etc

So far Tom thinks its pretty cool.  We'll see how well it works.

A Happy Summer Weekend

Early on Saturday morning the boys and I packed up the car and headed south to my folks' farm for the weekend.  We had been planning our little get away for a couple weeks, and we had high hopes for lots of fun in the country!

From the moment we got in the car, everything went right.  The weather was beautiful.  The air was cool and traffic was light.  We live in a part of the Midwest that is not flat or boring.  Over the course of the two hour drive we saw rolling hills, foggy valleys, flourishing corn fields and cows grazing in their pastures.  We drove by sleepy little towns and cozy farm houses.  Everywhere we looked, the beauty of this area was evident. 

The boys wanted the windows down while we drove, and so we sped down the highway with the wind blowing the wonder of summer through our car.  Tom told stories and Huck sang "Jingle Bells" for most of the trip and I couldn't stop smiling.  It was a perfect drive in pretty much every way.

Part of the weekend plans included some canning that my Dad and I wanted to do - so we quickly did inventory and got started on the first item of the day: Bread and Butter Pickles.  These are one of my absolute favorites and I was excited to make some of my own.  While Dad and I sliced and diced cucumbers and onions - the boys and my Mom were playing outside in a tent that had been set up for the occasion.  When we had finished our first step with the pickles, we set those aside to soak while we started in on the salsa prep.  We were done with the salsa by lunchtime, broke for our midday meal and then finished up the pickles.  The boys (and probably Grandma too) were happy for us to escape the kitchen. 

Me, Dad and Huck & the results of our labor!

The boys wanted to get dirty, so we went to the garden.  Several hills of potatoes were ready to dig.  Dad used his pitch fork to loosen up the hills and the boys scrambled for potatoes before carefully placing them in the same old red wagon I played in thirty five years ago.  Dirty, but happy - we put the boys in a big wash tub to clean off.  Once clean and changed into new clothes, we all went for a walk around the property.  We watched birds and enjoyed the views of hayfields and forest that surround my parents little house.

 

Dad started a camp fire and we gathered around with hotdogs and fruit, chips and marshmallows.  When it comes to campfire cooking - simple sometimes wins the day.  That was certainly the case for us.  Tom was especially hungry and gobbled up three hotdogs.  Huck kept getting distracted by the tent, but even he was getting plenty to eat.  The fire kept the bugs at bay, and after we ate we went to the best vantage point to watch the sun set.  It was beautiful.

 

 

The boys were tuckered out and getting a little grouchy so we called it a day.  Tom wanted to sleep in the tent but I knew that it wouldn't go over well with Huck so instead we slept in Mom and Dad's spare room.  We were all so tired that we slept fitfully and woke feeling very refreshed.

Day two was to be short, so we started early.  The boys filled up on pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse accompanied by glasses of cold milk.  I loaded up the car while Huck rang the dinner bell and Tom pretended to 'drive' Grandpa's John Deere tractor.  Both boys got a kick out of sitting in the back of the farm truck (also parked) and playing with the water pump.  They chased the farm cat around and ate a snack before it was time for us to say good bye.

Huck and Grandpa checking out the water pump.

Our car full of pickles and salsa and our heads full of wonderful memories - we headed out.  The trip home was just as beautiful as the previous day's had been, but it was much quieter.  Huck was asleep five minutes into the trip and Tom followed him into dreamland not much later.  It was quieter, but it was still nice.  The weather was lovely once again and the beauty still surrounded us as we sped toward our home.

We packed a lot of activity into this weekend, and it was really perfect.  The only thing that might have made it better was if Hubby could have went along.  Maybe next time he'll be able to.  What I know for sure is that there WILL be a next time.  This was too much fun not to repeat. 

My Mom and I had a lot of quality time and good conversation!!

No Fuss Birthday Party

Today we had a party for our boys who both have July birthdays (Tom's 5th and Huck's 2nd).  They are amazing and wonderful boys and we adore them.  We never go overboard with the parties we throw (you'll find no petting zoos or bounce houses in our backyard).  I have been known to stay up till midnight the night prior decorating a cake or scrubbing the floor or whatever.  Historically the birthday party is both super fun and crazy stressful. 
This past year has brought some changes to my professional life that stress me out enough.  I just didn't think I could do the usual routine this year (while also keeping my sanity intact).

So I decided (with much encouragement from my awesome hubby) that we would strive to have a stress free (or close to it) birthday party this year. 

So how did we take the stress out of the big day?  I baked a standard chocolate cake and let my oldest help me decorate it.  Instead of making my own, I used frosting that came out of a plastic can.  The cake was a little lopsided, and some of the sides had no frosting at all. There were no decorative borders and for toppers we used some toys from Wal Mart. 

Tom also helped hang the decorations - almost all recycled from previous years.  Nothing really matched, but it was all festive and colorful.  I did make two posters.  One with Yoda from Star Wars (Tom's favorite) and one with a monster truck (Huck's current obsession).  Those, a few banners and maybe six balloons was pretty much it.

My husband prepared all the snacks and the punch and some salad.  He wrapped the presents.  We got $5 pizzas from our local Little Cesar's to feed our guests lunch. 

The night before, Hubby and I did a little party prep and then we sat down on the sofa and watched an old Magnum PI episode on Netflix and went to bed early.  Did I have a million things that should have been done first?  Of course.  I won't apologize though.  This system worked.  It worked so well, that I guarantee we'll use it as a model for future parties.

When our family began to arrive this morning, I was relaxed and happy Mama instead of flustered and exhausted Mama.  You know what they say?  "When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"....  Well, today Mama was HAPPY!  We had a fantastic time with parents and siblings and our kiddos.  It was really a perfect day.

I didn't dust every surface in my house.  I didn't vacuum under the couch.  I didn't wash the windows.  I didn't spend three hours decorating the birthday cake.  You know what?  I also don't feel guilty.  We had the best birthday party ever!  Would Martha Stewart approve?  Probably not. 

Good thing she wasn't invited.  :)

Tornado Season & What Really Matters

I live in the Midwestern United States.  We are known for corn fields, pig farms, a low-ish cost of living, friendly folks and tornadoes.  The tragic and unfortunate events in Oklahoma lately underscore the season. 

I hate tornadoes.  While certain folks might hear the tornado siren and run for the basement, flashlight in hand (me)…  others hear that same siren and jump into a vehicle that they will then use to CHASE said tornado in hopes of… okay, I honestly have no idea why they do it, but they do.  At any rate, I guarantee you that I’ll never be one to willingly put myself in a tornado’s path.

Sidebar: I do really like the movie Twister, but only if I’m watching it at home in maybe December.

Tom (my almost five year old) is learning about weather in a very high-level kind of way at pre-school.  Mostly they talk about the seasons and rainbows and how precipitation impacts plant growth – that sort of thing.  It was almost all he knew about weather until recently.  We are very careful that our boys don’t watch the news.  There is just too much stuff that they are too young to see and/or understand.  This has especially applied when it comes to violent crime and weather disasters.  So even though we had kept the lid on the true horrors of the tornado season, he got the info another way.  One of his little friends ended up telling him about tornadoes at school, and Tom became worried.  Really worried.  After that, every crack of thunder, every rain shower, every bleep of radar coming from the tv or radio – became a panicky moment for Tom. 

I found a bunch of books for children that had been written about tornadoes and we spent an evening reading all the bits that I thought might help him better understand and hopefully put him at ease.  We listened to the weather radio and I explained how important it was to be prepared and to act quickly in the event of a real tornado.  It seemed to help.  He drew a picture to show what he’d learned.  We even created a ‘nest’ of sorts under our basement stairs which all four of us can fit into.  He tried it out and was satisfied that we could shelter there if needed.  We added a gallon of drinking water, some flashlights and a first aid kit for good measure.  This calmed Tom down a lot.

Then, we went on vacation. 

Every year, we drive (about 500 miles southeast) to my Grandma’s house.  She lives on a sweet, simple little farm with my bachelor uncle.  They raise cows and plant row crops.  They have big gardens and put up a large percentage of their own food.  Going there for a few days every year is the perfect get-away for me.  My usual life is busy and crazy and cram-packed with stuff.  Going to Grandma’s is like a breath of fresh air.  Life (for those few days) slows down and brings me a renewal of sorts which helps me focus on the ones I love and the things that matter.

Tom on vacation

This year, after a lovely visit with the family on the farm, we headed back home – stopping for a few days in St Louis on our way back to break up the trip.  We had a lot of fun there – children’s museum, science center, planetarium, shopping, exploring parks etc. 



Huck and I at Grandma's house



On one particular night I was giving a bath to the boys at the hotel.  Hubby was watching the weather on TV as some bad storms were brewing in the area.  He was watching the weather alerts carefully just in case we needed to seek shelter.  As I was washing Tom’s and Huck’s hair and they were splashing each other and playing with plastic dinosaurs, I remarked to Hubby that there must be a party across the hall - as people outside our room were being unusually loud.

It wasn’t much later - we were all snug in our PJs - when the sirens began to wail.  I grabbed Tom’s hand and told him we were going to the hallway.  Tom - clutching his fuzzy bunny “Charlie” tightly, nervously accompanied me to the door.  Hubby had Huck in his arms and they were right behind us.  Our room was on the ground floor and we knew our best bet for safety would be the hallway directly in front of our room.

Evidently, that had also been the first thought of every other hotel occupant that night, as when we tumbled/rushed through our door; we saw that the entire hallway was lined with maybe a hundred folks also seeking shelter – and most of them staring at us.  Clearly they had been there a while and none (or at least very few) of them were wearing their pajamas.  It turned out we were in a different county than we’d thought we were, and we had been under a tornado warning for some time without realizing it.  The ‘party’ I’d heard outside our hotel room had in fact been a bunch of nervous folks hunkering down in hopes that the storm would blow over.

Huck was oblivious to any danger.  He’s not quite two and was excited to be doing something different.  He giggled and played peek-a-boo with his Daddy and sang ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ to anyone who would listen.  Meanwhile, I tried to console Tom.  He was beside himself with worry and was clutching onto both me and Charlie the stuffed rabbit for dear life.  “I don’t like this at all!” he kept telling me over and over.  I didn’t like it either.  We prayed together and that seemed to help him.  After a while, the hotel staff sent someone to tell us the warning had expired and we could go back to our rooms.

We did exactly that, very thankful that ours was only a scare and nothing serious.  After all the excitement, the boys both required more bedtime stories than usual and some extra snuggles – both of which we were happy to provide.  Eventually we all settled down and slept.  We were lucky and blessed.  That same night, a cluster of storms had hit Oklahoma for the second time in less than two weeks – leaving many dead and many others without homes.

Tornadoes are horrible, tragic and fearsome things.  They scare me more than I even want to admit, not because of the damage they can cause to things and places, but because of what they can do to people.  They remind me to hold my loved ones close and not let any little grievance get in the way of how much they mean to me.  They remind me that things are replaceable and unimportant in the long run… it’s what can’t be replaced that really matters. 

They remind me that life is fragile – no matter what part of the world we live in.

“When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want?  Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relationships will matter most then, shouldn’t they matter most now?"

-Max Lucado

Chocolate-Bacon Mini Muffins!!

At the office, I'm a member of the department's Friday Morning Breakfast Club.  How does it work?  I'm glad you asked!

Each of the Breakfast Club members agrees to bring breakfast for the rest of the group twice during a two month cycle.  If you are a member of the group you get to enjoy the offerings every week.

So, today it was up to me, and my co-worker Carlie to supply breakfast to the department.  She brought a yummy cinnamon roll cake, and I brought chocolate-bacon mini muffins.  I found the recipe in the January/February issue of GRIT....

Ingredients:
6 slices bacon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plus 2 T packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup melted butter (or walnut oil)
1 T strong coffee
1 tsp Vanilla
1 large egg
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate mini chips, divided

1.  Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Line muffin pans with paper liners, or spray with cooking spray.

2.  Fry bacon until done but not yet crispy.  Transfer to paper-towel lined plate and cool.  Once cool, chop into 1/4 inch pieces.  Set aside.

I used my trusty flat cast iron griddle.

3.  In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Whisk together.

4. In separate bowl, combine water, oil, coffee, vanilla and egg.  Stir together.  Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips and half the bacon.

5. Add this mixture to flour mixture and stir just until moist.

6. Divide batter evenly among 12 regular muffin cups (or same amount of batter will make around 42 mini muffins).  Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and remaining bacon evenly over batter.

7. Bake for 15 minutes (around 10 for mini muffins - check your oven), or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for five minutes before serving.  Store leftovers (if you have any!) in refrigerator.

Before taking the muffins to work, I tried them out on my favorite test subject Baby Huck.  He loved his samples... all three of them!!

He was a big fan of the "CHOK-IT MUFFNS"!!

I took 40 mini muffins to work, and brought home two... so I think they were a success!!!

Thankful Thursday

In all things give thanks....

Today I am thankful for my little fellas.  They keep me busy, drive me crazy and generally make my life perfect and fantastic.  They are the lights of my life!  They are also growing up at an alarming rate, and it seems the old blog code names I'd given them (Little Guy and Baby Boy) are seriously outdated.

Therefore, some change is in order.  Introducing.....

Tom (formerly "Little Guy")

and Huck (formerly "Baby Boy")

not sure why this posted side ways.... just turn your computer.  :)

Egg-citing Fun!!

Little Guy goes to a small in-home daycare/pre-school. Usually the class has between 6 and 8 children but right now (because two families have recently moved away) there are only three. Since the class is so small right now, I decided that I'd be willing to try something different to take to their Easter party which was today (the Wednesday following Easter).

I found this clever idea in a recent issue of Disney's Family Fun magazine. The kids have been learning phonics and some sight words. They've been practicing 'word families' like the "AN" family includes the words fan, can, man, tan etc. I thought this project would be something that would go along nicely with what they are learning at school. Also she had asked that if we brought anything - it needed to be healthy. This final product included nothing edible, so no chance of unhealthy food! :)

Here's the Process...

I went to Wal Mart the day after Easter and picked up these cartons of candy eggs
and break apart plastic eggs.  I took out the candy, and raided my
colorful cardstock and scrapbook letter stickers...

Following the directions in a recent issue of Disney's Family Fun magazine
(If you have little ones, I think you might like this magazine) I went to work

Each carton held eight eggs.  Each egg had several single letter stickers on one side
of the "break" and on the other side a series of two or three letters that when
matched with the single letters formed a word.  The child can then twist the eggs for
word-building fun!



I made little signs for the top (again following the design in the magazine) and then we were done!
My Little Guy thought these were awesome, and his pre-school teacher loved them too since they weren't
filled with candy!! 

Don’t Start Without Me !!

"Little Guy" is now 4 1/2 

My parents will tell you, should you ask, that I was a precocious child. I was outgoing and talkative and on more than one occasion, brought them a certain amount of embarrassment. When I tell them that my two little ones (especially the oldest) are shaping up to be just like I was – they can’t hide their smiles.

One of my earliest memories (I would have been maybe four) was of sitting on the pew next to my Dad during a church board meeting. Who knows what they were discussing – the proposed purchase of a new piano, building maintenance, Bible School…I have no idea, but I do remember that I wasn’t all that impressed with the grown up talk…which is why I stood on the seat of the pew right next to my Dad and loudly proclaimed, “I know why they call this a board meeting. It’s BOORING!”
                                                                                                      
I know my Dad was mortified. I know this because God in His wisdom and with His divine sense of humor has blessed me with a child who is just as opinionated and noisy in church as his Mama was.

Our little church has a “children’s moment” every Sunday morning. This is a time when the little tykes can go up front and learn a very brief lesson from the minister. He teaches them something that is short and sweet but which helps them to feel that they are a part of the service. It’s really wonderful and my oldest LOVES it.  

One Sunday some weeks before last Christmas, the Pastor asked the kiddos what holiday was coming up. Instead of just answering “Christmas” as the other children were doing, mine walked to the top level of the stage, and began to belt out “Jingle Bells” at the top of his lungs.  

Another Sunday he and several other children were standing on the stage ready to sing a song they’d been practicing. Without encouragement of any kind, my little fellow took a big step forward, stretched his arms wide and loudly proclaimed, “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS!” The Sunday school teacher stopped him there, which I’m guessing was good. Who knows what kind of announcement he might have made? 

This past Sunday (Easter), I was kind of hoping that he wouldn’t notice it was time for the kids to go up front. The church was packed and we were wedged in the middle of a long pew. He did notice of course. Children were already arriving at the front when he looked at me anxiously, “Can I go Mom, please?” I nodded, and began to prepare myself mentally for whatever thing he was going to do. Its always ‘when’ and not ‘if’ with this boy. He pushed his way (as politely as a 4 and a half year old can) through the folks sitting next to us. Once he reached the aisle (keep in mind we were one pew away from the BACK of the church), he stopped and raised both hands. Waving them at the Pastor, he yelled as loudly as he could, “Don’t start without ME!” Everyone laughed as my little guy jogged to the front and plopped down directly in front of the minister, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

Sometimes his antics embarrass me a little, but I won’t ever tell him that. I want him to approach life with the carefree and exuberant attitude he has for as long as he has it. He’ll have plenty of time to sit quietly as he grows older. Honestly his joy and innocent excitement is contagious.  Even when I have to shake my head and sigh, I'm pretty proud of my little sweetie.  After all, the Christy of 30 years ago would be running right behind him yelling "Don't start without ME!"  Sometimes I have to remind myself of that, but it is true. 

At this age, he doesn’t know any reason he should be shy or quiet.  You know what?  Neither do I.

Merry Christmas

Hello Friends!  I hope that you have all enjoyed the holidays as much as I have this year!  I know I've been lazy about updating this blog (if there ever was any doubt, my Dad reminds me regularly); but things have been busy.  I know that's not a good excuse of course.  Apologies aside... here's how my Christmas has shaped up so far.

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!!!

First you need to know that I am super traditional when it comes to celebrating holidays.  I love to be surrounded by family and familiar things.  So now that the boys are truly BOYS and not just babies, I knew that it was time to start our own family traditions.  I made a list (and checked it twice, of course), and here's what I've been doing...

Moving that silly "Elf on the Shelf" every night for the past month (well, almost every night - I forgot twice, which led to some curious morning conversations with Little Guy....

Listening to Orson Welles' "A Christmas Carol" on-line while frosting sugar cookies in the shape of snowmen and stars...

Singing old favorite Christmas songs at church on Christmas Eve.  There's not much that can compare to singing Silent Night by candle light...

Playing classic carols on Pandora all day, every day... and so you know - my favorites are the oldies.  If Dean or Frank or Bing didn't sing it... it won't be on my play list...

Helping Little Guy select just the right cookies and carrots to leave for Santa...

Reading "The Night Before Christmas" on the actual night before Christmas to my adorable boys...

Being "Santa" with Hubby late on Christmas Eve...

Waking at the crack of dawn to watch squealing boys open the gifts they found under the tree...

Savoring a yummy Christmas dinner of pot roast, potatoes, carrots and fluffy yeast rolls (all made by the most awesome husband ever)...

Watching "A Christmas Story" with Hubby while the boys played with their new toys...



Tucking in two tired sweet little fellas into their warm beds after a lovely (dare I say perfect) holiday...

Remembering the real reason for this blessed day...

the REASON for the season...

Dishes!

My house is always full of boy noise.  From early in the morning till late at night there is the constant hum of trains and honking horns and 'vroom vroom'... not to mention belches and songs about bugs.  Now that Baby Boy is mobile, and learning that he also has a voice - the noises include his happy squeals and irate growls (depending on who has the toy he wants). 

Sometimes, I need just a few moments of quiet. 

Today I carved out some "Me" time in the form of dishwashing the old-fashioned way.  We usually rely on the dishwasher to do our dirty work (pun intended), but recently we found that our model was on a large recall.  Since the issue that initiated the recall is FIRE related (and we're not big fans of fire); we've determined that the dishwasher is off limits until we can schedule the repair.

So, this afternoon I filled the sinks with hot water: one side soapy, one side for rinsing.  I pulled on my blue rubber kitchen gloves.  I cranked Pandora (my favorite Jimmy Durante station fit my mood perfectly) and then I started.  I adore the feeling of accomplishment that comes with something so basic as cleaning, and there are few types of house cleaning which so quickly show results.

Dirty mug goes in the soapy water... comes out sparkly clean.  Rinse.  Repeat.  Bliss.

With each plate and fork and sippy cup, the boy noise started to fade into the background a little.  It was replaced by a calm that I rarely feel these days.  The moments were few, but they served as a re-charge of sorts.  It was exactly what I needed.

Before long, the dishes were done, my gloves were laid out to dry and I was wiping down counters when my husband walked in and said, "Wow. It's 1950 in here."  Right behind him came a blur of little boy activity and excitment. 

With my "me time" effectively over and normalcy now restored - I turned off Jimmy Durante and embraced the noisy fellows that make my life so very amazing (even if I do need a break now and then).

Not So Magic Kingdom

Recently, out of the blue, our Little Guy asked me, “Can we go to Disney World?”

I know that most parents get just as excited as their kiddos do when they hear mention of the Magic Kingdom. 

Me?  Not so much. 

Why, you ask?  Why does the ‘greatest place on Earth’ seem anything BUT great to me?   It’s simple really – it was after a day of fun and Mickey Mouse that I experienced the single most traumatic event of my life. 

Indulge me, if you will, while I venture back to 1991.  I was seventeen, enjoying some quality time on a lovely family vacation with Mom, Dad, and my baby brother (he was 8 years old at the time).   We had driven the family mini-van from our little town in the Midwest to Orlando.  On our way, we’d made stops at my grandma’s house in Kentucky and Savannah Georgia for some sightseeing.  We were in high spirits when we reached Disney World, fully ready for a day of fun.  We rode rides, ate cotton candy, watched a show, bought souvenirs and all the other stuff that visitors do there…

Evening was approaching and rather suddenly things began to change.  My Mom has struggled with severe allergies for years, and on this particular day she started to have a reaction to one of the many tropical flowers that were planted everywhere.  She was weak and Dad felt he needed to stay with her.  He thrust the keys my way, reminded me how to get to the van and instructed me to get the van and come right back.  I jogged away in the direction he had shown me and after several minutes I found the van. 

Now, prior to this day I had only ever driven in our small town of approximately 7,000.  I’d never driven on an interstate or dealt with heavy traffic at all.  It seemed like it would be no big deal though, after all my task was to drive from our lot to the spot near the entrance where my family waited.  “I can handle this,” I thought to myself.

At first it was even fun.  I felt grown-up and felt sure that I’d been given more responsibility than I’d ever known before.  Also, I knew that doing this chore was helping my family and that made me feel good.  So there I was driving through our lot toward the park – when I came upon my first obstacle.  The guys at the little booth that connected our lot to the next one would not let me pass.  I began to feel nervous, but being an industrious gal – I figured there would have to be another way around and so I went the other way.  Once in the next lot, I was again not allowed to go closer to the park – only farther away.  

Within minutes I found myself where no small town girl with zero city driving experience should be – the crazy busy freeway in front of Disney World.

To say I was scared would maybe be the biggest understatement of all time.  I was petrified.  This was before the days of cell phones.  I had no way to contact my parents to let them know where I was.  I was bawling like a baby when I saw the next Disney World exit and took it.  This time (after being told ‘no’ by yet another parking lot attendant) I simply parked and started to run.  I ran for what felt like forever, tears streaming down my face. 

I found my folks.  Mom was feeling worse - not better, and after hearing my story, Dad was angry to say the least… not at me, but at the guys who wouldn’t let me through. 

“They’ll let ME through,” he said with a determined expression.

To this day I don’t know what he said to them, but they did let him through.  He helped Mom into the car and then made sure my brother and I were also loaded and secured.  The car was quiet for a while.  We were all thinking about what had happened, and thankfully what didn’t.  From that day on, my thoughts of Disney World have always been dark - except for when I think of my Dad rescuing me.

I suppose the truth is that although that day was scary, it was also a day filled with comfort and safety – the comfort and safety that only a loving and protective father can give.  And I have to admit it was fun to meet Mickey Mouse and see the Country Bears…..

So, maybe we will do Disney World someday.  We’ll see.  I just know that if we do go, I’m not driving.

Look Who's FOUR!

Happy Birthday to our Little Guy - the very first person to ever call me Mama!  I just adore this kiddo.  He's funny and smart and makes me laugh more than I ever thought would be possible.

He's four today - and he's sure that this means he's now able to stay up late at night and maybe 'get a job'.  I'm not ready for him to join the workforce just yet, but we might be able to negotiate on bedtime.

Today was fun - filled with all the wonderful little things that make a young boy happy.  And any time this particular young boy is happy... Mom and Dad are happy too!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Little Guy!!  We love you so much!!!  Hoping all your wishes come true.  :)

First Birthday

Today marks our Baby Boy’s first birthday!

I can’t believe a year has passed!  Where can the time have gone?  It seems like just yesterday, I was writing THIS to the tiny baby still snuggled in my belly. 

Now he’s a great big boy with a great big personality.  He’s silly and clever and fun. He loves playing with his big brother and making us smile.  He is easily the most cuddly and lovable daily 4am wake-up call a Mom could ever hope for.  His little smile melts my heart and his giggle makes every day brighter. 

It’s true that he has a temper, but he’s my sweetie; and he will always be my Baby – even when we’re both old and grey.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!  We love you so much!! :)

One Crazy Summer

Holy Busy Summer Batman!  I can’t even begin to tell you how nuts it’s been around here.  I won’t bore you with every minute detail, but I will give you a quick glimpse of the stuff that’s been keeping me away from my blog….

• A baby who doesn’t realize he’s a baby… Baby Boy will be ONE next week,but he thinks he’s much bigger.  He gets terribly aggravated when he fails at anything he tries (translation: anything he sees his big brother do), but he never stops trying.   Actually he just never stops moving, period.  I’d forgotten how exhausting it can be to chase a determined baby who is fully mobile, and who loves nothing more than to test his boundaries.
• A big boy who thinks he’s a teenager….  For some reason Little Guy thinks that turning four (his birthday is also this month) will flip some magic switch that changes all the rules.  He is convinced that four year olds never have to sleep and that they get to eat cookies for breakfast and wear pajamas to school.  He’s wrong of course, but he’s not easily convinced that this is the case.  We’re especially having trouble with bedtime.  He just doesn’t want to go to sleep – ever.
• A day job that is going into overdrive….. The office is so busy; I’ve even had to work some extra hours at home lately, which is certainly not ideal.  Hopefully the extra hours are only a passing phase and not the new normal.
• A party to plan… We’re having a joint birthday celebration for our fellas. We’re doing it at our house and of course that requires a whole different level of house cleaning than we usually get by with.  Last night it was washing windows and laundering drapes.  Tonight it will be cobweb removal and dusting the shelves that usually get neglected.  Not sure what tomorrow will hold, but I know it will probably require Clorox wipes, a scrub brush or both. 
• Presents to make…. This I’m almost done with (thankfully).  I did publish a couple quickie blog posts last month showing the stuffed creatures I’ve made for the boys.  I’m now working on a little wooden house for part of Little Guy’s birthday present – it is a joint gift from my Dad and I, and requires a post of its own, which you’ll see later in July….

And I’ll close with a few recent pictures. Enjoy & meet me here again soon – very soon, I promise!

Baby Boy stealing a peek at Big Brother's favorite book

Little Guy "helping" his Dad with the crossword

Four Generations:  My Mom, My maternal Grandma, myself and the boys. 
This one is actually from May, but hadn't posted it yet.

Spaceboy and Robot

I bought this Wee Wonderful pattern (for the two fellas you see below) last fall, but just now got around to using it.  I really couldn't be much happier with the end result.  They are adorable (if I do say so myself) and I think Baby Boy will like the bright colors.

The pattern was very easy to follow and since it came in a wonderful little booklet format, will be easy to re-use in the future if I ever need to make another set. 

My only regret is that I now wish I'd have placed the robot's chest plate maybe an inch higher on his chest.  My mistake.  Everything else worked great (I felt).

The fabrics I chose were all simple cotton (trim and details in felt).  The "A" on the Spaceboy's belt represents Baby Boy's first initial.  The photo suggestions that came with the pattern included some buttons.  Although I think buttons might have been cuter, I just didn't want to risk the possible choking hazard that might pose.

These little fellas will be part of Baby Boy's first birthday next month.  I can hardly wait!!

The photo above is the one that Wee Wonderful displays on the pattern itself.  If you like to make stuffed lovies for the kiddos in your life, I'd recommend getting patterns from this company!

Note:  I was not asked to review WW patterns.  I purchased the Spaceboy and Robot pattern and used it because it's adorable.  No other incentive was requested or received.

A Day Late

I meant to do this yesterday, but time got away from me.  Hubby was a little under the weather and the boys were both a little stir crazy.  It made for a fun (though hectic) day.  Even though this message is a day short, it carries with it the deepest love and appreciation which I have for my Dad and my husband!!
Happy Father's Day Dad!! I love you!

Dad with our boys last month

and Happy Father's Day to my Hubby too!!!  I'm such a lucky lady!!! 

this is an older picture (we were in the hospital with Baby Boy) but its a favorite.

Caramel Cake

I never had Caramel Cake until today, but ever since I read "The Help" I've wanted to try it.  In that book, one of the main characters "Minny" is said to make the best Caramel Cake anywhere.  It kept coming up throughout the story, and every time I read about it - my mouth began to water.

It was not something I'd tried, but I was sure I'd be a fan.  After all, I love caramel and I love cake.  But after I finished the book, I kind of forgot about my interest in this seemingly yummy confection.

So today when we were watching America's Test Kitchen, and they featured Caramel Cake - my interest was instantly renewed.  Hubby offered to bake it for me, and I said you betcha!  He baked the two cakes, and then I whipped up the frosting and iced them.

This cake is good.  We're far from being professionals, and this was our first attempt.  Doesn't matter.  This cake is REALLY good.  The cake itself is a fairly basic yellow cake, and it's a buttery, moist yum-fest.  Honestly though, the cake is nothing more than a delivery vehicle for the frosting.  Oh dear.  That frosting could maybe bring about world peace.  It's just so GOOD.  Ridiculously sweet, buttery and richer than Bill Gates... this is a cake to love.

So of course that's what we're doing.  I highly recommend giving the recipe a try. 

Birthday Critter #1

I'm making two little stuffed characters for Baby Boy's 1st birthday (coming next month), and decided I'd better make at least one for Little Guy as well (his 4th birthday is also next month).  The photos below show what I came up with. 

This funny little monster doesn't have a name (yet), but I'm hoping he'll be well received.

I'll post pics when I get the next two stuffed critters done.  Those are taking a little more time as I'm using a pattern.  The monster was so simple, I just threw him together using some bits of fabric from my stash.