Responsibility? What's that?

I blew off responsibility and have been playing in my house all day.  Moving furniture, hanging pictures, crafting and figuring out my ottoman slip cover.  Makenna colored on walls again yesterday (yes, she just got crayons back at Christmas, the girl doesn't learn) so she's been in her room all day.  Her punishment was to clean her room by herself.  She might be there until next week at the rate she's going.  Eli has been my little helper, only making small messes and now napping.  Ryan's home from school and with the first nice day we've had in some time, he's out with his best buddies...his basketball and hoop in the driveway.  Kids have been good, I've been doing things I love and to top it off my secret sister dropped off a couple CD's for me.  I love music and love getting music.  This has been such a great day.  This is the kind of day that makes me never want to work for pay again.  Guess I'd better come out of the clouds and get to my list of chores though, otherwise the one who does make the money will come home and wonder what I've been doing all day.

It feels good to blow off responsibility once in awhile.

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday was rough.  I was in a mood due to another snow day, but only for two of the three kiddos.  Silly to be in such a foul mood about a snow day, but I have such limited time without kids that I really look forward to those days.    The kids picked up on my mood and it put all of them in moods.  The two year old was a pill all day.  He wasn't listening, yelled at me frequently, was in time out numerous times for poor behavior, etc, ect.  I was really, really ready for my night out with friends by 5pm.  When The Mister walked in, I was out the door with barely a kiss for any of them.  While Daddy was cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen and entertaining our kids, I was at a beer and bubbly tasting with some great girlfriends.  We had a great night.  Lots of laughs, good food, good drinks, great conversation and some funny memories.  I woke up this morning feeling so refreshed.  When we got to school, the boy remembered he needed his report card signed.  The report card that was sitting on the kitchen counter next to his backpack, that he also needed.  Yesterday that would have pushed me over the edge and I would have yelled.  Today we talked about responsibility and the consequences of not being responsible, and later I dropped the backpack at school with a little love note for my boy.  After dropping Ryan, we came home to have breakfast, take baths, make snacks and get out the door for the little man's photo shoot.  Yesterday we would have been late.  I would have tried to fit other things into the morning and wouldn't have been patient with the kids.  Today, I didn't deal with anything but getting us all ready, which included lots of fun in the bath, lots of giving choices to E to help with his independent streak and allowing him the time to decide and do things himself.  We were out the door with plenty of time to spare and arrived happy at the photo shoot.  The shoot went great and then we ran a quick errand before heading home.  The kids have now been playing, without fighting and by themselves, for over an hour.

I am so thankful for Thursday.  For a husband who understands I need time away and allows me to take it without adding to my mommy guilt.  For kids who forgive me when I've been a mean mommy and love me just as much as they always have.  For  great friends whom I enjoy spending time with.  For a better mood today and for my ability to make those around me be in a better mood too.

I spent Saturday night with some gorgeous grey felt, a foam ring and my glue gun.  (I really need to get better at moving the clutter before I take a picture...blush.)

Just getting started!

Under the Table and Dreaming posted a faux rosewood wreath that was made with a recycled book.  Loved it but thought I'd try it with felt, since I'd already made a wreath using pages of a book for my mantle.  Besides, I've been wanting to make something with felt for quite awhile, to me it says warm and cozy which is exactly what I need at this time of year.

I made a pattern for a couple different sizes of flowers but before long I was just winging it.  Like snowflakes, no two flowers are the same and I like it that way!

One accent flower made of white paper for contrast in texture and color, and wah-laa, all done!  I say wah-laa, like it only took a hour to make.  It took a few more than that, but I love it.  The Mister and kids do too.  The oldest said, "You're like the best at making stuff, Mom."  Sweet boy.

Opinions requested.  Do you like the accent flower?  Should I have gone all grey?  That white one isn't glued into place yet, still deciding so I appreciate feedback.

*Please excuse the poor photos.  One of these days I'll replace my POS camera and get something that will take a picture worth posting.  In the meantime, you get photos from my iPhone.  Sorry peeps.

Another First

 Someone got his first haircut!  It happened on his birthday and wasn't planned.  I was brushing his hair and he had all sorts of tangles in the back.  Rather than let me get them out he kept running away and fighting off my attempts.  Rather than battle with him, I decided it was time to cut.  Imagine a wiggly two year old and a frustrated momma with a pair of scissors and not much time for each cut.  It was a hack job.  Surprisingly, it doesn't look too bad.  The curls hide a multitude of sins in the haircut department.

He's still cute...duh... and still has curls, however, the ringlets are gone.  Don't know if they'll come back with the humidity this summer or if they're gone for good.  He looks older.  My baby is indeed growing into a kid.  Now I just have to make myself throw away the pile of golden curls.  *Sniff*

Guess Who's Two!!!

Eli, that's who!!!  Here he is the day he was born.  All the nurses oh'd and ah'd (those are words, right?) about how cute he was.  We, of course, completely agreed with them and were smitten from the minute we laid eyes on our little boy.

And here he is, at almost two.  I know all kids are beautiful, especially to their parents, but this little guy has a smile that lights up his face and the room.  He's full of mischief, but his eyes twinkle with the fun of it all.  We call him Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde because his mood can change on a whim, but it also means that we can usually make him laugh or giggle and forget about whatever was causing the issue.  His favorite people include mommy, daddy, Yiyan , Na and Jace.  His favorite toys are books, books and more books.  He also likes to color with his sister, play with his little people bus and airplane and play babies or dress up or whatever Makenna puts him up to.  He's full of opinions and is talking more and more every day, so we're getting a better understanding of what those opinions are with a few less tears of frustration.  His and mine.  He loves granola bars, yogurt, cheese, apples, cereal, peas, milk and juice.  Depending on the day, he also loves stir fry, chili, scrambled eggs with veggies and salsa, hummus, carrots and peppers.

 Here we are two years ago.

 And here we are just a few weeks ago.

 Such a sweet baby.  Such a sweet toddler.  I can't imagine life without his grin, curls, spirit, excitement, laughter, and the best cuddles.  Seriously, the kid gives the best hugs a Mommy could ask for.  His last words at night are "Love you too, Mommy.",  whether I have said it yet or not.  I wish I could get his sweet words recorded, they melt my heart every. single. night.

Happy Birthday to my baby.  The child who isn't a baby anymore, but now a toddler.  The last two years have flown by and I'm sure the next number of years will fly by just as quickly.  So, for now, I cherish the sweet moments and the lingering baby because I don't know how long those cuddles will last.

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Yesterday was supposed to be the kids first day back at school after winter break.  Instead we had a snow day and another one today.

We made a snowman the size of E and still had snow left to play in!

Makenna had fun making snow Angels

Eli playing in the biggest snow he's ever seen.

While Ryan threw snowballs!

We knew it was time to go in for lunch when Little Miss ate the nose off our Snowman!

2.  Our dining room, which we've rarely used for an actual meal, is about to become our office/craft room.  I am soooo excited for the transformation to begin!  I'm glad The Mister rolls with my ideas and doesn't give me too much grief.  Now to scour Craigs List and the local Goodwill and Thrift stores for a desk and crafting table.

3.  E is going to be a baby model later this week.  He's doing a print ad for a local kids clothing store.  Fingers crossed that he cooperates and my fab friend Kate gets some good shots for the store.

4.  I have errands that have to be run today.  Getting out on icy roads with three kiddos in tow doesn't sound like fun.  What to do...

5.  The Mister and kids want a dog.  I miss our pup, Jake, and would like another one someday, but have had a hard rule about  no dogs until all the humans are potty trained.   I've added another rule to the list,  no dogs until we have a fence.  Taking our doggie visitor out when it's snowing and freezing hasn't been fun.

6.  I'm starting a craft show/etsy/facebook business with a couple friends.  I'm so excited about what the months ahead hold.  Hopefully lots of great creations, fun with friends and a few bucks too.

7.  We ran out of coffee this morning, which brings me back to number 4.  No coffee...icy roads.  Hmmm, tough decision.

8.  I went out with a great group of women last Saturday.  We started with sushi, I went for the veggie and cooked rolls.  Tried a few I hadn't tried before and of course the wasabi and sake were delicious.  After dinner, I had to break into a friends house.  Really.  She gave me the code to her garage door but I had to open the door into the house with a credit card.  Glad I brought my girl Tanya along because I couldn't get it open.  T saved the day and we were able to help out a friend in need.  After that we met up with some of the dinner group and did a little bar hopping.  No matter where we went, we all just hung out and chatted.  Lots of laughs, good conversation...Good times with good friends.  

9.  Laundry and cleaning the kitchen are on my agenda today.  Bet you wish you were me right now.

10.  M and E are so sick of each other.  They play together a lot but fight numerous times each day.  I think all of us will be so happy when they finally get to go to preschool for a few hours.  Fingers crossed that day is tomorrow.

11.  My scale has been without batteries for over a month.  I'm afraid to put new in and see what it says.  My clothes still fit, but I'm guessing the 5 pounds I lost have found their way back.  

12.  I got Just Dance for the Wii for Christmas.  We've been playing in the evenings and it's so much fun.  I'm the reigning champ, but the rest of the family is getting pretty good.  I heard the Kinnect has a playback option.  I wish this did, it would be hilarious!

Prayers

I woke up this morning and instantly said a prayer.  A prayer that I would have patience with my kids today.  That I would think before yelling and do a better job of redirecting.  Didn't seem to help.  We've been cooped up in this house for over a week.  Lots of tummy trouble floating around so we've stayed away from friends.  A Stomach bug is not a gift they want from us.  Things are looking up now.  Ryan, who has been healthy for a number of days, has gone to the neighbors house.  E is napping and Little Miss is quietly doing a puzzle.  Time for another prayer.  This time one of thanks for a quiet afternoon even if the morning was rough.

It takes a Village

When we moved here our oldest wasn't quite two.  I was excited about a new adventure!  Terribly sad about leaving friends and family behind, but I knew we'd find friends and have fun creating a life on the other side of the country.  I joined a local moms group the week we arrived and was at a playdate just a day later.  I knew I'd sink into sadness and depression about leaving home if I didn't get out and start meeting people.  That playgroup determined the route my life would take here in TN.  Since that time I've been part of 5 different groups and have had an active leadership role in 4 of the 5.  I don't work outside of the home so that's been a way for me to feel accomplishment and fill some volunteerism needs.  Those women have helped to create my village.  Those women have offered insight, words of encouragement and support, lots of fun nights out, playdates for my kids and I to attend, knowledge about the area, schools, churches, programs and fellowship.

Six months after moving here our best friends moved to the same town.  Since then, their families have both moved here as well.  We don't spend as much time with them anymore, we're in different places in life than we were in CO, but we still love them and spend time with them when we can.  We've also been very blessed to spend most holidays with them and their families.  Our kids feel like they have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins here when we are at those gathering.  They feel like part of a family, which is so important and we are all so lucky to have.  

Between the friends I've made through mom's groups and the friends we've known, we've found a sense of home here.  It's not the same as having blood family close by.  I find it hard to ask for help and only a few people have ever watched our kids.  But the thing is, that's my issue.  In reality, there are so many people who would offer help if I really needed it and asked. 

All this rambling stemmed from this link my SIL posted on facebook this morning.  It talked about the battle between working and SAHM moms, but also about creating a village.  I've been writing this while listening to my friends dog run through the house.  They had to leave town unexpectedly so she dropped the dog off this morning.  So glad I could reduce a little stress for her by watching her dog and I know she would help me at the drop of a hat too...in fact, she has.  I'm so happy to have a village.

ACD, part 4?

 

Another of my favorite crafts from ACD 2010 was these light blocks.  They come as a clear glass block with a hole in the bottom.   We used ink to frost the front and hide the strand of lights inside and then decorated the front and added a bow.  These were given to all the kids teachers, along with our group of friends that are our Tennessee family.  All who received them seemed to love them and I kept one for myself too.  I see lots of these in my future.  Monograms, Valentine themed, night lights, party themed to set on a bar, etc.   

It took a few blocks to get better with the placement of vinyl, but after the first two or so they turned out really cute.  I know I've said it about a million times, but craft day rocks!

Tuesday Twelve

1.  Today is my Dad and Step Mom's Silver Wedding Anniversary!  They seem happier now than they did when they got married.  Twenty five years and better than ever.  That's full of Awesome in my book and definitely something to be celebrated!  My brother and I splurged on a gift certificate for a B&B.  Much deserved by them, hope they have a fabulous time.

2.  We went to see Tangled yesterday for Makenna's birthday.  It was a really cute movie and enjoyed by all.  Even better, it appears we're entering a new chapter in life because Eli sat through the entire thing!

3.  The older two have been hit with a stomach bug that just won't quit.  They seem to have different versions of it, one is puking the other has "pee poop".  REALLY hoping they get better and we get to enjoy the couple days of winter break that are left.

4.  Due to the aforementioned tummy bugs, we had to cancel New Year's Eve plans and a much anticipated date night.  Really bummed that we missed both those things, but we didn't have hangovers on New Year's Day and didn't spend a bunch of money on a babysitter and a dinner out.  Silver Linings.

5.  I found an insulated plastic (BPA free) tumbler with straw on clearance a few days ago.  The kids have taken over my water bottles and I like drinking out of a straw so I bought one.  LOVE it.  I'd fallen off the water wagon, but I think I'm firmly back on again thanks to my new tumbler.

6.  I almost just typed sippy cup instead of tumbler.  Sigh.

7.  Christmas decorations have all come down and I have a new found motivation to decorate.  Surprised?  No, me either.  I have 5 pages of lists regarding the decorating process and this house.  Time to get crackin!

8.  I got a Compound Miter Saw and air compressor for Christmas.  Be still my heart!  I see trim, molding, board and batten and built ins in my future.

9.  Today is The Mister's first real day back at work in two weeks.  He worked a couple days last week but they don't count because most people were out so it wasn't as stressful.  Hoping today isn't as rough on him as I think it might be.

10.  I know people always think it's going to be a good year, but this one feels like it will bring some positive change with it.  I'm looking forward to what the months ahead hold.

11.  Workers have been out clearing a plot of land across the street from us.  With any luck we'll have some new neighbors this year, and fingers crossed they'll have kids similar ages to ours!

12.  The birthday cake in the fridge is calling my name.  Ryan had a piece after lunch and it took all my will power not to have one too.  I had two bites...enough to satisfy the desire at the time, but now I want more.  Sugar and carbs are an evil combination.

Guess who's FOUR!!!!

My baby girl turned four this morning!

Four year ago I was puking my guts out due to a reaction to the pain meds after my c-section.  That combined with a spinal headache made for a rough day.  Four years ago, almost to the minute of me typing this, I held my daughter and breast fed her for the first time since right after coming out of surgery.  I'd felt terrible all day and didn't think I had the energy but my mom suggested I try.  What happened next was a testament to the bond between mom and baby.  I almost instantly started feeling better and Makenna, who'd had a scowl on her face all day, was suddenly peaceful and her little forehead wrinkles disappeared.  What we both needed was each other.

That sweet baby has been my little sidekick ever since.  A momma's girl.  A girly girl who loves dresses, purses, shoes and jewelry.  She loves to read and be read to.  She loves her dolls and barbies and is the best little mommy.  She is so creative and loves to draw and paint.  She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.  She thinks about those around her and honestly cares about how they are each day.  Her teachers tell me constantly how smart, polite and sweet she is.  I know all this.  Yes, I'm partial.  Whatev.  This girl of mine, she makes my heart sing.  Then and now.

This morning she woke up and crawled into bed with us.  She wanted a quick cuddle before the day began.  I wasn't ready to get up, so I pulled her close and hoped she'd go back to sleep.  Then I started thinking about her birth day and my mind went back to that first real cuddle and how many we've shared since then.  My scowl disappeared, I hugged my girl close and she rewarded me with a sweet "Mommy, I love you".  Scowls and forehead wrinkles disappeared and we got up to celebrate her special day.

Happy Birthday, Makenna!  Daddy and I love you so much.