Mother's Day 2012

was very nice and relaxing! Jason, the kids and I, hung around outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. He grilled and I played with my munchkins. A little ball and a lot of swinging!

We've been here almost a year and we absolutely love our home and new community. Things have been busy, but I'm trying my best to continue to relish the little things and spend TIME with the kiddos. Letting things like laundry, dirty dishes, and vacuuming wait until they are fast asleep. As much as I really LOVE having an extremely clean and organized house, I realize that those things will always be here, while my kiddos are only at these various stages for what seems like a split-second. I came across this quote from Diane Loomans the other day and it totally resonated with me.

"If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging."

I know I have only one shot at this parenting thing and it's very obvious that TIME seems to be flying by. So, I think the best choice for me is to give it my all and always BE there for my kids...I don't want to have to look back in 20 years and have too many regrets. I think there will always be some regrets, which keeps us growing, but there will never be an opportunity to turn the clock back and get in more kite flying and finger painting.

So, even though Mother's Day 2012 is officially over and done with, I do have to say that I often feel like EVERY DAY is Mother's Day! Throughout all the trials and tribulations, laughter and excitement, tears and Bo-Bo's that come along with raising kids, I'm relishing in each and every beautiful moment and seriously CANNOT get enough of these THREE.....

I love you, my sweet little munchkins, and couldn't imagine not being your Mommy. You bring tremendous amounts of joy to my life, laughter to my spirit, and true love to my heart. Thanks for making my day so special and thank you for the wonderful cards and gifts full of LOVE....

OH, Tylee Jean....

you have outdone yourself this time and it's VERY obvious that I need to find a new place to keep my make-up and fingernail polish.....

Tonight as I headed to bed after watching Phillip Phillips win American Idol, I checked on you munchkins like I do every night. The only difference was that your room smelled a tad bit like that oh, so noticeable scent of nail polish. Immediately, I knew I was in for a treat and I prepared myself for nail polish smeared walls or streaks on the carpet. I was actually a little scared to look around!!

I guess an 8:30 PM manicure sounded like a good idea to you. I'm just thankful that the lid ended up back on the bottle BEFORE you tucked it in under the covers with you and fell asleep. I also found an eye-liner pencil resting next to you on your Hello Kitty pillow.....YIKES!!! What a situation we could have had ourselves in!!!

Please note that you are peacefully sleeping, but that fingernail polish is not supposed to be on your cheek!!

And, for future reference, you are supposed to let your nails dry before you touch your face. The eyeliner did make it's way to your eyelid and I'm so thankful you didn't poke your eye!!!

Your very first nail painting experience! I think you used half the bottle....

Which is why it apparently wasn't dry by the time you made it back into your bed.....

And, now that I've had the opportunity to do a little bit more investigating, I've put a few pieces of evidence and a couple of clues together. I know you snuck out of your bed, went into Mommy's bathroom, scaled the bathroom counter, reached up high on the 2nd shelf of the medicine cabinet, chose a color, somehow got the top off, "painted" your nails, wiped a bunch of paint on Mommy's hand towel, grabbed an eye pencil for kicks, put on some eye-liner, left the bathroom light on, and took the two things of choice back to your bedroom.

(Funny because I now remember hearing the pitter-patter of little footsteps and the slight clicking of a light switch as I took in the last part of the American Idol season finale. I stayed put because figured you went potty like a big girl and headed back to bed. Oh, how I was fooled!)

So, Baby Girl, we will have a little chat in the morning about not using Mommy's stuff without permission as we work diligently to get that polish off your face, fingers, and out of your hair. Until then, I'll make sure I find a MUCH SAFER place to keep my make-up and other potentially messy must-haves. I am seriously glad that I'm sitting here typing up this memory, for you to one day read about, with a smile on my face. I know that it's always possible that things could have turned out MUCH worse!!!!

Love you BUNCHES & BUNCHES,

~Mommy

The Long Awaited....

SWINGING time has FINALLY come. And the kids can't get enough....

Back around Easter, when Jason's sister, Lyn, was up visiting from Louisiana, she surprised the kids with a new playground set for the backyard. They've been PUMPED ever since and Daddy & Grandpa Ken finally got the thing up and running. They are in HEAVEN and I LOVE having them in the backyard enjoying a little swinging, sliding, and (low to the ground) monkey barring. The swing set, AMAZINGLY, came in two fairly long and extremely skinny boxes. There wasn't a person that believed that all the parts were actually inside those boxes. One look at the section of the directions that stated that it would take 14-19 hours to assemble and Jason knew he was in for a ball of "fun!"

Well, a few weeks, a couple Sunday afternoons, and about three long weeknights later, the kiddos were in business and every second of the wait was worth it!! After a few family talks and brainstorming sessions, we came up with a set of swing set safety rules and, each and every day since they got the green light to play on that thing, they kiddos haven't missed an opportunity to get out and enjoy it. Even Miss Tay LOVES to just swing and watch the big kids have a ball...it's been PERFECT!!!
Just look at these faces....

The Weite kiddos definitely say THANKS, Aunt Lyn, for such an awesome gift!!! I know the three of them will have many, many fun times in their little clubhouse and couldn't be more grateful. I'm even going to get "crafty" and make them a sign for the side...won't that be cute?!?! What a perfect addition to the backyard!

Graduation Day!

So, my first official year teaching in the Des Moines area is coming to an end. In fact, tomorrow is my last day and marks graduation day for my 5th graders. I have thoroughly enjoyed this group of kids and their awesome, supportive, and involved parents. I couldn't have asked for a better way to continue on with my teaching career....especially considering how much I liked teaching in Ottumwa and how hard totally re-locating jobs can be. It's been an EXTREMELY stress-free year and I learned a tremendous amount from this new group of students. Writing them their congrats letter was a breeze and definitely included one of my FAVORITE quotes from good old Dr. Seuss...

  "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And, YOU are the one who will decided where you'll go!"

This quote (in a Dr. Seuss kind of way) sums up parts of my teaching philosophy...life is definitely about the choices you make and the way you react to what happens to you. It's absolutely heart-warming to see my students becoming advocates for themselves and learning from all the ins & outs of everyday experiences! They are a tremendous group of students.

So, tonight, the kids and I had fun putting together these little goody graduation caps. I actually think they turned out cute and are going to be a hit tomorrow in class....

Hopefully they will be able to tell what they are...LOL!

Ty working on a little tassel making herself....

They were more excited about the fact that they were going to get to try one of their own....silly kids!!! Who says there's anything wrong with sneaking Reeses Pieces?!?!

Thanks, Munchkins, for all your help. You two have a wonderful way of making all the things on my "to-do" list that much more fun! What a great, goody graduation cap-making team we are!!! I know my students will love hearing that you helped make those little fun things...in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you guys have a few handmade thank-you cards waiting for you when I pick you up tomorrow afternoon....

Invitation FUN!

Trey's all pumped about his 6th Birthday Bash....

(and, I hate to admit it, but he's having it at a local park because I TOTALLY procrastinated booking the Nature Lodge where he wanted to have a themed party. Things definitely book waaaay in advance around here. Guess there's always next year! Oops, Mommy-Blunder!!! We'll still make it a fun, fun time!!!)

Tonight Trey had fun putting his invites together and getting all his friends' names written on them. He's decided to invite all the boys in his class a few others from around the neighborhood...

He's all ready to put them in their cubbies tomorrow and celebrate in a couple of weekends!! I seriously cannot believe he's DAYS away from turning SIX!!! Amazing!!!

Let the gluing fun begin!!!

Writing all the names on himself....

Great Job, Trey Man....they turned out AWESOME!!! And, regardless of how many kids are able to make it, we will have a BLAST at your 6th Birthday Bash! Love ya BUNCHES!!!! XOXOXOX

He lost it....

He actually LOST it.....

Trey's FIRST tooth is officially OUT OF HIS MOUTH and he's excited!!!

He'd been wiggling it for at least the last month and half....wiggling it every day and every night. Pushing it in, pushing it out, and even pushing it sideways. He even talked his daddy into tying a string around it and connecting that string to the door. Yes, you heard me correctly....long story short, a little time with Momma and the tweezers and the string finally came unhooked from his gums. That's a story to never forget!!!

He's bound and determined to get that thing OUT!

Hoping the string (floss) will do the trick....

"Maybe I can just PUSH it out with my tongue?!?!"

SUCCESS!!!!

Gotta love the "I'm scared the blood is going to drip out of my mouth" talking....too funny!!!

It's gone!!! Trey was ready to go to bed at 6:00 on this particular night...he just couldn't wait for the Tooth Fairy to make her appearance!!!

So, off to the bathtub he went for the quickest bath in bath history. After throwing on some jammies, he jumped straight into bed and quickly fell asleep....

Guess what, Trey Man....the Tooth Fairy did find her way yo your house, where she quietly grabbed up that baby tooth from under your pillow and left a buck in its place. After all, that's exactly what you thought she'd leave!!! And, you made your way into our room and 2:00 AM that night to tell me that she did visit and you just had to show me that dollar right that exact moment!!! I couldn't have been happier for you!!! Congrats on your first lost tooth and there will be many more to follow in the next few months or so. Now, you just have to continue with those awesome brushing jobs you've been doing lately......Woot-Woot!!!

Love you bunches!

~Mommy 

OMGosh...we HAVE a WALKER!!!

Miss Tay-Tay, at five days shy of 14 months, has officially taken her first steps....

Her first steps down the hallway, that is.....

Awwww...LOVE you, Baby Girl!! And, I am so proud of you and your first steps!!! You've taken your time and have definitely called all the shots. You are cruising around just about everywhere and tonight, by far, included the most steps (on your own!!!) The time is flying by and I know you'll be running and getting married before I know it. Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little bit on the married part, but, seriously, you are growing up quickly!!! Keep that confidence and know that you can always do anything you set your mind to. There's NOTHING that can hold you back!!!! I'm excited to see where those cute, chubby little legs of yours take you....

Love you bunches and bunches!!!

XXX's & OOO's

~Mommy

GBL!

We LOVE you, #9 and truly know that you are our inspiration to Get Busy Living!!!

A couple weekends ago, I hit the road by myself and headed towards the 2nd Annual GBL 5k Run. Once again, I was absolutely MOVED by the turnout and the large amount of support that showed up to the stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas. It was a fun time, full of catching up with family, running, and enjoying our favorite Dylan memories.....It's so hard to believe that's he's been gone for two years. It's seems like just yesterday, I was getting a phone call on that awful day. I still feel like Dylan is out there, traveling the world, living life and that I'll see him at Christmas. In my heart, I know that his spirit still is and I will, one day, see him again. And, what great laughs we will have!!!

For a re-cap of last year, click here and enjoy the pics from this year.....

Post Run....Doug (my sister's boyfriend), Cory, Kyle (my brother's buddy), and me all flashing our 9's!!!

Grandma Jean and Grandfather helping bind shoes....in addition to the GBL run, Shadley brought attention to a wonderful program called, Soles 4 Souls, and over 600 pairs of shoes were collected!!! What a fabulous cause....click the link above to learn more!!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Dylan! He's so genuinely happy and loving life....he was truly always living and this picture does nothing but makes me smile through the tears. (I snapped the pic from one of the two huge banners that were hanging at the run. Dylan's infamous Kiwi and Operation Mother Russia e-mails from his travels/journeys abroad were featured....he definitely had a knack for the written word!)

All of us (that were able to attend) together for a group picture....

What a great shot!!!! Looking forward to many, many more years of the GBL 5k Run!!!

So, Dylan, we enjoyed running in your honor and will continue to get out there and Get Busy Living!! You have inspired so many people to do things beyond their comfort zone and "find" themselves amidst challenges, only to come out a stronger and better person than they were before. Many people love and miss you for many different reasons and in many different ways, but, bottom line, we ALL feel BLESSED to have had you be such a tremendous part of our lives. Until we meet again....continue to shine down brightly on us and remind us to not waste another second. Life is what we make of it and you've helped us all open up and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead!!! You will never be forgotten, #9!!!

Now, everyone get out there and GET BUSY LIVING!!!!

You are supposed to watch?!?!

Sunday marked the PERFECT in-between storms day-game over at Principal Park.....

Trey, Tylee, Jason, and I all hit the ballpark for a little baseball watching fun.

Is there any question as to why we just might LOVE our little visits to the I-Cubs games?!?!

I mean, what part of taking pics with Cubby Bear, catching foul balls, squeezing in a nap in Daddy's lap, eating hot dogs, and playing in the fountains isn't a fabulous FUN time?!?!

There's always time when you get older to actually SIT and watch more than a couple innings of the actual game, right?!?!

Principal Park RULES and fun, family times ROCK!!!

(Tay, don't worry....your seat is just waiting until you're old enough to join us!!! And, at the rate you're starting to walk, that time is just right around the corner!!!)

Baseball FUN!

Trey is officially a ballplayer!!

Knowing how much I absolutely LOVE anything softball, it's been music to my ears to hear Trey getting all pumped up and excited about his games. As a mother, I obviously want my children to find something they love and something that keeps them focused and on the right track. Maybe it will be sports, maybe it won't be, but either way....staying involved is a great way to learn life skills and that inner drive.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this 6 and under coaches pitch season...especially considering that Trey's initial reaction was NOT excitement. His exact words were, "I don't want to play baseball! I just wish I was old so I could be lazy!!"

Ugh!!! My initial thought was, "Oh no, he's never going to want to play!" and I would have put money on the fact that this entire season was going to be a battle. But, being the determined person I am, I just had to expose him to this game. Up to this point, he'd only played 3 year-old T-ball and a little Smart Start program where we (him & I) practiced skills in a rotation setting. No actual game action and I couldn't let him not get a chance to play some "real" games. After that, the decision would be (mainly) his!!!

Needless to say...I've been proven wrong and the second Trey saw that other kindergartners he knew were playing on his team and against his team, he was SOLD!

Since that second...he's been pumped about every game, has done his best to hustle and listen to his coaches, has learned to "get ready" for the ball in the field, and has managed to quickly figure out that it's much easier to put his glove and hat together in the same spot while he's hitting, if he plans on finding them again!

He hasn't complained one time and I'm super pumped that I went ahead and signed him up despite his initial not "wanting to play" attitude!!! We are only two games into the season and I know there's the possibility he might change his mind in the future....but I just hope it's not before he learns to love the game...I LOVE WATCHING HIM PLAY!!!!

Here's a little shot of his first official at-bat as a ball player!!! (Believe it or not, I really had set the mini Mom-goal of not barking advice from the stands....which I fell waaaaaay short of meeting!!) Oh well, he'll just have to get used to it!!!

Way to go, Trey Man!!! Contact and a nice hustle down the line!!! (Tay made the video, too....she's the one that decided to tug my shirt off my shoulder mid video shoot. Yes, I am telling her "No!" in the background ;)

Waiting for his turn to bat....GO #6!!! (The tee is all ready if they aren't successful hitting the coach's pitches....) Trey's only needed to use the tee once, which is something he's totally proud of!!!

At the end of his first game...definitely proud of himself!!!

Shaking hands...."Good Game!"

Trey Man....Keep up the fabulous work and always remember the two BIG rules: Have FUN and HUSTLE! I'm so proud of you and all the progress you are making. Remember to always give things a chance and give 110%! You'll find something you absolutely love and I'll be here supporting you all the way!! Go Yankees!!! And, to answer your most recent question....YES! You can play again next summer!

I love you bunches and bunches!!

~Mommy

PS....I LOVE the fact that you asked me that question!!!