Signs of Spring

I can't believe it...
First, my bulbs are coming up. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Doing anything with the little guys is an experience. Some are easier than others to just let go and let them have fun learning. Our bulb planting in November was one of those times that I really wish I could do alone, but of course they had to be in the middle of the action. I carefully mapped out my strips of dirt and which colored bulbs would go where- it looked great on paper. I was so careful to keep them separate- for about the first 15 minutes- until I gave up and just let Coleman & Caden go for it. I was hopeful that out of the 150 bulbs we put in the dirt at least one would make it. Now, I know at least a few made it- YEAH!

Second, it's only February and my bulbs are coming up! I just happened to look over at one area this morning while running out to the mailbox and caught a glimpse. Heck, they could have broken ground a couple weeks ago, which would have been mid-February. In my Alaska mindset, I wasn't even thinking that I should be checking already for signs of Spring. Yesterday, it was about 72 degrees outside, and yards already look like they're raked. I can't figure out if 1. Kansans don't have to rake in the Spring, 2. it just looks raked because there isn't a ton of gravel and garbage on the grass from 6 months of sanding icy roads and tons of snow, or 3. this is normal for Spring. Tomorrow is March and it really is Spring. Crazy thing is everyone here says this has been one of the worst winters in a long time. It felt pretty mild to us. One of Justin's teachers said... "Leave it to Alaska (a.k.a Justin) to bring winter to Kansas. Hey, we'll take this kind of winter any day... especially to see bulbs in February!

Inevitable or Avoidable?

...and then there was one. I'm it- the only one left. It all started with Justin about two weeks ago. He brought the flu to our house and it's stayed and spread. Coleman was second and has probably had it the worst. He's on an all-water diet, with occasional sips of Gatorade or juice. He doesn't want soda any more because he thinks it makes him throw up. Can't blame him since he he's been sick just about every night for the past week. He's a chocolate-milk kid and doesn't want to be anywhere near the stuff- pretty telling sign that he's sick. Caden had a bad bout and has been quite cranky on top of it. He's also had a nap every day this week- sure sign of illness in a kid who hates to sleep. Jim couldn't avoid it and actually missed the last two days of work. Pretty bad since he's only had one sick day in the last 12 1/2 years. I thought Tyler and I were the strong ones, until Justin told me this morning that Ty was up in the night. So, now I'm wondering if it's inevitable or if I can escape it.

I really don't have time to be sick- like any other mom in the world with responsibilities and running around to do. I don't go too many places, but our house is enough running for me. I'm starting to get little butterflies in my stomach- not the kind that come when Jim's on his way home from work... a different kind. Is there such thing as sympathetic stomach flu? I feel the need to hurry and catch up on everything just in case I'm down for a couple days. Kind of like that nestling feeling before having a baby. Oh, I hope I don't get it. Guess I'll get busy just in case!

Sibling Rivalry

Poor Tyler. He's such a sweet kid- so loving. He's the first to give me a great big hug when he comes home from school and never forgets to kiss us goodnight. He's so smart- carries straight A's and is even getting a little more organized with his scatterbrained personality!
I know there's a strong rivalry between Justin and Ty- always has been but, last night it a new low. I did haircuts and Ty was so excited to have a bigger pile of hair than Justin. Who cares? Tyler does... especially since it seems that Justin does everything first, faster, stronger, bigger... Why not count hairs? The hardest thing for Ty is being so much shorter than Justin and always just a little weaker. He hates that Justin's the one who always gets to help dad with the heavy stuff. Or, Justin's the one who can touch the ceiling. He loves when he's a little hungrier... might be a growth spurt in his eyes. It's really not fair.

He hasn't hit his growth spurt yet, although I keep assuring him and warning Justin that he's going to sprout up one of these days. I told him that he has no choice but to be tall- I'm 5"10"... his uncles are tall and strong... But, what if he doesn't? What if he has to live his whole life a bit smaller and shorter than his older, competitive brother? I sure hope that my encouragement all these years won't be for nothing and for his sake... he'll grow- SOON! If not, I may never be hear the end of it... from either of them.

Infant Swimming

My friend, Teresa sent me this link to watch this amazing video. I was going to forward it, but decided to just post it- it really is incredible.

Prepare to be AMAZED! A “waterproofed” toddler, barely 1 year old, follows a ball into a pool. ‘Bet it will put a lump in your throat! Be sure to watch the final 10 seconds of the video.

http://www.childdrowningprevention.com/index.html

Caden's Lost

The flu has arrived at our house. It's horrible stuff- Justin has been fighting it all week. Last night, it hit Coleman. As a result, Caden is lost. He just doesn't know what to do with his best buddy down and lifeless. He wasn't up all night (like Daddy) to hear or see how sick Coleman was. Caden woke up like any other day- ready to play with his big brother. He's ready to wear "Petes," catch their Mulvane bus and do his homework. All activities that Coleman instigates daily and Caden loves to play. He started badgering at first for Coleman to get up off the floor (I tried to make his bed on the couch- he choose a spot on the rug instead...) and even got his own blanket to be next to him. Now, he's wandering around looking for something to do. It's just not the same on your own- so sad. He and Tyler will probably be next to get the bug. We'll see how Justin and Coleman react without their brothers in action.

My Honey

Now that I've done it right, I really LOVE being married. I think it's amazing being married to the right person and feel like my life is a bit of a fairy tale (... the single mom determined to be independent and on her own without a man to mess up her life... by chance meets the man of her dreams... sweeps her off her feet... they have more kids, a house, a life... five years later, it just gets better every day... kind of story)

It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday. One of the reasons I really love my husband- he does the things that I hate to do. I don't know if he always means to do this, he just does. He cleans up puke when the kids are sick- something I can't do without throwing up myself. He wipes out the microwave- there's never time for this as I'm trying to get breakfast/lunch or dinner on the table. He unloads the dishwasher. I think loading it is fine, but get so irritated as I try to load it up only to find a full dishwasher of clean dishes. I have to stop what I'm doing... take out the clean ones- such a hassle. He pulls furniture out when he vacuums. I'm lucky to just run the vacuum through the house twice a week. Deep clean? Forget it. He grocery shops... and boy, does he do a great job. I have to encourage him to keep to the list. I rarely even go to a store- gotta love that.

Yesterday, Jim went to get something out of the fridge and noticed how dirty it was. Without thinking or saying anything- he rolled up his sleeves, filled the sink with bleach and water, emptied the fridge out (even the trays), washed it and put it all back together. I hate cleaning out the fridge. Hate seeing what leftovers are hidden in the back. To me, it's not a fun job. I'd rather scrub toilets.

Today, I have a clean fridge and an even deeper love for my husband.

My list could go on and on... but, more than anything it's making me wonder how many things am I doing to make his life easier? What things does he hate to do? I really think this is a key to a deep and fulfilling marriage.

Great Book

I finished my book this morning since Caden had me up at 5:45. Great book... I'd recommend it to everyone. Now, back to the other book I had started... we'll see how long that takes me to get through!

School Lunches

I can't believe in such a short time how things have changed. Growing up, I HATED hot lunches. They were better in high school, but to have to have a tray lunch in elementary and Jr. High was not so great. I would have loved to have Doritos, a nice sandwich and drink and avoided the hot lunch line every day. In my opinion, it was a waste of food since the majority of it ended up in the trash.
In our house, we don't fight about much... even having a teen and pre-teen, the tension level is fairly low. Except when it comes to hot lunches. Our boys love hot lunch. In my mind, they're too expensive. I add up the dollars in my mind and figure it would be more than $80 a month just for HOT lunches. I guess I keep thinking of the days that they were gross and a waste of money. I see my money in the trash and can't stand writing the checks for lunches. Plus, we buy all kinds of fun lunch stuff... chips, sweets, soft bread, good deli meat, lots of drinks. It's always on hand and easy to throw a quick lunch together. We allow them 2 hot lunches a week- it always seems to be more. "...but the salad bar is so good..." "but, it was tator tot Tuesday..."

Anyhow, this week Justin's sick. He can't seem to get his stomach to settle. Sunday and Monday, he was sick. Tuesday, he went to school. Make-up work is worse than missing school in the first place, so he prefers to tough it out even if he's feeling bad. Of course, hot lunch was fine- he had no problem eating it. Then, Tuesday night after eating dinner (yummy lasagne) he was sick again and lost it. Couldn't possibly have been from hot lunch, but he let me know it was dinner that made him sick. Go figure. What he doesn't know is that's not really going to help his campaign to get more lunch money.

Read?

I love to read- always have. The question burning in my mind this week is, "when does a mom have time to read?" I can't figure it out. I've just checked out a great book that I've been waiting for a year to read. I couldn't get myself to pay for it (only in hardback) when it came out. I then waited for my library to get it, but that takes a while. I finally got the library here to do an intra-library loan (GREAT resource!) so, my book is from Kansas City. Jim had the great idea that reading at night might help me sleep better since I can't get my mind to shut down.

The last time I read a book was on the beach in Hawaii, and the time before that I'm sure I was nursing a baby spending 12 hrs a day in the rocking chair. I couldn't get up. This time around I'm really enjoying it, but the boys sure can pull me away from it. I tried reading in the morning and not only did I not make much progress, I didn't get anything else done. Seems if I don't run through and clean in the mornings, it doesn't happen. I've tried in the afternoon while the little guys were having a "quiet" time watching a movie. For some reason, it's really hard to read when you're interrupted every five minutes. I tried to ignore them, but in the end they won- I quit reading. Right now, I'd love to read but Coleman is still sleeping (in MY bed) and I wouldn't dare go get my book at the risk of waking him up. By the time I get to bed at night and Jim falls asleep I've make it five or ten minutes and my eyes are burning. Starting a book has helped me sleep better, but now I just want to see what happens and finish it.

My book is In An Instant- Lee & Bob Woodruff. It's about their love mixed with his journalism and being hit by an explosive in Iraq. Of course, I love journalism and a good love story. Don't tell me what happens if you read it- I'll get to the end one of these days.

This picture was his skull after the IED went off and the rocks in his skull. Absolutely amazing that he's alive.

Vacuum Lines

I love vacuum lines. You know- the nice lines that show that you've just vacuumed and the carpet fibers are all in line? As far as favorite things in my house, vacuum lines are a close second to crisp, clean sheets on my bed. I just love them. I don't know why- maybe it's because it makes me feel as if my house really is clean... even if I I have a sink of dishes or pile of laundry, at least I vacuumed.
This morning, I've run five loads of laundry and put my rugs outside to dry, a dishwasher of dishes, made a few beds, wiped a couple of booties, took a pup potty twice, mopped my floor, straightened up, made breakfast, a snack, lunch and dinner's ready to throw in the oven (lasagne) and vacuumed my whole house (that takes an hour in itself). And that was all by 11:00. If only I could be this organized and on top of it every day... But, already my vacuum lines are about gone thanks to two busy little boys. My excitement is so short lived!

On a happy note... Caden's totally potty trained and he did it in about two days. His daddy went to put his diaper on last week one night and he wasn't having that... he's been dry at night (and in the day) ever since! No accidents... no diapers... no babies... life is good!

Our Lakefront Property

When we bought our house, we were pretty excited to have our own pond- at the back of our property. We're not as excited for the lake that has formed this winter. I try to be optimistic... it's better than 30" of snow... it will (eventually) dry out... it's still beautiful outside. But, the fact is it's a problem- a big muddy problem. Most boys are attracted to dirt. Add a lot of water over a lot of space, throw in a pup and it's even more attractive. Mud! It's making me crazy! As we put together our list of priorities (Jim has actually asked for my list... so he knows what to do first...) leveling this yard has to be toward the top! It's officially on my list. If only I could get my father-in-law to come move the dirt and make it all better- now that's another story!

Red Velvet

Happy Valentine's Day!

I didn't even know what red velvet was until a few years ago. Guess it's a southern thing and AK is about as far as you can get from the South. Thought I'd pass on this WONDERFUL recipe from Aunt Patti. (She got it from Paula Deen) They're so yummy... don't think about what goes in to them, just eat them! I love Valentine's Day... thought it'd be a fun treat for Jim and boys to come home to!

Red Velvet Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t cocoa powder
1 1/2 canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 T red food color
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sift together dry ingredients and add to liquid ingredients. Mix well. Bake 350 degrees for 15-22 minutes. The first time I made them they were a little overbaked (not as good as Aunt Patti's... according to Jim. I watched them closely this morning, we'll see if I can measure up!!)

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese - soft
1/2 cup butter - soft
1-2 lbs powdered sugar
It's worth it to make this instead of using it out of a can. I know, it's a little more work but SO yummy!

So Fast

I don't understand why some things take my boys so long and other things they do so quickly! Why does it take my little guys forever to clean their toys up, but only a quick 5 minutes to do so much damage. Yesterday was one of those kind of days for me... couldn't keep up with the messes or the damage. Yikes!

ABC's of Me

ABC's Of Me
I was tagged by my friend Traci... thanks!
A- Attached or single: Very attached
B- Best Friend: Jim, the love of my life
C-Cake or Pie: It's all so good since I love to bake- probably cheesecake!
D-Day of Choice: Probably Saturdays- everyone is home, or any day Jim is off
E- Essential Item: flat iron for my big hair
F- Favorite Color: pink lately- too many boys in my house!
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms
H- Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
I- Indulgence(s): Pedicures are wonderful, Ultimate Cheesecake
J- January or July: July- LOVE the sun
K-Kids: 4 busy, but great boys
L-Life is incomplete without: my family
M- Marriage Date: January 7, 2003 (5 greatest years of my life)
N- Number of Siblings: 2 brothers, 1 sister- I'm the oldest
O- Oranges or Apples:Oranges- especially when they're in orange rolls!
P- Phobias or Fears: heights for sure, any rodents
Q- Quote: "Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away"
R- Reason To Smile: Every day... my husband not deployed...healthy boys
S- Season: Spring (tulips) or Summer- love the warmth
T- Tag Six: Dawn, Jenny, Starr,Stephanie
U- Unknown Fact About Me: hmmm... I'd rather have a baby than go to the dentist
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: both, but love a great steak dinner
W- Worst Habit: distractability- I'm so easily sidetracked
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: both are fine
Y- Your Favorite Food: right now, fish tacos, chips & good salsa
Z- Zippers or Zebras: Zebras- LOVE going to the zoo... hate wearing jackets

Day Six...

We're so excited... Day six of being dry/clean ALL day long! I can't believe it. Caden goes potty all by himself now... rarely even needs a reminder. He likes his boxer briefs (so cute on a little bum), but runs around with a bare booty, too. He's still wet at night, but hey... I'll take dry days and no more diapers (especially the poopy ones)! It's a very exciting time in our household!

More Winter Weather

The other day, I was out doing a couple errands. I know, it's rare for me to get out of the house... I made it to Lowe's, Walmart and the Post Office (very exciting). Every line I was in weather was the topic of conversation amongst the local Kansans. They all couldn't believe how much winter weather we've had and couldn't wait until the snow was gone! Gone? In my opinion, it never really stayed. We had one really good winter weather storm. (However, not so stormy that Uncle Mac couldn't make it to the church gym with the big boys to shoot some hoops). It is kind of crazy how fast the weather changes here. One day, the boys will have a snow day, the next it is sunny and almost 70 degrees. Last night, it was lightening and hail. Craziness down here. But, I'll take it over -10 and 25" of snow in Alaska any day! I think I'm already fitting in with the Kansans... can't wait to see if any of my tulips are going to come up!

Almost out of diapers... YEAH!

As a mom, the simpliest things just make you so happy... for me right now, it's pee in the potty! I can't seem to get my little guys to sleep through the night... but, potty training them has been the easiest stage, yet. Coleman potty trained in a day, never wet the bed once and holds it for 14 hours from time to time. He's a one-of-a-kind kid-for sure. We decided last week to start working with Caden. I was sure he'd take a year to potty train as stubborn as he is. We almost held off thinking that he's still a little young since he just turned 2 in October. To our surprise, he's been so easy, too! It's great to see the end of diapers... forever! He's been dry for most of the week and we've gone two whole days with no poopy pants... YEAH! The only problem now is too many boys peeing in this house... can't seem to keep any of my bathrooms clean. Oh well, guess it's cheaper and better to clean bathrooms than change diapers! I shouldn't complain!

Little Sheila?

My sweet little Caden... doesn't he look like me?

No buddy like a brother

I just love how well my little guys get along. Wish Justin and Ty loved each other as much! When I left the hospital with Coleman, the nurse checked my name on my bracelet- to make sure it matched his. Then, she looked at Jim and said, "oh, he's yours..." I almost had to convince people that I was the real mom... no kidding. The minute Caden was born, my mom said it felt like she was holding me. This picture looks like a little Sheila. I'll have to pull one of my little pictures out tomorrow to compare them. It's nice that I can claim at least one of my four boys!

Family Home Evening Boards

Inspired by my good friend Stephanie and her idea for a Family Home Evening board, this is my latest personalized creation. Magnets are attached to the back of the nametags making it easy to move around from week to week. Can also be made into a nice chore board. The overall size of the board is 8" x 24" with a sawtooth hanger on the back so it's ready to hang.