Trains,Tea parties and LOTS of Giggles

Verbal pains

2011-02-22T10:43:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to have our best friends, The McFarland's spend the night with us this weekend. There is nothing like the sound of 3 screeching girls to wake you up at 5:55! Trust me. Nothing! Parker is really good with the girls and all the attention they like to give him and receive from him. At one point after a good hour of hanging out with them, he comes downstairs and leans on me and says, " Mom, I have a headache. ALL those words... it's a lot of words. My head hurts!"

hahah... What guy has not had that feeling after being around the female species for any extended period of time? He was just brave enough to say it. ;-)

Lillie's 6th birthday

2011-02-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Blowing out her candles on her icecream cake

Loving her Strawberry shortcake doll that you can put make up on

Grandpa gave Lillie a big container of pennies. Trevis and her spent a good hour counting them all and then they arranged this special message for him.

Craft overload

2011-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

This really is the first year that I have looked forward to snow days since my teaching days. With the kids in school, we welcomed (very loudly and excitedly) the random snow day to just hang out and play games and do crafts. When we moved into this house we had a little craft drawer. It then expanded to a cabinet in my kitchen. Well, currently our crafts are housed in our huge built in cabinet area in our living room. It's crazy how we have been overtaken by crafts! I can't pay my kids to sit and watch TV but ask them if they want to do a craft and they are ALL over that! Here are a few of their fun creations...

Parker loved painting this lizard. Lils didn't want one. Imagine that!)

The kids painted this fun Michael's find. It was a 2 hour project for them which was a nice break for me after several days home.


Bendaroos ( wax strings that mold together) and homemade bouncy balls... don't ask. It was interesting and not highly recommended.

Self-esteem booster

2011-01-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Parker was walking past me as I was packing his lunch the other morning and saw I had put in a "special treat" to which he exclaimed, " You TOTALLY dominate in the mom business."

He sure knows how to make a gal feel special.

A butter perspective...

2011-01-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Last night was pizza and movie night at our house. We were sitting at the table eating and talking about our day and Parker asks, " Hey Mom, do we have any grease cups you dip the crust in?" I was like, "Do you mean garlic butter, Park?"

"Grease cups"???? That's pretty accurate... nasty but about right.

The happiest place on earth...

2011-01-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

This morning Lillie announced at breakfast, " I am going to Disney World for my honeymoon and I am taking you all with me!!!"

Hope her husband is understanding... and cool to hang out with;-)

Santa-giver

2010-12-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

Today at the store there was a little boy having a massive tantrum over a toy ( he took off his shoe and threw it as his mom sort of meltdown). Lillie just stared at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. After we walked away, Lils whispers to me, " Whoa Mom! He is SOoo lucky Santa doesn't take away your presents after he gives them to you. He doesn't does he?"

Dear Santa letters...

2010-12-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

From Parker

From Lils

Sweet morning note from Lils

2010-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Grandma...

2010-12-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

Giving Greatma some kisses

Dear Grandma,

I sit here with tears stinging my eyes and an ache that won't go away. Your absence is so heavily felt in our house and I thought writing might help ease the pain a little and give Parker and Lillie something to remember years from now. I have been flooded with memories this past week. All of them sweet and all of them with you at the center. Memories that I have shared with the kids and Trevis, but I wanted them in writing to look back on and recall.

58 yrs of marriage!!!

I vividly remember that first Thanksgiving 15 yrs ago when Trevis brought me home and I was worried about the formalities of what to call you. Trevis nonchalantly said, "You can call them Grandma and Grandpa. They are used to answering to that." So, that's what I did. I was 15 hours away from home, no family at Thanksgiving for the first time in 18 years and there, sitting in your kitchen getting to know you and feeling like I had known you for years, I found comfort and felt love.

When we decided to move to Louisville, you and Grandpa were at the very heart of that decision. To live near you, raise a family near you, be around you... we would get all giddy thinking about it.We will never ever regret for one second that decision. It would place our family in close proximity to you and Grandpa and give us the opportunity to spend every month, sometimes a few times a month, with you both. Those days are a priceless gift and a blessing that I will forever be thankful for.

Parker and Greatma

During those memorable visits we would share recipes and often we would be your "guinea pigs" as you liked to call it for new meals. We would walk into the house and always smell something wonderful and scrumptious baking, simmering and cooking. Except for that ONE time. The night we came to surprise you with some BIG news. We walked in your front door anticipating the yummy meal you had prepared and the game of Train we would play late into the night. Well, we walked in the door and I was hit instantly with the smell of... fish?!?! I still laugh out loud when I think about your meal of salmon patties in combination with my 1st trimester of morning sickness. You took one look at me and asked if I was ok. I nodded weakly and excused myself to the restroom. When I came back, the secret was out because I was so afraid of hurting your feelings. We showed you and Grandpa the ultrasound pic of Parker and you let me eat a 1/2 loaf of "Greatma bread" straight out of the oven because it was the only thing that sounded good to eat. We had kept that secret for 3 months without telling anyone and we were so excited to share it with you first. You were also the first "field trip" after both our kids were born as we were afraid to take them to the grocery or even to church in fear they would catch some sickness. But we knew your house would be clean, fun, relaxing and full of love!

Sometime in the last 15 years you stopped being "Trevis's Grandma" and became "my Grandma". I think the moment might have been March of 2003. Parker was 6 months old and Trevis was going out of town. I was going to be alone with a fussy baby in the middle of nowhere for 2 nights. When you found out, you invited Parker and me to spend the night. Up to that point, I didn't consider visiting you without Trevis but you mentioned it several times and I couldn't turn down the offer. So I packed us up and spent the night. In that moment you made me feel oh so loved and special. From that time on, a weekly "playdate" to Greatma and Greatpa's was in the schedule. Those trips will always hold a special place in my heart as they were such a great break from the norm. They were an opportunity to be totally spoiled by you with a yummy meal, a chance for a nap while you held Parker, and a chance for Grandpa to fill my trunk with goodies from the garden, an abundance of grapefruit and bananas from Aldi's and whatever else he could find. We would make those trips every week until Lillie was 3 years old (then we moved an hour and 1/2 north and they became monthly family trips). I looked forward to those trips like a kid looks forward to an ice cream cone. They were sweet, fun and left anticipation for more.

Lils catching her first fish!

You were the quintessential grandmother I had read about in books and seen in the movies. When we visited you, there was no one and nothing more important than us. I can remember driving off in the evening after a day spent at your house fishing, eating and playing games with tears in my eyes as Parker and Lillie cried in the backseat because they were so sad to leave. You left your mark of love on them as you did on me.

You gave Parker and Lillie many special gifts over the years that have been so adored. The homemade aprons that they would play kitchen in for hours. The handmade fleece blanket and pillow that Lillie snuggled up with in bed at night. The handmade kite quilt that Parker still cherishes. The baby doll clothes that fit Baby Emma perfectly! While many Grandma's have bowls of candy and cookies handy, you would always have a bowl of fresh cherry tomatoes from the garden for Parker to inhale or a dish of frozen blueberries (during out of season time) for Lillie to enjoy. It is all of these acts of kindness and thoughtfulness we will miss and it hurts to think about it.

The handmade aprons

When the kids were real young, they would always start to get fussy in the van right when we could see your house on the hill. At this point I taught them a little chant, "Greatma's! Greatpa's! Woo-woo-woo!!" We would repeat it over and over until we exited the highway and the jingle has stuck for 6 years now. Last week when we got to that point on the road, Parker and Lillie both started to sing it but immediately stopped because as Parker said in a quiet voice, " We don't know what we are supposed to sing now."

Lil's first hospital guest

Grandma, you have had such an impact on our family and we know that it's not "good-bye" just "see you later" but that doesn't stop the wonderful memories and the tears that accompany them. The other night Parker prayed, " Dear God, I hope you are enjoying Greatma as much as we did".

Grandma, we enjoyed you soooo much. "Thank you" is inadequate and "we miss you" is an understatement. The legacy you leave behind in your Christ-like example of living, loving and giving will be passed on for generations. I am so thankful that God placed you in my life and to have had such a wonderful Grandma and for my kids to have had such an amazing Greatma...

A special morning note from Parker...

2010-12-05T07:10:00.001-08:00

Comfort

2010-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

There are just some things that make life better... according to Parker hot cocoa with marshmallows is one of them. The other morning as I said good-bye to the kids I overheard the kids talking and Lillie saying to Parker, " I can't wait for you to come home later and we can be all together." Parker said to her, " Me too. Oh, and I cannot wait for hot chocolate and popcorn!" My hope and prayer is that they always look forward to being home and comfort, security and love is here waiting for them.

Anger Management

2010-12-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

I came upstairs from working out this morning and Park was just sitting in the kitchen waiting for me in the dark. He looked so serious and I thought something was surely wrong. He then whispers to me, "Mom. Don't be mad! Pleasee don't be mad (never good words from an 8 yr old) It's s-n-o-w-i-n-g. I am soo sorry." When I started to laugh... he said, " So, I can be happy about the snow now?" haha...my kids know winter is SO not my thing!

Why didn't I think of that?

2010-11-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon Lils and I went out on a little shopping outing. I wanted to find some new jeans and had a few stores in mind. After 4 stores and no luck Lils says to me, " Mom, why don't you just go to your store" My store???? ( I didn't know I had one) To which she replied, "Yeah, Ni-COLES, you know with the "K".

Ni-Kohls... This is why I blog. It would be sad to forget this stuff!

Keeping it "reel" and keeping it cold...

2010-11-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am SO not a cold-weather person. I am not even a cool-weather person. I am a full fledged hot and humid lover of heat! This whole waking up to frost and having to start my van 15 minutes before going out puts a HUGE crimp in my style. I live for flip flops, breath snow cones, languish long long days at the pool, crave hanging out with friends at the playground and dream of water balloons... you get the idea. The past few years I have put forth an effort each winter to make myself look forward to cold day rituals and winter activities. One of these events is Friday movie night! It starts the second the kids get home from school ( 3:52 to be exact). They immediately take long hot bubble baths and then they put on warm fleecy clothes straight from the dryer ( you should hear the "oooohhss" and "ahhhsss" as the craziness of the week leaves their little bodies). Then we proceed to do our Friday dance party ( music and dancing) while we wait for Trev to walk thru the door with pizza!!! We move the furniture to create a big "couch bed", start a fire, grab quilts and flannel blankets, make some popcorn and hot cocoa and prepare to hunker down for an evening of relaxation and family time. TOTAL bliss I tell ya! There are few times when winter is welcome around here and you better believe tonite is one of them!

Have itch. Need paint.

2010-11-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

This always happens when Trev is gone on a trip. I get an itch to paint, rearrange and decorate. Maybe it's because painting and decorating are not exactly high on his list of favorite things to do so when he is away, his wife likes to ummm... change things up? Or maybe, it's because our evenings are usually spent hanging out with each other so when he's not around, I need something to fill up the time. He has been known to leave for work in the morning with a white living room and return from work with a red one one. He has also been known to leave on a business trip with 1 dresser and a night stand and return home a few days later with 2 dressers, a refurnished end table, and a "new" headboard. We have gotten to a point after 12 1/2 years that he will walk in the door some nights take a sniff and ask not, "What's for dinner?" but "What did you paint today?" Funny story... A few years back I rearranged our bedroom furniture while he was gone for a week. The first night back at home and I am awakened in the middle of the night by a loud THUMP and then some groaning. Trev had gotten up to check on one of the kiddos and on the way back forgot that I rearranged and nailed his knee into a hope chest that I strategically had placed on the end of the bed. OOPS... I think I may have inadvertantly passed this gene on to Lillie. The other day she came home from school and went up to her room. I presumed she was changing into comfy clothes but instead, she emerges 40 minutes later and announces, " Mom! You have got to see my room!!! I rearranged and organized!" (that's my girl). So, I have a few lonely nights without Trev around. What should I paint? Reburbish? Organize? Rearrange? Guess you will have to stay tuned...

BTW: Does anyone else look at this pic of paint cans in vibrant colors (probably called "sunburst", "green chilies" and "pale cucumber") and get a tingly excited feeling? Maybe it's a sick disorder that I have, but I LOVE paint! Seriously, a perfect date night is dinner with Trev and then strolling Home Depot looking at the Ralph Lauren paint collection. haha...

Flower Power

2010-11-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Throughout the year I look for crafts that I can do with the kids as Christmas gifts for teachers, neighbors and grandparents. Last year we made these fun flower pens. They were inexpensive, fun, and practical. Just thought I'd share the idea since the holidays are quickly approaching. We used little clear flower pot votives filled with rocks but I have also seen it made in terra cotta pots filled with coffee beans, small pails/buckets filled with shells (and they used white daisies as the flowers). Let the creative juices flow... I can't show you this year's gifts yet b/c well... those of you receiving them, are probably reading this. LOL!

Lil' Chefs

2010-11-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

I think I may need to make this a segment on here: "Meals with Monkeys". If you know me, you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE cooking and baking with my kiddos. I have fond memories helping my mom in the kitchen and as an adult, I now appreciate the skills and recipes she passed on to me. If cooking with your kids scares you, here are a few tips that might help. First, keep it simple. You don't need to grate fresh vanilla bean or use a gourmet cookbook that requires a lot of ingredients and steps. Kids are happy with just placing pieces in a dish or pouring liquids in a bowl. It's about giving them the experiences and informal training NOT perfection. Secondly, prepare for a mess. It's going to happen. It can be cleaned up, and the whole cleaning up thing can be a great teachable moment for the kids (you may even find they hate cleaning up so much, that next time they are a little more careful about keeping the ingredients in the bowl and out of their hair).

On the menu tonite was fresh guacamole ( to compliment our tacos). Lils likes "smashing" the avocados and cutting the cilantro and Parker likes to mix in the red onion ( and then "cry") and squeeze the lime juice. Funny thing, they never ate the guacamole until they started making it with me. Now, I can't keep them out of the dish!

A Monday Diddy...

2010-11-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

After a weekend of family bliss,

the activity, laughter and relaxation I sure do miss.

On Mondays I send away my kids and hubby,

to sit in their classroom and work in his cubby

I hit the grocery, our pantry to stock,

I throw some potroast and veggies in the crock

All the while I miss my Parker and his jokin',

and without my Lillie snuggles, I am heartbroken

If we could just skip this first day of the week,

I think less stress and depression it would wreak.

And if we could proclaim Monday as "Day of Pajamas,

there would be many more happy mamas.

"Veggie tales"

2010-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Sad. Sad. Sad day. We picked the VERY last of our garden delights!!! Trev did an AMAZING job on our garden and we seriously had yummy veggies from May until now. I really do not want to go to the grocery to buy overpriced tomatoes and peppers. We have become salsa snobs and can't do the stuff from a jar so I guess overpriced produce it is for the next 6 months! As I am typing this, Lillie just came over and said, " I just want to eat that whole picture!Yummm..." LOL! The kids LOVED going out to the garden and picking ( and eating) whatever their little hands could grab. There really is something to be said about growing your own food and enjoying it in it's pesticide-free and organic state! Another sad note, we winterized the yard today... dead headed the rose bushes and shrubs, mowed the lawn for the last time, shut down the sandbox and repainted the deck. I have such a hard time letting go of Summer/Fall and letting Winter do its thing. What are some things you do to get ready for the LONG winter months ahead? Any activities you look forward to with winter approaching??

Teamwork ALL the way!!

2010-11-12T19:03:00.001-08:00

This blog should really be titled: Trains, Tea parties and Teamwork. I could never do what I do on a daily basis if it wasn't for my sweet loving, thoughtful and hard working hubs. This season of parenting is soo soo soo much fun and it's b/c I get to share in it along side Trevis everyday! I do not take that for granted EVER! Abundantly blessed~

Cute dish~

2010-11-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Oh the cuteness!!! Seriously! Everything about being 5 yrs old is cute, cute, cute!!! There's the hair accessories, homemade shell jewelry, lip glosses, glittery tattoos, baby dolls, art projects... the list goes on. From the moment she wakes up and puts on a headband to match her pajamas to tucking in her Baby Emma and making sure she is pottied...the girl is full of cute! Love it. Love her. Extremely blessed~

Sweeter than southern tea... and that's VERY sweet~

2010-11-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

8 yrs old! Such a sweet sweet age. He wakes up swith sweetness, plays sweetly, goes to bed sweetly...tells me all the time "You're the best mommy in the whole wide world. And the world is pretty big, Mom!" I don't ever want it to end. Ever! Melts my heart, lifts my spirits and the day he stops crawling into my lap for comfort, hugs and snuggles I may not be able to stand it. Sweetly blessed~

Re-entering the Blogging world

2010-11-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I have missed blogging. I thought FB posts and other online journaling could take it's place, but it cannot. The days, months and years are flying by and I want to make sure it is all documented and not a moment or memory is missed. So here it goes.. it will take a little while to get things going, get a new look and add it to my routine but I am sooo excited to BE BACK!!!!!

The final word...

2009-08-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the waterpark, a little boy probably around 8 yrs old started bossing Lillie around telling her to "do this" and "do that". I guess Lillie finally had enough and turned to him and said, "I don't have to! You are NOT my brother!"

Legos 101

2009-07-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was helping Lillie build a really tall Lego tower. As it got higher and higher she got more excited about it. When it was completed, she looked at me and asked, "Mommy, did you learn how to do that in college?"

What we've been doing... b/c we are obviously not blogging much.

2009-07-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

FINISHING SCHOOL

CELEBRATING A REDS WIN

WINNING A CARNIVAL GOLDFISH

PETTING ICKY THINGS AT THE ZOO

NAPPING

GARDENING

EATING A LOT OF SNOWCONES

"Blueberry"

2009-06-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

For 5 years, Parker has had a 26 cent Walmart goldfish for a pet. He has faithfully turned on his light every morning, fed it 8 pellets everyday, kept it's tank clean and been a good roomate to "Goldie". So, for kindergarten graduation we told him he could pick out a new pet since he demonstrated such maturity and responsibility this past year. At first he was very gung-ho on a hermit crab and we thought that would be the pet of choice but in recent weeks he became increasingly interested in getting a bird. Then by coincidence my mom got 2 baby parakeets which peaked an even higher interest. Well, this morning we embarked on a journey to Petsmart and bought a cute little blue parakeet. The kids are smitten and I even think the bird kinda likes us;-)

SIDENOTE: While we were out buying the bird, Parker lost a
3rd tooth... This time he has an empty space to show for it!

Bird calls...

2009-05-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

Aunt Margaret, this one's for you!

This morning the kids were playing a game where Lillie was a baby bird and Parker was going to hunt food and feed it to her. As she sat in her "nest" Parker said to her, "Ok Lils, you are the baby and I am the male and I am going to get you some worms." Lillie then adamantly says, "NO Parkerrrr!! I don't want to play mailman. I want to play daddy bird!" Parker starts cracking up and says, "Lillie you're thinking of the wrong diagraph!"

Firehouse Fieldtrip

2009-05-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Lillie had an end of school year fieldtrip to the firehouse. We have done this every year for the past 3 years and they still LOVE LOVE LOVE going! Always something exciting to learn about at the firehouse!

Lillie's Preschool Program

2009-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Lillie had her preschool program last week. As part of the program, the kids had to create a community service person they would like to be. Lillie really really really wanted to be a mommy but that didn't exactly qualify so we were able to talk her into her second choice: A lifeguard!

STAR of the week~

2009-05-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Seeing RED

2009-04-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Our baseball game addiction has resumed!! There is nothing quite like a family day at the ballpark. One week into the season and we have already attended 2 Reds games! It helps that our professional team stinks and we can get tickets for free (seriously!) Great American Ballpark is pretty cool and really there's not a bad seat in the house. Here's to a great season! Maybe not a winning one (someday?))but at least a fun and sunny one!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-04-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Lillie can rest anywhere! (as long as her thumb is accessible)

The joke is on you...

2009-04-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

For years Parker has been attempting to make jokes and for the most part well, lets just say we laughed to be nice and encourage him on his riddling journey not b/c they made sense...

Well, the past few months he has been attempting to create his own jokes and some are really funny and witty... Here are 3 of my favorites:

Parker: What is Santa's favorite candy?
Parker's funny answer: Jolly Ranchers

Parker: What was wrong with the first airplane?
His creative answer: It wasn't made Wright/right (haha get it??)

Parker: What is Master Shifu's favorite food?
Parker's silly answer: Shi-food (Seafood... cute right??)

Park at the Park~

2009-03-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Parker after a fun afternoon at the playground: "Mom, it's a little sad they don't make parks for adults. I don't want to grow big."

St. Patrick's Day fun

2009-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

My MOPS group had an after school St. Patty's Day cookie make & bake... The kids LOVED it!! The best part was they could make a total mess and it wasn't my kitchen!!!

Mommy musings...

2009-03-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago a little friend in Lillie's class lost her Daddy to cancer. Not sure exactly how to broach the subject but knowing it would come up, I waited for an opportunity to talk to her about it. Well, after school on Wednesday, I was strapping Lils in her carseat and she just blurted out, "Kayla's daddy died. Did you know Mommy?" I nodded my head and told her I did. Her response back was, "We no not have to be sad Mommy. Kayla's daddy had Jesus in his heart like us. It be ok Mommy."

WOW! If she doesn't learn another thing this year, that is more than ok with us! I am soo thankful her young impressionable brain was able to comprehend the most important part of this really sad situation. I am SO thankful that we found a wonderful, loving Christ-centered school that teaches more than just ABC's and reinforces everything we teach and act out at home.

Our greatest desire as parents is for our kids to know Jesus. NOT to just know ABOUT Him but REALLY know him and what a relationship with Him means and looks like. We strive for this everyday and everyday we fall short but by God's grace and with His wisdom we are planting those important seeds. At the end of this parenting journey if our kids do not REALLY know Jesus, I believe we failed as parents. They could be really good people who do really nice things but if they don't know Jesus and what He did for them, nothing else matters.
My hope and prayer is that Lillie and Parker are learning and observing this first-hand.

Have to see it to believe it~

2009-03-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Conversation overheard with Parker and his little 6 yr old buddy while playing at our house the other morning

Ethan: "We have those thingys in our house!"
Parker: "What thingy's?"
Ethan: (very enthusiastically) "DUDE! We have the F-word at our house too!"

(see picture below)

The Greatest Show on Earth!

2009-03-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to their first-ever circus!! If you are a parent you know that one of the greatest things about having kids is getting to live vicariously thru them. Let me just say, the circus is definitely one of those experiences! An hour before the show began, we had the opportunity to go onto the floor and hang out with the performers, trainers and animals. Trevis being a glutton for punishment, got hand-picked by one of the clowns to "assist" him. Always the chick-magnet.Well, clown-magnet in this case (see photos). It was a great time as a family and we're ready for them to come back to town!!!

The Clownettes

Trevis, being a good sport

Morning Muses

2009-02-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Parker came in my bed this morning to get some snuggles. As I scratched his back he cuddled even closer and whispered, "Mom, you are my favorite ONLY mommy in the whole world!"

Gosh, I love this kid!

When the kids get the camera...

2009-02-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

...cute things happen!

Just a moment...

2009-02-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

On the 6th snowday in 2 weeks this is what I woke up to...

It was completely and totally peaceful, beautiful, breathtaking AND exactly what I needed to see after being couped up with the kiddos for almost 2 weeks straight. We had exhausted every toy, every game, every craft, and every book we own and I woke up wondering what in the world I would do with them that day? Apparently, God thought we should just sit and enjoy the time we had together. Which is exactly what we did. I am soo thankful for quiet moments (since they are far and few these days) and I am soooo thankful for a God who thinks I need them and sends them my way!

8 snowdays of fun!!!! Yes, 8 of them!!!

2009-02-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

So, a lot of inquiring people have asked me what in the world I did for 2 weeks while being home with the kids! If you know me, you know I love love love being home with my kids but we're not really at home much since we stay so busy. We couldn't play outside b/c it was sooo cold. We couldn't go to the Y, McD's or Chuckie Cheeses b/c it was too icy to get out of our driveway. So, here is what we did in a few photos. We had such a great time! I think maybe too much fun b/c both kids do not want to go to school tomorrow and would rather stay home.

Painting masterpieces

Building with blocks.. well, Parker is anyway... Lillie is just umm...being Lils?

Making homemade face masks

Chia Pets! Our kitchen island saw a lot of playtime the past 2 weeks;-)

Snow and icestorm!

2009-02-04T18:45:00.001-08:00

Trying to make the most of 2 weeks of lousy weather!!!

Happy 4th Birthday!!!!

2009-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 4th Birthday Our Sweet sweet Lillie-bear!!!!

20 random things about Lillie

1) She does not like change! Of anything! Food, clothing, sleeping arrangements...don't mess with her routine~

2) She twirls her hair in her sleep while sucking her thumb. The knots were so bad that she was going bald on the sides of her head. We had to get a pretty "new do" last week

3) She treats her doll, Baby Emma, like a real live baby. One day she and Emma fell down the stairs and she didn't shed a tear but soothed all of Emma's!

4) She loves to pray. She will pray to her babies, to herself, for other people when they leave our house. It is heart melting.

5) She thinks Dora is real and is going to visit her at our house one of these days. (anyone have a Dora costume I can borrow?)

6) She is a really really good runner. Has always had amazing legs and super coordination. She imitates me running around the court with her baby stroller. Makes me laugh.

7) Her favorite all time song is Away in the Manger. It is NOT a Christmas song in our house. It is just an everyday song for any occasion.

8) She knew how to count to 10 in Spanish WAY before English (thanks to Dora and Parker)

9) She loves and idolizes her big brother. He can do no wrong. Which is bad sometimes b/c he spoils her rotten and she thinks everyone should treat her the same way!

10) She needs white noise and a fan to sleep soundly

11) She gives amazing hugs. Nothing wimpy and if you are lucky enough to get one, it is with all her heart!

12) Can seriously snuggle ALL day (and has). She has a cuddle addiction

13) She is extremely thoughtful and considerate. We think she might win a Humanitarian Award someday for her kindness. When she was 1 we thought is was a phase (bringing everyone their water bottles and toothbrushes) but here we are 3 years later and we still get shoes brought to us every morning and keys ready for the van!

14) Some of her nicknames are : Lillie-bear, Lil the pill, Silly Lillie willie, Peanut, Cuddle-bug

15) She blows kisses backwards (first the blow and then the kiss) It is very very funny! We don't want her to do it right~

16) She can navigate the computer better than some adults. She has very advanced "mouse skills".

17) When you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she says very adamantly " Me's going to be a mommy with a baby in her belly!"

18)If you love her and she loves you, she just assumes you are family. It's as simple as that.

19) She is very warm blooded and wears tank tops all winter long!

20) She is a direct blessing from God and not a day goes by that I do not thank God for the gift of her little life.

Lillie, thanks you for lighting up our life in sooo many ways. Our hope and prayer is that you will always be as tenderhearted, compassionate and loving as you are today. Kisses, hugs and Cuddles~

Instruction Manual Needed

2009-01-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Most people jump ON the trampoline. Lillie chills UNDER it.

Typical Lils....

Happy New Year.. a little early?

2009-01-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

As many of you might know, our kids are "early to bedders"... 7:30 is pushing it for them. As great as this is for Trevis and myself most days, for New Years Eve is it slightly umm... unconventional? This year we had our friends The Reathafords over for dinner and gift-giving and in order to accomodate our sleepy kids we decided to have a mock New Years at 8:00. I wrapped a beach ball in aluminum foil and hung it from our staircase and made a countdown clock starting at noon... It was a lot of fun and Trev and I were able to be in bed by 10~ (now you know where our kids get it from.. haha)

Christmas 08

2008-12-31T06:32:00.000-08:00

Favorite Christmas 08 memories

Parker kicking off the morning reading the Christmas story from the Bible... PRECIOUS!

Having my WHOLE family here for 5 days!!! Wish it could have been longer!

Sooo much girl-fun!

The kids loving the simplest of gifts!!

Silent Night

2008-12-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

You will have to visualize this since the video is too big for Blogger:
Last night Lillie was singing her little heart out to Away in the Manger. Trevis wanted to take a video of her and asked her to sing it again which she hesitantly agreed too. Well, Trev puts the camera on her and she just stands there swaying a little. After about 10 very quiet seconds Trev asks her why she isn't singing which she says, " Dad, I ammm... I am singing it in my head!"

Prayers and wishes..

2008-12-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

Lillie announced at breakfast that she was asking Santa for a "real baby". Parker then tells her, "Lillie, don't waste that one on Santa. He can't bring you a real baby. Only God can. You have to pray for one of those. You can
only ask Santa for
toys and stuff."

For a little kid he sure knows a lot:)

Scuba Santa

2008-12-07T11:26:00.001-08:00

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for our VERY fun aquarium pass! Scuba Santa says hi and he hopes you have been VERY VERY nice this year:)We think you have...

Petting the sharks

Feeding the Lorikeets

ummm yeah, Lillie looks real scared...

Friends~

2008-12-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Lillie's sweet bedtime prayer after several super cold days and the only other little person to hang out and play with was her big brother:

"Dear Jesus. Thank you for no sickies and for my house. And thank you that Parker my best friend forever!" Amen!

My prayer: Lord, I pray that Lillie and Parker continue to be the best of friends for many many years. I hope they continue to care for one another and forgive each other as easily over the bigger things later in life as they do the little things right now.

Future Aspirations

2008-11-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

Today Parker announced, "Mom, I think when I grow up I want to be a furniture delivery guy." I already have a good start with my big muscles. I just need to get taller."

Lillie Anna Ballerina

2008-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

Lillie is in Season 3 of dance and loves it. Her teacher Ms. Erin is soo fun and creative and really channels Lillie's "athletic side". The girl LOVES to run and although we're pretty sure soccer will be more up Lillie's alley, Ms. Erin embraces Lillie's kickboxing moves...

Pick-up line

2008-11-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the Science Museum and it was pouring rain! On the way out Trev being the nice guy he is announced that he would "pick us up". To which Lillie exclaims, "Noooo Dad! You pick up me and Parker but not Mommy. She too big! You so silly!"

He failed to mention he would be picking us up in the van:)

Republicrat?

2008-11-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today, our neighbor came over to talk to the kids. She asked Parker if he went to vote and how it went. To which Parker replied, "It went good Ms. Sherry. We waited for 40 minutes and I voted for John Obama!"

And you thought kids gave away all your "secrets"....

Our cute little "treats"

2008-10-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween, Parker was intent on being a surfer attacked by a shark and Lillie was well... a Lilly! They were sooo cute and totally into the getting candy part (what kid isn't???)

My cute pumpkin patchers...

2008-10-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

We had a fieldtrip to the farm and had a wonderful time. Although, the day we went it got close to 80 degrees and I felt slightly ridiculous pumpkin picking and drinking hot apple cider.

Here Comes the Bride!

2008-10-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

My sister and best friend, Lauren (or Aunt Lahlah to my kids) got married this weekend and what a great celebration it was! She looked radiant and we wish her and Cash abundant blessings and many years of happiness!

and this little piggy...

2008-10-08T18:02:00.001-07:00

screamed bloody murder b/c it was broken!!!!!

Tonite, while eating dinner, Lillie's chair slipped from underneath her and she and the chair landed on her poor little pinky finger and broke it! Thank goodness our pediatrician happens to be one of our closest friends and neighbors b/c instead of driving to the E.R. we drove to his L.R. (Living room) and got Lillie "fixed up". In fear of having child protective services after me (2 kids with 2 broken bones in 4 weeks cannot look good) Dr. Sean came to our rescue and we are VERY VERY grateful! A little Motrin and some buddy tape later, we are almost as good as new...

Cast #2

2008-10-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Bengals Orange... of course!!!

Park-expressions

2008-10-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

This morning while we were in the car we saw a firetruck go zooming by with it's lights and sirens on full blast and two minutes later we saw a helicopter landing in a field right next to us. Parker excitedly exclaims. "WOW MOM!!!! We got to see 2 cool things like one after the other. Total double luckers."

haha... "double luckers". I think I might have to coin that phrase. I love it too much to let it die.

Ready to take-on school

2008-09-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

ART!

2008-09-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed the most amazing stretch of hot, sunny weather! The kids favorite after school activity is to paint! Here are their latest creations...

A win would be nice...

2008-09-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

6 is a very good number!!

2008-09-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Park! What a joy you are! When I think back to your 6th birthday I want to remember how sweet, loving and kind you are at this moment. Your thoughtful and generous spirit is unlike any other little guy I know. Two recent stories come to mind. The first was just this past weekend. At every Reds game we always pass a dozen or so homeless people on our way to the stadium with signs asking for any number of things (but mostly money). This last game was no exception and you already had a plan in place. Dad and I said you could bring a nickle or quarter to give one of the guys but when you went to give him the money you gave him one of your hard earned dollars along with it! That night when we talked about it you said to me, "Well the bible says to Honor God with your money and I thought that was a good way to do some honoring."

The second event happened just this morning. When you came downstairs you were in awe of all the wrapped gifts waiting for you. You then secretly pulled me aside in the bathroom and asked me if I had a gift wrapped for Lillie b/c you thought she might be sad that you had all the gifts. When I told you I didn't b/c it was your birthday, you announced that Lillie could open all your gifts with you! You made her day Parker, and made her feel sooo special even though it was your special day. Dad and I are soooo proud of the way you look out for your family especially Lils. Someday she will truly appreciate a big brother who loves her and watches out for her.

Our hope and prayer for you on this 6th birthday is that you will grow up to love God with all your heart and continue to demonstrate it to everyone who meets you. You really are an amazing kid!

Identity crisis...

2008-09-18T08:57:00.001-07:00

Me: reading 10 Apples Up on Top to Lillie: " I used to love this book when I was a girl."
Lillie (looking at me curiously): "Silly mommy. You still a girl."

Cast #1

2008-09-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

So here it is... a very bright RED cast (for the Cinci REDS of course). Next week Parker has to have some more x-rays and gets to pick another color. Two weeks after that yet, another cast and then a 4th cast toward the end of it all! Yesterday morning I took him to the orthopedic surgeon who had to reset his arm (very painful and not good for a mom to see) and told us the recovery for both bones being broken would take awhile. Parker has been the bestest patient. I can't say my nursing skills are all that great but when your patient is so sweet and kind, it's easy to take care of him. I have to say sending him to school today was harder than sending him the first day. He looked so vulnerable and anxious. I'm sure he will do great and will get lots of attention but still, noone can take care of him like Mom, Dad and little sis...

ANOTHER first... this one I could have done without!

2008-09-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen I just wasn't sure when or how. Today while we were at the playground after school, Parker was on his favorite apparatus: the monkey bars. You can probably finish the story from this point. He slipped. He fell 7 feet. He got the wind knocked out of him. He cried out. His arm was broken! After several hours at the ER and a lot of paperwork I can say we survived our first childhood accident. He did really well (superb, actually) and was brave even thru the tears. He is super relieved that he should be recovered in time for his first flag football game mid October (it's all about the sports). Tomorrow we go to an orthopedic surgeon to get his opinion and a cool permanent cast.

For those inquiring minds he broke his two radial bones in his left arm (right below his wrist). As a lefty, he will have an interesting and frustrating month.

REDS! REDS! MORE REDS!!!

2008-09-09T11:28:00.001-07:00

Okay, so this post is for the kids more than any of you! Since down the road I am planning to give the kids this blog as a gift they should at least have memories from ALL the REDS games we have attended this year (and there have been A LOT!). We have been blessed with a great job and great friends who are more than generous with their tickets. We reap the benefits on a regular basis (not to mention we have a team that stinks and tickets that are easily available.. but we won't go there)

Anyway, this weekend we attended yet another game. This time against the Cubs. There was a rain delay as you can see from the pics and we made the most of it. We were fortunate enough to be sitting on the very very very top under the awning where the only thing we felt were a few drops from the leaky roof. There is not a bad seat at Great American Ballpark!
Trevis and I are amazed at how excited the kids get for every game. You would think this was their first game ever. It never gets old and is always thrilling for them. VERY cool as a parent.

LOVE this time of year!!!

2008-09-06T04:45:00.001-07:00

It's tough living in Buckeye country but we are holding our own...

Another "first"...

2008-09-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Preschool!!!! Lillie just could not wait to be an "equal" to Parker in this area. The irony is that Lillie is pretty clingy and attached to me (wherever I go she follows like a lost puppy) so Trev and I were pretty suprised at how willing and excited she was about not being around me for a few hours. She also seemed sort of young but after dropping Parker off 3 afternoons a week last year, she was just so at home at his old school, that we thought "why not do 2 mornings a week?" She just loved it and adores her sweet teachers, Ms. Kristine and Ms. Donna." It's more like 3 hours of VBS (music, bible stories and playtime but that is exactly what she needs at this time.

24 volts of fun!

2008-09-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

We have officially become the graveyard for Power Wheels. We never set out for our kids to have any but somehow we have accumulated $1500 worth of Power Wheels for less than $20 in the past 4 years. The kids love them (as do our neighbors) but our garage is a tad full these days. It started with our neighbor a few years back throwing a perfectly good PW JEEP in the garbage. Then, a guy having a garage sale around the corner gave us one he didn't sell and then last week I am at Goodwill and the guy that works there (who knows us well) tells me he has something for my kids. Now you should know he has told us this before and he came out with a stained REDS sweatshirt and a pair of beat up Barbie shoes so I wasn't overly exicted about the news. But then, he drags out a motorcycle and a digger in mint condition! It was their 1/2 off sale of all days and he just wanted them out of his storage room so he told me I could have both for $10!!! I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids! Needless to say I maneuvered (ok, more like stuffed) them in my van and we have had endless hours of speedy fun!!! There was a catch though,I told the kids that if we brought them home they had to give away one of their jeeps to someone who didn't have one. Which they totally agreed too...Wouldn't you for a pink and purple Harley????

Tea for two

2008-09-04T11:35:00.001-07:00

The "Garden"

2008-08-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

First day of Kindergarden... WOW (I will not cry)! My little guy. My little buddy of 5 1/2 years (still not crying but getting teary). My silly goose. My "little man" of the house. My gift from God (okay, now I'm crying). I cannot believe summer is about over and school is here! We had such an incredible summer with soo much fun and carefreeness that it is going to be hard for ALL of us to get into the school groove. Parker did great when I dropped him off this afternoon (amidst the chaos and confusion). He is sooo ready for this (me, on the other hand...well,the verdict is still out on that). I just hope and pray that I took full advantage of the past 5 1/2 years, teaching him how to be a good student, a decent friend and a leader with his peers. Trev and I joke that if anyone can make Jesus seem cool, it's Parker. I pray that he takes his enthusiasm and passion with him in his quiet, reserved way and makes an impact on those around him. He was so sweet when we were loading up the van to leave for school. He put his arm around me and said "Mom, the only thing I'm sad about it that I don't get to hang out with you and Lillie in the afternoons anymore." Such compassion and sweetness in a little body. He really is awesome and will be missed around here from 12:30-3:40 everyday!

Showing off his cool clear see-thru backpack. He is so practical. We saw Hulk backpacks and Superman ones and cool silver ones and he tells me he wants the clear kind so that "I can see if I have everything without opening it up! We nicknamed it "jellyfish"

Tricks of the Trade

2008-08-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

So, I've been asked quite a bit this week how in the world we all survived 25 hours in a van with a 5 year old and 3 year old. I have to say our kiddos did really great but then again, we did have a few tricks up our sleeve. One of the best things we did was reward the kids for every hour they sat good. We would set a timer and every hour we were in the van it would go off. The kids then had the choice to either pick a money bag (a little ziploc with some coins in it) or a treat bag (a little ziploc with some sort of candy or snack item). The kids absolutely LOVED this. Parker is all about saving money and he will proudly admit that he earned $7.57 on this vacation just for sitting good. Lillie on the other hand will proudly admit she has officially tried every Dum-Dum flavor they make. For every 5 hours they sat in the van (we broke up the trip in 5 hour increments) they actually got the chance to pick a pre-wrapped gift (tattoos, toy phone, new swimming goggles etc). This was also a HUGE hit and a BIG incentive to be on their best behavior. It took a little prep beforehand but was well-worth the effort as we didn't have a bad hour during our 5 days on the road.

There is also this neat little invention called the Portable DVD player. I would be remiss if I didn't admit we watched our share of Veggie Tales and Laurie Birkner... 2008 is definitely a great year to be roadtripping with your family!

Home sweet Home

2008-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

No matter how long I am gone from NY, the house on C. Ave will always be home. I LOVE being there. The smells of something Italian cooking in the kitchen, the creaks of the hardwood floors, the sounds of the neighborhood from the screened porch... they all scream out to me that "I'm home" and on some level, now my kids feel the same way. Parker LOVED playing and talking baseball with my Dad, the ever faithful Yankee fan and Lillie delighted in playing dolls and watering the garden with my mom. Grandmom and Pop, thanks for making such special memories for our kiddos. The time you spent with each of them was precious and significant. I was flooded with the wonderful fun memories of growing up in a loving home. It is such a blessing that my kids get to experience it as well.

Just Beachy

2008-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

The first place we went when we finally arrived: The beach of course! The boys caught 2 horseshoe crabs and found quite a few jellyfish. I took advantage of God's greatest swimming pool (with a rather strong undertow) and Lillie played in the sand to her hearts content

SUMMER VACATION

2008-08-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? 24 hours in a van, 1500 miles and 2 small children in tow we are home from our NY vacation!! Having grown up in NY I took for granted that the city was a train ride away, the beach was a bike ride away and the best slice of pizza and most scrumptious bagels were a walk away. We had the greatest time sharing in all these adventures with our kids as we spent some time at my parents on Long Island. The trip was originally intended as a bridal shower for my sister but as Trev and I started talking we realized our kids are at such a great age to try this roadtrip. I can't even begin to condense all the photos we took, so over the next couple of days I will post pics from our daily excursions. Parker and Lillie were exceptional (sleeping wherever they needed too, sitting in a 5 point harness the WHOLE time in the van, and being troopers when the occasion called for it) and the #1 reason why this vacation will go down as one of my favorites ever!

THE VAN RIDE~ the sugar HIGH and the sugar LOW

My running buddies

2008-07-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Every morning we start our day with a "jammie run". We do a 3 mile loop and the kids listen to music and eat cereal. It's a great way to start our day and they are good comic relief when I am running up those hills in 100% humidity.

Anniversary at the ballpark

2008-07-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

KUDOS to my sweet hubby! Last night was our 10th anniversary and of all nights Trev had to host a REDS game for some clients. It wasn't the romantic dinner we had originally envisioned but it was A LOT of fun (and in the corporate suite to boot). During the 3rd inning we got a personal message up on the gameboard and there was an awesome fireworks show afterwards. It was definitely a celebratory event which was fitting and appropriate! We could have eaten at Taco Bell and went to Home Depot afterwards to buy bathroom fixtures (we've done this on a date before) and I would have been happy and content spending it with my best friend! HAPPY A. TREV!!!!!

The reason...

2008-07-12T17:54:00.001-07:00

I don't blog more frequently...

*I'll try and do better but seriously swimming or blogging... swimming or blogging...swimming easily wins on hot humid days!!!

Bookworm Wednesday

2008-07-05T07:27:00.001-07:00

I had heard about this program before and forgot about it, but then was reminded again this morning by a friend...

At Showcase Cinemas they offer free movies to kids who do a simple book report every Wednesday at 10 a.m. They are older movies but free. This Wednesday is Everyone's Hero. The younger kids do not have to do a book report. Just the school age kids. They read a book and fillout the form on the website and take it for admission. It's something a little different and FREE!! So, I'm passing on the info...

Check it out: It's national so a theatre near you might be participating...

http://www.nationalamusements.com/programs/bookworm.asp?page=1

Summer Box of Fun

2008-06-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

So, my last post was about the simple pleasures of summer. We have had a great time going "back to the basics" and enjoying things that I did as a child during summer break. I failed to mention that we had a little help in the form of... Dollar Tree!! I love that store and I feel like I should give a "shout out" to it in the form of a blog entry. Who knows it may help other mommies create some wonderful memories for their kids this summer as well?!?! Feel free to comment on your own Dollar Tree finds

A few cool things we bought at Dollar Tree to kick off our "Summer Box of Fun"

1- Butterfly nets. They are essential. You cannot make one out of homemade materials and you can't beat 2 for a $1. We actually bought 4 so we can keep a set in the car on the off chance that we have a butterfly sighting while we are out and about (yeah, we're a little serious about our butterflies around here)

2- Magnifying glass. What a great invention! The kids love to look at rocks, bugs and even mulch thru the lense... Hours of endless educational fun (just don't look up your brothers nose.. GROSS!)

3- Buckets and shovels. Where do I begin? The kids dig up worms for fishing bait, they dig for "treasure" at the park, they make sand castles and sand fortresses, they keep fun little frogs in them, and they make mud soup and other gross concoctions.. the possibilities are endless.

4- Chalk. We make impromtu hopscotch boards wherever we may be at, we love a LARGE game of hangman and of course there is always the infamous tracing of bodies on cement so it looks like a crime scene. Totally cool but tastes nasty (don't ask.)

5- Personalized Water Bottles. You better believe we drink gallons of H2O (and then pee on some random tree at the park b/c the porta-pots are N-A-S-T-Y). We found some great water bottles that had little inserts so the kids could design their own. Makes a great arts and craft project when friends come over too.

6- Wood bird houses (with the paint and food). They had these fun little unfinished wood birdhouses that the kids painted and then displayed in our backyard trees. It's been a great way to get little feathery friends in our yard and discover which birds like to visit our neck of the woods.

Summer's simple pleasures

2008-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

If you are a parent, you may have also noticed the long, lost art of summer recreation. Parker had a friend over this week and she refused to play in our sprinkler (despite the HOT temps). When I questioned her about it, she said,
"I never played in one before. I don't think it looks like fun." I am happy to report we proved the poor girl wrong and I had to literally drag her out (soaking wet and purple lips) after 40 minutes. What about hula hoops, hopscotch and even good ole' fashion bike riding? We were invited to the park at the end of the school year and I packed the kids bikes. Do you know we were the only ones to bring a bike as the mode of transportation? Two kids brought along their Jeep Powerwheels, 1 kid brought her little motorized scooter and the other two 5 year olds still didn't know how to pedal a bike so they just watched. All the kids were clamoring to try the bikes and we ended up having to share 2 bikes 9ways.

My intentional goal this summer has become helping Parker and Lillie enjoy the simple activities that I enjoyed as a kid. Picnics in the grass, bike excursions around the neighborhood, obstacle courses created with what we have around the house, and LOTS of sand castles! We went to the playground the other day and the kids wanted to take a nature walk along the lakes and on the trails. We ended up staying 3 hours! We caught butterflies and dragonflies and found a HUGE ant hill, a dead fish, a warty toad and bunches of wildflowers!!! Parker was in little boy heaven and well, Lillie had enough flower bouquets for a Hollywood wedding! It was such a great day and I am sooo sad I didn't have my camera to capture the moments. It started out as an innocent trip to play on the swings and turned into a very adventurous outing.

Yesterday, we had some good friends visit us. We hadn't seen Heather and her kids since September so the reunion was long overdue and very anticipated. Maddie, who is 6 years old brought my kids a gift. She gave each one a little ziploc bag full of water with some shells in it and called it "their personal aquarium". Do you know that those little ziploc bags have provided a whole day of fun around here? They added sand to the bags and little pieces of grass and then some pretend fish. They admired each others "aquariums" and gave suggestions for making them "cooler" and traded shells. Thank you Maddie (and Heather) for being so creative and enjoying the simple things in life.

I hope whether you have kids or not, that this summer you re-discover the fun of reading a book under a tree, have a watermelon seed spitting contest, pick wildflowers to your hearts content,making fresh squeezed lemonade,roll in freshly mowed grass and please please please run thru a sprinkler and make a wish!

Dad-Day 08

2008-06-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Trev (even though it wasn't)!!! Sorry you woke up sick and have felt terrible all day. It cannot be a fun thing to watch your wife and kids go to church and then spend the afternoon at the pool while you are trying your best to keep jello and Gatorade down on your designated Hallmark holiday!

We love you and think you are amazing.. but you know that already(Lils only lets you know you are "sooo hansom" every morning and Parker only leaves you 10 voicemails a day telling you how cool you are and how much he misses you) THANK YOU for being the VERY best Dad, husband and teammate there is! (Maybe we can celebrate with that DQ Cotton Candy blizzard next Sunday!)

Summer project # 3...or 4.. or something

2008-06-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Trevis is probably pretty convinced at this point that my main goal this summer is to have him do a laborious and sweaty project every weekend until Labor Day. It really isn't. (Although, I'm not opposed to the idea). Spring kicked off with him building us the ultimate sandbox. Then we landscaped the entire house (I planted the pretty flowers and shrubs and sprayed the hose ont he kids every 30 seconds. Trev scooped and scattered a dumptruck load of mulch in 95 degree heat and 100% humnidity). Then, last weekend he and Parker took on a picnic table. We looked at a lot of nice patio furniture but ultimately we decided that practical, sturdy, very very very kid-friendly and tornado proof was best for us. Which led to a good ole'fashion picnic table. It is very cool and trust me, it weighs a ton and isn't going anywhere in a bad storm. Here are some pics of the boys (and their muscles). Hmmm...I wonder what this weekend project will entail???

Assisted reading

2008-06-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Parker was sitting on my bed reading what I assumed was one of his summer reading books. He's a very proficient reader and so to hear him stumbling over words is pretty unusual. He calls out to me, "Mom, this is a tough one and doesn't make sense"love a circle and a paci???" I look over at him as he is squinting and reading the fineprint on the tag on my pillow which says "lave el ciclo apacible." Which means "WASH IN THE GENTLE CYCLE."

~bueno trata a mi hijo
translation: "good try my son"

Coming up roses

2008-05-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Right on target

2008-05-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

Today while in the Target parking lot, a fellow shopper ceased to put his shopping cart away and as a result the cart came flying down the aisle smashing into my van. I was not amused and under my breath muttered something along the lines of "You are so lazy... blah blah blah... and if you would have put your cart away...blah blah blah... my van wouldn't now be sporting a dent and black mark... blah blah blah...." Parker then looks over at me and goes, "Mom, your heart isn't happy. I can tell b/c your face isn't happy." I had to burst out laughing. Of course then Lillie had to keep repeating "Mommy's face not pretty happy." Our verse the past month has been Proverbs 15:13 "A happy heart makes a happy face." I'm so glad they get the concept. Embarrassed and humbled that I am the example.

My prayer: God, forgive me for not setting a good example some days of your infinite love and patience with us. I need A LOT of help. Thank you for my kids who are so blatantly honest and candid. I need their no nonsense, yet humorous approach.

While Dad's away...

2008-05-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

The kids campout!

Trev, HURRY HOME!!!!

Seeing Red

2008-05-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Trev and Parker headed out to (another) REDS game last night. We get our share of tickets thanks to Trev's work but this game was extra fun for the boys. They went to batting practice before the game and Trev caught a ball which Parker is very attached too (see last photo)... The Reds even won (which is definitely a rare bonus)

can you spot the professional?

sweet dreams

Sandman

2008-05-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

So, we have been in our house for 6 months and decided that we just couldn't call it "home" until we had one of Trevis's awesome sandboxes in our yard. We need to landscape, till and plant our garden, install our shed...but when it came down to it, we missed our sandbox. Thanks Trev for all your VERY hard work. This was truly a labor of love and we appreciate it soooooo much!!! We love our "beach".

We jokingly referred to this stage as "grave digging". We were pretty sure our neighbors were starting to wonder what exactly we were going to bury in here...

The finished product... BEAUTIFUL!

Sista flava

2008-05-12T08:05:00.001-07:00

Lillie was wearing a tee shirt that said "Short and Sweet" on it. At breakfast, I saw Parker reading it. He then starts laughing and goes, "Haha.. Lillie your shirt is hilarious! Short and sweet. Get it? You're short and sweet." Then, his face turns real serious and he says, "Actually, your shirt should say Sweet and Sour." Cracking himself up again. "Yeah, we need to find you one of those."

Fluttery Friends

2008-05-12T07:52:00.001-07:00

The kids and I took a field trip to the Krohn's Conservatory in Cinci to see their butterfly exhibit. It was AWESOME! There were several hundred butterflies from all of the world flying around. They brushed Gatorade or on our hands so we could feed them and they basically let you just hang out in this gorgeous flower infused greenhouse. We stayed for 2 hours just sitting there holding and playing with Butterflies. Parker was infinitely patient and at one point he had a butterfly in each hand, one on his shoulder and one on his hair. One of the Conservatory employees came over and asked if he could take Parker's photo b/c he said he hadn't observed a child feed that many at one time yet. The kids are begging me to go back before they close the exhibit in a few weeks.

5.11.08

2008-05-11T12:49:00.001-07:00

Awwwww...I love my Parker and Lillie! Thanks Parker for the sweet note that you made ALL by yourself (and without any hinting). Being your mom is the sweetest gift ever and my life is so much more happier (and sleep deprived), fun (and chaotic),exciting (and messy) because of the two of you! I know Mother's Day is a reminder of how special our moms are but it also a reminder to us Moms of how precious our children are and the importance the title MOM holds.

To My mom: I love you more and more every day. I especially appreciate everything you did for me as a child and all the sacrifices and love you demonstrated over the years. When I think of all the blessings in my life, having you as my mom is at the VERY top of that list! The only regret I have, is not being able to spend today with you! You are loved thought of and prayed for every day!

To my mom-in-law: I love you more and more everyday as well. We may not see each other nearly enough or talk as frequently as we would like, but I am reminded all the time of what a wonderful, warm and caring person you are reflected in who Trevis is. You have sacrificed and loved unconditionally and I am very much the recipient of that on a daily basis. I hope you know you too are loved, thought of and prayed for not just today, but everyday!

Baby Emma's mommy: (aka: Lillie)

2008-05-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Lillie treats her Baby Emma like she is a living, breathing, peeing and pooping honest to goodness baby. It is out of control somedays(like when she insists that Baby Emma pooped in her diaper and makes me throw it out in a plastic bag and give her a new one. OR when she tripped down the stairs holding Baby Emma and insisted I get her baby a bandaid while she was the one bleeding) Most of the time it is cute though as you can see...

Parenting is never a BORED-game

2008-04-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

"But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 -(NIV)

Being a mom, is like playing a board game somedays. I have all the pieces (kids in this case) lined up and a strategy: survive the day and have fun while doing it. But along the way, there are obstacles that keep me from finishing (ketchup on the carpet, playdoh in the toilet, fire in the toaster oven) and a whole lot of guessing takes place in a 24 hour period (Will the kids wake up at 6am or treat us to sleeping in til 7:30? Will Lillie want me to hold her all day or will she test the independence waters and insist her ballet tutu and Cinderella wig look good for our trip to the grocery store? Will Parker fall off his bike and get a small scrape or an all out bloody gash while trying to imitate Spiderman diving off the deck?

Back in January, out of the blue I was laying in bed one night and the above verse from Galations came to mind and would not leave my mind. Then, 2 weeks later the kids came home from church having spent the morning talking about the Fruits of the Spirit. About a month later, I was reading a parenting book and the whole premise of the book was The Fruits of the Spirit as it relates to raising children. Then, just last night my sister and I were out running and she tells me that she has really needed the verse at work and has been reciting it to herself throughout the day. Coincidence? Probably not. I am pretty sure, just like with many messages, God has chosen to speak to me using a variety of vehicles. I LOVE when He does that! Sometimes I have to struggle to hear His voice and figure where He is leading me, and other times it is so blatantly obvious. I don't mind the challenge when it arises but with preschoolers, everything is a game and so much requires guessing and logic, that I appreciate the fact that God in His infinite wisdom and understanding, chose a less exhaustive method. I have felt so convicted lately about living out the Fruits of the Spirit and demonstrating what they look like to my kids. Everyday I see them playing out in their little lives and I am sooo grateful for the opportunity to spend each day with Parker and Lillie. Their physical growth is evident as they outgrow their clothes. Their emotional growth is evident in the more mature ways they handle situations. Their intellectual growth is evident in the way they are grasping tougher academic concepts. But most rewarding is the evidence of their spiritual growth. The kind ways they treat each other and their friends. The compassion they demonstrate when they see someone hurting. The sweet spontaneous prayers that come so easily to them.

My prayer is that this game of life is as rewarding for them as it is for Trev and myself and that when winning or losing they trust God for the outcome.

One fish two fish...girl fish boy fish...

2008-04-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

I am not exagerating when I say my kids are fish (Trout, I think. although Parker resembles electric eel). They LOVE love love the water. If you are going to take a bath at our house(visitors be warned), goggles are a prerequisite, as is staying in there for a minimum of 45 minutes and practicing every swim stroke known to man.

So, this winter we signed the kids up for swim lessons so they could swim every week during the cold months. In previous posts, I have complained about Lillie's need to imitate everything Parker does, but in this case it was a huge advantage. Withing 20 minutes of the first class, Lillie had jumped into the 13 foot pool unassisted, treaded water for a minute and swam to the ladder on her own. There was no way she was going to let her big brother show her up. I have to admit, as a dancer, Lillie could use some work...as a swimmer and an athlete, the girl has got some skills. Anyway, the 8 week class was over on Friday and both kiddos got their certificates of completion! We celebrated with blue icecream from UDF!