Toddlerhood.....the third time

The past few days have been what I like to call "toddler" days with Anna. I know full well she is not a baby anymore, at 21 months (this week!), but seriously where does the time go? I was talking to a friend the other day and she said, "My kids are growing so fast, I feel like I'm going to wake up tomorrow and be in a nursing home". Sometimes I feel the same way. I know these moments are fast, fleeting and so, so precious, and I'm so grateful I get to expeience every stage as a mommy. I was venting to another friend after church today about how Anna has been giving me a run for my money lately, and she reminded me....."It's just the stage". It was good to hear it from someone who's been there and it sure puts life into perspective. This too shall pass. There will come a day when the house is very clean and too quiet. But for today, here are some glimpes from one of my toddler days.

Signs your baby has turned into a toddler:

She screames to be put down all through worship at church and a well meaning lady looks quizzically at you and asks if she's teething. (Uh, no---she's just almost 2)

You come out to the kitchen to find a drenched toddler and a HUGE puddle of water on the kitchen floor and your toddler is stomping/splashing around in it. (Gotta love the low end water dispensing fridges with no lock on the water dispenser.)

A few minutes after the water incident you come out to find your toddler has squeezed half a tube of toothpaste on the coffee table and is scrubbing it in with her toothbrush and alternately brushing her teeth.

Again, you come into the kitchen to find a plate of leftover carrot cake turned upside down on the floor.

"Say sue" is thank you.

"mine" and "no" are other commonly heard words.

"Come to mamma" is code for "run as fast as you can around and around the van so momma will look like an idiot to all the neighbors watching while she chases you".

She has pen marks up and down both arms from coloring on herself.

She now gives the sweetest (non-slobbery!) kisses and hugs.....and you constantly find yourself gazing at her in awe of the little girl she is becoming.

Defining moments

I just stumbled upon this while sorting through files on my computer. It is something I wrote a few years ago, one of the rare occasions that I "write", but I was inspired to do so, at the time. Reading it again, now, just reminded me of how blessed I am through each of my children. How they each are so unique and have taught me different things. I thought I'd post it......may you mother's be encouraged today as well, in the very important job you are doing!

DEFINING MOMENTS

It had been a long morning. I was in the thick of morning sickness with my second pregnancy. After an upsetting phone call with a family member I was feeling hurt and rejected, not to mention nauseous and hormonal. As I made lunch for my then 18 month old son, Will, I’m sure I was muttering under my breath. We sat down to eat. Will in his high chair, me at the table. I dug into my food still somewhat oblivious to Will. About halfway through my sandwich I looked at him. I was still stewing from the events of the morning and by this point I was tearing up. Will caught my eyes, held out peanut butter covered hands and tentatively said “Amen?” It was more of a question, then a statement. You see, I had forgotten to pray. We had always prayed together before meals. I melted. The tears rolled down my cheeks and my anger was immediately washed away by a simple reminder from my toddler son.

It was what I now call a “defining moment” in parenthood. I had dreamed of being a mother all my life. It was all I ever really wanted to be. I was so proud of my new role, proud of Will and all the things that I would teach HIM. What I failed to realize up until now, was just all that HE was teaching ME. I at last understood why God had blessed me with Will. God was using my child to teach me to trust Him, to go to Him everyday, regardless of my circumstances. God was at work through this little child to capture my heart, to soften me. The Lord was teaching me to be like Will and to quietly say “Amen”.

I grabbed Will’s hands, “Yes, sweetie, let’s pray. Mommy forgot. Thanks so much for reminding me.”

MORE words from Wyatt......

I have to share something Wyatt said a few days ago, because everytime I think of it, it still makes me laugh. We were talking (I don't even remember about what) and I said something like, "no, you can't do that 'cause you're too little". He looks at me and says, "mom, I'm NOT little, I'm 4, and 4 is not little, 4 is MEDIUM". (Wow, I wonder what that makes 30?)

Oh, I just thought of one more....today at my parents house he found a small wasp nest under their deck railing, so Will and I go down to check it out, and when I saw it I was like, "oh, my goodness, it really is a wasp nest", and Wyatt says, "mom, this is no time to panic".

What did we do for entertainment before we had kids??

More of our week in GP: The Illinois River

This is one of our most favorite, little known, and hard to get to spots along the river. It is steep trek down, but that's what makes it so great, it's private and so beautiful. There is a big rock to jump from, and a little sandy beach area. We brought along a fried chicken dinner and cooled of swimming and playing in the river.

Here we are starting a family float upstream, (I was being brave and adventursome) which didn't last long because Anna got tired of it and started crying. We were swimming over to the shore to drop her off with Papa and continue our float when we ran into this little fella.....

For a second I tried to stay calm but the snake was spooked and started swimming out towards me. I pretty much went into hysterics, my heart was beating so hard. After he swam away I declined the offer to continue the "float" :) Can't say I didn't try.

What could be better than eating watermelon piece after piece on the rocks in your swim diaper??

Perhaps, "skinny dippin' " in the river afterwards?? Needless to say she is QUITE the water girl, at this point the sun was going down and the water was quite cold, in fact her lips were looking a little purple, yet she still cried when we got her out.

Our week in GP

We spent last week in GP and Craig helped his Dad build a new Trex deck on the front of their house. Here is the (almost) finished project. They were just putting the rails on for the completed project. It turned out so well. Nice work, guys!

Fun in the Park

Well, we have had a lot going on these past 10 days. It started two Saturday's ago at Wilsonville's Fun in the Park event. My sister-in-laws told us about this yearly even they put on and we all met up there for the day. I have to let you know that if you are at all in the area next August it is totally worth going. It was basically like a fair....they had at least 8 or so jumpy houses/obstacle courses, carnival games with prizes, booths, arts and craft stations and more. They had live entertainment, and this really cool water feature, pictured below. The BEST thing is it's ALL FREE. The only thing that costs is food, but we packed our own lunch and they were giving away free cotton candy at one booth so that was our treat for the day. The kids came home with bags full of candy and prizes and were asking if we could go back next year. So, mark your calendars for the first saturday in August 2008, and maybe we'll see you there!

Here is Will in the middle of the picture running up the tiers of the water feature.
Wyatt and cousin Alissa playing in the water.

WHC

Will just wrapped up his second year of Wildcat Hoop Camp. One morning he was dressed and ready to go standing at the side of my bed at 6:45am, if that's any indication of how much he loved it!

Today his team ended up winning the championship game for his "league" (K-2nd graders). He played against his cousin Halle's team, and let me tell you it was hands down the most intense and physical K-2nd grade game I have ever seen. At one point Will and Halle were on the floor wrestling over the ball! Brooke, my parents and I were practically in hysterics on the sidelines. It was so funny to watch. Will came home with a trophy for the celler dweller competition, two medals and four ribbons. He was absolutely BEAMING with all his awards. It was fun to see him having so much fun, and being so proud of his accomplishments. It was also a good opportuninty to remind him of humility!

So until next year......1, 2, 3, WILDCATS!!!!

He's 4

I have to say that so far I have really enjoyed each age and stage that my children are in, but 4 years old seems to be one of my favorites, so far with the boys. Right now Wyatt is old enough to be able to be pretty self sufficient, but still young enough to snuggle with me, and to think I'm the greatest. He is definately my little buddy. This week, I made a point to write down some of the things he's saying that struck me as funny. I always think I will remember, and before the day is over I forget the exact wording (which is often the funny part) or the whole thing. Here is what he's been saying that just cracks me up:

A couple night ago while we were eating dinner (I had made burritos, by the way) Wyatt says,
"Mommy you're the best breakfast cooker, lunch cooker, AND dinner cooker", then he pauses and looks at Craig and says, "and Daddy you're the best cereal maker and barbequer." Craig's comeback was, "ya, I sure do make a pretty mean bowl of cereal".

A four year old's view of our solar system: "The earth spins around and around, but you don't fall off when it spins around, because your house is stuck". (for a second I actually thought he was going to say because of gravity!)

A clue that he may be watching too much TV: "On TV I saw jet dry and do you know what? Jet dry is the best shine every time........BUT it costs 100 dollars."

Will's first dollar

My little entrepreneur has been begging to do his own lemonade stand all summer. So this Saturday I let him set it all up and go for it. Here he is showing off his first dollar earned. Our neighbors were his biggest supporters and even mom bought a cup. If you'll notice his hat.....you'll see he carefully cut out a square of paper, colored a lemon on it, and taped it over the symbol on his hat. He is now an official lemonade stand worker. I love how his little mind works. It was lots of fun!

Swimming Lessons

Wyatt....jumping in.......
Will......practicing kicks with the kickboard......

The boys have been taking our annual summer swim lessons for the past two weeks. The first week was quite rainy and cloudy for swimming.....this week has felt much more like summer. They have really enjoyed it and have improved a lot. Wyatt has been practicing torpedoes, and front and back floats as well as his personal favorite, jumping in the pool. Will has been working hard at freestyle, and both back strokes as has been learning to take side breaths. I have been trying to snap a few pictures and watch their progress while keepin an eye on Anna, who has had an action packed week playing while "brothers" swim. They finish up tomorrow with a fun "play" day in the pool.

I've been tagged.....

I have been tagged to share 8 facts or habits about myself.....so here goes!

The rules: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I drink a travel mug of coffee with two tablespoons creme brulee' creamer and a splash of skim milk every morning. If I don't drink it all before it gets lukewarm, I just pop a few ice cubes into it for and iced coffee and finish it off throughout the day. Is that gross?

2. I sleep with THREE pillows.

3. One of my most favorite places is the library. I remember begging my mom to take me to the library when I was younger and it still puts be in a good mood whenever I take the kids. So, anyone have any good book recommendations?

4. I played the piano for about 8 years and took serious lessons for 4. ( I would love to get back into the habit of playing....but like lots of things.....someday :). I love most any kind of music.

5. I am up for garage sales, thrifts shops, or antique stores anytime. Just let me know!

6. I love getting the mail, and it bugs me if a day goes by and I've have forgotten to check the mailbox.

7. My favorite chore is laundry (believe it or not) and my least favorite is dishes, especially when there is a full load ready to be put away, or worse yet, if I forgot to run it. Yuck.

8. I am one of those weird women who loved being pregnant. Don't hate me, ok?

I tag Christi and Alysun since they are about the only people with blogs who read my blog and haven't already done this :) If anyone else is out there, I tag you too!

Did I mention, I like to keep up with my brothers?

Our sweet Annie girl was following her brothers outside at some of our friend's house friday night, tripped and fell on the metal track to their sliding glass door, and got this cut on her forehead, to add to her puffy lip she got a few days earlier falling outside. Thankfully her cut isn't very deep and didn't bleed much. She cried for all of 30 seconds and wanted nothing to do with the ice pack. In fact, she wanted to get down and keep playing. She is one tough cookie. I remember when she was first learning to walk and would fall or get bumped, she would totally cry for several minutes and I'd have to hold her. Now I realize that she has really adjusted to these big brothers. Makes me think about how there must be definate truth to the birth order thing. I have to say she is a go-getter. The cutest thing was when Will finally saw her cut as we were getting home, he was like, "oh, poor little sweetie, are you ok?" Both he and Wyatt are very concerned big brothers. Makes me happy knowing she is well taken care of.

Pictures in the park

This is my attempt and updating the kids photos. Craig was a big help and we took pictures of them down in the park. I'm glad I got a few that turned out good. I enlarged them for my wall, the previous one are from last August so it was time!

Will ~ age 6

Wyatt~ age 4

Quite a few pictures, here are the rest.....

New Bathroom

Here are some pictures of my "new" bathroom. Craig worked really hard last week on this project. We (mostly Craig) put in new tile floors, a new sink fixture, a new toilet, new baseboard trim, took out the baseboard heater, new light switch, new tile border around the tub, took off the old rails for the slider doors, painted the walls and ceiling, and re-decorated. I am really happy with the way it all turned out. I LOVE the tile floors. It is leftover tile we got for FREE when we did our kitchen, and we used it in our master bath, so now everything matches. I debated about the blue walls when we first put it on. I almost went back and got a shade lighter. But it grew on me and now it doesn't bug me at all. I figured a bold color is ok in a small room! We put up some beach pictures of the kids to complete the look. Anyway, here it is.................

The kids had to take showers in our bathroom while the work was in progress so they were happy to have their bath tub back. They still have so much fun in there!

a fun 4th.....

We had a very fun 4th! We watched the parade in Monmouth, with my sister Brooke and her family and our friends JT and Mckenzie and their two little ones. The boys loves gathering candy, Anna loved eating it! That evening we had a backyard BBQ with some more friends at our house. We headed out to the good ol' town of Willamina for the fireworks show that evening. Fun times for all!

The "boys" watching the parade. Wyatt (yes, he does have a plastic bag on his head) Will, and cousin Carter.

Anna and I enjoying the firework show. She was clapping her hands when they went off :)

Summertime Girl

Anna loves running through the sprinkler. The freezing cold water doesn't seem to bother her. She is becoming more and more "girlie" everyday. It is still so new to me after two boys. She is really into wearing her dresses and playing with her babies. And she still loves to bring us books and cuddle. She is beginning to talk a little more, which is fun too.

Here are our matching summertime "piggies"......you gotta love the tan lines on her baby feet!

Camping at Nehalem

We kicked off summer with a camping trip to one of our favorite campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, Nehalem Bay. We had wonderful weather and awesome time together as a family.....went on a few bike rides, climbed the sand dunes behind our camp to the beach, and played around the campsite. The kids were SO in their element and just loved being outside. The boys spent a lot of time climbing the little coastal trees at our campsite. And, of course we did some clam diggin' in Seaside. The boys got really into it this time and Will even helped to spot a few clam holes! (above: showing off the clams, below: looking for holes with mom)

Our future "clammer" Anna, checking out our limit.

Ahhh....blue sky above, warm sand below. It was a truly beautiful day at the beach. Craig and the boys built some sand castles while I relaxed and let Anna climb and roll up and down the sand dunes getting her FILL (literally!) of sand.

First grade, here he comes!

There is just no way I have a 1st grader! But......I do. So I need to get used to the idea. I went and helped out with Will's field day and kindergarten graduation today. The kids had lots of fun and we are excited about summer! But, I did get a little teary thinking about how fast this year flew by and him being at school full days next year. Above is a picture of Will and Mrs. Travis. Will shared that his favorite thing about kindergarten was (of course) P.E.

Signs of Summer

Aaahhhh, raspberries. I always know summer is on it's way when we start picking those ripe juicy berries. I have yet to make any jam, since my kids have been raiding the bushes daily, popping them into their mouths as fast as they can pick them. But, it's okay. Still makes me happy to know that summer is almost here!

What are your favorite signs of summer??