Spring Break 2013

The babies were in rare form... a Spring Break mold to be exact. They giggled and filled in the blanks of their Mad Lib stories from the back seat of the car as we went from excursion to excursion. Most of it consisted of vulgar little boy words like poop, ugly, and hairy. I got not only the delights of my children during this time, but nourished my olfactory sense with a few favorite smells... orange blossoms and the pages of library books. What a sweet break it was. I didn't get as much time with the boys as I usually do, but it felt like just the same. The boys told me tonight over limoncello gelato how great it was to them, as their eyelids were half shut because of how tuckered out they are.

This evenings sleepiness could account for the lengthy skating today and football practice, but I have a feeling it had to do with a little something else as well. Their last night of Spring Break hoorah they decided to have. The boys got one last sleepover with their good friend and what I like to call my third son. After church the creativity and melty beads came out of the game cabinet which they all decided to make swords out of. This developed into making personalized emblems and keys to go with. The kids made-up a game of some kind with their creations that incorporated bases... and I still have one taped to the wall somewhere around here.

They chased girls afterwards outside and played basketball until their feet were black, then took a pause to eat Mom's grill goodies. I thought they all went to sleep, they were at least when I went. About 3:30am I flew out of bed with a high heart rate. I heard my son faintly- it was a muffled wailing cry that sounded very far away. I ran fast across the house barely dressed and flung the door open not knowing what the heck was going on and if everyone was ok. There sat the guilty three of them behind the closed door, sneaking and playing a little midnight Wizard 101 when they should have been in bed. Some how the Sergeant's fist bumped into Benny's nose during this sneak event. I didn't care to figure this one out at this wee hour and the boys sensed it after I demanded a quiet and sleeping house as my heart rate came down.

When the boys weren't having a sleepover with friends they made lazy headquarters in Benny's room consisting of fluffy blankets, many pillows, all of the stuffed animals, Kevin, and Calvin. This is where they slept at night and took any necessary breaks during the day. They made interesting late-night snacks. I found evidence of popcorn covered with melted cheddar cheese and salt in a bowl.

We had a visit from Laura, her charming finger and family. I think she was trying to show me how we were twinsies with our glitter polish...

This paired with the pool and mommy drinks made for fabulous girl time while the kiddos played. I always look forward to the season of slipping into my bikini. The sun was so spirited this break we actually got many pool days and the babes were able to head down numerous water slides already. Coming from the pools one day I had a popular song on and a car full of boys who thought they would school me on the lyrics as to what poppin' tags meant. I said, "skin tags?" They looked at each other puzzled and I already knew they had no thankful idea what that was, but it was funny to me. It means, shopping.

One of my best spring break moments was at the movies. We were at my favorite theatre watching Jack and the Giant Slayer, a twist to Jack and the Beanstalk. I couldn't decide if it was because they served me my favorite glass of wine with delicious pizza or because I was relaxed with my baby boys snuggled nearby. Then I decided it was a cumulative effect, topped with all of us thinking the movie was great.

It is time for the kids to go back to school... I'm feelin' it. I know this because Benny told Stink today to quit looking at him with chinese eyes at the table and if he could please stop breathing so loud at night. They are sick of one another. But how wonderful it is to spend time with each other to get them to this very point... and have a blast along this Spring Break way.

Love is in the Bear Hair

Valentine's Day 2013 was right around the corner and I had two men after me this year... the lucky girl I am. I didn't have my loves on the very day, but that didn't stop me from making it as special as I could. The boys and I were in the store one day picking some random things up when they spotted the holiday aisle that was full of pink, red, sweets, hearts and big huge stuffies. The boys love their stuffed animals and the bigger they are, the bigger their eyes become for them. I had to get not one but two... and later as a surprise, for them. My wheels started turning to figure out how to make this just right.

I decided to dress these big bears that were about the size of my sons in little gifts. Most were practical. I determined that in light of what I found folding the laundry one day:

I put 5-10 pairs of boxer briefs on each bear butt, and then padded them with new socks. One wore a church shirt and the other some uniform shirts... and both were over a few under shirts. The back side's were also packed with Valentine Chocolates. In place of the heart, I stuffed a box of the classic heart shaped candies with messages on them. I topped it with a sappy card from mom and a huge mylar balloon scribbled with love graffiti... tied to each paw.

The presents were only half of the scheme, the other piece was the presentation... just as important. I wanted something fun. They had no idea what was coming, especially because it wasn't quite Valentines Day yet. I kept the dressed up giants crammed in a closet until it was time.

The boys were playing like boys should be... out in the sunshine, grass and on playground equipment with others. I picked them up and Scarlet ran to fetch them. Before they got in the car I whipped out blindfolds and tied them tightly on each head as I watched their little faces smile trying to see what Mom was up to. We drove home and when they finally found their ways through the door they had to find their surprises. They needed to locate them using the verbal hot/cold hints around the house. I know Benny peeked because he was looking up and through any bit of the blindfold... and mysteriously drifted right to where his bear sat. Pickle.

They absolutely loved them, and the process of getting them. Taking all of those boxer briefs off of the firm bear butts slowed them down a smidgen. Once it was down to bear and all bear hair they were snuggled, played with and named. The Sergeant named his Kevin. Benny named his Calvin. Calvin and Kevin have since joined us for dinner... and breakfast. I hopped in the car one day and the boys had belted them in to take along with. They have brightened their rooms, complimented the beds that are made and taken up half of the couch. Mostly though, they have made snuggles over our end of the day talks and prayers much warmer... my favorite perk. I think theirs too.

Happy Valentines Day

Love,
Mama Bear

Piano VS Football

This glorious day has come that we have a piano to call our own... a Rudolph Wurlitzer beauty! Just when I thought our home couldn't possibly squeeze this level of charm in... it gets cozier around here. This upright has been loved on just like everything all around it in the place it sits... and we shall carry on in that theme, in our style.

We got it from a very sweet Mr. & Mrs. far, far away. I thought that choosing a piano was going to be the lengthy and meticulous process, but it was actually getting the piano from travel point "A" to travel point "B" that was the trickster. After three set dates and a few companies later, the day had arrived. I was really tired actually. The Sergeant was up literally all night with waves of crying from the culprit of double ear infections. There was nothing that I did that helped, but the snuggles that drifted us both to sleep at wee hours of the morning... finally. Then Benny wakes me to remind me it is the day... and we nest for our delivery that will be coming. We found the perfect spot. It's where you can feel the breeze when the door is open, see the candle I like to light, against the wall to focus and most importantly hear from wherever you are. See, it's perfect, every darn bit.

Between a doctor visit for my Sergeant and some cat-naps, it came. I got the joy to welcome it first... after I inched it just where I wanted it of course. Stink played some chicken-pecked classic songs in his underwear like he wasn't even sick.  And I knew Benny was going to fall in love for it.

Benny, my son that has a more developed side of the arts has always eyed pianos and gets right up on them to play, without knowing what he is truly doing. There is this one summer image that I won't ever forget of him at a beach house... I took a picture to keep memory of it:

It's how Benny's nickname started. He looked proper, like a proper boy with the name of Benjamin should. He sat tall as his hands spaced just right towards the keys, eyeing everything he was doing with wonder... and turns to me with those glowing eyes of his and creates the sweetest of true smiles. Then starts playing, but turning his smile to what he was doing. I wanted to attack him with a million kisses. But I held back, for the moment anyways, and captured his curiosity. I saw another one of those 'looks of interest' recently and it was time to really dive in to this and see where things go.

Benny came home from School and ran right to our perfect place where the piano awaits... and yes, love for it is where he fell. He and I are taking lessons together to build our talent and continue to grow our mommy-son relationship. My sweet boy that loves his quality time. I can't wait to play with him. The Sergeant likes to play as well- but his version is more like short sessions of pounding, followed by running outside. Benny's touch of the keys are much different than brother's, and he is focused. Benny was ambidextrous in preschool... wrote with his left as he dotted, crossed and switched with and to his right... until I made him choose a hand which was recommended by his teacher, because he wouldn't. So, he uses both hands equally wonderful as he plays the piano.

The Sergeant, who would rather be on the football field knocking people down, running and catching a ball started tackle football today. Even though his talents are different... he is just as gifted. He has been running around the house in his tackle gear getting re-acclimated, but between home conditioning did make a song for mom on the piano I will share.


I am going to wait to share Benny's work until he says it's okay.... What I can tell you is that the sound of my child playing the piano is the most sweetest sounds I have ever cooked to in my very kitchen.

Monday Memorabilia



 

I scored some fun finds in the backpacks this morning... I am thoroughly relieved that Benny doesn't have plans to break his arm this year or ask for a monkey. This made for interesting thoughts expressed over breakfast, especially about flying elephants. I drew a picture of a flying elephant (in secret) before the kids left for school and stuck it in Benny's lunch for a good afternoon laugh today... I would show, but I'm too embarrassed to share the finished project. I do not have any gifted talents in that department. But what I will share is a few loving crush creations from some girlies down the street... made for the boys which I thought was cute, now anyways.

 

Then as I was making my rounds 'chore checking' before the little pickles were off to school. I found a sweet scene that touched my heart to make a genuine smile on my face. Their "guys" that they still play with sometimes in the bath. It looks like Letty even had some fun with a few toes on Hulk.

 

I know there will come a day when my babes don't play with toys in the tub, or even use their imaginations to come up with wonders about flying elephants, and the girls will be doing much more than coloring pictures for my men.

 

But today... I soaked it up to enshrine in my memory.



Chelly Beans in Texas

Every girl needs a friend to pray and play with... talk about the deep and the light thoughts... even after months of not doing so, pick right back up where things were left at. A friend to make you laugh so hard it takes you to a mutual silent stare where you cry and need to remind yourself to breathe, don't pee your pants. I needed a good dose of my Chelsea and with it being my Birthday, New Years right around the corner and all of the days off of work I had with my boys... we were headed to Texas to see her and her family.

We were all thrilled for our last minute getaway. There was just this 16 hour drive ahead of us, that's all. There wasn't much to look at along the grey and brown road trip so in addition to the movies and games, mom developed a weird Texas accent and Bieber Fever in the car when the hours added up. The boys thought it was quite amusing, and I was amusing my own self. I was tired from doing really nothing, my eyeballs hurt, and my body that felt like it was traveling at 80 mph during standstill was stuck in a kinked driver's position until the sweet lady at Nordstrom Spa massaged me straight again.

But I got to see my Chelly... and the boys got to play with their dear friend. The girls were silly girls and boys were rowdy boys. Totally worth it.

The Sergeant and Benny did some ice skating while mom had due girl talk over substandard Italian food.

There was this really neat hotel we all took a visit to together. The grandest part of it was an Ice Exhibit there, full of sculptures made entirely of ice in a 9 degree atmosphere. As if that wasn't enough, ice slides and snow tubing races were to follow.

On most every family vacation Sergeant Stink or I get sick... we take turns. It was my turn, I guess. I didn't just get sick though, I was super ill. Like I thought I could die for this particular twelve hours until the relief came from the IV fluid resuscitation and Zofran that was given. I spent the end of 2012 in the hospital with Chelly reflecting on the irony that of all our wild young excursions we took in high school now we end up in a place like this together... adult, mature, and due to nothing remotely exciting. We did make the most of it over sparkling water, squeezed in some more convos while we listened to others hack in the lobby.

Until Mom's speedy recovery... Benny and S Stink spent time with their friend over at Grandma Leslie's house that was decorated as a Winter Wonderland sprinkled with the love of little boys: nerf amo and fort messes. Thank you Grandma Leslie for taking such wonderful care of my muffins and helping me confirm a few things.

You are an amazing person with a heart of gold. Who plays the piano great and with true joy.

Who taught my Benny (that has always eyed pianos along with Mom) a precious song that day.

Who made me realize that we need keys and lessons in this cozy home of ours. I can't wait.

Thank you all... for a meaningful trip, Chelly and our friendship's blessings, and Texas. We will be back :)

Memorable Double Digits

I am 30 and my son is 10. Yeeksh.

It seems like just moments ago that little nugget was in my womb. Then I had one blessing after another to make it my most purposeful decade. It has made me see that some of the best things in the plan of life are unplanned, and not to your plans anyway. Try as you might to change your fate, but do this knowing you may miss some major blessings. I have enjoyed every ounce and taken in every lesson to learn the best way that I can with what I have been given. And I can't imagine my world without you and what you started, Sergeant Stink. Let's celebrate!

But first... I want to write that I love you, so much.

10 is a big one... so we honored it twice. Round one at a Cards game, and with Stink's best buddy, plus a couple feet of cotton candy to handle. Now, the Cardinals are not his favorite team, but no one could ever tell with the extreme support and unforgettable touch down faces. This was a game consisting of one of the rare Cardinal wins this season... good pick love!

Round two of course had something to do with football as well... Now, for a game of his own. All I had to do was buy the venue and food... Stink managed the rest, and very well. He came up with a plan, instructed on all of his invites which position was to be played and what color each player needed to wear. Mom made the rule to bring the flags. And he requested that I bring the timer. I later found out that this was to time the quarters as he stood out on the field with his playbook full of his made plays... with his own playing position as all time quarterback and running his party.

You are going to be something big someday honey. I only hope that this was your best Birthday yet, and made you feel as special as you are.

Now... I wasn't as thrilled about turning 30 as Stink was about turning 10. I really didn't dream that this age would ever bother me. Then it soon did. The sound of 3-0 seemed more intimidating after thinking about all of the things that could and did happen in those 30 years... which is a lot. Enough to make me dye my hair dark and feel slightly seasoned. I feel like in your 20's you think you get life when it's barely starting. You figure out who you are and what you want. The 30's are to embrace and enjoy that. I've decided I'm going to wear my 30's as well as this new dark hair of mine. I had a very memorable night to psyche me up for my continued adventures. It was 80's style and theme since I was born in 1982. I had my Madonna glove along with some others, and even shared one. It complimented my big hair, dark make-up and leg warmers. Saw a great comedian. Made lasting memories. Had so much fun.



 So scary as it sounded, 30 ended up looking and tasting... delicious. And it will just get better...

A Very Merry Christmas 2012

I made 4 different types of pancakes for my Christmas breakfast spread... lit the candles... turned on the season lights and music in my Christmas dress as I waited for my babies to walk through my door. I couldn't wait...

Santa came.

He wraps my presents in gold with a "J", Benny's in red with an "A", and my Sergeant's in green with a "D". Santa even brought Scarlet a present marked with her "S" in silver wrap. Great Grandma and Grandpa's was the brightest under the tree, in a brilliant hue of green with a G&G.

Mom got some bling-bling... which will always rise those big cheeks of mine and expose my many teeth, by the looks of me.

Benny got a surprise... and wasn't sure how he felt about that by the looks of him.

S. Stink got a phone... which was just what he wanted by the looks of him.

Letty got her own gingerbread man, that squawks and squeaks, which feels good by the looks of her.

Better than that was college funds that were started:

And even better than that is the best... the gifts that we already have. Those that don't hold a price for purchase. Each other... our happiness and health all together in the same place and all day to spend time with, just a plus. To look at each other and take it all in from old to young... snuggle it and watch silly Christmas movies with it. To cherish it, yet another year.

I wish you a Merry Christmas... sweet memories of your own... and in a heart so absolutely big you could burst! (No matter where you are on your path)