ahhh....the weekend

I am writing today with no other purpose but to share a few snapshots of our weekend. This Minnesota weekend was filled with humidity, sunshine and some wild evening storms. Scott and I managed to get out for a date on Friday night and spent the rest of the weekend being entertained by our boys. Why do weekends have to go by so quickly? I don't know, but we're sure looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend. Can't wait to share snapshots of our upcoming weekend with you too. Have a great Monday everyone!

"Don't freak out Mom! It's not an alligator!"

Homemade whip cream is loved by everyone! But the best part of the whipped cream is always the part that gets licked directly out of the bowl it's made in.

Dennis the Menace made a surprise appearance again this weekend. Now, not only does he have overalls that are wwwaaayyy too small, he has a sling shot and a cap gun to put into his pockets.

I knit a few quick hats. One is a skully for Henry and the other is made out of this brown "latte" colored Peruvian wool, which is for me. You won't see me sporting my hat anytime soon, although don't be surprised if you see Henry wearing his hat. He thinks skullies, especially those made of wool are cool to wear all year 'round.

I watched my cat read the Sunday paper. I bet you wouldn't believe me if I told you she went out to buy it herself, would you?

Playing with an empty box is a great way to use your imagination and spend a few hours markering, taping, cutting and doing things only kids want to do WITHOUT Mom telling them not to do it. I think this box was a kitchen, house, vehicle, and jail all in just a few short hours.

Father's Day, Mission: Treehouse

So these two little monkeys were about the luckiest two little boys on the planet this Father's Day. Not only did they get to spend Sunday with their own dad, they were able to get both of their grandpas in one place too. Now you might think these grandpas just sat around and visited, which they did don't kid yourself. But these grandpas also had an agenda--mission: treehouse. Here, I'll let Henry give you a little tour of the new pad.

Hey! Have you even wondered what kind of view you can find in a treehouse? Come on, I'll show ya! Follow me!

First, you need to climb this really cool ladder!

Then you climb through this really secretive trap door.

We have to shut this trap door because we don't want anyone to fall through.

Check out the view!

Have an Oreo, why don't you? It's nearly bedtime.

Ready to go?

Wwwweeeeeee!!!

They worked really hard to get this house built for us, and thanks to help from my Papa's neighbor, Grandpa just had to help with the ladder this weekend. The next time I come to visit, there should be a roof on the top. I can't wait to sleep in it!

It didn't take them long.

We sure are lucky to have these special guys in our lives. Thanks dads for all you have done and do for us each day. You are so fun to be around and you make us laugh. You've taught us lessons that we'll never forget. We couldn't love you more!

random thoughts

Hey there.

It's raining...again.

A few minutes ago, I was thinking of my pals at the school I used to teach at. I'm bumming for them because it's the last day of school (or so I think it is) and it's raining. It's not suppose to rain on the last day of school because they ALWAYS eat a picnic lunch and then play at the park and have a competitive game of softball going. I know I will stay dry and sane today, but I'm a bit worried about them. Good luck gang! Yeah for another year complete!

We're not doing much today so I thought I would put a few good pics from our weekend at the lake from a few weeks back. The weather was beautiful and the company was even better. Can't wait to get back there!

As for last night, I made my way to TJ MAXX--I decided against the sandals once I carried them around the store for a bit. (Does anyone else do that?) They were a bit on the loose side and I think there is something better out there for me. Instead I purchased a new workout top at Target that I've been eyeing. It was on the clearance rack for $4.25--75% off it's original price. I love it when that happens!

Allright here are my handsome beaus--knock yourself out!

A potty break and a stop at the park to play was just what we needed!!

Dad's are good for so many things.

Henry braved the chilly waters with this wet suit (and dad). He got this suit as a present from my Aunt Pauline when he was a baby. I can't believe my man fits it in!

Look at the wittle baby!

Did I tell you yet that this little baby is pulling himself up on everything?

I see him growing before my own eyes some days.

My absolute favorite picture from our entire weekend! My dad with his boys.

This is one special Papa.

A Poem I Wrote For YOU

This post goes out to all you at-home moms & to those who can identify. If you don't "get it", please don't judge.

Here is an email in the form of a poem I sent to my husband this morning because I'm having a tough start to my day.

Please.

The next time I tell you that I need to get out, don't deny me of it.

Please don't try to calculate a mental break in cost per gallon.

My breaks are purposeful, they make me a better mom, wife, friend.

Wednesdays are my breaking point.

I hate being at my breaking point, it makes me so vulnerable.

I dislike who I am today because I'm low on so many levels.

I'm not mad, I am just telling you what I need.

You've asked me to do that.

This job is tough.

I'm not saying that yours is not.

But I can't do this 24/7 without a break.

When is the last time I was able to step away from being a mom?...last
Wednesday night for 1 hour.

That's a long time ago in mommy time.

I'm tired, not physically, but mentally.

I can only take so much hollering and whining from a 3 yo before I start
to holler and whine myself.

I don't like it.

And here are snippets of his response...

Thank you. Points well taken.

Love you.

By the way, it is your vulnerability that I love so much.

Get out and have some fun tonight!!!!!

... When you leave, I am scared that I won't be as good as you.

...This weekend, I have been praying that I can create memories and be accomplished, like you. I am scared and excited all at the same time.

Why does he do that?

Somehow I feel better amid the demands and whines of my 3 yo.

Sorry for the long breaks between posts lately. I feel like it's all weather related AND my family is giving me A LOT to work with lately.

Guess what I am going to do tonight?

I'm going back to TJ to pick up a pair of sandals that I saw to wear on my girl's weekend!

54 hours to go!!

sigh

I'm sitting at the counter watching Scott boil sweet potatoes to accompany our grilled steak. I'm surfing the net, enjoying a glass of (too sweet) wine when my 3 year old munchkin taps me on the leg.

"Mom, is my dinner ready?"

"Yep. I boiled you some noodles."

As he hops up on the chair next to me, he says with confidence, "Move your computer over, Mom. I'm gonna eat like a machine."

Okay you have to admit, that is pretty funny.

A about 2.5 hours ago, I would have sold him on Craigslist for best offer.

Here's why.

"Picture this." I'm looking at dishtowels in TJMAXX with my back turned to H & H. Big H is c-r-a-b-b-y. He's already looked at the toys and doesn't want to be here. He's making me not want to be here. I've already scolded, threatened, given the evil eye, all but left the store. I only went in to look at the dishtowels. I become short of breath when I realize that Big H has put all of his weight on the stroller and flipped it upside down. WITH LITTLE H IN IT! Paying no attention to Henry laying on his back, I immediately turn my attention to little Harrison, who is just (literally) hanging out upside down in his carseat. He didn't blink an eye, still content as always. As I adjust him in the upright position, I can't believe that I have to be two important places at once.

I then turn my attention to Henry, picking him up on the floor. Thinking, Should I even be picking him up? What if he hurt his back? Or neck? Screw it, he's already half up.

After assessing the situation, I realize that really the only person not okay in this situation...is me. I thank God that Harrison was buckled into his car seat. I thank God that the situation was not brutal and bloody. Thank you!!

At this point, I am so highly irritated with Henry that I am so calm it's eerie. We leave shortly thereafter. I buy my fake lemons and yellow dishtowels, leaving the movie Henry picked out behind. He gently grabbed my hand as he left the store with tears in his eyes. He cried all the way out to the car and for blocks beyond TJMAXX. He eventually fell asleep.

When we got home, I packed up every toy that he cherishes and will miss for the next 48 hours. I put it in a brown paper bag and hid it in the garage. He's yet to notice, but I am confident that it will be a teachable moment. I don't drag my children to stores except for Target. I don't ask them to be bored while I shop for things they could care less about. But today it was raining and I thought we could handle a little adventure that mommy was interested in. I guess not.

So I sit here. I again thank God that all ended well. I've snapped out of my crabbiness, thanks to an unexpected phone call from a friend at the right time. I'm laughing. How can someone do something so wrong, still be so loved, full of personality and innocence?

Sigh.

Wine.

Surfing.

Dinner is ready.