a bit of the cra-zies

Usually my best inspiration for my blog comes from my own children. So while I was uploading pictures and scouting through them this morning, I couldn't help but think of the word, cra-zy.

First, let's talk hair.

You would think that we don't own a brush. Frankly, I LOVE Harrison's hair. I love the way it sticks up on the crown of his head. I get a bit saddened when it lays flat, which is usually only after he's had something on his head.

Henry's hair does the same thing as Harrison's, although they definitely have different hair--color and texture. Henry's is cute, but looks more like he forgot to brush his hair. We like to gel and spray his hair to impress the ladies.

Speaking of the ladies...

This little man was caught kissing a little lady at a play date last week. He had the sh*%est grin on his face. When I asked him about it later--later was when he was kissing a mirror in the store, part of his reply included, "It wasn't good." Yes, we had phase one of "the talk". It was cute, harmless and a bit imaginative. They were reenacting "The Little Mermaid" so I blame Disney for this lil episode.

The Flannel...

If you see my husband any point this winter, you will most likely see him in this shirt. The Flannel. I picked it up for him on Thursday and I've already seen him wear it twice. He informed me that he's planning to wear it on Thursday and Saturday of this upcoming week. He'd like one in green, if possible.

He's super stoked about flannels being part of the latest fashion trend. They bring him back to {the first part of} his youth. After numerous closet cleanings, he was left without flannels. I was accused of being the culprit of this tragedy, so therefore, must redeem myself. I think I did well when I made this $20 purchase (I'm a sale rack kinda gal. Not going to find this girl at the front of any store. I love online too--with lots of promotional codes, of course. I picked The Flannel up in the store, hence the price difference.)

Breakfast chez dad...

I awoke on Saturday morning to breakfast served on the floor, straight from the box. What you can't see is the cereal strung across the floor and the 3 mini wheats stuffed in Harrison's mouth, yes, at once. "He'll learn." is my husband's reply as I inform him that Harrison might choke because I usually cut them in half.

The Vikings...

Papa was visiting a few weeks ago and someone tried to turn Papa into a Vikes fan during nap time. Let's just say that these days, it would be cra-zy to become a Vikings fan at this point in their season. Argh!

The laundry room (before)...

Ah hum...This cra-zy wall that should never have been put in the smack center of this space...

The positive, it hides the cat litter box on the laundry side. After consultation to remove the wall, I decided against the cra-zy work and would rather clean up the space, demand that coats get hung up, remove the bench, and work with the space as is.

So embarrassed to post this cra-zy picture, but you have one too...I know you do...

The laundry room (after)...

I still have this cra-zy closet! But, there is something missing...

can you figure it out?

The art supply mess. My favorite part of the (microscopic) transformation.

The final cra-zy...

Harrison has been sitting on my lap for about 97% of this post contently eating Cheerios & raisins, watching the cat jump unmentionable places, and share paper and pencils with his brother, who has been sitting next to us for 75% of the 97% Harrison has been hanging around.

Alright, must dress the boys and run some errands before school!!

Happy beginning to a short Thanksgiving week!

J

P.S. When he got off my lap and thought I wasn't looking.

One more cra-zy...

Let It Snow

stay-at-home must have

When I started my stay-at-home adventure last fall, I wasn't sure what to expect. 14 months later, there are moments in my life when I feel like this mothering job is spinning out of control and all I can do it just stand there to keep from cracking. This job is hard. I might have one good hour with the boys and then the following three hours could be terrible. However, I feel it's when I surround myself with other great moms--at home moms or career women--that's when I find contentment and the willingness to stay the course. I realize that I'm not alone and what I feel--the stress and happiness rollercoaster is so normal. This afternoon, I sit contently on my couch eating part of what is left from this morning's play date.

I've had a great morning! I owe this great morning to the group of women who help bring all the sanity back to my life as an at home mom every Wednesday morning. Whether you are a at home mom or not, I hope you have good friends to help build you up and support you as a mother. They are some of the most wonderful people in my life. I love these women because no one is pretentious; there is little to no make up worn (or expected); honesty and realness is present; they are God-loving; our children play well-but tears and fighting is expected; someone always has food to be shared; kids eat and it's okay to be a bit messy--there's just so much goodness that comes from surrounding myself with these good people.

Here's how it went...

8:20--Harrison is picked up by my friend Kim, who graciously offered to chauffeur him to the play date.

9:00--I'm reading with Henry in the doctor's office while we wait for Dr. O. It was peaceful, snuggly and lovely to spend a few minutes just one-on-one with Henry.

In the meantime, Harrison rides with Kim and company to Suzanne's house. They munch on coffee cake and fuel up for loading 3 vehicles full of "stuff", including 6 children from Suz's current house to her new house, which is beautiful!

10:15--Henry and I arrive just in time to carry in the last 2 boxes of "stuff". The kids play with toys and run through a nearly empty home for 90 minutes. We visit, share stories, plan for the future, and express thanks for having such great friends to spend the morning with.

11:00--Kim opens her "Mary Poppins" bag (happened to be a grocery bag today--nothing fashionable...however, it was grey, which happens to be a trendy color this season) and whips up a spread for hungry kids. We all sit on the kitchen floor munching on apples and sandwiches for a quick picnic lunch.

11:45--Throw the toys in the playroom, bathroom breaks, diaper changes and everyone parts their way until next Wednesday morning.

Now I'm not trying to paint a "my-life-is-perfect" portrait because that's so far from the truth. I am expressing my contentment and thankfulness for the blessings that have come into my life. This morning didn't not happen without blood, fighting, hitting, meltdowns, sharing of pacifiers & sippies & 12 oz of Diet Pepsi. What's awesome is that God gave me these friends to help support me and bring me to saner moments of my life as a mother when we part ways. He has shown me that He provides--14 months ago, I didn't know a single person who I was with this morning. (The group was missing my childhood friend who orchestrated the play group. She had had to work this morning). He is amazing, and I am thankful.

fall break has expired

I'm hiding in my room on my bed with the lights off and the computer aglow.

I have officially declared my fall break over and done. I'm sorry for the lack of postings in the past month. Not sure what my exact reason is, but I'm going with the reason that the computer gets me in trouble with my children. When I'm on the computer, I'm not really present and that's just bad news with a 3 year 364 day old. (Yep, his birthday is tomorrow. And I was told by the king with the crown that, "If you act like you did tonight, you are not invited to my birthday.") So, I'm back. And without further adieu...

Let me explain why Mr. It's-My-Birthday-Pants got a bit sassy. (Do 3 year and 364 day olds really need a reason to be sassy? They just are, aren't they? Or at least mine is. ugh.)I am attempting to actually make him eat what is served at dinnertime. He was served exactly what he ate last night for dinner--delicious roast with carrots and potatoes. It's was all fine and dandy last night. But apparently tonight it wasn't exactly what he wanted. What he wants in junk--sugar, processed snacks, milk. ugh. I've had about enough. When I explained that there would be no snacks, dessert or alternate meal provided, he got a bit pissy with me.

Then the massive meltdown began.

And actually got a bit funny....Harrison, who was sitting in his chair delighted to eat roast, carrots and potatoes thought it was funny that Henry was crying hysterically. Harrison then started to imitate Henry's cry. I started to laugh, Harrison continued with his taunting and Henry only got louder and more upset.

You know what else added to this 90 minute saga? Daylight saving time--we pushed the clocks back an hour on Saturday night. Harrison has been in bed the last two nights at 6pm. My kids usually want dinner at 5pm, if not before and then to make them wait until what used to be 6pm? ugh.

Not only is the 3 year 364 day old sassy in general, but he's also tired and hungry which just add fuel to the sassiness. ugh.

So...I'm hiding. I've been found once since I started this post. It was not pretty either. I was accused of not allowing Mr. It's-My-Birthday-Pants to open presents tomorrow. I don't know where he gets these ideas! Is he delusional?

After one more meltdown...he's finally asleep. Ahhh....

And I'm gonna snuggle in on the couch and rest up for tomorrow--a day that I may or may not be invited to join in the fun.

Here's a quick catch up in 30 seconds or less...

We've been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.

Harrison had an eye procedure done to unblock a duct. Isn't he the cutest patient you've seen?

We worked on taking a Christmas picture. It was work, got a bit silly (like this picture), and didn't happen without bribery. However, it's done. Pictures taken. Card order and received. They sit in a box in the basement waiting to be address, stamped and shipped. I work early because I can't pass up the discount!!

Henry learned how to trap mice (at Papa's). The best bait is grilled cheese with a bit of peanut butter on top. This trap made a great show-and-tell exhibit (minus the mouse, of course! Although I was hoping the tail could be part of the show part. I lost out.) And yes, the pj's glow in the dark. We like skulls and bones around here for shock and awe.

Here's Buzz and Woody posing with Daddy after he ran the Monster Dash. Jessie and Bullseye joined the gang on Halloween evening.