We've had a 'lil luck. (But Don't Cross Both Fingers)

Still haven't had a chance to upload pictures. But didn't want my fans to give up on me;) Sometimes I shy away from the blog b/c I don't have something exciting and wonderful to tell. Have to keep reminding myself not to miss out on daily observations as they are most likely the most wonderful true memories.

Jim and I have had a string of very frustrating days. 'Fraid we have a couple of very stubborn boys. Still working on poopy training. One step forward, three steps back. Still working on sharing, caring, and getting along as a growing, changing, family. Saw some real sweetness out the brothers the last few days and I'm choked up thinking about it because Jim and I really thought Ryan was ready to trade us in for another family. I don't know what was happening with him...he was just refusing to have fun... and believe me, there were plenty of games, fun, and play going on.

I said I wanted to talk about the movie Fireproof. Though it is a movie based on marriage, there was a part of the movie where the husband was screaming at the wife and it really made me think about the hollering in our house (between Ryan and me) during a few rough patches with misbehavior. Usually, we try to be very rational and talk through the problems but I'm thinking of 1 incident inparticular when the frustration level had peaked and I screamed at Ryan like I never had before. Ironically, it was like and ahh haa moment for Ryan. He didn't act traumatized, he didn't cry emphatically, he soldiered on...but mommy carried it on silently questioning whether I was the worst mommy in the world, or not. (I know that I'm not...I've heard of a few worse ones:) I do know that I don't want that to become the norm at our house.

Okay, so long story short. We've had a couple of really good pooping sessions in the toilet. Yeah, Ryan. We've also witnessed Ryan soothing his brothers bumpy head from falling on the rocks, and I rejoiced when Ryan asked to sit next his brother on the couch this morning while they ate waffles and when it was time to go, Ryan turned to Tyler and said, "Can I sit next to you tomorrow morning too, Ty Ty?" I'm living in this moment today.

Bubbles & Towers& Games...Oh My!

We pulled out some favorite games from the storage vault. Tyler and Ryan have been Tower making machines! The best part of building a tall tower of blocks is smashing it down and doing a happy dance.

Found a fresh stash of bubbles in the cabinet too! The battery operated bubble blower has been working overtime during our outdoor play sessions. Meanwhile, a little bubble action indoors can be fun too. How many bubbles can you clap, clap? Trust me, they can clap so many bubbles, it will make your cheeks freeze in a permanant blow fish face :)

We had a day of fun with family last week and the boys are really starting to get the sharing thing. (Well...kinda.) Whose turn is it anyway? Tyler and cousin Jakob dare each other to make a move.

I'm always about a week behind the action on updating my blog these days. I never quite get those pictures updated. It seems as if this busy life just continuously gets busier. I really want to share some thoughts on the movie "Fireproof" soon. And I'm hoping I have some fun pictures to share about Avery's Bday party which turned into a really fun basketball tournament for the big kids.

Take Care for now.

Splash Universe!

Our trip to the waterpark was a splash! Waterslides, pools, sprinklers, winding rivers, arcades, good eats...what more could you want? We started the day at Cabellas and the boys LoVeD the animals and fish. The aquarium was really cool and we stood there for a good 45 minutes while daddy looked for fishing gear. (He's totally psyched to do some fishing after 5 years of lake living.) Ryan bought a spiderman fishing pole and he's ready to round up some gils.

Ryan rode the big dark tunnel slide with daddy and was a little spooked but gave it another couple of runs before the video games called out to him. Tyler really enjoyed the Toddler slides and only drank about half of the pool :) He also enjoyed counting to 3 and plopping down on his squishy, swim diaper round bottom. We traveled around the lazy river on inner tubes until I was a little seasick. Fun times. I don't know if it was the warm muggy air or the extra exercise, but Tyler sure did become cuddly.

Oh, did I remember to tell you the best part of all? FREE POPCORN!! Yes, the buttery delights were continuously popping in the lobby and we had plenty! The boys were so good, we even enjoyed a great meal at Applebee's with very cooperative sweeties. Yeah.

Nineteen Minutes

I love to read. It helps me to relax and provokes thoughts about things that I may just otherwise be ignoring while caught up in my own little world. I just finished reading Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes and am still having a hard time swallowing back the tears...and fear.


Here is a quote from the book that I will revisit often...


"Hold onto the past as if it was something to be treasured, instead of combing it for clues of failure."


As a perfectionist and control freak who has high expectations of herself, her family, and of the human race, I am trying to embrace this concept in hopes that allowing for imperfection in my everyday that I can release some of the burdens that hold me back from true happiness.


This book has some bright spots, and I am glad to have read it, but it really has me wondering more than ever if we can ever do enough as parents to ensure that we have well adjusted children. There's a fine line between love and tough love and I am really struggling to find balance.

happy birthday avery #1

We couldn't be with Avery on her first birthday so we decided to sing and eat cake on her behalf. Happy Birthday Avery. We'll celebrate again on Saturday.

Little Photographer Good Enough for Facebook

So funny. Here's another photograph a la Ryan. I think it is hilarious and it reminds me of pictures found on facebook. We keep letting him try his hand at photography because it may just be the only way for Jim and I to get a picture together.

Speaking of Facebook. I am having alot of fun catching up with friends and using the resource to find a little bit of myself again. I love having this blog to talk about my family and to just remember. Facebook is just a quick way to chat with the gals and guys...so if you want to chat, I'll see you at FB.

Ode to the pop, pop, pocorn maker

My family loves popcorn. The buttery aroma and popping sound is frequently heard at our 7:00 snack time. Recently, I've been getting out the hot air popper and the boys love to witness the event.

Although it is enjoyable seeing the look of anticipation in their eyes, the whole process leaves me a little uptight. Such a seemingly simple activity leaves my boys witihin harms way...observe this daring and dangerous event as they are standing on a chair on wheels to get a great view of a steaming hot machine purchased for $5 and emits scorching heat. Within minutes, the machine is untouchable without protective gear. Meanwhile, see that spacious opening pointing toward the bowl? It is just wide enough to send lava-hot kernals in every direction and tempting little hands to pick up these little bouncy balls. And before you know it, their mouths are watering for the scrumtiously delicious (bone dry and unsalted) popcorn fluffs. No worries there...they cool off fast enough...Oh no, is someone choking on a hull?

Sometimes I wonder if we should stick to less risky activities like jumping off a cliff:) But I know the popcorn bowl will be back tomorrow b/c it is the one thing that the boys like to share!