you say it's your birthday?!

My Tender-hearted Kaleb,
 
You are eleven years old today. I am not going to go on and on about how sad I am that my snuggle baby is growing up. ( true as that may be ) Because it is a wonderful thing. Everyday I get to see more and more of the man God has created you to be. You are such a gentleman, you take such good care you take of everyone, especially me. You are so thoughtful, you have a sense of chivalry from another time. I am so blessed to be your mom and celebrate you today. Your journey to adult is happening right before my eyes and without much help from me. You have been for the most part, the "just add water" child.
 
This year we had to press in a little more to find out what you needed. So rewarding for your Dad and I to find out more about what makes you, you. I am not hung up on that surprise red-headed sweetheart that I only labored a few hours for eleven summers ago. ( okay, maybe a little hung up ) I rejoice in the present you. The one who is so curious about animals and forges weapons and still snuggles his Mama. That kid will be celebrated today. Thank you for stretching our hearts to love more and love better. Now, let's party!
 
Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mama

year 2

  The second year of marriage made us home owners and pregnant again. Yea, Matt & I aren't really ones for the easy road. Matt worked his tail off at multiple jobs, I even worked part time and we still had a hard time making ends meet. It was just that season where there is not enough. Good thing there was a lot of blind optimism, Grandparents, and cute babies to get us through.

let's get outta here

 It is officially summer in Seattle! The sun has come out and rumor has it there is 80 degree temps in the on their way. I know, sweltering. We are big fans of the mild weather, it is perfect for adventuring.

 Nearby Lincoln Park is a favorite spot. The boys & Matt have perfected the knock the rocks off the log game. (Think "Penny Can!") It is all kinds of poor people fun.

 Sometimes just Mom gets out. Moms day off, I like the sound of that. This day was Panera & a pedicure. ( I totally have shorts on, I promise.)

 Sometimes the adventuring can get weird. Dude, it is not that hot!

 Sunsets and shadow play along Beach Drive. Some friends showed us a new park with trails for the boys to explore...and hopefully tire them out before bed.

 And the grande finale- Toys 'R' Us has a cotton candy machine!!! Hello, Lover! Where have you been all my life?

Sometimes I have these big plans for the most awesome summer ever, then I get overwhelmed week 1 and super discouraged. This summer I just don't care. We are all together and that is what counts.

the brothers do VBS

 Kaleb and Aden went to a neighborhood Vacation Bible School. It was a lot of fun and cheesiness & flashbacks to VBS 20 years ago for me. (I remember going to VBS in San Diego & falling madly in love with a counselor.   :) I think the same thing may have happened with Aden and his cute crew leader.)

I spent a lot of one on one time with Collin because Parker was at Lacrosse practice. Really trying to get this kid ready for school, and I think he is going to love it.

Did you do VBS as a kid? Ever have a crush on one of your counselors? Come on, spill it.

easiest craft ever

Also known as balls on a string. I know, I know, mind blowing. 

The thing is that this week Collin decided he can wipe his own behind & buckle his own seat belt. Can we have a moment of silence, please.

Thanks, it is a big deal for me. Also, it has left me with heaps of time on my hands. So I tried a craft I spied like 2 years ago here.

All the boys gathered around while I strung these felt balls I found at Hobby Hobby onto some thread. They were thoroughly impressed, which shows how much craftiness has NOT been happening. But I got some serious excitement out of them so that pushed me on to do more easy projects wherein your kids think you are a wizard. And hey, it beats wiping 5 year old butts.

year 1

  Matt was graced with two anniversaries. Such luck for a guy to have a re-do later in the year if he mucks up the first one or forgets. Not that has ever happened, I'm just saying it may hypothetically come in handy ;)

  Those crazy kids with a baby in that picture had just vowed to love always, from here into eternity. Yikes! There are a number of serious things I'd like to post about but first, indulge me. Can we all notice that Matt's head is covering up Jesus'? Wow, way to set that bar high from the get go! Also, I am not sure any of my vows can be legit because WHAT AM I WEARING??? I have clearly been up all night with that sweet sailor baby because that slicked ponytail is not doing anything for me, did I even shower beforehand? And one last note, those baby chubba thighs!!! OH! I could just EAT THEM UP!

 We went on to have a fancy pants wedding three months later.

  With that sweet sailor baby right in the middle of it all. It was a hard first year. I remember being so slowed down by my new life. A husband and child to care for and consider. Year one is really called "Death to Self." It was GOOD, though. Much better than I envisioned when I found out, a month before graduating high school, that I was pregnant. But I won't go to the Dark Farm on you.

Our first year of marriage was no fairytale but it wasn't all Ricky Lake either. I was comforted that we were together and if it was a mess, well it was our mess!

life is messy

 People take the longest possible paths, digress to numerous dead ends, and make all kinds of mistakes. Then historians come along and write summaries of this messy, nonlinear process and make it appear like a simple, straight line.
Dean Kamen

 
 Just keepin' it real around here. Or I may have grown too lazy to wipe my children's faces. Either way, my good friend Laura told me her house was "no place for perfection." Isn't that the best? It totally freed me up to be myself around her, even the messy bits. (which, let's face it, it's mostly messy bits) Thank you, Laura. Our time together and talks on the phone have breathed new life into me. 

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”

C.S. Lewis

the great outdooors

We are enjoying our backyard space as the sun comes out in the PNW. I was so impressed by the beautiful outdoor spaces we visited in Idaho, that I took a few pics.

Aden getting smoked out on the 4th of July in our back yard. (and my finger, whoops!)

 My parent's serene deck and yard.

 Enjoying the Cardillo's revamped backyard.

 Cute place to soak in Vitamin D on Ellen's patio.

The backyard has kind of been a second thought in the places we've lived but, we have spent so much time outside this summer. It has me thinking about ways to keep the yard up and add some sparkle to our outdoor escape. Anything like what this lady has going on! What do you think? Is your yard the last place to get some love? Or do you love dirt under your nails?

pj makes a comeback

Parker will let me take his picture all of a sudden. Shoot, I hope I didn't jinx it!

checking in

I am trying to become a more regular poster on this blog, even if it is short or random or uneventful. Here goes;

Dear Grocery Outlet,

If a bottle of sparkling apple cider has a snowman on it in July, you cannot continue to price it at $1.49. It automatically becomes $.50.

Thank you.

 Cell phone pic snagged off my ancient cell phone when my husband forced me unwilling to switch to an iphone. (which I now love and won't put down) I now have a Washington number, puttin' down roots I tell ya!

 The Swagger Wagon all cleaned up. Only happens twice a year so it's kind of a big deal.

Vintage vase on my mom's microwave. I am so asking for this in the will.