Christmas Captions 2020

Will got rainbow Goldfish crackers in his stocking; that's a pretty good start.

An original Slinky for Declan.

Aiden wanted "The Deep End," the newest book in the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series.  He's read all the others, and I have to admit they are pretty funny!

I found this jumpsuit/romper on Amazon and sent the link to Tim.  Such a sweetie, he remembered and surprised me with it.  Let me tell you, the reviews did not disappoint, I literally wore this thing for three days straight because it was so comfortable.  I wore it all of Christmas Day, then paired it with some gold earrings and a denim jacket for church on Sunday, then another day this week just to putter around the house doing laundry, etc. I plan to get at least one more in black, and maybe even the navy blue/roses one.

I also really wanted this simple little Timex watch (also from Amazon) which Tim was super surprised about because I have never liked gold, but it has been growing on me the last couple of years.  I wear this watch everyday, and everyday Will pushes the Indiglo button and makes it light up :-D

We got this toy vacuum for William (apparently we buy everything from Amazon.) It is his favorite toy.  After coming to see me in the mornings, he goes straight for his little vacuum.  It's so adorable, he just loves it.

Caitlin read the two books that came before this pre-teen graphic novel, and was so excited to spy it in Walmart a few weeks ago.  I flipped through it a bit and while the storyline is relatable for "young people nowadays" (how geriatric did that sound? lol...) the part that sold me was that the main character's baby brother's name is Will, and he's under 2.  Wow, just like our Will, how perfect is that?

Declan is sort of a goof, so we knew this floppy little T-rex hand puppet would have us all in stitches.  Unfortunately, Will is terrified of the thing, so we had to put it away for a bit.

Caitlin picked out this giant shark for Corey and we figured he would play with it in the bath, but he actually plays with it all over the house.  The other night, he put a pull-up on it and tucked it into bed next to him.  Such a card.

Brianna drew an adorable picture of Tim in a multicolor shirt.

I told you Declan was a goof.  Brianna got a hair-styling doll head thing from some relatives and Declan is modeling it for us :-P

Okay, I am such a sucker for big brother/little brother stuff.  Aiden is helping Corey to build his new Lego Minecraft set, and Corey is listening to Aiden's headphones.  

Adorable.

So sweet.  Be still my heart.

Dressed the babies in their new Christmas jammies, unfortunately, Will's had a little too much Christmas at this point.  I thought he would do better if I held him during the picture, but this was the best we could get.  Considering how the rest of 2020 went, I'll take it.

Well, tomorrow's Brianna's 7th birthday, and the last day of the year.  Here's to you and yours, our hopes and prayers for a great 2021.  I won't say all of 2020 was terrible; for our family it was actually very clarifying, if that makes sense.  We learned what was important, what we were capable of, the value of family time, how much we appreciate our freedoms, and just how blessed we really are.  I have no idea what 2021 will bring, but I have the feeling that it will be a year of personal growth for us, to apply the many lessons we learned this year.  Once everything is opened up again and the whole virus thing has quieted down, I have a feeling that many will not take that for granted (me included) and will boldly pursue dreams that had previously lain dormant.  Speaking for myself only here, I think that before the pandemic, I thought I was not able to pursue some interests and dreams, because of my various domestic duties.  During the lockdowns, I realized that I actually was able before, and the limitations were only in my mind.  Knowing that now, I am finally willing, though not yet able.  May 2021 provide the opportunities that I am now ready to pursue.

Personal Growth.

Maybe that will be my defining phrase for 2021.  We'll see. And I'll post it here, don't worry.  To you, from us, Happy New Year :-)

Toilet Scrubbers and Baby Doll Carseats

If you've ever had to explain to a crying toddler that they can't scrub the toilet right now.....because you're using it....well, that happened in our house tonight.

Yes, it was our little Evelyn, but fortunately for me, Brianna crawled by and Evelyn ran off to play with her.

Some time after this, we were all joking and goofing off in the kids room while putting them to bed, and Tim gave us the biggest laugh by putting Brianna in Evelyn's baby doll car seat.

Never a dull moment around here!

A Sunday to Remember

Yesterday was a day that I will treasure for a long time to come.  We overslept church but still had a pleasant family time at home. Tim had a wonderful idea to clean out the car, so we all did, and felt great afterward, because it was long overdue.  He also thought it time to promote little Brianna to a forward facing car seat, since she turned a year old on December 31st. It was an exciting yet emotional thing for this mama to do, and I'm glad my husband made the decision.

After the car was clean, we all loaded in and headed to our local five dollar drive through car wash. We picked up two coffees from Starbucks on the way, with our Christmas gift card. It was fun to drink our coffees and chat while the track pulled our car through the wash.  It was even more fun to watch the children's delight as the suds and brushes moved across the car windows.

Next, we headed to the grocery store and did our weekly shop as well as picked up a few extra treats for an afternoon picnic! Once at home, Tim and I rushed to put the groceries away, grabbed our double stroller, and we all took off again.  We parked near our city's walking/biking trail, loaded the babies and our picnic into the stroller, and enjoyed a really beautiful walk. 

The trail took us behind some pretty two story houses, a ponding basin where geese kept taking flight in groups up and over our heads (wow!), and finally to a park where we sat and ate an early dinner of salad, sandwiches, chips, and cookies. It was really beautiful and I feel like it swept all the cobwebs from my mind. The children played on the playground until the sun got quite low, then we set off on the trail again, back to our car. It was a two mile walk, round trip, and we all felt refreshed and ready for a rest at home.  Tim's parents met us at our car to drop off Aiden and we all headed home after a wonderful, wonderful day.

Do We See A Pattern Here?

I pretty much write this blog for myself, as a sort of online scrapbook, but if you are one of the few that checks in every few months in hopes of catching that rare post, today is your lucky day!

I popped in and updated my tickers today; you may have noticed that our youngest, Declan, recently turned 2, and our oldest, Aiden, turned 5 on Labor Day.  Did you also notice my pregnancy ticker?  No need to update that, because it is indeed current, and yes, I really am 40 weeks and 4 days preggo, but if you've been reading since my last pregnancy, then you know that's nothing new for me, right?  As in, our last baby was 16(!) days overdue when we finally used that old tried and true castor oil method of home induction.  Well, it worked then when I was 42+ weeks, but we've tried it twice this time in as many weeks, with the expected gastric results and some contractions...that fizzled out after a few hours and were never very strong to begin with.

So...

I find myself the watched pot that never boils.....again.  Hopefully that changes soon, because we are eager to meet our lovely little lady, and I dream of sitting/walking/sleeping/existing normally again.  I will keep you all posted should there be any updates in this area...


In other news, Aiden started kindergarten in August!  He is doing well, coming home with tales of new songs, friends, and the usual kindergarten activities.  If you've followed my blog for awhile, you'll know that we had taken a homeschooling approach up to this point.  Well, with the new baby coming and all, we decided to utilize our local public school for this school year, and....see how it goes.  We have also discussed (and agonized) in great length the many social implications of public schooling (both good and bad) and those feelings have certainly impacted our decision as much, if not more than the convenience of some one else teaching Aiden while I am caring for a newborn.  I am continuing to encourage learning in our everyday life together (maybe I'm just a geeky fact-lover, but I've always explained the why and how of the world and life in general to my children, in age-appropriate terms, of course.)  We still do crafts and school-type activities at home like we've always done, though I am gearing things to stay in line with his kindergarten curriculum when necessary.  For example, Aiden's school teaches Modern Manuscript Handwriting, which transitions more easily into cursive.  I wish I could've anticipated this little detail before I had taught Aiden to write in what his teacher refers to as "ball and stick" letters.  Oh well, the kid will be diversified, right?

Another development over this summer, is that I finally decided it was time that I learn to knit...so I did!  I've always wanted to knit and used to pretend to do so when I was a young girl.  I checked out multiple beginning knitting books from my local public library (for free of course! Sweet!) including the ever helpful "Knitting for Dummies."  It has been a process which I am sure will continue for a long time, since I am nowhere near ready to knit up a lovely lacy cardigan like I dream of doing someday, but I have knit a few pairs of mittens for the children from a booklet I picked up at JoAnn's.  I agree with other knitters that, once you have the basic rhythm down, knitting is very relaxing and satisfying as you create an entirely new and unique textile.  In short, I have found a new hobby that I love, and I would encourage anyone to pursue their dreams of learning a new skill, no matter your age, or the skill level required.  (Hey, they probably have "Rocket Science for Dummies", so why not give it a try?)

That is all for now, though I'm sure I've left alot out, so when they come to me, I will add more updates of our summer adventures.  And I promise to add some pictures of all of this fun eventually...where's my camera?....and certainly will write a prompt blog post when this baby comes out....someday.  : )

Thinking Pink and Other Happenings

A trip to our local imaging center highly suggests that we will be adding a new little girly to our family lineup come late August/early September.  We are more than thrilled and feel that our prayers have been answered.  Our family's tally will be 2 girls and 2 boys and we think that is just perfect.  We have some names in mind, but nothing final or blog worthy yet.  *Edited to add* Below is an ultrasound picture of our  little lady-in-the-making.

We are 19 weeks into this pregnancy and it is highly likely that this lovely chica could be born on my oldest son's 5th birthday:  September 3rd, which ironically, lands on "Labor" Day this year, like it did 5 years ago when I labored with my first babe.

In other news, we had a lovely Easter weekend filled with church, a lunch at home with ham, King's Hawaiian rolls, cranberry jelly, sparkling apple/grape cider, and other delicious things, followed by some yard work.  Yes, yard work, as in we have laid down grass sod in most of our apartment back yard.  All fall and winter we have had a mud hole back there and it was not pretty and quite messy for the children to play in (not that they minded, lol.)  We are so pleased with the results and my husband Tim even cut the sod's edge in a beautiful curve, and left a strip along the fence for a flower bed, and a nice little rectangle for my future vegetable garden- squeal!  So, once the flower bed is planted, and my white picket garden fence (and gate!) are in, I will post pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Until then, the unfolded laundry is beckoning, and I hear a suspicious noise coming from a toddler, in the direction of my room.  Gotta go!

You Promised!

I know. I did. A few weeks ago, I promised to post some photos from my brother's wedding. But, here's the thing: I was so moved by the lovely wedding that... I forgot to take pictures!

Here's the good side to this coin: Soon, the bride (my new and only sister-in-law) is going to give me a cd containing the proffesional photographs from the wedding and reception! Sweet! So, pretty soon, I should have some EXCELLENT wedding photos to share with you.

Also, I am attending a baby shower this Sunday for my new sister-in-law, who's making me a first time aunt at the end of the year! I have been having a great time sewing fun baby things for my new nephew, and I can't wait to give my sister a basket of home-sewn goodies! My hubby will be on Daddy-duty, so I *should* be able to get some lovely pictures of the baby shower, (since I won't be juggling any babies or toddlers) including the things I made!

Speaking of things I've made, I am going to make my famous "French Toast Casserole" to bring to the Baby Shower Brunch. It is a very simple breakfast that I came up with so that I could feed a big group a homemade breakfast, without spending all morning cooking it.  This time, I am addng an even simpler twist.

Mallorie's French Toast Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
Thickly grease a 9"x13" casserole dish with softened butter. Cube up enough cinnamon swirl bread (we love it from Trader's Joe's) to fill the dish 3/4 full. Beat well some eggs (around 1 dozen) by hand and pour them over the cubed bread (the eggs should come halfway up the bread cubes, so use more or less eggs as needed.) Drizzle a little melted butter over the top of the bread cubes, then sprinkle some brown sugar on top of that. Bake uncovered for 20-30 min or until the eggs are completely set. The top will appear golden brown and crisp when done, and the brown sugar will be slightly crunchy and carmalized. Allow to cool briefly, then serve in squares, pouring hot maple syrup over each serving. SO GOOD!

Have a blessed day!

Freeze Those Imperfect Moments

Sometimes when life feels hard, I want a break for a while; a little getaway from reality and responsibility. Then there are times like right now: some dirty dishes in the sink, toys on the floor, me drinking coffee and still partially jammie-clad...and the children playing happily, quietly on the floor together. These moments I want to freeze and keep forever. No, they aren't perfect, but they're precious. And they'll never come again.

Months of the Year Books

This is what we are making today. What is your family creating? Is anyone gardening, crafting, or cooking? Please leave a comment below!

Hello Again

I took quite a long hiatus from blogging. Have you missed me? Well, life has it's hard times and occasionaly they come in rather large doses and you have to cut out all the extra to focus on the important things: God, family, home, and so forth. I promise I've kept up with reading everyone else's lovely blogs and I'm excited to get back to writing mine. I'll try to play catch up for several posts for everyone who has missed and maybe wondered what's gone on in our home over the last year. My husband installed a Blogger application on my smart phone and I hope it will make posting often more feasible, since I most always have my phone about me.  May God bless you richly as He is blessing us.

Sorry about the sideways photo. Still trying to figure out how to upload pics to Blogger from my mobile phone.

Our Extended Weekend

I feel as if I am coming to the end of a long, extended weekend.  A not-so-brief overview:  Some of my husband's family were in town over the weekend (actually in the foothills about 1 hour away) and we went up there to visit once on Saturday and once on Sunday.  It was nice to visit with everyone, but it made for late night drives home and not much sleep for everyone (mainly me). 

On Sunday afternoon, while shopping at Costco, I received a call from my dad that my great grandfather had passed away.  It was not entirely unexpected since his health has been poor for the last several years, but the news still came as a bit of a shock.  My great grandmother (a very special and sweet old lady) passed before him, about 5 1/2 years ago, and their home has been an epicenter for family gatherings for as long as I can remember.  Even though I wasn't very close to my great grandfather, his passing will surely bring about the sale of his memorable home.  I find that I am struggling with this the most.  Even when my great grandmother passed, I didn't feel like I lost all of her, because I was still able to come to the home where I had spent so much time with her.  Now, that home will not be a part of my life any longer, and it feels like I am losing more than just a great grandparent.  It feels like I am losing a part of my past; a place that holds many special memories for me.  I might post more about this in the coming days and weeks.

On Sunday evening we attended a Baccalaureate service for one of my brothers-in-law, who will be graduating from high school tomorrow.  It was a nice service, but with such a shook up schedule, the kids had a hard time sitting the entire time.  I walked Caitlin around for a while and towards the end, Tim and Aiden joined us and we sat on the grass behind everyone. 

On Monday, Tim went into work for a few hours, then came home and played Legos with Aiden.  The kids and I took a nap after that, but my husband took a long phone call with a friend who has recently returned home from his military training.  When the kids and I got up, it was time to leave for my dad's house, where we were taking the kids to play in their little swimming pool and to enjoy a family barbeque.  Tim was so tired from our very long and busy weekend and since he hadn't napped, he said he didn't think he could make it through the barbeque.  He stayed home to sleep and I took the kids to the barbeque.  It was nice and relaxing at my dad's and I even got some cute pictures Aiden in the pool!  Caitlin was entirely too wiggly to capture on film, but she wore an adorable pink ballerina tutu swimsuit which I got at Target and will snap a picture of sometime this summer, I promise!

Tim worked Tuesday morning, but then had some business to take care of downtown, so he had the rest of the day off.  After finishing his downtown errand, Tim surprised us all and took us to Toys R Us where he bought Aiden some Lego "otocycles" : )

Aiden insists on sleeping, eating, and riding in the car with these little guys and we have had to set some ground rules, so they don't get lost in the car, or dunked in his morning cheerios.  Another very real scenario:  Caitlin could eat a little Lego man arm or helmet and I think it would probably cause Aiden more distress than it would her.  We already have a general rule of no toys at the table when we are eating, but we have now added no toys in bed at naptime (Aiden started staying awake to play with his new toys until the very end of naptime, when he would fall asleep and very crankily protest being woken up a half hour later and continue being a grouch until bedtime- this made everyone miserable!)  The other new rule has left our little Lego buddies housebound because they are so small that I am afraid I could never find tiny Lego motorcycle goggles in our car, which is where they would surely fall off and get lost, if given a chance.

That was the majority of our weekend excitement and I almost forgot an appointment that I had this morning, because it simply did not seem like I would be starting off my "regular" weekday activities on a Wednesday.  Well, this is sure to feel like a short week and I will try to post after my brother-in-law's graduation tomorrow to let everyone know how it went!