Welcome Cousins!

My sister and kids are heading to Iowa for the weekend, just one more reason nice weather would be nice. Regardless, the kids are beside themselves with excitement!

I am a little crazy (like you aren't!)

I've found that long and/or uneven length nails really bother me. I've become slightly critically of the appearance of other people's nails and pay particular close attention to keep mine neatly trimmed.

Weather

I am not letting the weather define my day (or weekend), but seriously, I am over all this rain and ready to take the kids to the pool.

Sam: Tee-ball

I haven't brought the camera along to any of Sam's tee-ball games (thanks to Howe in the World's husband, I didn't need too) but thought I better snap some pictures and post before the season is over. Here you go... (and, in Sam's defense he is wearing swim trunks because we immediately go to swim lessons after tee-ball is over)

Just waiting

Yeah, this qualifies as "too much information" but all I can smell this morning is poop. I've been checking Kate's diaper every ten minutes and NOTHING, just gas I suppose. I can only imagine what I am in for when the poop finally arrives! Yikes.

Mission Organization, as usual

I am always working on some sort of project and I am back in the basement. More organizing of "stuff" and more things being boxed up for consignment and Goodwill. I still have some things I would like to get accomplished today and maybe I can get some of it handled while the kids have nap and quiet time. But, a nap sounds better to this mom.

Miss Kate: Toddler

No turning back now, I moved the crib out of Kate's room this morning and into the baby's room. Kate's room looks a little empty and as Mitch walked by he said "wow, looks like a little girls room now".

Mom Moments

Our life is crazy most days. I don't find/make time to bake cookies from scratch, prepare delicious home cooked meals, or plan elaborate art projects. And, I was reading a book last night, I was feeling a little bad about the experiences and memories I may not be giving to my children. Yesterday was also one of the days/nights that things went downhill around 4:30pm. The rest of the day was great, but I think by late afternoon the kids were just tired and bored (rain cancelled some of our pool plans) and started crying and picking on one another. Sam was the first to be told that he wouldn't be getting any treats/desserts/benefits for the rest of the day. Just dinner. Jack was also informed of this, shortly after he pushed Sam off the retaining wall. Kate just cried. After dinner more non-sense which lead to early bath time for all, by 7:15 Kate was in bed and the boys were instructed that they would be going to bed too. More whining and Jack responded with "why are you being so mean tonight?". Ugh. They settled down pretty well, but they were sad and teary. I covered everyone up and went downstairs and after about 20 minutes went back with a surprise in hand. 1 zebra cake and a Dixie cup of water for each of my little men. If you could have seen how big their eyes got. And, both responded with (unprompted) "thanks Mom". I went downstairs and told Mitch "I know it's not something the dentist would approve of, but it was a great "Mom Moment" and seemed to end the night on a positive note.

Just about 10pm.

Thump!

ME: "I think someone just fell out of bed". Mitch makes his way down the hall and comes back with a smile. Mitch: "Sam fell out of bed, never even woke up, he is totally cashed". I can't imagine crashing down 2 feet and not even waking up slightly. I think this is hilarious.

Thought

I sometimes wonder if my blog projects a life with rose-colored-glasses. Antidotes, stories, and pictures that capture the funny, heart-warming, and adorable moments. But, what about the "not so fun" stuff. Yeah, I've blogged about pet-peeves, Kate's spill down the basement stairs, and such, but do my readers really want to hear about the stuff that leaves me sleepless, annoyed, and completely deflated. I suspect that answer is yes, but I will probably only share in small doses. That being said this perception I've created and the experiences I share may actually be a disservice to other moms who may (but shouldn't) compare themselves (to me or other bloggers). What do you think?

Ugh...

I understand that extra weight comes with being pregnant, but I seriously feel like I am on the verge of a heart-attack. It's frustrating. I find the smallest tasks exhausting. I hate it. I really hate it, because I'm aware there are still quite a few weeks ahead of me. I remember complaining about this with previous pregnancies, but it also really makes me sympathize with non-pregnant folks who are carrying extra weight. Simply, it's exhausting.

Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven.

Field of Dreams was on t.v. last night (and we caught the last 30 minutes) and I can't help, but adore this movie. It's not often that I think of Iowa as a piece of heaven, but really it just might be. John Kinsella: Is this heaven? Ray Kinsella: It's Iowa. John Kinsella: Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven. (John starts to walk away) Ray Kinsella: Is there a heaven? John Kinsella: Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true. (Ray looks around, seeing his wife playing with their daughter on the porch) Ray Kinsella: Maybe this is heaven.

D's big day is almost here!

As we headed home from Emily's wedding on Saturday night I realized, my goodness, D's wedding is next. This is an exciting time for her friends and family and I can't believe it's just a couple of weeks away. This also means that the ladies will gather (from Arizona, Iowa, Wisc, and Dubai) to help her celebrate. I say "let the countdown to the festivities begin!!!"

Organization at it's finest

I impressed myself this morning. I did what I could to organize everything last night, so when we headed downstairs to load into the van things went really smoothly. (Note: Mitch made sure everyone had their shoes on--pretty important detail). I handed Jack his summer program backpack that contained his packed lunch, beach towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. I then handed him a smaller tote with beach towel and swimsuit for his swim lessons. Sam was handed his back pack with swim suit and towel (for swim lessons). Kate was handed nothing. I grabbed a tote bag that contained breakfast for three (cereal and yogurt), two cot-covers, and two nap blankets. I picked up my purse, cell, phone, and keys and we were ready to go. And no one was crying. We did forget one thing, the kitchen sink.

Saturday Night: 4th of July Wedding

MB and I with the bride, our "crew", Me and Mitch, the guys, and the girls...

This one's for Makenzie!

Could it be? Oh, yes. It's Max! While at the pool we immediately knew this handsome blonde was something special. It's Makenzie's little brother (and what a nice guy). After sending the boys over to confirm he was Max we took a snapshot just to post for Makenzie. Hugs to you in KC!

Miss Kate: big girl bed

Yep, that's our girl, sleeping soundly in her big-bed. I spent the morning putting away all the cute bedding--duvet cover, sheets, and quilt and prepped the bed with her crib items--a couple small/familiar blankets and a few of her favorite stuffed dolls/toys. The bed was already moved up against the wall, but I rolled her quilt up and tucked it between the wall and bed (great little trick to keep toys from falling"down there") . Bed rail is in place soo...we jumped into the transition feet first. She napped there today and chose her bed over her crib when Mitch took her up at bedtime. The really deal-maker was the Dora the Explore pillow case! Hope the transition continues to progress in this positive fashion. (* I won't move her crib for awhile, it's always our back-up for little-stinkers who won't stay in bed)

Funny

My sister phoned this morning and joked with me about Jack and Sam "wearing their uniforms". Ah, yes. If it's the zoo, airport, or vacation, generally the boys are sporting their Hilton Head tie-dye t-shirts. It's my way of making sure they don't blend into the crowd and I can spot them easily. (And, we already purchased another one so that Kate will have her "uniform" for family-field-trips).

Next Initative

Mitch isn't ready. But, it's time. Time to think about getting Kate into her Big Girl bed. It won't be a fun process, but I have no intention of dealing with this the weeks before her little brother arrives. I am thinking July 12th will be a good night to start. It should make for some good blog material. (*And, how cute are those owl pillows, I am wondering if I could make those!)

Why not?

I noticed this morning as I dropped $40 at the gas pump that the lottery was up to 20 million and got thinking is there any reason at all that I shouldn't randomly win. Yeah, I didn't buy a ticket.

Little Back Dress

Well, it's not pink, blue, or a fun green, but I found a dress to help me get through wedding season (*dress not pictured here). It's a jersey--stretch fabric, v-neck line, and a knot with ruffle in the front. It's not maternity just a larger size than I normally wear. I am relieved to have found something. And, can you really have too much black? I don't think so (Ironically, I am wearing a black dress today)

It can't be that hard...

Okay, I am slowly figuring out the new phone/blackberry curve. I have got my calendar items in place, added Facebook application, my contacts have been loaded, Gmail in check, I've password protected the keyboard, arranged the icons, added a memory card for pictures, and even add some personal ring tones to a couple of contacts. Why can't I figure out how to adjust the ringer volume. Help!

Moo! Roar!

Just a day trip to The Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines), but we rarely head west, so it was a nice change of pace and scenery. (*It's usually a weekend trip northeast to visit family or a quick trip to Milwaukee or Chicago) The weather was perfect, Miss Kate stayed with Grandma, and well, there was cotton candy. Need I say more?