glass (...like a window) ford (...like a truck)

Foto Friday: Week 24

2012-02-17T23:43:00.003-05:00

...juuuuust barely.

(It's right now almost Saturday.)

Instead of posting earlier I:

-found the cord that connects my computer to my external hard drive.

(It was hidden on the top shelf of my kitchen that is not a kitchen. It's a construction zone.)

-bought thirty gallons of paint and tagged all our baseboards.

("Tagging" the baseboards is 100% more interesting than "painting.")

-presented a poster "All About Robs" to Robs' class.

(Afterwards the class got to ask her questions- and Robs got to pick three people.

You should have seen the concentration she put into choosing!

After what seemed like minutes of deliberation- she chose her three best friends.

...it cracked me up.)

-Took a photo of a sign that read:

(thanks to a real tagger)

STOP

making excuses

(I inherited an affinity for funny signs. My dad loves them too.)

The best I've seen so far?

A sign for "Edible Creations" right next to a sign for "The Body Cafe."

It was in Monroe, and I never got a picture.

Second best? "No Barking" instead of "No Parking.")

I took the photo with my phone, whilst waiting for traffic to clear.

I'd just picked up Robs, and was casually on my way to:

purchase-paint-and-drop-off-Robs-and-tape-the-last-of-everything-before-we-spray-the-baseboards-so-we-can-finish-before-the-sun-goes-down.

Which- I'm happy to say- we completed.

So even though the photo looks like this:

I feel accomplished.

Next week I'll be back with something other than an iPhone photo.

------------------------------------

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Shortly before we left Louisiana we took a day trip down to Natchitotches.

(I forgot I took these pictures. )

And I would have forgotten longer,

but last week I lost the cord that connects the hard drive to the computer.

Which means I'm sans photos as of late.

Which means I was left to peruse the desktop-

which means I found these ones.

Last night whilst purchasing appliances, I met a lady who had some kind of connection

to the one and only Monroe, Louisiana. She asked if I knew a girl named Aubrey.

I didn't... but we had a nice conversation.

We wished her luck, and went to look at light fixtures.

When I finally got home, Steve had all the pirates sound asleep.

Which makes it third or fourth night in a row

that I've missed bedtime.

I'm once again nominating myself

MOTHER OF THE YEAR.

(I might not get new pictures on the blog until AFTER the Awards Ceremony.)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a very busy day before I remembered today was Valentine's.

Once I actually remembered- it only got busier.

I had time to make exactly one stop before I picked up Robs.

And seeing as I needed to go to Costco...

The ducks in Robs' classroom lucked out.

Getting a for real box of Junior Mints

in Kindergarten?

It would have rocked my world.

Here's hoping it rocks their world too.

Robs loved putting them together.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reno: a verse

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

I signed a binding document,

with signature and date.

An agreement 'tween myself and I

to never again renovate.

Future homes, if there are any,

will be a complete turn-key.

The home will be done and beautiful,

by somebody other than me.

My pirates? They're actually

coping well. It's me I'm worried about.

It's all so much. So many options!

Endless tile and grout.

Not to mention fancy paint sprayers,

spackle, scrapers and drills.

I'm ready again for the plain white walls,

a home with zero frills.

But who am I kidding... I've dreamt of this!

We've rented for how many years?

Done with the sob and back to the grateful...

...time to "demo" the "reno" fears.

Foto Friday: Week 23

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Foto Friday turned into Renovation Friday.
(Please pardon the our dust.)

What I love this week?

Old forgotten photos.

And fun memories...

And family that gives up entire days to help us renovate.

I have lots to love.

---------------------------

But there's more!

Building bricks.

2012-02-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

Last night around bedtime it was just the pirates and myself.

(Steve was pulling carpet and linoleum.)

Robs, out of the blue, said

"Mom. Mom's are important,

but Dads are VERY IMPORTANT

because they make money."

It hit me all rectangular- kind of like a little red brick.

My very first thought was to ask what life would be like

"HAD SHE NEVER BEEN BORN."

But I passed on that one, cause she's five.

My second thought was
"FORTY WEEKS OF GESTATION?!"

but I passed on that one too.

Instead I asked her who would feed her toast right before bed

if I was the big money maker and not the mama.

She responded with "Grandma."

"FORTY WEEKS!"
popped into my head again- but I told it to leave.

I was going to win this one fair and square.

I held up my two hands and then put one behind my back.

I asked her if I could tie a shoe with one hand.

She took a bite of her toast and said no.

Then I held up both- and asked if it would be easier with two hands.

It was a leading question with an obvious answer-
but I was getting somewhere.

I told her it works well when one dad is the big money maker-

and one mama takes care of EVERYTHING ELSE.

And then I kiiiiiiisssed her because my brain was mush- it was the best thing to do.

I was exhausted, my hands were blistery, and I still had to put three pirates to bed.

That and figure out why my five year old is valuing money more than other things

...like mothers.

But then again... she's five.

And lots of things change between five and say, twenty eight.

That aaaaaand... it echoes of the heck I gave my own mama.
I most likely had this one coming.

I do love a good challenge.

expanding.

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

I distinctly remember my first hundred dollars.

It was summertime, it was dark outside, and

my family had just gathered for an evening prayer.

I was sitting on my bed counting my money.

Only five minutes before I'd emptied my bank- it was a little tin thing with a slit on the lid.

It had sayings like peace, cool, and groovy written in funky fonts.

(Obviously heirloom quality.)

I remember being asked to kneel down, close my eyes, fold my arms...

And I remember doing just that- until the prayer actually started.

As soon as those governing eyes were shut- I was right back to counting.

When the prayer began I was at ninety seven dollars and change,

and right around "amen" I hit one hundred.

I remember being shocked... amazed... and so darn excited.

When everyone else said "amen"

I blurted something like,

"Mom! I HAVE ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS!"

The comparison twenty years later is comical.

Yesterday for example... I paid one hundred sixty dollars here, three hundred there,

received an estimate for several thousand by next week,

and I'm getting my checkbook ready for a couple hundred more

around ten o' clock this morning.

...So much has changed since that first hundred.

And yet we're doing a lot of the work ourselves
to save a couple hundred dollars.

Which tells me that really nothing has changed...
It just says my level of shocked... amazed... and so darn excited has expanded.
It's about two stories tall now with lots of windows and a backyard.

We have a house!

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Squísh, Robs and I were shopping our options for flooring when the phone rang.

It was our realtor Michelle, who always brings good news.

"The key," she said, "is under the rock next to two stepping stones."

"You can pick it up at 5:30... and the place is yours!"

Only she's from Boston,

so how she sounded was more exciting than how it reads.

She threw a couple "Congratulations!" in there too.

(We really like our realtor.)

I had two and a half hours to go.

I shopped hardwood versus laminate

and porcelain versus ceramic.

Squísh and Robs climbed on giant rolls of carpet

while I took pictures

and scheduled the measurements for today.

At 'T minus two hours' we drove home.

Lucky for us, some cousins showed up and one eye blink later

we were touring our new house.

"We" as in wenty two of us total: nine adults and thirteen children.

It was pretty fantastic.

We agreed the hardwood in the kitchen looked better without the seller's furniture,

and the countertops- although green- will work until our budget says otherwise.

We decided the light over the kitchen sink was begging to be replaced with a chandelier,

but the fan over the dining area had to go either PRONTO, quickly, or ASAP.

It was so HGTV.

An hour and a half later reality came calling.

Enriqueboy left the gaggle of cousins to remind me

that at some point in his life he would need to eat- and that he'd rather it be sooner.

Five minutes later he was done, and thirty seconds after that,

~~an angel~~ an aunt offered him some applesauce-to-go in a nifty little purse sized packet.

No spoons! No mess! No wait!

I'm going to invest.

And now...

my mind is spinning.

...but it's a good spinning.

A healthy, grateful, and excited spinning mixed with hard manual labor.

It's a nice combo.

I'll provide some before and afters to prove it.

Monday.

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have my week planned out to Saturday.

Which means if I blink one too many times it will be Sunday

and I'll have missed the entire week.

It's going to be that crazy.

We're getting the keys today!

I still have to decide on floors, paint colors, and appliances...

But all that will come.

Right after I get the scrapers, the brooms and the dustpans.

It's going to be a good week!

Happy Monday!

Foto Friday: Week 22

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

The theme this week is 'Light.'

I cranked the ISO up to 6400...

and held my breath...

It worked.

To be honest-

I had to light the candles twice.

And to be perfectly honest-

the pirates didn't mind.

And since I'm on a roll with the truth-

I'd be lying if I said the cake was the best part.

It was the frosting.

Well... that and watching the pirates blow out the candles.

----------------------------

Need some more light in your life?

Please... Be my guest.

toes.

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

We had a thirty minute drive yesterday.

Squísh was telling jokes again...

Which made us all laugh.

At one point Enriqueface said,

"Mom! I'm cracking up back here!"

I checked the rear view mirror- and he was for real.

..belly laugh and everything.

Pirates crack me up.

I love when they're happy...

I love when they find something genuinely funny.

I love when they stand on their tippy toes.

Happy February

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

If I were Squísh and January were my mother.
That banana would be my February.

I've never wanted it so bad.

This month we close on a house.

This month we renovate a house.

This month I put our house back together

...and everything else too.

This month we're counting the days.

...And our blessings.

Happy February!

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday around 4:30 p.m. I took a run.

Around the corner, down the hill, past the ducks, up the hill,

through the tunnel...

Enriqueboy's favorite part is the tunnel.

Right before that second hill,

we passed a lady walking her dog.

She saw me coming and stepped to the side.

(We're a wide load.)

"I'm jealous" she said, "You have children that young and running."

I smiled and graciously said 'thank you.'

It was all real fast though, and we went on our way.

As the sun set, and Squísh snoozed,

I thought about her words.

I've been so grumpy lately, and my pirates are tired of it.

I am too.

Her passing comment snuck under the oversized stress I've

been hauling around, and I realized for the fifty-seven-bajillionth time

I'll always have stressors.

But young pirates?

They're once in a lifetime.

I needed to re-prioritize.

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last night Enriqueface finally relaxed around 1:00am,

and then got up with the sun.

By 6:30am Robs was talking too.

She needed some toast and hot chocolate.

Pronto.

I suggested a couple more minutes of sleep.

She took about five.

Happy Monday, anyway.
The weekend was fabulous.

Foto Friday: Week 21

2012-01-27T14:03:00.003-05:00

The theme this week is faceless.

Over the course of my childhood I can remember having one television.

I was just barely out of kindergarten, and I remember watching Mr. Magoo.

(The one who walks around with his eyes shut.)

It drove me batty.

I wanted him to open his eyes but he never did.

Weeks later, as it provided such limited entertainment options

(Mr. Magoo or Mr. Magoo)

I wasn't sad to see the TV go.

Shortly after that we moved...

...within blocks of a library.

I rollerbladed, no doubt, in my brother's Far Side t-shirts,

to spend the afternoon ...reading.

Nerd. Alert.

I must have been fairly awkward, though I didn't know it at the time.

(Thank goodness.)

The reading eventually paid off.

Should my pirates want to spend their afternoons in a book...
I'll willingly oblige.

Should the oversized t-shirt resurface...
It will be nixed.

-----------------------------

Want more?

color.

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today I was in Monroe for a millisecond.

The three pirates and I were en route-

laughing ourselves silly...

Squísh was telling hilarious jokes.

I saw an overpass, a train track, and a billboard,

And for a millisecond I was driving around the one and only Pecanland Mall.

It felt so normal.

We've adapted here. We have a new normal...

But I've been holding my breath for our real 'normal.'

As in holding my breath since Halloween...

...and I'm finally feeling it.

The pirates have been tossing me pop quizzes.

"Quick!" they say... "How do you deal with this?"

And then Squísh throws herself backwards,

or Enriqueface screams for an hour and a half,

or Robs melts as the bus is minutes from arriving.

I mostly answer "Patience, of course"

but every now and then I fire back with

"The circus" or "North Korea."

It doesn't ever do any good- but the irreverent mother within gets a nice chuckle.

-------------------------

I will survive...

Yesterday our realtor called to let me know our closing date

moved up a couple days.

------------------------

Sing praises.

it snowed!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

(Monday night.)

The pirates couldn't wait.

We had taco's for dinner-

and half of a burrito later they were outside.

Steve built us a six foot snowman,

but by 7:00 the next morning he'd slumped.

Robs, my little limit-pusher, pushed his limits...

...and he caved.

My pirates were bummed for the 2.5 seconds it took to reassure them

I could see more snowmen in their future.

...dozens

...hundreds

...miiiiiiillions!

They're not quite snowbunnies...

but I can see that in their future too.

Speaking of future?

What's the future without a little past?

If you'd asked me last year, what I thought I'd be doing this year?

I would never have guessed playing in the snow.

It's humbling- I'm quite the grateful mama.

here's the how...

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

You'll need a tripod-

a camera,

and photoshop.

And you'll need to take a gazillion photos.

...Here's the step-by-step I used.

------------------------------

At least eight people walked past.

They all turned to look, too.

Enriqueface was throwing rocks in the water behind me.

(This is our favorite spot.)

Squísh was sound asleep in the stroller,

and I was crouched down behind a tripod

in spandex.

I couldn't figure out how to drive there with my camera

and my children-

so I put them in the stroller and ran.

(A total of four miles.)

I usually don't wear spandex during office hours.

--------------------------------

If you make one of these, will you let me know?

rinse and repeat.

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday was lovely.

The weather was almost warm...

We took a walk and landed at the river-

which led to throwing rocks and building a dam.

In January.

(Unreal.)

Afterwards the pirates found two long sticks

and went fishing.

Enriqueface pulled up some moss-

and proudly proclaimed he'd

"Caught a dead one!"

I rinsed their hands and we went to the park.

When the pirates saw the playground and the dirt pile,

they chose the dirt pile.

A half an hour later we went back to the river to wash their hands.

We threw rocks in.

They found sticks and went fishing.

Again.

Play. Rinse. Repeat.

Foto Friday: Week 20

2012-01-20T02:56:00.000-05:00

It's movie-like, isn't it?

...sitting there, reading a book.

Enjoying tranquility, calm and

...peace. at. last.

(The pirates were sound asleep.)

But then I walked past,

and moments later came bounding back, tripod in hand,

to ask if I could shoot a gazillion photos.

(Give or take...)

Well... technically I sent Steve in to ask,

but I was right behind him grinning from ear to ear-

cause I could just see the photo.

Apparently they call them cinemagraphs.

Or animated photography.

Either way I looooove them.

I'm already planning the next one.

Or two.

Or three.

It's going to be fun.

----------------------------

Want more?

brown.

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've always paired color with emotion.

When I'm happy, I close my eyes and find yellow.

Pink is fun.

Red is exciting.

Blue is peaceful.

Green is fresh...

...you get the idea.

Brown is my ultimate "blah."

Yesterday I noticed brown. Everywhere.

No white. No blue. No green.

Just brown.

(And the snow boots I bought full price several weeks ago-

are now seventy percent off.)

BROWN.

...brown. brown. brown.

Last night was our third night of coughing.

(It's getting old.)

After a nice layer of Vick's Vapo-rub,

I laid down with Robs and whispered sweet motherings in her ear.

I told her if she'd rest all night,

she'd wake up feeling a whole lot better.

It worked.

She went back to sleep.

But then Enriqueboy woke up.

And then Squísh woke up.

I could use some color.

Wednesday

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday we had a home inspection.

(It went well!)

On Thursday we had a Bridal Shower and a Groom's Dinner.

On Friday we got ready for a reception.

On Saturday we had a wedding- and sang Squísh "Happy Birthday."

(Our plan is to blow out a candle and eat cake this week.)

On Sunday we took a walk.

On Monday we took a breath and said our goodbyes.

On Tuesday we ordered a radon test...

...and now it's Wednesday.

Again.

---------------------

And that is how time flies.

These three babies were born within four weeks of each other.

It seems like six days ago, the bittie on the far right was born

and I had four weeks left to go.

And then right after that, the bittie on the far left was born.

I had two weeks left to go.

But two weeks came and went, and two days later

Squísh showed up.

I was so glad.

--------------------

And that is how time really flies.

...married!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Catherine and Quentin got married!

It was sunny and forty five with clear blue skies.

It was also January- and as close to perfect as January can get.

They wed...
(They're fabulous.)
We celebrated.
We sent them on their way.

It was also the fastest weekend of my life.

On Saturday after doing lots of hair, I promised

Enriqueboy a new toy so he'd wear his sweater vest.

I also wore a green cardigan and a brown dress with purple boot socks-

only to realize (too late) that I'd have to take the darling boots off...

-------------------------

We had tons of food at the reception... but the meatballs were the most delicious.

I had six of them while I fed Squísh a banana and edited photos before the party began.

----------------------
Catherine and Quentin planned to welcome guests for an hour,
and then wander about.
Instead they welcomed guests for two hours,
and decided not to wander- due to the standing room only conditions.
I was impressed.
----------------------

There's a zillion more details-

but they all came together nicely.

Thank Heavens.

---------------------

It was quite the day.

"Quite the days" make for good life stories

...so I've learned.

Maybe I'll write that next to my name in their guest book.

...I still have to sign in.

the basics

2012-01-16T09:54:00.001-05:00

I've just had the fastest four days of my life.

And I'd tell be telling every detail,

but we're low on internet today.

For now,

Squísh is one.
Catherine is married.

We're loving our last free day.

Happy (Martin Luther King) Monday!

Foto Friday: Week 19

2012-01-13T10:19:00.001-05:00

This Foto Friday is not happening today.

Instead it's Wedding Friday...

Party Friday...

Busy Friday...

Trying-to-Buy-a-House Friday...

Just not Foto Friday.

It will be back next week.

------------------------------------------

The good news is Foto Friday IS happening with

Kristyn,

Meg,

Hilary

and

Rosemary.

...very happening!

(HAPPY WEEKEND!)

Exactly.

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

We've been looking at houses... (LOTS OF HOUSES.)

Most of the homes in our price range have three bedrooms.

But I'm okay with it. In fact I love it.

It means the pirates will have to share....

Pirates love to share.

For example: yesterday.

Robs and her dollhouse were playing quietly.

Minutes later Finn McMissile was asking for a place to stay- and a snack.

And within moments, Squísh came with grand plans and a complete reno.

Robs kept insisting she was perfectly fine by herself,

or that she needed more space,

or would they please leave?

But the younger pirates saw right through it.

What she meant to say was:

"I love sharing."

We distracted Squísh with a LEGO guy,

and Finn McMissile was called abroad.

(Squísh loves LEGO guys-

sometimes I call them GI JOE guys and it drives Enrique crazy.)

But then, sometimes I go crazy too.

It's all a part of this little life...

and isn't life better when shared with somebody?

Or lots of somebodies?

Exactly.

My pirates grow too fast.

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last night Steve and I were putting the pirates to sleep.

Robs and Enriqueboy were jumping around the pushed-together beds.

Squísh was crawling and squealing-

Every now and then she'd get stuck in the twin sized canyon

and need a rescue.

Steve was reading the scriptures.

He'd read a passage, and have Enriqueboy quote it back.

My second pirate does real well, but when the words get beyond him-

he makes his own.

And it makes me laugh.

Because most of the time when he's making up the word,

he's also jumping on the bed,

or landing in the covers,

or crashing over my shoulder.

And then once I start laughing,

Robs starts laughing- and Steve loses his game face altogether.

And then we have this giant mess of heavenly irreverence.

2012-01-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

My sister is getting married on Saturday.

(The gal on the far right.)

Over the past twelve hours I've been scrolling through a couple photos.

The computer says 40,000... but what does the computer know?

----------------------------------------------

I found this one from the ancient days:

when we crossed the plains with

nothing but our inner-tubes and paddles.

----------------------------------------------

...goodgollylifeisfun.

life lessons.

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Most of the time

Enriqueboy does not enjoy going to church.

Which I can understand because I can remember feeling the same way.

He doesn't like crowds of people.

He doesn't like new situations.

He doesn't like his church shoes,

and he'd rather play trucks.

But church is kind of a big thing to us-

so to get him dressed I start with bribery and end with nuclear weaponry.

Last Sunday was an anomaly.

He had a picture to give his teacher-

which meant he was happily ready with 20 minutes to spare.

Hoping for the best, we let him draw a picture again yesterday.

When he was finished, Steve asked him what his colored lines said.

And I quote...

"I am not going to church and I am also not going to Primary,

and I am not going to talk to my friends."

I prefer a strong will than no will at all.

Lucky for both of us he got ready minutes before we left.

---------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes when my head gets too big and I go thinking I have a good solid grip on life...

...I'm reminded that I really do not.

I'm on a steep learning curve with parenting my pirates.

I'm learning more about mortgages and interest rates-

but the grand total is still hovering right around a zero percent.

I forget to email people back,

I try hard and fail even harder

and if it weren't for Steve we'd have clean laundry about once a week.

...just saying...

Foto Friday: Week 18

2012-01-06T16:02:00.005-05:00

The theme this week is Beginning...

Do you remember learning to read?

It comes back to me in snippets- and mostly when we're doing homework

or when I catch a glimpse on Robs' face.

I can tell when she's glad to be working-

and when she's so bored she wants to cry.

..it's why we're working on the first grade sight word list.

I remember knowing certain words without a problem.

I also remember guessing, while looking at my dad's face

to see if I was "reading" the correct word.

I see Robs do the same thing- and it makes me laugh.

It's a beginning for both Robs and I...

It's so fun.

-------------------------------

Now onto my fellow Awesomes...

Kristyn
Hilary
Meg
Rosemary

Patience.

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

We've moved eleven times.

I've never realized how much of our life is determined

by our house

until January came.

But the year began, and my head ran straight to impatient...

I want my family back-

I want them snugly tucked into the life we make.

I want toys underfoot, and everything how we like it.

On my run I think of our previous life and our normal day-to-day,

and my heart moves into my throat...

I'm so ready for normal again.

-----------------------------------------

So as there's no misunderstandings...

I'm grateful for my inlaws.

Very grateful.

They're patient with us...

...and when I think of what they've done-

my heart pulls that same little stunt.

------------------------------------------

...I'm just ready for normal again.

And then by

...fate?

...luck?

...Providence?

I came across this poem-

and decided I can find patience

while making our little life.

-----------------------------------------------

Desiderata

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive person, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. There fore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

-Max Ehrmann

On Wednesday.

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

We bought a cake on Monday,

Enriqueboy fell in love.

We chose the one without the trucks,

he screamed to the heavens above.

Robs left for school, first time in two weeks,

Enriqueboy curled up with a book.

I tried being sneaky with one quiet pic,

He gave not even one look.

Robs lost a tooth- that's tooth number two.

This time without batting an eye.

Her note to the fairy asked something important-

a question of "HOW" not "why?"

In church we're reverent, but every so often,

I need a good backup distraction.

A picture, a game, a glitter paint app,

soothes most of their pirate-ish action.

All three of my pirates love the piano,

with room for just two on that seat,

but Squísh is compelling and once she's bigger

it'll be a three pirate feat.

And speaking of Squísh,

she's quite the love, and is learning to use her fight,

She smiles and babbles, and we know when she's teething,

the woman has got a good bite.

And the weather? It's lovely... Fifty degrees!

It reminds me a bit of south...

It's delightful, I love it, I'm hoping it lasts...

a gift horse- I won't look in the mouth.

Several weeks past, I went to Target

thinking for sure it would snow,

I outfitted the pirates in all weather gear,

...that pond is freezing below.

Squísh turns one in just ten days,

the very day my sister will wed.

Squísh likes her food cold, and her milk just right,

and buttered whole wheat bread.

She enjoys playing toys and dollhouse with Robs,

And Enriqueboy's vulnerable back.

Squísh and he come from the very same mold-

they both love a good natured attack.

I love this age.

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love when their personality finally gets to shine.

...and sometimes their dramamama.

nifty fifty.

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday Robs got her first little taste of football.

She loved it right up until the opposition found her

and then she pitched a fit.

A mostly silent fit-

with folded arms,

stomping off,

and a crusty look.

She does those so well!

We convinced her to come back, and after a couple tries, she figured it out.

The whole concept of sometimes you win, sometimes you don't

takes some getting used to.

I almost have it figured out myself.

Enriqueboy had been in a horrible mood.

When he's in a bad mood- he cancels things.

For example, on Christmas Eve he cancelled Christmas,

and then right before bed he took the cancel back.

It was a close call.

Friday was full of cancellations-

until some older cousins showed up to play.

And then he was in heaven.

Did I mention Friday was fifty degrees?

And did I mention I was on my way to do grocery shopping,

but played football instead?

I cancelled the grocery shopping.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T02:47:00.000-05:00

Squísh stayed up until 10:00-

she must have heard there was going to be a party.

But then 10:13 rolled around and the chickie couldn't keep her eyes open.

I told her I'd tell her all the highlights in the morning,

which must have been what she was waiting for-

because in under a minute she was sound asleep.

And then the party started.

Steve and I combed MLS numbers across three counties

whilst House Hunters rambled on in the background.

And then I went to sleep.

Obviously it was one adrenaline rush after another.

Next year we might tone it down.

----------------------------------------------

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

foto friday: week 17

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

The theme this week is Old and New...

To most people I know- tigers and zoos are old.

Except Squísh.

To Squísh they're basically brand new.

She stared at the tigers.

She stared at the giraffes.

She was only mildly amused by the monkeys-

but I could tell she was interested.

Seeing the same old things through

a new set of eyes,

is refreshing.

--------------------------------------

Here's to Foto Friday!

awesome bangs and hat hair

2011-12-29T12:19:00.002-05:00

My parents are in town today.

My brother and sisters are still on winter break.

Steve took a holiday from work,

and now we're planning to freeze our petucchis off at the zoo.

(Not really... it's actually a balmy 45 degrees.)

It's going to be fun.

Family always is.

Happy Thursday!

A Squísh Under Foot.

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

twenty-seven dollars.

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday the pirates and I went to a toy store.

They browsed for a while,

when almost simultaneously two of them found toys they simply could not live without.

And they were serious.

For a total of ten minutes I listened to their scenarios.

Around minute nine

they explained that if we did not purchase the toys

they would no longer exist.

Robs was in love with a finger-puppet theatre.

Enriqueboy had fallen for a speed boat with a wind-up motor.

Robs' theatre was plush, sewn with assorted colors of felt,

and the front curtains attached to the side with velcro.

"Robs," I said, "It's soft- and the doors to the stage will bend."

(They were cardboard covered in felt.)

Robs came back saying how she loved soft things,

and since it was soft she could bring it with her to sleep.

I had her look at the price tag.

Twenty-seven dollars.

I summoned motherly patience and reminded her it was a nopety-nope.

Robs uses reasoning, five year old reasoning, of course.

But my middle pirate? His tactics are simple.

He continually gets louder and louder.

I've only caved twice-

Once when I was seventeen months pregnant with Squísh,

and once when she was just barely born.

But it never hurts to try when you're three.

He put the boat down two seconds before we walked out the door

and stormed his way to our auto.

It took thirty minutes to drive home

and slightly more than that to settle down.

The next day the pirates and I found a cereal box,

a broken hanger,

fabric scraps,

a hot glue gun,

some rhinestones

and contact paper.

It took us all morning to make,

but Robs told me she likes it as much as the other one.

And when we added finger puppet squirrels

(from when Steve was a child)

everything went back to being

okay-times-ten.

The Merry Christmas Recap.

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

The pirates took it easy on us this year.

At 6:55 am they came bouncing in.

At 6:56 my will was willing, but ohhh.....

....my eyes were groggy.

----------------------------

I had opened them just barely when my brother called,

and then propped them up completely when another brother called.

Those patient little pirates waited through both.

---------------------------

My pirates are professional.

It was still dark outside when we went upstairs.
Thank heavens. I have strong convictions about opening presents and sunrise.

The pirates were so focused on the tree, they didn't notice the

other surprises we had waiting by the piano,

in a dark room, of course.

First things first.

For example, first came the fancy popcorn...

...a red monster truck and a mini monster trailer...

...then some finger puppets and wrapping paper...

...more wrapping paper...

...and then at last and finally...

...the grand finale.

I've never seen Robs so excited.

At first sight of the dollhouse, she jumped in the air and exclaimed it was perfect.

She zoomed around to the other side, and declared her love.

At one point she said she loved it so much she "couldn't get it out of her head"...

all within five seconds.

There were several high pitch screams as well.

Enriqueboy said something like "Wow!"...

And gazed on the ground in amazement.

I was so busy laughing... I recorded exactly none of it.

But just like that, mothering is worth it for at least ten more years.

(I kid. Make it twenty.)

------------------------

Now for Squísh's First Christmas?

It was everything she had ever dreamt of.

She moved around the room,

canoodling or tasting every single opened present

until we handed her one of her very own.

Love. At. First. Sight.

Later she told me she'd wanted a pink dolly for just about her whole entire life.

All eleven and a half months.

----------------------------

The whole thing was dreamy.

---------------------------

And then at 10:40 I had to persuade Enriqueboy into clothes for 11:00 church.

Persuading him is not an easy chore.

He's three... and when his mind is set-

... his mind is set.

He only agreed when I told him it'd be short-

and promised he could bring his truck.

As we walked into the building, I heard him mutter "disgusting" a couple different times.

"Disgusting" is his favorite way of pulling out the big guns.

Only certain things are disgusting... like broccoli, diapers and church.

The truck took a whole seat.

---------------------------

After church was entirely different.

There were cousins... and presents... and cousins... and cookies...

and cousins... and games... and cousins...

When we finished the day at two hours past bedtime,

they were completely exhausted.

We tucked them snug into bed with an assortment of new toys...

-----------------------------

It was dreamy.

Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T23:47:00.004-05:00

This year I'm grateful

to celebrate Christmas.

I'm grateful for the Savior.

I'm grateful for family.

I'm grateful for life.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Foto Friday: Week 16

2011-12-23T15:19:00.001-05:00

Traditions... to be honest- I need to up my game.

We've moved so many times, and lived in so many houses...

...each Christmas has so far been mostly unique.

There is one thing though...

that dates back to prehistoric times...

We make Buckeyes.

They're peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham crackers covered in chocolate.

And they're delicious.

Mother of the Year.

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

In one of our many Louisiana houses,

our backyard opened up to our neighbor's front yard.

Does that make sense?

Basically, we could play in our backyard,

while our neighbor watched from her front porch.

Sometimes she'd watch.

Sometimes she'd smoke.

Sometimes she'd turn around and watch

television through the window,

while she smoked.

We lovingly called her Mother of the Year.

This year I'm nominating myself.

(Not because of the smoking thing...)

But because I feel like The Grinch.

I did not decorate a tree.

The only Christmas songs I hear are the ones we sing on Sunday.

Eating Christmas treats is a chore.

And get this...

I even told my children that Santa does not exist.

That in fact... he is simply a fun, fun story.

Robs informed me that she was going to think he existed anyway,

and asked if we could we please leave cookies out on Christmas Eve.

I told her regardless of whether or not Santa exists, we can make delicious cookies.

And that is why I'm Mother of the Year.

365 days ago...

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

We drove to the airport to pick up my family.

We drove to visit Steve at work,

and then home to our little house with a green striped wall.

Apparently, the four of them hadn't eaten or slept in over 24 hours,

so we made them grilled quesadillas,

and sent them to nap.

...mostly...

Mostly we just talked and talked and talked...

I never dreamed that in one year,

I'd be living close enough to see them

whenever I felt so inclined.

It never even crossed my mind,

that one year later,

I'd be combing through old photos...

remembering everything Louisiana,
and wondering how time goes so fast.

---------------------------------

I love living close to family.
I miss our independence.

I'm grateful to be where we are.
I'm aching to find our own house.

I'm looking forward to the next year.
This last one sure was fun.

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we decorated two gingerbread houses,

and one gingerbread truck.

My second born pirate was ecstatic.

Candy? Trucks? Combined?

On Monday we roped some cousins into decorating mini trees.

It was a full hour of stickers, hot glue, and glittery puff balls.

What Christmas dreams are made of.

Today... I'm going to have to get creative.

Happy Monday!

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

'Twas the Squísh before Christmas, and all 'round the house,

wrapped presents were opened by what looked like a mouse.

The corners were missing, the wrapping was torn,

trails of festive paper led straight to my third born.

In six days it's her first Christmas, my pirate number three.

Those presents are rewrapped, and now they're safe behind the tree.

Foto Friday: Week 15

2011-12-16T12:29:00.003-05:00

This week is TASTY.

And as far as tastebuds go...

Squísh and I have much in common this week.

We both have approximately four teeth that work the way they're supposed to.

We both eat teeny tiny pieces.

We both drink our breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And as a bonus,

we both have blue eyes.

Want something other than smoothies?

Me too.

three truths.

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Robs wore the glasses to school.

Well, technically...
she put them in her backpack,
said goodbye,
casually walked out the door,
ran to the bus,
and then she wore the glasses.

When I picked her up, Mrs. W informed me they were a great help during the science experiment.

...Which makes sense.
Goggles are huge, the glasses are huge.

But now that we're talking about science...

I might as well share three things I've discovered:

1. I love being her mother.

2. I love being her mother.

3. I love being her mother.

Brace Face or Tin Grin?

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I woke up at 5:45 am when Robs whispered in my ear,

"TODAY IS THE DAY YOU GET BRACES!"

And because we couldn't sleep anymore after such an announcement,

she and I got up to make blueberry pancakes.

They turned out kind of burnt and kind of gross...

so we ate most of them and gave the rest to needy children.

(I kid.)

We ate them all.

When Squísh woke up, she ate peach yogurt and watched us until breakfast was over.

The pirates stayed in their jammies until five minutes before Robs' bus.

It would have been five minutes past the bus,

but our realtor called about three houses,

which made me see my phone,

which made me see the time,

which left us just enough time to catch the bus.

Praise be.

After Robs left, we practiced letters and wrestling,

while my teeth gloried in their freedom.

If I had known then, what I know now... I would have spent the time wisely

and eaten enough food to last me two years.

Because now I have a lisp.

My molars don't touch.

And there's a chain link fence between me and my food.

Tomorrow I will eat smoothies.

And then in two years I'll give regular food another try.

Brace yerself.

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today is kind of a big day.

My mother-in-law is getting a new knee.

Four siblings of mine are taking final exams.

Steve is taking a half day.

And I am having braces glued to my teeth.

We've been a little teeth crazy lately.

Robs is losing them, Squísh is growing them,

and I'm finally embracing the good set I have.

-----------------------------------------

Robs is so excited she can hardly stand it.

Her class is too, apparently. She told me the good news on Monday after school.

And now I'm practically famous.

The Pond.

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we went to the pond.

It was completely frozen over- minus the fisherman holes.

We saw someone catch a three inch fish while we were sliding around and

the pirates were intrigued.

At one point the ice cracked a teeny tiny bit,

and the pirates went wild.

They screamed and scampered,

but it looked like a slow motion comedy.

Pirates on Ice.

I laughed so hard on the inside.

Eventually, I coaxed them back on and by sunset they were begging to stay.

When Robs suggested next time we try this with knives on our shoes,

I added outdoor ice skating to our list of winter things to do.

Foto Friday: Week 14

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week the theme is "What I love."

I could make a list, but it wouldn't have an end.

There's too many "whats" to love.

Take yesterday, for example..

After a trip to Costco

(blessed, blessed Costco- that's on the list too...)

I re-discovered my love for Maple Creme cookies.

Imported from Canada, of course.

They're not Steve's favorite - I love them.

I always have and predict I always will.

(As of yesterday the pirates do too.)

After Costco, I took the pirates downstairs to play.

We tied my scarf around their middles and played Pup and Owner.

Robs took the scarf and ran around the room-

she draped it over her face, and threw it into the air.

Enriqueface clamored to get it back.

Squísh crawled on my legs.

There was evening light in the window, and angels were singing.

------------------------------------------

I do not live in NYC.

I am not fashionable.

I do not have lots of money.

And my blog is not trendy.

------------------------------------------

But yesterday, for the bajillionth time, I decided

the only real "what" I love is life.

(...and cookies)

Please.
----------------------------------------

Care for some more?

Meg

Hilary

Kristyn

Rosemary

we're house hunting.

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's only been a couple weeks,

but we have yet to hit it off with any available house.

(Minus the one above.)

My soul is growing impatient.

Yesterday I found two possibilities- and before I could even recite the MLS,

they had an offer

...and a backup offer.

-----------------------------------------

Just for fun

we compared listing prices in all the places we've lived.

Utah is the most expensive.

Michigan is the most affordable.

Louisiana and Idaho are nestled in between,

though it does us no good.

That commute would be too intense.

---------------------------------------------

The last time we lived in one place for longer than nine months was in Michigan.

I had two pirates, and one of them was brand new.

----------------------------------------------

If everything goes well...

and we find a house to buy...

I'm going to get a one year subscription.

(And if they offer a two year I'll take it.)

I've always liked National Geographic.

A first.

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Squísh is getting six, and

Robs lost her first!

Steve checked to see how loose that little baby tooth was,

and out it came.

Easy as pie.

She was elated.

She can't wait to tell Ezra on the bus,

Austin at school,

and Sydney.. even though they aren't best of friends anymore.

When we asked Robs what the tooth fairy gave for teeth these days...

She said thirty dollars.

---------------------------------------

The last time I looked for the tooth fairy,

I found my tooth still under my pillow.

I went into my mom's room, where she was sound asleep,

and shared the sad, sad news.

She groggily directed me to the coin bucket...

and fell back to sleep.

It was the greatest day of my life.

I chose nothing but quarters.

---------------------------------------

I'm thinking the tooth fairy will generously leave a dollar...

tally.

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've never felt old in my life.

Until Sunday when I talked to an Undergrad and she gave me this look...

One glance, and I was keenly aware of the years between the two of us.

It didn't last long though.

Years are those sorts of things I don't prefer to tally-

seeing as it makes no difference whether I do or don't.

However I did tally the times Squísh interrupted that last hour of church.

She was feeling terribly irreverent,

and insisted on laughing out loud.

When the class turned to look for the third time, I took the little darling into the hall.

I printed off this picture today for Robs' kindergarten.

It was shocking to see her little face... so grown.

She's almost halfway through kindergarten-

which means in approximately six days she'll be graduating college.

I wonder how old I will feel then.

On Saturday, On Sunday...

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we looked at houses with a realtor.

We parked our mobile at a public location, and when we returned

it was gone.

It had been ~~frogged~~ towed.

...twohundredsixtythree bucks later she was free...

They must make lots of money.

The towing sign was approximately the size of a postage stamp.

On Saturday I ran many miles.

It was bitter and cold.
And fun.

On Saturday we made delicious gingerbread houses.

On Sunday we went to church.

On Sunday I helped my pirates eat all the good candy from the gingerbread houses,

leaving only the pieces Santa would want.
If he existed.

On Sunday Squísh bit Robs on the stomach while we were listening to Christmas music,

left a bite mark, and made her cry.

Two seconds later, she made a face from outerspace which made Robs laugh.

I think she might be a jokester,

but only time will tell.

Foto Friday: Week 13

2011-12-01T19:31:00.001-05:00

I love lens flare in a photo.

It gives it such a feel,

creating this dreamlike effect before photoshop even touches it.

So I was bummed when

this week escaped me.

But it did.

It flicked right past, laughing the whole way.

On Thursday night, as it was heading out for an early weekend,

it said something smart like "think fast"

and tossed me Friday.

Lucky for me,

I planned the whole thing out.

In July.

Lucky for me I have an archive the size of Arkansas.

Want some current lens flare?

Try
Meg,
Hilary ,
Rosemary,
and
Kristyn.

aquariums.

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Black Friday the pirates and I met my family at the aquarium.

My grandmother, who I have not seen in years came too...

Because aquariums are fun for all ages.

Right outside the electric eel exhibit, they have two little electric buttons-

Placed for the sole purpose of shocking your fingers. For fun.

After our entire group had shocked ourself (some more than others),

we asked my pirate's great-grandmother if she wanted a try.

She gave us this look I will never forget, and made her eyes as big as they could go.

On the outside she said, "No, I don't want to shock myself."

On the inside she said, "You've lost your marbles."

I love her.

My favorite part was the penguins.

My least favorite part was the cockroaches.

My second favorite part was the glow in the dark scorpions.

My second least favorite part was leaving.

Apparently (say all the posters and advertisements) they're getting otters in January.

Which means I might have re-evaluate my most favorite part.

Otters are darling.

Almost as darling as my grandmother.

We'll be back in January.

like a tree.

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last year, I raked the yard seventeen times in seventeen days.
Last year the leaves were crawwwwwling with june-bugs.

Last year I wouldn't let the pirates jump in.

When they protested

I promised that at some point in their long legged lives,

I'd let them jump in leaves

This year we raked a path, prepared the pile...

and they jumped and rolled to their heart's content.

Robs even took off her shoes.

The weather is slightly unconventional.
I like it.

Cheese.

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Robs left for school today shortly before eleven,

and was back right after lunchtime.

We pushed our midday meal so we could enjoy our cheese quesadillas with her.

...As opposed to without her...

Seeing as cheese quesadillas are always enjoyable.

Especially when they're grilled.

Afterwards I put homemade vanilla frosting

on mini graham crackers and called them cookies.

They were delicious and the pirates and I dipped them in milk,

one by one.

I made the mistake of leaving mine in the milk too long.

It was soggy and disgusting, but I ate it anyway.

Don't ask me why. I'm still trying to figure it out.

Robs was watching me,

and as I chewed and swallowed,

she asked in the most cheerful voice-

"Was it slobbery?"

Robs left hers in the milk too long as well,

but before I could say anything, she'd paddled through the milk

and happily eaten the "slobbery" goodness.

It's why I love my pirates, reason number ten jillion seventy five.

They're fun.

Reason number ten jillion seventy six is Squísh's current set of pirate teeth.

And reason number ten jillion seventy seven is that pirate grimace.

Almost December.

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

The pirates are getting ready for Christmas.

On Sunday morning I found them cozying up to the Christmas tree.

The nativity had captivated Enriqueface.

Robs was pushing her bundled baby in a miniature sleigh,

and Squísh was thinking of redecorating the place.

I love Christmas.

I love it even more with pirates.

Several years ago my brother asked what it was like to have children.

(He had none, I had one.)

I told him there are some difficult days,

but most days having them around is like Christmas morning,

only better.

(Now he has one, and I have three.)

I still feel the same way.

Only on Christmas morning, I promise not to be groggy and

make the pirates wait for breakfast.

Foto Friday: Week 12

2011-11-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

The theme this week is: In My House.

And to be fully honest here,

I do not have a house.

If it were not for my gracious in-laws,

I might be mostly homeless.

But last week I found it.

...the perfect house.

At Hobby Lobby.

I used that darling, 40% off coupon, and then

one day later I purchased this little gem.

The two combined will be making their appearance on December 25th,

complete with a red bow.

I don't know if I can stand the suspense!

...And now for Hilary!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T23:19:00.000-05:00

It's been five years since we've had Thanksgiving with family...

and today we celebrated with both.

Being the role model citizens we are, we split it up.
For dinner- we went to a schmancy restaurant and ate schmancy food.
With my shcmancy family.
I made approximately 0% of the food, and cleaned up another whopping 0% of the dishes.
Afterwards, we went on a walk until the sun was just about set.
On the way back, Enriqueface, my dad and myself, trailed behind
to throw rocks in the water, but mostly take things slow.

It was a gorgeous day, and come to find out, that last little bit was Enriqueface's favorite part.

After the walk, we joined Steve's schmancy family for pie.
It was homemade, and deeeeelicious.
And schmancy.

Thank you to both families!!!

nice.

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

My phone is sitting just-so nice,

in a little bucket of uncooked rice.

We were just about home when Robs got sick...

I pulled over fast, it just wasn't quick.

We kept the windows open through the evening hours,

and now our auto smells like...

Aren't those pretty flowers?

Twins on Tuesday.

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Squísh.

Hi Robs.

Pilgrims on parade.

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Robs is in kindergarten with nineteen other little bitties.

Her teacher is the most patient angel of a teacher I've ever met,

and on Friday they had their Pilgrim Program.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem,

King James, the kindergartner exclaimed

"You can't go to your church! You have to go to my church!"

Pretty soon after that, the pilgrims loaded on the Mayflower and took off.

(So brave!)

When they landed, the bitties had a hoe down.

After two minutes of watching their spinning, clapping and toe tapping

I died of cuteness.

And then came back to life.

Of course.

Foto Friday: Week 11

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

The first time I heard the word "nostalgic" I was twelve years old.

I was in a play, where, in all of my twelve year old glory... I sang a solo.

I also wore glasses and overalls.

(Though not at the same time.)

One of my co-stars had the word in a line.

I thought it sounded like something I might have caught,

had I been crossing the plains in the dead of winter- shoeless.

I distinctly remember not liking the word,

similar to how I remember holding the microphone while trying to hit a high note.

It didn't make me very comfortable.

And since that time I've retired to strictly alto.

This week I looked up "nostalgic"
and I don't know if I agree with the idea- as it's properly defined.

So for the "Nostalgic" theme this week,

I had to post a picture of us, as we are...

...currently.

Because it's where my soul lives.

---------------------------------------

And now for something fabulous from Meg... because that's just how she is.

Squísh as a grumpy strawberry.

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Enriqueface has been persuading me to let him wear shorts over the past two days.

He calls them short pants, in hopes the word pants on the end

will tip the scales in his general direction.

It's not working.

Yesterday morning, after a round of serious debate,

he stood there in just his legs and 'derwears

and sincerely asked "when will it be warm again?"

I forget that all he's really known is Southern weather.

I told him it'd be a while.

But now I'm composing a list of things to do this winter.

They'll be fun, and they'll require either pants

or pink suits.

On the bus.

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

We gave Robs a week to get used to the new school.

(It took three days.)

By Wednesday she was pleading with us to let her take the bus,

and when the One Week Monday finally came she was so excited.

We waited.

We walked the curb.

We found huge leaves.

And the bus arrived.

Robs took a leap and let out a little squeal.

As she darted to the doors I gave her hair a little love-tousle.

It landed on her backpack.

She waved... we waved...

and two seconds later she was on her way to ~~college~~ kindergarten.

As you were.

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Robs has a Thanksgiving production on Friday.

She has one line:

"Oh no! Now we have to spend the night on the Mayflower!"

Last week she made a turkey. She made a list of things she loves and
wrote them on the feathers before adding tape and a bow.

Family, cousins, warm coats, and good food were a few things on the list.

I love hearing the pirates' gratitude.

For example, every night Enriqueface starts his prayer with

"...grateful for this day, please bless Mommy, please bless Mae."

I love it.

Afterwards, he'll go on down listing all the names of the people he loves most.

Steve caught his name coming in after Grandpa and Grandma the other night,

but then he circled back around the list of names and threw "Daddy" in twice.

Crisis averted.

pinch me.

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday, my pirates and I ran two blocks to where the road drops down into a ravine.

Sometimes, when I don't have the hours I need for a long run,

I run the hill several times and promise myself a better workout in the morning.

We started our descent, and two seconds later, a yippyskip dog came barreling towards us. He turned a flip at the bottom... and then yipped his fluffy white self all the way back up.

It was hilarious.

Afterwards, I took photos of my gorgeous sister and her handsome husband to be.

I don't really believe people are made for each other

but they have me wondering if there isn't at least one exception.

On Saturday, Squísh and I dressed up as twins:

Stripey shirts, puffed jackets, and dark wash jeans.

This time it was pure accident, but it reminded me of when Robs was little,

and I'd dress us alike for fun.

Life goes so fast...

On Sunday we had dinner with my brother and sisters.

Steve's comments as we drove around our alma mater

with "three kids and a minivan" made me chuckle.

Life has gone fast for him too.

Though we unabashedly love our fast life.

...and our minivan.

But Sunday night came, and just like that, our weekend was over.

It was fabulous while it lasted.

See the whale above?

(I love it.)

But right after Christmas, it's getting replaced.

My sister designed something similar (only better) for PUJ,

and as of January it will be in Target.

Target!

(How exciting!)

Foto Friday: Week 10

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

This week is "iPhone Photo."

Can I admit I was resistant to get an iPhone?

Highly resistant.

Once upon a time my cell phone minutes belonged to Verizon and a rose colored flip phone.

I chatted happily on free minutes with just about my entire family...

And then one day ALL OF THEM got an iPhone.... except for me.

Little ol' me, living in Louisiana...

I went into the recesses of my contact list and renamed them all.

Darth Mom...

Darth Dad...

You get the idea.

They'd converted to the dark side as far as I was concerned.

And then one fateful day in December I took my two pirates into the AT&T store...

...and the rest is history.

Steve Jobs was a genius.

( Now iMove yourself over to Hilary!)

On this day in history...

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

We took a walk to the park to check on our lame duck

and feed him corn pops.

When we got back, I scrambled to make dinner

while the pirates clamored for popsicles and

Squísh begged for broccoli soup.

It was delicious and homemade, not-by-me.

For my non-vegetable eaters,

I made Mac-and-Cheese with heaping portions of butternut squashes.

Robs called me out, but said she loved it anyway,

Her exact statement?

...and I quote:

"You can make it this way from now on."

This is huge.

This is progress.

This is generational.

Can you imagine my future grandchildren?

Wondering why their food is so tasty?

Only to find out what they are eating is Mac and Cheese

with heaping portions of butternut squash?

I'm laughing.

Seriously.

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I drove 20 minutes north to pick up a birthday present

and 20 minutes south to get back where I started.

I was thiiiiiiis close to dropping Robs off at school, when I remembered I'd forgotten lunch.

I whispered to myself:
"You are the World's Best Mother"

and raced home to make her a peanut butter sandwich.

We did not have time for jelly.

Twenty minutes later I drove 30 minutes south to drop off a present,

and eat pizza.

And then I drove thirty minutes north.

But then I had to pick up our red car.

We'd asked a mechanic to resuscitate it and

he was successful (minus the AC).

So I drove 15 minutes east and 15 minutes west.

And then I took pictures of Squísh

and took the pirates to feed the ducks.

It was cold.

And worth it.

Because one of the ducks had fishing wire wrapped around his leg.

He was slowly losing his foot- and I couldn't handle it.

I gave him extra bread and called the authorities when I got home.
Nerd-ish? Yes.

But he was so helpless, and the other ducks were pecking him.

They said they'd be out in a couple weeks.

Happy Wednesday!

Blending.

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Robs' first day of kindergarten for the second time.

As we walked in I could tell she was a little nervous.

We camped out in the back of the room until the teacher introduced her to the class.

She was really nervous then... but she stood there so gracefully

while the teacher said nice things and noticed her blue eyes and brown hair.

(Apparently on Friday the class had guessed brown for both.)

Enriqueface was bummed when we had to leave-

and excited to pick her up an hour later.

This half day kindergarten has it's perks.

After school we went to feed the ducks.

We stepped outside and it was snowing.

Robs wasn't bothered, but Enriqueface had no patience for the snowflakes in his face.

So instead we played cars and I made the second grossest soup I have ever made in my life.

First place went to the potato soup on Sunday night.

I'm on a vegetable kick,
but the pirates and their tiny taste buds don't approve...

...Yet.

You look the way I feel.

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday with my extra hour

I gave Squísh to Steve

and I slept.

I woke up when my watch said nine but everything else said eight.

Angels were singing. It was glorious.

But this morning we're jumped back into everything.

Steve starts work and Robs starts school.

In my head, I figured it would be just like Monroe...

but with mountains.

Only it's not.

It's a lot bigger, with more options for just about everything.

Which, I've always thought was better...

it just makes finding a city to live in,

a school to attend,

and a house to love,

a little more complicated.

I'm going to have to pray for my soul.

Foto Friday: Week 9

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Fall is fab.

I love the weather. I love the color.

I love the change.

(This year the change was a little extreme, but we're coping well.)

The theme this week is Little Things.

It sounds so juvenile, but ALL of Fall?

Made of a bazillion little colorful things.

Isn't it grand?

Meg is grand too. Check her out!

Already.

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

In three days we've:

-gone Trick or Treating.

-been wedding dress shopping.

-purchased a Costco membership.

-sorted out our summer clothes.

-hung the winter ones in closets.

And now that it's Thursday we're:

-driving Steve's commute.

-registering Robs for kindergarten

-taking photos at the DMV.

I currently have a Michigan license.

It was taken right after I had Enriqueface, and my gender states 'M'.

(In those early postpartum days I found it hilarious.)

One is silver.

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I started kindergarten I lived in Arizona.

I loved it.

I loved the desert.

I loved the parks at night time.

I loved filling my papers with pictures of cacti and sand.

We moved halfway through the school year.

On my last day we sang a song about making new friends, and keeping the old.

One being silver, and one being gold.

I swung on the swing and kicked the dirt with my best friend Molly.

I remember feeling so sad and wondering

how a whole little world could go on without me in it.

-----------------------------

When we found out we were moving- I was excited, of course.

But sad too, because Robs would inevitably feel something similar.

Perhaps it's why I obsessed over documenting her first kindergarten.

...Her commute to school.

Her classmates, her teachers, her best little friends...

...and her last little goodbye.

I don't think she thought about crying... but I did.

I wanted to.

Change is so difficult.

Leaving people is so difficult.

It took me two years to finally like the place- and as soon as I did... we left.

Her whole class signed their names to a piece of paper with a

little "I love you" or a heart and a smiley face.

I'm going to keep it for always...

along with that little note from Isaac.

Dis.

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

On Friday we said goodbye to Monroe, Steve's work, and several really, really great people.

We said goodbye to Robs' class too...

and my heart broke in sixteen different places.

(I'll be posting pictures tomorrow.)

(...of the class. Not my broken heart.)

On Friday we also packed the house, cleaned the house, and drove to Dallas.

On Saturday we drove to Albuquerque.

On Sunday we drove to Utah,

and I caught Enriqueface in the rear view mirror.

Our eyes met and he said,

"Mom, dis is a very wong drive."

I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all.

It's difficult because a lot happened in a very short piece of time.

Today feels like it should be Sunday,

and I can't decide if I'm warm or cold.

Happy November!

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

A spider balloon...

A squíshy face.

A crawfish boil...

A candy race.

A cute li'l mummy,

A family pic.

Two spooky windows...

A magic trick.

The cutest Super...

Girlies twelve to fifteen.

A super strong man...

HAPPY, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Robs decided to be a superhero, and Enriqueface was going to be a ghostie.

But that changed when he realized it meant a covered face.

Instead he went as a boy.

I went as a girl.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Foto Friday: Week 8

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

The theme this week is Shadow Play...

Can I get an excused absence?

This past week has looked, smelled, and tasted, like a cardboard box.

Thank heavens it came to an end...

And TODAY, we're starting the drive!

Twenty six hours of pure driving.

I've been so roller-coaster-ish this week,

zooming between happy and sad...
that I've decided to settle somewhere in the middle.

Moving is always difficult.

But even with all of the bugs, and craziness...

We've loved our time in Louisiana.

And we're going to miss it...

Mostly the people.

And the warm Valentine's Days.

(... those are pretty nice.)

Wish us luck!
...and then move yourself over to Rosemary's!

Lately?

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

We had a goodbye party on Tuesday night thanks to some gracious/we-love-them friends.

Enriqueface kept the guests entertained with stories of his toes.

------------------------------------------------------

And while I was trying to find a new home for our couch- he staged a peaceful protest and refused to move.

We had to say goodbye to Ms. LaShoma. She's a fabulous storyteller, and we love her too.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Monroe looks good on Instagram...

We had a cold morning a couple days ago.

I was FREEZING. I turned on the heater in the car...

and later that day I went back to AC.
--------------------------------------------------------
My mom is here. Praise Be.

3... 2... 1...

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have a friend here who hates lizards similar to how I hate roaches.

Even mentioning the word makes her antsy.

It reminds me of how I feel about those long antennae...

...gross. I just shuddered.

Since we're leaving this month, the landlord is renovating the house.

The work crew started with the backyard,

and as of yesterday, the deck where that green eyed monster is perched...

no longer exists.

But all that renovating made the backyard off limits.

The edge of the trampoline was being used as a table for rusty nails, regular nails, and nailguns,

not to mention paint, spray paint and brushes...

And then I put our entire house into tens and tens of cardboard boxes.

Which means Enriqueface lost both of his natural habitats in less than one week.

Disastrous.

Disaster control comes today at 11:00.

I'm picking her up at the airport

and I. can't. wait.

Happy Wednesday.

Less is more.

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

At 8 years old I went on a trip with my dad.

My grandma and my brother were there too,

and we flew from Ohio to NYC in a four seater Cessna.

My dad woke me up as we were circling the Statue of Liberty,

and I remember looking out the window just in time to

see her up close.

After landing, the three of us looked around while my dad took care of business.

We were planning on staying the night somewhere in upstate New York...

and I was panicked.

The name of the hotel my dad was planning didn't match anywhere we'd stayed before.

I was sure the place was going to have brown carpet and greasy bedspreads.

In all of my eight years, I could think of nothing worse.

I fumed. I agonized... and instead of taking in the view and all those glorious trees...

I peppered my dad's headset with doubts.

I can still remember it all.

I even remember the look on his face as he listened to my complaints.

He was smiling... and it drove me batty.

But he knew something I was refusing to see:

Everything was alright.

Long story short... we got to the hotel and it was one of the fanciest hotels I have been to

in my life.

You know the stationary you find by the telephones?

I saved it. I never wanted to forget the trip.

--------------------------------------------------------

Fast forward twenty years, and apparently I'm still the same girl.

For the past two years I have been agonizing, fuming, and panicking...

all the while peppering God's headset (do those exist?) with my doubts.

And once again, He knew something I was refusing to see.

Everything is (and will be) all right.

-------------------------------------------------------

We're starting a new adventure this week.

I'm thinking... less doubt, more gratitude.

Happy Tuesday!

one jillion

2011-10-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Squísh is my third pirate.

A mini pirate... but only in size.

Yesterday during church she was squawking and thrashing my necklace.

When she jumped over the back of the pew, the people behind us chuckled.

I caught her by the waist.

It was her way of asking if I could get her some milk already,

thankyouverymuch.

So we took to the lounge.

We took a nap and it was dreamy.

We woke up just in time for the closing song.

And now I'll admit reason number one jillion on why I love being a mother:

Exclusive Mother's Lounge Membership Benefits.

Foto Friday: Week 7

2011-10-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

There's something about pirates that goes hand in hand with stories.

My middle pirate loves them.

I tell him the same ones... over and over and over and over...

They never. get. old.

Most of the time they happen on our run.

I'll be lost somewhere in my thoughts-

and something we pass will remind him of something in his past...

and just like that we're knee deep in stories.

"Remember when I found my McQueen? Can you tell me that story?"

"Remember that fire hydrant? Can you tell me the story?"

"Remember when we saw the alligator? Can you tell that story?"

The funniest part is, if I tell the story with even one word out of place, he knows it.

And he'll repeat to me, word for word, what I was supposed to have said.

Those little minds are brilliant...

This week's theme is Photo Story.

"Remember when we saw the boat? Can you tell me that story?"

-------------------------------------------------

Now clickity-click over to Meg's!

Time.

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have pictures as a teeny tiny thing at some park in a random Ohio town.

The photos shout "1980's!" from almost every perspective:

the clothes, the playground, the hair...

In thirty years, is Squísh going to be saying something similar?

Countdown.

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Just recently I heard Robs quizzing Enriqueface on opposites.

"Do you know what opposite means?"

"What is the opposite of dog?"

"What is the opposite of black?"

"What is the opposite of warm?"

Today is Wednesday.

Which makes our move exactly ten days out.

"What is the opposite of ten?"

I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning and sorting and packing,

while the pirates found six balls of yarn.

By the time I was finished they'd decorated the place and tied each other up.

All I had to do was have them walk the gang plank.

...easy peasey.

But the opposite of easy peasey?

Trying to figure out what to serve for dinner after a decent sized civil unrest.

My go to is spaghetti... but two weeks ago Robs decided to rid our house of the meal

FOREVER.

So instead we had eggs and toast.

What is the opposite of eggs and toast?

Delicious food.

And as it was dark-ish and cloudy and rainy all day long,

Enriqueface asked for a bath before we could even rinse the dishes.

Football practice across the street was still going strong,

and the pirates were tucked in for the night.

It was so nice.

What's the opposite of early bedtime?

Early Morning.

Happy Wednesday!

Pretty fly.

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last night my dad hopped in for a visit.

The pirates saw the plane and kept reserved at first...

But as Pilot and Co-Pilot, they could hardly contain themselves.

It brought back so many memories.

Growing up, I figured everybody's dad flew airplanes.
Florida, California, Maryland, New York...

By the time I started fifth grade, the easier question was "Where hadn't I been?"

It wasn't until high school that I realized not everyone spent summers traipsing the United States with their Pops.

You should have seen Enriqueface when he found he could make the wing flaps move.

He has this thing for steering wheels and moving parts,

which lead him to his next question...

He needed to know if Gramps had ever heard of a flying truck.

(He's asked several people in hopes of finding someone who has.)

After checking out the plane, we brought Grandpa Home Sweet Home,

with Johnny's Pizza and a salad.

And after dinner Robs read him a book,

and basked in the praise.

Enriqueface built him a track,

and let him choose between playing

motorcycle or motorcycle.

So many options...

But this morning we dropped him back off at the airport

and sent him on his way with blueberry muffins.

Monday was a delightful combination of too quick and just lovely.

Clearly.

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your comments!

I love comments... and although I didn't mean to keep everyone guessing-

I guess I did.

We're moving to Utah just in time for October to end, and November to begin.

My pirates are going to freeze their eyepatches off.

The move and the change happened so fast!

One minute we were planning for November, and the very next minute,

we were planning a move.

I could practically see the Lord's hand as he scooted the next part of our lives West.

There were millions of details that had to fall into place-

and it only took a few landing right where they needed to

before it was so clear.

I love it when things are clear.

And I love seeing the Lord's hands in things.

(I love how clear being a mama is too...

Pirates make the world wonderful.)

Foto Friday: Week 6

2011-10-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

This weeks' theme is Emotion.

I've been saving this picture for a couple weeks.
I've tried posting it several times but I couldn't ever hit 'publish.'

Nothing I wrote really embraced what I see...

It looks simple enough.
And if I had a wide angle lens, maybe you could see it too.

Right beyond the crop
I see five years of learning how to be a mom.
I see two pirates who fight so well, but can't go to sleep without the other.
I see three years of hand me downs,
And two children who think its great.

I see us...
clearing the dishes and letting them soak,
because the great outdoors were calling
and two pirates were itching to go.

I see love, and patience, and games, and listening, and books,
and dads, and grandparents, and uncles and aunts, and all the teeny tiny things that go
into making capable people
...Confident people.

I see two years of trying to make the world a pretty place...
and finally understanding it really is.

I see a community of people, and a neighborhood we've come to love.

I see two years of wishing I could leave...
and then having it come true-
only to realize I'm going to miss it.

We're moving again.
This time it's a big move... we're headed out west.
I'm excited... I'm happy... I'm thrilled to live close to family again.
But it hurts to leave so many people.

The trials, the challenges, the roaches...
oh the roaches...
All of it has molded me into someone stronger.

A stronger woman
...A stronger wife.
...A stronger mother.

...Just thinking about it makes me emotional!

Now go check out Hilary at hAha!

But the Runner Up is...

2011-10-14T10:27:00.000-04:00

She was so mad!
...but so sweet!