Goodbye Summer, hello Fall.

Hello blog world. I've had an insane itch to blog these past few months. I've started a few posts here and there, but they've stayed in my draft folder.  This morning, the stars leaves aligned and with a hot cup of coffee nearby and my littlest one playing with his trains, I find my fingers flying across the keyboard, creating a post that WILL be published.

The summer flew by - as it always does. Autumn is here and the days have slowed down a bit - they seem to be getting longer now that it's cooler out (funny how that always seems to happen). Lots of indoor activity has happened since the temps dropped. Cleaning and organizing and making lists, lots of lists. Birthday season is upon us. Peter's birthday came and went, with his mom and nephew's on the horizon. One of the great things about the last few months of the year is getting together with family for birthday parties and holidays. I love living so close and enjoy the company of my in-laws and little nieces and nephews.

Simon started school last month (a month today!). He LOVES school!  Not a day has gone by where he hasn't been excited about going to school. In fact, he no longer enjoys the weekends, because that means he doesn't get to go to school.  My worst fear was making him go to school. I had it in my mind that the first week would go great, but by the following Monday the magic would have worn off and I would be dragging him to the bus stop.  Not so. It's actually the other way around. ;)  He's going on his first field trip on Friday. He's beyond excited. He's also making lots of friends and adores his teacher.  This transition couldn't have gone better. And I'm SO grateful.  His Sunday School at church started up a couple of weeks ago too and now he's even happier (he's starting to like the weekends again).  His happy place is surrounded with lots of happy kids and adults, learning and having fun. I love that about him.  Some of his favorite things about school are: homework (I know! We've actually had to create extra homework for him because he just enjoys it so much. Question: how long will this last? Haha!), riding the bus, math, gym and recess (of course).

Miles is transitioning well to not having big brother around. In all honesty, I think he rather enjoys having all of the toys (and his mommy) to himself. He's a happier boy and has turned into a complete chatterbox. He and I are bonding more too! It's been a rough couple of years for us and I never felt as close with him as I did with Simon. That's changing now, little by little. Having this one-on-one time with him has really drawn us closer together. It makes sense now that I think about it. It was just Simon and me for 3.5 years. Miles has always had to share that time with his big brother.  I'm glad for this time with just Miles. His favorite things are playing with his trains, dinosaurs, watching Caillou (oh, the horror!), singing Hallelujah and My God is So Big.  Random tidbits about him: He calls his brother "Why-ya", his dad "poppa" and me "mommy".  He likes to recite everyone's names (including the extended family). He's really into colors right now and will point at people and say the color they're wearing. It gets awkward sometimes. When asked what his favorite colors are, his reply is "Pink!" and Purple (much to his big brother's chagrin).  When we cough or sneeze, he asks with mock concern if we're okay. And then proceeds to fake cough/sneeze to get us to ask him if he's okay.  He's slowly but surely becoming a polite child, saying please and thank you at the appropriate times and even saying "sorry mommy/poppa" when he makes a mess or gets scolded. His softer side is starting to show. ;) He still has quite the throwing arm and even causes strangers to stop and mention his amazing ability.  

Peter is doing well and just celebrated his 31st birthday. For the next 2 months, he is older than me. ;) He's already busy with year-end stuff at work. He's excited about soup season and happy that the temperature is dropping. He's healthy! I still have people ask me about his health. It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since we first discovered that illusive lump on his neck. I still look back on that time and wonder if it all really happened. I know it did, because I still see the scar on his neck. I still tear up hearing certain songs and I still get flashbacks of how very close we felt to the throne of God during those dark and uncertain days. My heart still swells when I think about all of the people who prayed over us as a family and over my husband as he struggled through the worst pain and fears of his life. So even though at times it doesn't feel real, there are moments when it feels like it just happened. I'll never get over that awed feeling of our Healer placing His mighty hand on my husband and bringing him back to complete health.

And me. What's up with me? Where do I even begin...? For starters, I started watching my little nephew about a month and a half ago. He's only with me a few hours a day. I love hanging out with him. The timing couldn't be better. Miles goes down for his nap and L arrives. L goes down for his nap and Simon gets home from school. L leaves for his home and I start on dinner and Miles wakes up. It's a lot of trading off, and hardly any overlapping. I'm so glad we live close enough that I can watch him. He's a fun little guy.

I'm also in the middle of getting things sorted out to start selling on a consignment-based setting in a cute little shop that's opening up nearby in our neighborhood. I'm excited and NERVOUS about venturing out into unknown territory. My etsy shop has become my comfort zone. Although, I can see a freedom of selling in a shop and not having the stress of having to take pictures, write up descriptions, ship and have the exact items in stock to match the said pictures. Selling in a live shop will be a lot less behind the scenes work. Starting out will be the hardest I think. Making labels, setting up my table, pricing, not knowing what the inventory will need to look like... Yep, freaking out a bit. I've only talked to the owner on the phone once, but from our short conversation, I feel really good about working with her. I'm excited about this new adventure. If all goes well, the shop will be open late October, just in time for the holiday season. :D

I'm enjoying life and have high hopes for this winter...yes, this is still me writing.  I really do think this winter will be easier for me. Having Simon in school and Miles being older both help I think. I thrive being on a schedule and that's where Simon being in school comes in handy. Having things to look forward to, even if they are mundane things, like drop-offs and pickups from the bus stop (I'm already shivering thinking about walking down the street in below zero temps and thigh-high snow drifts), and watching my nephew will help get me moving.  An entire year in toddlerhood is huge too. Miles is a lot easier at 2.5 than 18 months. The closer he gets to 3, the better in my book. ;)

So that's us in a nutshell.  I would have loved for the summer to have lasted longer, but in reality, I'm really enjoying this (chillier) season. It was time for a change. And so I'll leave it at that. My coffee needs to be reheated and lunch needs to be made for my littlest one. I shall sign off with hopes of another blog post in the near future. Thanks for reading, my faithful friends.

State Fair, August 30th, 2014

{The Month of May} That Times of Refreshing May Come...

It's been over 2 months since my last post. A lot has happened since then. Especially in the weather department. I am happy to report that Spring has finally arrived in Minnesota.  Actually, I think we might have skipped spring and gone straight to summer. It's been in the 80's all week - I'm not complaining, not one bit. I'm super happy that there are now leaves on all of the trees, they finally match the brilliant green grass. As I type, I can see lilacs bursting forth on our bushes right outside our dining room window. My peony's are starting to form tiny buds. There are already armies of ants crawling all around them, pleading with them to open. I'm pleading too - I can hardly wait!!  My tulips did not do so well this Spring (and the ones that did open I had to race to grab them before our mean old rabbit chewed off the petals - grrr - I'm still bitter towards that furry creature! I'm this close to trapping him and making rabbit stew. I'm kidding!
Sorta.

The lucky tulips I was able to rescue from the mean old rabbit.

The birds are alive and well and their chirping wakes me up in morning. My boys require nightly baths due to sweat, dirt and sand, and our yard is already showing wear and tear thanks to many mini-baseball games in our front yard. My heart is slowly thawing towards the weather. It's hesitant to really believe that the warm weather is here to stay. This winter really abused it. Trust is something my heart is working on reestablishing (Note: I'm this close to going in and seeing if I have a seasonal disorder).

The month of May has been a whirlwind of activity. Between birthday parties, Mother's Day, a LONG roadtrip (27 hours spent in the car with a whiny/teething/2 year old - not cool), visiting with my family, getting a short hairdo for Summer, meeting my newest nephew - gosh, I miss him, visiting my grandparent's farm (my last visit there was when I was 17!), unpacking, farewell gatherings for sweet friends, enjoying a full and beautiful Memorial day weekend with my boys (MN Zoo - ftw!!). And now current day - I'm packing for yet another trip - this time I'm getting ready for a mini-anniversary trip with my favorite (which will start on Sunday, June 1st!! Hello June!).

May has been fun...but exhausting.

This morning as I was sipping my coffee I had a thought softly pass through my heart. Be still my soul and know that I am God. Be still. I don't even know if I know how to do that anymore. Have I ever? To be still and meditate on my God. What a wonderful and seemingly impossible thing to do. When was the last time I felt like I could physically do that? Even when it's quiet around here (which believe me, that doesn't happen all too often), there's a bazillion things going through my brain. A to-do list the length of my arm, laundry that needs to be done + folded, clutter that needs to be put away, snotty noses that need to be wiped, timeouts that need to be enforced (why is my 2yo so obstinate?!?), school that needs to be taught, weeds that need to be weeded, toys that need to be picked up (for the millionth time), meals that need to be planned + cooked... Be still. I wish there was a reset button for my thoughts/to-do lists.  I wish there was a soundproof room in our house that held no distractions. But there isn't. And that's not how God made me. He created me to be a multitasker. He created beautiful things for my pleasure (oooh, flowers blooming! Those clouds are gorgeous, my little boy wants to snuggle!...) He created my quirky brain (and probably laughs at all of the silly things I have on my to-do list). But He also created me to yearn for something better, something holier. And so I cannot ignore these yearnings. My time with Him might not be perfect in my mind, but it's time spent together, and right now any time spent together is worth celebrating.

Salomon Farms, Fort Wayne, IN.

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To honor the month of May and the craziness that it's been. I'm going to post pictures. I do love how pictures remind me of the happy moments and the blessings that I live and breath each and every day.

{May Day} My little niece, Leyna, turned one!!  She totally attacked her adorable smash cake that her creative momma made for her.  And she did it while modeling a dizzyfrog hair bow - such a cutie!!

Mother's Day - my 6th!! Gosh, how did I get to be so lucky? Confession: I love to look at still photos of my boys. The main reason?  They aren't moving! And squawking (Miles). It's the same delight I get when I go in and gaze at them as they're sleeping. I can't believe I haven't sprouted any grey hairs. *knock on wood* Lucky, yes. They make me smile every day and bring joy that I could only experience through being their mommy. <3


{Fort Wayne, IN}

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Fort Wayne, the city I where I was born and raised. 

We visited Salomon Farms in Fort Wayne, these little guys stole my heart. SO cute!!

Salomon Farms, Fort Wayne, IN.

I met up with my oldest friend, Lauren and her adorable baby. We've been friends for going on 20 years now. Wow.

Speaking of babies.... meeting this little guy was the highlight of my trip. Luke, nephew #2. First and only nephew on my side of the family. I still can't believe my little brother is a dad!

These boys!! I think they need to form a band. We loved meeting Gray and hanging out with his awesome parents and our other friends, the G's.  Fyi, Gray's mom make these awesome bow ties and infinity scarves. If you're in need of either or both, check out her etsy shop.

{Farming Around}

At my Grandma's farm!! There was a smudge on the camera - we didn't realize it until all of our family pics were taken and we were back home. :(

It was so fun introducing my boys to the wonders of the countryside. 

This lane holds so many memories. The clearest memories are usually of little Jessica on a bike going to get the mail.

 

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I used to sit under this willow tree as a little girl and play on the recorder, sing songs to myself, or write in my diary.  Now here I sit 20 years later, with memories flooding back.

As soon as I was done strolling around the farm reliving memories and snapping pics, I came back and found this man, bringing my past back into my present and future.

{Back Home}

Back home. And more goodbyes. Julia has been such an amazing friend. I love how God brought us together.

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Saying goodbye is tough. Especially for my tender-hearted 5 year old. He latches on to people so fast and hard and it's difficult for him to let go. I'm so glad he was able to spend the day with his friends before they left for the beautiful and warm South.

 {Memorial Day, 2014}

We're at the zoo!! Miles is cracking me up. He did not want to get in close for a pic. And that face!! lol!

Snack break. Their favorite.

Simon was thrilled to have a spider painted on his face.

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 That face!! Oh, I just want to smooch all over it. (waiting for the tractor ride to pick us up and take us to the farm).

LOL! I laugh every time I see this pic.

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My boys were not fans of the water feature. They're kinda like me - they don't like cold blasts of water all over their warm bodies...and splashed in their face. Maybe next time they'll like it more...


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Wow, I could post a ton more pics, but I think I'll stop. I'll just have to post the rest to a random FB album.

Miles. My little Two-Year-Old.

Happy Birthday, Miles!! You're two today! 

   

We've had a lovely weekend celebrating you. We threw you a party yesterday morning. Some of your favorite people were there. The theme for your birthday was a bit girly. I apologize. Next year you can have a say in it. ;) The theme this year was Spring! It's been a long Winter and so I wanted to celebrate the ending of Winter and the beginning of Spring - even though it was a blustery and cold, winter-like day outside. 

Chalk art doesn't last long in this house before it gets smudged or drawn over. I tried.

Lemon Cake with a Lemon Curd/Buttercream filling with whipped frosting.  

This fruit salad was lovingly created by your father. You' loved it!

Gruyere + Bacon Quiche, Sausage Biscuits, Fruit Salad and Lemon Cake.  

Such a yummy birthday brunch.

Couldn't have a Spring theme without pretty flowers. Your daddy loves me.

My little bookworm. You were SO excited about your new book.

You did not want anything to do with blowing the candles out. So big brother stood in.

Your party theme quickly changed to DUPLO theme. Almost every gift you received contained a set of Duplos. Which completely made your day. You are such a fan of stacking and building. Your family and friends know you well.

Today (on your actual birthday), we decided to be brave and took you out to breakfast. Aside from a few squawky moments, you did really well. Sometime soon, we'll be able to do this more often - you're just still too unpredictable. 

This is how you answer when someone asks how old you are. Twoooo!

I love sneaking a peek (or a pic) when you're praying. 

After breakfast we went to Choo-Choo Bobs. You were in train heaven. Your Grandpa Paul would love it there and would be proud to know that you share the same love for trains. You spent some of your birthday money there too. You have such kind Grandparents.

A perfect place to go on a cold Winter Spring day. 

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I looked at the clock at 7:35pm tonight on our way home from our church's Small Group, and was immediately transported back 2 years. I remember so clearly the day you were born. I waited for your arrival for what seemed like forever. I remember hardly sleeping the night before you were born, not because of contractions, but because I was excited about the possibility of going in the next morning and being induced. I'm so glad that they had room for me on that mild March day. I don't think I would have liked to go another day without knowing you, without feeling your tiny fingers, or hearing your little voice, or snuggling with you, or smelling your smelly little toots. Okay, maybe I could have gone without that last one. Seriously, dude. Your newborn toots totally cleared the room. And two years later you're still a little stinker.

You are a wiggly-handful, my little two-year old love. You're always on the go...even when sleeping. There have been nights where I have gone in to put a blanket on you, only to go in a minute later to find the blanket already off of you. Sometimes you roll out of the blanket before I even leave the room. You keep me on my toes. You have a special skill of making me laugh and groan in the same minute.  I'm embarrassed to say how many times I say "no" to you each day, my naughty little Milo. You seriously know how to push all of my buttons. ALL OF THEM. But then there are those moments in which you squeeze in a sloppy little kiss, or say funny things, or surprise me by gobbling down the food I make for you, and that gives me hope that I won't have to pull out all of my hair.

Your adoration for your dad is so endearing. You are his little shadow. Every weeknight around the same time, you pull up your little stool and peer out the window, awaiting his arrival from work to home. He receives your chatter, your radiant face and your hugs with a huge grin as he comes through the door. I think he rather likes being adored. I mean, c'mon, who wouldn't want to come home to that?

I love that you call your dad: papa and me: momma (sometimes in a French accent). You're still working on a name for Simon. It changes every time I hear it.

What I don't like are your poopy diapers. Seriously kid, they are the stinkiest things ever. You're so generous to me. A daily chore that I sometimes have to do multiple times a day. Definitely not my favorite. But I'm glad you're regular. Really, I am. You do make me smile a little bit after you've done the deed, by pointing to your little butt and saying "Pe-Yew". That is one of the instances where the laughing and groaning in the same minute second occur.

I love it when you say or do something that cracks yourself up and I hear you sigh to yourself  "good one". Or when you start singing "No way, no way, no way..." to yourself. You surprise me with your personality. You enjoy your alone time. I'll find you upstairs all by yourself playing quietly with your cars, dinosaurs or reading a book. You don't share very well and so I think playing by yourself is a good way of avoiding having to practice that virtue. Someday.

Your love for music is adorable. Your dance moves crack me up. I love watching your head bob to your favorite tunes. Your favorite songs are "My God is So Big" "Here We Go Go Go On An Adventure" (Cat in the Hat),  the old Batman theme song and "Hallelu Hallelu Praise Ye The Lord". 

I know I shouldn't find it so funny when you say the word "no", but I do. I think it has something to do with how you say it and what you do when you're saying it. You're usually serious and you're usually pointing your finger at the lucky person as you say it. And you use a lot of tongue when you're pronouncing that naughty little word.  I also like it when you say "Yah". "Do you want to go bye-bye?" "Yahhh."

You adore puppies and will usually make a puppy sound when you see one. And crackers. If you could live off of crackers, you would. Sadly, you're a picky eater. Some days are better than others. You do enjoy pretty much any kind of carb, yogurt, bananas, oatmeal, sometimes eggs...

You are totally my son when it comes to getting out of the house - you even do well shopping...most of the time. You love to people-watch. This current winter has been such a hard season for you. You LOVE being outside. Being cooped up is not your favorite. This Spring/Summer is going to be HUGE for you - I already foresee many trips to the park and lots of walks with you, my energetic little boy.

TV and movies do not appeal to you. I think this is a good thing. But sometimes....I wish you would sit for 30 minutes and take a break from being a human tornado.

You are shy and do not like to go to other people when papa and momma are around. I have noticed in the last month or so that you are getting better at this. Babysitters are usually met with loud cries of protest (which to your credit do not last long after we leave - or so we've been told).  I know that I should feel honored that you love us that much.

You are so very different from your older brother. And yet, you compliment him so well. He ADORES you with every fiber of his being. You have cast a spell him. The amount of patience and love that he has for you is precious. I hope you come to admire and appreciate it as much as I do. When I think back to when you were born, one of the biggest highlights was introducing him to you.

 

From the very first meeting he has been your biggest fan. When I think of the future I foresee two brothers who are different and yet who are the best of friends.

Happy birthday, my love. My littlest one. My Milo. My stinky-butt-kid. My Miles Paul.

We love you, buddy!