Cuddles, anyone?

I have a cuddler!
She snuggles in and wiggles her little booty, tucks her legs,
rests her head and says, "cuddle, momma?"
How can I resist? I never do...I promise!

Mother's Day was a day full of snuggles and cuddles...
from both my kids!
Owen is just getting to the age when he says,
"stop taking pictures, mom"

And Gabby's just starting to get to the stage
where she is saying "cheese" every time I take out my phone.

I even catch her snuggling with Daddy and Brother!

Okay...so they were actually just hiding and I found them like this.
:-)
Made me smile.

The way these two play together makes me so happy.
Owen speaks so tenderly and tries to teach Gabby things.
Then he gets frustrated because Gabby toots her own horn,
marches to her own beat...
Owen's a bit sensitive...and Gabby is showing her feisty self!
Feisty...Owen laughs when I say that.

I am getting this feeling that Gabby is going to be a show-off.
Allow me to try to explain the paradox my children are:
Owen has never been compliant, but he is afraid to break the rules.
He so wants to please...

Gabby is compliant and obedient, but she does it with a saunter.
A nod. A slyness I can't explain.
I have a feeling that Owen will not get into trouble...
Gabby will cause the trouble...or look for it...or want it...

My sweet angel...you make me smile...but I'm on to you!
It's easy to be motivated...to demand obedience.
I spend the majority of the day with 13/14 year olds...
I know what I will be dealing with if I don't!

Last night I was reading to Owen. Favorite books these days?
Critter books by Mercer Mayer.
Last night we read, "First Day of School."
When we were done, I told him I was going to be the proudest Momma when he started Kindergarten this fall...he gave me the goofiest grin...

He got a taste of Kindergarten when we went to his open house.
He saw classrooms, did some activities, went on a tour, and played on the playground.
I am becoming more and more thankful for my reduction of contract next year.
Part time. Ahhhhhhhh...

I made a suggestion to the administration about how to schedule my part time with another staff person's part time so we can share a class room.
They are working on it so that it will work.
I will have 3 classes, perhaps one will be advanced.
I may have a homeroom, but I will be done by 3:30.
I will be able to take Owen to Kindergarten AND pick him up!

I don't want a tragedy to be the thing to make me realize that I need to enjoy each moment.
I don't always do this though...sometimes, I am too tired to play hide and go seek or play tag on the playground. Sometimes I just want to read my own book or get my blog updated. Sometimes, the dishes must get done or I have to pick up the house before insanity sets in.

But I never want to regret the games I did not play with my kids
or the adventures we did not go on.

I want to keep laughing with my kids...

Thank you Jesus!

Easter Sunday at this point is quite a blur...
May is going by so fast!
I know that we were not able to go to church that day,
but we had wonderful celebrations together and with family.

a twirly blur...

brotherly/sisterly love...I so want them to be friends forever!

and a proud moment...

Owen didn't wear pajamas!

Easter is the recognition of Jesus' death and celebration of His resurrection,
but we need to remember that everyday.

I am so thankful for my church for showing me new things about the Easter story...

Jesus was a ferocious servant. His final act of servitude: crucifixion.
When Peter denied Christ the third time, Peter wept bitterly.
But this was after a look from Jesus.
The look was not of resentment, denial, or disappointment.
It was a look of understanding. Jesus knew he'd do this.
Jesus knew each time I would deny Him.
He still died...He still loves.

When my children fail to obey, love, or so the right thing,
how do I look at them?
Do they know I love them regardless?...

Precious Moments-Never too busy?

Two weeks ago we were teased. I hate being teased. I blogged about getting yard work done, trimming bushes, pulling weed, cleaning out flower beds, anticipating the arrival of perennials.
And then this happens.
I know: It's gorgeous!
But after Spring has already sprung?
That's tough.

I pulled out of the driveway and decided to take this photo. A car drove past me and I got quite a look for being in the middle of the road looking like an idiot.
I knew I had to take it though because Spring was here...
Meaning: the snow would be gone as fast as it arrived.
I was right; by the end of the day, it was gone.

My darling, my baby doll, my precious little girl...she is working the art of manipulation.
"Mommy! Owie! Hut! Fin-guh, hut!!"
Translation: "Mommy! Ouch! My finger hurts!"
I don't think it really hurts...I think she has learned how much attention you can get when you are hurt. You get a mother's loving touch, some sort of cream, and a band-aid.
So, she likes to try this...

Yes, I am the bad parent who forgot the Cubbies vest.
Yes, I forgot the camera so I had to use my cell phone.
And, yes, I was the horrible mother who left early and didn't get to see the other 300 kids get their awards. Hey-before you judge...
Owen rebelled and rarely wore his vest all year-even when I sewed his patches on!
My camera is on the fritz and I'm asking for a new one for Mother's Day.
And...my two-year-old was crabby because it was her bedtime!

But I sure was a proud Mommy!
Owie learned 26 verses this year and got a certificate.
He loved being on stage and said he wanted to go up there again.
He was so cute...I couldn't help waving at him.
He waved back.
Yes, I never thought I would be one of those parents! :-)

Today is Good Friday and our Bible Study falls on this night.
We invited Mimi over to help. She's such a blessing.

Palm Sunday

Today Owen got to use big-boy black scissors to cut the edges of his palm for Palm Sunday lessons. He is into the response, "I know, Mom!"
So, when I was telling him that Palm Sunday is remembering Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he said, "I know, Mom."
I am so glad they have such wonderful teachers! :-)

Gabby looks more disheveled that how she woke...she was quite happy, makes the bed-head even more adorable! When her usual "teacher" was not at her class, she almost hesitated going in. But, Pam (I just learned her name) took Gabby in her arms and that's all it takes for Gabby.

You'd never guess that Owen got stitches only a week ago...when I picked up Owen after church service, I said that to his teacher. She looked so surprised! He's jumping and running and forgetting it's there...until I take off the sock and band-aid to clean and dress it again.
Then he says, "Mom, you have to carry me. Can I watch a movie? I can't walk..."
Blah, blah, blah...
"but I need something!" :-)

I have another post in my mind about the blessings of life and being a child of God...
I'll keep you waiting...for a bit...

If you are squeamish...don't look!

Know that you have been warned!
Summertime couldn't be here fast enough for Owen.
As I recall, he had his suit on and was in the "pool" last April too!
I was so proud to have my yard raked and be able to see my perennials poking up in the landscaping.

Owen was out playing, digging up worms, getting dirty...head to toe!
We were just finishing up to go inside to get cleaned up...
then I thought of one more thing to do...
I headed to the end of the driveway to clean up around the mailbox...
Owen "found" a broken glass bottle that had been kicked up into our yard...
probably by a plow this winter.

I knew immediately he would need stitches...
blood and a big flap of skin!

He was such a trooper until they tried to stick him with a needle
to numb the area to prep for stitches.

"DON'T DO IT! DON'T DO IT!" Literally kicking and screaming.
So, Urgent Care was useless.
We were sent to the ER.
While waiting, poor little guy was so tuckered out, he fell asleep on the gurney.

Yes, he has Spiderman pj's and swimsuit on and he's dirty. Very dirty.
You know how they tell you to keep in mind that if you were to get into an accident and they had to strip you down to help you...make sure you are not wearing your grandma panties?
Well, you can't plan what your kid is wearing when you head to the ER either!

Nice doctor got it done and got it done FAST!
Yes, it's a bummer that O is hobbling around, but he's recovering.
He sure knows how to milk it though!
:-)

How do we say Thank you?

So...What 87 year-old comes over so one can have a wonderful night with her husband and best friends? Mimi...
Gramma mimi is amazing.
She not only drives across Wisconsin and Illinois to see her youngest grandchildren and great grand children, because family is the most meaningful depth in her bones, but she "babysits" for a four and two-year old without thinking about what it will actually take to keep them occupied while Mom and Dad hit the town. I take for granted that I know such a woman. I know she was "Mom" to 5 children, but I find it amazing that I am still getting to know her each time I get to see her.

Roger and I got to go out with some friends ...
and she took my kids for a walk, hunted "dragons," and put on PJ's, read stories, said prayers...

She knows the beauty of friendship so she is letting me have just that...
I hope she knows how much I love and appreciate her.
Not just as a "babysitter."
But as my Grandmother.
Grand...
She sure has been grand to me.
People who love me so much to let me have my life to live...
I hope I can give, or am giving, as much of myself so that others can live their lives...
My kids...am I doing that unselfishly???

Am I giving back enough?...

Climbing "Mountains" and "Dragon" hunts

The snow is quickly melting outside so I had to get these promised photos up.
Before the last big melt (followed up by another big snowstorm)
I took Owen out to climb mountains and hunt dragons:
The "mountains" are really the huge (gi-normous, as Owen likes to quote from Elf)
piles of snow from the parking lot near our home.
Literally the most fun "butt slides" I've ever made.
(A "butt slide" is when you make a path without a sled
and keep going down it to make the path compact and really fast!)


This picture I took of Owen at the top and I was sitting at the bottom to show how big this pile really is...If it were daylight, you'd see the tops of trees that are nearly buried under these snow piles.

I taught Owen how to clear pine branches for good climbing and nesting inside its cover.
He loved having a place to hide from the "dragons."
I still have no idea what these are or where they came from but he warns me when he sees one coming. He says this is the look he makes when he is surprised by one...

Sometimes it got cold out there, but how could I tell him no?
We knew it was time to go in when the sky was dark...
at least in the winter we can follow that rule. :-)

Delayed Gratification?

So...I forgot my phone charger in WI.
It takes 2-3 days to get a package from one state away.
When the package finally came, there were two packs of gum, a few forgotten toys, and my charger.
Thanks, Dad and Mom!
"Thanks, Gramma & Papa Phi!"
Yes, Gabby has a new name for Grampa Phil.

So, we opened the package at dinner and Gabby emptied her pack.
You can see here.
She started to unwrap and put pieces into her mouth when I wasn't looking.
After two pieces I told her no more...

She didn't like that!

My tender, sweet, baby girl...
has become a two-year-old!
AHhhh...I was wondering when this was going to happen.
:-)

Snow to Spring...maybe?

Spring Break is upon us...and so is nicer weather!

Before the sun started to warm things up and before the snow started to melt,
Owen and I got to go on a few "dragon hunts" (that's a whole new post!!),
make forts in the snowy trees,
and then teach Gabby all about making forts in the living room...

We used all the cushions, the footrest, all the furniture and as many blankets and sheets that we could find. Even Mom fit under there with her coffee! :-)

So this was a whole 10 minutes of fun because the kids were desperate to go outside...

We tried...we really did! It ended up being really cold and the wind had blown loose snow over the driveway...when will it end???
I am not so cooped up, but having a 4 and 2 year old who need a world to explore...
I am eager for spring.

So, what happened today? :-)
A teeny tiny Melt-down ...
I am aware that March and April can still bring a blanket of snow,
but today we drew with chalk on the driveway and found some old toys that were buried in the snow last fall!

Literally buried! I remember putting them on the stairs to clean up and bring inside before the snowfall. How did they not get brought in?
These past two years, I can say that once the snow fell, earlier than anticipated,
it stayed until spring.

Please don't judge me for not putting clothes on him...
He's "thick"...he'll be alright.
:-)
At least he remembered a hat!

BEAUTY...

When you get to live in or travel to some of the most beautiful places on the planet, you often think that may be the only place beauty really is.
I never want to take for granted the blessing of living where I am or with whom I am living...around or near as well.
I drive Hwy 10 every day for less than a mile.
As I get off the highway and onto the ramp, I get to see the various stages of the seasons and daylight's savings because of where the sun rises over this hill.
Owen is so tuned in to detail that he often points out to me,
"ooh! pretty sky!"
Especially if there are lots of colors.
Yes, we still have about 18 inches or more of snow on our lawn and it is March.

Yes, today I was feeling warm because it was 36 degrees.
Yes, I tell Lori I will move to Florida if we ever sell two houses. :-)
Yes, I wish I didn't have to heat up my sheets with rice bags before I crawl into bed.
But...
I have never hated it here.
I am blessed...Yes, God is good.
If I can teach my kids one thing...God is always good.

Taking a moment to appreciate the little things that make me smile!

A few "lately" stories that I want to remember forever:

When she wakes up, the first thing she says (other than, "momma!") is, "Owie? Daddy?"
"Owie? Owie?"
(that's how she says her brother's name...
not responding to being hurt, in case you were confused)

I pick her up from daycare on Tuesday and Wednesday and she asks,
"Owie? Daddy? Home? Pizza?"
Yep, she knows what she wants.
I have come to the horrible realization that I have taken 1/2 the amount of pictures of her than were taken of Owen. I cannot believe the number of photos I have of him...

I am so proud of him-he is starting to get breakfast for himself because I tell him he can't wake anyone up until a certain time (depending on the day). Even though most mornings he wakes up singing, I don't want to be woken up before 6 on Saturday morning! :-)

The other morning he did it all by himself and he came to show me how he had put peanut butter on his bread all by himself...good thing I was just crawling out of bed.
Another time I heard a plate drop and Owen say, "oh!"
It was a new loaf and he couldn't get the inside packaging open.
He tip-toed to my door, pushed it open, and whispered,
"uh, I need help."

Another time I woke up to Owen in the bathroom saying,
"oh, that's just great!"
I still have no idea what happened in there...

The other night I heard Roger getting frustrated with Owen.
Something about "taking a bath."
I go down the hall to find Owen giving himself a "bath" with his toothbrush.
He's getting it wet and brushing his body...
Yes, I can see why Roger was frustrated...and disgusted.
But I couldn't help laughing.
Man, the things I NEVER want to forget.

Like the time Owen was running around the house in just a neck warmer.
What a picture! (No, I didn't take that one with the camera!)
I recently was thinking about when I am going to allow Gabby to wear make-up and hoop earrings...definitely not this young! :-)For now, each morning (and sometimes at night) she asks me to do her hair: she gets her stool, sets it next to me in the bathroom, pulls out her comb and hair bands...I can never deny her that one little request
(or ANY request, for that matter...she is so precious!)

Gabby has a way of making everything fun.
One time at Applebee's she was dancing along with the music-
she won't sit in a highchair or a booster seat so she stands in the booth next to me.
The next day she decided to dance on her chair at breakfast...but there was no music.
I had to smile.
Owen walks through a room and it explodes...not literally, but he leaves a path...mess after mess after mess.
Gabby, on the other hand, straightens and picks things up.
She even lays down her diaper just so and straightens my shoes on the mat by the door.

Owen caught on to mealtime prayers quickly. To this day, Gabby has not stopped eating for ten seconds while we thanked God for the blessings of our day and for the food.
BUT...at the end of every book she says, "AMEN!"
Oh, she'll catch on...eventually...hey?
(like the leg-warmers? Gramma Mimi made those for her! I gave her the idea of how to use of the rest of some old yarn...cute, hey?)

Last week when I picked Owen up from a playdate I could tell he was so tired
(no nap and late night day before).
His friend offered him a snack,
but I said we could get something at home if Owen was still hungry

(they had just had ice cream and I didn't think fruit snacks were the best option)

We got in the car and Owen said, "I AM hungry."
"ok, honey"
He proceeded to tell me that if I did not give him something to eat, he would be very crabby.
"ok, honey"
He then told me that he was going to count to 5 and I'd better give him something.
"ok, honey"
You see, the few minutes before he falls asleep in the car, he tends to ramble, yell, complain, and whine about everything under the sun. It used to make me mad
(it still bothers me, but now I know what is happening),
Now I just wait and watch for him to fall asleep.
Yep, 5 minutes into the drive: fast asleep.
I carried him to his bed and in his sleep he proceeded to tell me,
"I want something!"

(Are you giggling MB?)
Oh, the stories are endless so I will save more for another day!

(**reminder to myself: I laughed while writing this and laughed while reading it again...)