Let's try this again...

So let's just say that life has happened and we have gotten a long way from daily or even monthly recordings of our family's happenings. All 5 of my "Men" and this mama are in completely new places in our lives. This blog really is not tailored to "readers" as it is a place for my boys to look back on these days and my thoughts as our family faces life, grows, and finds our places. However, with that sad, I have no problem with readers coming along for the ride, and offering opinions, suggestions, or just privately nodding and thinking, "I totally get it." We are a family and we are not perfect so that's what you will see here. Just a Mama and her Men finding their place and making the most of the gifts God has given! In short... Let's try this again. And to my boys... This is our life and I would not want to share it with anyone else.

An offer I can't pass up!

There is so much to do, and so many problems to solve, but I'll never pass up a request to cuddle on the floor with my favorite 3 year old!

Summers here... Let the fun begin!

It's finally summer, which around here means a few things...

1.  Daddio's busy season starts (part time job plus his regular job).

2.  Mama and the boys are dying for some sun, fun, and new adventures (preferably adventures that the boys can all enjoy while not being so "together" they fight).

Today was the perfect day to try Chutes and Ladders Park in Bloomington.  Our opinion, so fun!!!!  In the 2 hours we were there, the boys smiled, laughed, and this mama did not hear a single complaint!  We will be returning for sure.  So excited for summer day trips with the boys!

Noah spent most of his time in the water... 

Hunter barely stood still long enough for this pic...

And what trip is complete without Ice Cream?

Priorities...

There are many days when there seems to be too many chores and activities to jam in a day.  There are days when our priorities don't align and we seem to just be in each other's way.  Then, there are those days when those sweet blue eyes make me put everything on hold for a day outside with my favorite 3 year old.

Picking my battles and loving the playoffs!

Say what you will about giving in to a restless 3 year old who wants to crawl in with mama after a long day of well, being a 3 year old!  But I will tell you that losing/ taking the easy way out has its advantages.  I love having, "mama, cuddle me," be the last words I hear before we both drift off into dreamland (even if I know sleep will be interrupted by an adorable foot kicking my or my blankets being kicked off by a little bit who has the same sleep habits as his dad!)

It's a tie!

So after yet another day of "Battle of the Wills (most of which I lost), and quite a few time outs... We both needed this...

Back at it tomorrow but for tonight, I think we will call it a draw.

Someday...

They will be happy I took so many pictures!  

There are those times...

When I swear that the frustration around here is so intense that I could pull my hair out. Just when I think I've hit my limit, this happens...

Valentines from my baby boy...

Love notes for everybody hid all over the house from Kellen...

An impromptu concert from my favorite, diaper wearing owl...

And help making supper from my near teenage son... So we can talk...

All of this in one day! I think I'll be frustrated tomorrow.

Friday Fun Night...

So much fun bowling with Eli, Noah, and Scott last night while Hunter & Kellen were at a Birthday Party.  It was Noah's first time and the first time in a long time for the rest of us!  

I'm pretty sure we all loved how excited Noah was about everything - especially the ball return!

Dad was a great helper and took it really well that Noah beat him on both games.

Eli was a bowling Pro and so focused.

After the party, we met up for the best part of bowling.... FOOD!

I think this might become a regularly scheduled outing.

Camera Shy

I have never liked my picture taken and I have proof!  Looking back at old photos, I'm pretty sure I am bawling or trying to hide from the camera in at least 90% of those shots. But, in the last few years, I have been better about candid shots of me, the boys, and Scott.  

I want my boys to have reminders of the crazy things we did together, the things that made us laugh and cry.  I want them to remember me as part of their experiences, not just the person capturing it.  I want them to remember how much I enjoy times like this ... 

The Best Part of Winter...

Is watching these guys enjoying every minute of it, and every single flake!

Four boys ranging from 2 to 12, wrestling in, sledding, eating, and throwing snow, and most importantly ... Spending time together (and liking it)!

Even working together to help their old mama!

Sunday Smiles!

Love a day filled with smiles from all of my boys!

In my opinion...

This is what a good day with a 2 year old looks like...

A little relaxing and (this is key) staying put while mama showers!

Enjoying the snow while mama shovels (within camera shot)!

A trip to the store & I love that he is helping to steer!

A little help decorating!

Finally, a little downtime before big brothers get home!  Mmmm, a little cool whip with a side of hot chocolate (mama got the hot chocolate :))

And that, in my opinion, is a very successful and memorable day with a two year old!

Welcome Christmas!

I love the Christmas Season:  the colors, sounds, smells... Everything!  Well, I take that back, there are some things that irritate me: the hustle and bustle, the stress of gifts for the kids... But outside of these few items, Christmas really is magical.  This year Scott and I are really focusing on teaching the boys that Christmas is about more than gifts so we were really excited to start the season with the boys and starting a few new traditions.

Saturday was Small Business Saturday and we are pretty lucky to be surrounded by some cute, downtown areas to peruse and enjoy.  Since the weather cooperated, we spent Saturday morning in St. Peter, checking out holiday displays and various antique shops.  So fun to see the shops "decked out" and hearing the Christmas music.  We even ran into Santa who seemed to be doing the same thing!

After some sunshine and fresh air, we headed home  for lunch and naps so we could rest up for evening festivities!

We closed the night at the Kiwanis Light Display!  This was our first time there, but not our last!!! This will definitely be a Holiday tradition in years to come!  Beautifully done and all volunteers were so nice.

All bundled up and ready to go!

Entering the park for the driving tour...

The driving tunnel...

Visits with Santa...

A great family outing!

Summer 2013 Recap!!!

Ok... So here it goes!  Summer is over and school has begun and I am behind...    The summer flew by, as it always does!  The boys and I spent the whole break here in MN with no major vacations, but we managed to pack the days full of activity.  Overall, days filled with....

Tee Ball.  Kellen was into it but Hunter was much more interested in the huge sandbox!

Lots of swimming!  The three youngest were excited to finally use "the big pool" with Eli! 

Parades and Fairs...

Lunch dates with daddio...

 

LOTS of library fun...

Relaxation...

And best of all, BROTHER TIME!!!!

A good summer!