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.

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.

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!