Morning Song

In preparation for one of Jeff's Christmas gifts I have spent the last few months reading through old journal entries. It's been so wonderful to refresh my memory of the days when we were first married and lifestyle then compared to now. Both are equally great but tremendously different. The thing that struck me the most was the morning routine.
When we were first married we only had one car (it was a 1965 Ford Mustang) and we shared it. It was so romantic because it caused us to do everything together. From a journal entry I remember that this was the routine every morning; I would get up, go to the bathroom(this part is still true), go back and cuddle my husband who would hit the snooze over and over, get up, make breakfast while Jeff was getting dressed for work, sit down and eat breakfast together, make Jeff's lunch, drive him to work...come home and get ready myself. It was such a great start and yet, it ended.
After Braxton was born I read that I would still get up with Jeff but instead of a big bacon and egg breakfast I would simply pour his cereal and milk and sit with him while he ate it. Still made his lunch but thankfully didn't have to get the baby up and drive him to work. Still special.
Then something happened...I learned that baby's sleep is a huge essential to my whole day and started to make it a priority. Braxton learned that if he woke up and if I wasn't ready to wake up he could jump into bed with me and fall back asleep. A win, win, for all....except my cherished morning routine with Jeff. Needless to say I would still make his lunch, I would just do it the night before, and I would make sure he had breakfast within reach of the pastry tray where I would leave muffins, fresh bread...but it wasn't the same.
So....around the same time I started reading these old journals I was also feeling a bit lost in my routine. I felt mentally exhausted and I discovered it was because I was allowing my children to decide when my day started, rather than deciding myself. I recognized that I am the happiest and things go the smoothest when I am able to have some time with Jeff in the morning, one on one, and then have a bit of time to myself before the kids got out of bed.
This has been amazing and it's way more beneficial to me than an extra hour of sleep. I have re-committed myself to waking with Jeff, making his breakfast and getting his lunch ready, then having a cup of tea and self meditation before the kids crawl out of bed. It is a win, win, win, win, for everyone and I am anxious to keep it going.

The Magic of Christmas Eve

Jeff and I decided this year that even as adults there is something really magic about Christmas Eve. The excitement and anticipation was really evident in our home and hearts. Braxton was so fun this year. For the first time he was actually into the whole thing and was really anxious about Santa coming to his house. The kids got to open their Christmas Eve present before bed. Matching monkey pj's. After they put them on Jeff read the Christmas Story in Luke and then "The night before Christmas." Then we got to call Jeff's brother in Japan and wish him a Merry Christmas.

After Adelle was asleep Braxton and I decorated the last of the Christmas cookies to leave out for Santa.
Braxton, who usually does not look forward to bedtime, was anxious for bed. He was so funny. We were in his room and he kept saying that he heard something and finally during his last story he goes, "I think we should just go to bed and not finish the story." He knew that the sooner he was asleep the sooner Santa would come. Too bad this only happens once a year:)
Then the fun began. Jeff started building bikes and doll strollers and I went on a wrapping spree. I don't think I've ever been so nervous. Braxton is known to get out of bed if we are watching a movie or something and he will just sneak up on us out of nowhere. We were paranoid to say the least. We kept watching his door and every noise we would both stop and be silent. It was pretty pathetic actually but fun non the less.

This was the finished product. It was beautiful. Everything was in order and ready for the kids to wake up too. There really was something magic about the whole thing.

Christmas morning we woke up around 8:00am to discover the kids were still asleep! We laid there deciding whether or not to wake them. Adelle woke up shortly after us and we sent her in to wake up "brover." We stayed in bed and listened to this:
"Sis, we have to go to sleep or else Santa won't come."
When we told Braxton it was morning he stream lined to the front room with Adelle close behind. Then the fun began. Both the kids were thrilled with their Santa gifts. Braxton a hot-wheels bike that revs and helmet and Adelle a talking baby with a high chair, stroller, and crib. So perfect.
So fun.
Then we got to go to my mom and dad's for the traditional, amazing, Christmas brunch and to spend time with family. We got to call my brother Brent who is in Spain on a mission. It was so great to talk to him and he turned all our tears to laughter when he busted out "Felis Navidad" on speaker phone.
Then it off to my aunt Rebecca's...more good food and lots of family. We are so blessed.
The joy of Christmas is so real and so evident in the eyes of a child. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Table Talk

So tonight for dinner we were eating baked spaghetti and spinach salad. Braxton and Adelle were both eating so good and so I voiced to them my appreciation by telling them how glad I was that they were eating such a good dinner. Braxton responded...
"What are you talking about, this is amazing. I wish my mouth was bigger. Tigres you've got to try this."
It's a line from his favorite movie, "Kung Fu Panda." It was so on Q and perfect. Jeff and I were laughing hysterically.
This boy is so funny and so much like his dad in this way. The rest of the meal was spent listening to them quote different lines from the movie. I have a feeling this is what many more of our meal conversations will be like.
I'm o.k with that.

Why do I love life?

Is it because....

1. My little angel girl just went to bed at 6:15pm and I get an evening to myself?
2. Our furnace is broken and we get to purchase a new one...like now!?
3. My husband is turning 28 this week and we get to be "alone" for a night?
4. We are having our third baby in less than a month?
5. I am feeling much better after feeling really lousy the last couple days?
6. Our Christmas tree lights are on from the minute the kids get up until we go to sleep?
7. I got to take a really long, hot, shower this afternoon?
8. The snow is melting?
9. The kids are healthy?
10. My mom came and picked up Braxton this afternoon to come to her house and play. Just what he needed was some alone time with Bama. They were having a tea party when I called them.?

I really love life.
I know I am glad that I was not a pioneer! I'm thankful that I'm not a single parent. And I'm glad that my mom is close and loves my kids so much. I'm thankful for good health. I'm thankful for this beautiful, peaceful time of year.

PATIENCE is a PROCESS

I think I am maturing in my old age. So many little things happen lately that before I think I would have totally lost my cool but for some reason, even being 8 months pregnant, I manage to be patient.
For example in this picture...Braxton is upset because he can't find his apron. I let him borrow one of mine and he is still upset because it is a "girl" one.
I let him eat a bite of dough and everything was all of a sudden better. However this whole experience was a patience tester. The kids loved making sugar cookies and it was worth all the flour everywhere and re-rolling the dough a million times after Adelle used her cookie cutter to destroy all of our already cut-out cookies.
They are so fun. So easily entertained and so good at strengthening my patience! I think I am almost ready to add another little personality to this beautiful mix!

to sum it all up...

We have been busy enjoying the Christmas season! We decorated our tree Saturday and got out all of our Christmas decorations.
Adelle and I played "Nativity" while Jeff did homework and Braxton took a 3 hour nap!
I guess he was tired after this!
Our "cut down the tree" tradition was carried out again this year. It was a beautiful day but so so cold! Adelle wouldn't let me put her down and I was fine holding her the whole time (extra body heat!).
The new baby anticipation is growing. The kids have been playing baby and pretending they are babies.
We have been going through lots of bins of Braxton's old baby clothes....I'm still pretty set we are having a boy but if not, Adelle's clothes are within reach as well.
just being cute...these ones are keeping me on my toes for sure. They are so busy and have so much energy! Good thing they are so cute.
Adelle is Ms. Personality. I always thought Braxton was as animated as they come but now I'm not sure....
We've spent some cold afternoons at the park. We are not complaining. It's been so beautiful, just requires some bundling.
Braxton being a good big brother and pushing his sister on the swing. This was really cute, Adelle was giggling the whole time.
Playing a little football in the dirt. The dirtier he gets, the better he thinks he's played. These activities (that I participate in daily) keep me really optimistic about this baby being on-time...if not early:)
More pretending...here we have Officer Adelle and Pirate Braxton.
Hanging out with cousin Carson. Aren't they precious together?
Decorating a ginger bread house. This was so fun to do as a family. Jeff "built" the house and I did the frosting and Braxton put on the candy decorations. Adelle ate the pieces we left within her reach.
I love this little patio off the back of our house. It's covered and the wind seems to not blow in there as much. The kids love being out there playing.
And of course, still working out in the dirt.
Hope you are all enjoying "the most wonderful part of the year." We sure are!

What I know

Andrea took a shot at a poem, so I figured I would give it a try. I am not as creative as she is so it is pretty simple, but it is truly how I feel. I call it "What I Know."

I know how to
Appreciate, Argue, Apoligize,
because of you.

I know how to
Live, Laugh, Love,
because of you.

I know how to
Trust, Teach, Tickle,
because of you.

I know how to
Desire, Dance, Due Dishes,
because of you.

I know how to
Cuddle, Kiss, Care,
because of you.

All I know, All I am, All I'll be is
because of you.

Andrea I love for all that you are and all that you have taught me. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Thank you for loving me so much.

Love,
Babe

Thanksgiving from the mouth of a 4 year old

Braxton learned this beautiful poem at Preschool. It's by Nellie Edge. He came home and shared it with me. It is so simple but so true.

Thank You
I say "thank you" to my Mom.
I say "thank you" to my Dad.
I say "thank you" to my friends.
Now we all feel glad.

I asked Braxton what he was thankful for last night after we taught him a little bit about Thanksgiving. He said, "I'm thankful for my mom." "Oh Braxton, that is so nice, why are you thankful for mom?" I asked him. He answered immediately, "what else would I be thankful for?"

I too am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends. Especially now I am so thankful to my wonderful, loving, kind, hardworking husband, who works so hard and sacrifices so much so that I can be home and take care of my beautiful children. That is my greatest blessing this year.
Thanks Babe for all you do without ever complaining.
I love you!

Ready or Not?

We are getting ready for baby around here. Time is continuing to fly by and I know the next 7 weeks will continue to stay busy. So far this has been the easiest pregnancy. I still forget I'm pregnant....until I look in my closet to get dressed or get kicked in the ribs!
Adelle is preparing herself. She knows there is a baby in mommy's tummy, or at least that mommy doesn't have much room on her lap anymore. We are working on being "soft" with her baby dolls that she is usually tossing around or carrying by their legs.
This is her putting baby nigh night. She won't have this responsibility with our baby, don't worry.
This is her carrying baby nicely. She tries really hard to be gentle.
Lesha came over and we canned a bunch of pears a few weeks ago. These are always my babies favorite food and although I know the baby won't eat them right away, I feel good knowing they are on the shelf.
Baby Kate, my new little niece being fondled by Adelle. Adelle did not want anything to do with Kate for the first few weeks but she is fascinated by her now. Hopefully this will assist our own transition.
Isn't this picture fascinating! My friend Mindi is an amazing ultra-sound tech. Really handy when you are pregnant! So what do you think? Boy or Girl? We are still surprised but I really know it's a boy. I don't really know.....but I will be totally floored if it's a pink baby. Everything to me feels boy so we will see. So exciting! In Braxton's own words, "We need a brother because we already have a sister."

These are a few of my Favorite Things...

A sharp dressed man.....and boy.
Beautiful, sweet, girl.

And.....

One of my favorite things is cooking nutritious meals for my family. I love being healthy and knowing that I'm feeding my children things that are helping them to develop physically and mentally. I love it! It's challenging at times but there are very few things that bring me such peace of mind as knowing that my children have strong, healthy, bodies.

My recent favorite thing is this curry dish I made...
Pumpkin Curry

2 tbs. butter ( side note: I love butter and I don't think there is anything wrong with it....it's way better for you than the alternative "butters.")
2 cloves garlic
1 chopped onion
1-2 tbs. curry powder...your own preference
3 cups chicken broth
1 can pumpkin (15oz)
1 can coconut milk

This was so easy. Chop the onions and garlic and simmer in melted butter on the stove. Add curry powder and salt and pepper as you like. Add chicken broth and pumpkin and bring to boil. Cook 15 minutes. Add coconut milk and cook 5 more minutes.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can eat it as a soup, just as is, or you can pour it over rice, bread....
I chose to pour it over fresh spinach. It was so amazing and I was so satisfied knowing it tasted so good and was such a nutritious, warm, yummy dinner.

Me Poem

I don't like milk, but I like dippin' oreos in milk
I don't like rain, but I like listening to the rain patter on the fiberglass covering our back porch
I don't like surprises but I love it when my husband leaves me notes or brings me flowers
I don't like cleaning the toilet
I don't like seeing a dirty toilet
so I guess I like having my toilet clean

I don't have any rhythm, but I love to dance
I don't know how to put on make-up well, but I like mascara.... a lot
I don't know how to whistle but I pretend I do and it sounds funny
I don't like being tickled, but secretly I really do

I do know how to cook, I like to cook
I'm a really good cook
I can love
I can read, I like to read
I really like people, I can relate to people well
I like talking and listening, especially with my kids
I can kiss...really good
I can power walk, it makes me feel good

I love living
loving
sharing
creating
crying
laughing

I was positively edified at my MOPS group last week by a professional writer. She encouraged us to let our creative juices flow....this is my attempt!

GO QUEST

So my brother's team came down to WWU for a basketball game on Monday. We got all Quest'd out and went to cheer them on.
Here he is. The star. The captain. The leader of the pack. I can't believe this is the only picture I got. I was too busy taking pictures of the fans....don't worry. I was watching the game too.
Here is the cheerleader...and the dance queen. My mom won her Quest sweatshirt at the last game. She entered herself into the dance-off at half time and totally won. How funny!
Here are the happy fans.
More happy fans.
My sister made Addy her Quest tu-tu. She looked very cute.
Braxton is really wanting to be on the court himself.

Here's the family...GO BRYCE GO!




The next generation of players.
I'm missing something in this picture but they are all seeing it and fascinated by it.
We love you Bryce! You're a champ!

the little sister

I decided if I ever got to be a kid again I would want to be "the little sister." Adelle is such a doll and she has the best personality of anyone I have ever met. She has her brother and her dad wrapped around her little finger. She can take on any kid her age and isn't intimidated by anything/anyone. She gets away with pretty much anything. She really has it made.
Braxton always has his fingers in her hair. She's at just the right level and this boy loves hair! It drives Adelle crazy. She's always pushing his hand away. It's funny to watch. Braxton is always wanting to love on her and she usually is trying to get away the whole time.
At Braxton's birthday this girl was the first one up in the firetruck. She is sure not bashful.
This is her favorite move. Whenever any of us are laying on the floor she comes and "rides" us. It's fun for Jeff, a little painful for me lately though.
I love this girl. She is so cute and fun and adds so much pizazz to our family.
Here are some of the new words she is proclaiming...
first sentence: "I dig dirt." (only a little sister would say THIS first)
new words:
apple
open
help me
down
up
eat
milk
nose
snack
more
batman
book
our car
school
back pack

Oh and every time we see any sort of tractor, excavator,...she hollers, "daddy." It's really cute too!