exasperating

Conner has a new word. The word is "exasperating." It is quite the word for my four year old to mention at least a thousand times a day... or once every three seconds.

I am pretty sure that hearing the word "exasperating" is exasperating.



Colton is quite the crawler these days. He is fast... especially when the Lego's are out. When the boys wanted to play Lego's the other day, Conner begged me to pull out the pack-n-play for Colton.

I set the pack-n-play up for Colton, filled it with baby toys, and placed Colton in it.

Colton was surprisingly happy.



Less than five minutes later... who should I find in the pack-n-play?



Yep.
The two older brothers decided to climb in the pack-n-play with Colton.





So.
I ended up removing Colton from the pack-n-play so big brothers could play.
Colton was happy to play on the floor with the Lego's.
Big brothers ended up playing in the pack-n-play - for hours.







one word. exasperating.
happily so.

Cowboy Space Rangers Cover My Walls..

A couple months ago, I tried to get updated pictures of the older boys.




The photo shoot was not successful. at. all. It was horrible. Everyone was in tears, and I strongly started to question my sanity in begging my husband for an awesome camera a year ago.

I began to give up on ever capturing an awesome picture of my boys...

A couple days ago, Nate set up his lighting equipment. When his work was done, the boys and I decided to have some fun. Photo shoots are a totally different scenario for my boys when they are dressed up as Buzz Lightyear Cowboys.

They loved it.

And this little cute bum would not sit still long enough for me to take a picture. He is all about crawling these days - so this picture is perfect.




Buzz Lightyear Cowboy photos may very well cover my walls.

Yes. I Took My Camera to the Hardware Store

Twice a month my little boys have a date with dad at the hardware store for a Build and Grow Clinic. Yesterday, I decided to crash the all-boy-dad-date with my Rebel.



Yes. I took my camera to the hardware store.




I am so glad that I did.
















...and Colton? He fell asleep like only the third baby could amidst the hammering and banging.

Taming The Wild Waters

this cowboy is hard at work today.

Notes from the week:

Monday was a whirlwind that had me in tears. A very kind friend stepped in to help me pick up the pieces with big yellow pancakes for the kids, a listening ear, and movies to last the rest of the week. I am so grateful for friends who lift me when I need help.

Tuesday I spent the entire day washing bedding. A big deal. I have since washed it all again. I commit to never washing bedding unless it absolutely has to be washed.

Wednesday I signed Conner up for his first soccer team. Wow. My little boy is big enough to play soccer. I also took the kids clothes shopping with me. The older boys were amazingly good, thanks to an entire box of Altoids. Colton was great until he pooped and his diaper leaked all over me. We ate a gourmet chocolate bar and sat on the grass because it was a beautiful day and Conner and I had a very intense discussion about handbags.

Thursday I resolved to getting organized again. Until I read this blog post, and then I decided to spend the entire day being completely unproductive. It was great.

Friday two words. Potty. Training.

I also acknowledge that today is Friday and I had started a "be a better mom" series on Fridays. But honestly, any creative juice is dried up with sure exhaustion and carpet cleaner.


Isn't my juice drinking cowboy cute??


Finally, at the risk of feeling extremely vulnerable, I want to express gratitude for you.
I love being a mom to three young boys, but at times it is lonely.

Lonely in a sense that my boys consume everything I have to offer... and I often feel guilty that I can not do or be more for others.

I am grateful for the times you listen to me, read my blog, and offer support.

Thank you for supporting me and helping me along the way.
I wouldn't be the mom I am without you.
Thank you.

Grateful

I am grateful for paint.


I am grateful for soap to clean up the paint.

I am grateful for little toes to kiss.

I am grateful for love shared between brothers.

I am grateful for sunglasses.

I am grateful for imaginations that allow train cars to be built out of boxes and bags of beans.

I am grateful for moments of sleep.

I am grateful for eager helpers who voluntarily help when I am busy.

I am grateful for the simple things that make my boys smile.

I am so grateful for my boys.

I am grateful for the simple, sacred moments we are able to share each day.
Moments that remind me of a Father in Heaven who loves me.
Moments that remind me to slow down and enjoy the simple gifts each day has to offer.
Simple gifts that were created just for me.
The wind, the trees, the sun.
The hugs, the kisses, the laughs.
All created to provide joy and manifest the reality of a God who loves and cares about us.

I am grateful.

"We are always in the presence of God. There is never a non-sacred moment."
Max Lucado

Theme of the Day: All Dog House

Conner has been begging for his very own dog collar for months.
I have consistently refused... until today.


We had our own little dog party with dog treats, bones, a dog house, obedience school, and word fetch.

We talked about the difference between hands and paws.
We discussed how dogs brush their teeth, bathe, and comb their hair.
We even touched upon the subject of how dogs use the bathroom...



The older boys were pretty happy.
The baby was pretty entertained by his brothers the dogs.



And on a totally different topic, I was pretty excited to take pictures of these little toes.
I love them.


This all boy house is going to the dogs...

How Do You Keep the Wonder?

"The most important gift we can offer others is our presence.
When thoughtfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."
-thich nhat hanh

How do you keep your presence?
How do you keep the wonder?
How do you avoid doing something that you do not want to do?

2011 Valentine's Day Report

Nate worked late on Valentine's Day, so the monkeys and I had some fun of our own. I taught my four-year-old and two-year-old how to door-bell-ditch. We spent the entire afternoon leaving treats for neighbors to find.

The boys loved it.


We might leave treats for friends more often. Fresh air. Lots of running. Eagerness to leave goodies. The perfect toddler activity.

Since Daddy did not get to spend Valentines with us, we celebrated all weekend long with a daddy kidnapping, bag decorating, heart hiding party.


The boys were excited to give Dad the Valentine's Day card they bought him. I do not think they will ever find a more perfect Valentine's Day card... EVER.


and finally, I received the most perfect gift. A bouquet of spatulas (as I had requested) and a certificate verifying that I am a genuine hottie.



I am here to report that 2011 Valentine's Day was filled with happiness and love.