The Cat and the Dog

I have this grand dream that one day I will be a published author.

But let's be honest, I have three boys under the age of five. I am lucky to get a shower every day - let alone write a paragraph or two - and I love that my life is that way. But sometimes I find myself feeling a little sad that I do not have the time to pursue story ideas more intensely or finish that character sketch that was half eaten by the baby.


Conner and I have been working on kindergarten sight words this summer - which has been amazing. He loves it. He is a genius. So the other night I decided to write him his very own book utilizing all of the words he can read with some crazy-mama-can't-draw-illustrations.

Presenting my first children's book. The Cat and the Dog




When I wrote the book - even though there is absolutely no plot - it made me happy. It made me happy to be writing something for my child. It made me happy to be creating something that I knew he would love.







Even though the pictures are insane, he loves the book - and that makes me happy.







Being a published author would be pretty darn awesome.
But today, writing books for my kids [complete pictures of dogs jumping over rainbows] is amazing. I love being a mom.

You Know You Live in a Chiropractic Household When....

your child (Conner) gets sent to time out for attempting to adjust Daddy in the wrong place.

grateful...

Last weekend I spent some time with an amazing friend from high school.
It was pretty darn amazing.
I'm still smiling.

I am so grateful for each and everyone of you - you put a smile on my face.

Sometimes I have a hard time believing that such amazing people like you actually care about someone like me. I constantly make mistakes, say the wrong words, fail to pick up the phone, I am crazy-emotional when I am pregnant or have a new baby, and I cancel play dates due to grumpy kids. And at times I feel like everything I have to give is instantly absorbed by my kids and there is nothing leftover for me to give to you. Thank you for still being there for me and loving me.

The other night Conner was out trying to ride his bike without training wheels. All of his neighborhood friends with the neighborhood-grandparents circled around him to offer encouragement and advice. I watched in awe and amazement, completely and fully grateful for those who care so much for us. Each of you have circled around me and cheered me on when I have needed you, and I am beyond grateful for you. I am grateful for the lessons you have taught me and the wonderful individuals that you are.


"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you."
— Elbert Hubbard

self portrait

Caleb drew his first self portrait on Sunday.



You might notice the slight tint of yellow at Caleb's feet.
Don't worry, its just urine drawn with a yellow crayon.
Yes, Caleb drew a picture of himself urinating.
All boy. All boy. All boy.

Truth or Dare.

Truth: Girls camp rocked.



Truth: I love the Boyd Lake girls. They are fabulous, amazing, fun, brilliant, and simply wonderful. I had a blast hanging out with them all week. I admire each and every girl for the strengths they possess. I wish I could keep you all forever.



Truth: I love that this cute-cute-lady used every bathroom at camp. Emilee was such a fabulous camp-assistant, and I love her. She has fun written all over her and I hope to be around to play with her and her little baby.





Truth: I duct taped one of the leaders to a tree, and the other one I sacrificed to the bears.




Truth: Susan is seriously cute when she sleeps. I love her willingness to laugh at my stupid jokes, carry "dead bodies" up the hill in a plastic container, share her dental floss, listen to my freak-out moments when I thought my brother was going to die, and take the blunt of the water that came during water fights. Susan, my trees belong to you.

Truth: I took all the girls mooning - with cardstock.



Truth: I steam-rolled the girls that would not wake up in the morning.

Truth: I tackled girls and drew on them with markers when they refused to play the game right.



Truth: I played stupid-truth-or-dare all week. Girls were constantly "truthed" to discover if deep down they loved climbing the hills or "dared" to eat dessert in the outhouse. Lame, but fun.

Truth: I think ward camp director is the best calling ever.




Dare: I dare you to read this post again.

CJ has some big news

and he is excited to tell you.



The suprise starts with the letter W,



rhymes with the word talking,



and makes us so happy that both arms always remain elevated in the air.



CJ is walking!



and he could not be any happier.



CJ is such a big boy.



CJ.
You know how to make your mom proud.

Flying Cars...

Three kids are buckled in the car.

(yes, this is another car story)

I am preparing to back out of the drive way when a matchbox car comes flying at me from the back of the van and lands in the cup holder.

Normally, such an act would be breaking point for me. An act that would instantly disintegrate my grand plans to leave the house and result in major time outs. Throwing things in the car is never okay and it is never safe.

But today I took a deep breath and calmly asked the mischievous four-year-old (Conner) why he decided to throw a car at me from the back of the van. His response surprised me. Overcome with joy, he celebrated his little victory of scoring a matchbox basket in the cup holder and declared that he did it out of love for me.

Conner went on to say: "Mommy, I was thinking about how much I love you when I threw the car and made the basket. I only made the basket because I was thinking about how much I love you. If I wasn't thinking about how much I love you, I would of missed and not made a basket because thinking about how much I love you helps me make baskets."



He was so excited.
I am so glad I took a deep breath and controlled my temper.
I have pretty darn amazing kids.

We still had a pretty intense discussion about why we do not throw things in the car, but only after I paused my driving to look at him in the eyes and tell him that I love him too.

Being a mom is. the. best.

bike riding

Nate pulls all three boys along while I try to keep up on my bike.... I am one clumsy biker.
Riding around the neighborhood, all three boys fight over who gets to sit on the Tyke Toter next. Yes, all three. Mr. Colton now screams his way into arguments, and the Tyke Toter is definitely worth screaming about. Sitting on the Tyke Toter basically makes you king of the moment. I am big time loving the fact that Nate can transport all three kids on his bike. Daddy Day Care has a whole new look.

Sky Farts

You know that you live in an "all-boy-house" when the nickname of "sky farts" removes any fear, apprehension, and/or anxiety related to thunder.

When was the last time you heard the sky fart?

Independence Day 2011

Neighborhood parade with awesome friends while Nate was playing chiropractor.
(thanks again, Jen!)









Bike Rides. Look who is finally riding a big boy bike :)





Grandma and Grandpa, walking in the park, sunglasses, and snap-poppers.



Chasing Friends.





Fireworks



Independence Day 2011 was amazing.
America, you are truly beautiful.