The Store With The Kiddos

I ventured to the grocery with the kids in tow today. I had high hopes. And dreams. And ambitions. And a list.

The list is crucial. However, sticking to it is optional.

It was a necessary trip, we needed the basics and few things we just can't do without. Like coffee. Remember when I gave up caffeine? Well, I lost that fight.

As the kiddos grow and become more adventurous, I have started to appreciate my quiet nights when I go to the store after bedtime and wonder the aisles alone. It was easy when I could dish out goldfish or a pacifier, but now there are questions, wants, neeeeeeeds, the touching of all things glass, and incessant talking on a shopping trip.

We're like a traveling slumber party :).

They said my name 29 times in the car during the 11 minute drive. 29 times. I counted. Only a child can do that, it's a quality that is unique to their species.

As much as I love Target, I swear that red bulls eye sends a crazy surge through the kids. It's a conspiracy. The more rowdy they are, the more mindless shopping I will do.

Hence the problem of going in for 8 things and coming out with 30.

I like to think I know them really well, but there are some things about children that will always remain a mystery.

I'll never understand why they have to touch everything, open every freezer door, or why we have to talk (loudly) about tampons from the moment we pass the aisle till the moment we check out. The 8yr old, has SO MANY questions - that I can and will answer when we aren't in the company of the young stock guy who is filling the shelves.

And speaking of shelves, Lincoln is freakishly good at clearing them off from the front of the cart. He'd be unstoppable on the game show Supermarket Sweep. Remember that? Is it odd that I loved it when I was younger? Maybe a little?

Kinley carried a donkey pinata through the whole store. We weren't buying it, but she looked so stinkin' cute carrying it, so I didn't fight it.

Across the way I see a fellow mom lean down and say something through her teeth to a child that is dropping popcorn on the ground and then stepping on it, and I smile and nod. The mom nod, our secret "I understand" notion to each other.

I pass the arts and craft aisle as quickly as possible, as in it's just a red blur as you see my cart zoom by - because the kids looove that aisle. And as much as I would like to pretend that I am that mom who lets her kids pick out craft supplies so we can make happy-best mom ever-craft memories together, I don't. I try to, but it always ends up like this...

These days, I like to stick to activities where I don't have to hose them off in the backyard or mop the kitchen afterwards.

And alas, the cart is full, we are at the back of the store, and someone has to pee. Friends, this is when society takes me out of the running for Mom Of The Year. I bend down to my 3yr old and say,

"If you really don't have to go, and you're just wanting to check out the bathroom (because isn't that always the case??), I'm going to go off the deep end."

To which she replies, "Like the deep end at the pool?? Cool!!"

(sigh, someone please escort me to a room where I can scream freely for a few minutes.)

"Yes, baby, kind of like the pool." Only a child can remind you that your attitude could use a good laugh and some patience. I think God puts those innocent statements in there to remind us how little they are. Always grace, even when they are exhausting.

So I remind myself that He only asks me to do the next thing, and I take a deep breath and carry on with my sweet crew.

And then I quietly pray for some free time to go by myself next time :).

The Men Stick Together

He loves his daddy.

And I love that...

He was making his way out to where Eric is building our new swing set.

Lincoln follows him everywhere. I mean, everywhere.

Me? Jealous? Nah.

It's not like I carried him for 9 months, had swelling in my ankles that could've been in a documentary on Discovery Health, or had major surgery to remove him from my womb.

Ahem.

It's interesting to me that while Lincoln loves me and is attached to me, it seems that he knows Eric is a guy or something. Like there is this unspoken bond. I don't know, I'm new to all that digging in the mud, fixing cars, "man code" thing that is clearly coursing through their veins from a very young age.

It's cute, though. I love my manly men.

Annnyway. We have a handful of excited little girls on our hands about this new swing set. They played in the sprinkler when we weren't at the pool this past weekend while Eric worked on it.

Here's hoping we can finish it soon. And by "we", I mean "Eric" :).

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

(Curls Galore)

Love that girl and all those little curls :).

Unplugged

It's a quiet morning here. The younger kiddos are playing doll house and the little guy is asleep. I am so behind on all things internet that I think my laptop is about to disown me.

None of that matters though.

I hate to admit it, but I've been seeing lately how consumed I can get with so many distractions that are taking time away from my little's. When a 3yr old rushes to bring you your phone because a text or alert just came through, I believe there is an overuse issue.

I felt convicted, and a little embarrassed.

3yr olds have better things to do...

I deleted my Twitter and personal Facebook app on my phone. I left my blog Facebook because, well, it doesn't consume much time and those of you who are there crack me up. For real.

So right now I can only check those personal accounts when I get a chance to open my laptop. I know. It's like being back in the old days.

I had started to wonder what it would be like if I hugged the kids as often as a notification went off on my phone - or if I pulled them close and told them how much I loved them every time I reached for it to check a social network.

I gave it a go, and lets just say that the kids were really confused as to what was happening. They loved it, and I realized how much they needed it. But I think I needed it more.

They get a lot of love, but in todays world, they need all the love and affirmation that they can get at home. The more the better.

I want more time for the kids, more time for writing about our little family, and more time to take pictures...with my actual camera, not my phone.

Not that I won't use any fun networking things, I just need to use it wisely and at appropriate times, you know? If I have to put my hand in my kids face and tell them to wait while I finish an update, it's probably not at a good time.

I never want to forget how Lincoln puts rocks in his little shirt pocket...

 I know it sounds crazy, but you should try it. Every time your phone goes off or you want to check your Facebook feed, hug the kids instead. It is really worth it.

Not to mention the housework. Turns out that it's really not that overwhelming when your face isn't glued to your phone for half of the day.

Like we've all said a million times, they're only little once. They need their mama's attention, and I am determined to give them all that their little hearts need.

I've struggled lately with feeling consumed by them, and feeling like I have nothing to call my own outside these walls. You know, the mommy meltdown. I know some of that came from a lot of distractions. I think when we accept our calling and pour ourselves into His plan that He has set in action, true contentment will follow.

So I'm trying, and I'm needing to find total contentment in His plan for me - and for now, it's with a half dozen kiddos.

All grace. Even the draining times.

So here's to more time squeezing my kids, and less time reading statuses. Sound like a plan?

The Chain Of Events

I put him down...

The worried look sets in...

 

The lips comes out...

 

He confirms to all who will listen that this is the worst moment he's had in 13 months...

 

And then I pick him up and give him whatever his little manly heart desires...

He knows how to work the system. Already.

Oh well, how can I resist that quivering lip??

I Have A Lot Of Feet To Cover...

And I like to cover those sweet toes with the best of the best.

It's been a month since Ella and I flew to the other side of the country to hang out with the folks at Nike. Have I mentioned that we loved every second of it? And that the people and the company and all their products are amazing? I thought so. The video they made of that weekend was SO great to see...
 
Pretty cool, eh?

I have been running for quite some time. And I've been an athlete for even longer than that. In fact, when we walked into the Nike Research Lab I said, "Oh goodness, the smell of the track, I love it.".

It just brings back memories. Good memories. Strong memories.

After we learned so much at Nike about the new Nike Free's, I knew I had to give them a go. I wore them the whole time we were there, and by the end of the trip, I knew they were made for my early morning runs.

Folks, I don't write about things on the 'ol blog unless I'm passionate about it. So hear me when I say that you must try these shoes. They are so light and so flexible, I promise you will thank me - actually, you'll be thanking Nike.

And let me get just a tad girly on you all. The new colors they have out right now are nothing short of fabulous. Mine are so, so bright and I get LOADS of compliments. How great is it that you can have a rockin' pair of running shoes that are super stylish as well?

Train more effectively AND look cute while doing it? Um, yes please. You can find my kicks here.

Our group from that weekend had so many great people...

Ella and I are 3rd from the left :).

Good memories. Great times.

I even put Lincoln in some flexible shoes of his own, and they are hands down the best shoes I've ever had for a new walker. And that says a lot cause I've had a lot of new walkers in my time.

He'll be the star Quarter Back in no time.

So anyway, take my word on these shoes. They are fantastic! Kids Nike FREE Run: If your feet flex, shouldn't your shoes flex too? Must-have flexibility for young feet.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike”

Boys Are The Opposite Of Girls. It's A Fact.

Sooo...Lincoln broke half of his front tooth off. Yep, cracked that thing right off after he preformed the king of all nose dives.

This boy. Is SO different. Than his sisters.

Today, after he almost knocked himself out by running into the refrigerator, and then insisted on chasing and then picking up bugs outside, I thought I could use a refresher of how different boys are than girls.

And I'm starting to think that the word "different" doesn't even do it justice.

So I went back and read through my field trip experience where I led more than my fair share of 1st grade boys around a museum. It was a good reminder :)...

------------------

I went on a field trip yesterday with Ella's 1st grade class to the Kid's museum. Yep,  with all 26 of them.

I thought if running around the museum wouldn't help labor along, at least the bus rides would. Goodness, I don't think that bus missed one pothole.

Go ahead and add potholes to the list of Things That Make Pregnant Ladies Pee.

I knew the moment I heard Ella and some other little girls singing a cute girly song, while the little boys in the seat behind me were yelling, "my butt is on fire, my butt is on fire!", that I was about to get a close up view at how different the 2 genders are.

(I had to turn and look out the window to try to hide my laughter as the teacher told them to stop yelling that.)

And while you would think it was full of learning about science and solar systems, I got to spend the day with a group of boys who taught me a few things.

1. Boys run, they don't walk. And they don't care about leaving you in the dust even though you're pregnant and waddling.

2. "Get in a straight line" somehow translates to "push each other over and act like you're throwing grenades."

3. While the girls play tea party at the water table, the boys will try to dunk each others heads. Repeatedly.

(note to self - its hard to correct and/or discipline them when you think what they're doing is hilarious as well. Insert parent chaperon fail here.)

4. Pointing at you with the fake gun they made with their hand and making shooting noises is sort of a sign of endearment.

5. They can go to the bathroom alone, unlike the girls in the group who have to go together. And they don't play in front of the mirror while in there. They get their business done, and they get out.

6. At lunch, they just eat. They aren't sitting down to chat with their friends about the 1st half of  their day, they are re-fueling, catching a quick breath, and then moving on. Why chat when you can play?

7. Sweating is just part of who they are, because they never stop moving.

8. They don't really want to ask for help, but when they do, it is so, so sweet.

9. The girls are clearly more interested in them than they are in the girls. They have bigger things on their plates, like saving the universe.

10. Bodily functions are a topic of interest, and apparently are hilarious as well. The more embarrassing, the better.

11. There is no drama with boys like there is with the girls. There is a disagreement, maybe a shove or a "stop it!!!", and then they carry on. It's wonderful.

12.Pregnancy doesn't interest them like it does the little ladies who have a million questions. One little boy summed it up well when he said, "Umm...Ella...I think you're mom is pregnant...or something." I'm pretty sure that was the nice way of saying, "Ella, your mom has put on some weight in the mid-section since the Christmas party."

Goodness, it was a small glimpse at what it's like to spend the day with such rambunctious little spirits.

Made me even more excited to watch our little guy grow.

So what else can you tell me about boys? What else am I in for, friends? :)

They Are...

my handful...

my crew...

my giggle boxes...

my "clean up in aisle 3" offenders...

my entourage...

my little gymnasts...

my reason for saying "don't-make-me-come-up-there"...

my grocery shopping partners...

my reality check...

my challenge to be a better me...

my reason the neighbor kids are always here...

 my shove to seek Him more...

my group that flushes un-flushable things down the toilet...

my gifts...

my reason for sometimes wanting to pull my hair out...

my cuddle bugs...

my joy...

my hardest job...

my wake up call...

my "color on the wall" crew...

my deep breath...

my adventure seekers...

my grace personified...

my sanity...

my sidekicks...

my loves.

And most importantly, they are the ones who call me mama.

Thankful. Blessed. Challenged.

They wear many hats :).

Hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day!

I'm Hooked

We've been doing this and that...and the other thing.

It has just been a busy week over here. Hubby was out of town for work, soccer games, I cleaned out the storage room and lived to tell about it.

And Lincoln declared this the "boys table"...

Oh and wait, I have become addicted to something on Netflix.

It's true. I am hooked and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

I know that the rest of the world watched Friday Night Lights a few years back - but me? Well, I just started. Sweet mercy, to say I am "a little into it" is like saying "I kind of like Target".

I am not usually a huge TV show person, mainly because I can hardly keep my eyes open if I sit down after the children are in bed. You know, cause all those little feet keep me moving all day long.

But friends, I started watching one night a couple weeks back and I can't look away. I CAN'T.

I am so concerned with how Eric & Tammi are going to make it through the pressure of the football season, and how Tim Riggins is ever going to have a chance in life without parents to guide him, not to mention the fact that Smash just got suspended for 3 games and how on earth are we EVER going to make it to state without him???

You see how I am saying "we" instead of "they"? I might as well move my family to Dillon.

Sorry. Clearly, it's a problem. Talk some sense into me, would ya?

So anyway, I'm off to make some dinner, fold another load of laundry, head out to a soccer game, put my little loves to bed...and then try not to get sucked into watching episode after episode till well after midnight.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Hope you're having a good week!

A Refreshed Bond

She's just like me.

She has my brown eyes and my dark blonde hair. She's also got my stubborn personality and my sensitive heart. We are two of a kind, but it can get rocky, the relationship between Ella and I.

I could feel our relationship changing this past year as she grew, matured, and became more independent. A new stage for her and a new stage for me. That dated picture of her on my sidebar is a vision from the past - now there is a pretty young girl with grown up teeth and her own story to tell.

I can round up a group of toddlers with the best of them, folks - but parent a tender, growing girl? That's been a change for me.

It's that transition from needing me to do things for her, to needing me to just be there for her. To listen about her day, talk about something mean that was said at school, or answer questions about this and that.

You know, when they go from physically demanding to emotionally demanding. It's a new phase for me in my journey of motherhood.

This past year it seemed that the connection between us started to change. The busyness of chasing younger kids out of the bathroom after covering the floor in soap, the potty training, the homework, and trying to tend to everyone's needs - all of that can consume a mothers energy.

Ella started to become more my helper, and less my baby. A bittersweet thing.

I hated it. And I wrestled inside with the changes as she challenged me more and as I tried to control the budding personality from my baby that is now almost a 3rd grader.

Sassiness, she's got it. She's just like me, remember :)?? 

I've learned that you have to push through every new (sometimes rough) season to build the relationship that God wants you to have with your child...

My mom tells me, "She's just feelin' her oats". And she's right, all kids do. They need to know the boundaries. And they need a lot of attention and molding.

Right before we left for Portland I was telling some girlfriends how this trip would be a stretch for me - in a sense, it was going to take me out of my comfort zone. Instead of chasing the youngin's all day, I was going to be alone with a little girl that needed a refreshed connection with her mother.

And somewhere between the flight there and the flight home, a new bond was born.

Between eating pizza in bed, facing unknown territory together, and being somewhere where we only had each other, God opened my eyes.

I saw a little girl that will be turning 18 instead of 8 before I know it. I skipped ahead to a time when she will experience her first heartbreak over a boy, and she will need another night of pizza in bed while we talk and rebuild what was broken. I saw that someday she will fly somewhere to see her friends, be with her man, or pursue a career. He reminded me that these fleeting moments when she is curled up next to me needs to be soaked up as much as possible...

She listens to everything I'm saying, even though she pretends like she's not. She needs my attention and my approval, even though she acts like she doesn't. And she needs me ready and willing to listen, even when she doesn't feel like talking.

She's a sweet, sweet gift. She's caring, loving, adventurous, and has taken on responsibility that is beyond her years.

This raising kids thing is a challenge, there is always a new phase to adjust to. But it's so worth it.

So here's to more mother/daughter dates, nail painting, and time away with my growing girl - even if it's just a walk around the block :).

All Things Glamour

We celebrated Reese and Charlotte's birthday with a Glamour Party. They wouldn't have it any other way. So we decorated with pink, sparkles, and glamour goodies as far as the eye could see...

I am not a fan of pixie sticks, but sometimes you have to give in to what the kiddos want...

I ordered some more cupcake toppers of Etsy that turned out fabulous. I'm seriously shopping there for every party...

My little ladies had a blast...

 

 And their favorite ladies seemed to have fun as well :)...

  

I'm pretty sure I always over do it with the cake and cupcakes - but leftovers are a good thing, right??

 

 We even got up early and made Marshmallow Pops. Easiest decor ever, and they were a huge hit...

 

I can't get enough of watching these funny little women. They are best friends and hold a bond that I'll never understand (and they love making silly faces in an effort to crack each other up)...

  

 All in all it was a glamorous day :). We had loads of fun celebrating 2 of our greatest gifts, and it seemed that all the girls had fun. Ella helped me put together these goodie bags for everyone...

So that's what we were up to this weekend, when we weren't traveling :).

Hope you all had a great weekend!

All Together Now...

Happy Birthday to you (two)...

Happy Birthday to you (two)...

Happy Birthday to my sweet, savvy, and sassy Reese & Charlotte...

Happy Birthday to you (two)!!

Oh girls, how is it possible that you are 6 today?? You two are such a joy in our lives, and the bond you share warms my heart every single day. We love you, sweet girls!!

A Weekend To Remember

This weekend with my oldest gal has been so great. Nike held nothing back, and truly made us feel like we were part of a team there at their amazing campus.

And I mean, really amazing campus. 20 minutes into our tour I asked if they were hiring.

Did you know that the Nike Headquarters has 2 childcare centers on campus? Moms can leave their desk to go nurse, take a nap with their child, and there are even highchairs in all the lunch areas so you can eat with your little love(s).

That’s impressive.

I don’t know about you, but if I was in corporate America, a company that valued family like that would be my first stop.

The passion, the community, and the energy was incredible. You could feel it everywhere - and not just because real legends have walked those halls, but because passion for what they are doing there literally exuded from every person on the campus.

It was contagious.

Nike made lockers with all the kids names on them, and then stuffed them with goodies. I don’t know why, but I cried when Ella opened it. It was just one of those moments (one of many from the weekend) when you get to see your child experience something so incredibly cool - and well, my emotions ran completely over.

Truly, friends, I was on the verge of the ugly cry.

She got to go rock climbing, swimming, and behind the scenes to see how Nike works. And I got to spend time with and listen to the dedicated minds behind this incredible company.

Look at my little athlete :).

Oh, and they also fed the kids really well. Please don’t make Ella talk about the cupcakes they served, it still hurts her to know that she had to leave them in Portland.

We made some forever memories this weekend at the Youth Innovation Summit.. We even ate pizza in bed one night because "that's what you do at sleepovers, mom!!". I am forever thankful to Nike for the chance to spend this time with just my oldest girl. This trip was a gift in so many ways.

So we are heading back to our crew today, and I am so excited to hug everyone! We brought back some goodies for them (especially the birthday girls, post coming later!), and I have a whole lot of snuggling I want to make up for :).

Again, if you haven’t tried these incredible shoes, it’s time you did! Kids Nike FREE Run: If your feet flex, shouldn't your shoes flex too? Must-have flexibility for young feet.

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike”

These (Sweet) Feet Were Made For Walking (And Some Other Things)

Ella and I are getting ready to fly to the other end of the country - my stomach turns in knots a little when I say that.

I am so excited though, it will be great for the two of us. I love to go, but I loooove to come back to all my babies :). You feel that way too, yes??

Lincoln started walking the week of his birthday, which is actually the earliest of all the kiddos. He's not walking all the time, he's still in that "looks like he's had one too many" phase, and it is so cute. Here is this little video for my mommy memory and for your viewing pleasure...

I'm just glad that he'll eat less off the floor now. Mercy, its like a buffet under our kitchen table for that child.

I should mop more. If I had time. Or the desire.

He's been a (sweet) stinker lately when it comes to sleeping. He thinks that we should all rise at 5am or maybe even just a few minutes before. His clock is stuck my friends, and we must come together and do something about it. He wakes up bright eyed and ready to roll, though. I on the other hand tend to roar and breath fire before 5am.

Not really. But I feel like I could.

Did I mention we are having a Glamour Birthday party this Sunday for Reese and Charlotte?? Oh yes, the weekend is packed full :). They are almost 6, can't believe it!!

So anyway. I'm off to pack a bit more (yes, I am an over packer). I will be updating Twitter and Facebook with some of our adventures. Pray for a smooth flight and a fun filled trip with my girl, ok? I would SO appreciate it :).

Till later!

We're Leaving On A Jet Plane

It's true, we are. Just Ella and I!

And oh are we excited!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a semi-anxious flyer. So you can pray for my nerves if you'd like :). I used to love to fly, but we haven't traveled much in the past 10 years for obvious reasons, so I'm a tad out of the traveling loop.

That's what happens when you spend the better part of the past decade making babies. Well, that and we just haven't been brave enough to board all 8 of us on a plane yet.

Someday, friends. Someday.



So anyway, we are heading out to Portland, Oregon to visit the folks at Nike and participate in the Young Athletes Innovation Summit. They are bringing a group of mama's out there with their oldest child to take part in it. Ella and I are really blessed to be going - it's truly a gift to have this special time with her!

Ella can hardly wait. She's had a list of what she's taking on the plane for a week, and she keeps saying, "Its a trip for just you and I, mom! I can't wait!". She's actually never been on a plane or stayed in a hotel, so she's pretty pumped! She can not believe that there will be a tv in the room where we'll be sleeping, or that we could possibly order room service...aka, pizza :). Not to mention she gets to do some really fun stuff at Nike on Friday.

I'm super excited to do a little exploring around Portland, and because of my love for sports and running, I'm insanely excited to spend some time at the Nike Campus. I am a huge fan of running clothes and cool kicks, have I ever mentioned that? Well, it's true. Embracing my sporty side has never been an issue for me. In fact it is not unusual for me to spend birthday money or gift cards on such gear.

Oh, and check these out, I might have to keep on the look out for some good deals! Kids Nike FREE Run: If your feet flex, shouldn't your shoes flex too? Must-have flexibility for young feet.

We will be arriving there Thursday afternoon and spend the rest of the day navigating our way through the city and hopefully do some site seeing until the summit starts on Friday. Anyone know that area? I would love some tips or suggestions on cool places to visit or what is a must see while we are out there. Please &Thank you!!

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike”