Cat Boy

Samuel loves cats. 

He can often be found out on the porch wearing his diaper and jacket with a cat in his arms.   

And just in case you were concerned for those sweet cats, they love him back. 

Just Beat It

Have I mentioned its been hot? 

It has been hot.  Really hot.  Pretty sure I mentioned that before. 

Sam knows exactly what to do to beat this heat.   

 

Oh, how I love him. 

Two

Our dear big man Sam.  Our construction-lovin'- finicky-eater-always-running boy. 

Your favorite book is a 100 page full color pictures research book about giant dump trucks.  You could read it for hours. 

Your favorite song is the Jars of Clay rendition of "Drummer Boy".  You could dance to it in your Daddy's arms all day. 

Your favorite food is anything in the fruit family.  You could eat fruit until you explode, and sometimes that is exactly what happens. 

Your favorite phrases are, "Hey, Mom!  Watch this!" followed by some display of something I would prefer you didn't do, or "Thank you, Mom!" which is the sweetest thing, or "Love you too too Mom (or Dad)!" which is even sweeter.  

Your favorite thing to do it to copy your big bro and sis.  You follow the good, the bad and the hysterical.   

You love to be outside.  You STRONGLY dislike being told to come in. 

You can't get enough of our little cat "Dell".  Thankfully, he tolerates you carting him around - via arms or stroller. 

You call a slide a "Wee wee".  It's too cute to correct you. 

You sing "Jesus Loves Me" and "Happy Birthday" with gusto until someone notices you are singing, then you abruptly stop.

The other day as we sat down to dinner you said, "Me start" and you lead our family in our nightly prayer.  Your Daddy and I almost cried from cuteness.

We love you, Samuel. 

We love your snuggles and kisses as you greet Ella and Owen each morning with a loud, "Good morning!"

We love your kissable cheeks and wild curly hair. 

We love when you dance in your car seat with both fingers pointing up- rocking to the beat.

We just really love you. 

We know your strong opinions and determined personality will come in handy in the future.  So for now, we hope to not crush that spirit and to learn from you each day.

Happy Birthday to a big two-year-old.  

A Family, Part Deux

After a fun filled day in St. Louis, we headed north to Bears country.  Land of the White Sox, or Cubs if you roll that way.  The windy city - or windy, raining and FREEZING as our week turned out to be. 

Navy Pier was high priced, but a highly entertaining way to spend the afternoon - which turned out to be the only afternoon that it wasn't raining.  It was really beautiful.   

Who doesn't love rides and popcorn and a toddler dancing on the boardwalk?  And by toddler I'm referring to our toddler, who danced like crazy to the piped in music and made people laugh.  But then I tripped him accidentally and he fell on the concrete.  Why does the fun always have to end?   I digress....

There was true joy visible in our children on this outing.  No, we don't need to do anything extravagant or expensive to see that joy.  We see it everyday as they discover new things and play together.  But taking in the Chicago skyline while having cheese popcorn covered fingers always helps. 

About to enter the tourist zone.....

Riding the Ferris wheel

Once again, not afraid of heights like his Mom.

Riding the wheel and looking sweet.

Ella (in pink) gleefully riding the swings

that make me want to puke just watching....

 I think this one is my favorite. 

Owen runs away when I try to take his picture,

but not after playing 18 holes of mini golf with Daddy. 

BEST DAY EVER!!!!

 This wasn't even posed. 

 Adorable.....watching a water fountain.

A Family, Part One

This family of 5 doesn't get out much.  An attempt is always made to have family dinners and work on projects together over the weekends.  But with Jason's busy job and 1 hour commute, there can be a lack of time for good old family fun.  

The first two days of our trip to Chicago were all about us.  We saw the sites.  We went up really high in the sky.  We got a parking ticket.  That part stunk, but I'm over it.  We frolicked in the grass.  We pushed our comfort level.  It was all really great, except that parking ticket part.  And the part where thousands of people playing soccer took all the hotel rooms in the area kind of stunk too.  I felt like Mary and Joseph without the with-child thing and the donkey and the ending was different.  After needing to stop for ice cream to drowned our woes, we found a hotel room.  It all worked out for the greater good.  

Our first stop was The St. Louis Gateway Arch.  A national monument was a great place to start.  We learned all kind of facts like how tall it is (630 feet) and how long it took to build (2.5 years) and that it can sway 1 inch in 20 mph wind.  I had to google that information because I had forgotten the details and my encyclopedia of a daughter is already in bed.  Why does she remember these things and I don't?  I'm old.  

Two fun Sam memories stick out from that day: calling a stuffed buffalo in the Arch museum a "buffamo" over and over; then as we ate dinner at Union Station, he watched a woman who worked in the food court sweep under his high chair and he promptly said, "Thank you!".  This dear woman was shocked and told him that he made her day.  Classic toddler talk is always endearing.  

I am so thankful that my children haven't inherited, or yet developed, my fear of heights.  Thankfully, the camera is in my hands and I had something much more wonderful to view, those little cherubs. Here are some photo highlights from St. Louis:

Owen took this one while standing directly under the Arch.  Yup, we're going up there.

You want me to ride it what to get to the top?  They made me get in this tiny little pod and ride for 4 minutes.  They MADE me do it.  Those kids are so mean.  Don't they look mean? 

 Sam looking out the view windows from the top - watching the barges on the Mississippi. 

The backsides of my children as they lay on the viewing area looking down 643 feet.

Owen thinks it's pretty cool. 

A crazy shadow on the Mississippi. 

 Ella and the monument.  Both are very dramatic. 

Because I like lying on the ground in public places.....

If Ella wasn't smiling, this may look like something out of COPS.

"I promise kids!  I won't make you do that again!  Now can I please have some ice cream?"

Stop The Cuteness!

There is a whole lot of cuteness going on around here.


I can't stop gushing over Samuel's curly hair.  It's just like his daddy's and that makes me love it more.  And it makes up for getting nailed by food that he is rejecting on a daily basis that is catapulted from his high chair, or just spit out of his mouth.


The food thing isn't so cute. 


But the hair and his blue eyes get me.  And when I tell him I love him and responds with, "I love you too too, Mommy".  That nails me right in the heart.

Or when he comes running to Owen and Ella, yelling their names and just wanting a hug.  So cute.  So sweet.


He is still crazy about our chickens, or any animal for that matter.  They aren't easy to catch, those fast little buggers.  But he got one and I snapped a shot during the split second that he held her.  Cuteness.  

It doesn't seem possible that he turns two in a couple of months.  It just isn't possible.

Wednesday Randoms

It's too late to think clearly in my congested head.  Maybe it's writers block, or the fact that my sinuses make me feel like I would be better off without them.  I stooped low today when I went to the doctor and begged for antibiotics.  I never take antibiotics.  This head is bound and determined to feel better by tomorrow at 4:15 when my plan takes off for Vegas.  I will feel like a million bucks.  And Barry Manilow will call me up on stage and sing to me in that heart-melting voice. 

I'm not really going to see Barry in Vegas.  But I would if he was in town.  He'll be in Florida.  Jerk. 

I will, however, see my amazing girlfriends from college.  And as Jason said tonight, "You are all going to have so much fun!".  

Yes. Yes we are. 

Here are few random facts about life here on the farm.  (I've decided I can call it a farm now because we have goats, but I am not planning on becoming a farmer any time soon)......

• In case you missed the plane writing in the sky, or the overhead announcement on the speakers in every public place, Ella is 6.5 years old now.  We made cupcakes and sang.  It's a big deal to the 6.5 year old.  She even told me, "Sometimes I forget and tell people I am 6, but really I am 6 and a half!!".  Don't forget.  
• Owen is continually subjected to becoming a Prince.  He is told to dress up in very specific outfits and marry his sister.  He usually obliges because he is so nice and as long as it doesn't take time away from his Lego creations or garbage dump activities or couch jumping gymnastics, he is o.k. with it.  What a great brother.  He can be seen wearing a chocolate milk mustache on a regular basis since we found Dark Chocolate Almond Milk at the grocery store.  I think he is obsessed. 
• Sam won't kiss me.  When I ask him for a kiss, he turns his head to the side and points to his own cheek and has that sly little grin.  What does this mean for his future?  I will not dwell.....Watching him play with the big kids makes me feel like he isn't a baby anymore.  Sigh.  He talks more everyday, especially when his siblings teach him words.  I just wish those words would encompass more than just "potty" talk.  Poor third child.  
• We had significant snow fall last week for Kansas and I chose to make the best of it - which says a lot for this Mama who loves 60 degrees and sunny weather.  I took the 3 kids sledding on a genuine sledding hill.  It was fantastic and the hour was full of so much laughter.  I was very proud at how appropriately dressed we all were in our Minnesota hearty winter wear.  The Kansans looked on in amazement of our dress and our sledding skills. 
• We have two goats.  They are wonderful.  They wag their tails like dogs when they are happy to see you.  They give me kisses because they love me (and would like to eat my nose) and they seem to enjoy it here.  However, how do I get one of them to stop charging the dog with her head?  How do I get the other to not chew on the dogs fur?  These are the things I ponder each day.  Fascinating, really. 
• I love my husband.  Don't be fooled by the fact that I write this after the goat information.  I really do love him.  He strives each day to be a great Dad and husband.  I love watching the kids attack him with hugs when he comes in the door after work.  I love falling asleep in his arms.  
• Our dog is trying to bury her beef tendon stick, as I type, in any room with pillows.  She is frantically digging in the couches and seems a bit disturbed.  Strange dog.  And random, I know. 
• I made guacamole today that was good.  Now my hands smell like garlic, which is bad.  

Let's not forget the cute bunnies followed by cute goats. 

 

If I don't fly away with Barry, I'll be seen back on the farm next week. I wonder how much laundry will be awaiting my return?  

Growing

 I woke up yesterday and stared at this little man.  He looks bigger.  His face looks different, somehow. 

18 months.  A year and a half.  He isn't getting any smaller people. 

He sits at the table and eats a snack without needing a boost.  He feeds himself.  He could probably make his own lunch and put himself to bed.  Well, that may be pushing it.  But I am feeling a little sadness in knowing that he could take or leave me on most days. 

That realization makes his snuggles even better and his cries for "Mama" that much more endearing. The screaming and the rejection of food (through catapulting his spoon) is still present and not so endearing. But God gave me patience.....I think.....so I will continue to look for that quality in myself to help with the moments when I am covered in sweet potatoes -  and so is the little man. 

I love laundry.  Really, I do. 

I love how he tells me intense stories without speaking an understandable word. 

I love how he could play with Legos and trains for hours, just like his big brother. 

I love how he screams the number "SIX" when he hears anyone counting. 

I love how he tells the puppy to "SIT" with passion.  Really, it sounds the same as "six" and several other "s" words that he chooses to use.  It is still super adorable when he does that. 

I love how he loves the animals and always needs to have his hands on one of them - sort of like when he is around other small people.  I feel for the one receiving the affection. 

He is not getting any smaller, just cuter.  And faster.  And louder.  And much, much smarter...

Sap and Such

In exactly 8 hours, it will be the one year anniversary of a giant orange moving truck pulling up to our bright yellow house and taking everything with it, down I-35, to an unassuming town in Kansas.

Last year was a heavy one for us. This year has been full of big one year marks: Sam's birthday, my stroke and the move.  This year has been full of remembrance, thankfulness, new beginnings, challenges and excitement.

I tend to be a bit of a sap.  Things can get me right here (cue Chris Farley pounding on his chest for a visual).  Looking at the forgotten photos that were taken the day of the move, and the weeks leading to that day, brought back so many memories, great memories, and some tears.

I honestly do not think I have cried, or let myself cry, about the fact that we moved away from family, friends and our home, until tonight.  That may seem odd - but part of you must look forward during times of transition, trusting in God's guidance and following in faith.   I'm not talking about stuffing your emotions, but not allowing yourself to stumble on the pain of something that isn't your reality. 

Do not underestimate the joy we have in our lives here in Kansas.  That is very present and real.  We continue to be in awe of the new opportunities we have been given and the support of new friends.  Tonight is just a walk in the past....one that is a bit overdue. 


These photos were taken a year ago.  I love them.

Ella was standing in our yard, with a fantastic tree from the neighbors yard in the background.  I loved this tree and would take a picture of it every year.

 This one was taken in our front yard.  You can tell that Ella is my little ham for the camera.

  Ella and Sam....I forgot how chubby he was. 

 Jason and the kids sliding down the "hill" in front of our house.  Yes, snow in October.  And I love how you can't even see Sam's face. 

Confession

I love our cats.  

I have always loved animals, but I didn't think these 3 would be so endearing.  They were free "farm cats" and I figured they would just hunt and roam.  But I think they love us too. 

They sleep just outside our door on the porch.  I put a blanket out there because they looked uncomfortable (cue laughing husband).  They curl up all together, even though they didn't like each other a couple of weeks ago.  I have something to learn from this.  

I obsessively glance out the window in the evening and morning to make sure they are all still there and the coyotes that I hear in the distance haven't come to gobble them up.  

I love that they follow us around the property to the point that we almost trip over them.  

I think it's adorable that they jump on the screen when we go inside.  It is possible they need therapy.  

 I love that they climb trees and keep watch over our chickens (meaning chase them around and do not eat them....yet). 

 I love that they tolerate it when Sam plays with them.  They are learning to run away when they see him coming.  Don't blame them one bit.   

 I love that they pose so nicely for photos.

 I love that I find them in odd places, like napping in the empty compost dish. 

 I love that this one always looks at me like, "Why are you bothering me?" 

So, don't tell anyone.  But I think I really love them. 

It Is Early

I am turning over a new leaf, or stone as it may be, and am planning to wake at 5:30 at least 3 mornings per week.  And I don't mean because one of my children is waking me.  I mean intentionally setting a beeping alarm to rise me from the dead.  I know.  I am past insanity.

I realize that this all depends on the type of night my little bundle brings me, not to mention the fact that I will need to go to bed much earlier than my norm.  My goal is to at least be showered and ready for the day before the little ones stir.  Preferably, I will have a coffee in my hand as well.  Time with the One and exercise are on the top of my to do list. 

So here goes nothing (or sleep)......


Yesterday I had a little alone time with my Sam.  We enjoyed a beautiful evening outside together.   I loved just watching him chase the animals and play in the dirt.   

 I love this face.  This next one is his silly grin.  I could eat this up.....

 We need to cut the grass.  But the baby is cute. 

 He loves to chase the chickens and it is the most fun to watch. 

 We have three new kittens and I'd better show them off.  They are farm cats to live outside and hunt mice, or whatever... They are adorable and hilarious.  Sam is holding Belle - and so proud of it!  I promise, she enjoyed snuggling with him, despite what this photo may look like. 

 

Here is Ella with Charlotte - 

 And then there is Peanut driving the lawn mower.  I love how half of her face has markings -

.Here is to an early start on the day and week.  Must...keep...drinking....coffee....