8 Years Ago

Yesterday as I was talking to a friend early motherhood came up.  We were talking about how different things were.  She was sharing what it was like for her and I started thinking about what those days were like for me.  I would pack our days full of activities so i would exhaust the boys.  My end goal everyday was a smile on their faces and deep sleep.

Most specifically I was thinking about what my life looked like 8 years ago.  Micah was 4, Josiah had just turned 2 and Noah was about 5 months.  I remember those days like they were yesterday.  (As i share this story keep in mind the boys dad had taken a job in Miami and was gone for a couple weeks at a time) 

We would wake up bright and early.  We would eat breakfast out on the deck, followed by some backyard play, a zoo trip, the park, the arboretum you name it we were there. Before we knew it we were having lunch, maybe it was a picnic outdoors or just another date out on the deck.  I was a very routine mamma so I would put the boys down for a nap daily.  Once they woke it was time for our next adventure.  While the boys would nap I cut fruits, cheeses and prepared our simple but healthy dinner.  The pool bags would be packed I just needed the boys to wake.

Upon waking I would load everyone up and we headed for the pool.  When we arrived I loaded the older boys into the wagon and Noah into the strolled.  Yes, some how i manged both and all of our pool gear.  We would play in the pool for hours, enjoying dinner 'pool side.'

When we would leave we would head into the locker room where I would bath each child changing them into their pjs loading them back into their wagon/stroller.  I gathered our things and back home we went.  When we got home I prepared the boys each a cup of milk and we headed up to bed.  Once the boys were asleep I would unload the car and start laundry.

The craziest thing is that I LOVED every moment of the chaos that I was living.  I wouldn't have changed it for anything.  This summer is bringing back a lot of those memories and feelings.  My boys don't need me like they used to. But, we're eating more meals out on the deck and playing in the yard together.  I wouldn't change a thing!  Hold tight because they're growing fast!!! XO

Simple

The other night we were driving home from a baseball game and this song came on.  Almost instantly all 3 boys started to sing along.  Micah looked at me and said, hey mom... can this be our theme song.  Yes, sometimes we pick a song and its ours...we play it endlessly and sing every word at the top of our lungs.  I think this one is a keeper.  SIMPLE it is... One Two Three its just as easy as can be.  Together my sweet boys we can do anything.  Our journey isn't complete but all we need is US, the rest will fall into place. No need for complicate it, we know that's overrated. 

The Perfect Punishment

So, my boys have been fighting a lot.  Mainly my oldest Micah and my youngest Noah.  They just seem to argue about everything.  I've been trying to come up with ways for them to work on their relationship.  I have such an incredible relationship with both my sisters and i want that for my boys.  I know they're young and they have time to work on this but... i need the fighting to come to an end.  So here is my solution...  I know it is going to get worse before it gets better but... I've decided that Micah and Noah need to share a room.  They need to learn to work together and be together.  I told the boys that i was going to do this before they left for school and Micah said, "no you wont"  This only pushed me more.  So today after the boys left for school i got to work.  I moved all of Noah's things including bedding, lovies, things on the dresser even the letters on the wall into Micah's room.  The boys are officially roomies, I'm not sure how this is really going to go but i hope it works because my next option is the 'get-along-shirt.'

December is Here...

December is finally here and it's the final month of 2017.  I can't believe how quickly time has passed and how much the boys have grown in just one year...  I sent out my Christmas cards (one of my very favorite things about the holiday season) last night dropping them so they could start to arrive just after the 1st.  I know the joy i feel getting cards from friends and family getting a tiny glimpse into their lives.  I've never been one to write a letter about our happenings but thought i'd give an update on each of the boys.

Micah

Micah is 10, celebrating his Birthday a little over a month ago (completely blew my mind that i have a kiddos in the double digits) .  He is now in the 4th grade.  His favorite subjects in school are math and recess (i keep telling him recess isn't a subject just he refuses to believe me)  This year he has Mr. Rakas as his teacher and really seems to enjoy it (he was Jo's 1st grade teacher) Micah still loves animals and is a tiny (not so tiny anymore) fact machine and constantly keeps me on my toes.  His best friend is still by far the one and only Charlie.  They still run "pup team" from my basement only allowing the elite in.  This summer Micah swam for the stillwater stars and becomes stronger and stronger with each season. He also enjoys reading in his free time and wrestling with his brothers much to his mothers dismay.  Everyone tells me it's normal and i just need to get used to it.  

Josiah

Josiah is 7 1/2 (i must include the 1/2) and is full of energy.  He is now in 2nd grade and his teacher is Mrs. Pettit.  He also loves math and exploring on his crome book.  This year all 2nd graders were given a crome book to use for school.  He has been super responsible remembering to plug it in each night and return it to his bag in the morning.  Josiah is also a lover of animals and Dinosaurs.  I'd say the best way to describe my JoJo is that he operates on love and food.  Each day before i go get the boys from the bus i make sure i have a snack waiting for him.  I can get him to do almost anything with a bag of Popcorn in my hand.  Josiah is still my sweet, sensitive and snugly boy.  He's the first to offer a hug and tell me how beautiful i am.  Josiah also swam for the Stillwater stars and participated in a couple meets this year.  Josiah will tell you his best friend is Sid, and all three of the boys LOVE our weekly play dates.

Noah

Noah is just a month away from being 6.  He has probably grown the most over the last year.  He started Kindergarten and has Mrs. Dornbos.  He got on the bus the 2nd day of school and never looked back.  His favorite thing about school is visiting the Library.  He checks out a book almost everyday, we read it and he returns it just so he can get a new one.  Noah still loves his trains and just about everything his brothers do just so he can keep up.  Noah is my one child that always leaves a trail behind making him easy to find.  His heart is full of love and is often found smiling and being silly. Noah also swam for the Stars, every morning kicking his way across the pool screaming i'm going to die in his very dramatic form.  Kindergarten is always a hard friend year because there are so many new faces so his best friend is still to be determined but i bet if you ask, he'll tell you i'm his best friend.  

My boys are changing everyday and i feel so blessed to be their mommy.  I have a very special and unique relationship with them each.  I know that my most important job is mom but i'm excited to be taking on a new one.  Just after the 1st of the year the boys and i will have a new weekly routine with mom returning to work.  When i first shared the idea with them they were upset and one even started to cry but i assured them that i would always be there to get them off the bus and keep our evening routine the same.  This will just be a part of our regular week now.  I'm super excited about it and have been praying about change for awhile.  December will pass before we know it, keep your eyes open and enjoy as much of it as you can.  

Hamburger Cookies

Hamburger Cookies

Nilla wafers (Bun)

Grasshopper cookies (Burger)

Shredded coconut (lettuce)

Green food color

Sesame Seeds 

Orange Frosting (cheese)

I Usually have the boys create stations.
1. Nilla Wafer + sesame seeds = top bun (the trick to making the seeds stick is a little egg whites)
2. coconut + Green Food Color = Lettuce (easiest done in a ziplock bag)
3. Frosting bottom Bun and placed the burger in place. (Grasshopper Cookie)
4. Frosting burger and sprinkling lettuce on top.
5. Frosting top bun and placing on top.

Easy enough right...

Happy 10th Birthday Sweet Boy!!!

I can't believe that my baby is 10... Where did the time go!?!?  Today i sat down and went through some photos of him from his very early days.  Of course i cried.  I couldn't imagine what this day would look like 10 years ago. 4lbs 5 oz of nothing but joy.  I'll never forget the emotions i was feeling the day he was born.  At just 34 weeks, terrified i just wanted to hear him cry.  

Micah is a silly, sometimes shy but very loving boy.  His favorite thing above anything else is animals.  He knows more facts than most adults.  He'll eat just about anything you put in front of him but hands down his favorite thing is moms chocolate chip cookies.  I Love You To the Moon and Back my sweet Moo Moo

Here are just a few pictures i found today...

This Crazy Roller Coaster Called Life...

Life, motherhood can be one of the most thrilling rides of your life.  If you had asked me years ago i would have never been able to describe the highs, lows, twists and turns my life would take, in seconds it can all change.  

One moment you're climbing a hill feeling on top of the world, everyone is listening and doing just as you ask.  Then seconds later you're screaming for your life.  Someone darts into the road, throws themselves into a fit, you have absolutely no control.  These are just some of the rides a mama takes on her daily journey.  

Summer has gotten off to a slow but steady start.  All three of the boys are swimming on the Stillwater Stars our neighborhood swim team.  Some mornings are easier than others but we always make it there on time and manage to get a few laps swam.  Noah may scream 50% of the time but he keeps kicking so i'm not stopping him.  Micah and Josiah have made great progress and i couldn't be prouder of them.  They're actually swimming in tonight's meet if this rain would go away.

Just over a week ago my baby sister got married.  I'll be sure to make a post about that soon, lots of pictures and great memories to share. (I Wanna Dance With Somebody)

We're headed to Michigan for a week for the 4th of July.  I'm looking forward to time with family and my boys (ask me then, when i'm away from home if i'm still having fun) Our summer adventures are just getting started, we've already been kissed by the sun and ready for fun. 

I've been busy preparing for my new role next year as PTA president at the boys school (yes, all three at one school!!!) this is going to be a whole new experience for me and i'm excited about the challenge and adventure.  

This next year is a fresh new start for the boys and I.  My role as mom home with little ones is officially over.  So i accept this new challenge and can't wait to see where it leads me. I'm hoping for baby hills to start but mountains to climb later.