Just Us

Armed for battle

2012-02-07T19:22:00.001-08:00

Boys against daddy battles have become a nightly tradition. Russell is ready for action

When it is spring in winter

2012-01-31T19:20:00.001-08:00

Snow boots are used for mud

Diggers are dusted off

The sand box has a mid winter revival

Snow shovels turn to sand shovels

We stay outside till the sun goes down

We play with no coats

We thank God for a great day:)

Pajama day

2012-01-31T19:15:00.001-08:00

Pj day at preschool for Russell. He rocked the zippy:) He looked awesome. Lots of cartoon themed kids, but I love that he chose his blue zippy:)

The Boys are Back in Town

2012-01-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

The boys love classic rock:)

We were searching for a good song and this one came on, and Russell exclaimed I love this song.

Hilarious.

Here is the video of their classic rock dance moves

Just click to link to see them in action:)

The Boys Are Back In Town

Sledding:)

2012-01-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

We are turning a very cool corner.

Q dressed himself to go outside.

Rhett can be out a long time, and Russell can sled independently (in the right conditions)

So generous of Lauren to share her perfect little kid hill.

I am working hard to.....

EMBRACE winter:)

Just click on sledding to see them in action

Sledding

Can I feed him ?

2012-01-23T05:10:00.001-08:00

Q was all about caring for, and teaching Rhett yesterday. It was so cute. Holding his hand teaching him to play, and defining every word. "Rhett, this is yogurt we eat it". "mom can I feed Rhett my yogurt?". Sure, it may be messy but love his heart toward his brother.

Sometimes a video says so much....

2012-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Love Love Love This. Says so much about what BK and I are feeling these days.....

Click on the Link Below:

Why I love Jesus and Hate Religion

Man project

2012-01-20T20:13:00.001-08:00

A snowy vacation day...great day for a man project. This one involved making a homemade toy w wood, a drill, sand paper, and random screws & bolts. They loved it. Q was obsessed with sanding his project. I believe when it came time for dinner he said "I am too busy to eat!". Hummm....now that is a good project:)

Sometimes the best view....

2012-01-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

Is in my rear view:).
Disclaimer: don't try this, I was at a stop light, but admittedly I could have my own mayhem commercial.

Cutest snow lover ever!

2012-01-15T17:16:00.001-08:00

Of course I'm partial, but his is such a cutie in his snow suit!

Walking in the snow

2012-01-14T21:29:00.001-08:00

We were going stir crazy so I remembered some Daddy advice... Just take them outside. After snow pants, boots on the right foot, 8 gloves, 4 hats, stroller, 2 shovels and a wagon we were ready! It was only a little cold:). The important thing...the boys loved it.

One of our favorite things about our town

2012-01-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

The trains....

Unless we are in a major hurry, we love to stop and watch the train.

Today we saw this one and the boys begged to get closer.

I caved.

I knew a way to drive under it, but we chose to have it block our path.

They are cool.

Unfortunately, too close to Rhett's nap he missed it.

It was gone.....Rhett missed it:(

It had to end

2012-01-12T08:38:00.001-08:00

The dreamy weather that is....
Dig out the gloves, boots, and winter driving skills...winter is here:)

Where is the fire?

2012-01-08T05:23:00.001-08:00

Quint is all about fire fighting.

Today Gary (our landlord) was testing the fire alarm system

Q was dressed for the occasion.

I am sure the fire alarm system guy got a kick out of him:)

I know this stage will pass, so I am soaking it up

super cute.

Polar Bear Swim

2012-01-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

I was dreading it. Its winter, I am almost always cold already, but it it kinda of a dare thing.
We have had a pass the past few years, iced over Christmas 2009, and we were in Chicago for 2010.
There was no avoiding it this year:)

Click on the link....its kinda funny.
Especially BK when he couldn't find his towel:)

8th Annual Taylor Family Polar Bear Swim

When it is 56 degrees in January...

2012-01-05T19:03:00.001-08:00

You leave the laundry piles, you delay a needed nap, you forget the growing to do list, and grab the diggers and head to the park:) its not even a choice....we were so glad BK had the day off, b/c he is super responsible and it's hard to convince him to play hooky;). BK was jazzed, who would have thought vaca in jan would be warm w/o an airplane involved...we are super grateful.

All eyes on Iowa

2012-01-03T19:36:00.001-08:00

It's caucus time! We have been looking forward to being a part of the event:). It is one of the coolest things about Iowa... Unfortunately I could not go b/c I didn't have an Iowa ID. That is what I get for being too loyal to my CA drivers license. BK went to represent our fam:). He said it was very neighborly. Everyone was chatting it up when he got there (b/c they knew each other). You have to love that about Iowa:). People spoke for each candidate and then you wrote a name on a piece of paper. They counted multiple times and that was it! Not sure how much say we have in who becomes our president these days, but it's still great to engage in the process.
If you are curious at our caucus it was
Ron Paul by two votes over Romney (40 to 38)

New Years 2011

2012-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Aunt Rebecca came back with us to Iowa.

She is beyond awesome.

Cares for us, loves on our boys, gives wisdom beyond her years.

She has to love us to spend New Years with us in Iowa.

Its just not that jazzy.

We tried though:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Here is to a new page in our stories:)

Flying home

2011-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

It was early but it was much smooth than our trip to Grammy and Papa's. A 1 to 1 ratio, no delays, and the boys even slept. We did get a few looks while the boys got out their energy between flights, and we managed to lose russell's special blanket but otherwise we made it unscathed:). It is great to be home.

Dartmouth Getaway

2011-12-27T18:01:00.001-08:00

Thanks to generous and fabulous babysitters we were able to getaway for a night. We choose to go to Hanover, NH b/c there is a chance it is a future home for us. It was nice, but it was really nice to just be away together. THANK YOU Grammy Papa Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Dave.

The drive was gorgeous, and peaceful:)

We explored Dartmouth,

I felt like we should be in a secret society.

We walked without a stroller:)

Downtown Hanover

Dinner at Molly's

Headed back home

It was such a treat to spend some QT,

but nothing beats the hugs we got when we got home.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-17T04:51:00.000-08:00

Our time in NY is always too short to spend as much time as I would like with the people we love. One of those is my cousin, but even more my friend Erin. She did make it down for the afternoon with her sweet kids to frost cookies. Frosting Fun! Thank You to Grammy for sharing her "special" GG cookies with us:)

Our little Jack Bauer

2011-12-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

We miss 24, but Rhett is keeping is in the action:). We think he is a natural, maybe future Jack Bauer? Not the best pics but you get the picture...

SICK

2011-12-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

In order to totally ruin Thanksgiving Weekend,

I became deathly sick.

It was a HUGE BUMMER.

Most importantly a HUGE apology to Sylvia since I did not see her the second half of her trip,

and I missed her birthday celebration.

Super lame of me.

Just not sure how to avoid it, maybe airborne this time of year?

More vitamins?

More sleep?

Who knows but I need to avoid a repeat.

Here is my SICK story.

Woke up the day after Thanksgiving,

super SICK.

I thought it was flu since I managed to get everyone a flu shot except myself.

But turns out it was worse.

I had fever, chills, couldn't eat, couldn't move,

seriously I felt half-dead.

When it had been two days and I was not better, knew I had to do something.

BK had told me to go to urgent care the day before when he was home, but I did not listen.

It just seemed impossible.

But, Sunday BK had to work, and I knew I had to so something.

I couldn't take care of the boys.

So, I mustered up all my strength and loaded the boys in the car and drove to urgent care.

It was wonderful, no line.

I sat in the waiting room, half-alive while the boys played with some toys.

It seemed like forever but I know it was only a few minutes since there was no one else waiting.

(THANK GOD)

The sweet doctor lady came in,

maybe mid-forties, African-American, and so sweet.

As she examined me I started to cry,

"I am soo sick"

I really questioned if I was going to get better, if it was flu it was really bad.

Plus, you always hear on the news how so many people die from the flu each year,

I always thought those were really old people, but I was wondering if I was close to being a statistic.

Seriously, I felt HORRIBLE.

She said "don't worry honey, I have been doing this fifteen years, we will get you all fixed up"

I felt so reassured.

Then she popped her head back in and said

"you have strep throat!"

I almost cried from relief,

ANTIBIOTICS!!!

I will get better.

I felt like I had won the lottery,

I was half-dead and I would be cured in just a day or two.

with my little strength,

I got them back in the car,

dropped the prescription at the drive-thru pharmacy

while I was dropping it off I thought drive-thru pharmacy was a great invention for sick people,

only second to antibiotics:)

Then while we waited I drove got the boys McDonald's {gasp}

Yes, it is my dark secret that in desperate times I do that.....

Then back to the drive thru pharmacy for my DRUGS.....

Since then,

I am better!!!!

The good thing about getting super sick and then better,

I have never been so jazzed to be able to do laundry,

walk around,

or even clean bathrooms.

It all seemed impossible just a few days ago:)

Its funny what smacks perspective into you.

I can get whiny, selfish, or caught up in the little day to day things so easily.

But, just 72 hours of raging sickness will teach me every time.

It reminds me to appreciate the daily,

the routine,

the laundry,

the snotty noses,

the vacuuming,

the dance parties,

the cooking,

the Lego building,

for we are richly blessed.

Not sure why I forget it so easily.

I will try harder to remember this time.

Not a fair exchange.....

2011-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

California Grandma brings her sunny attitude,

she brings fun games and gifts for us,

she brings herself across the country

(during crazy Thanksgiving travel)

and we do share a few fun things,

the boys, us, insight to our life,

but mostly we share November germs:(

Last year she went home and got terribly sick,

and we felt horrible.

This year,

I woke up the day after Thanksgiving

(Sylvia's birthday)

with horrible sickness.

I was so afraid to repeat last year I had to quarantine myself.

I didn't even get to say goodbye:(

It was the HUGEST bummer.

But, hopefully she did not take home our sickness this year,
So Sorry Sylvia!

Here are some pics of the after Thanksgiving fun I missed:(

The boys loved this game she brought with her:)

Grandma and Rhett bonded:)

Rhett showed off for her!

A sweet kiss goodbye.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

California Grandma (or BK's Mom) has been so kind the past few years to join us here for Thanksgiving.

We know it is not ideal, since we do not live in a "vacation destination" per say.....

but she is gracious about it:)

We have tried to have some traditions,

beginning with cinnabuns and watching the parade.

Rhett was excited for his first real cinnabun:)

Later in the day, I attempted to cook with the help of Sylvia, and while we waited for the masterpiece meal {GRIN}

We drew pictures or wrote down what we were thankful for......

Then.....

WE ATE!!!!

I love this pic of BK and his Mom:)

Not too bad:)

I did cheat and did the turkey in the crock pot!

(boneless turkey breast and onion soup tasty and EASY)

I totally recommend it, especially if you are grossed out by guts or bones like me:)

Even the big boys got into it.....

such focus on their eating:)

The most cans I have ever seen.....

2011-11-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

It is really a combine, and cornfield made entirely out of cans.

The other Christy R suggested we meet up at the John Deere Musuem.

We have been before and it was fun, but this was a special display for the holidays.

The picture does not do it justice.

One of the workers told us it is all cans on the inside too!

He even told me how many....

but I forgot.

That is the corn stalks:)

It is winter, but Russell still wants to wear is flip flops

boy after my own heart.

The climber at it again.....

This is a cute scoop.

Five

2011-11-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Our first little man,

is less little today.

Quint is five.

Hard to believe, but its true.

We have had the pleasure of watching him transform this past year from a preschooler to a boy.

Its strange, and we are not sure exactly when it happened,

but when we look at him we see a boy.

Not our little guy anymore,

but a big boy,

capable,

helpful,

compassionate,

eager to learn and understand,

a leader.

Quint's favs these days:

building,

fire fighting,

any mighty machines,

how things are spelled,

projects,

anything Daddy does,

construction,

and much more.

As his parents, we feel it is ok to gush,

we just think he's amazing.

Fire Truck Hat

Homemade Pizza

Cake

and one big present:)

What is a party without a present:)

Especially a big one....

A digger.

What could possibly be better?

It was a big success.....

Way to go Daddy.

I love Rhett's dangling feet in the background,

It just captures the time, soon he will be too big to dangle from the table....

Happy Birthday Q

We love you.

Hawkeye Train 2011

2011-11-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition.

We LOVE the Hawkeye Train

It was much colder than we would have hoped this year,

but it was still fun.

And.....

to top it off....

the Hawkeyes BEAT Michigan:)

Keeping the hope alive for this season.....

A great fall day in Iowa

Walking to the train

Waiting for the train,

met the sweetest people,

a couple who saw our boys and told us they have 5 boys.

Wow, and they were awesome.

They had two teenage boys with them,

and the boys didn't seem to hate them.

I even saw them taking cute family pics.

Love it.

On the train

Off the train:)

Checking out the football people

that is a great idea:)

BK and I both wanted to play.

At the band

Rhett was rocking out

On the way home....we lost one....

We were cold, but mostly sad it was over.

It is one of our most favorite things about Iowa.

Goodbye Hawkeye Train for this year:(

It was a HUGE bug....

2011-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

luckily it was outside the screen.

We could see it up close and never touch it!

My kind of bug investigation.

The boys really got up close to check it out.

It was great entertainment.

If I was really good boy mom I would have caught it,

but admittedly I am not to that level yet.

I am working on it.

I am sure it serves a great purpose in our eco-system,

but lets be serious,

Gross.

When your bulldozer needs something to move...

2011-11-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Why not oatmeal?

They asked,

"can we use the oatmeal with our diggers?"

I considered saying no, but I figured...

what is the harm.

We don't eat as much oatmeal as we should anyways...

at least its getting used!

It actually worked well

entertained a long time,

and cleaned up fairly easily.

Rhett is always observing his big brothers these days....

At least this big brother activity was not a choking hazard!

He is learning so fast.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Its that time again:)

Time for pumpkins, costumes, candy and fun.

Try to ignore the date stamp...
guess the camera is a few hours off!

Here are our guys in their disguises.....

Quint: a very strong firefighter (notice the puffy chest)

Russell: a very scary tiger

Rhett: the cutest little cow we ever saw

(actually tied with Quint when he was the cow about 4 years ago)

{grin}

The animals wrestling

A Tiger on the prowl...

In the past we have made it down one or two streets, this year

our crew was full of energy. Ahhh, the motivation of candy.

The scariest house we saw...

a person would jump out....

but lucky for BK and I.....

not for little kids:)

Showing off their loot

By the end, Rhett was kinda over it....

I think he was cold and tired,

and wondering...what are my crazy brothers doing:)

The best farm experience ever

2011-11-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

We have never seen a cow eat a pumpkin!

They seemed to love it:)

We did the corn maze.

Quint led the way:)

He even wanted to pull Rhett.

I have been looking for a way to play on hay bales, and we found it!

The big boys, Daddy and Papa ran all over them:)

Rhett was loving the farm, so much to check out. He is super into pointing and verbalizing but not much we can make out yet:)

We were nearly done with all the activites, when I spotted a combine down the dirt road a bit.

I have been on the hunt to get up close to a combine since the boys love them.

We see them all the time out harvesting in the fields but I have not found a farmer friend to show us one up close.

Just as I was debating going to check it out,

a guy approached the combine with some tools.

I was so jazzed,

could it be someone who would let us touch it, and check it out.

I was that mother,

"excuse me can we check out the combine? My boys love them and we have never seen one up close...."

He chuckled,

"sure, its a super old one, and it just broke down so I am working on it"

Turns out he was the real farmer, he owned the farm!

He told us about the combine, how it is 30 years old but he just bought it for

$3500 dollars.

He said new ones are like 300,000 and he prefers to work on the old ones to save the money, since you only harvest one month a year.

(BK was jazzed about that, to think you could own a combine for $3500....

oh gees, what are we going to do with a combine:)

There a is small part of BK and I that think raising our men on a farm would be great, but we are not ready to commit.

Mainly because it is actually very expensive,

we know nothing about farms,

and I don't like bugs.

He was so kind, talk to us for quite a while about how he got into farming, about the farm crisis in the 80's....(which I just learn about from a friend so I felt knowledgeable thanks Suzy!) He shared some insight to the farm industry, and I was amazed. A few weeks ago there was a theme to the Hawkeye game (ANF) for all of you like me....

it stands for America Needs Farmers.

I am totally a believer.

It was an awesome experience.

We HIGHLY recommend Kroul Farms

and it is FREE!!!

Learning about the combine and farming, and Grammy giving the boys a closer look:)

He even let us climb up the ladder:)

Homecoming 2011

2011-10-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

We decided to try the Homecoming Parade this year.

It was a super fun, late night, but worth it.

BK was off early enough to walk downtown as a family.

What a treat,

just another reason to love Iowa in the Fall.

Quint found his own little spot to rest and eat his PB and J while he waited for the action to begin.

Fire trucks lead the way....a huge hit for our guys.

The quiet street, before the action

on a beautiful evening.

Waiting patiently for it to begin

There were many fancy cars, but even my dream car made it in the parade

my bus.......

This is how they looked once the realized they hand out candy....

Maybe we need to have candy more often, if they are willing to beg for it:)

Our former Frat neighbors:)

Hawkeye Pride is contagious

Not the best pic of us, but captures the moment...

happy, having fun, but super tired:)

He may not walk

2011-10-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

But he can climb.....

this is not the best moments, he gets himself in much worse situations but I don't feel it is right to grab a camera at those times:) So I captured a tamer situation....where I didn't think there was much danger!

Up he goes.....

And back again for more:)

Its not very often.....

2011-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

but it does happen.....

they all sleep at the same time:)

When your teething....

2011-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

just chew on anything available:)

Fall Harvest

2011-10-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Its harvest time around here. It is truly gorgeous, the fields, the tractors, combines, trucks gathering the food. I don't think I am meant to live in the country, or on a farm, but it is beautiful and amazing. Every we are driving and we see a combine, or tractor, Quint and Russell want me to take a picture. Here are a few we caught.

Bloombury Farm 2011

2011-10-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to Bloombury Farm.

One of our favorite things to do in Iowa:)

Every year, it makes me pause and wonder....

why would we ever leave....

We like country music, the boys love tractors, there are few things as gorgeous as a farm in the fall.

The big boys helped Rhett stand...not too sturdy yet:)

Quint and Russell look on with excitement

barrel ride...a boys favorite

Rhett's first barrel ride

Rhett and Dad check out the animals

Big boys pump water

They really have pig races:)

with grand stands to watch

Playing in the dried corn

BK wants to build one of these on our fake farm

There is corn in my toes......

Burying Russell....in the corn?

The wagon ride is Momma and Daddy's fav....

The pumpkin cannon is seriously cool

Russell was a bit scared of the cannon, he covered his eyes:)

Quint was finally big enough for the pedal go-carts.

He LOVED it, and made up for lost time in years past.

Round, round and round he went.....

And we could not miss the corn maze.

Woodpecker Trail

2011-10-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Quint went last year, and Russell went this year, the preschool field trip to Woodpecker trail.

We have never been as a family.

Today was perfect, a day that it should be illegal to be inside (especially in Iowa)

so we went for a hike.

I felt so naturey....if that is a thing.

Russell is officially a tree hugger

Quint led the way

Rhett loved the ride

Quint and Russell thought we all needed two sticks to bang together...

here is our marching band...

Midwest Pumpkin Weigh-Off

2011-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

We are working on our letters, and this week was F. In that spirit I need to say,

Fall is for Festivals:)

We heard about a festival for the largest pumpkin weigh-in for Iowa and surrounding states.

We had to check it out.

It was in a small town 45 minutes from us.

We felt like we were sneaking into their town party.

It was fun.

One story: we were walking through the festival looking for the pumpkins and we asked a older couple who were sitting in their lawn chairs watching the people. They sweetly gave us directions, and on our way back 1/2 hour later we heard someone yell to us...

"how did you like the pumpkins?"

It was the same couple, they genuinely seemed interested in how the boys liked the pumpkins.

We chatted with them a bit,

there is a friendliness in Iowa that is super special.

That is a big pumpkin, but Quint was not very impressed....he thought they would be as big as a car

The pumpkins......

We think this was the winner!

Always compliment a man on their poo

2011-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Quint from the bathroom...
"Russell, do you want to look at my runny poo?"
Russell responds without hesitation...
"yeah!!"
He runs to the bathroom.
Then I hear Quint yell...
"mommy do you want to see my runny poo? Its really big!"
(I have learned being married to BK that poo is a point of pride to a man)
So I answer with hesitation, but tried to sound excited...
"sure, I'm coming"
As I walk to the bathroom BK smirks at me...and whispers
"it was all his idea to show you....I'm so proud"
In the bathroom Quint Russell and BK are hunched over the toilet examining the poo...
As I compliment Quint on such a great poo, I realize I live with a lot of testosterone....
And maybe someday I will need my own bathroom.

Homemade Sand Table

2011-05-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend:)

BK was off the WHOLE weekend....

which was a super suprise because we thought for sure he would have to work.

Nothing super eventful,

we caught up on some projects,

skyped with family,

spent an afternoon with friends,

and completed a man project!

Good little weekend.

Our wonderful friends the Greg and Emily

gifted us a turtle sand box,

they swore they didn't need.

It started our man project.

Here are:

BK and Greg loading it on the roof of Lexi

Next Step: Momma didn't want it on the ground if possible.

(to much sand on little bodies and in our house!)

So, a man project to make a homemade sand table....

We took a family trip to Menards (a mid west special!)

Got sand.

BK and the boys went to Lowes for

cinder blocks and wood for the base.

(10% military discount at Lowes!)

BK even got to use his one power tool (drill)

to secure the base.

BK pouring in the sand....

The boys proudly standing by their project

Russell testing it out...

Everyone was super happy...

especially momma

Q and R played for hours in the sand table....

awesome.

we were waiting

2011-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

I feel like all my little men go through this stage where they don't poo for multiple days, and it begins to worry me.

I was trying not to stress, but the long stretch did coordinate with the little lego incident...

So I was a bit freaked he was blocked up by a swallowed lego.

My calm hubby assured me he wasn't.

Finally the poo came!

I was relieved.

It is so weird what excites me as a momma:)

When your addicted to endorphins...

2011-05-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

You must do whatever you can to get them.

Even if it is three little men in the double stroller.

I am not recommending it....

Q was a bit squished...

and we didn't go fast,

and we didn't go far...

but we went:)

The tornado

2011-05-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Our afternoon plans were foiled by the tornado warning.
We waited it out in our car in our underground garage.
It was a bummer but we made a memory, playing in the car and listening to the radio updates from the storm chasers...
We weren't being totally wimpy the tornado touched down just a few miles from us!
Here is our pic of the fam hiding in our car, just us and our external hard drive:)
Can't lose the pics!

Already...8 Months!

2011-05-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

Rhett...

easy-going,

two bottom teeth chomper,

drooler,

cheerio-eater,

loves playing with his feet,

smiley,

entertained by his big brothers,

late night snuggler/eater:),

car seat napper,

non crawler,

but can get anywhere through a combo of rolling and scooching:)

blondy,

18 month clothes wearer,

just awesome.

Oh yeah...

and

8 months old...

today!

play pen time....

2011-05-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

Rhett does great in his play pen.

I use it a lot, especially since the little lego incident.

The big boys love to play with Rhett...

so I often find them in the play pen with him.

As long as no one is crying....

I'm ok with it:)

Easter

2011-04-24T03:53:00.000-07:00

By far, the best, most fantastic holiday of the year.

We went all out to celebrate...

and...

it was awesome.

Their were:

egg hunts,

baskets,

treats,

dinner with friends,

church,

resurrection eggs,

and wonderful family time.

More pics to come, but here are the boys dressed for the day:)

(the best one I could get...they didn't sit long!)

Rhett's first Easter....such a cute little man

Spring is time for man projects

2011-04-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

I have learned...

with boys I must embrace dirt.

The sun came out, and the boys decided it was time for outside projects.

This one Quint came up with all by himself.

Dig a hole, to make the pole stand up.

I hope our landlord does not mind a random bent stick in his garden:)

The boys were proud of their work.

Cutest little butt:)

2011-04-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Rhett and Dad time:)

2011-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Caught them this moment...

Dad and Rhett just chillin' on the couch....

This is just a great reason to appreciate BK.

He is such a rock star Dad.

He includes the boys whenever he can,

washing the car, playing train, or sitting on the couch.

I am so grateful:)

Aunt Rebecca was here....(a month ago...)

2011-04-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

We love visits from Aunt Rebecca. We were pumped she came for a long weekend in March. I am super behind on Blogging but I am trying to catch up. She is awesome because she plays with the boys, is super easy guest, and very funny. Here is an action shot of her joining in on our evening dance (run around) time! PS she also had here birthday in February, so we did a very little celebration at Culvers:) Next year we will do better:)

Belated Birthday song for Aunt Rebecca

Our family on the move....

2011-04-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Love this pic.

Not awesome quality, but you get the idea....

I feel it embodies our life stage...

Moving:)

In our garage after a walk around the block...

one of our favorite family activites.

Rhett sits!

2011-04-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Its official: Rhett is a sitter!

Rhett is not a little guy, so we are kinda amazed he can hold himself up:)

The milestones always amaze me.

Here is Rhett showing off his unassisted sitting skills....

Sometimes he still falls over:)

6 months....flew by

2011-03-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 6 months.

It is hard to believe.

He is the most amazing little guy.

So loving, so kind, so peaceful.

Constantly smiling,

loud laugher,

teether, no teeth,

smiley eyes....

loved by his brothers,

loves watching his brothers,

He is perfect.....just perfect.

Assisted sitter,

major scoocher,

superman flyer,

rock star level bouncer,

hair grabber,

wet kiss giver,

super chatty,

and

big time drooler....

Stats:

28 inches (93%)

19.5 lbs (85%)

What a blessing......

when we count our blessings....

Rhett is a huge one....

St Patricks Day

2011-03-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

A few of my very organized mommy friends started a holiday related play date. Its kinda become a tradition. There were songs, a scavanger hunt, stories, and green food. It was fun:) It was a bummer Rhett was sleeping....oh well, next year for him....

Here are the pics....

Miss Heather leading a song...

Green Shirts required:)

Miss Natalie teaching a story....

There was green food (Thanks Lauren)

Our best attempt at a group pic:)

Rhett the Super Bouncer

2011-03-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

All we can say is...
He is so awesome....
We could not have asked for a better little man:)

Grammy saves the day!

2011-02-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

Mom has made it a tradition to come visit us for a week in February.

We really look forward to it.

We do "special" fun things, with the boys.

Mom spoils us.

It is super fun, right about the time winter is beating us down.

Well, this year it went a bit different.

Five minutes before we left for the airport to pick up Grammy,

Quint threw up on the floor.

Then, there was explosive poo on the car ride.

It got worse.

I got it too.

That night, Quint and I are throwing up.

It was bad.

I couldn't keep water down.

We were all hoping it was a 24 hour bug.

It wasn't.

I was totally useless,

and Mom was the hero.

As an aside, she hates throw up.

But, she cleaned it up,

washed clothes, blankets, and pillows covered in it.

While she cleaned, she took care of Russell and Rhett, and nursed Quint and I.

We picked her up on Monday, I got out of bed Thursday, and Friday we drove her back to the airport.

It was not the visit we had hoped for,

but she was our angel.

When she left my house was cleaner than I have ever had it.

I had a new mop and broom:)

And we felt so blessed by Grammy.

THANK YOU MOM!!!

Our hero, with the new broom and mop she got us....

(my mom loves good cleaning tools)

We did get a few pics of Grammy with the boys, but it was too short!

Why to build a tower...

2011-02-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Quint built this tower of pillows....

and climbed up to the top.....

I asked him

"what are you doing, Quint?"

He responded:

"I am sitting on my tower"

I continued

"what are you doing up there?"

He simply said:

"telling people what to do"

Obviously.

That is what you do in a tower:)

You may be wondering....

2011-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

What is it?

A highly sought after,

impressively designed,

well thought out,

one of a kind,

little lego fire truck

built by Daddy

it is also currently the most fought over toy in our home.

From now on....

outstanding little lego creations

need to come in sets of two:)

Future Picasso?

2011-02-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Recently Quint has been asking for paints...

It is a bit surprising since the boys have never been big craft people...

but, maybe I have a future Picasso....

who am I to prevent famous art?

I thought it would be a good special treat for (Daddy at drill) weekend....

Here are our artists in action....

Fading Fast

2011-02-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

I love when my babies are so little they can nap on the couch.

Quint, Russell, and now Rhett have spent their early months napping on our couch.

I know this time for Rhett is fading fast

He is already beginning to scooch and soon it will be too risky to put him on the couch.

I took pictures last night to try to freeze this time which is fading fast.

I am tired, and a bit crazy but I know I will miss these days.

Rhett 4 months 2 weeks

Maybe we need to work on matching....

2011-02-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

What is wrong with this picture.....

Russell kept asking me to put on his shoes...

when I reached for his second sneaker he insisted on his blue croc....

I told him they did not match....

he did not care....

In his mind they were the perfect pair....

ahhhh....I love him.

Snow Day

2011-02-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

It is very rare, even in the Midwest to have a grown-up snow day.

Our monster storm delivered!

The University, and even major businesses were closed.

It was awesome.

Our hearty midwestern friends invited us to go sledding.

It seemed crazy and cold but the hill was less than a mile away so we decided to go for it.

First we (I mean Daddy) dug out the sleds from the drift on our porch...

We loaded our car and ventured out.

Our big car barely cleared the snow on our unplowed side street

(no pic because I was kinda freaking out about getting stuck....BK was loving it)

but, luckily they had plowed the main road in our neighborhood

here is the pic of our neighborhood road

If we ever live here and have a driveway we will need to get some gear like this guy.....

Sledding Pics....

Some friends met us to share in the grown up snow day fun....

Russell sitting on the snow drift....

BK and Quint on their first run...

Group pic to prove I was out in the cold:)

(Rhett home sleeping at our friends house)

Blizzard

2011-02-02T06:48:00.001-08:00

We heard the hype...

Huge blizzard coming....

take cover....

It came....

We are officially snowed in.

I may not love it....

but I grew up in the snow when I was young....

I remember the awe....

the love of the "snow day"....

I am glad my boys can experience it too....

Rhett 4 months

2011-02-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is a little late.....

(real day 1.22.11)

We are so in love with him....

how could you not....

snugglie, great sleeper, toy grabber, drooler, happy, easy going, car-seat hater, 17 lbs 90%, 27 inches 95%

*Just Perfect*

First Swim Lesson

2011-01-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

I love the water.

If I could I would swim everyday...

BK shares my love of the water....

One of my favorite things to do with BK is swim masters...

We joke will will swim masters together when we are 80...

Today was Quint's first real swim lesson

He ran into the rec center....

(good sign right?)

We walked in and were overcome by the smell of indoor pool.

some people don't love this smell....

but,

I spent my younger years swimming indoors and still love the smell of an indoor pool

It is nostalgic for me.....

Reminds me of swimming when I was young...

I took him out to the pool and then the instructor shooed us out of the pool area.

We watched from a distance...

I can't put into words how much I hope our boys grow to love the water.....

hopefully swim lessons will help:)

Running in to the Rec Center

Getting out after first lesson

all smiles:)

He said he loved it:)

I know its only the first day but I have my fingers crossed

I know I have to let him pick what he loves....

but I can still hope its swimming....right?

Little Legos

2011-01-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Constructing in Chicago...

Uncle Dave came up very big in our house this Christmas.

He has always been a house favorite, mainly because he is a boy, and very, very fun.

Although we don't get to see him as much as we would like; when we are around he actively engages the boys.

He even shares his nearly antique Hess trucks, and lets them play his video games on his very fancy computer.

If you know my brother you realize this is an act of love.

This Christmas, he called us to tell me he found little Lego's on slick deals and bought them for the boys.

I was surprised by his thoughtfulness...

When we met in Chicago he gave them to the boys and they were a huge hit.

Uncle Dave, Papa, BK, Quint, and Russell could be found around the table building all vacation.

The love affair with the little Lego's continues in our home.

They are out everyday.

We work hard to "share" all the good pieces, but it is a huge hit!!

We feel very blessed to have such an awesome Uncle Dave.

It is probably good we have boys though...I don't anticipate Dave buying girl toys:)

The construction continues at home...

When in the transition of giving up naps....

2011-01-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

It is not recommended to drive anywhere in the afternoon.
Especially around....

Because this is what can happen in just a few moments.....

Making bedtime much more challenging....

Sophie the Giraffe

2011-01-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Another example of an amazing gift from Aunt Rebecca. She is legendary around our family as a rock star gift giver. You may not even know you need it until she gets it for you, and then you can't live without it. Even though we love how Aunt Rebecca showers us with "perfect" gifts, what we really can't live without is her.

Thanks Aunt Rebecca
Sophie is a hit!

Flashback Friday

2011-01-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

Recently a few of our good friends have had their first babies...

its awesome...

I caught myself flashing back to our beginning as parents...

I remember...

wishing people had shared with me more of the messy details of birth...

yet understanding why they didn't (smile)....

trying so hard to learn a completely new role...

and feeling completely unprepared and overwhelmed...

(I still feel this way often)

BK and I stressing about every little detail....

Keeping stock of gas drops, because we were sure every time Quint cried it was gas....

reaching a new level of emotion I never knew was possible...

love, fear, anxiety, more love, guilt, joy, exhaustion, and more love....

realizing our life had been completely changed...

A flash back to us as new parents....

Christmas 2006 (Quint 1.5 months)

First Snow Man

2011-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

You may be thinking...

The first snow man for Quint and Russell...

and you would be right...

but it is also the first snow man for BK.

BK was not raised where it snows

some would say "how fortunate for him" others maybe feel "how sad".

Whichever camp you are in,

hopefully we can agree...

your first snow man is a big deal.

We rarely get good snowman snow around here...

So, when we got a storm of wet sticky snow and BK had the day off...

He was pumped!

Here is the "first" snow man

Russell woke up from nap and was jealous...he hurried outside to help

Pretty good for a first try:)

Embracing his role...

2011-01-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

Big Brother and Little Brother

My typically "too busy to smile for the camera" son....

asked me to take pictures of him with Rhett.

I am amazed how he has embraced being a big brother to Rhett.

With Russell he was too young to understand.

I think because they are so close in age he perceives Russell more as a peer.

With Rhett he knows he is bigger.

Honestly I am surprised how much I trust him with Rhett.

He is gentle, and he has never hurt him.

I often find him talking to him,

and showing him toys.

He tells me "go away mommy I am talking to Rhett".

How he interacts with him was not something I expected, but

its really cool.

New Hair

2011-01-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

Russell's hair has been in his eyes.

I have not gotten around to trimming it.

I ran out this morning for a half an hour...

and now it is short.

BK cut it.

I feel it is very short...but maybe I am just not used to it yet...

Let me know what you think....

a moment: free babysitting=time to remember

2011-01-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

It was Friday 4 PM

BK was due home early around 5:15

I was on the phone with a good friend and she said....

"Bring the boys over I will babysit for a few hours"

I paused: processing....free babysitting....I took it!

4:15

Quick get the boys ready

Pack a bag for them

4:30

Go to my closet

nothing to wear.

Change three times before settling on something slightly cute.

Took a moment to wish I had more clothes that fit curvy nursing Christy.

4:45

plug in straightener

Change Rhett

4:50

try brush and straighten my hair at the same time

apply a bit of make up (which is probably expired)

glance at my cute peep toe heels and realize I live in a place where most of the year they are not practical.

Choose flats.

5:00

nurse Rhett

5:15

Ready for a hot date!!!

BK walked in and we jammed.

We went for big beers and wings.

For over an hour it was bliss.

BK was handsome, funny, and I realized how grateful I am he...we haven't changed.

Our years, location, number of babies, and much more has changed; but sitting there enjoying our beers, we could have been in Davis the first year we met.

We could have been sitting in a booth at Woodstocks.

Same big beers...same BK and Christy....

As the choas of life swirls around it is easy to forget "us"

Tonight reminded me...it is good to remember.

If you ever get offered free babysitting don't turn it down:)

Thanks Emily!!!

Flash Back Friday

2011-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

I love Flash Back Friday...I am going to try to keep it up this year.

This is our first U-Haul....early 2005.

San Jose to Fresno

Still a spitter

2011-01-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

So cute, and still a spitter....

The latest Spitter story...

BK was laying on the couch holding Rhett up in the air....

all the sudden...

direct hit.

Rhett spit all over BK:)

It was awesome.

I was too slow with the camera...

BK rushed to change his shirt.

A true sign it doesn't happen to him much.

I was so proud of Rhett....he just smiled...

I think he thought it was funny too.

A moment: the battle rages in my mind....

2011-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Quint has been having a rough week. More tantrums than normal, a bit more defiant. He is generally very awesome, and helpful which is why this is a concern. BK and I were sitting on the couch last night, it had been a particularly rough day and I was so eager to hear BK's perspective. He tends to have a fresh look and he and Quint share some similarities so he helps me understand Quint better. As we sat there I recounted the days events, curious to know if he thought I took the right action. I shared how I feel it is such a battle. BK's response was "it is not a battle, you are the parent and you are going to always win".

Interesting....I thought to myself....I suppose that should be true.

I immediately flash back to my experiences of the day. Instantly, I am in the moment when Quint was raging and manipulating to get what he wanted. I remembered I didn't feel as though I was winning. The situation is compounded by the fact Quint has a strong will, he is focused and determined. I know these are awesome traits and I have often found myself jealous of the more steadfast and determined people in my life, but they are not traits I share. For example, in most situations, after a few minutes I am ready to move on, if it is not working I think of another way. I work hard to avoid conflict, and a good argument could easily sway me; except for maybe a few things I staunchly believe. Often times, as Quint rages, I desire a take back, I don' t care this much to fight over this....or his argument seems strong so maybe he is right....ahhh.

BK is probably right, it is not a battle with Quint. But, the battle definitely rages in my mind. I hear two different sides.....

On one shoulder I remind myself....

If you give in he will just do it more....

You have to keep your word.....

You are the boss, you make the rules....

but on the other shoulder I hear....

its ok to give in this once....

maybe you should not have picked this battle...

is it really worth all this drama?....

I know this situation is not unique. It is as old as parenting. Yet, I still don't know the right answer. Maybe that is the answer. It is inevitable, as parents we will fail occasionally. Unfortunately I despise failure and I don't cope well with it, so I work to avoid it at all costs. I have chosen to face failure head on in this situation. I am committed to striving for consistent, fair, discipline because I truly think it is a form of love for a child. Recently, I realized mommyhood has stretched me more than any other task I have undertaken in my life. It requires selflessness, wisdom, patience, gentleness, creativity, time management, and much more. All are things I would say I was not gifted in when I began this journey.

Throughout the day I am humbled by my inability to do it on my own.

So I pray....

for wisdom, patience, gentleness, creativity, time management, a heart after God, love, and much more.

But, when it feels like the craziness exceeds my limits...I pray for peace.

I never would have known if the doctor didn't tell me...

2011-01-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

Today Rhett is:

111 days old

1.11.11

Kinda Cool.

This happened to Quint, Russell and now Rhett...

2011-01-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Bounce, Bounce, Bounce...

Tired:)

This looks like a great place for a nap....

Flash Back Friday

2011-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Half Dome 2004

Ice Pops

2011-01-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today it is 10 degrees. It is the middle of Winter so it is to be expected. What is unexpected is my boys desire to eat ice pops. They could not get it out of their mind today, so we made some. Here are my silly guys eating ice pops in winter.

a moment: use less words?

2011-01-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

I am very wordy, just ask Verizon....or BK when I went over my minutes last month....ahhh! I have never thought it was a bad trait, but I definitely realize there are times when less words are better. BK is much better than I am at choosing his words. In a situation when I don't know what to say I will just say everything, whereas BK will think first. Recently, he and I were talking about the boys, and he suggested I don't need to use so many words. He felt I was running them over with my words....they can't process it all and just tune it out. I observed for a few days and realized it was true. Especially after time out or a disagreement over a toy I want to "talk it out" but I think my boys don't need that. They need me to keep it short and sweet. I have read a few parenting books and books on discipline and they share BK's opinion. Less words are more. This is challenging for me. But I have taken the challenge. At least when speaking with the boys in areas of direction or discipline keep it simple.

Use less words.....

I am taking the challenge...but I told BK this means I will have more words at night for him....you know I need to reach my word count for the day:) He laughed....I almost don't think he minds all my chatter when he gets home....thank God!

Saying Goodbye...

2011-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

It was a great trip. Thank you Grammy, Papa, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Rebecca for meeting us in Chicago. We had such a great time. The boys ask to go back often. Saying goodbye is hard, but you are only Verizon minutes or Skype away!

Happy New Year!!

Papa climbed in the car to say goodbye...

Uncle Dave bonding with the boys...and dirtying my windows!

Night Riding

2010-12-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

It has begun to get very dark, very early. Daddy embraced it and took the boys out for a jog in the stroller in the dark! They were pumped. Quint and Russell took their night lights, blankets and animals. They had a great time. When they returned they were missing one very important item. Russell's blanket. In our home this is a code red. BK quick jumped in the car to drive and look for it. Luckily he found it on the sidewalk. It was a bit dirty and wet, but Russell didn't seem to mind. He slept with it that night. We washed it the next day:)

Maybe a real smile?

2010-11-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

I tried to catch it, but missed a little!

You can still get the idea....Rhett is smiling:)

It is awesome.

He is such a great addition, we feel so blessed.

All-American Halloween

2010-11-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

We planned to take the boys trick or treating. Our friends graciously invited us to come trick or treating in their neighborhood. It was awesome. Unlike our neighborhood, their neighborhood is full of children, and the street came to life as the sun began to set. Many of the homes were decorated. Two Dads were actually dressed up as past coaches for the Hawks. (If I was a good Hawkeye fan I would know who they were supposed to be) In our crew we had a very scary lion, tiger, and a bat. Our friends had two very cute cupcakes, and another little lion:) The boys tired quickly, but we made it around two small blocks before calling it a night. As we drove home, BK said "that was the most wholesome Halloween I have every experienced. When he said this, I reflected. True I thought, I only saw one boy dressed as a gross scary horror character, but I saw lots of animals, and even Winnie the Poo. It was also a happy vibe. All the neighbors knew each other, chatting on the sidewalks. "Totally" I responded. Then BK said "I didn't even see one bag snatcher!"

What the heck is a bag snatcher?!? BK could not believe I had never seen a bag snatcher. BK went into his stories of bag snatchers. If you are as naive as me, bag snatchers dress in all black and steal little kids candy bags. How do they live with themselves...I wondered to myself....I can't imagine what I would do if someone snatched one of my boys bags....look out for momma bear:)

Here are our pics from wonderful Halloween (free from scary costumes and bag snatchers)

Quint the roaring lion....

Russell the happy lion

Rhett the not so happy bat:)

The whole crew (minus our little bat)

Ellie, Russell, Quint, Zack, Hannah

Hannah and Quint led the charge

Can you tell we are in Hawkeye country??

Russell usually was lagging behind:)

But he never missed out on the treats...

Russell was so proud to show off his candy!

So exciting....they needed to run!

they ran fast!

Toward the end they got tired but kept going....

A tired lion needed a lift from Daddy...

Cutest Lion, Tiger, and Bat ever!

Hope this brightens your day

2010-10-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

A hug from Russell:)

in the potty

2010-10-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

This post is for Daddy

Beware it is a little gross:)

Russell is far from potty trained....

that being said:

Russell went in the potty for the first time the other day

AND...

He hasn't done it since

But...

He was so proud!

Rhett is 1 month

2010-10-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Rhett is one month old today.

He is already playing with his big brothers....

Quint, Russell, and Rhett in their "boat"

Date Night

2010-10-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

With three kids under 4

and a budget

Date night at our house....

looks a little like this:)

Someday we will be able to go out to sexy small table dinner and sit for hours...

not worrying about how bedtime went, or if Rett needs to nurse....

It will be great when we get there....

BUT,

for now our life is bedtime.

Full of stories, bath, animal crackers and milk.

For now, Rett needs me every 3 hours....I know someday he won't.

Someday I may be able to go to tiny table dinner with my handsome husband,

but I will probably be jazzed if my boys call me on a regular basis.

So we embrace it.

For now, a quiet house, cozy couch, a beer, and a red box is a super hot date.

Speaking of embracing it: time to feed Rett.

a moment: move the wagon

2010-10-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today the boys were playing outside. Russell wanted the shovel, but it was pinned under the wagon wheel. I watched as he addressed this problem. He tried to pull it out with all his strength. Then he tried even harder. "Ahhhhhh"......he said as he pulled. I was worried he would get frustrated, and I was about to step in and help him, when he changed his plan.

I waited to see what he would do next....

He left the shovel and went over to the wagon handle. He proceeded to pull the wagon until the wheel was no longer on the shovel. This may seem simple...but I was amazed.

Its official: Russell is a genius:)

That is the opinion of a totally unbiased momma (wink, wink)

Spitter

2010-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Rhett is an amazing baby, but he is my first spitter. I love calling him spitter because it reminds me of an endearing character from the TV show Greek. Anyways. I was so proud that I had just mopped my floor, and then it happened. Rett spit up all down the back of my shirt and the very clean floor. Ahhhh. The floor never remains clean for more than a few minutes....but it was so nice while it lasted. Spit up is gross....but I can't help but love my little spitter:)

If you are wondering....

Yes, it was in my hair.

And no, I did not wash it till much later that night....

Thats life in Mommy world!

I even had my sunglasses

2010-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

It was my first day flying solo with the babies.

We were not running late.

We were in the car with all our gear and I even had my sunglasses.

You see, my sunglasses always seem to be an indicator of if I have EVERYTHING.

I don't take time to grab them if I need critical things like keys or diapers.

Here is a pic of us in the car, on time, with ALL our stuff...

even my sunglasses.

Rhett is 2....WEEKS!

2010-10-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Rett Richardson 2 Weeks Old....

Long Legs

Hiccups

Spitter

Eater

Sleepy

Deep thinker

Tough

Hardy

Quiet

Hair

Rebecca saves the day

2010-10-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

BK couldn't make it to drill weekend last month, so he told me he would have to go this month. When I have a brand new baby I thought! Oh no....but then I remembered Rebecca was coming in that weekend to meet Rett and help out.

This prevented a break down, I am sure we would have survived but Rebecca coming gave me a lot of peace of mind:)

Did I mention I don't love drill weekend....mainly because I don't like to share BK.

Friday she arrived and Mom flew out......I am so grateful for both their help!

Rebecca was a rock star.

She jumped into our chaos with two feet.

I would have been in trouble without her, not to mention lonely!

Here are some pics:

Mom and Rebecca trading places at the airport

Aunt Rebecca bonding with Rhett

We had to show Aunt Rebecca the football people

Go Hawkeyes:)

Aunt Rebecca is so fun, she made cookies with the boys

Russell's tongue injury

2010-10-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

It looked much worse when it was gushing blood....but looking back maybe I over reacted a bit. The good news is I learned a lot about tongues and how they heal. I feel like being a mom of three boys requires a vast knowledge of random injuries. Maybe I need a book, when to call 911, when to call the doctor, and when to wait and see. Let me know if a book like that exists:)

A third parent

2010-10-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

I have decided there are many times in my life where I could really use a third parent. When BK is working and I need to be two places at once....when I didn't sleep because someone was up all night and I'm dying for a nap.......when I had the flu last winter and couldn't move, etc.

Another prime example is when we are about to have a baby.

Ideally BK and I could be at the birth, but that leaves us with two boys with no where to go. We don't have family in town, state or even within our time zone. We had gracious offers from friends to watch the boys but I didn't want to drop them off in the middle of the night with our friends who all have a few kids of their own. Since we don't have a third parent hanging around.....

Grammy flew to the rescue!!

My mom's life is busy.....but she dropped everything for 10 days to come to be our third parent.

It would have been really rough without her here to step in.

THANK YOU GRAMMY!!

Here are some pics of her time here.

Arrival: Day before baby arrives!

Her first order of business: take BK out for his birthday:)

He chose Hardees...

The boys were pumped too

She watched the boys during the birth and brought them to meet their new brother

Grammy meeting Rett

She took Quint to preschool

She was a huge help at the park

Played with the boys and showed them photos on her computer

Boys are all about wrestling....Grammy got in on the action

Thanks again for all the help!

The Mail

2010-10-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Going to the mailbox is a man activity in our home. I could care less about checking the mail and BK is really into it. The boys have taken to the tradition and nearly every night they make the trek down the hallway of our building to get the mail. They love it, and it is something special to do with Daddy. I love it, because it is 5 minutes of total silence during a hectic dinner hour:)

Tonight the boys decided that Rett should come too. I love that they already want to include him on man adventures. Here are some pics of Daddy and his little men on their trip to the get the mail.

Dino peanut butter and jelly

2010-10-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

My mom has an amazing gift with children. I would say all children, even teenagers, but one of her favorite stages is preschool age. She always comes up with creative ideas to entertain them. Dino peanut butter and jelly is a perfect example. Mom saw this cute cutter that makes two dinosaurs out of one peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This is something I would never think to buy but Mom did. She brought it with her when she came to help with the boys while we had Rhett.

It was a huge hit...and still is:)

Like I said, she has a gift.

So, if your children like the crust cut off and are into dinosaurs,

I would highly recommend spending two dollars on this cutter.

It is awesome.

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Dinosaur-Shape-Sandwich-Cutter-Ideal/dp/B0041RXNX4

Grammy making dino peanut butter and jelly

Our dinosaurs often battle

Russell and Quint battle with their dinos....then eat the heads off

Dino Battle