The Day to Celebrate Moms

2 wiggly boys + 1 newborn + one mom + windy outdoors= priceless Mother's Day memories.

I am not going to lie, being a mom is difficult on most days and extremely challenging on others. As I look into their faces each night as they are sleeping (the only time there is quiet and calm) I realize how lucky I am to be their mom, even though half the time I don' have a clue what I am doing. They are each so much a part of me that life without them would be dull and meaningless. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity (and challenge) of figuring out parenting with them by my side. I also could not do it without Aaron who is the best Mr. Mom a woman could ask for. Happy Mother's Day! (a little late)

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk

Isn't that how the saying goes? Well, I have to admit I have cried over spilled milk and the many other forms of mass messes that my sweet, little Brendon can create. The messes themselves are trivial in the grand scheme of things, but when you have just delivered a baby and find yourself now at home with 3 little ones it seems like the world will end if another mess is made. My darling Brendon is the master at getting into things and it all came to a high point right after Landon was born. I would sit down to nurse Landon and just pray that he wouldn't get into anything. My prayers weren't always answered. I thought I would share some of the pics that I took of the mischievousness. (and these are only a few from the collection I have.) Salt and pepper spilled in the cabinet and all over the counter below. I cleaned the mess and refilled the containers only to have him get into them again that very same day, making the very same mess.
Some of my toiletries out and dumped all over the floor. He came to me while I was feeding Landon and I could see he was all wet from something. I discovered this in my bathroom shortly thereafter.

During this time, he discovered how to open the fridge by himself. It allowed for this mess to be created...chocolate syrup with a little finger painting on the side.

I found him making a creation in a cup from the spices in the cupboard. Three different spices were dumped in the cup as well as what was left in the vanilla bottle.

He would also go out the front door and go walking down the street. One time they were out playing in the backyard and Kaden came running in to tell me Brendon was stuck. I went out to find him on top of the city garbage can screaming his head off. He did it another time and our neighbor's landscaper was holding his hand from over the fence to help calm him down while Kaden came inside to find me. Needless to say I was afraid of the messes, but I also feared for his life (or limbs)

Some of you might wonder why I take a picture of it. At the time of the incidences I would be so upset (remember I was sleep-deprived and still very hormonal from delivery). Each mess would cause tears and create feelings of doubt that I was suitable mother and all the other horrible things Satan puts into our minds. I started to take picture so one day I could look back and laugh and remember how crazy the first few weeks are when bringing home a newborn.

Landon isn't that old, but already things have simmered down AND I can smile at the memories.

Festivities

We had a wonderful Easter. Aaron is the one that always heads up the decorating activities. (Landon's feedings always land right when I am trying to do something important.) The boys enjoyed coloring eggs. They both love hard boiled eggs so they wanted to eat them the entire time we decorated. I got the "Monster Egg" coloring kit which came with stickers of monster eyes and teeth and hair and fuzzy twine stuff.Some finished product...Kaden named Aaron's creation "Mustachio"

Easter Day hunting for eggs. After church (it is always difficult to get a nice picture of both of the boys)
It is such a joy to have both families close. We went to Aaron's parents Easter morning for breakfast and had an egg hunt there with surprises from Grandma K (what the boys call Aaron's mom). We went to church. For dinner my family came to our house and we had another egg hunt in our backyard with the eggs from Nana (what the boys call my mom). Sometimes it is hard trying to fit both families in on special occasions, but after all is said and done the memories we create are priceless.
One more picture from the day...(the color of the day was lime green. My dad, Brenton, Jarrett, and Landon all had the color on.)

Shocker

Okay so I haven't been great about updating this thing. This week my goal is to post daily to get up to date and then to post on a weekly basis to stay caught up. If you are out there...thanks for sticking with me! This week they won't really be in chronological order. I should probably start with the story of Landon, but I will save that for later this week.

These are pictures from swim lessons the last couple of weeks. The boys loved going each day. They are definitely my little fishies that love the water.

A little goes a long way

A lot has been going on with our little family. I am just going to highlight a few things.

We bought an Excursion. We are trying to sell the Tahoe. Anyone looking for an amazing vehicle (that we are really, really sad to give up)?I had a birthday. Number 28. Pretty crazy. I am holding our nephew, Jarrett. My mom always makes me my favorite cake--carrot cake. It is from scratch and I could pretty much eat the entire thing myself. I have never tried, but I am pretty sure I could do it.
The boys all ready for church. They are growing so fast. It is so hard to believe Kaden will be starting Kindergarten this year. He is doing awesome in Preschool and can't wait to go to the "big kid's school." Brendon is a stinker. He drives us crazy one minute and the next he is giving hugs and telling you he loves you. He is talking up a storm and loves being with big brother wherever that may be.

Last, but definitely not least, as of today I am 35 weeks along. This is a shot from today, courtesy of Kaden. I am feeling pretty well for the most part. A lot of days I feel like a hamster on wheel. I am moving constantly and so busy but I don't really get anywhere or anything done. I guess that is just how it is towards the end.

New nephew

Brent and Sarah welcomed Jarrett Brenton to the world on December 7. I just happened to stop by for a visit at the hospital (Sarah was supposed to be in labor) and they had just whisked her away for a c-section. I was one of the lucky ones to see Jarrett just a few minutes old. The rest of the family was able to partake in his sweet spirit this week.

There is just nothing like a newborn. They are so perfect when they come straight from heaven. We are so excited for the new parents as they embark on the adventure of parenthood. We love you, Sarah and Brent!

Check it out!

I am so excited! I hope to soon be able to put a new picture in the blog header. We just had our family pics taken by Kara Layne . She is amazing! I have been following her for a long time. Her photography is breathtaking. You can take a sneak peak at some of our photos and her genius here. Enjoy!