Shawn, Shelva, Symeon and Marin

Holding Hands

2012-02-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

I have always been a junkie for holding hands but since having children it has become one of my all time favorite things to do. I feel like so much is communicated while holding hands with my husband, my parents, my grandparents, friends, and now my children. I remember holding my grandmother's hands the last time I saw her before she died. I remember her hands being worn and the skin soft like tissue paper. I remember seeing the veins and relishing all the times she had held my hand throughout my life. I could see the veins pumping the blood through her body not knowing she only had a little time left before that would end. All my life I had seen her hands making Sunday dinner, reading the paper, drinking coffee, holding me, bringing me small gifts, walking with me as we exercised together after her heart attack. Her hands were ones of beauty, hard working and loving, tough and tender, old and wise, they were everything I pray my hands will be in the life I have to live. They were everything I hope my children and grandchildren will see in my hands as I age.

On January 24th I remembered my Grandmother's birthday and I celebrated her life and the life that lives on in me and my family. She would have been 87 and I remember it because we were 50 years apart almost to the day. I thought about those hands all day and I relished in the memories of her life and mine so intertwined her memory palpable to me on that day and on many others.

On my 37th birthday the next day I held hands with Marin while she drifted off to sleep and last night I held hands with Symeon and we both fell asleep together laying in his bed. When I woke up a bit later I realized we were both still holding hands. I often ask them to hold hands walking down the sidewalk, laying in bed, watching tv, and sometimes when they are upset in the car or anywhere they will ask me to hold my hand and I am always willing, like a puppy being praised, I offer my hand with a joyful heart.

I love the feel of their sweet chubby hands wrapped in mine. I love the warmth that flows between us unspoken and I try to burn into my mind how small their hands are and how they fit into my Mama hand and I realize that my Grandmother use to have that same feeling this tiny little hand held tight and warm in her hand. The last time I saw her when we talked about what she wanted shared at her funeral I realized that her hand seemed small in mine, fragile and the tides of life had changed. My hand was then the strong loving reassuring hand that was promising to take care of things when she could not. I listened to her hopes, needs, wants, and desires just like she always listened to mine.

When I shared at her funeral 6 months pregnant with my first baby trying to put into words a lifetime of love I was struck by her hands resting peacefully. I was heartbroken that those hands would not hold my children or feel that new born hand wrap his tiny fist around her finger but yet every time I hold my children's hands I realize she is ever present, ever loving, and passing along her love from her hands to mine to theirs. I will hold hands with the people I love as often and as long as possible and I will treasure every moment of unspoken love that passes between us. Thank you Grandma for a legacy of hand holding I pray it will be a part of my legacy as well.

A great birthday

2012-01-30T01:51:00.000-05:00

I had such a wonderful birthday. It was a fun packed day where I felt special and loved. I enjoyed a pretty "normal" day with some special birthday fun tossed in to make the day even better. I must admit these birthdays in my 30's are melting together a bit I had to double check with Shawn how old I was this year. I remember my Mom having to figure out how old she was when I was a kid and I could never understand that since I was always looking forward to my birthday but now I understand. Age is really not that important to me and so I had a good laugh when I asked Shawn how old I was this year.

I started my day sleeping in which was a treat and when I woke up I received a bunch of birthday love and my present wrapped by the kids it was so sweet. They picked out a red polka dot bike computer for my bike which I have been wanting for quite sometime. It was so sweet and the cards they picked were awesome Symeon always picks a card that sings and Marin chose a princess card they were really funny.

Then the kids and I went to volunteer and I enjoyed lots of phone calls, emails, FB messages, and texts with special birthday wishes. I was so touched by the kind, thoughtful, loving messages and cards. Then the kids and I went to our favorite coffee shop for a birthday Boba and then we were off to the playground. The weather was beautiful and we had lots of fun on a warm January day. We went home for lunch and a little quiet time for the kids and a great work out for me.

After quiet time and a work out we had a spontaneous birthday dance party for a good portion of the afternoon. At Symeon's school on people's birthday they do a dance party and he loves it so it was his suggestion so we turned up the tunes and had a great time dancing and singing. It was honestly the highlight of my birthday we had such fun as a family and I love to watch Symeon and Marin dance it is so cute they both get into it. Then we went to Lil Kickers and then I decided to have pizza for my birthday dinner and we did a picnic dinner in the living room it was perfect. We ended the day with Carvel ice cream cake and a great round of singing Happy Birthday by the kids. I ended my wonderful day by putting Marin to sleep a she wanted to hold my hand while she drifted off to sleep. I laid with her for awhile after she feel asleep listening to her breathe while we held hands. It was a great ending to a wonderful day being loved on by my family and friends.

Pizza Party

The Dance Party

Love the dance train. Marin is rockin' out!

Volunteering

2012-01-30T00:30:00.000-05:00

Since leaving Paxton I have been wanting to have the kids volunteer some place so this past week we have started at our local food bank. Here we are dressed and ready to volunteer. I love this picture because they both pretty much dressed themselves which is an exciting adventure in and of itself. We had a good time volunteering they both stayed with it and wore gloves to package food into more family friendly sizes. Babes and songs for the other volunteers and Symeon was a work horse to be honest. He was focused and ready to do any job he was given. We had a good time and I was able to talk with about food banks and why they exist. We are all looking forward to going back next month. This Thursday we are trying an Assisted Living place since it is about as close to Paxton as I could find.

Babes loves breakfast

2012-01-30T00:16:00.000-05:00

I love egg whites with spinach and basil and I eat it several times a week for breakfast. Well Babes started eating a bite here and there and then she started eating several bites and one morning she ate my entire breakfast. So the next time I made egg whites I made one for her and she ate the whole thing. Since then we both eat egg whites a couple times a week. She loves it with fresh spinach, fresh basil, and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and always with a clementine her favorite. What I find so funny is that she still likes to have a bite of mine even though they are exactly the same I am sure my family would say she is definitely my daughter always a bite.

Noise

2012-01-24T13:13:00.000-05:00

In general I am quite person. I hardly ever listen to music when I am alone and I only turn on the TV if there is something I want to watch never for noise. I don't like background noise and I wear ear plugs at the gym because all the background noise is irritating. I will always choose silence when given a chance. So over the years as my two toddlers have begun talking and often at the same time or over one another or crying I have found myself wincing and often craving some sort of quiet. But today as I write this quick note and they play a song on their pot and pan drum set I am moved to tears by the "noise". They are having so much fun, they are laughing together, changing up their instruments and overall enjoying themselves. I am struck by the beauty of this noise I am struck that season to shall pass and my home will be quiet.

I must confess I do not always see the grace and beauty of the loud and I am often moved to tears not because of joy but with frustration but today I am moved by the beauty that this "noise" is bringing to my life and our home. For today for this moment I can say I would not want it to be quiet I would never not want to hear the background noise that is the beauty of their creativity and lives. I am thankful for the pounding sound echoing in my head and the small voices in between that remind life is short and amazing and banging a few pots and pans is good for all our souls, our home, and our family. Rock on kiddos you are blessing this Mama's soul!

A fun Christmas craft

2012-01-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

I bought Marin a cute little mirror you decorate yourself for Christmas and she was able to work on it this past week and she was only to happy to have her brother help her. It came out so cute and now she can look at the back of her hair like I do with my mirror. Now we match and she loves that I figure I should enjoy being adored because I am sure that will not always be the case but I can be sure that I will always adore her.

A trap

2012-01-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

Symeon's love of traps continues. He made this one the other day and now that he is tying knots the world is his oyster when it comes to materials he can use to build his traps. The container of bungee cords PaPaw bought him for Christmas is also helping him build bigger and better traps these days as well, thanks Dad.

Tea Parties, Tea Parties, Tea Parties

2012-01-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

Babes received a tea set for Christmas from my Aunt and cousin and she has enjoyed it to say the least. When she wakes up sometime like at 5 am she is asking for a tea party and I have to remind her that rule is no tea parties in the dark but when the sun comes up we can have a tea party. The other morning I slept in a bit since I had been awake for so many nights in a row with Symeon being sick and when I came up the stairs I saw Shawn and her having a tea party in the living room while they watched soccer. It was such a sweet and tender moment between her and her Daddy. Here is one of the tea parties that Symeon and Babes had the other day along with a few other honored guests.

Two guests are a naked baby and a Cinderella with two missing arms

Some other guests include frosty the snowman and snow white

And of course what would a tea party be without a mini Cinderella and the one who helped Rella which is the Fairy God Mother.

The whole tea party was so cute and it lasted most of the morning. At this particular tea party the guests were dining on cheddar cheese rice cakes one of Babes favorites and goldfish. Thank you Auntie Judy, Steve, and Jesse this was a hit.

No heat over a very cold weekend

2012-01-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Well a few weekends ago we realized it was really cold in our house and by Friday night it was almost unbearable so we called the maintenance hotline for our property mgmt company (a huge benefit of renting) and they sent someone out. The bad news was that the part needed had to be ordered so we were without heat for the whole weekend. It was really really cold and we spent the afternoon one day at friend's house and then we hung blankets and used tiny space heaters to try to keep the living room and Shawn's office bearable but honestly it was just okay with several blankets and multiple layers of clothes. Our thermostat only goes down to 45 so I know it was at least that cold but I am guessing it was lower than that. Overall the kids did fine enjoying the adventure of it all but it was so cold the hardwood floors were like ice and the cold came through whatever shoes you were wearing. It made me so thankful for just a few days rather than an entire winter trying to get by with little money and no heat or living on the streets. Sometimes it takes something like this to remind you to be thankful.

One night at dinner

2012-01-23T22:28:00.000-05:00

You just never know how she is going to come to dinner. On this particular night she wanted her dress over her hockey jersey and she was really into feeding her baby. Although through the meal she would get up and say to the baby eat your dinner NOW! I looked at Shawn and said do I sound like that and he assured me I do not. Over the next few days I listened to myself very carefully and the "now" part is something she hears quite often from me because without being clear that I mean to do something now she would listen in her own time frame which could be in quite awhile. I love that she does everything with a bit of flare.

Updated pics of our new house

2012-01-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

People have been asking me for some new pictures of the house since we added color and a few other things. We are still not done we have an island to get installed and some lighting needs to be addressed but we are getting closer. Here are a few pictures of what we have done so far. It is still a work in progress and probably will be for years.

A brick accent wall we just added and Marin's favorite seat

Entryway and stairs. We painted and had the carpet ripped up and the floors refinished.

Our bedroom

Upstairs bath, this is on my renovation list although we will for sure keep the claw foot tub.

Babes room, Cinderella style. She told me she wanted it blue like Cinderella's dress. I am not a themed room person I actually can't stand them even for children to be honest at least not in my house but her Daddy won out on this one. We did compromise with wall stickers that peel right off when we she doesn't like it anymore which I am hoping is soon. But gosh she was so happy helping telling me where she wanted all the stickers. It was so fun!

What would be a set of pics without a bit of Babes attitude

Symeon wanted a rainbow room, one wall purple, one yellow, one black and one white? What I compromised and gave him a purple accent wall with 3 gray walls. He has angry birds and the solar system. He loves planets and space right now and it looks really great on the purple wall. His Dad also won out on this room as well but once again wall stickers that come right off. Symeon was so happy putting these on as well deciding what his solar system would look like it was such family fun.

They wanted me to take a picture of them doing something funny and this is what they decided on, so cute

Our newly finished stairs I love the way they came out they just a bit of trim work and they are finished.

The dark family room is getting better we added some nice green to the walls and we are changing the lighting to brighten it up a bit.

My office slash the spare bedroom. I love both of these colors.

A close up of the wall

Kitchen and dining room but that light fixture is going hopefully by tomorrow with some additional lighting added above the sink.

The living room with the fireplace and our first meal there, pizza from the local pizza shop.

Entry way with a low coat rack for the kids. I am so glad I changed the color from green to this warm taupe.

Sick kids means lots of computer time for Mama

2012-01-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Well we have been battling bronchitis in our house all week. Poor Symeon has been coughing to the point of turning bright red and for hours on end at night. He is on an antibiotic but with the cough, fever, snot nose, and did I mention the coughing he has been mostly laying on the couch for about 4 days. He often wants me to sit with him which gives me lots of computer time so I am feeling a bit caught up on some computer stuff I wanted to get done but a bit behind in most other areas.

This was Symeon's first morning not waking up at 5 am and coughing for 2 hours or so but Marin took up where he left off up at 5 am coughing for 2 plus hours so we will see if we are headed back to the doctor tomorrow. Overall though we have been pretty healthy this winter season so I can't complain. I must confess the anal side of me who had our week all planned out with playdates, dinner guests, school, volunteering, and a host of other fun stuff had a hard time setting aside my agenda for a quiet week at home. I am a get up and go kind of person and mid-week when I was stir crazy I took the kids to a local coffee shop to get them each a cookie and me a boba for some sanity and it was a disaster. Kids coughing, crying, acting out people staring and me frustrated and over tired so not managing myself the best. I have slept in the recliner with a sick kid for several nights and although I must confess I loved holding them it was hard to watch them in so much pain. I do enjoy the quiet of the middle of the night while rocking a sweet baby in your arms.

Here has been our week in a nutshell when you run a 102 fever for several days there is little you can or want to do, my poor guy. I knew it was bad when I offered to play his favorite game and he said Mom I can't play with you now I am just to sick.

Christmas in CT part V

2012-01-16T23:46:00.000-05:00

Well we finally made it to CT for a few days to celebrate Christmas over New Year's. We had a relaxing and enjoyable time but by the time we got there we were all exhausted and happy to hang our at my parent's and brother's house. We went for walks because it was beautiful weather and overall spent a ton of time with family. Once again I took very few pictures but luckily my Mom took quite a few so here we having some fun over a blessed and restful holiday.

The cousins - Austin 11 soon to be 12, Clover 10, Symeon 3 soon to be 4, Marin 2 and 1/2

Here are the cute hats my Mom made the kids

Austin opening his slingshot

Symeon opening up his rocket from Auntie and Uncle Mike

Symeon opening up his bungee cords from Paw Paw, they were a big hit. Marin in the background with her Little Ponies and a hat from Oma.

Opening up cameras from Oma and Papaw, we have been doing lots of photo shoots since these were opened. They take video as well so we have put on lots of shows.

Marin and I sporting our hats

Clover got a dollhouse she can put together and decorate herself. Her sidekick Marin was impressed.

Austin loves popcorn and since he had eaten all of my Mom and Dad's they bought him some more.

My Dad made us this cross as a house blessing for our new home. I look forward to hanging it in our entry way. We love it!

PaPaw made Marin and angel for her new room. It is beautiful and I can't wait to hang it in her new room. She loved it although this picture does not do it justice.

When we went to Hershey we had customized Hershey wrappers made for Austin and Clover.

My Dad's new floor mats for his truck

She loves her Uncle Mike

He adores his Auntie Traci

I just loved this picture of my Dad. I think it captures an essence about him that is hard to put into words.

Clover and her Daddy

They both received Babies. Marin loves this baby and sleeps with it every night.

Clover and Symeon building a trap with the new bungee cords.

Here they are being indulged by my parents. They are eating breakfast on the couch while they watched their morning show. Yes the strawberries are healthy but the other bowl is full of Lucky Charms. Connecticut is the only place they get sugar cereal for breakfast. I have a pretty strict no sugar cereal policy in our home but CT is a free for all and they love every minute as do I.

This is the finished Gingerbread house they made with Oma. They did lots of crafts in her craft room and often when one of them woke up they would ask Oma if she wanted to do crafts. Hours of fun for them all.

The girls in their hockey jersey's Marin is yelling go Flyers

One of the many many tea party's Marin hosted with her new tea set. Thanks Auntie Judy, Steve, and Jesse it was a big hit. We continue to have them everyday here at home as well.

Symeon is teaching my Dad how to use the kindle fire.

New Year's Eve was lots of fun with family. We hung out at Mike and Traci's house and with my parents. We all started to melt down right before midnight so we went to my parents to watch the ball drop. Symeon and I fell asleep about 10 minutes of 12 and Marin made it to see the ball drop. I love this picture of our family just being together saying good-bye to one year and welcoming another. I feel overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude and love for my husband and children and I look forward to another year of living life with them.

These two are so sweet together they adore each other so much and have so much fun. Clover is so good at making them feel loved and special along with being a ton of fun.

I love these random pictures of Marin. She wore this hat a good portion of the morning. She looked so cute they were wearing it during the magic show they were doing where they sawed Austin in half. It was really sweet when they told me don't worry Mom they were pretend swords.

We had a beautiful and wonderful holiday season full of blessings and love. Thank you to everyone who made our family feel so loved.

Christmas stop over- Cake Boss

2012-01-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

A quick Christmas stop over in Hoboken NJ was fun for us and a surprise for Symeon. We realized on the drive from PA to CT that we would drive really close to Carlo's Bakery. In case you don't know Carlos Bakery is the bakery belonging to Cake Boss who has a show TLC. He bakes these amazing cakes and plays pranks on his family who help run the bakery. Symeon and I started watching this show together if he was up late and couldn't sleep and now it is one of our favorites. I bought him a kid cake decorating kit for Christmas because he loves the show and baking so much. He has asked for a Cake Boss birthday party so we will see what I can do with that request.

When we arrived at the bakery we had heard the line is pretty long so we didn't want to get his hopes up and we also knew that Buddy was not there thanks to Twitter. We really didn't think we would see him even if he was there but you never know. Well as we were driving by Symeon's face lit up and he said there it is Mom Cake Boss, are we going there? I didn't know if he would recognize the outside of the shop since it is not shown that often in the show but I was wrong he recognized it and was so excited. We finally found a parking spot and when we walked up he was smiling ear to ear. We asked about the line which looked short in front of the shop but we were told it was a 3 hour wait to get in and the line stretched several blocks and was managed by paid people. I asked the guy if it was always like that and he said yup. I was a bit shocked and when I told Symeon we couldn't wait for 3 hours out in the cold to get in he looked up at me and said Mom I would wait 16 hours to see Cake Boss. Deep down I wanted to wait but once I told him Cake Boss wasn't there he seemed okay seeing it from the outside. We held him up to the window so he could see in and he was able to see some of the sisters who work in the front. It was funny he recognized them. Marin was into it as well although she claims not to like Cake Boss. When we walked back to our car we saw the alley behind the shop where they do some of their pranks and he was cracking up when he said look Babes that is where Cake Boss does his pranks and they were both laughing. He might have been just as excited to see the alley as the front of the shop.

Overall it was really fun and we are so glad we stopped. We told him maybe when the weather is nicer we can wait in line. I have honestly thought about contacting TLC or Cake Boss himself and letting them know how much he loves the show and baking. Here are some fun pictures of us outside with some of the other spectators who didn't want to wait in line.

One super excited kid

Peeking in the window to see the inside of the shop.

Babes and I in front of the Cake Boss shop

Christmas part IV - in Pennsylvania

2012-01-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

Over our two week trip we spent sometime in Harrisburg where we used to live visiting friends, going to Hershey to see the lights, staying in a hotel (which was great family time for us), swimming in the hotel pool, and visiting our friends at Paxton. We loved seeing some of our old friends and our old home. The kids didn't remember to much which was sad for me but it was good to take them back so it is a part of their lives. I took very few pictures in Harrisburg I am not sure why except that I was enjoying the moment and forgot.

On Christmas Eve we went to our old church where Shawn was the youth pastor for the Christmas Even candle service. It was great to see everyone and the youth were so happy to see us all especially the kids. A year makes a huge difference with the kids. It was a beautiful service. Then we enjoyed a quiet ride to Telford where Shawn's family lives to enjoy Christmas with his family. I realized I hardly took any pictures I am not sure why except that I forgot. Here are a few from the ones I took which I feel like in no way show how much fun all the cousins had together and there is not one picture of them with their grandparents. I will have to make sure I do better next year.

Here they all are waiting to start opening presents. They did a good job watching each other open a gift and taking turns. It was such fun.

Marin and Maya in their matching Phillies tee shirts

Jeff and Maya

Nana enjoying all the action

Sorry Jeff not a great picture of you but one of my few pictures of Sam so I wanted to include it.

As a special gift for Shawn's Mom we scheduled a family photo session at a local place and went the day after Christmas. It was fun to have some group pictures. Here are just a few we were pleasantly surprised to get quite a few nice poses where everyone was looking pretty good. It went pretty smooth unlike our last attempt to photograph the cousins where some of them cried the whole time no one wanted to sit and then they all proceeded to act wild in the picture place a bit of a disaster but this one was fun and they all did a great job.

Symeon 3 almost 4, Marin 2.5, Maya 2 almost 3, and Sam 4.5

I mean are they cute or what?!

The really funny part is that we paid extra to get a cd we could make copies from etc and when we went to the store they wanted a certificate saying we could make copies from a CD we bought that was in the case etc. We were laughing but this lady was really not going to let us take the pictures. I told her they were pictures for our Nana which they were and finally she let us take them on the promise that we would bring in some certificate from the place saying we could make copies from our CD which we owned. We said we would next time we were in the store although the store is in PA and we probably won't be back in that store for a year or more, which we forgot to mention. In the end we had a good laugh over it but a bit frustrating since we paid for the CD.

Christmas part III - Our house

2012-01-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

We decided to celebrate Christmas morning at our house the weekend before we left for the East coast. Shawn ended up having to go to New Orleans for the a quick weekend for work so when he returned on Sunday we went stopped by our house I put out presents and then we headed to breakfast. During the meal we prepped the kids saying that sometime Santa comes early to people's houses who are going to be traveling over Christmas. Symeon challenged us a bit on that concept but in the end he accepted that might be the case. When we returned home and all the presents were under the tree he yelled to Marin from inside the door, "Hurry Marin there are lots of presents it is magic how they all got here." Marin ran to find out and they were both so cute to see the tree. We had a great day opening presents and spending time together playing with the toys. The big hit was an Angry Bird game for Symeon and a tutu for Marin. They also both loved their Christmas tree ornament I buy them every year that highlights something significant about where they are in life. This year Symeon received a little boy who was going to school with his name, his school name, and the year. Marin was given a Cinderellas ornament since she loves it right now. Here are a few pictures of our fun together as a family.

The kids picked out a gift for Shawn which had an angry bird theme since they play an angry bird game together that they made up based on the computer game but that involves a lot more running, jumping, and activity. They all made it up and it is a favorite so the gift was fitting along with an angry bird tee shirt that matched Symeon's. Shawn wore it out the other day and although I laughed it was so sweet since they both had on their shirts and Symeon was so excited they both matched. Shawn looked so beautiful in that shirt because honestly it looked ridiculous but he wore it with pride for Symeon and Marin and to me that is a glimpse of true beauty.

We took turns watching each person open a gift and it was fun to see the kids get excited for one another and they enjoyed watching and celebrating as much as opening.

Here they are examining the Angry Bird game that had Symeon jumping up and down around the room when he opened it.

Here's Marin opening her new polka dot pj's that match mine and she loved them.

Symeon loves paper airplanes right now and Shawn found this neat book online to help you build cool airplanes with neat paper. He loved it and we are still making new planes just about everyday it is really neat especially for the paper plane making challenged like me.

A fun after math mess. One thing I love about Christmas presents is taking each kid shopping for the other one. They both are very thoughtful when they pick out their siblings gift. This year Symeon bought Marin a little pet shop house and Marin bought Symeon a remote controlled helicopter they were both super excited and very grateful to one another. It was so sweet to take each one shopping and even more fun to watch them give their gift to the other. Shawn and I decided our big gift to one another was our new house so I bought him an ornament of a house and had it engraved with the words AHHHHHH! We Own It! 2011. He got a kick out of it and he bought me a Kindle Fire a bit against the rules but I love it to say the least.

Here they are playing the Angry Bird game. They all played for several hours building and knocking it down really fun for all of us.

Christmas part II - Symeon's school holiday party

2012-01-16T13:04:00.003-05:00

Symeon's preschool class had great holiday party. It was a lot of fun and it included all the kids, their parents, and their siblings. I am always so glad that Shawn is able to attend these things with us. He is always one of the few Dad's who are able to attend and we feel blessed that we have been able to make some life decisions that give him the flexibility to be a part of our children's day to day life.

We signed up to bring in the healthy snack this time and since I was a bit bummed we didn't get cupcakes since I had a great idea for snowmen I had to find a creative way to present a healthy snack. My two helpers made it even more fun. I found this tree in a magazine they used tomatoes but we substituted grapes instead which was a bit hit with the kids. Super easy and fun because the kids helped build the whole thing.

Babes making herself at home at Brother's school. She loves going there and she had a willing patient for her medical clinic. She hardly ever participates in the activities instead she usually plays with all the toys.

Symeon building his gingerbread house.

I love these two pictures because both kids right now want to match the parent of the same gender. Marin especially wants to wear boots if I am wearing them and red shoes if I am wearing them. She even wants to wear her polka dot pj's if I am wearing mine. It is so sweet and the day of the party she realized we all had on matching shoes which made her really happy.

Enjoying a few snacks at the party. I always find it interesting to go to Symeon's classroom. When it is so chaotic and there are so many people in his class he often shuts down and sticks pretty close to Shawn or I and interacts very little with the other kids. There are several kids in his class who do the same thing. Shawn and I always talk about it since we both do the same thing in large groups that feel a bit chaotic. We also made pretzels with chocolate and M&M's and put them in goody bags for his class but we forgot to take pictures. I also racked my brain for a gift for his teachers so I decided we would make homemade Oatmeal bread which turned out great and we were able to deliver it to them hot out of the oven. It was a big hit and I think it will become my signature gift.

A blessed holiday season

2012-01-16T12:43:00.000-05:00

We were gone from our home for two weeks on a fun, busy, relaxing, and blessed time on the East Coast with our families and friends. The trip started a bit rough when my poor sister-in-law came down with a horrible stomach flu so we changed up our plans and went to PA first and then back to CT later in the trip. There are lots of pictures and great memories. We also celebrated Christmas together as a family in Denver and had such a fun time together. I will probably do several different posts since it is a lot to cover.

Our Christmas in Denver was a full holiday season although we left early for the East Coast we were able to fill our time at home with some fun and blessed activities. Here is some of our fun.

Christmas Program at church

Here's our pre-church photo shoot. These are the best out of quite a few. Symeon was obviously in a bit of a mood. I wasn't sure he was going to do the songs for the program. He told me he was not doing any Christmas programs this year not in a mean way but more in a matter-of-fact I don't want all that attention on myself sort of way. I told him it was fine either way.

Here they are in their costumes. They wanted to match so when Marin chose to be an angel Symeon also wanted to be one. I thought it was fine I mean his only 3 and I don't really see angels as girls so I agreed. I had a friend who told her son about a year older than Symeon that angels were for girls and encouraged him to be something else. When we talked about she said she didn't want anyone in his class to tease him. I thought what in the world who teases each other at 3 about being an angel? She said she felt bad telling him to pick something else she was torn. Honestly it never crossed my mind that he would be the only boy angel so we went with it.

Well on the day of the program an older kid teased Symeon about being an angel when they are girls. First of all I wanted to rip this kids head off because as a Mama the sad look that came over Symeon's face was heart wrenching but I had to take a step back and use the moment to teach him and help him to choose to be who he wants to be. He asked me to take his costume off which I did then I took him to a quiet place and told him about the Archangel Gabriel (a boy) who had the most important job of announcing the birth of the baby Jesus. The child who teased him has a host of issues family and personal and I explained to Symeon that I was so sad for him because he didn't have anyone to tell him the story of the angel Gabriel and that he didn't know there were boy angels like Symeon did. I told him that there will always be people with ideas and he had to choose to do what he wanted to do regardless of what any other kid said. I asked if he wanted to put his costume on and he said no but he would think about it.

We went into church and while we waited for his classes turn to go on stage he said Mom I want to be an angel and go on stage and sing my songs. I told him I was so proud of him and he would have a really good time. I still could cry writing this post when I saw his face fall when this kid said this to him but I realized it was so much better I was there to talk him through it than if the kid has said and I didn't know what had happened. I was really proud of him for thinking about it and choosing to do what he wanted rather than letting another child decide for him. In the end it was a beautiful learning experience and I am proud of him and by the end of the service I was praying for that little boy who said it realizing I was really sad for him.

Here's our sweet girl she was so excited to get in her costume and to get on stage. She did a great job singing and doing her motions.

Here they are I was so proud of both of them.

It was a beautiful time for our family to be with our church community and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It was a special time during the holiday season.

Winter Program at school

2011-12-14T01:13:00.000-05:00

Symeon had his winter program at school and it was so sweet. In the beginning of December when we mentioned a winter program at school and the Christmas program at Church he informed us that he would not be doing any programs this year. I tried to dig into why since he has loved being a part of the programs in the past but he just said he did not want to do them this year. I said okay and we moved on honestly whatever he wanted to do was fine with us.

In both Sunday School and Preschool they began practicing the songs they would sing and we would sing them at home be he still insisted that he would not be in any programs. Finally last week he told Shawn that he was "considering" being in the programs but he would let us know. We both laughed at the use of considering but if you know him I am pretty sure he was going over it in his mind deciding what he was going to do. Finally this past week he let us that he had decided to be in the programs. I must confess I wasn't sure he was going to go through with either one the day of the shows but that was fine too. Well it was a bumpy ride at church but in the end he participated in both his programs and loved it.

Here are a few pictures from his school program. I am going to do a church post later because it is a bit of a longer story.

His preschool class sang two songs and show stealer was Snowey Pokey put your mitten in, put your hat in, put your scarf in etc. There was a lot of yelling snowey pokey with was a hit.

Here was Symeon's biggest fan waiting for the show to begin

At this point it was like herding cats but they were so cute. Symeon is on the right with the green hat Oma made him and his soccer scarf.

How cute are they

I think he finally saw spotted us in the audience

Here's Snowey Pokey put your scarf in

Here's my sweet guy post performance. He did such a good job and really enjoyed himself which was the most important thing. Whenever I catch a picture of him with his beautiful dark brown eyes looking black I am reminded of him as a baby. People use to always be amazed at how dark his eyes were from birth and against his pale white skin it is striking just like his Daddy's eyes.

Ahhhhhh

2011-12-14T00:50:00.001-05:00

This is how I feel right now. I am sure it is because I am getting about 5-6 hours of sleep a night and my days are full from the moment I wake up until the moment I pass out. The holidays are always a busy time but this year we added some December stuff that is exhausting yet fun. I don't mean ahhhhh I am unhappy just ahhhh life is fun, tiring, exciting, challenging, joyful, worrisome, and one wild ride some days. Ahhhhhhh I love it!

On top of our normal Christmas activities and travels we bought a house so I am managing contractors galore, paint colors one of which I hated on the walls and had to make an emergency switch, $$$ signs everywhere with bids on things that need to be repaired, we also have school winter programs and parties, the Church Christmas program, and oh yes our health insurance which we purchase independently went through the roof and now I am shopping for new coverage and filing out forms and answering questions about Symeon's 4 ER visits this year. I am also packing for our 2 week trip back East and doing all our Christmas shopping. I am baking cheese cakes and hosting a Christmas book club. We are doing crafts and putting up our tree. We are hanging out with dear friends and finally baking homemade bread for Symeon's teacher's for Christmas. In the midst of all this stuff called life I am finding so many moments of profound joy, gratefulness, peace, and sacredness in this holiday season.

As I am typing Shawn has Silent Night Holy Night playing in the background and I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of expecting the Christ child into the world. Every day the kids and I are reading the story of Mary and Joseph expecting the baby Jesus, we are opening our advent calendar, and we are moving Mary on the donkey pregnant with the baby Jesus closer to his birth. To quote my beautiful baby girl in this season of busyness and profound meaning "Mama I love being happy" you got it Babes sing it from the mountain tops I love being happy too.

Here we are enjoying some of life during this advent season.

Putting up our Christmas Tree

The official light tester

We let the kids put the ornaments where ever they wanted until we realized there was a small problem then we gave them some direction and some chairs to stand on to do the rest. I actually thought we should just leave it because I loved it to be honest.

Babes contemplating her ornament placement

The exact spot decided but she doesn't seem sure of the placement. I see this face quite often.

Daddy and Marin putting the topper on, this is our fun flashy tree next year we are going back to our memory tree when we are able to have a big tree to fit all our ornaments.

Symeon getting a boost from Mom. I am pretty sure every year I am wearing an old sweatshirt and sweat pants with my hair uncombed not my usual attire but for some reason it is my choice of attire during decorating which maybe it had to do with the snow falling outside and the chilly house.

Later in the day we went sledding and it was a hit. Symeon went down a few times with us and then he wanted to go by himself and he flew. It was so much fun. Babes enjoyed it as well but she also loved eating all the new snow. As you can see in the top picture she is examining her glove to see where the best eating is to occur.

A nice lady walking by took a picture of us all which is always a treat. We were pretty cold at this point but we loved it and are looking forward to some more snow after Christmas. Symeon wants to ski but we think we are going to wait until next year for lessons.

Baking cookies with our friend one afternoon.

Christmas crafts

2011-12-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed another snow day this week doing some Christmas crafts. My Mom sends the kids this great magazine with lots of craft ideas for all different age groups needless to say we love it and we are looking forward to a few more crafts this holiday season.

Working on painting our 3D tree

Snowflakes out of Q-tips glue and glitter. I had high hopes of making seven, one for each window, but after we finished the first two we decided that 2 was perfect.

We are homeowners

2011-12-02T23:41:00.000-05:00

Well after about 6 months of looking and put in offers on 4 other houses we closed on our own house this week. It was a weird experience to give someone that much money and then have them give us a house a bit surreal for us. Today we took the kids over to the house to see it empty and let them run around. I found it interesting that when I walked around the house when it belonged to someone else I saw all the beauty and when I walked through after we bought it I thought gosh there is a lot that needs to be done. I guess things needing to be done is part of the package when you buy a 100 year old house. I think projects in process is probably something I am going to have to get used to in our new home. I was also overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratefulness as I stepped into our home. We were able to find the type of house I wanted that was big enough for our family and for Shawn's office and in the neighborhood we really wanted to live in.

Our new home is walking distance to lots of stuff, two of the big parks in our city, closer to downtown, near a bus line and most important near a bike lane. It has a great yard with room for a garden and 5 bedrooms for lots of guests.

Here are a few pictures of our newest home. I don't like to say to our first home because all of the other places we have lived have been home although we didn't own them but I am looking forward to putting our touch on this place in a way we never have in any of our other homes.

Home sweet home

Marin was a little distracted on the walk up eating snow

Symeon walked right up to the door and was ready to go inside

Here they are getting our first key out of the lockbox

Here they are looking for our first and only key after it fell

Hanging up our jackets for the first time. Obviously the previous owners had a kid since there were coat hooks just their size.

Checking out the sunroom

Babes breaking in our new house with a dramatic scene over a box

Babes found the perfect seat

Finally playing a little tag in our new family room

There are a few things we want to have done before we move in so we will probably wait until after the new year which is fine since I am dreading packing up and moving again although we are hoping this will be it for awhile.

Babes and Blueberries

2011-12-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

Babes loves blueberries and she especially loves them frozen. She asks for them about 5 times a day and I will often find her in the freezer getting herself a snack during the day. It is always easy to know if she indulged herself filling her sweet pudgy toddler hands with frozen blueberries and then loading them into her mouth as fast as possible. Here is how I found her the other day she pretty much gives herself away and when I asked her is she had any blueberries she just smiled.

Literally caught blue handed

Babes and Her Buddy

2011-12-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

We have some good friends who have a little boy Symeon's age and a baby about 6 months. Well needless to say Babes loves this baby so much. When ever she sees him she spends time saying hi to him and talking to him. I am pretty sure the love for one another is mutual. Here she is spending some time with him at our house. She read him some books and then she just chatted with him which he loved and he even responded which was so sweet.

Here they are holding hands which was so sweet and then I realized Marin was trying to pull him up so he could go with her to the play room. I had to remind her that babies do not walk and so she sat down and read him some more books. She loves babies!

Angry Birds

2011-12-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

Symeon really likes the Angry Bird game and although in general I don't buy theme clothes I could not resist when I saw this tee shirt. When I took it out of the bag he was jumping around squealing with excitement and as soon as it is clean he wants in back on. I had another motive for buying this tee shirt and it has worked. Symeon hates long sleeve tee shirts and I figured he would love the shirt so much he would wear it regardless of the sleeve length and then hopefully learn to tolerate long sleeves and overall it has been successful. He will at least tolerate long sleeves on really cold days although he still prefers short sleeves and fast shorts just like his Dadddy.

Shawn found him trying to get a good look at himself in his new shirt.

Yes he is standing in the sink and I am pretty sure he likes what he sees. The next day when he wore it to school his teacher told him right away that she loves his shirt and she also loved Angry Birds. Symeon gave her the biggest smile and although he already loved her I could tell she went up a few notches in his book.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-12-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful holiday with great friends. We flew to Houston on Thanksgiving morning which was nice. Since being thankful can happen any day and tickets are much much cheaper on Thanksgiving day than Wednesday night we decided to fly on Thursday. It was wonderful no lines although very full planes. We arrived in Texas to beautiful weather and decided we would have Turkey the following day. We spent the afternoon at the playground and catching up. Michael and Denise are doing well in Texas settling in and making home. We miss them greatly in Denver but they seem to be where God wants them at this time in life which was good to see.

Friday was ate good food but not to much which was nice then we just hung out together. Saturday we spent the day at the Children's museum which was awesome we all had a good time. Sunday we relaxed went out for great Mexican, shopped a bit, and played a bunch and Monday we flew back to Denver. It was a great trip and a blessed time with friends.

The only travel bump was the Super Shuttle ride back to Denver. I had to give it to this guy straight in front of a crowd of people which takes a lot for me to do but after standing outside in the cold for 20 minutes with two kids, car seats, and suitcases in the middle of busy traffic and he allowed several other people to load the van rather than us I was frustrated. We told him we were leaving to get a cab and he put us right on the van well I voiced my discontentment with his customer service. On the drive home we were chuckling a bit and then we dropped off a person right near our house which made it even funnier. He was already driving right past our house but wasn't going to take us? I am not sure we will Super Shuttle home any more after this experience but we will see it all worked out in the end.

Cooking dinner while the guys work out

Snuggling with Aunt Niecer

One of several fits she laid down and refused to walk, Really?!

Symeon surrounded by love

Symeon and Marin showing Aunt Niecer how to play Angry Bird

This is just one of Marin's pictures from the weekend. I love her beautiful blue eyes!

Hanging out at the Children's museum

Marin surrounded by love!

Waiting for the train ride at the mall

Choo choo

Babes cracks me up

2011-11-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

This is how our conversation went today at our favorite coffee shop. Where she eats a "doodle" which is a Snickerdoodle cookie and I drink a Boba tea. We were sitting that the table and she was looking out the window.

Babes: Look Mama a woof (dog)
Me: Oh yah Babes he is so cute
Babes: Where's woof's Mommy
Me: I don't know Babes there's woof's Daddy getting coffee
Babes: Look Mama that woof has a big mouth like you
Me: What Babes? (as I am cracking up)
Babes: (Like I am hard of hearing) Mama that woof has a big mouth like you (using hand gestures) not a little mouth like me (pointing to her mouth and using her tiny fingers)

At this point I was laughing so hard I could hardly contain myself. Babes I love you and they way you see the world is priceless.

Although Babes is pretty much potty trained our potty adventures continue. Today at the playground I found her hiding under a tree that I call her poop tree since almost every time we go to this park she goes under this tree and poops. Well since she no longer wears diapers the poop tree is my nightmare. As she was "playing" under the tree I was sure she needed to poop although she kept telling me she needed privacy and she was hiding from a baby who wanted her car. Both explanations did not fly with me and I hounded her until she finally came out from under the tree telling me she needed to use the potty. So we headed back to our favorite coffee shop across the street to use their potty. As we entered the full coffee shop with only one bathroom I was a bit worried. As we entered the bathroom and as she was sitting on the potty she told me she needed privacy. Well since I am not about to leave her unattended in a single stall bathroom we agree that turning my back will give her the privacy needed. At home she manages her business in about a 1 minute but for some reason in public restrooms where other people are waiting she needs a good 10 plus minutes. So as I am standing with my back to her for 10 plus minutes and multiple people come to the door I keep asking her is she is done and every time I turn around she reminds me she needs privacy. Well about 5 minutes in she begins singing several of her favorite songs as she dangles her feet and finishes her business. When we hit 10 minutes I told her she was done because other people needed the potty. When we finally left the potty and had to walk into the crowded room of people waiting for the only potty in the place I put my head down and walked out as quickly as possible because honestly what was I going to say sorry that took so long everyone my 2 year old needed to poop. Also who is going to believe that this tiny little blonde haired blue eyed beauty would need that long in a bathroom so that would only leave one explanation right her Mama needed that long in the bathroom and is blaming it on her toddler, nice. Hence I put my head down and walked out as quick as possible. This is not the first time this has happened but at least the other times she was in a multiple stall bathroom so people at least had options. I am not sure what she loves about public restrooms but honestly I think she would sit there all day if I let her.

Babes has begun a new thing that makes my blood boil. If you are talking to her and she does not like what you are saying she will turn her back to you and cross her arms. The worst part is if you walk around to the front of her to continue what you are saying she will just keep turning keeping her back to you. Well needless to say she has been in a lot of trouble for this particular gesture of her independence and defiance.

Babes you are awesome. You make me laugh so many times in a day and I am so glad God gave you to me. I love you my dear sweet Babes McGee, ALL OF YOU!

At peace with the Mother I am

2011-11-16T15:17:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have been filled with a sense of peaceful contentment. I am grateful for these times in life when you breathe deep and rest easy. Yesterday was another one of those days and it struck me so deeply that I want to remember it. I was a chaperon for Symeon's preschool class to the Children's Museum and I was so glad I was able to go. Babes stayed home with her Daddy for a date morning so she was really happy when Symeon and I left for school. We all got ready with special tee shirts, bathroom trips, and then off to the little bus which I think riding it was the highlight of the trip for Symeon. I helped get everyone buckled in, handed out snacks, sang songs, and chatted with the little girls sitting around me. When we arrived at the museum I was assigned 3 boys one being Symeon and two others. One of the others is the handful of the class but we got along just fine no problems. I guess I am my Mother's daughter since every field trip she went on her group was made up of the most difficult boys in my class and they always begged to be in her group. She just had a way with them and I guess she passed that along because by the end of the day he was holding my hand. Overall a really sweet kid who just needed some attention.

When we went in we had so much fun climbing through tunnels in the jungle, chasing one another, playing in the bubble room where everyone was covered in bubbles, and Symeon stepped in a tray of bubbles up to his knee but it was such fun so who cared. Then we painted and did dress up and enjoyed ourselves. I loved every minute of it and as I looked around and the other Mother's were standing around talking and not playing I thought I am the Mother I want to be. (No judgment toward the other Mother's who were chaperoning they were doing what they were comfortable with and I was doing the same.) I love to play with my kids and with Symeon's class. They were a great group of kids and Symeon has an awesome teacher who was great with them. I played, I laughed, I encouraged, I hugged when someone cried, and I loved every minute of it.

I was also able to see Symeon in his element in his environment and I was so proud of him. I realized that not only am I the Mother I want to be I am also raising my child they way I want him to be raised. He was polite, caring, confident, and respectful. He laughed easily, shared and was willing to get dirty. He climbed, helped his classmates, and enjoyed the adventure. As I stepped back and watched him negotiate his world I was struck once again by what an amazing child I have been blessed with to raise. I think I was struck with how willing he was to do his own thing without needing others to go along with him. He was confident and his teacher often tells me Symeon is confident in what he likes and does not like and that is true. He was able to play in groups and with other kids well yet if they began to act up in a way he was not comfortable with he walked away. He was amazing and I was in awe of him and the little person he is becoming.

I am at peace with the Mother I am and the son I am raising thanks be to God.

Butterfly Pavilion

2011-11-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

Last week we went to the Butterfly Pavilion with a friend and we had such a great time. The kids really enjoyed the butterflies and the small zip line. I think they enjoyed the zip line even more oh the thrill. I only took a few pictures but here they are enjoying the butterflies.

Here is how you are greeted when you pull up. The kids loved it!

Here they are with one of their best buddies Sophia.

Looking for some butterflies.

Babes showing off her new haircut which I might say is so cute it is silly. It fits her so well and we have no more morning fights over her hair which is good for the whole family.

Keeping a close eye on a butter fly they found

Here's the picture Symeon took of the butterfly, beautiful

Mama I Robot

2011-11-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

Here's Babes being a robot with a creative costume!

Conversation this morning...

2011-11-13T23:04:00.000-05:00

Shawn and I joke around that we really don't enjoy Sunday mornings because we are trying to get to church on time with no meltdowns. In general we do a pretty good job but this morning was full of lots of not so great parent moments but in the midst of it Symeon cracked me up. He told me yesterday that he really wanted to wear a tie to church the next day so I agreed, fun I thought he is so cute in his little ties. Well this morning I busted out a cute pink long sleeve shirt and a pale blue tie super cute except to him. He told me very directly that he did not like the pink shirt because it was a girl's shirt and that he was not comfortable wearing it. I said fine and we compromised with a blue and green shirt and an orange tie still super cute. As the morning continued Symeon got in trouble so he decided he did not want to go to church well I put an end to that and told him he was going to church. So in his upset state he declares that he is not going to wear a tie to church which was fine with me. Well we made it through those moments so end of story so I think. Well when I was doing Babes hair and I added a cute little blue flower to the side of her head Symeon asked to have one and so I handed him the flower clip and he clipped it in the front of his head right in the middle. Now mind you it was bright pink with white polka dots and about the size of half dollar right in the middle of his head.

At this point Babes had already removed her hair clip since she hates them but not Symeon he wore it right through church even to the front of the building for the children's sermon. It brought a lot of smiles to people and when one kid asked him why he had a flower in his hair I was proud of him when he said because I felt like wearing it today full of confidence.

I do hope the irony is not lost in the story you see he would not wear a pink long sleeve oxford shirt because it was a "girls" shirt but he was more than eager to wear a bright pink flower on his head for most of the day oh the irony of it all struck me as so funy. .

Potty Training

2011-11-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

DONE! Babes decided about 3 weeks ago that she did not want to wear diapers or pull-ups anymore. I was in my take a brake mode and I had not mentioned it in a few days. I was about to put on her pull-up when she said I no wear dose anymore Mama I am big girl dose for babies. I said okay and we put on her big girl undies and she has never looked back. We still have our struggles when she "has" to use the potty especially when she is having fun playing but really she has done a great job. I guess true to her nature when she was ready she was ready and she was not about to pee in that potty one minute before she was ready. You think I would know by now to let her have her process she is just like me in that respect. Once I decide to do something that's it I will do it but it might take me a while to come to the place where I am ready. She did such a great job and this was time when she was ready and it was easy. I love you Babes you are a strong beautiful little girl and I look forward to seeing how God will use that determination, strength, and spirit in your life. I love you!

Traps, traps galore

2011-11-13T22:41:00.000-05:00

Symeon loves to use bungee cords to set traps all over the house. He often blocks the stairs or the door to his room or my dresser drawers. He loves to prank people as well so tying up someone's drawers is right up his ally. Here a few pictures of some of his traps being set around the house with his cute side kick Babes McGee. I love his creativity! I swear give the kid some tape and a few bungee cords and he is good to go for the day.

"Hmm what else could we do brother?" I love their outfits on this day Symeon wanted Marin to wear his clothes and she was happy to oblige and Symeon wanted to put on that green shirt which did not look comfortable but he was happy.

Daylight Savings Time

2011-11-13T22:34:00.000-05:00

I must lament daylight savings since it brings the dark so much earlier that I often feel like going to bed at 9 instead of much usual later hour. I also miss the days when the extra hour of sleep was really an extra hour of sleep instead of a week of really poor sleep and very early wake-up calls. Marin has always struggled with daylight saving time and this past week was no different except this year she was cutting the final two points of her top two molars which were painful. She cut 2 bottom molars without us even knowing but these second halves of the top two have been terrible. I felt so bad for her and when she cuts teeth she is up early both my kids were like that so by 5 they would be up for the day well combine that with daylight savings time struggles and it has been a week of 4 and 5 am wake-up calls that had us up for the day.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person and to be honest there were a few really early mornings that I put on a show for her and laid on the couch and slept all cuddle together which was really fun to be honest. I have enjoyed my early morning quiet time with her but after several days of 4 and 5 hours of sleep I was near my wits end and then during the day she was struggling with pain and lack of sleep. I am really glad last week is over and I am praying this week brings some relief for us all.

I don't have any pictures from the week because honestly it was full of one or all of us crying at some point. I have high hopes we are headed into a better week and I am committed to going to bed much earlier so that I am a better mother and person when I rise from my bed regardless of the time.

Snow Day

2011-11-04T20:54:00.000-04:00

Last week had our first snow day and no matter how old I am snow days rock, I love them. We thoroughly enjoyed ours the kids were in there pj's a good part of the day and it was just fun. I had stuff I wanted to get done but honestly it is like my brain will not function and I just have fun like when I was a kid. Here is our great day!

We started our day with a little tv and breakfast

on the couch a special treat.

A heavy wet snow that stuck to everything.

Making honey whole wheat bread in our pj's

Dressed in our snow gear and ready to shovel

Marin might have eaten more snow than she shoveled. Every time I turned around she was shoveling it in her mouth. She continues to eat snow everywhere we go in parking lots, off the car while she is in her car seat she rolls down the window and sticks her and out, and finally the grossest of all off the bottom of her snow boat. I turned around in the car the other day and saw her licking the bottom of her boot. We have discussed clean and dirty snow but nothing seems to stop her.

My hard workers shoveling our neighbors walk for her. They are so sweet and love to help.

Our warm bread right out of the oven with homemade grape jelly from our neighbor. We supplied the grapes from our yard and they gave us the jelly I think we got the better end of that deal. It is so good!

We made ghost lollipops for Symeon to hand out at school they were so much fun.

The finished product

Then we made brownies

Next we carved our pumpkins. Ghosts for Symeon and a spider for Marin

We ended our day with Lil Kickers because by that time the roads were fine and we were ready to stretch our legs.

Here's Marin and Shawn celebrating her goal! Awesome!

Here's Symeon about to score a goal.

We had such a fun day together! Snow days gotta love them!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-04T20:28:00.000-04:00

We had a fun Halloween a party at Symeon's school, trick or treating in our neighborhood with friends, dinner with those same friends, and finally a stop to see other friends and help pass out candy at their house. The kids had a great time in their community. We are not sure if they liked getting candy more or passing it out more? Symeon was Fireman Sam, a cartoon from England in case you are wondering, I had to make his costume since it is almost impossible to find anything Fireman Sam in the US. He looked just like him although right before it was time to put on his costume he said he didn't want to be Fireman Sam after nights of working on the costume I had to have Shawn address him. After some time to think about it he decided being Fireman Sam was a good idea. Marin was Cinderella of course. She was so cute and super happy. She already had the costume from her birthday so we added a wand because she wanted one and sparkly sneakers as the glass slippers. She was so sweet and so excited.

Rella and Fireman Sam

Symeon's new thing is to close his eyes when you try to take his picture.

My sweet Cinderella she was so cute!

Just waiting for Dad to get started. You see Symeon's yellow pants I looked everywhere for yellow pants and could not find them. Then I tried to dye a pair yellow and they turned green. Finally I decided to cover a pair sweat pants in yellow duct tape. They came out so good and honestly they have every color duct tape these days so it could work for anything. Just a hint don't put the tape around the top of the pants or else they can't get them on. The tape also comes right off so the pants are fine.

First house our neighbor she gave them full size candy way to set the bar high. After this first house they were ready to go although we still had time to wait.

A healthy snack before we begin. I also gave Babes a plate full of vegetable and Humus for lunch.

Trunk or Treat at Symeon's school such fun!

This little girl loved that her and Marin were both Cinderella so they hung out for awhile.

Symeon with his preschool teacher Miss Kristina she is so great.

Our friends little boy was such a cute cow

Symeon and his buddy Aidan

The trick or treating mob! They were all so sweet with please and thank you's

Marin and her buddy from church

Babes making her way to the next house.

I didn't want Babes to trip over her dress so I showed her to hold it up when she went up and down the stairs so cute a true princess in the making!

I forgot to take pictures at our friend's house when they were giving out candy they loved it. They would stand on the porch yelling "people come over here." They were sad to see it end it was a fun night for us all.

Pumpkin patch

2011-10-31T16:19:00.000-04:00

Symeon's school had a pumpkin patch so one day after school we decided to pick out some small pumpkins for the kids to paint. Another day we returned with Shawn to pick out our larger carving pumpkins and to spend sometime playing on the playground. All around a fun and beautiful afternoon for pumpkin picking which was good because it took Babes quite awhile to find the "perfect" pumpkin.

Here they are painting their pumpkins. Symeon purple and Marin blue. I love these kids!

I managed to talk Symeon into a tad bit smaller pumpkin.

Babes surveying the pumpkin patch on her quest to find her pumpkin

Shawn carrying the first of many selections as she continues to search for "the" pumpkin.

Symeon showing me some of his playground tricks he learned at school.

Here are the winners the two most perfect pumpkins with the two cutest kids.

Halloween fun

2011-10-31T16:04:00.000-04:00

We have had fun doing some crafts for Halloween. Here we are making some pumpkins for our porch that we can use every year. The kids loved it and they are so cute.

First you had to tape on a face to a glass jar or bowl

Then the kids painted the entire outside with orange paint

We had to do two coats which was 2X the fun for them

Here they are finished with the addition of one ghost since we had a tall jelly jar we could use.

Here they are on our porch we used battery tea lights that flickered and looked like real lights but with no mess and no worries. This was such a fun project for them and they turned out so cute for just a few dollars I am sure I will do this for some other holidays, maybe stars at Christmas and paint jars yellow.

Labor day

2011-10-30T00:38:00.000-04:00

We had a beautiful Labor Day and we ended up with a houseful of friends. It was delightful! Our youngest guest was just a few weeks old and here he is with his beautiful Mama.

3 cuties and best buddies

It's obvious Babes had a good time and partied hard!

Our budding dj

2011-10-30T00:29:00.000-04:00

She loves music and she loves to dance

Catching up and keeping current

2011-10-30T00:20:00.000-04:00

I am in the midst of catching up from the summer since we were so busy I didn't post very much yet I do want to remember all the fun we had over those months. I am also trying to keep current so I will be jumping back forth from the summer to now until I am caught up. So if we are wearing shorts in the middle of November you will know why although anything is possible where we live.

My first cousin to get married

2011-10-30T00:18:00.000-04:00

My cousin Travis got married a couple of weekends ago right before he shipped off to Germany for 2 years with the airforce. We are all so happy for him and so proud of him. He married a delightful and beautiful girl named Kelli. They had a beautiful wedding that I had the joy of doing a reading for them at the ceremony. I was honored and awed to see this man getting married because I remember the day he was born and I went to see my Aunt in the hospital and I asked her why she couldn't wait one more day? Well after having two children myself I know why but you see I was a kid and the next day was my birthday. Here are a few pictures from that beautiful day. Much love to Travis and Kelli on the exciting life ahead of them.

a beautiful bride and a handsome groom

my aunt the proud mother of the groom

my ever fun sister-in-law and brother

my parents

Me and my brother, I pray Marin and Symeon are as close as we are when they are adults

Me and my Dad

Me and my Mama

The view at the reception

My cousin Jesse the groom's brother and my other aunt

Kids ask some hard questions

2011-10-30T00:04:00.000-04:00

Every night when I put Symeon to bed he says he has a question. I have learned that I need to give him space at this time of day because it is often when I find out if anything is bothering him or what is going on in his mind. I have learned to treasure these moments with him. The other night he talked for about an hour straight with questions which I found amazing and so interesting. He is a very thoughtful and insightful child and his questions never cease to amaze me. Tonight it started with Mom I just have one question and here is what happened.

Me: go ahead Symeon what is your question
Symeon: Why is Halloween on Monday
Me: because that is when it is on the calendar on October 31st
Symeon: Okay

Symeon: Mom
Me: Yes Symeon
Symeon: What if you and Daddy die and Babes and I don't?
Me: (in my mind what in the world) Honey if Daddy and I die you and Babes will still have each other and you guys would be together.
Symeon: Okay but if you die how would we go shopping we don't know how to go shopping without you?
Me: (at this point I want to cry but I hold it together) Oh Symeon guy if we die you and Babes will go together to live with someone else in our family you guys would not be alone and they would shop for you.
Symeon: But we still won't know how to shop without you.
Me: The people who love you who you will be living with will teach you and Babes how to shop when you are old enough to shop on your own.
Symeon: Okay Mom but it will be sad if you and Daddy die (crying)
Me: Yes honey it will be sad for all of us but you don't have to worry Daddy and Mommy are here right now and we are going to take care of you.
Symeon: Can we live with Miss Tep? (our neighbor)
Me: No honey Miss Tep is to old to take care of you and Babes
Symeon: What if you and Daddy go away overnight without me and Babes?
Me: Well then someone will come and take care of you we won't leave you alone and we will always come back for you. We love you so much!
Symeon: Mom what is God's phone number?
Me: (in my mind okay we have switched topics good) well honey God doesn't have a phone number
Symeon: Why? Then how does he hear me when I am talking to him?
Me: (in my mind Seminary answer or 3 year old answer they are about the same so here goes) Well honey God is everywhere and he can hear you even you if you say things in your mind or heart. God doesn't hear the same way we do. He is omnipresent, he is everywhere all the time.
Symeon: How does he do that Mom be omeprezent?
Me: I don't know Symeon part of believing in God is understanding that we don't know everything about him yet we still believe and that is faith. Something we just have to take on faith.
Symeon: Without a phone how do I hear God? I don't hear him Mom.
Me: Well God doesn't talk like I talk he talks in our hearts he whispers in our hearts and it takes practice to hear God. Everyone hears him different and part of loving God is figuring our how you hear God.
Symeon: Okay but I haven't heard him yet.
Me: Okay but he has heard you and we will just keep listening for him, God always comes.
Symeon: Mom why is Halloween on Monday?
Me: (we came full circle so I knew he was done) Because it is on the calendar honey and goodnight I love you!
Symeon: Okay goodnight Mom I love you too!
Me: (in the hall in my head wow that was wild and difficult God I hope I answered him well. I hope I pointed him back to you. I hope I relieved some of his fears. I feel so inadequate help me to walk with him in this life not with all the answers but with a listening and loving ear that always has time for him to ask. God can you hear me? How do you hear me without a phone number?)

I relish these times with him and I pray that he is always able to ask me hard questions. I love his tender heart and I love to know that he is thinking about God.

The air mattress what fun

2011-10-23T08:53:00.000-04:00

Every once in awhile the kids (especially Symeon) convince me to blow up the air mattress for some fun. I have to admit the creativity that flows when we blow it up is amazing. They make forts, it becomes a boat, an island, a bounce house you name it they have thought of it. Well on this particular day I found Symeon pushing one of our tall kitchen bar stools toward the living room and I asked what he was doing. Well he proceeded to tell me he needed the stool to get on the top of the air mattress so he could jump off of it. As you can imagine I was a bit confused since the mattress in about 2 feet tall he could easily climb up on it so I went to check it out and this is what I found. You see he and Babes propped it up on its side against the couch and he needed the stool to climb to the top near the ceiling so he could jump off from up there. Well I nixed that idea and we deflated the air mattress later that day sometimes a break from something fun is a good idea. This was several weeks ago and the other day he asked me to blow it up in his room so he could jump off his bed and dresser onto it so I am thinking we might need a longer break from the air mattress than I thought.

Fun in our neighborhood

2011-10-23T08:42:00.000-04:00

The main street through our neighborhood was closed for a bike festival. The city closed off about 40 blocks so people could walk, run, ride bikes and hang out in the community. The point is to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage people to find alternative modes of transportation rather than driving. We loved it!

Enjoying some sidewalk chalk and hanging out in front of our favorite local bakery.

23rd ave closed down and bikes galore were riding all along the route

A few lawn mower races for the kids. I hope they love pushing a mower this much when they are old enough to mow our lawn.

2 things they love

2011-10-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

Lil Kickers uniforms and their stuffed animals they sleep with every night.

Fun at the zoo

2011-10-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

The zoo which is about 8 blocks from our house had a special event over the summer so we decided to attend. We had so much fun with the kids.

Here are Symeon and Marin meeting their favorite princesses.

We all love the carousel and ride every time we go to the zoo.

They had crafts set up all over the zoo the favorite by far was the frog it was pretty neat and they played with them for days until spit wore out the blower.

Me and my girl on the train ride.

Outdoor Movie

2011-10-23T08:12:00.000-04:00

We went to an outdoor movie with the kids in the next community over and it was such fun. We hope to do this more often next summer. We loved it.

Me and my little man. If you look close you can see a large red welt on his neck where a bee stung him about 10 seconds after we arrived and were setting up the chairs. It was his first sting and right in the neck he took it like a champ and after a few minutes with ice and cuddling he told me he was fine.

Babes and her Daddy

The big screen

Hanging out with friends

2011-10-23T08:02:00.000-04:00

Symeon does not love having his picture taken these days so this is the best I could get with the dessert he made.

We were suppose to bring to dessert to our friends house so we brought dirt pudding and made it look like a potted plant with fresh flowers in the middle and of course what is dirt without worms. The kids loved it and Symeon did most of it on his own. He loves to cook and bake I hope I can foster that love in him for life.

Marin and her buddy Sophia hanging out

Helping at the Bontanic gardens

2011-10-23T07:58:00.000-04:00

This is how Marin greeted me the other morning

2011-10-23T07:54:00.000-04:00

very resourceful

Gotta love a dry climate

2011-10-23T07:50:00.000-04:00

Barney

2011-10-20T16:15:00.000-04:00

Well the purple dinosaur is still around although not as popular as he used to be with kids. Well Symeon and Marin really like the music so when he came to town Shawn surprised them with front row tickets and a Barney meet and greet. It was so much fun!

Here we are meeting Barney he was a bit bigger than the kids imagined.

It took a couple of minutes to warm up to him but then they wanted to hold his hand and get their picture taken it was so cute.

I think Shawn is spoiling us all with front row seats I don't know if any of us will be able to go back. The kids loved the music and dancing. Overall another wonderful family day this summer.

Shawn's favorite restaurant

2011-10-20T16:01:00.000-04:00

One day we were driving past this restaurant which we had never been to and Symeon said look there's Daddy's favorite restaurant. I inquired further and Symeon was positive this was Shawn's favorite place to eat. The next day when I drove by with Shawn in the car Symeon once again pointed it out to Shawn remarking "look Daddy your favorite restaurant." Well we both laughed and kept driving and a few weeks later we were driving to breakfast and decided to give it a try. Well to our surpirse it has become our favorite restaurant. The food is excellent, fresh, local and the menu rotates with the season. We are so glad Symeon knew it would be Shawn's favorite restaurant even before we ate there.

A fun family day

2011-10-20T15:52:00.000-04:00

First we decided to take the kids to Monkey Business for some fun art projects and lots of jumping around and playing.

Then we headed to Pasquini's our favorite Pizza place. The kids always get dough to play with a favorite for them both. Marin fell asleep in the car and was out cold for half the meal. The waitress was amazed she stayed asleep through ordering and everything.

After dinner we headed to one of our favorite playgrounds for some enjoying a warm wonderful evening. Overall a great day together as a family.

A princess can do as she pleases

2011-10-20T15:39:00.000-04:00

Symeon and Marin's first baseball game

2011-10-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

Shawn decided to take Symeon to a Phillies game and he got them awesome seats one of the many perks of having a father who is a ticket broker. Marin and I decided to stay home the first night since the game started kind of late and we weren't sure how Marin would do during a long game plus Shawn had tickets for the next night that were at a better time and he had 4.

Symeon had a great time at his first game sitting practically on the field and Ryan Howard threw him a baseball which made him and his Dad pretty happy. Here are the pictures from Symeon and Marin's first baseball games. I am sure it will be the first of many since they both loved it.

Obviously Symeon and Shawn were really close to the field

Marin enjoying her Phillies ice cream

It rained for a few minutes and then this was the view. Gorgeous!

Victorino Nana's favorite player

Symeon and Dad with matching smiles after Ryan Howard threw Symeon the ball. What a great moment for them to share together!

Out of comission for a bit

2011-10-02T22:52:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been draining to say the least. I am struggling with allergies that are almost debilitating at this point even with a new allergy medication. I am exhausted and most of the time my head feels like it is going to explode which would be a welcomed relief. I cough all night long which just adds to my daily exhaustion so after limping through the day I collapse come evening.

Our search for a house has also been consuming so much of my time. I spend some evenings looking at listing and then I spend a good portion of some of my days seeing houses and now that we found one we like I am filling out all kinds of paperwork every evening while my head pounds.

Finally when I went to take pictures last week my camera would not work. I could not figure it out and then I opened the battery slot and it was gone. Yes someone I do not know who took my camera battery and I can not find it anywhere. I have asked all the people in my home and no one knows what happens to it. I do have Babes asking everyone just about everyday if they took my battery. I am sure it will turn up in some odd place just like when our video camera disappeared and we found it in Symeon's suitcase, huh I wonder how it got in there? I am probably going to have to break down and buy one. I think one of my children or both have a gift for opening just about anything which could lead them down a bad career path. One of them opened the latch which is not easy and then held down a switch and then dumped out the batter and closed the latch. They can also get the top off of every child proof bottle in our house hence the vitamins are on a top shelf after a vitamin eating extravaganza maybe I should put my camera with the vitamins.

Here are a few fun pictures prior to my batter disappearing.

Okay now my card reader is not working on my laptop so I can't get to the pictures I do have. Well maybe I should just go to bed and try again tomorrow. I hope to have all these issues corrected and be back in action soon.

Pretty sure I did not take this picture

2011-09-15T00:43:00.001-04:00

I found this picture on my camera so I am pretty sure Symeon was doing some still shots when I was giving Marin a bath. Although he is not suppose to touch my camera he did capture our everyday life. Why in the world their tooth brushes are on the counter is beside me but that is life in a nutshell.

As I was flipping through some other pictures on my camera I was shocked to find a picture of a little boy's private parts taking from his perspective. It caught me so off guard I was like what in the world and then I realized he took the picture himself and I cracked up. I called Shawn over and told him he needed to see this picture as I was laughing hysterically. Shawn walked over and said oh yah he showed me that picture he said look Dad I too a picture of my pepee. Well that just made me laugh harder. I decided not to post the picture but the story had to be told.

Books, Books, and More Books

2011-09-15T00:37:00.000-04:00

Marin loves books right now. She will spend quite a bit of time by herself looking through her books. The other day I could not find her and she was laying in her bed reading and I thought that's my girl. She loves books like Mr. Brown Can Moo how about You? because she can act it out and do all the sounds that go along with it. She is so funny and loves to engage in a good read. It will be so fun when she can read the words a whole new world will open up to her, so exciting. Yes she also picked that outfit herself which is happening more and more these days she has her own style. This day she wore a red Phillies shirt, purple polka dotted pants, red and pink frog socks, and pink and white checked sneakers adorable. I pray she will always express herself so freely.

Safety in numbers

2011-09-15T00:29:00.000-04:00

We made a fort the other day in Symeon's room and he decided he wanted to sleep under it that night which was fine. After I put him to bed he came up and said he was scared and their were bad guys so I asked him what would make him feel safe and he said more stuffed animals. So we collected up some animals and off to bed he went. When I went down later to check he was sound asleep with the animals around him and his bedroom light on. It worked he was safe all night long.

One kazoo is not near enough

2011-09-15T00:25:00.000-04:00

My future DJ

2011-09-15T00:24:00.000-04:00

stage name "Big Rella" after Cinderella on her pj's

It's hard to be this tired

2011-09-15T00:19:00.000-04:00

She fell asleep in the car and Shawn carried her in and set her down on the blanket on the floor. She was sitting up and next thing we know we looked over and she was passed out on the hardwood floors where she slept for quite sometime. This kid does not need a lot of sleep but when she passes out she is out.

2 ER visits in two weeks

2011-09-15T00:15:00.000-04:00

Well life is never boring around my house with two very active children ER visits have been a normal part of our life ever since Symeon was born but 2 in two weeks is a record even for us. The first visit was a possible broken foot when a dumbell fell on Symeon's foot. We decided to take him since he was so upset and honestly it takes a lot of pain to get Symeon worked up I only saw him this upset one other time and that is when he broke his arm. We were seen quickly and the X-rays done with good results he only smashed his toe nail. I thought oh good no cast etc and then they said they needed to burn a hole in his nail to relieve the pressure because it was building so much under his nail he would probably not be able to walk. So I explained to Symeon the situation and told him it was really going to hurt and he said OKAY Mom let's do this thing. We both laughed and then I held him tight as they burned a hole in his toenail. He screamed for about 10 seconds during the procedure and then he was over it and we went home with an oozing nail and a tired sore kid. Overall we were really lucky.

The second trip came on our vacation to the mountains over this past weekend. Shawn and Symeon headed out on a bike ride and they were having a great time until Symeon's trail bike that is connected to Shawn's larger bike broke free and Symeon went down. We are not sure how he fell because Shawn did not see him but we feel blessed that it happened on a bike path not on the road and about 20 yards from a firehouse. The firemen were impressed that he was not even crying when they walked up to the door to get some help and once I saw his face I was surprised he wasn't crying either. Shawn called me and I went to pick them up and when I saw my sweet guy's face I was pretty sure we were headed to the ER and with all the firefighters recommending we go we headed off. Once again X-ray's for possible broke elbows and a thorough examination and more good news nothing was broken and overall he was so lucky. They said it was blessing he was wearing a helmet or it could have been way worse (so there is my plug for helmets). Shawn felt terrible but we both realize it could have been so much worse.

I took this picture of his face about a day and half later because honestly I could not bring myself to take a picture of him the first day because it would have been like taking pictures of someone with a birth defect just to show your friends just wrong on so many levels. The swelling went down quickly and now he is just left with some major scrapes on his face, elbows, and knees. As always he took both experiences like a champ with so many doctors and nurses marveling at his calm relaxed demeanor in the midst of great pain. I think he might be a doctor or something because honestly he loves a good ER visit which is good because I am sure we will be spending a lot of time in them over the years.

The hard part was explaining to the firemen and doctors that the chipped tooth in the front was not from this fall but from another mishap that almost knocked out his front teeth. Oh yeah he broke his arm and the reason he does not want you to examine his feet is because he just had a hole burned in one toe nail last week because of another incident. Oh yes doctor we are really good parents!

Symeon goes to preschool

2011-09-08T00:27:00.000-04:00

It was with a heavy heart that I sent Symeon to his first day of preschool this past week but the whole time I was reminded of my prayer for him when I was pregnant. I would pray everyday on my walk to work that God would help me to hold this child loosely knowing that this baby was God's first and that he wasn't mine to hold tightly to but rather mine to love, encourage, support, teach, and release. Whenever Symeon tells me he is scared I tell him that he is never alone that God is always with him and that belief I have for him was put to the test when I left him at preschool. Could I not be scared? Could I trust that the God who gave me this baby loved him before me and more than me? Could I believe that I did not have to worry because God is always with Symeon when I am not? Could I hold him loosely and do what was best for him setting aside my own fears knowing he has been entrusted to me to do what is best for him? And the answer was and is yes I could do all those things because I love him and because I do believe that God is ever present with him.

Shawn and I have struggled with this decision and even up until the night before I thought maybe we were making a mistake by sending him to a cute little preschool down the street from our house. In my mind I had turned every other 3 year old in his class into Satan. I have always wanted Symeon to be himself and express himself in a way that works for him but when I had to steer him away from a bright purple backpack and purple sparkle shoes explaining for the first time that some thing are for girls and some things for boys I was saddened. Luckily a fire engine backpack won out over purple and he moved on with life. It seems like such a short time that we have been his primary influence and now I am suppose to send him off into the world without me. Shawn did remind me that we were not sending him to college just to a play based preschool down the street for 6 hours a week.

In the weeks leading up to his first day we visited his school multiple times met the teachers and played with the school bunny Petunia who hops around all day long from class to class. Symeon loved it and was so excited to go that I also became excited for him. I took a step back and realized this was not about me this was about him and his journey and my role was to support, encourage, love, and most importantly give him space to be himself and then tell me all about it. There are many reasons that Shawn and I feel like this is the right decision for Symeon. I feel good about our decision and know in my heart we are doing what is in his best interest although on the first day when he woke up I thought if he cries once I will not make him go but he didn't cry he wanted to get dressed and go to school and he did great.

His teacher reminds me of my dear college friend and I kept telling myself you can leave him with Amos he will be fine. The assistant in his room is a grandmother type who obviously loves kids and when she said good-bye to Symeon she touched his face and he didn't jerk away like he does with some people she had made it into his inner circle and so quickly. He did not shed a tear when I left and his teacher said she had no concerns about his adjustment. He tells me lots of stories of his day when he comes home and I soak every morsel of this new found adventure and excitement.

I want to write down the first day so I don't forget what it was like for him, for Shawn, for me and especially for Babes McGee who took her brother going to school without her the hardest.

Symeon woke up excited and got dressed for school. He had a normal morning while I on the other hand was sick to my stomach and nervous for him. I was dreading that walk into the building and releasing this dear sweet guy, who all of a sudden looked like a baby, to people I really did not know well. When it was time to go we helped him get on his backpack and although you are not suppose to bring toys to school we stuffed his Cat in the Hat into the bottom of his ban but we explained he could not come out of his bag because cats weren't allowed in school. Well Marin also wanted her backpack on and I took the opportunity to remind her that she was not going to be staying at school to which she said otay and I thought sure.

We took pictures of him on the front porch with his backpack and drove to his school 2 minutes down the street. I had a death grip on his hand as we crossed the street and entered the building and I thought no one is going to pry this child out of my hand but as we reached the door to his classroom he released my hand and although it took everything I had I released his as well. No one had to pry his hand out of mine I let it go because I loved him enough to let go he was excited and I was not going to rob him of that joy. He hung up his backpack on a hook and Marin wanted to hang hers up next to him. I told her I would hold her bag since she would not be staying she did not respond but rather walked away and began playing with all the other kids and I though oh no this is not good. We hung around for about a half and hour while the kids explored the room and met a few other parents. Then when circle time began we hugged him and kissed him good-bye and reassured him that we would be back to pick him up in a few hours. He said bye Mom and then joined the other kids in his class on the rug in a circle.

Meanwhile Shawn had to carry Marin out of the room screaming and crying she was only child crying because she had to leave not because she had to stay. I stood at the door and watched him for a minute and he looked fine as the tears began to roll down my face. Then I turned to look down the hall and there was Babes in her Daddy's arms reaching and calling for her brother never was there a sadder sight to see. I went to her and she clung to me crying while Shawn walked back to Symeon's door and watched him and then he turned to me with tears in his eyes and we walked out of the school. I was crying, Shawn was teary eyed, Babes was sobbing, and the only person not crying was Symeon and I was so glad.

Poor Babes she cried off and on for the next three hours saying things like I need my brother, I no go with Mama and Dada I stay with my brother, at times she would say I need my brother to help me and then she would begin sobbing all over again. The entire 3 hours he was gone she sobbed or cried or called for him. It was terrible because often she would get me crying again and then we would hug each other and cry. Finally when it was time to pick him up she jumped out of the car and ran to his door and bust right into the circle time to find him. We held her off until it was over and when he saw us he was so happy he wanted me to carry him which I was glad to do. It was good to feel him safe in my arms again. Babes kept saying I missed you brother and he said he missed her too. He was ready to go home and we were ready to have him home again. His teacher said he did great and she had no concerns about him or his behavior which was nice to hear. He said he had fun and as the day progressed and at bedtime when it was just Symeon and I he told me all about his day and I loved hearing it.

When he prayed that night he said, "God thank you for Mommy, Daddy, and Babes McGee I really missed them today. I really love Babes McGee I really missed her when I was at school and not with her. Amen" I assured him we missed him very much too. When Babes said her prayers that night she said, "Tank you for my brother I missed him when he at school, when I tree I go to school with brother and he help me at school. Amen" Overall it was blessed day for us all filled with grace.

The next morning when they both woke up and saw each other they hugged each other and gave each other a bunch of kisses and they were both saying I missed you brother, I missed you Babes and I was blessed to see how much they loved each other and what good friends they are becoming.

When did he get so big he looks like a little boy wearing his favorite soccer shirt which his teacher noticed right away and commented on, score one for her in his book.

The final backpack choice which only had Cat and a kid cliff bar in it just in case.

Oh the sweet duo who are rarely every apart. I know they both look like they are headed to school and in her mind they were.

Symeon with Dad and Mom

Babes with Mom since she was going to school as well, uh oh

A good fall down laugh before school is a great way to start your first day

Marin giving Symeon a little loving before he leaves

And there he goes up the steps to his first day of school

Exploring his classroom

Oh no she really thinks she is staying with her brother

Petunia the school bunny, later Marin put an action figure on her head and she just sat there

The position Babes assumed after we had to carry her out of brother's school sobbing. It took quite a bit of coaxing, reassuring, and holding to get her into the car only to have her sob the whole way home and most of the morning. It was so hard on her to be without Symeon and if truth be told I wanted to assume the same position. I just wanted to wait for him right outside the school door but it wasn't healthy for any of us to do that so we drove away and let him enjoy his first day of preschool.

Do not eat food off your butt

2011-09-07T22:57:00.000-04:00

These are a few words I would have never guessed I would have said but today this is exactly what I said to my 2 year old. I found her with her pull up off sitting on her jelly toast which was on the table and she was laughing a deep joyful laugh at the situation. I confess I wanted to bust out laughing but instead I said, "That is so gross do not put your butt on the table and especially not on your food." In the next second she stood up, wiped the jelly off her butt with her hand and ate it. I realized both my kids were watching me and if I did not handle this well I was sure to find many naked butts in food and then consumed over the next several weeks. I did not get to riled instead I made my statement of disgust and wiped the jelly off her butt. She continued her joyful laugh not realizing just how gross it was to eat food off her butt.
Okay so if that is not bad enough are you ready for the I'm a really great Mom part? Later that day a friend was over and I was retelling the story and when I got to the part about cleaning the jelly off her butt I realized I never took the toast away from her and she ate it. I allowed my child to eat butt jelly toast. I was grossed out when I realized what I had done but it was done, she had already consumed butt toast and there was nothing I could do about it but laugh my own deep down belly laugh. I cannot believe I allowed my child to sit her naked but on her toast, eat the jelly off her butt and then eat the toast and the worst part is that it never occurred to me to throw the toast in the trash until several hours later.
A few other things I have said this week that I could have never guessed would come out of my mouth were, "no you can not wear an adult seat belt it will break your neck" only to have my two year old repeat to everyone that she is going to get a broken neck. I also said this week, in our attempt to potty train, that "if poop goes in your pants first and then you dump it into the potty that does not count as pooping in the potty and no you can not have a treat." In an attempt to reiterate my point I said, "The poop must go from your butt into the potty and touch nothing else in order to get a treat." I told my kids for the first time if they did not stop fighting in the car I was going to pull over and although I had no idea what I was going to do if I did pull over the threat worked.
Oh the words of a stay at home Mom who is just trying to figure it out and make it through each day with a good laugh, a warm heart, and more or less grace.

Some family fun at Red Rocks

2011-08-31T00:04:00.000-04:00

The many faces of Babes McGee

Oh potty training

2011-08-30T23:44:00.000-04:00

Well if you read my blog often you know that Marin has been potty training and that back in April I wrote she was interested and that I would be within a few weeks she would be done with diapers well I guess she had some different ideas. She continues to pee and poop in the potty if she is naked but as soon as you put underwear on her she will pee and/or poop in them. The frustrating this is that I know she knows she just does not want to stop what she is doing to go to the potty. Here are a few examples the other day she was wearing her Cinderella underwear and she told me she would not pee in them because she wanted to wear them and guess what not one accident all day and I praised and rewarded and at the end of the day we went out for ice cream because she kept herself dry all day and guess what on the drive over to the ice cream shop she peed in her pants. I thought what in the world and she looked up and said sorry Mama I no mean to do it. Okay all forgiven and whether right or wrong I gave her ice cream and praised her. So the next day I put on her underwear and I say remember if you have on undies you have to pee and poop in the potty and you get a treat. She says Otay Mama and off she goes. Well later that morning she is watching TV and she gets off the couch takes off her underwear and pees on the living room floor and then goes back to the couch so she didn't miss any of her show. I was a bit mad but gently reminded her that I can pause a show and that she needs to pee in the potty.

The next day we went to Target and I say okay Marin lets pee before we start and she insists she does not have to pee maybe a rookie mistake but I say okay and next thing I know in the fruit aisle she is peeing all over our grocery cart. I take her out of the cart set her down to clean up the puddle and she runs away from me and pees all over the floor in front of the produce and then she laughs. At this point Symeon is laughing and encouraging her and I am ready to crawl under the cart but won't because it is covered in urine and sitting in a puddle of it.

Another day she comes to me and says Mommy I poop in the potty please have treat and say okay show me and I go into the bathroom and there is poop in the potty but yet something does not seem quite right. My mother instinct, a bit of deductive reasoning, and some keen observation skills helped me piece it together. I guess he pooped in her pants but knows she only gets a treat if she poops in the potty so she went to the bathroom took off her pants and dumped the poop in the potty. You are probably wondering what gave her away well it was the poopy pants on the floor, the poop the missed the potty and fell on the floor, the poop smeared all over the toilet seat when she put her poopy butt down on it and the large amount of poop still stuck to her butt. But with all honesty she looked up at me and said poop in the potty mommy me get a treat. I busted out laughing and told her the poop had to come from her butt to the potty and not via her underwear to the potty for the treat. Needles to say she was not happy.

So potty training we have our days our ups and downs and we continue to chug along. I know she can poop and pee in the potty anytime she wants at this point she just chooses not to and I am not sure what to do with that. I guess we can only wait and see. I must confess as well that I am unable to clean poop out of underwear I just can't do it so every time she poops in them they go in the trash so needles to say we have had to buy a few more pairs to get us through. I am hopeful we won't have to get to many more until we are done. If you have any tips please feel free to offer any suggestions I am not quite sure what to do with her.

The prayers of children

2011-08-30T23:25:00.000-04:00

One night while putting Symeon to bed I asked if he wanted to pray or if he wanted me to. He said Mom you pray I used to know the right words but now I don't so I don't want to pray. I teared up a bit and explained to him that there were no "right" words when we talked to God we could say any words or no words and God would hear our hearts and he loved anything we had to say to him. He still said he did not want to pray so I told him I would pray for him. I came upstairs and told Shawn about it and I decided that the next night I would show Symeon that God loved any prayers.

So the next night I explained it all to him again and told him I was going to say all kinds of prayers serious ones, silly ones, funny ones and that God would love them all. Well that began several weeks of rap prayers, rhyming prayers, singing prayers, using the first letter of his name prayers and just about anything else I could think of and after a time he said to me one night Mom I want to pray and I said great. He said I want to do a serious prayer and a silly prayer and I said great again. I bowed my head and closed my eyes and he gave thanks for his Dad, Mom, and Babes and he said he misses us very much when we are not with him. He gave thanks for his friend Aiden then he said Amen. Next he said he wanted to do his silly prayer and next thing I know he was busting out with a song he made up about the playground and the beauty of being outside with a rap ending that said "yes, yes, yes, yes, thank you God" it was awesome. He said Amen I opened my eyes and there was a huge smile on his face which matched my own. I told him it was awesome and that God was smiling and laughing because that was the best prayer I am sure he had heard in a long time.

Dear Symeon may you always pray to God with such openness, honesty, creativity, and heart. I pray you always know he hears you and he loves you with an unending love.

Marin loves to pray every night at bedtime and she usually says God thank you for Dadddy, Mommy, brother, and me amen then she says you pray Mommy and I do. Well last night she threw me a curve ball when she started her prayer with, "thank you for my baseball and me and when me go to baseball game with daddy, mommy, brother, and me. I like baseball play baseball tomorrow. Amen." Then you pray Mommy and all I could think to say was "God thank you for Babes McGee she is a treasure and a blessing to our family and the world amen." I opened my eyes and she was smiling that Babes smile and I told her that God loved her prayer then she hugged me and said na-night mama.

God thank you for baseball, playgrounds, night time routines, small children, innocent hearts, great smiles, big hugs, and thank you so much for motherhood.

Dear friends

2011-08-30T22:53:00.000-04:00

Back in July my dear friend Andi from college came for a visit. It was so nice to have her hear with us just hanging out with the family and then some time alone with just her and I. My dear sweet husband surprised us with a weekend at a gorgeous condo in the mountains for some much needed girl time. I am so blessed to have this amazing woman in my life she is a treasure on my journey and although I find it hard to believe we have been friends for almost 20 years.

There are so many more pictures but they are on Andi's camera and I forgot to download them to my computer before she left. Hopefully I can add some more later.

Aggressive squirrels

2011-08-30T22:45:00.000-04:00

The squirrels in Denver are very aggressive and our current location is not exception. When we lived here before we had several squirrel incidents. One time I came home and found bread all over the floor and I thought gosh Shawn could have cleaned up after himself and then I went to our pantry to find all our bread ripped open and laying all over the place. Then I figured it was not Shawn and I closed our window which had a screen in it but it was broken with a small gap at the top just big enough for a squirrel. There were many times I would walk into the kitchen flip on the light and scream because the squirrel would be hanging on the screen inside the window yelling at me.

We moved to a new place last time we live here and one time a lady walked by our window and found Shawn in the church and said I saw a squirrel in your apartment. So Shawn went check and sure enough there was a squirrel sitting on the window ledge in our apartment. We are not sure how he got in but he did and Shawn was able to chase him out. The second time Shawn was home and heard a noise and there was a squirrel sitting in the vent above our oven. I guess he fell down the vent and could not get out. Shawn called animal control and they said they could only come out if the squirrel was loose not trapped so Shawn had to let the squirrel out of the vent and then they came to catch him. The really funny part was this guy with a long pole and with a tiny loop on the end and he was going to try to catch the squirrel around the neck like a dog catcher. Shawn busted out laughing as the guy was running around our apartment knocking over stuff and swearing as he tried to catch this squirrel. Eventually he ran out the front door and the guy left.

Well when we returned to Denver we had forgotten about the squirrels. They have chewed holes in our garbage cans and consistently eat our garbage. They have been in our house eating trash, climbing on the table, and most recently in our cupboard trying to get our bread. One day I came up the stairs carry Marin and Symeon was right next to me as we rounded the corner I saw Shawn's back pack moving and out popped the squirrel. He charged me and the kids since we were blocking the door so we ran outside screaming and he followed us into the yard. He broke into our garage and ate a few snacks we left in the bike trailer overall it is just a pest. Everyday the squirrel comes to our dining room window just to check and see if it is open and he might be able to sneak in the kids love it and find it quite funny. It is a bit of a family joke now and in this picture Symeon was having a chat with the squirrel just laughing as you can see he isn't scared one bit and took his time leaving.

One of those grace filled days

2011-08-25T00:07:00.001-04:00

Okay so we had one of those days that was a bit rough at times but was full of grace as it came to a close and it was lovely! It started with a back pain that told me I had to go to the chiropractor even though that was not part of the plan. So we are flexible so off we went where we waited for over and hour to be seen. The kids did great and had lots of fun. Well I guess I should go back a bit Marin has had some difficulty with potty training which is a whole different post but this morning she told me she wanted to wear her Rella underwear and she would not pee in them no more pull ups she said. So I went with it although we were going to be running around all day and home very little seize the day kept going through my mind so undies it was with a change of clothes a wish and a prayer. Back to our day - the chiropractor was taking so long I decided to take her to the potty where she insists on taking off her shoes, undies, and pants to pee although I told her she really could pee by just pulling down her pants but once again we went with it. She did great no accidents at the chiro and she said Mama I no pee on Rella (which is her Cinderella undies) and I said okay Babes great job.

Next we dashed off to haircut appointments and got there just in time. I decided to have Babes hair cut into a sweet little angled bob since every morning she wakes up with a rats nest on the back of her head and she hates to have anything done to her hair and she will not wear it up. Honestly I should have done this at the beginning of summer but I just couldn't but after multiple mornings of fighting and crying I decided it was best for us all. She said she wanted it short so it is short and so cute a sassy little cut to match her sassy little self. I will post pics later but I did cry as they cut off her sweet baby fine hair.

After hair cuts we went to grab some quick lunch because I was starving and that is where we tried the potty again and she said she did not have to go and I made her try and she did not have to go positive all around. We ordered ate and then on the way out Marin became so upset about something she threw herself down on the floor and began crying as if I was beating her and I had to carry her out of the restaurant. I still do not know what made her upset so it was almost impossible to avoid. We regrouped and headed to the pediatrician to pick up some paper work I needed filled out. I prepped Marin because every time we go to the pediatrician it ends with me carrying her out crying and screaming.

The melt down occurs, at least from what I can figure out, from the handicap door opening button. The first door opens when you step on the floor in front of it and the second door you can open with the handicap button. Well Marin does not understand the door that opens by itself and she thinks Symeon always opens the door using the button which he doesn't and she feels cheated by not having a turn so she throws herself down screaming every stinking time we go which is embarrassing and frustrating to say the least. So today I went over it and told her she would have a turn. I thought gosh I am so smart I fixed this problem and then bam it happened again and I had to carry her out screaming and crying for the second time in 10 minutes.

When we arrived at the car she passed out asleep and when we got home she slept on the couch for about an hour before we had to head to Lil Kickers. We jumped in the car and she began crying about something else I am still not sure what but she seemed okay by the time we arrived at soccer. So I am trying to put her shoes on and guess what they don't fit her anymore. She has not worn those sneakers since June and although it crossed my mind I thought oh they will be fine. So now what? She has no shoes but were are at the class and she is so excited so I thought oh well we will just go without shoes and while I am thinking this she is climbing down slips and bangs her head into the door. It was so loud and she wailed so I knew it hurt. I picked her up and pulled her hair back and as I did this huge golf ball size thing was swelling up on her forehead. I had never seen anything like it and I said Shawn I think we have a problem. Well we carried her in and asked them for an ice pack now remember this is a place that offers hundreds of kids sports classes every week and guess what no ice packs what in the world but finally they got us a bag of ice and I sat with Marin for about 5 minutes. She was acting fine and told me she wanted to play so off we went to the field to explain to the coach why she had this second head growing and oh yah she has no shoes. She played for the whole class and everyone was amazed but it seemed just about right for our dear sweet tough as nails Babes McGee.

When there was about 20 minutes left in the class I realized she had not used the potty since noon and it was 4:30 so I asked her if she needed to try and she told me Mama I no pee on Rella then she ran off yelling bye Mom. Shawn and I cracked up and guess what she did not pee on Rella or the indoor soccer field once again not surprised when she puts her mind to something she does it. I need to brag just a bit on her she followed every direction her coach gave her, stayed on task, ran fast, had amazing ball skills, and overall did a great job!

It was a beautiful evening so we decided to grab dinner and head to the park for a picnic and we had such a wonderful time. Marin danced, sang and ran around, a true free spirit. We all played and as the sun set over the Rocky Mountains and a cool breeze blew I heard my children laughing while they played with their Dad I reflected on the beauty that is my life. I am truly blessed beyond measure and the mishaps of the day seemed like funny warm memories on the journey of our family. I might add Marin had blue ice cream for keeping her pants dry the whole day! She told me she would do it and she did all this while cutting her two year molars I swear she never ceases to amaze me! I am often in awe of this beautiful, spirited child who I have the pleasure of raising.

Our pets

2011-08-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

Symeon and Marin have taken to collecting bugs mostly lady bugs and rollie pollies which do not bother me at all. Actually there is a lady bug in the house somewhere due to an incident with our bug collectors and every once in awhile she lands on you says hello and then flies away. Every day they like to take their bugs out of the bug collectors and let them get some exercise because of course they want them to be healthy. Their exercise consists of running around on the floor and crawling all over the kids arms. Here are our bugs enjoying some exercise.

Crack me up funny

2011-08-21T15:11:00.001-04:00

Symeon says some priceless stuff right now and Marin is beginning to join in the mix. In the last two days he has cracked me up.

1. Symeon and Babes were on time out on the stairs and I was in the kitchen and I hear Symeon say to Marin Daddy is being nice to us but Mommy isn't and Marin said yahhh! I wanted to crack up instead I just said I can hear you and they both said sorry.
2. Today Symeon was using a pen that was running low on ink so it was difficult to write with so he turned to me and said Mom this must be an adult only pen because I am having a hard time using it.
3. We were going to our local coffee shop on the way to pick Shawn up from the airport and Symeon loves their chocolate chip cookie although we have talked about having cookies in the morning and how it is not okay. So when he asked I said honey we can't have a cookie for breakfast and he said Mom I don't want it for breakfast I want it for dessert. I busted out laughing and thought oh he might be on to something dessert after breakfast not a bad idea.
4. After we dropped Shawn off at the airport Marin cried most of the way home saying over and over that she did not want to go home she wanted to go on an airplane with her Daddy. I explained that Daddy was going for work so she couldn't go to which she would wail even louder. Honestly I do not lock her in a room when her Daddy is gone she is just super attached to her him. So for the rest of the day every time we saw a man she would say is that my Daddy to which I would reply no wondering if people thought she really did not know who her Daddy was. As we were getting out of our car at our house there was an African American man walking by our car and Marin proceeds to ask me over and over is that my Daddy and I say no Babes. Well I guess Symeon did not hear me respond to her because as the man is crossing the street and I think it is almost over Symeon yells from the porch Mom I think Babes wants to know if that guy is her Daddy as he is pointing and yelling at the man. At this point I was beyond myself and just busted out laughing but luckily by this time I was on my porch and no one but the kids could see me.
5. Marin just started walking up to you and shaking your hand and she says nice to meet me, nice to meet me it is so cute and funny.
6. Marin loves to sing and she sings all these great songs. One of her favorites is, If Your Happy and you know it... she loves the hurray so she walks around singing it and throwing her arm up in the air yelling hurray.

The newest bike

2011-08-18T00:59:00.000-04:00

We decided to buy a trailer bike for Symeon because he loves to bike. He does great on his own bike but he is not able to go all over the city because of the traffic, he has a hard time keeping up with us, and eventually he tuckers out although it takes quite awhile. We have a bike trailer he can sit in with Marin but they are so squished and hot that they end up fighting and we all get frustrated and then bike riding is no fun. So now Marin rides in the trailer by herself which is good and Symeon rides the trailer bike and we have been biking all over the city. We usually bike for several hours at a time and they both love it. We do think Marin will probably need one of these bike trailers next summer she is still just a bit to short this summer much to her sadness and disagreement. We are enjoying this so much as a family and we look forward to years of bike riding together.

I love this man

2011-08-18T00:51:00.000-04:00

Shawn and I have made many life decisions together and as we continue to make many more I am reminded today of how much I love him and how much we balance each other out. We are a good team and I am so thankful for him and our life together.

Rella Hat

2011-08-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

Mom Mom sent Symeon and Marin a package which included this great Cinderella hat. In the picture on the right is the hat on the day she received it on the left is her preferred way of wearing it. She loves it and it is so funny to see her dancing with it on backward and to the side. Thanks Mom Mom she loves it!

A creative lunch time

2011-08-13T18:20:00.000-04:00

Loving art projects

2011-08-13T18:18:00.000-04:00

A new fort

2011-08-13T18:13:00.000-04:00

The room we turned into the kids play area has a good size closet and it has become their fort. We put a ton of blankets and pillows inside to add to the comfort. I often find Symeon in their reading books or doing legos. It is a great place for them to each have a little quiet down time.

Biking

2011-08-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

We do a lot of biking these days and Marin is known to enjoy her nap while we bike. On one trip she took with Shawn on his daily Fed Ex run she was passed out. It was so funny because somehow we overlooked her having on any underpants or pull up so although I edited it out she was spread eagle in this picture enjoying the freedom.

Happy Father's Day super late

2011-08-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

Since I am pretty far behind on posting about important times in the life of our family I realize Father's Day was quite sometime ago but I never posted about my amazing husband. Shawn is a steady and calming presence in our family and he adores his children. Just today Symeon said Mom I need to find something that Daddy and I can do together. He is always willing to play, offer hugs, and give them undivided attention. Shawn had a very difficult week this past week and in the midst of a ton of stressful work situations one of our kids would walk into his office with a request of his time and attention and he would offer it freely setting aside his own stress for a few minutes to reassure, love and hug one of them. We are blessed to have you Shawn and we love you so much! Here are the kids giving him his Father's Day card and small gift. It took them each a lot of time to pick out just the perfect card and it was so fun to hear their reasons.

Trip to Lake Dillion

2011-08-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

Last month we took a trip to Lake Dillion one of our favorite places to hang out. We rented a condo with a great view, rode bikes, ate ice cream, explored the mountains, parks and bike paths. Overall just a fun relaxing family get away.

The bikes ready for the big trip

Marin enjoying the view from the playground not bad huh?!

Throwing rocks into the water one of our favorite past times in life

I know the balloon seems odd it was the breast cancer 2 day walk and it came right past our condo. A woman who was done cheering for the walkers offered the kids her balloons. Thanks and yet what a pain although they were big fun back at the condo which is where they stayed for the rest of the trip.

Ah loving the outdoors already such fun

The views from our condo. I can see why people pay for a view to live everyday it was very soothing to wake up and walk out on our deck and see this, something I could get used to doing.

Biking the Frisco bike path both our kids love to bike it is a great family activity

The many sides of Babes McGee. In the first one she is showing me how her blue lollipop matched the blue sign and we stopped at every sign to see the connection. I know she is eating a lollipop on her little bike but it was the only way I could keep her moving and honestly we were going so slow that she was in no danger. In the second picture she decided to wear her Cinderella crown out to dinner while she played with her princess figures. She is a girl who can dirty and be pretty I love that about her.

Lil Seedlings

2011-08-12T01:13:00.000-04:00

I have been taking Symeon and Marin to a garden class at the Botanic gardens and they love it. The teacher is amazing and after the class we hang out in the amazing water area in the middle of the kids garden. Here they are climbing the rock area.

Marin dragging one of the many boats around.

He loves a magnifying glass

Their lettuce plants. A funny story about these plants is that I switched their name tags on the plants and here's why. At the beginning of summer we bought them a little plant kit to grow on our porch water etc. Well Symeon cared for his little seeds faithfully being ever so gently and Marin dug in her pot threw the soil out over watered it and dropped it multiple times. Symeon would check his everyday waiting for his little seeds to sprout and they never did while Marin's sprouted and grew multiple times. So fast forward a bit and the same thing plays out again and Marin's seeds sprout and nothing in Symeon's I say it first and switched the name tags because I did not want Symeon to be discouraged he loves to garden. Now granted a couple days later "Marin's" seeds sprouted and it was fine. I still feel a bit bad I did it but if you could have seen the look on his face when his seeds finally grew I am pretty sure I did the right thing.

Our housemates moved

2011-08-12T01:00:00.000-04:00

Some of you may know and some not that when we moved to Denver we moved into intentional community with our dear friends from seminary who decided to move to Denver from LA. Shortly after we moved in together Michael was offered a position with his work that was an amazing opportunity for him and with much soul searching they decided they need to follow where God was leading and they decided to move to Texas. We have grieved the loss and the day they left Shawn and I both felt so lonely. We are all settling into our new realities but I wanted to share a few special pictures from the day them moved.

I could not find Symeon but I finally found him among the boxes using his "telescope"

We made them a farewell sign and wrapping paper for their gift.

Here's Symeon watching the movers load the truck.

Marin and Aunt Niecer are both known for their power naps. Denise took the kids for a special treat while we packed the garage and on the way back Marin fell asleep. Denise decided she needed her power nap too so they both took a quick snooze in the car and then they were ready to go.

Symeon and Marin giving Aunt Niecer and Uncle Michael there farewell gifts.

We sure do miss you guys!

Imaginations

2011-08-12T00:47:00.000-04:00

They came upstairs one night after having their baths and they were wearing these ties. I told them they looked nice and Symeon said right after they watched their little show they had to get going because they were going to a wedding that's why they were wearing the ties. Ahhh now it all made sense!

MIA and a fun new adventure

2011-08-09T00:42:00.000-04:00

We have been out of town most of July and then when we returned my allergies were so bad sleep was about all I could manage in the evenings. I hope to catch up over the next week so keep stopping by for some new posts about the fun things we have been up to. We are having such a fun summer and I hope to record it on the our blog.

On a fun note my college friend Andi and I have started a new blog to share our thoughts on being women in our 30's. I would love for you to check it out. I will be posting every Monday and Thursday and Andi every Tuesday and Friday. I will be doing this blog about our family as well as the other blog which you can find at
grayhairandacne.wordpress.com I would love to have you check it out and follow us on a regular basis. You can read about us and how this endeavor began in the "about" section of our blog. Enjoy and I would love to hear your comments.

Hope to have lots of pictures and stories to share soon.

I will leave you with this small teaser. Symeon's latest question is why can Mommies have babies and Babes can have babies but not until later in life and then why can't Daddy and he have babies. These are the questions as of late I thought this one might come a bit later but here we go! More fun to follow

Nothing says summer like...

2011-06-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

flip flops regardless of what feet they are on.

Bubbles and squirt guns

2011-06-30T23:05:00.000-04:00

these are a few of our favorite things...

Flowers I receive on a daily basis and I love them everytime

2011-06-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

Atlanta cousins visit

2011-06-29T23:32:00.000-04:00

Jeff, Katie, Sam and Maya came to visit from Atlanta. We had such a good time playing and hanging out. The kids are so close in age that it is always a bit wild and tons of fun.

Bedtime stories with Auntie Katie

Delp Family

Symeon and Sam such good buddies

Symeon was cold and he only extra coat was Marin's so he looks like the hulk busting out of his clothes but he was warm and not complaining so it was all good.

The Delp boys and their kiddos

Jeff and Sam

Shawn and the kids

Uncle Jeff and Marin, she took a real liking to him right away they were so sweet together

The Delp boys and their boys

Katie and Maya

The girls who have a tumultuous relationship at times enjoying one another

Cousins picnic dinner fun!

Lil Kickers break

2011-06-29T23:17:00.000-04:00

We decided to take a break from our soccer class for the summer and regroup for the fall. Symeon is ready for real soccer games which amazes since he is only 3 so we are looking for a bit more hard core program for the fall where he will play game and practice some ball handling skills which seem to come so naturally to him. Babes is also ready for more but will need to wait until she is 3 so next fall for her. Here are some fun pictures of one of their last classes and their certificates.

Symeon with his coach that he had a crush on

Babes and her Mama

Getting good job stamps on her stomach she loved it. I also feel like she is practicing for the big win when she is older and rips her shirt off and runs around the field because it is okay for female soccer players to do this type of thing but by then I will make sure she is wearing a sports bra.

Our big helper. Symeon was always willing to help his coach clean up trying to impress the ladies!

Another stamp lover and shirt ripping off practice for the future!

Scoring a big goal and left footed gosh her Daddy is so happy!