Four in the bed and an overflowing toilet...

Tuesday:
2 a.m. rolls around and Cooper half-walks/half-runs into our bedroom with that same sleepy cry. I let him crawl up onto my side of the bed. 5:20 a.m. comes along and Parker taps his dad on the arm telling him that he's cold and asking if he will snuggle him. Cooper snores on. Clay lets Parker climb up on the bed and sleep on the only space left on our queen size bed...the left edge. I don't know about my husband but I didn't get much sleep the rest of the morning. (I would bank on the probability that he didn't either) ;)

Sometime between 6:30 and 7:30 later that morning, Parker got up to go downstairs and watch his typical early morning cartoons. A few minutes thereafter, we hear a hollering from below, "Dad! The toilet won't quit running! Dad! The toilet is overflowing!" That's all it took for dear hubby to leap out of bed, feet barely touching the floor before he hit the steps to head down two levels below. (Hmmm, I wish I had recorded the fast action that took place that early morning for the next time he tells me his body just doesn't function very well after waking...especially before 11am in the morning. ;))

The last time this happened (late last fall I believe) Cooper had decided to flush his diaper. You know, there should have been a lot of thoughts that immediately popped into my head after both of the two toilet incidences, but all I could think on those two unique mornings was, "Thank you, Lord, that my husband is home." :) When the lower level toilet overflows, it leaks into the utility room. The utility room where we store all of our luggage, the baby changing table, and a few boxes and other miscellaneous items. So, when there is water draining from the bathroom to the utility room, we have to take everything out of the utility room until the room completely dries. Fun stuff. (There are 2 things in that room that I can't lift and a few other things that I would rather not attempt lifting.) So the fact that hubby has been home during these two random occurrences makes me smile. The Lord is looking out for me. :)

(Some of you are probably wondering if I captured pictures of this whole episode. Well no, I didn't think Clay would think too fondly of that at the time. :) You can just picture standing water about an inch thick in our lower bathroom and, of course shortly thereafter, a living room filled with luggage, boxes and all sorts of exciting things. ;))

Since I don't have any pictures to share from yesterday morning, I will post a few other randoms:
1. Cooper in mix-matched pj's wearing his workman's bench goggles while deep in play one early morning (notice the boo boo band aid on his forehead :))
2 & 3. Documented: our first day to play outside with the scooters this year - March 22 (streets and driveways clear, yards...not so much.)

documenting the busy times

Funny how for months now it is the norm for me to start a post and then 7 days later (or much longer than that!) actually get it posted. Blogging is a creative outlet for me to jot down my random thoughts and our families' happenings through words and pictures, to showcase creative projects and to document pieces of our daily life RIGHT NOW (not months or years later!) all the while listening to inspirational music and sipping a warm cup of tea. Documenting life has always been important to me...but more on that in another post.

Every day I am smiling and grasping for my camera so as not to miss capturing the important pieces of today that I will want to remember many years in the future...the good, the bad, the crazy, the simple, and the serene. After snapping pictures of some of our life moments, it is theraputic for me to sit down and write about them...to write about the happenings, to write about the photography, to write about the history, to write about the process. My writing is inspired by imagination, photography, the world around me, and special memories. I like to write and always have. In elementary, jr. high, highschool, and college my teachers and professors would laugh as they would say, "Carrie, we are not looking for a book here; a paragraph will be fine." I do not know if that concept has always been hard for me to grasp due to the fact that I love writing and documenting so very much or because I am a perfectionist in just about every way and do not want to miss something. However, I do think there is something to the "less is more" notion.

I have set up a personal challenge for myself over the next 30 days to start and finish most of my posts in 20 minutes or less. This way, I can still get my "creative fix" more than a few times a month, but also be content in knowing that I will have a few lengthier posts. I will let you know how it turns out! P.S. This post does not count.

We are moving in less than two weeks; life is busy. Before you know it, half a month is gone and you just have the exhausted body and mind to prove it. I have done this one too many times. I have decided to embrace this insane craziness of a lifestyle right now and document it as best as I can. It should be interesting. :)

Now, on to the fun stuff...my boys. :) Last week, more than usual, every day was like a marathon for me. I said a prayer for strength, patience and a positive attitude every bright and early morning when Parker would burst into the room excitedly saying there was a "7 by the dots" (whether there was or was not) and asking if he could go downstairs to play. For a number of months, we were actually getting really good sleep in the mornings; I could not believe how late my boys would sleep most days...Cooper especially. With our crazy schedules since the end of last year, it was nice to get that golden hour of extra sleep some mornings. As of last month, they are raring to go as soon as they sense sunlight...at least Parker is. Usually Parker is up before Cooper. Golden hour of extra sleep no more.

Clay and I are having a blast watching our boys grow, play and learn...loving the random things that come out of their sweet mouths at any given moment. I actually like a bit of rowdiness around the house and enjoy seeing the little antics that my kids come up with. However, with all that is going on right now, it is exhausting some days.

Monday morning, my boys woke up ready to eat, play and run with a zest. I wanted to be, but was not. I was tired and energy was long gone from the weekend's festivities. I decided that until naptime came I would try and only accomplish two chores around the house: one load of laundry and the dishes in the dishwasher and sink. The first of the two did not work out well. I did get a load switched over to the dryer before screams broke out from two levels above over a toy mishap. After taking two steps at a time up two flights of stairs thinking someone had gotten hurt during the 52 seconds I had been downstairs, I decided the laundry could wait till naptime.

The latter of the two chores on the list was completed. As I set out to unload the clean dishwasher, two little tikes ran in circles around the kitchen to the living room and back to the kitchen again. I lifted the dishwasher door to put it back in place each time I left to put dishes away in cabinets for fear that one of the little men would ram right over it during one of the circular roundabouts. All sorts of fabrications went through my mind as to what could happen if this accident was to take place. If you are a mom reading this, you totally get what I am saying here. I patted myself on the back when this chore was finished rather quickly and readied myself to load all the dirty dishes. Cooper, meanwhile, thought the loading of dishes looked like quite fun so he decided to help. The loading of the dishwasher was not accomplished quite as quickly. Mama's big helper. ;)

Lunchtime rolled around and the thought of even taking bread out of the pantry and turkey and cheese out of the fridge seemed like an impossible feat, so off to McDonalds we went. Truly on days like these, McDonald's tops my list of favorite places!!

The kids had a blast playing! This was actually Cooper's first time to go up inside the play area...he loved it and was all smiles the whole time. Parker helped him get up the initial steps and then off the two went! It was cute to watch Parker and Cooper together.

I even called one of my girlfriends back home for a much needed girlfriend chat for a few minutes while they were contentedly playing! Thank you Terra!

After Monday, thankfully my momentum picked up and we geared up for some fun happenings (besides packing :)). Clay and I swapped babysitting services with our neighbors to see "Hunger Games." I thought beforehand, it would be a miracle if we weren't snoozing at the end since we went for the 9pm showing, but thanks to the director's and actors' success in keeping up the suspense throughout the whole movie, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Anyway, last week was our turn to watch Brad and Kat's precious daughter, Claire, while they caught the flick. Claire is such a sweet little doll. Parker instantly fell for her and insisted she watch him brush his teeth (so that she would know how to do it) and observe the whole bedtime routine. He asked if she could sit beside him so he could read her a book and she could hold his blankie and wrestling guy a few minutes...I am sure that Claire's highlight of the night was holding the prized wrestling man. :) Random, but speaking of wrestling, I have to tell you how incredibly weird it is to have your four year old come home from preschool talking about Teddy Dibiase and Randy Orton. For 4 years, I sat in college classes right next to Teddy...great guy. He was actually considering getting into the ministry at the time. With a dad who is known as the Million Dollar Man, it would almost be hard not to follow into the legendary footsteps. It is just so weird to hear your child talking so excitedly about this wrestling guy on television when you only know of him as Teddy from college. I will never forget earlier last year when I went in a Blockbuster's and did a double take of Teddy on the cover of Marine 2. Unbelievable. That's awesome! You go Teddy!

I could not stop snapping pictures of these two...it was precious to watch the interaction between them. Claire, kicking her feet and babbling with a smile at everything Parker said, and Parker very solemnly and proudly showing her his abilities to tell stories from the pictures in books.

Friday morning we had the pleasure of watching the O'Conner boys, making it five boys in the home for quite the wild adventure. :) We love having these boys over as they are so well-mannered and kind to our boys...and a joy to play with! They played Cars, built forts, and rode bikes and scooters outside.

Cooper's favorite part was definately the fort! He was jumping up and down squealing with happiness!

Saturday and Sunday were beautiful afternoons that we could not stand to be indoors. Therefore, we took our packing outside where we could enjoy the sunshine. :) It was perfect. I started grabbing groupings of "like" things and carrying them out to our deck table. Clay sweetly commented on how organized I was being and then as soon as I grabbed my camera shook his head and said, "Wait a minute! You are totally staging all of this for pictures!"  Not necessarily, but yes. ;)Packing in an organized fashion actually makes me very happy. And why not get a few pictures of the process?!

I had been dreading this very moment and putting it off for as long as I can. My McCarty's and Peter's Pottery. Uugghhh...can't I just carry this over in my front seat one by one until it all gets there?! Dear hubby: "Here we go again." After silently praying that the Lord would have mercy on each of my sweet pieces of pottery and help them to arrive safely to their new home, I finally started slowly and carefully wrapping each of the pieces.

Parker wanted to pack his own box. He proudly declared, "Daddy! I'm all done. My box is full. I need a new one!" Sweet thing. How can you not smile and tear up when you see his little box?

Saturday night, our neighbors, Brad and Kat, had us over for an official farewell backyard bonfire complete with delicious appetizers and drinks. Sniff. sniff.

I can not even begin to say how much I am going to miss our bonfires.

It was a full week filled with lots of packing, lots of friends, and lots of sweet memories made in the craziness of it all.

my saturday at home

Pearhead Baby Handprint/Footprint Ornaments

Saturday...
I painted my fingernails...and toenails.
Parker played with his trucks and dinosaurs
I put away laundry.
I built a fire in the fireplace and wished dear hubby was home to build it for me. (It takes me a little longer) :)
My floors were covered with toys of all shapes and sizes
I tried not to think about work.
Cooper did some serious walking.
We crafted new handprints of the boys.
I laid on the floor and played...hard.
We totally had a pajama day. Loved every minute of it.

And I had to put this picture in here from the other day. I couldn't believe it when I walked over to see both of my boys sitting quietly thumbing through books...at the same time. AT THE SAME TIME. To some who might not be as familiar of the nature of our household, that might seem ordinary. However, I do not remember a time since Cooper was a baby and sleeping a lot during the day, that both boys were quietly entertaining themselves at the same time. Do not fear though. I can assure you that this moment was just that...a moment...that lasted about 21 seconds. Mmmmm...what a blissful 21 seconds.

And then I smiled when both boys were ready to tussle again. Aaahhh, now that's more normal.

P.S. This post was typed on Saturday...and then here we are on Monday night....when I finally have time to load the pictures. ;)

a "pizza-for-supper" kind of day...

This little one is fighting a full-blown double ear infection...

Between that and all the other random things going on around here, I quickly determined it was going to be a pizza-for-supper kind of day. No one was complaining here (well, except that little twinge of guilt I felt for Cooper that made me pull out peas, fruit, and other healthier leftovers for his little tummy!) ;)

The one weekend this month that we are playing it low around here...should be fun. Now, I just hope Cooper perks up soon. He is pretty pitiful at the moment.

Around New Year's I found my 2012 planner, so I have been diligently filling out dates and notes in there...and have been having quite the fun with it! The green one was last year's (that I found on sale at Target and LOVED!). This year, the pink was the only one left in the formatting style I wanted, so I grabbed it up quickly and decided I could adjust my liking to the color. (pink has never been a favorite color choice of mine.) I think it is already growing on me.

Ooh, I just love getting organized!!! I am certainly not always on top of things, but I like to think that I would be a walking and living disaster if I was not as organized as I am now. It is totally true. Plus, taking notes, setting goals and organizing gives me this amazing high that usually evokes quite a few silly squeals and jumps from my body...in addition to a few curious looks from my husband. ;)

A few of my general goals (I do not care to post my 2 page detailed listing of goals for 2012 for I know you would either laugh, roll your eyes or both...but you'll get the jist from this):
Laugh and play more. worry less. love wholeheartedly. Capture and document. Read. Learn. Listen. Travel. Cook healthier meals. Exercise consistently. Sleep more. Strive. Run. Dream and Soar...and stay on top of my laundry like I did up until 3 months ago.

And to fulfill one of those right now, I am off to bed. I have a feeling my little "Mr. Mr." will be needing me in the wee hours of the morning.

Laundry, Life and the Munchkins

I feel a little behind...

for some reason lately I can't seem to keep up with our laundry, ironing, dusting, vacuuming, dishes, mopping, bathroom, weekly menus, errands, Christmas shopping, thank you's...and a few other things. ;) How is it possible that we even have this much laundry pile up anyway? I literally do a load of laundry every day, at least on most days. For those of you who have teenagers, I'm sure you will tell me it gets worse! ha!

In addition to laundry and life in general, these two little munchkins have been keeping me very busy lately. It's never a dull moment in this house. ;)

I'll be back soon to let you know the progress of our laundry...and other fun sorts.

Happy Turkey Day!

Clay: "What are you doing Parker?"
Parker: "I'm cutting and cooking my turkey!"

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving with friends and family! Happy Turkey Day! :)

a zoo trip, some randomness, and leaves of fall...

This morning after Clay flew out, the boys and I headed to the MN Zoo to enjoy one last trek around the outdoor exhibits before they close up for winter. The weather predicted for today was beautiful, and I was so excited that the weatherman was right on target; it was indeed a gorgeous day. The boys loved seeing all the different species of animals. They contentedly stayed snug under their thick blanket I brought along to drape over their legs and heartily snacked on goldfish as we passed many of the exhibits. Both got out of their seats plenty to romp and play, but I was thankful I brought the double-stroller for the longer strides. Both were happy happy boys, which made for a very happy mama. ;)

In addition to seeing the outdoor exhibits and the indoor shark feeding show, one of the highlights was playing at the Woodland Adventure.  It features a variety of climbing structures and a number of nature elements for the children to explore and play in. Parker went multiple times down the giant curvy slide from the lighthouse, over the swinging rope bridge and into the treehouse. On the opposite side of the play area, sits the giant eagle's nest, which just so happened to be Cooper's favorite of the day. I'm not really sure why, but he was totally cracking himself up in that thing...it was way cute.

It was a great morning...and a great afternoon. We got home right at lunchtime, and enjoyed some chicken pasta salad, grapes, broccoli, carrots and almonds. Both guys tucked right into their beds and drifted off to sleep without a cry. Aaaahhh. Success. :)

For some randomness...last week was a very happy day when I discovered my favorite pair of hoop earrings that have been lost for 2 years now. I squealed when I found them in my Vera Bradley eyeglass case...random I know. But I've been so happy and have enjoyed wearing them again so much that I thought I would share.

I have been trying to weed through the mountains of magazines and paper stuff that has been slowly piling up over the last 6-8 weeks around our house. Usually, I stay on top of our mail and things of that nature pretty well (actually, at least half of it if not more, never even makes it in the house before it goes in the recycling bin), but lately that has not been the case. So, I'm on a shredding/burning/recycling spree of mail, magazines and "paper stuff."

...which leads me to my next random tidbit. Tonight, hubby built me my first fire of the winter. Yea! I do LOVE fires in our fireplace and never tire of those (which is good because that is the ONLY thing about winter I do not tire of). He knew I had a good bit to shred...our shredder is officially non-existant as our last one broke...so he built me a gorgeous fire to be able to throw my paper in...and to prop my feet up to. (Truly, I think he's a little tired of me complaining about the cold temps in the house and shivering loudly enough for him to purposefully hear! ha ha!)

The other day after work, the boys and I, along with our neighbors' two girls, played outside for some time before supper. Clay and I were on a mission to rake leaves and the kids, of course, discovered the big, colorful piles that come with that chore. I think we raked one of our piles up 8 or 9 times as they would squeal, run and jump to their little heart's content..laugh...and then do it all over again, until it was time for us to come rake it up into a mountain for more jumps. So fun!

We had four of these big piles in our front yard so it was not long before we recruited help from the youngsters; they were happy to oblige. ;) What do you see that is wrong with the picture below? ha ha! Clay actually was on the phone with his sister and the kids would get upset if we tried to help with their "job," so we let them load up two wheelbarrow fulls all by themselves. As you can see below, they were very much into it and did a terrific job. *Remember, to hold a "leaves party" next year and recruit all the neighborhood kids to help. After the "mountain jumps" and re-rakes of the big piles of leaves, job should be completed in less than an hour. ;)

Even Cooper was quite the delighted little fellow to have a position in the chore with the big kids. He "held up" the wheelbarrow (well, when he wasn't trying to turn it over! ;))

Fun times around here...happy Fall!!!

Surprise Guests at Small Group...

Every Sunday night, we host Small Group at our house. As of to date, we are the only couple with kids...though that will soon be changing. ;) I think it would be a fair statement to say that our friends have seen, heard and learned a lot (probably more than they care to know) about life with a 3 1/2 year old and an 11 month old!

Typically, Parker is pretty good about going straight to bed when we tell him night-night and return to our small group, but some Sunday's he would much rather be up with us than laying in his bed trying to fall asleep. After tucking him in and re-tucking him in his bed tonight...almost an hour later when we went to check on "surprise little footstepts upstairs," this is what we found.

Parker and his "friends" were happy to listen in and be a part of the Small Group discussion tonight...hidden and out of sight, of course!

what's been going on around our house lately...

Our beloved "Duckie" has sat its last days in the warm, clear waters of the upstairs tub. (An undetected hole slowly promises to take the last bit of air out of our yellow friend.)

We have enjoyed many a nights splishing and splashing, laughing and babbling in our floaty friend.

Picture taken of  Cooper in July 2011

Before handing Duckie over to the garbage, the boys are having one last hoorah with their little friend. Over the last 4 days, Duckie has acted as a recliner, a boat, and a storage container for race cars just to name a few.

In other news, this little tike --who does not seem very little anymore-- is as usual, getting into anything and everything his curious hands want to get into. I definitely need more childproof locks for this house.

A few weeks ago, Cooper started walking with his riding toys.
...but mostly, I just wanted to post this picture because of his dimples and the monkey outfit that totally reminds me of his personality. :)

I Spy...something that does not fit in this picture....besides the terrible landscaping

Yep. That would be a bottle in a tree in our front yard. (some of the best afternoons are spent outdoors, with a Tball set, a soccer ball, a bottle, and sidewalk chalk. Usually when the bottle is in the tree that means hard core kickball time... :))

This is what a typical night looks for us around 7:30pm. For fun this summer, I picked up this fabulous game for Parker and all of us to play together around a campfire. Though we did not actually get it out near a bonfire and smores, we have enjoyed many nights before bathtime of the Camp boardgame. I look for it to be one we play together for many years. GREAT gift idea for little boys!

...some fun (and entertaining) storytimes before bedtime

And even a little couponing after the boys go to bed.

The days of summer are gone and we are starting to transition our closets and drawers into fall/winter items. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall? (It's what comes after it that I am not so fond of!) The weekend after Labor Day I put out my fall decorations; every day it makes me smile to see the vibrant reds, the muted yellows and the aged orange colors in my house. Pictures of home decor will be posted soon...I say this to remind myself to actually take some pictures :) Have a Happy Day!!!