Stuffing our Faces

After the soccer game we enjoyed lunch at the 33rd Annual Greek Festival. I like to get my yearly dose of Baklava. Once a year is enough for me, its so sweet, but so good!

Mason is chowing down on a Loukoumade or as we say a "greek doughnut."

Season Finale

Yesterday the Armadillo's played their final game of the season.
Fans came from miles away just to watch the famous #5.
Sadly it seemed he spent more time on the sidelines than normal, but he didn't seem to mind.

Owen and my dad

The whole gang. My dad and mom, sister and brother -in law.

The participation "trophy"

Checking out the trophy

Inspiration Rooms

The internet is a dangerous thing. You can waste hours upon hours searching for everything under the sun. But it is also so magnificent and I often find myself wondering how I survived the first 18 years of my life without it. You Tube has been an awesome teaching tool with Owen. He'll randomly ask, What's a .... or Who's .... and I can show him. Just last night he was watching a clip of Martin Luther King Jr. and his "I have a Dream" speech. He and EJ had just read a children's book about him and he wanted to know more. Another time he was curious what a bagpipe sounded like. So we googled bagpipe and within seconds he could watch and listen to one being played.
I digress.
Here are some photos that are inspiring the boy's bathroom reno. I know my father-n law will see this and groan. He has been appointed EJ's second hand. Ed is very handy and experienced in all sorts of home repair. He always gives me a hard time about the projects, but loves to laugh and brag about their father and son experiences when its all said and done. By appointed, I mean he doesn't necessarily volunteer. He has grown accustomed to EJ calling and assigning the next task. He always thinks we are crazy or at least that I am crazy and he use to blame HGTV and Better Homes and Garden Magazine for my ideas. I guess I have been known to watch/read those on occasion ;) Well, now he can start blaming the internet too!
Edward&Edward Inc. do great work! Their list is endless and now on to the next project.

I hesitate to show these b/c ours will probably look nothing like these. But it's always nice to dream! I would not get a sink like the one below b/c I am much too practical. We need cabinets. But I love the color on the wall and floor tiles.
We are planning to use bead board in place of the the current gold speckled tile. This bead board is a light gray. It makes good sense not to have white in a boys bathroom. Hmmm. The brain is spinning.
Oh and no claw foot tub. We aren't going that luxurious.
The project is on hold until I find tiles and a vanity. This is proving to be tricky with 2 children who don't like walking around tile stores. Imagine that!

Anger Management

I myself have never undergone anger management counseling but something tells me these are NOT the proper steps.

1. Swing arms wildly
2. Hit anything within arms reach
3. Throw the nearest item(s)
4. Scream
If that doesn't work...
5. Spit multiple times
6. Turn red and make a really mean face during all of the above.

Actions really do speak louder than words. If only we could get more words!

Lunch ideas

If you need some lunch ideas for kiddos visit Courtney's blog. Fortunately she blogged for ideas too and she has a lot of fans out there ;)

Getting our Feet Wet

I did it! I took the kids to the pool for the first time this season. I don't know what my problem is, but I was dreading the 1st trip. How ridiculous that I would complain about such a treat! Belonging to a pool is awesome and we have TONS of friends that go and we go all summer long.
The main reason for my poor attitude is the amount of time it takes to get ready. It took 41 minutes from the moment I said we are going to the pool to the time I started up the van. Good grief! We are rusty and out of shape, and need to shave off some time. (That included packing a lunch, putting on bathing suits and sunscreen)
Secondly, I don't really enjoy packing our lunch. It gets old fast! Anyone have ideas for poolside lunches?
I was also nervous b/c I wasn't sure how Mason would react. If he'd like it, hate it or run around like crazy.
I must say it was a Great 1st trip. The boys didn't complain or fidget while I did the sunscreen. They were both content in the kiddie pool (I am not ready to face those big pool water temps) Mason warmed up to the idea pretty quickly and didn't want to leave when it was time to go.
I think its going to be a good summer after all!

Grumpy

Everyone at my house is in a rotten mood and has been all day. (not sure about EJ, won't he be glad to be home) It feels lousy to be in a bad mood and our moods keep rubbing off on each other making it worse. If only I could be 2 yrs old and just burst into tears for no reason at all. That is what I feel like doing.

Friendships

The party on Saturday included 17 adults and 15 children (i think).
A big and noisy bunch, but somehow these 2 managed to stick together.
Not a huge surprise.

Frick and Frack

I didn't take many pictures during the party :(

Becca, I wish you had been in this pic too. Thanks for traveling so far!
Ali, Courtney and Mary

Sleepy Heads

What can make my Owen sleep until 8 a.m. today and nap 2 days in a row?
A very FUN filled weekend!

Saturday

1. Driving to the Cassada's house
   
2. Playing with 8 friends (new and old)
   
3. Moon Bounce
4. Slip-n-slide
5. Riding Bikes
6. Running between the Moon Bounce and the bikes
7. 1st Slumber Party

Sunday

1. Long walk to pond in Cassada's neighborhood
   
2. Fishing
3. Long walk back
4. T-Ball
5. Car ride (with nap)
6. Croquet and Dinner at Grandma's and Sirs
7. Getting home and to bed at 9:30 p.m.

Monday

1. slept til 8 a.m.
   
2. climbed rocks down at the river
3. rode bike/stroller along the river
4. took long naps

That my friends is taking full advantage of a 3 day weekend. PHEW!
Plus during nap time today, I relaxed on the couch and read for a whole hour! pure Bliss.

Seriously?!?!

Today was one of those mornings when I found myself thinking, is this really my job? Is this not the best gig in the world? I am at an outdoor mall on a beautiful morning watching my two healthy children play. We are enjoying each others company, having a picnic lunch from home, and watching tons of kids have fun. What more could I ask for? Way better than a stuffy office job with piles of paper work. Granted i have papers piled up as well as the dirty and clean laundry ;)

I haven't been enjoying motherhood much lately. I have been in a rut. Kind of bored, not really wanting to "play" or constantly "serve." This was such a good reminder that I really do have it so good. Yes, its hard and demanding and tiring, but so worth it.

I am sure it doesn't hurt that it is gorgeous outside and it's Friday with a 3 day weekend ahead!

Check out those muscles.
I wish I had arm muscles like that.
Oh, wait he has no body fat. Hmm, that will never happen!
Is he on a soccer field?

2nd Birthday

In some ways it's hard to believe Mason is 2 today. However he has done almost everything at an earlier age than Owen, so in some ways he seems even older. It doesn't help that he continues to be above average in weight and height. Everyone who asks his age is completely shocked. Just this week at the playground, I was amazed at his coordination. He is fast on his feet and tries doing everything like Owen. I am actually surprised he isn't trying harder to ride a bike.
He is stringing phrases together. His new favorite is "watch me..." It's getting a little tricky driving in the van b/c they are both talking my ear off at the same time.

Favorites: animals, books and "guys" (Little People figurines)

1. He is constantly on the lookout for wild animals and pets. Squirrels included (at least someone appreciates them) He wants to either "pat" or "ride" every animal he sees.
2. He takes 2 books to bed with him every night.
   
3. We don't go anywhere without "guys" preferably one for each hand.

He definitely has a temper. He is requiring a lot of patience on my part. It's hard to remember not to expect the same from him as we do Owen.

He is a lot of fun and smiles at everyone he meets. When he sees someone, he asks me if he can say hi. I think that is funny. We are so blessed to have him as part of our family. It's fun watching the boys become friends, not so fun when they act like enemies. Those sweet moments of holding hands and kisses make my heart melt.
Happy Birthday, Mason. We love you!

a year ago...and now

not such a baby anymore

Birthday Boy

Playing with Mason's birthday present.
It's suppose to be a water and sand table.
I personally don't think those two mix well.
At least apart from the beach ;)
We already have a sand box. So this is just for H20.
He loves it and so does the big kid.

More birthday fun to come.

Pre Party

Mason took it upon himself to start the birthday celebration early.
He made his own cake and is blowing out the "candle".

Free Time

We seem to be enjoying our free time. Owen hasn't mentioned school yet. This morning my PT asked if I had a busy day planned. I laughed and said our schedule is wide open today and for the rest of the week. I know I should totally enjoy it. I have it so easy right now. But its such a blank slate. I am staying on top of my cleaning schedule so that's a plus. And we have fun plans for the weekend.

time with friends

Warnings

We've all been told to teach our children to say "no" to smoking, drugs, drinking and driving. I have added a new one. "Motorcycles are very dangerous." Because let's be real, my son is 5 and he thinks speed and loud engines are way more interesting than cigarettes and beer.
So today in the car, he informs me that when daddy gets a motorcycle he should be able to ride on the back with him, but just on the highways b/c there the slowest. Obviously, there are several incorrect thoughts going on in his little head.
1. If daddy is getting a motorcycle, it's news to me.
2. You will ride on the back over my dead body.
3. The highway is the fastest road, not the slowest.

BUT, most importantly, Motorcycles are DANGEROUS! Did I already say that?
I am not ashamed to say I used the phrase "you could die." I know this seems a little harsh but I figured now is the time to sneak these thoughts into his head. Sorry for all you motorcycle fans out there. But I am not one of them. I drove by a motorcyclist in a body bag on the side of the highway and the image still haunts me. I pray I never hear that kind of news, especially with my precious "willing to try anything" boys. Yes, I know the same thing could happen in a car. Especially b/c Owen claims he'll be driving when he is 10. Yikes, time does go by fast.

Loud and Clear

We've always known Owen was loud.
But perhaps that is not always a bad thing:)



This video was on the real video camera.
I wasn't sure if we could get just a clip.
Good thing my husband is so tech savy!

Silly boy

A mother's worst nightmare or a son's dream come true?
The chocolate Easter bunny has seen better days.
Should my almost 2 year old have this in his vocabulary?

"Movie night" w/ homemade pizza at our house happens
about 2 or 3 times a month on a weekend night.
Evidently its regular enough for Mason to question why we were having pizza and no movie.
He repeated this phrase about a 100 times during dinner. Not so cute after the first 20 times.

Hanging Out and Hanging Up

We had a great weekend.
A good mix of activity, productivity and tranquillity.

Our To-do list for the weekend was to hang several wall decor items. Not a huge feat, but somehow very timing consuming. I am embarrassed to say how long some of these items have been on the floor leaning against our walls. I am so excited they are up.

I am going gray, my new favorite decorating color that is.
A new mirror in our bedroom

These have actually been hanging since Christmas,
but thought I'd give my awesome sister a shout out!
These were our Christmas gifts.
She made them specifically for our bedroom.

Just something fun.My mother's day gift.
Hanging on our pollinated porch.

Last but not least. Mason's silhouette.
I have been waiting for him to turn 2.
Obviously, I couldn't wait 4 more days.
It's so fun to see the difference,
I wanted to make it before his hair style changed.
Not that I have plans to change the Phil S. hair-do
(all your Cov. Pres fans)
I am sure he'll hate me when he is older.

The comparison.

My heart is smiling.

Complete Sentences

Last night EJ and I went out to dinner by ourselves! My parents babysat.
We had a wonderful dinner and spent time talking about what's been on our minds lately.
It was so nice to have a real conversation without interruptions. In the evenings we have been too slack about spending quality time together. We are usually watching t.v. or on our laptops. We need to be more intentional with our time, but we are usually both so tired we just want to veg. Real conversations take brain cells and energy.
After dinner we walked around an outdoor mall sipping yummy coffees from Starbucks. I managed to drag him in the Pottery Barn. Evidently not his ideal date night excursion ;) but we did go to Brookstone so all is fair.

Idea

I needed a fairly cheap, end of the year gift idea for Owen's preschool teachers because he had 3. If I had only needed one I could have spent a little more. Here it is and it's so simple. I bought three 4" thyme plants for $3.99 and cute pots from Ben Franklins for $6.59 (I didn't get the generic clay pots but those would work fine too and are super cheap). Owen and I planted them together and then I made these little signs that say "Thanks for helping me grow." On the back was a recipe for a Raspberry Chicken with Thyme (thanks Lissa for that idea and recipe)

Hopefully not the same old thing they are use to.
I figured the cute pot could stand alone as a nice gift if they aren't excited about the herb.

Just the Beginning

Owen's graduating class and the other preschool classes put on quite a show for the paparazzi, a.k.a their parents and grandparents, etc. And for those of you thinking, big deal, it's just preschool. Guess again, these parents mean business. I arrived 45 minutes early, and a little embarrassed we were too early. Oh, no the first 5 rows were already taken, and not just with jackets or purses, with personally printed "reserved" signs brought from home to save their seats.

Second row, second from left

Owen really sang his heart out.
The classes have been practicing for weeks.
He was really excited this morning and he did a great job.

Picnic lunch with my Dad and Mom

Owen, we are so proud of you.

Don't look back, buddy! God has big plans for you.

During the rehearsals the graduate's were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. Today, their future plans were announced as they walked down the isle to "Pomp and Circumstance." Evidently Owen wants to be a pilot. This is news to us. I guess our plane ride in April had a profound effect.

A glimpse

Yesterday, on our 1.5 mile car ride home from church, the boys and I were rockin out to a little Mary Mary, "Shackle." I got a small glimpse of the Joy our Heavenly Father must feel when we Praise His name. Hearing my 5 year old sing the words, "I just want to praise Him" and groove (as much as you can in a booster seat) brought tears to my eyes. How much more must the Lord enjoy the sounds of his beloveds singing His name!

Beginning of the End

Today was the last day of Wellspring. A sad reminder that EVERYTHING is quickly coming to an end. School is done Thurs. I am sure my evening bible study and morning play group will stop meeting soon. So sad!
I am excited for the summer and the pool but I know that it can be lonely time too. I like have regular activities to "work around." When I have too much free time I tend to get lazier. But I have lots of high hopes for the summer.

1. I am hoping to spend more time in the bible with Owen.
2. Start teaching Owen to read (at least a little) perhaps at the same time forcing myself to learn phonics (never quite mastered that). I am sure I'll make such a great teacher :(
3. Get the kids more comfortable in the pool.
   
4. Renovate the boys bathroom.
   
5. Finish some house projects.
   
6. Go on 3 beach trips. Yes, we are so SPOILED!

After being indoors all morning for Wellspring we had to enjoy the beautiful weather before nap time. We all had a bagel at church so we ate a random lunch of watermelon and leftover popcorn..

Not sure why Owen agreed to letting me take his picture.
Too bad he has watermelon all over his face.

the Real deal

So my goal was to take a cute and perfect picture of me and my boys on Mother's Day b/c it would give the illusion of the perfect mother that I am. So here it is. Me and my perfect little angels doing what they do best. Do I have to wait 30 years before they pose like this?

I had a wonderful Mother's day.
We had a lovely lunch on our porch and the weather was PERFECT.
I am grateful to have my family so close.
Mim, Mimi and Nana, we love you and wish we could have shared this day with you too.

Celebrating 2

Yesterday, we celebrated Mason's 2nd birthday (12 days early). My parents spent the night at our house and today we celebrated Mother's Day. It's been a busy and fun weekend.

Mason LOVES animals so we went to a local park that has a children's farm and wildlife exhibit. Then we had a cookout and cake at my sister's house.

Checking out the chickens

Spotting some deer

A big bull, he wanted to ride.