July antics

July has sped by. I can hardly believe it. I guess that's what happens when you are gone most of June also...puts the summer on super speed! We have been busy going back and forth to Grandma and Grandpa H's house every week, as that's where Jackson's OT is. He has been working super hard this summer, and it's definitely paying off!! But all these trips back and forth, make time for play very, very important...so we did lots of that in July!! 

Slip and sliding on the 4th.

Making funny faces at the end of the slide.

Adeline, Addison and Jackson on the 4th. 

We BBQ-ed on the 4th. The kiddos played on the slip and slide and then enjoyed cake pops (I finally made them for the first time...not too bad!). We topped our night off with fire works in the dirt across from the house. The kids thought these were the best. The dad's had a great time lighting them, while the kiddos had a blast choosing which one was next. Our neighbors got home in time to come over and everyone enjoyed themselves!

Jackson's highlight of the night was when Adeline told him she loved him and wanted to marry him. He had his own fireworks going off all night. He still talks about that as the best ever. 

Our fireworks!!

With all of our trips back and forth, we've really tried to take advantage and do something different each weekend. One weekend we hit a splash pad, and although it was very humid out...kids had a great time. Jackson loved to stand where the water is going to shoot up, and get surprised when it hit him. Addison was more of a run and get sprayed kind of girl!

Running and standing.

A moment of stillness....very rare!

Enjoying every minute!

On the go!

This time of year, we tend to get toads in the yard. Talk about an afternoon of fun! Jackson found this one, and they "played" with the poor toad until it croaked....literally. They loved to follow it as it hopped and jumped, making obstacles for it to go over and building it a house. 

July also brings the monsoons, and as our kids now love to refer to the storms, the haboobs. We were in the pool one saturday afternoon, watching the sky because it was threatening. When all of the sudden, we had to get out because we could see the haboob (a huge wind/dirt storm) coming up the valley. Following the wind/dirt, we had a nice downpour. Rain is always a novelty, so of course our kiddos ran straight outside to jump and play in the rain!

Addison and Adeline

We also had a playdate one Saturday with our good friends Brandy, Payton, Carolyn and her boys. It was great because the mom's got to talk while the kiddos played. And because Payton is the oldest, he is the favorite! And he has such an awesome attitude. We made pizza cupcakes, and then Addison decided to dress up and talked the guys into dressing up with her. The best Saturday!

Jackson, Payton and Addison.

We are gearing up for our awesome camping trip that has become our tradition! Cooler weather, s'mores and awesome jeep rides! We can't wait...although immediately following that trip it's back to school for me. Hard to believe it's that time of year again. I think it goes faster each year.

Tink's wings

We were cleaning Addison's room the other day, when Addison declared that "these wings will help me clean!" I figured it was a ploy to avoid putting them away, but who am I to judge? She put them on, tried them out a bit and bounced around picking up, declaring that they really do help! It was too cute to see her "flying" to all of her messes and cleaning them up to the best of her tinkerbell ability. I decided that I should get me some tink wings as well....I can use all the help I can get!

Chocolate cupcakes

Why is it always on those days, you know which days I mean, that the mischief happens? Tuesday afternoon we had laughter (which was super cute until I found out why), two chocolate cupcakes and two kiddos. Today, this meant lots of crumbles both on the table and on them. At least they had the smarts to take it to the table!

Jackson's library card

Books have always been an important part of our family. I love to read, and have always read to the kiddos. We have books in every room, and I tend to probably buy too many books, but I figure that that's ok. It's worked out because both my kiddos love to read also. Amber started taking the kids to the library (I wasn't brave enough, I'll admit it), and she set up a good system with them (thanks!!) and they LOVE the library. 

Last summer, Jackson really wanted to get his library card. But he wasn't quite ready. He had to be able to write his own name, and that was still a work in progress. He could spell it, but that didn't count. I wish I could say we went during the school year, but we didn't. So when we went for the first time this summer, he asked again to get his own card. He was so proud!!! 

It really shouldn't be such a big deal, but driving home I was almost in tears. It's funny how it hits that they are growing up. And for me, it's always the "random" times, like moving out of the toddler clothes into the big boy/girl section, or in this case, getting a library card. He is growing up, they both are. And now, Addison is bent on getting her library card. In fact, I can almost guarantee tears when we leave the library because she is still working on writing her name. 

Just imagine, in 10 years, he will be standing here, showing his driver's license. HOLY COW!!

God fits.

The questions always seem to flow when I'm putting Jackson to sleep. It's cute, and yet sometimes I struggle to find the answers because I am tired and just not on my game. I'm getting better.

Last night, Jackson started asking about God. He wanted to know how God could fit in his heart when he is so big? We talked about how God can fit anywhere. It doesn't matter if it's a big space or small space. Jackson then wanted to know who was born in the "ones." Took me a minute to understand, but he was born in 2006 and he wanted to know who was born in the year 1. We decided that God was born first, in year 1. Jackson then wanted to know if God was like Casper because he is everywhere, and I said no, he just is. It's hard to understand, we just have to have faith. Next question was how God gets in your heart. I explained how he could pray and invite God to fill his heart. Jackson got sad and said he hasn't been in his heart. I said that yes, when he was baptized, God moved on in and that now he was older, he could ask him. So Jackson said "I want God to live in my heart forever." I asked him if he was going to pray, and he simply said back to me, "I just did."

Oh to have the faith of a child once again!

Water logged

Laundry it seems is a never ending chore. One that it's no secret that I hate (truth be told, I don't mind doing it...but folding and putting away...major dislike!). But with all the laundry, today was a first.

I was switching a small load from the washer to the dryer when something fell to the floor. At a first glance, it looked like a lizard from Jackson's toys (happens all the time!). I bent down to pick it up and totally jumped back. It was a wet, water logged, dead lizard. GROSS.

Thankfully, Jackson got a paper towel, picked it up and put it in the trash. Dave thinks he was somewhere in Jackson's things...which is a possibility (at least it wasn't a crayon...we've done that and it stinks), but he only had one pair of shorts in this load. If he wasn't in his shorts, he was somewhere in the laundry which grosses me out too. I don't mind lizards outside where they are supposed to be, but I don't want to stumble across one when I am not suspecting it.

I'm praying we don't have anymore, but I'm not holding my breath because this would be the third one we have found in the laundry room in the last two weeks (after being in the house for 5 years with NONE).

Seriously, it was disgusting. I'm just glad it didn't go through the dryer...there's no telling what a dryer would do to a lizard (I'm imagining lizard guts covering my clothes).

Life with boys...actually, in this house, life with kids because Addison will pick them up, just like Jackson...is never dull, that's for sure!

Addison's first pedi!!!

When we got back from our trip, we decided that I needed to take Addison for some mommy and me time. What better activity than taking her for her first pedicure! We have been practicing at home, and the time was right. The boys dropped us off and went to do their own thing.

We signed in, and Addison picked out or color. She thought it was pretty neat to have all of those choices, and ended up picking a bright pink for both of us. 

I sat down in the chair, and she sat in my lap and we relaxed. She was funny and wanted to know why her feet weren't in the water, so she stood up. She kept saying over and over how relaxing it was. Too cute! She watched the whole time they "fixed" my feet (it had been a while), and then she got to sit in her own chair while they worked on my heels. She sat and was so patient. 

When it was her turn, she jumped up in the seat and sat in the big chair. I can't believe how big she looked. Guess it hit that my baby girl is definitely not a baby anymore. 

She was very patient while her toes dried, and even looked the other way when they put her shoes back on (that's so she wouldn't move her toes as they put the shoes on). I was super impressed. And so was she. She kept telling everyone that we went to the beauty shop. Then pointing her toe so they could see her pretty pink toes.

This will definitely be something that we repeat, especially with all the "outings" Jackson is doing right now. This is our spa time, just me and her. Good times!!!

Action Jackson

Dear Bugaboo,

Last night was a rough one. Started at dinner...you just could not calm down enough to eat. You were bouncing all over the place, standing and sitting, then standing again; interrupting everyone as we were all trying to hear about one another's day; not using your utensils (which you have gotten so much better at). Then the negativity started. A direction was given and your behavior would change to the super negative and suddenly you didn't want to do ANYTHING. So you were sent to your room to cool off and take a break. Dad or I went in to talk and we would try again. This went on all through dinner. Everyone was getting frustrated. When I went in to talk with you, I had a difficult time keeping it together. For the first time, you looked at me and said, "what's wrong with me." I wrapped you in my arms and told you over and over that nothing is wrong with you. You are perfect the way you are. We talked about if you wanted to focus on things, and you said yes that sometimes your brain just gets confused.

Bug, I'm sorry my learning curve is so slow right now. It was super hot out yesterday, which meant that you were inside most of the day. For you, this is not a good thing. You had all of this energy that you needed to get out and it was just oozing out of you. We got you in your swimming stuff, turned on the sprinklers and out you went for a good hour. You had a blast and were able to calm down a little.

Remember bug, that nothing is wrong with you. Yes, your motor runs a little faster than some peoples. But that's not a bad thing. We are just learning how to run it when you can, and slow it down when you need to because there are times when you will have to do that. Your heart is so caring bug, and you want so much to please. It's funny. I can see it in your eyes and it's like you are fighting with yourself to do what you know you should do. I know you aren't doing this on purpose, but we still have to hold you accountable for your behavior. That's where the struggle is. How do we do that? We're working on it. Each day we're getting better...and yes, some days we have a set back.

I love you so much Jackson, and will do whatever I can to help you always remember that there is NOTHING wrong with you. You are who you are for a reason, and a wonderful reason. God created you to be you and YOU are amazing. If you were any other way, you wouldn't be my bugaboo, and that would break my heart. We will get this figured out, and I'm sure it will be a lifelong process. Mr. Josh called you "Action Jackson" again during OT this past Monday, and you responded that it was your nickname. It is, and it's funny that you've had it since before you were born.

Remember to love who you are bug because who you are is spectacular.

Love,
Mom

Sometimes life is messy

Dear Jackson and Addison,

Today, we were traveling home from Grandma H's house, and as we were walking back to the car after our ice cream stop of McFlurry's (Oreo for Jackson and M&M for Addie) and a hot fudge sundae (because every mom deserves a hot fudge sundae when she is driving with her children for any extended amount of time), Jackson declared (completely out of the blue) that "sometimes life is messy."

That got me thinking. Yes, sometimes life is messy. Sometimes it's messy because of our own doing. Other times, it's messy because of something someone else did. Either way, we have a choice how we react to that messiness. We can embrace it as a life experience and choose to triumph and clean up the mess, or we can let that mess overtake us at every turn.

I know that you will have your share of messes in life. Wish I could change that. Unfortunately, part of it is in your genes (I am a notorious "messy"). But I am working on that and thankfully, our home is nothing like my room was growing up! Can't change who you are, so instead we are really working on cleaning up those messes in our lives. But metaphorically, there will be messes that at times seem too big for you to handle. These messes you may have contributed to, created or may be a victim of. In any case, I pray that you remember a few things about these messes.

First and foremost, you are not alone as you pull out your broom and clean up. We are here. Your daddy and I love you unconditionally, ALWAYS. So it doesn't matter which side of the mess you are on, we will support you (that does include holding you accountable), and help you grow and clean. In addition to us, God is always with you too. He knows how much we can handle, and it always there to lean on when we need Him. So please, use us.

Second, these messes, though messy they are, they will help you grow into the amazing, strong and caring individuals God created you to be. These messes will just be a bump in the road. They won't last forever, though I can promise you, they may seem like they will.

Lastly, these messes will help you grow in your character and make you more compassionate towards those around you who may be experiencing messes that are similar. This will be an invaluable resource to you, as you never know when you will need to draw from this.

Learn from your messes, as life is all about perspective, and your perspective will change as you experience life. Funny how they go hand in hand. I pray that you are able to embrace your messiness. Find the joy in getting dirty, but find "clean" ways to do it. I know, it's an oxymoron, but it's totally do-able. Messes will happen all the time, and some will definitely be messier. Hopefully, your daddy and I are teaching you how to rise above them and never become a victim of your messes.

We love you. And, Jackson is right. Sometimes life is messy...but isn't that what makes it interesting??

Love,
Mommy

The box

Who says you need toys? I know this, and yet I am totally guilty of buying the latest and greatest toys...you know, the ones with all the new "tricks and things to engage and enlighten the smallest of child." Yes, those toys I am totally guilty of. But, I absolutely LOVE to have it rubbed in my face because it never fails that all my kiddos need is a big box (the bigger, the better) and they will be entertained. Not only will they be entertained, but the laughter is infectious. 

We set up a grill over the 4th of July, which meant a big box. It's been in the living room for a few days and has been played with, but tonight it came alive! I was making dinner and all I heard was laughter. Belly laughs to be exact. And from BOTH kids (yes, that deserves capital letters because when that happens, I know I'm doing something right!). They played their game for a good 30 minutes while raviolis and edamame cooked (which Jackson declared the BEST dinner he has EVER had!). After dinner, they were back at it. So it was picture time. The best part was when one of them got bumped (which was bound to happen), they stopped and started over with one of them comforting the other saying "you're not supposed to get hurt playing this." It was the sweetest moment ever. Moments like this are nights to be treasured. The smiles and the laughter...the best! As an aside, we had to put Charlie in the back yard because a 95lb puppy just added a bit too much flair to the box. 

Jackson and Addison, I pray that you can always find enjoyment in the box. Use your imagination to it's fullest and delight the day away!!!

I mean, really...does it get any better than this?

Yes, it does. They were even cooperating!!!!!!!!!

I think everyone should have a box. I need to get me one, what about you? Think of all it could solve...just send it to the box! 

Copenhagen, Denmark

The only tour of Copenhagen was from the bus on our way to the airport. I don't know what any of the buildings are, except that we were all glued to the windows. I would have liked to have an extra day in Copenhagen, and maybe one day we'll go back...but it was time to get home!!

Morning wake up!

Last view from our room.

We're still smiling!

The plane we flew on from London! We finally made it. We flew in the seats in the top red band...awesome!

Dave and Nat with their only beer in London.

Our reclining seats. They were well worth it!

Oslo, Norway

We had a day and a half in Oslo. Dave and the golfers golfed the first night while Linda, Dianna and I walked around. We had a good time and saw the Opera House and wandered into a mall. There was a bunch of construction in downtown Oslo, so that wasn't the best first impression. But it definitely has potential. It's just amazing how all the buildings are build right next to each other. And I mean, touching. Dave and our golfers didn't finish until 9:30, and I got a text from Dave at one point hoping that the cabbie showed up. He did, and they made it back. This time, they did get to use carts, which I think they all appreciated. Although the whole course was shut down when they left, which was a little strange. 

View from the ship.

Sculpture outside the Opera House.

A church looking up.

We couldn't find a sign that said when it was built.

The golfers, minus Nat, waiting for room service.

The second day in Oslo, Dave and I were planning on renting bikes. But you had to go to a tourist place and get a card and then go back to the bikes...too much work when we could just walk. So we did. Even in the rain!

Out and about.

Downtown

Not sure what building, but it's cool!

Ok. They were everywhere the night before when Linda, Dianna and I were walking around. Teens dressed up in costumes. And in the morning, they were still around. Seems to have had something to do with the summer solstice...no one we talked to was too sure. But it was humerous!

Farmer's market.

A very tall door.

Middle of town.

Top of the Military base.

More Military.

I just love it!

Leaving Oslo.

Lighthouses!