tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70635437371863499432024-03-05T04:11:25.233-08:00It's Spelled C-A-I-T-L-I-NCaitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.comBlogger929125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-21635399923403515582016-06-19T08:38:00.001-07:002016-06-19T08:38:57.222-07:00Boys meet the babies<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">I had decided to have the boys wait until the next day to meet the babies, giving us all time to rest, regroup, and recover. Such a great decision! Haha! I would highly recommend it. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I had just gotten out of the shower, when I heard (you bet I could hear!) my crew coming down the hall! Luckily, my sister Carrie was there and grabbed the camera!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZSuiWKMbyk/V2a8b3xKVsI/AAAAAAAAXkc/m4hyajeT24A/s1600-h/DSC_0294%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0294" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eTVJ3s3W-U8/V2a8cdPzBbI/AAAAAAAAXkk/w2SjWreIIkw/DSC_0294_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="310"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PacIR7PphFw/V2a8cvcUhYI/AAAAAAAAXks/vdUxor3oeAM/s1600-h/DSC_0296%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0296" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0296" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_704cfA84Q/V2a8c7RKTnI/AAAAAAAAXk0/nKSvZw1mi3k/DSC_0296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="369"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsRHAwC6IP0/V2a8dOi7nZI/AAAAAAAAXk8/8U0MB3Sv8e8/s1600-h/DSC_0297%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0297" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0297" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T7lqxghMC_c/V2a8dmRv2ZI/AAAAAAAAXlE/iIpkJOEl6Xw/DSC_0297_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="367"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7j4_uF4GklA/V2a8d5NhsBI/AAAAAAAAXlM/s2GS4ZOHIvI/s1600-h/DSC_0311%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0311" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0311" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MXZ0TOmwAbc/V2a8eg8JJyI/AAAAAAAAXlU/wYADHu4UGhg/DSC_0311_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="501"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Isaac has delighted in these babies the most of all my boys. He often will get teary at bedtime if he hasn’t had a chance to hold them that day, and he BEGS me to let him snuggle them in his bed! (Don’t worry, I only let him for a minute while I tuck in his brothers!)</font></p> <p><font size="4">Whenever he holds them, he will first say, “Hi honey! Hiiii!” and he refers to them as the “twin babies”, or sometimes “my twin babies!”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VpJSrAeYWWI/V2a8fJCMTdI/AAAAAAAAXlc/sOdbbGkv3_I/s1600-h/DSC_0313%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0313" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0313" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ThwL1g6DwO8/V2a8ffSY1DI/AAAAAAAAXlk/vBUHdHMxDG0/DSC_0313_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="502"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7tlAflSodOw/V2a8gYFr7iI/AAAAAAAAXls/BqhkMFx16g8/s1600-h/DSC_0319%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0319" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0319" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PEtwA-mKgR4/V2a8g8eIn_I/AAAAAAAAXl0/uLiDcsFu1Jk/DSC_0319_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="265"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qm_Ugx3J-HM/V2a8hEaxycI/AAAAAAAAXl8/l6OTXJjXANQ/s1600-h/DSC_0327%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0327" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2kLkt-Bpqxs/V2a8hQaPMTI/AAAAAAAAXmE/c0n08CA6xaM/DSC_0327_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="456"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Samuel was very pleased to tell everyone that “Now I a big brother!!!” He has since learned that its not all fun and games! Ha! But he does enjoy stroking their heads, “shhhhh” ing them when they cry, and bringing me things that they need! (“Im a good helper to you, Mama!”)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VgI6IfLQRXA/V2a8h3LvYqI/AAAAAAAAXmM/Xcyz05Z1b-Q/s1600-h/DSC_0326%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0326" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0326" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fki-fvyeRNQ/V2a8iKUWOuI/AAAAAAAAXmU/AsloTtvvkms/DSC_0326_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="567"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-veC8IjwAFyU/V2a8id6nijI/AAAAAAAAXmc/Vi41SqUVLgE/s1600-h/DSC_0341%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0341" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0341" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SsECGH7JR4/V2a8in8Mq4I/AAAAAAAAXmk/VwscVLWAXgc/DSC_0341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="537"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Joseph loves to ask scientific questions about the baby, and also to imagine what they are thinking. (usually its involving milk, which is probably accurate! ha!) Just this week he has discovered that he can do more things with the babies then just stare at them, and he’s been wanting to burp them, hold them looking out “like Dada, so they can see my face” etc. He is paranoid about being spit up on (again! haha!), but other than that enjoys them! He is happy to help me whenever I ask, especially now that he’s noticing that it frees me up to give him a little extra attention.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qiOUdBQuHIc/V2a8jCqq-II/AAAAAAAAXms/RiUS-tg7hss/s1600-h/DSC_0333%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0333" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0333" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pVCcBuXY5BE/V2a8jTKWhTI/AAAAAAAAXmw/yVpNJmGivM8/DSC_0333_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And lastly, my favorite picture, and the most accurate representation of my life right now:</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_9PlhvzBZU/V2a8jkqU0QI/AAAAAAAAXm4/Wd7reuoVSxQ/s1600-h/DSC_0349%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0349" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOM0yDo1vSI/V2a8kMOVulI/AAAAAAAAXnA/sLNB0ZXHOdc/DSC_0349_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="400"></a></p>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-68166437004902825862016-06-18T14:07:00.001-07:002016-06-18T14:07:37.140-07:00They’re here!<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">I bet you thought I dropped off the face of the Earth?! Which I did in a way as I’ve become a shut-in these past few months. Between the ridiculously never-ending 3rd trimester (twin pregnancy is NO JOKE) the birth, a postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent 3 weeks of bedrest, and of course holding/feeding/soothing/changing TWO BABIES….ooffdah! But, anyhow, they are here! They are healthy and perfect!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VL6-x-wBDG0/V2W3x5Y4aZI/AAAAAAAAXd8/X9gaeKfmcK0/s1600-h/DSC_0405%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0405" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0405" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uM-wBpL-GdA/V2W3ybKXLXI/AAAAAAAAXeE/zZ_YY9s42bI/DSC_0405_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="394"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Baby A: Luke Robertson</font></p> <p><font size="4">5/2/16 2:20pm</font></p> <p><font size="4">7lbs. 5 oz 20”</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nfQvm01SM5c/V2W3y7xpuDI/AAAAAAAAXeM/IteThMcIQno/s1600-h/DSC_0402%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0402" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c22YH2csjT8/V2W3zb1SfqI/AAAAAAAAXeU/aUZaftnJjR8/DSC_0402_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="397"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Baby B: Jesse Daniel</font></p> <p><font size="4">5/2/16 (obviously! haha!) 2:34pm</font></p> <p><font size="4">6lbs. 3 oz 19”</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iojdb7jwuHo/V2W3zjtfoAI/AAAAAAAAXec/z3-P_7JrL4g/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m2yPdaxLJAo/V2W30AjhoXI/AAAAAAAAXek/CcJybKKs_Fo/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="369"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(last pregnancy pictures)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFd_SPhpCb8/V2W30UnYhKI/AAAAAAAAXes/lrENKSJTC2U/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0yFpkRM-ogA/V2W308hqWXI/AAAAAAAAXe0/74GHFlWgQio/DSC_0027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The doctor recommended that I be induced at around 37 weeks, standard procedure for babies who share a placenta like mine did. So, at 37 weeks 2 days, dilated to 2cm (for weeks) I went in to the hospital.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d6yEaWr9R-I/V2W31CUo44I/AAAAAAAAXe8/SukYzQQMrOk/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puZJu6-I2jI/V2W31q1-S5I/AAAAAAAAXfE/lDeOQ5qoo6Y/DSC_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="592"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZZLO2vSid9k/V2W32NNQyxI/AAAAAAAAXfM/l5HG-68tqR4/s1600-h/DSC_0041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yOXprnPtncw/V2W32bI0r9I/AAAAAAAAXfU/GKbDqdCDN10/DSC_0041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="373"></a></p> <p><font size="4">There had been lots of debate in the weeks prior to the delivery about whether or not I should have an elective c-section as Baby B was still breech. The presenting baby was Baby A, who was head down, so it was really up to me which path I chose. I went back and forth about the whole thing, not wanting to risk any complications or an emergency c-section, but also not wanting to do unnecessary surgery (and the accompanying longer recovery) on my last pregnancy. Finally, after lots of debate and conversation (sorry to ANYBODY who talked to me in those weeks, since I couldn’t talk about anything else really. Besides also my sciatica) I decided to go for a vaginal birth, with the idea that the doctor would do a version on Baby B (where they manually turn the baby from the outside) after the first one was out.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCta4NF_OS0/V2W326KgudI/AAAAAAAAXfc/y1Ay4HrQ7Tk/s1600-h/DSC_0047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0047" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICRKgq2lhCQ/V2W33FRXS1I/AAAAAAAAXfk/obHfYEDnnQ4/DSC_0047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="383"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The worst part of the whole labor experience was when it took the anesthesiologist three tries to get the epidural in place, while I was contracting and trying to “curl my body” around my GIGANTIC twin belly to open up my spine. I may or may not have mouthed a particularly juicy curse word at Brian during this time! Ha! Happens once during each of my labors!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jfhMOwHM1Y/V2W33ofMWiI/AAAAAAAAXfs/_pAOzitNpVQ/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1NV4tGjWCAg/V2W330cW7nI/AAAAAAAAXf0/tFrYHC7gobs/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="590"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pY3kJVdvdkk/V2W34TErEpI/AAAAAAAAXf8/1WbCFnfmX7w/s1600-h/DSC_0044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1l3MIAA06E/V2W344h7LlI/AAAAAAAAXgE/CfyF-3zXI6U/DSC_0044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Once I was fully dilated, they wheeled me into the Operating Room (my first time in one!) where there was an entire city of doctors, nurses, and personnel waiting for me. This is also standard policy for twin births, in case an emergency c-section is needed (which I was praying fervently against!) I was able to transfer myself onto the narrowest bed in history, lay flat on my back, put my feet in the stirrups, and it was go time!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1sqzirGH00/V2W35KLnvlI/AAAAAAAAXgM/O9vieFUPDZM/s1600-h/DSC_0051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0051" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FgcxYZqe5yk/V2W35sMGVkI/AAAAAAAAXgU/u7lIn0dxpvo/DSC_0051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="377"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-USlnyhOj3O4/V2W35zcmy1I/AAAAAAAAXgc/sFSoIhReEMU/s1600-h/DSC_0054%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grqcLk83g7M/V2W36CmR6JI/AAAAAAAAXgg/7yMp6s8UVj8/DSC_0054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="643"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">It didn’t take me very long at all to push out Luke, who came out screaming! <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OpuqrAEskLk/V2W36ukQCVI/AAAAAAAAXgo/-SQGR_A1x6g/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dHMmka_Etcg/V2W37C8NdmI/AAAAAAAAXgw/hbfxVtl7Vog/DSC_0069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="511"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="4">They placed him on my chest/stomach area and instantly got out the ultrasound machine to check on Jesse and begin the version. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Right away we thought Luke looked just like one of our boys! Poor guy was bruised from being wedged so far in my pelvis and from a quick exit. Like my midwife said, “That is NOT a small baby!”</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4sMi0zdxaTY/V2W37aJNHCI/AAAAAAAAXg4/MDNBdPjvWNM/s1600-h/DSC_0086%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0086" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0086" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y4uwgnijo1Q/V2W38ORH6KI/AAAAAAAAXhA/45O7BooG70w/DSC_0086_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="366"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VeEFG0lZnk0/V2W38uvDdiI/AAAAAAAAXhI/zSrWgatGUfY/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hTFZqk5hck/V2W38_d0M0I/AAAAAAAAXhQ/Omf0pZlHH6w/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="605"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">In just a few minutes (I started to watch, but then got creeped out) the doctor had flipped Jesse successfully and it was critical go time- TIME TO GET THAT BABY OUT before any complications arose.</font></p> <p><font size="4">This was when I started to feel the fatigue as I grabbed my legs and started pushing again. I had to push him down from much higher this time, and it felt like it took FOREVER. But, only 14 minutes after Luke, out he came!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6GdGRtIevw8/V2W39Y6soHI/AAAAAAAAXhY/Zk8cC5wwgQQ/s1600-h/DSC_0131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0131" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0131" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h9uEseP9S0I/V2W39hNsLmI/AAAAAAAAXhg/Mdi5uCzsfDA/DSC_0131_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="382"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BwTAQZQExRw/V2W3-FJvvKI/AAAAAAAAXho/pHjMSL_oQCY/s1600-h/DSC_0160%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0160" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOy2O0It30Q/V2W3-balCyI/AAAAAAAAXhw/NwwjaFKbaX4/DSC_0160_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="514"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJIVk0wnrck/V2W3-22DrnI/AAAAAAAAXh4/13j2hYBA_5M/s1600-h/DSC_0169%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0169" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0169" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kua245nR5jE/V2W3_AlWzsI/AAAAAAAAXiA/YKIYmDoEJm4/DSC_0169_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="385"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">It was all so surreal and such a rush. The lights, the people, the crying babies, the fear that melted away, and the TWO BABIES that were placed on my chest. Even though, obviously, I knew I was having twins, I also COULDN’T believe that I had two babies. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y5yUaH6JWSI/V2W3_v03r-I/AAAAAAAAXiI/ZCe6-EJYCro/s1600-h/DSC_0151%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0151" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiT42h4KwHc/V2W3_2wjNjI/AAAAAAAAXiQ/s4VhhxS8qSY/DSC_0151_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="362"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DLfCbJv9rQ/V2W4AXgul0I/AAAAAAAAXiY/ff2CLZbJuM4/s1600-h/DSC_0155%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0155" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0155" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnmFHuyzDVg/V2W4Ars6iDI/AAAAAAAAXig/PWYlQyYuxaA/DSC_0155_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="676"></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRGmBYcNzVs/V2W4BFetQyI/AAAAAAAAXio/zQhJyCyMylA/s1600-h/DSC_0190%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0190" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lvaQR5wEeik/V2W4BYtzDYI/AAAAAAAAXiw/ii0tjke7WeY/DSC_0190_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="611"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qu-WAr-dezI/V2W4B9Ol66I/AAAAAAAAXi4/Zo-KDdrVrio/s1600-h/DSC_0202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0202" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0202" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56USXbAFe-A/V2W4CTe2mvI/AAAAAAAAXjA/l11ZG-ETO58/DSC_0202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="516"></a></p> <p><font size="4">When I got back to my room I immediately took a quick nap to regroup. Haha!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvYZY-tTnf4/V2W4CpiqLvI/AAAAAAAAXjI/1UnZU-55XJg/s1600-h/DSC_0258%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0258" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iz_E20AJ0ow/V2W4DIY-rhI/AAAAAAAAXjQ/lRthX12Bf9M/DSC_0258_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="514"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NYFhYUEBTtA/V2W4DXeI94I/AAAAAAAAXjY/gehYgAuOyeA/s1600-h/DSC_0233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0233" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0233" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8X1lTg_j-8/V2W4D1zfR-I/AAAAAAAAXjg/VKrMHf_MqzQ/DSC_0233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="587"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eFsnsvErNQ/V2W4ERXlFqI/AAAAAAAAXjo/-oCFD1lXtqc/s1600-h/DSC_0238%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gtt1YLwFAG4/V2W4EgqtVrI/AAAAAAAAXjw/sl6vJ9d9bkY/DSC_0238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="547" height="382"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nDz_dlEktnY/V2W4FBCCtcI/AAAAAAAAXj4/dvjbIg7kjd8/s1600-h/DSC_0377%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0377" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0377" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLrK2ow6fPs/V2W4GPHmzvI/AAAAAAAAXkA/LZ2j7Ue3C5Y/DSC_0377_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="427"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">PS I am posting regularly on Instagram if you miss me between posts. <a href="http://www.instagram.com/caitlinistired">www.instagram.com/caitlinistired</a></font></p> <p><font size="4">PPS I am writing this while simultaneously eating and hands-free pumping with a new hands-free bra I purchased. This is real life, people!</font></p>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-84356508140364787912016-01-27T22:02:00.001-08:002016-01-27T22:02:48.065-08:00Boys boys boys<p> </p> <p><font size="4">Today included me explaining why its not a good choice to hit a ball with a metal BBQ spatula using my beautiful ceramic Anthropologie bowl as a “golf tee.”</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QQ9RorqUWjA/Vqmu1LamdlI/AAAAAAAAXLY/dSDEkDN9C3w/s1600-h/DSC_0010-0014.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010-001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AHi2SaDM5ac/Vqmu13QHXTI/AAAAAAAAXLc/2MjcX8l33sE/DSC_0010-001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="484"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Also, why you can’t tackle your brother on the hardwood floor as hard as you can “even when they have the football.”</font></p> <p><font size="4">All three got locked outside while I drank an entire cup of coffee. (the twins split the caffeine, right?)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c1VSirxCxz4/Vqmu22jFE_I/AAAAAAAAXLk/t1BsYvfaxLU/s1600-h/DSC_00144.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Na0TiB5yVLs/Vqmu37xxHfI/AAAAAAAAXLw/hGONXrPVwOg/DSC_0014_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="394"></a></p> <p><font size="4">They still have mud in their ears.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K_zhHLOh1sY/Vqmu46QAxfI/AAAAAAAAXL4/kFpfyJQtmkU/s1600-h/DSC_00214.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q9wX32_OmR0/Vqmu5eoXMZI/AAAAAAAAXL8/QIWCfa0upRI/DSC_0021_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="697"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The older two taught their little brother a “fun game” that featured them swinging while Samuel hit them with tennis rackets.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vfg73wKHXOg/Vqmu6CtxmEI/AAAAAAAAXME/HSYWyH2laVk/s1600-h/DSC_00164.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_v89JDuaoV0/Vqmu61XnqnI/AAAAAAAAXMM/uVJJ1M4nPak/DSC_0016_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="466"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I woke up from a 20 minute nap to find that Samuel had purchased TWELVE Mickey Mouse episodes on Amazon instant video…for $3.25 each.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EAEn7ZEDztc/Vqmu7YNX7RI/AAAAAAAAXMY/v-pDiGWyG_c/s1600-h/DSC_00204.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zW6msIMjRXU/Vqmu8MMSe-I/AAAAAAAAXMc/s7xIHZ0nOAU/DSC_0020_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="408"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I got ambushed at tuck-in time by a five year old and his slingshot (thanks for that Santa!)</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oJqcFYbMw04/Vqmu8dz29aI/AAAAAAAAXMk/VJamMOQLuzY/s1600-h/DSC_00294.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWSABAlw3yI/Vqmu9JbZgvI/AAAAAAAAXMs/ihz6o82k6FY/DSC_0029_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="600"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And about an hour later we found Samuel in OUR bed, watching Curious George on our tv, like he wasn’t supposed to be in his bed asleep at all.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Basically, it was a day filled with little-boy-glee.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And have I mentioned on the blog yet that we are having two more?? Of the little boy variety? </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fZTF9gvCFU/Vqmu91p4TnI/AAAAAAAAXM4/5-GwDVctFk0/s1600-h/DSC_03244.jpg"><img title="DSC_0324" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0324" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0Ca-NB99L0/Vqmu-nPS4HI/AAAAAAAAXNA/YAR-XWxO-PU/DSC_0324_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="584"></a></p><font size="4"> <p><br>I’m a blessed woman! And I’m waaaaaaay out of my depth here. I played with dolls exclusively! And read books the whole walk home from the bus stop! FIVE BOYS??!!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ndLoMFnkRuk/Vqmu_ri-fzI/AAAAAAAAXNI/CcfXrMgl2b4/s1600-h/DSC_03054.jpg"><img title="DSC_0305" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0305" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4pcoCoSwK_8/VqmvBskIFaI/AAAAAAAAXNQ/zA3BbrReqYA/DSC_0305_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></p> <p>I have to trust that God gave them to me for a reason. I have to remember that, with His help, I can do this. (NOT ALONE, mind you, but with His help). I have to laugh at my little boys and their little boy shenanigans. And I have to remember to keep writing this stuff down for my daughters-in-law.</p> <p><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjY6Oxxho_Q" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></font></p>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-70527207161562435152015-11-19T15:51:00.001-08:002015-11-19T15:51:15.056-08:00Eight is Great<p> </p> <p><font size="4">Somehow my oldest baby, Joseph Mark, turned EIGHT last weekend!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8GbCNbsYNvo/Vk5gRucGsRI/AAAAAAAAXF4/8jjFpDmProg/s1600-h/DSC_0007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0007" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cuM0XHTXUeM/Vk5gSP6BWuI/AAAAAAAAXF8/pfgveeE0_5w/DSC_0007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="369"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bNHedo52bsQ/Vk5gS59XjCI/AAAAAAAAXGA/P6YyNdrvsXI/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_mdHtIHSaE/Vk5gTf-4hWI/AAAAAAAAXGI/Jp1UN6Ayb7M/DSC_0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="375"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">To celebrate, he wanted to have a few friends over to eat lots of junk food, play Wii, and watch a movie! Well…at first he wanted to take his friends to a super-expensive play-land type place… but he was quickly convinced of this alternative plan.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AD5hXs6OaLY/Vk5gUDyVQXI/AAAAAAAAXGQ/RtI7Xn8P3BM/s1600-h/DSC_0019%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlSsOcRMvII/Vk5gUoPrOzI/AAAAAAAAXGU/JMKT7Qyg_Zc/DSC_0019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="395"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">(Littlest brother “helped” to decorate while the big boys were at school. He was also a good boy and only snuck one cookie off the plate before party time. Ha!)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gncjETicC14/Vk5gVOAdPKI/AAAAAAAAXGY/Smpa9QKlMqc/s1600-h/DSC_0020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOqlyE6ptyU/Vk5gVlcK8fI/AAAAAAAAXGc/xuePkGtS3tQ/DSC_0020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="392"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Joseph is a voracious reader. Yesterday he even took a book to the park and read on a bench while his brothers played!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O26bZlaXP-4/Vk5gWLFhRfI/AAAAAAAAXGg/fmo4cSo3EDM/s1600-h/DSC_0024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJeyv6OBn1k/Vk5gWbXOh_I/AAAAAAAAXGo/szPZTTdNygY/DSC_0024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4">He is still very smart, and LOVES LOVES LOVES school!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqM712VNbSI/Vk5gXOIN5gI/AAAAAAAAXGw/bDZtvBKt9U0/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JULj1eOpY3w/Vk5gXcX2tQI/AAAAAAAAXG0/qzxN3dVj0cE/DSC_0023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="401"></a></p> <p><font size="4">He also loves Legos, Minecraft, Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield, and wrestling with his brothers. (And waking up early- STILL!)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O2g9ydtFE9k/Vk5gX63olvI/AAAAAAAAXG8/IQmsyEw3aOU/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-at2kbDdLiNU/Vk5gYRE6RdI/AAAAAAAAXHE/KD71nKKA4_Y/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="4">My oldest is a sweet boy, a rule follower, and a lover of justice. Also, a lover of his Mama and Dada. (although he calls us Mom and Dad around his friends)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CbOvSqkJSaQ/Vk5gY2stf0I/AAAAAAAAXHI/hGmLwZ1sFGA/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-weFJZklRSVs/Vk5gZBSOfGI/AAAAAAAAXHM/gb_HEVrbdHU/DSC_0030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="406"></a></p> <p><font size="4">So thankful to have him as my oldest!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3rI2WTWvE4/Vk5gZ5GxxII/AAAAAAAAXHY/r11q6Ovlm9k/s1600-h/DSC_0047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0047" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AIeKWmW7KlE/Vk5gaQ7bZbI/AAAAAAAAXHc/jrqabcEEpsM/DSC_0047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="579" height="404"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11LlAltBu5I/Vk5ga7mkPOI/AAAAAAAAXHo/dHBjWaKxhSs/s1600-h/DSC_0049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0049" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Svft3nVLXRI/Vk5gbf_rV7I/AAAAAAAAXH4/woq8KzplSk4/DSC_0049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="402"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">PS</font></p> <p><font size="4">The day afterwards, he got this:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8PnIeEg1rpE/Vk5gb1cnIQI/AAAAAAAAXH8/irunPOe9cWg/s1600-h/DSC_0017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CxuFbHAWxsw/Vk5gccI_WrI/AAAAAAAAXIA/COA8AFA1TIs/DSC_0017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="410"></a></p> <p><font size="4">courtesy of wrestling with his brother! Ha! A little Isaac head-to-the-eye! Ouch. He looks quite cheerful, because he couldn’t wait to show his friends, and have everybody “Think that I was in a fight or something!”</font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-81717093325190269072015-11-19T15:32:00.001-08:002015-11-19T15:32:08.522-08:00The best I can!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">I finally finished planting my spring bulbs yesterday. In mid/late November. Perhaps I shouldn’t have planted SEVENTY? But no! Go big or go home! </font></p> <p><font size="4">As I put those little bulbs into the cold soggy ground, I whispered to them in my head, “PLEASE grow, little bulbs. I know its late, but please please grow! You will make me SO happy when I’m giant in the spring and I can see you outside my window!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">This is also how I feel about my children this whole first trimester. “Please be okay, little children! Please don’t let your brains rot when I let you watch another movie (or twenty) while I lay on the couch and try not to vomit/sleep/cry. Please remember that I can be a fun Mommy who actually takes you places and makes you things other than Eggo waffles. Please please please!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">But don’t worry, I know that they WILL be okay.<em> (Well, my children will. The bulbs are iffy!)</em> They are actually probably thrilled at the extra screen time and cereal and freedom they are getting. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’M DOING THE BEST I CAN HERE! And that’s really all I can do.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Hk7YX0qz0g/Vk5b9a87HYI/AAAAAAAAXFk/bBcBQrkjIlo/s1600-h/d32dc350-7932-45cf-94b2-2d3e6192bc40%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="d32dc350-7932-45cf-94b2-2d3e6192bc40" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="d32dc350-7932-45cf-94b2-2d3e6192bc40" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t6ELJ3cUPgM/Vk5b91ar7GI/AAAAAAAAXFo/bjKnTWUOoHw/d32dc350-7932-45cf-94b2-2d3e6192bc40_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="622"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Almost 14 weeks with twins. Hopeful for this 2nd trimester to perk me up SOON!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-36991788468785185512015-11-15T07:42:00.001-08:002015-11-15T07:42:41.127-08:00Telling the Boys<p> </p> <p><font size="4">(I’m recording this for posterity…because we all know I’m going to remember NOTHING soon when my brain turns into I-have-5-kids-mush!)</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7msNAP6c0jg/Vkin50uJXlI/AAAAAAAAXE4/zZc0m1XOVDw/s1600-h/DSC_0083%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0083" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0083" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6b-hFtfgWNU/Vkin6ghERaI/AAAAAAAAXE8/vR8olKjun4A/DSC_0083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="399"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">After school that day, Brian and I sat the big boys down. (Samuel was napping, but also too young to care much about this whole thing.)</font></p> <p><font size="4">I told them, <strong>“Guys, we have something to tell you.”</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">and Joseph immediately interrupted to say, <strong>“Good news or bad news?”</strong> <em>(my little worrier)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">I assured him that it was GOOD news. Then said, “<strong>We found out today that I have a baby in my tummy”</strong> (insert joyful gasps) <strong>“but then I found out that I have <em>TWO</em> babies in my tummy!”</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">They both shouted “What??” And laughed and shrieked a bunch and jumped around saying “TWINS!!!” at each other! Ha!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Then, Joseph said, <strong>“Well….I DID think you were looking a liiiiiittle pudgy!”</strong> while rubbing his belly.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And Isaac said, “<strong>Don’t worry, Mama, I will hold one a LOT because I LOVE babies!” </strong><em>(he really does)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">And then Joseph asked if we could teach them Spanish (?) and said that he couldn’t wait to tell his teacher and then there was general merriment and laughter and running around!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hxd37HSv3Ig/Vkin7RvqOgI/AAAAAAAAXFA/BnUMuNhuZg4/s1600-h/DSC_0063%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0063" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0063" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jyk6ErGb24E/Vkin7_pfXGI/AAAAAAAAXFE/0GcuSG6MMWc/DSC_0063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="403"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Everyone I told on the phone went a little something like this:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Me:</strong> “I just was calling to tell you that the ultrasound went well. Everything looks great and BOTH babies are very healthy”</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Them:</strong> “Are you kidding me?” <em>(or maybe a naughtier word in the case of a few people, who shall remain anonymous! haha!)</em> or “Are you SERIOUS?” Always followed by lots of shrieking and laughter and disbelief and “OH MY GOSH” ‘s.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Basically, everyone was shocked by this news, but now we are all so thankful and filled with joy at this unexpected blessing!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>PS </strong>Isaac has told me about a hundred times since then that he is SO excited for his TWINS! My cup runneth over!</font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-39800831673982568942015-11-14T19:47:00.001-08:002015-11-14T19:47:52.042-08:00We have a little announcement to make…well…TWO little announcements!!<p> </p> <p><font size="5">COMING THIS MAY!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GL7iW7fRTdM/VkgAVVkoiVI/AAAAAAAAXDg/bCbQJFkXmoY/s1600-h/DSC_0075%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0075" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0075" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NImCFR03ohY/VkgAWLMijPI/AAAAAAAAXDk/Ue0hnerst3o/DSC_0075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="385"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I wish I could describe to you the shock that I felt when these <strong>two </strong>little bambinos showed up on the ultrasound!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-2oYdUz3p8/VkgAWtG4Y0I/AAAAAAAAXDo/ct0qUH0td0Q/s1600-h/DSC_0062%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0062" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0062" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvKEtI8M76s/VkgAXGqXIbI/AAAAAAAAXDs/nBh01ERYdW8/DSC_0062_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="415"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Earlier that day, as the boys were getting on the bus, I had just told one of my neighborhood friends,<strong> “I’m just praying for ONE healthy baby today!” </strong>and we laughed about how horribly hard having twins would be.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And then I made a similar joke to my doctor, who had just noticed that my uterus felt quite big. <strong>“Oh..haha! I just get big fast. But PLEASE, do make sure there is only ONE in there!”</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-38LJmy_iIf8/VkgAXbashHI/AAAAAAAAXDw/8OdiV-kOpXE/s1600-h/3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c6aYIo-_b2c/VkgAX-ols_I/AAAAAAAAXD0/s5258hW_3-o/3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="556" height="482"></a></p> <p><font size="4">About 2 seconds later, I saw a baby on the screen, wiggling with a heartbeat. And about 2.5 seconds later, the other baby came into focus.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>“Wait. TWO???”</strong> I shrieked! <em>(I’m good at reading ultrasounds)</em> </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>“Say hi to Mommy twinsies!”</strong> the doctor said! </font></p> <p><font size="4">And then I laugh-cried for the rest of the appointment. I mean, people, I had JUST BARELY psyched myself up enough to have a fourth baby. I was close to calling it at three…but someone still felt missing. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Well, apparently it was TWO someones!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VqNqwOV89Nk/VkgAYHoUFeI/AAAAAAAAXD4/rrwTYy3pk-o/s1600-h/1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-irsMm3floeg/VkgAYlmf4PI/AAAAAAAAXD8/_5EwKrCf7gE/1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="456"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Poor Brian just yelped, “TWO?” when I showed him the picture and then sat on the couch with his hands raised and his mouth open for quite some time.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Then we thanked the Lord for our bonus baby. Who is truly truly a blessing!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And then we got ready to tell our boys the news! <em>(who didn’t even know I was pregnant at this point!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ap0d-TVktLY/VkgAZPgQypI/AAAAAAAAXEA/2kJ0ThDCACA/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASGCIkC1QP0/VkgAZw45o4I/AAAAAAAAXEE/xHb5OFfrBHc/DSC_0069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="425"></a></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-52565163405399507442015-10-17T15:25:00.001-07:002015-10-17T15:25:49.928-07:00We are doing fine! I am still alive!<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">I would say I don’t know what happened, and why I dropped off the face of the earth…but I do know what happened. Summer happened. Summer is my hardest season <em>(I’m convinced I have reverse seasonal depression</em>!) and this year with three busy, strong willed boys…welll, it was like being locked in a cage with three rhinos? Or something?</font></p> <p><font size="4">So, thankfully, the blog just skipped over all of that, and now here we are! In fall! As if that summer never happened!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Here is a quick update on us:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Joseph:</strong> Loving 2nd grade <em>(He has a class pet that he is particuarly thrilled about, a guinea pig named Wemberly. He gives me daily updates on all of her sounds and antics. Which was adorable at first!)</em> and he is still reading every chance he can get. This 7-almost-8 years old is a bit bittersweet for me. Its sweet because I can talk with him and share so many things and laughs together, but I’m also getting just short short glimpses of the next stage to come (pre tween), and I am constantly reminded how fleeting this childhood thing really is. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(This is how he avoids the “no books at the dinner table” rule)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IbWQhysQCM/ViLKv-adDyI/AAAAAAAAXAA/jcWeZAshRoQ/s1600-h/DSC_0042-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0042-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0042-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LtINUiOOpX4/ViLKwf96UKI/AAAAAAAAXAE/uHtR7cHf05Y/DSC_0042-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="478"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Isaac:</strong> He is absolutely LOVING all day kindergarten this year <em>(but not as much as I’m loving it, if you know what I’m saying!)</em> and bounds out of bed excited for each new school day. Homeboy needed some more stimulation/structure/resources than I could give him! He has the same teacher that Joseph had last year <em>(she moved from first grade to kinder)</em> and we are actually getting nothing but glowing reports! <em>(Besides that one time he pretended to cut his ear off with scissors)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">Just this month he lost both of his bottom teeth, and he is particularly thrilled that he is ahead of where his brother was on the tooth-losing curve.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nEMxR1xD2Q/ViLKw9mFHKI/AAAAAAAAXAM/TU6_-sRuRHI/s1600-h/DSC_0034%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0034" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-17tFpYffOTo/ViLKx8JwiEI/AAAAAAAAXAY/slH3dyp3APU/DSC_0034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="568" height="396"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kvJj-TDDGIA/ViLKyv6_5mI/AAAAAAAAXAg/uhGDAAr9TSQ/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ixoXLr-2LrM/ViLKzaVkftI/AAAAAAAAXAk/nQtMkcsE9lM/DSC_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="449"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The toothfairy is going broke around here! And has forgotten 2/6 <em>(or 1/3 total)</em> times! Eeesh. Buuuut, it turned out that once we turned on the lights, there was the dollar! It had just fallen under the bed real quick! </font><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wpsmo2GzfE/ViLKz4AuOgI/AAAAAAAAXAw/BNM7YoRNpMU/s1600-h/DSC_0042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0042" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0042" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cuazlRBY0cw/ViLK1PyeBZI/AAAAAAAAXA4/xxoMfXSi8gY/DSC_0042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="623" height="497"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHrvYl0ixoM/ViLK1siAoWI/AAAAAAAAXBA/BpizzUvOvaQ/s1600-h/DSC_0045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0045" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qU1gIibGQeU/ViLK2f-3OKI/AAAAAAAAXBI/7jkpTH3LuAo/DSC_0045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="429"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Samuel:</strong> Is three now! Not three months, apparently, but three whole years old! Other than about 2-3 bursts of temper a day<em> (which he quickly repents of and apologizes for),</em> he remains a very calm, mellow, quiet little guy. He still loves Mommy more than air. More than my air too <em>(It’s a bit suffocating at times). </em>But, overall, I am loving having all this time one-on-one with him this year!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DvR_jrBg_LE/ViLK3RJcCSI/AAAAAAAAXBQ/CGiUNYaRCKI/s1600-h/DSC_0066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRweFFZjrug/ViLK4Wh7dEI/AAAAAAAAXBU/o5KE9GNLtl8/DSC_0066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="771"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YHaeEvtCl2U/ViLK5KrshYI/AAAAAAAAXBc/Ep8UM8e1Qm8/s1600-h/DSC_0071%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9CHzl1uM8V0/ViLK5lWn6DI/AAAAAAAAXBk/2OhJatIP2Co/DSC_0071_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="405"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Brian:</strong> Doing great! Working hard! And stopping to hear me complain/ask for hugs all day long! (Patient, longsuffering man!)</font></p> <p><font size="4">and last but not least</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Me:</strong> I am busy, but good. So so busy and so so good. I’m trying to make the busy-ness more intentional this year. Not just kid stuff and errands, but actually DOING SOMETHING with my time! I’m helping with a local MOPS group, I’ve joined a moms-in-prayer group through our school, and spending lots of time with friends and family. I even spoke at a ladies retreat recently! It is challenging, and fulfilling and so wonderful. </font></p> <p><font size="4">And I’m so glad its fall!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2rv2rU7zpBg/ViLK6WfwPaI/AAAAAAAAXBs/oIn0gHZt0XI/s1600-h/DSC_0077%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0077" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0077" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7o4lsyaloA/ViLK7JLzfXI/AAAAAAAAXB4/WvadgIKFeOA/DSC_0077_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="422"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(Isaac set the table for dinner, complete with a flower he picked from the backyard)</em></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-85853659934220979022015-06-10T20:26:00.001-07:002015-06-10T20:29:40.888-07:00Wednesday Night<p> </p> <p><font size="4">Tonight was a “l<strong>ock your children outside while you blast Dreamgirls’ soundtrack and clean up the kitchen while regrouping your patience”</strong> kind of night.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Fw3vGhvA2A/VXj_yxmRGpI/AAAAAAAAW44/g4EPxGICW_w/s1600-h/DSC_0067%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0067" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0067" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gce17mO5Xf8/VXj_zjJvo0I/AAAAAAAAW5A/dy-pUSTUM0Y/DSC_0067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="429"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mzY-Ezn7JYQ/VXj_0fEBxOI/AAAAAAAAW5E/kNC2g5yOEP4/s1600-h/DSC_0060%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0060" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0060" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wS0ut_4DHbo/VXj_00b2TeI/AAAAAAAAW5M/A_Y5CMCnZL4/DSC_0060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="626" height="437"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">It was the kind of night where Joseph wanted to go to a new neighbor friend’s house, and I said okay <em>(reluctantly, because I don’t know this kid well yet),</em> but to be home by 3:45, and it rolled around to 4 and still no Joseph and I was thinking that he was for sure kidnapped or missing and I was angry-because-I-was-scared. And then I found him <em>(at the friends house still obviously)</em> and he thought it was 4 he needed to be home and I was still mad, and we hugged and he said, <font size="6">“Can we drop it, because it was really only 15 minutes</font>.” Ha!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WyKI7Ny5ztc/VXj_1c_iHvI/AAAAAAAAW5Y/-AzolNoVNcI/s1600-h/DSC_0014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tg5mwDeFaAo/VXj_2Ct3JzI/AAAAAAAAW5c/8k-w1CiQBOw/DSC_0014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="545" height="380"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">The kind of night where fighting and crying ensued every 30 minutes (seconds) like clockwork and you find yourself yelling,<strong> “Don’t you guys remember our memory verse?!</strong> ‘<strong><font size="5">A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH!!’”</font> </strong> And you realize the irony of you <font size="5"><em>yelling</em> this at your kids</font>, but you are too tired for irony! <u><strong>Too tired!</strong></u> And your children don’t understand irony anyway.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6H_uezHSF0/VXj_2rchBbI/AAAAAAAAW5o/IhMRoVrnrNE/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Krc-y2RxNpE/VXj_3Q6SrbI/AAAAAAAAW5w/2sCzh7Jq8L4/DSC_0008_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="436"></a><em><font size="3">(Isaac in time-out…with company)</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3"></font></em> </p> <p><em><font size="3"></font></em> </p> <p><font size="4">It was the night of what-do-you-know, I am RIGHT THIS MINUTE painting the baseboard in the bathroom mint green, because I am sooo sick of seeing the peeling/cracking/stained old one, so SURPRISE BRIAN!! Yet another thing in our home that is now mint! <em>(Pictures of more mint things I’ve painted to come) </em></font></p> <p><em><font size="4">BEFORE:</font></em></p> <p> </p> <p><em><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9mraBl6Db4/VXj_4F09kPI/AAAAAAAAW54/z21NWUdZc-o/s1600-h/DSC_0070%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0070" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0070" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyZh_DoMUZ4/VXj_4ufFf9I/AAAAAAAAW6A/iF-XanpybYc/DSC_0070_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="460"></a></font></em></p> <p><em><font size="4">AFTER:</font></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CkjWqMJix3U/VXj_5KXm5UI/AAAAAAAAW6I/29INPXrBxqE/s1600-h/DSC_0074%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0074" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TqXxqzoIEs4/VXj_5oXjf_I/AAAAAAAAW6M/ollXSnuAlAA/DSC_0074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And I’m hoping that the satisfaction of this job well done will make up for the fact that the rest of my house is fairly disastrous. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biSXjC2DGmc/VXj_6BTQErI/AAAAAAAAW6Y/umIcnzUmIk0/s1600-h/DSC_0006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xkrUKeDGi9k/VXj_6wGePNI/AAAAAAAAW6g/kIWjTb28ThI/DSC_0006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="564" height="394"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Tonight was an early bedtime for the boys, a mint ice cream cone for me (<em>I’m in a mint stage),</em> and some thoughts of <strong>“Rats, I could have done better…”</strong> and then an early bedtime for me too.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And a quick prayer thanking the Lord for a<font size="5"> fresh start tomorrow</font>.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><em><strong>(and some help with the soft answers)</strong></em></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-55812839084400980902015-06-06T08:50:00.001-07:002015-06-06T08:50:16.367-07:00LOVE!<p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qcMP6_UnXfI/VXMWoIOtIVI/AAAAAAAAW3E/jbAY7dQ5iYQ/s1600-h/DSC_0167%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yv9Bdnv4f90/VXMWogehxCI/AAAAAAAAW3I/FsFcrhk0UY0/DSC_0167_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="415"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I know that Brian loves me, because he spent the better part of last weekend building and installing a second garden box. Just for me!</font></p> <p><font size="4">For me and my <font size="5">greenish-brownish-blackish thumb</font>! But, to my credit, I do have something <strong>positively thriving</strong> in that box right now…wild and potentially poisonous mushrooms! Lovely!</font></p> <p><font size="4">But that’s for another post. </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>THIS</strong> post is about his love for me, and how he didn’t even mind forgoing his plans, donning his best work shoes (kidding), and making my planter box. Thanks Brian!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DG38yeYWMtU/VXMWpOJJtBI/AAAAAAAAW3U/uSekzxnx_8k/s1600-h/DSC_0162%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0162" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0162" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3qx6M6e0d4/VXMWpz8KuvI/AAAAAAAAW3Y/cbVB4jqq7aw/DSC_0162_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="373"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I show him that I love <em>him</em> by not letting this little guy go <strong>“help Dada with the shovel!!”</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-puv9hQbWP60/VXMWqBWUnnI/AAAAAAAAW3k/wTChuzS-KYQ/s1600-h/DSC_0166%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0166" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0166" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0P-CAjabEk/VXMWqvJRcUI/AAAAAAAAW3o/4QhbwpOGpSk/DSC_0166_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="394"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And by bringing him hot meals and coffee day after day. Except when I don’t feel like it, and then I show him I love him by <font size="5">keeping his children alive</font>.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Also, clean socks (sometimes).</font></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p><font size="5">We love each other!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJxBveBSiP8/VXMWrJF6u4I/AAAAAAAAW30/BYKOCkGiNcQ/s1600-h/DSC_0170%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0170" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0170" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwAjiJU3lOA/VXMWrtkFBJI/AAAAAAAAW34/Znco0VNIPjE/DSC_0170_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="422"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">In other news, Samuel loves touching/picking up/ petting bugs!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gB_6PGBaoLI/VXMWsAP57BI/AAAAAAAAW4E/u3ToV8BrBqA/s1600-h/DSC_0168%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0168" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tIpn_QGc98I/VXMWsvNR4QI/AAAAAAAAW4I/JTAkMSczlF0/DSC_0168_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="425"></a></p> <p><font size="4">So if you could all say a little prayer that he never ever does this to a bee this summer, that would be great.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bxpsQO_RKwQ/VXMWtAWf2SI/AAAAAAAAW4U/qaaBIIYR8NI/s1600-h/DSC_0171%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0171" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0171" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZtuXnKC_4ms/VXMWt6jvb3I/AAAAAAAAW4Y/L3xVvdKnjqg/DSC_0171_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="622" height="434"></a></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-3357927854190862672015-06-05T21:25:00.001-07:002015-06-05T21:27:59.482-07:00Preschool Graduation<p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_isghCt-3J8/VXJ2ASzerMI/AAAAAAAAWy0/2PIkyklwQpE/s1600-h/DSC_00094.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WVz2nEEnTHM/VXJ2BN4vtuI/AAAAAAAAWy8/lNBHk448TfU/DSC_0009_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="775"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Well folks, he did it! Isaac graduated from preschool! <em>(they all did, but shh! don’t tell him!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYxVZneZHAY/VXJ2Bv0xb3I/AAAAAAAAWzE/LUUYmo0WMrM/s1600-h/DSC_00114.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xMG1zuUvagc/VXJ2CT80CHI/AAAAAAAAWzM/T7wV56eBcbw/DSC_0011_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="395"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UmvCgn7NSZY/VXJ2CzUztVI/AAAAAAAAWzU/8uWm1lLsEA4/s1600-h/DSC_00064.jpg"><img title="DSC_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0006" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgGQLdCBe60/VXJ2DV5nq8I/AAAAAAAAWzc/nTMtNhrQI08/DSC_0006_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="587"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">For those of you who didn’t know, I enrolled Isaac in a little in-home daycare in the spring. With full-day kinder looming ahead of us, I thought it might be good for him to become a little acclimated to the school setting.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J7uBQzSIqMo/VXJ2EJM7MlI/AAAAAAAAWzk/8hDLgbZRK0o/s1600-h/DSC_00154.jpg"><img title="DSC_0015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FIFLgnbHxyk/VXJ2E4NriNI/AAAAAAAAWzo/z_3HwIbTIE4/DSC_0015_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="390"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XWgpm6Rg3A/VXJ2Foa7SII/AAAAAAAAWz0/5E7A3sHqM1k/s1600-h/DSC_00164.jpg"><img title="DSC_0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVQDkjytVsk/VXJ2GENE5fI/AAAAAAAAWz8/4kHxRq3Bn8w/DSC_0016_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="430"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BCx5k9dToNw/VXJ2G6ZuN-I/AAAAAAAAW0E/ZDiO5fBDAiE/s1600-h/DSC_00184.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BwoCzQWozgc/VXJ2HrUfMHI/AAAAAAAAW0M/4ZZ5Ln391FU/DSC_0018_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="357"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">You might think that this is code for <strong>“it might be good for him to stop talking to Mommy for one little minute”,</strong> but its not! It’s ACTUALLY code for <strong>“it might be good for him to stop wrestling with everyone he sees all the time, because its not socially acceptable in the public school system.”</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0PWuE4AA54/VXJ2Ib8anZI/AAAAAAAAW0U/l4gNT0Y1ArI/s1600-h/DSC_00214.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BMPWz0lm1XM/VXJ2I9mkO7I/AAAAAAAAW0c/kHSSkWmCY2k/DSC_0021_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="562" height="392"></a></p> <p><font size="4">In any case, he LOVED IT and absolutely LIT UP every time I took him there. He only had to sit in the “thinking chair” once, and it was on his very first day when he <strong>“didn’t know that he couldn’t karate chop people at school”</strong> <em>(See?! SEE??!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-popUqIy67CM/VXJ2JtRCfII/AAAAAAAAW0k/y4IPB_WUYIQ/s1600-h/DSC_00314.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uYE0gRA3ktA/VXJ2KWxxSUI/AAAAAAAAW0s/it094JdJxPM/DSC_0031_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="580"></a></p> <p>(Above: This was his proud face when he saw Brian sitting in the crowd)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QDdDcFfv4d4/VXJ2KyQWvYI/AAAAAAAAW00/xCVxdiTr3kE/s1600-h/DSC_00484.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R1hkbTdyZsY/VXJ2LV4JV8I/AAAAAAAAW08/-XUzEmSKikc/DSC_0048_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="394"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We didn’t feel too sad about him leaving his teacher behind because- good news! She is doing some summer camps! And you can bet that his adorable little behind is going. <em> (This time its for the quit-talking-to-mommy-thing.) (I mean socialization)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXQpb3y3UwU/VXJ2MMzRnVI/AAAAAAAAW1E/hDRG3zixiY8/s1600-h/DSC_00383.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbJJwa9KJsM/VXJ2Mg2eaTI/AAAAAAAAW1M/NQB7NXJN3sw/DSC_0038_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="387"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Lets take a minute to observe a few things about the picture above. First of all, I’m sorry for blacking-out the other kids faces, it just felt weird to put them on the internet. And I know I could have done a cute little heart or smiley face stamp on their faces instead but I DON’T KNOW HOW!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Anywhoo, what I want you to observe is </font></p> <p><font size="4">1) How very very much taller Isaac is than all of his classmates. He truly is a giant! Some of the kids are still four, but 5 of them are his same age <em>(or older!)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">2) There were all boys in his class, except one little girl who joined a month or two before the class ended. His teacher is clearly a SAINT!</font></p> <p><font size="4">3) He is the only kid not looking at the teacher.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7fppf0Zc4w/VXJ2NZwOhoI/AAAAAAAAW1U/WaXLuVt_uPA/s1600-h/DSC_00324.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PXVQ-N1sM4Q/VXJ2NzDq5RI/AAAAAAAAW1c/N6vlP4qw-d0/DSC_0032_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="516"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I am so happy that Isaac got to have this experience. He is such a kind friend, and so enthusiastic. Truly an adorable child <em>(even if he does stand in the toilet and flush to see if it spins him around) (NOT. JOKING.)</em> and that little sparkle in his eyes melts my heart.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eSQtf9V7Dc/VXJ2Opj0ySI/AAAAAAAAW1k/k2y9QeCvHNY/s1600-h/DSC_00675.jpg"><img title="DSC_0067" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0067" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qw_xGcyoMIY/VXJ2PDMyt-I/AAAAAAAAW1s/Urclzw4VlWU/DSC_0067_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="563"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-irymSlvDq40/VXJ2PzbArxI/AAAAAAAAW10/bclccsv9yys/s1600-h/DSC_00604.jpg"><img title="DSC_0060" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0060" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKKvOVcyphM/VXJ2QXKQd5I/AAAAAAAAW14/ZUFuGWtGD2g/DSC_0060_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="264"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8e3mrCIbfs/VXJ2Q0zxstI/AAAAAAAAW2E/XnCauRZioFY/s1600-h/DSC_00624.jpg"><img title="DSC_0062" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0062" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lM_763EJLdA/VXJ2RUgOspI/AAAAAAAAW2M/4xxOef9AfkU/DSC_0062_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="378"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Waaaah! I’m going to miss him in the faaaall!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IDi8SHDmH8/VXJ2R3Xlu9I/AAAAAAAAW2U/W-o9umQBCzU/s1600-h/DSC_00688.jpg"><img title="DSC_0068" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0068" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_CU5F7gpwI/VXJ2SueZRZI/AAAAAAAAW2c/PZ6vsw08zek/DSC_0068_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNDjE9EXkiI/VXJ2TLpPI7I/AAAAAAAAW2k/s3Rk26KsbCU/s1600-h/DSC_00714.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tEncgGl-Pvk/VXJ2TiNxlQI/AAAAAAAAW2s/_-WgkQG685U/DSC_0071_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="384"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">In any case, here are some videos for your viewing pleasure…</font></p> <p><font size="4">I was going to say that these may be tedious if you are not a relative, but no! He is so adorable and cheerful and heart-achingly earnest. I declare them worth watching for everyone! Or maybe I’m just biased? But for posterity at least- behold! Isaac’s graduation!:</font></p> <p> </p> <p><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A1rxwvgGuJc" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gr8_VFqcxxU" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ToDUYM09DTw" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mQm0jQN-hQw" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-48658607551359875082015-06-01T21:04:00.001-07:002015-06-02T14:21:28.526-07:00Thank goodness for my zoom lens<p> </p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0Ynuf_jbUU/VW0rIUNy3iI/AAAAAAAAWs8/bcmkQ3o-Ax4/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EsUhFvFpHxg/VW0rNoji14I/AAAAAAAAWtE/dvfygCyUAn8/DSC_0023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="517"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Zoomed in</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S1Ovm5kaBJc/VW0rOHQMUkI/AAAAAAAAWtI/bkYnuajiYqM/s1600-h/DSC_0026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p27SW2jeaPM/VW0rPLMVXwI/AAAAAAAAWtQ/zu8ovubYyoQ/DSC_0026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="417"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cXqjJUdAqvY/VW0rPorCmAI/AAAAAAAAWtY/a5p07cWYHlI/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjbWFl0Ejus/VW0rQ7wz6nI/AAAAAAAAWtk/ISiS5PdLMP0/DSC_0027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="401"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Zoomed out</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XEaujMmhgGw/VW0rRu0wQ0I/AAAAAAAAWts/1DWqNJ8u8rw/s1600-h/DSC_0024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOZy1ywtuk8/VW0rSVQfBnI/AAAAAAAAWt0/x2JkqL_a4oo/DSC_0024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="448"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m working to find the beauty in both views!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">But I must say, there is GREAT beauty in Chipotle for lunch.</font></p> <p><font size="4">There is one 6 minutes from home (yes, we timed it) and I’m not going to say that I go there a lot…but I spent more on Chipotle last month than I did on GAS! For the entire month!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Also, the last time we were headed there, Samuel kept saying something that I couldn’t quite understand…until it came to me. He was saying “mild and corn salsa” which are the salsa options I always select. He also correctly identified whether I would want black or pinto beans, and white or brown rice! Ha! </font></p> <p><font size="4">But I’m rambling!</font></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">PS Its black and brown obviously. I’m a health nut!</font></p> <p><font size="4">PPS The opposite of health nut actually because I just made <a href="http://itsspelledcaitlin.blogspot.com/2009/04/thursdays-culinary-adventure_23.html">this recipe</a> for the first time since that day and yuuuuuuum!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-231556460545697982015-06-01T15:21:00.000-07:002015-06-01T21:11:43.178-07:00Late Spring at My House<p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RYAyk9ICKGY/VW0r-fYblbI/AAAAAAAAWuA/3x8GNJpt8WA/s1600-h/DSC_01284.jpg"><img title="DSC_0128" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0128" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0hHwDZIuaI/VW0r_EJxbCI/AAAAAAAAWuI/XfHpV5aUKyQ/DSC_0128_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="654" height="456"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpL-d1BGVxo/VW0r_2eP6eI/AAAAAAAAWuQ/L2_YM1HftJo/s1600-h/DSC_01364.jpg"><img title="DSC_0136" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0136" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fKLV3U73fsQ/VW0sA8l_ZKI/AAAAAAAAWuY/PYyU2lZ_DwA/DSC_0136_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="687"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Preschool is over, and just two more weeks of school left for Joseph, until we are home free! I am READY!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2oCHAoHrYsI/VW0sBmmz8tI/AAAAAAAAWuc/OMxcGtBVk1o/s1600-h/DSC_01274.jpg"><img title="DSC_0127" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0127" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XgjUIJEUFaw/VW0sDDI67oI/AAAAAAAAWuo/C6Tfcju6noE/DSC_0127_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="428"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Wait, am I ready? I think I’m ready?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GIDL1VT86iY/VW0sD6bCsbI/AAAAAAAAWuw/8wVv0qghUUs/s1600-h/DSC_01334.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0133" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSfOI772s2g/VW0sHaOzjlI/AAAAAAAAWu4/lohQnOQDKgs/DSC_0133_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="416"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Hhnqll1we8/VW0sIDTWqdI/AAAAAAAAWu8/LETYXrEzxIE/s1600-h/DSC_01788.jpg"><img title="DSC_0178" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0178" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jRBPZXJ0-gc/VW0sIqzmRSI/AAAAAAAAWvA/KO5l0NEk0C8/DSC_0178_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="408"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I’m READY to be done packing lunches and getting Joseph out the door by 7:15, I am NOT READY to be hot and sweaty and yelling at all of my three children to “stop touching each other!” and “Poop is NOT FUNNY TO ME!” all day every day. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jvU7umJaA_4/VW0sJdDOhfI/AAAAAAAAWvI/3N9P-K8x6GU/s1600-h/DSC_01854.jpg"><img title="DSC_0185" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0185" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pxlQ4KoTwVQ/VW0sKIaVCII/AAAAAAAAWvU/BJHLE8mG9Dg/DSC_0185_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="411"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I am READY for more BBQs and crock pot meals, and “oh my goodness! Where did the time go? We spent all morning at the park!” kind of days. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygVXeIh30fk/VW0sKlB9FTI/AAAAAAAAWvY/6dYZVLVHk90/s1600-h/DSC_01804.jpg"><img title="DSC_0180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0180" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dqtwjc6ZQ_I/VW0sLd_8X5I/AAAAAAAAWvg/axUnBApUhQ0/DSC_0180_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="418"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I’m ready for slow mornings where my children won’t only be fed cereal every day for breakfast. Or maybe they will and that’s okay because they love it! (also because sprayed-on-vitamins!)</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-38f3QpWCxdc/VW0sMC5D2RI/AAAAAAAAWvw/7g9xiQbKSLU/s1600-h/DSC_01924.jpg"><img title="DSC_0192" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0192" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_sLLjMNgj44/VW0sM7jYwwI/AAAAAAAAWv4/NaSs48qWCTI/DSC_0192_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="401"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">And more days when a trip to Target is an unhurried event, with a list that looks like this:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8lcSqBWWoIo/VW0sNQsj_6I/AAAAAAAAWwA/aDzL7vVVXVE/s1600-h/DSC_01064.jpg"><img title="DSC_0106" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0106" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWaFd5nnirs/VW0sOKKmG1I/AAAAAAAAWwI/KVn6h-8WKqQ/DSC_0106_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="624"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(In case you can’t read that, it says “Pokemon, Bubbles, Cereal” which was all that we “needed”)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">And when I’m not rushed, its easier for this charmer to convince me to get things like this</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n1tPI_nb78c/VW0sO_0ZljI/AAAAAAAAWwQ/s5VPFio8caQ/s1600-h/DSC_01114.jpg"><img title="DSC_0111" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0111" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgaE9leZAtk/VW0sPqIKNpI/AAAAAAAAWwY/ZWJm1695FJQ/DSC_0111_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="409"></a></p> <p><font size="4">because WHY NOT?!? I won’t regret those $30 in ten years…LOOK HOW HAPPY HE IS!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6Y52rd4P-Y/VW0sQgUt2lI/AAAAAAAAWwg/hZodOshf9DE/s1600-h/DSC_01154.jpg"><img title="DSC_0115" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0115" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyFtDpHvCRo/VW0sRWZW9EI/AAAAAAAAWwo/Ixojp4tzQEo/DSC_0115_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="718" height="501"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I’m loving the longer daylight, the turning off of electronics, the popsicles filling my whole freezer. <em>(We have lots of neighbor kids!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjZp2m4aNPU/VW0sSLGLowI/AAAAAAAAWww/FVj6W6KOOpI/s1600-h/DSC_01164.jpg"><img title="DSC_0116" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0116" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rocLni49-54/VW0sS6hIhuI/AAAAAAAAWw4/mKxnbAN1uDE/DSC_0116_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="425"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I’m loving the fans in the window, the shaving of my legs…oh wait, not that one!…the flowers and strawberries and green and Oh! Oregon in June is so beautiful!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIZk7RVgqMo/VW0sTtFcqQI/AAAAAAAAWxA/m3n7EUxrawM/s1600-h/DSC_019113.jpg"><img title="DSC_0191" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0191" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNvINKlmNSA/VW0sUYh-PvI/AAAAAAAAWxI/6KlitNB5KJo/DSC_0191_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="387"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And I can’t forget the telltale sign that summer is coming to our house- my laundry pile FULL OF STRIPEY SHORTS!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zvv4pEZmvQ8/VW0sVPYtxiI/AAAAAAAAWxM/zXFFukAMmMg/s1600-h/DSC_00044.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2fDIvhMFluc/VW0sV32o3II/AAAAAAAAWxU/pC6l10kXvJQ/DSC_0004_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="773"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Six summers running I’ve been getting <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Boys-1H-12yrs-Shorts/22378-BBL/Boys-1H-12yrs-Reef_Ecru-Jersey-Baggies.html">these shorts</a>, and some of them are on their 4th year (and 5th boy!) so they are extra sentimental.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z56hpWLafU8/VW0sXV3-ExI/AAAAAAAAWxg/V2S4OPZu0SE/s1600-h/DSC_00984.jpg"><img title="DSC_0098" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0098" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ht6JjEQYPZc/VW0sYPncmrI/AAAAAAAAWxk/GHvVO69ZlzY/DSC_0098_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="636" height="444"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Yes, I am joyfully anticipating this next season, and the change of pace it brings to us. So, BRING IT ON SUMMER!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gfWB6Bb_yaQ/VW0sYxbjh0I/AAAAAAAAWxs/ajdTI3U17fI/s1600-h/DSC_01448.jpg"><img title="DSC_0144" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0144" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSUf5aDDN9s/VW0sZkHlU3I/AAAAAAAAWx0/6SaY9hBoJEA/DSC_0144_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="629" height="439"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(Until August) </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_G8m75aIZg/VW0sat8imNI/AAAAAAAAWx8/sK-Ku4mJLZQ/s1600-h/DSC_01504.jpg"><img title="DSC_0150" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0150" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1YAp-N8fZCI/VW0sbQ3e2LI/AAAAAAAAWyI/vslO3uRxdHY/DSC_0150_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(August is my nemesis) </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-reKBMLw5_o8/VW0scE_colI/AAAAAAAAWyQ/8MCRV3f14D0/s1600-h/DSC_01544.jpg"><img title="DSC_0154" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0154" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K6d_WqEqYJM/VW0sc6w-w0I/AAAAAAAAWyY/6eIMOvw1_AA/DSC_0154_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="403"></a></p> <p><font size="4">(My other nemesis is Samuel at a grocery store today. Three words for you: Screaming, flailing, and chips-ahoy-display-smashing.)</font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-37542688523372907302015-05-19T14:19:00.001-07:002015-05-19T20:15:20.190-07:00My day, in feelings.<p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HW5O8O9WWq4/VVuokqcqKBI/AAAAAAAAWow/6XVW2H6jIpA/s1600-h/DSC_0040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0040" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0040" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COSdSC7N3LE/VVuolRx9__I/AAAAAAAAWo4/wOrVYtZf3SY/DSC_0040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="449"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5">Here’s how most days go for me:</font></p> <p><font size="4">My first thought when I wake up is <strong><font size="5">“how can I keep sleeping?”</font></strong> as in is it hamburger day at school? (<em>the only hot lunch acceptable to Joseph)</em>, can I somehow drive Joseph so I have an extra 10 minutes? How much does he reallllly need breakfast?? <em>(kidding) </em>etc etc etc.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vftFgW4dVLM/VVuomNfHLjI/AAAAAAAAWpA/yff1C_QOvcw/s1600-h/DSC_0011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0011" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BsRyXEtdz3E/VVuonPZ60-I/AAAAAAAAWpI/LCT5CSp2Z8c/DSC_0011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="572" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4">But, once I’m up and the coffee is down I’m good to go!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="5">I’m <strong>great</strong> to go, in fact!</font> The world is my oyster! </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m whistling a tune and coming up with little puns and jokes that no one gets but me! <em>(my humor is lost on the 7 and under boy crowd)</em> I have a to-do list that is<em> totally doable</em> because<strong> I can do it allll</strong>!!! </font><font size="5">Take THAT Monday!!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMd3-qh_HeQ/VVuonxMvmVI/AAAAAAAAWpQ/pQf76lypKOU/s1600-h/DSC_0032-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ADQgxjjcPGs/VVuoof_kkeI/AAAAAAAAWpY/iiVE4wlt89c/DSC_0032-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="423"></a></font></p> <p><font size="5"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">And then nap time comes inching closer and, what do you know? I am actually rather sleepy. In fact <em>really</em> sleepy. This laundry is boring now. And that to-do list seems bossy. Why are these children talking to me? </font><font size="5"> GET IN BED EVERYONE IT’S NAP TIME!</font></p> <p><font size="5"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIbFmdhdPig/VVuopJ839AI/AAAAAAAAWpg/gPZPPEMsRCw/s1600-h/DSC_0031-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0031-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uA5E0T3xeYo/VVuoqCbxMrI/AAAAAAAAWpo/NxOdRTSi8h8/DSC_0031-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="717"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Next, I try to nap during the 20 minute window between when Samuel stops singing on the monitor and when Joseph comes slamming in the front door from school. It is often successful for 5-10 of those minutes, but also often interrupted by the other child needing to poop, needing a snack, wanting to snuggle, wondering if he can run outside “real quick” in the front yard, or the UPS man.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJ5y6KWinZw/VVuoqxigJFI/AAAAAAAAWpw/HRWICbhyQt0/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ko3q_CVY8iI/VVuorWhKbeI/AAAAAAAAWp4/F-zxNEvS0oo/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="718"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Then comes the afternoon, which is<font size="5"> my nemesis</font>. It is full of fighting <em>(“I had it first!” “No I DID!” PEOPLE!! <strong>How am I supposed to know who had the freaking thing first?? HOW</strong>?? I don’t understand this part of parenting!)</em> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VRNdW_J1EI/VVuosHWXOsI/AAAAAAAAWqA/DAdX64UXF_I/s1600-h/DSC_0005-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvONcDQGGnQ/VVuosjFUa4I/AAAAAAAAWqI/IPRAprREEVw/DSC_0005-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="545"></a></p> <p><font size="4">My ears are flooded with information about </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>1)</strong> Pokemon </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>2)</strong> Rocks </font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>3)</strong> any thing regarding body fluids </font></p> <p><font size="4">and I have a sweaty post nap toddler plastered to me and suddenly I realize that everything I have done to clean up has been undone and it turns out that my to-do list is impossible. <font size="5">IMPOSSIBLE!</font> And I <strong><font size="5">hate to do lists now</font></strong> and I am basically rocking in the corner in my robe muttering to myself like a crazy cat lady.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-taaGOb-4a1M/VVuot8g9lZI/AAAAAAAAWqQ/PEdqlQ3qpxk/s1600-h/DSC_0090-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0090-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0090-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlDytFm5mqk/VVuouoNY6DI/AAAAAAAAWqY/aX4b7OvoNec/DSC_0090-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="413"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hm_adi-mPns/VVuovo23anI/AAAAAAAAWqg/_lgjwFbB350/s1600-h/DSC_0093-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0093-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0093-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECYiSohTpn8/VVuowNMCkSI/AAAAAAAAWqk/Y0Zd9awnmmY/DSC_0093-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="436"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The clock finally makes it to 5:30 and one of two things happen.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>1)</strong> I suddenly perk up and am sunny and productive and “whats the problem? I’ve got this!” when Brian comes down from work <em>(note: this is Brian’s favorite option)</em> or</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>2)</strong> I fling myself at him and tell him how tired I am and all of the horrible things that the children have done to each other/the house/me.</font></p> <p><font size="4">At which point Brian strokes my head and says that he’s tired too and I shriek <strong><font size="5">“NO! YOU CAN’T BE TIRED!! I’M THE TIRED ONE!! THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE OF US!”</font></strong> and we cling to each other in the eye of the storm, with bedtime looming on the horizon.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eqz6jcQdwK8/VVuowkC8c6I/AAAAAAAAWqw/x9n1EdZwL3s/s1600-h/DSC_0148%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0148" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0148" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kfhfAcFDEjE/VVuoxWUU6RI/AAAAAAAAWq4/JCx3TYbwpsI/DSC_0148_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="408"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">One million years later, all the children are bathed, brushed, flossed, threatened, hugged, pajama-ed, and in bed.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And, what do you know it?</font></p> <p><font size="5">I’m feeling pretty darn good!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Lets have more babies! Aren’t they so adorable? What was my problem today? They are so sweet and it is all so meaningful and rewarding! Life is good! Wheeee!!!!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And I stay up to late watching tv.</font></p> <p><font size="5">Repeat.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WRuRUuIHLDM/VVuoyB8DWjI/AAAAAAAAWrA/OUHedrLUERg/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPXEUL-4BJU/VVuoy6mpK1I/AAAAAAAAWrI/r20BqsVNz3w/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="401"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9oW0wX_b5A/VVuozjP1-8I/AAAAAAAAWrQ/GIUFyAlnvqw/s1600-h/DSC_0045%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0045" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gX7R8qSJ-n8/VVuo0NUMViI/AAAAAAAAWrY/g6O2Om0nAW4/DSC_0045_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="712" height="497"></a></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-62837390630926288712015-05-16T08:16:00.001-07:002015-05-16T08:16:21.711-07:00Mothers Day 2015<p> </p> <p>Warning: Picture overload! But whatever, its my day!!</p> <p><font size="4">My mothers day started the way most of my mornings start, </font><font size="4">with little chilly Isaac in my bed, scratching my back.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZCt1kFM40U8/VVdevUi90QI/AAAAAAAAWjA/kjsTjR-Cu9I/s1600-h/DSC_0164%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0164" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0164" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCGT-qAl8OA/VVdewF9VhmI/AAAAAAAAWjI/GPIqXgbKIig/DSC_0164_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="611" height="426"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Isaac’s heart is kind, and he loves getting his back scratched more than anything…therefore he loves to scratch other people’s backs for them! <em>(even people from the opposing t-ball team who are standing on base with him!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhUE0TgkrYk/VVdew88UzYI/AAAAAAAAWjQ/eSubzO_uf88/s1600-h/DSC_0166%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0166" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0166" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fzTr7sNZtQ4/VVdexgQeajI/AAAAAAAAWjY/pmdfdZZY42g/DSC_0166_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="397"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The next thing I knew it was 9 am <em>(the longest I’ve slept in in YEARS!) </em>and I fairly floated downstairs to awaiting coffee and muesli.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3BllqgIvVg/VVdeyaH2zXI/AAAAAAAAWjg/O8Svg8-AIsE/s1600-h/DSC_0168%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0168" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhISJ0UYat4/VVdezGOcTXI/AAAAAAAAWjo/aQ0SEokMo1k/DSC_0168_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="557"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DcgexWyZdRM/VVde0GSeITI/AAAAAAAAWjw/3v2VBp8qtLc/s1600-h/DSC_0170-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0170-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0170-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SUon90NsXg/VVde0-sosOI/AAAAAAAAWj4/QJrck_FBHrQ/DSC_0170-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="449"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">The boys had given me my present the day before (<em>a beautiful flower basket with blue flowers, picked specifically because they know blue is my favorite color),</em> but they gave me lots of kisses, and Joseph gave me his FOURTH card of the week, <em> (not pictured)</em> which mostly featured him describing how much he didn’t want to go back to school the next day after a four day weekend! haha!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JNh3UQ5UWMg/VVde1tUIwmI/AAAAAAAAWkA/GmVKYkza9mU/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLxvNGDlZlo/VVde2bxMtzI/AAAAAAAAWkI/R6XS_sHugmE/DSC_0023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="831"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(I don’t actually like to wear dresses much, but other than that he nailed it!)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jeoGYjGJiKs/VVde3Ki8OCI/AAAAAAAAWkQ/Dhbo7FUbz-g/s1600-h/DSC_0018%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0018" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0018" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2xZf4vOAUEA/VVde3vG43kI/AAAAAAAAWkY/bxV_wKw4MkE/DSC_0018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="429"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4fU_1F7dJk/VVde4ViF9bI/AAAAAAAAWkg/gTDDOOQL6w8/s1600-h/DSC_0021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bZTE3B6MFXo/VVde5AWoDpI/AAAAAAAAWko/8rFKvbvveVo/DSC_0021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="639"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGn0jmm5E34/VVde5g9q_aI/AAAAAAAAWkw/CZNgpngjfWs/s1600-h/DSC_0022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0022" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iA2bf_OImts/VVde6FfoM6I/AAAAAAAAWk4/pO4J-bOGHMs/DSC_0022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="670"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Let me just tell you that there is nothing better than the sound of your husband cleaning up the breakfast mess while you take a hot shower!! BY YOURSELF!!! It made me want to marry him all over again!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQYRFURlXVg/VVde65PhZ4I/AAAAAAAAWlA/pMzrkowaA7A/s1600-h/DSC_0172-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0172-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0172-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J2zSw-GhkYs/VVde7puiIxI/AAAAAAAAWlI/_lMMtqKo75w/DSC_0172-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="412"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F77Aw4HHdFo/VVde8iTI8TI/AAAAAAAAWlQ/7knytxiFkN0/s1600-h/DSC_0173%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0173" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0173" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_FXz8v67wMs/VVde9F5bvSI/AAAAAAAAWlY/mQLoN-hyWgs/DSC_0173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="417"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Then there was church, Chipotle for lunch, and a nap! <em>(Let me just tell you there is nothing better than the sound of your husband cleaning up the kitchen again while you drift off to nap!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqRTTbD26E0/VVde98KDHWI/AAAAAAAAWlg/rG3gRKaBUpY/s1600-h/DSC_0175-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0175-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0175-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OvaMvIxTcWg/VVde-4SlbtI/AAAAAAAAWlo/l4KRSH1F6DE/DSC_0175-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="522"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Lastly, it was off to my mother in laws for a BBQ and fire- complete with a tractor ride, and our first s’mores of the season!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DR4qqLTQdu4/VVde_Z98T-I/AAAAAAAAWlw/pDREPGAGXtY/s1600-h/DSC_0356-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0356-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0356-001" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xs5QBNHESkk/VVdfAeofOsI/AAAAAAAAWl4/OVmXlsLHbKs/DSC_0356-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="583" height="416"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFGFWg0k6nQ/VVdfBeL3_iI/AAAAAAAAWmA/_npWy4W9IO4/s1600-h/DSC_0333%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0333" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0333" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-diFPuI-QU0Y/VVdfCBYgDuI/AAAAAAAAWmI/ShLHTmAVyK0/DSC_0333_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NEOrgs0SWfY/VVdfCm0AXwI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/ckeeBXFulxo/s1600-h/DSC_0362%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0362" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A7dmHneqNcU/VVdfDp1ruwI/AAAAAAAAWmY/rW3N2Gvbbms/DSC_0362_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" height="508"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nzEZ4EaP-KU/VVdfEd81mcI/AAAAAAAAWmg/tRRSeFlBHpI/s1600-h/DSC_0202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0202" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0202" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x37kzwsA7gE/VVdfE27HPxI/AAAAAAAAWmo/WWdtQgdBe68/DSC_0202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="397"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(Brian explaining why we can’t step into the fire pit to grab something out of the fire “real quick”. Party pooper!!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_P65WBYPV-0/VVdfFtbtdDI/AAAAAAAAWmw/TmDWwkukLtc/s1600-h/DSC_0244%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0244" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0244" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnJnPdxkm78/VVdfGdWIaeI/AAAAAAAAWm4/Szzs0ZdfuJM/DSC_0244_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="579" height="404"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PUjdQTvAG0A/VVdfHPHJ9OI/AAAAAAAAWnA/Hlnd2LBUIUU/s1600-h/DSC_0297%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0297" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0297" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7aOD9vVniOU/VVdfHnjlU6I/AAAAAAAAWnI/RtMA22h-WnA/DSC_0297_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="422"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Motherhood has been…surprising for me. Not what I had imagined, but so powerful and sweet and such an honor for me.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AepEkkDthEY/VVdfIkTZCpI/AAAAAAAAWnM/rWX0afpOqWA/s1600-h/DSC_0155%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0155" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0155" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QG5f7ixaBBo/VVdfJXl0kXI/AAAAAAAAWnY/26S9wRcDhlA/DSC_0155_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="408"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zuoi-Ze0Upc/VVdfKAOqjlI/AAAAAAAAWng/aXD2OxfR4L8/s1600-h/DSC_0150%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0150" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0150" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U77aHqVqxHk/VVdfLOCIlUI/AAAAAAAAWno/Xy5ABBbzQow/DSC_0150_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="385"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I am so blessed!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yPlysbSxuOo/VVdfMc30fnI/AAAAAAAAWnw/FVqsLtxkA1I/s1600-h/DSC_0157%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0157" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0157" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fGB-UtRISXw/VVdfNf7I9EI/AAAAAAAAWn4/jBMBU_CDP1g/DSC_0157_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsbsBxIwYwo/VVdfOECFtNI/AAAAAAAAWoA/XEh5j7jZmUg/s1600-h/DSC_0158%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0158" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYhUIuiNOMY/VVdfPN5JyBI/AAAAAAAAWoI/kKdBLup6Bq0/DSC_0158_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="436"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">PS:<strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Dear Future Caitlin</strong>, </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m sure that you are looking at these pictures and feeling sad that you can’t hug these little guys. Maybe regretting that you were not more patient, and wishing you could go back to change a few things. But, I just want to tell you- dear old lady Caitlin- that every day (good or bad!) you really, really, really tried your very best. Also, I just gave those stinkers a hug for you, and Isaac made himself toot. So…</font></p> <p><font size="4">enjoy the quiet for me?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Love,</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Current Caitlin</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-It-oGx-h8Eo/VVdfP8DK5ZI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/TqDbkqYSz0E/s1600-h/DSC_0159%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0159" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0159" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uO16OhgtC8/VVdfQ0XpjCI/AAAAAAAAWoY/eP5HNMdoIs0/DSC_0159_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="422"></a></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-1964716109888017152015-05-12T20:47:00.001-07:002015-05-12T21:29:01.755-07:00Pilllllooooowwwws!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">You guys! Guess what?!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2mDqsdPoHlA/VVLJODUwL6I/AAAAAAAAWhs/i4MUjwoOkJ0/s1600-h/DSC_0003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pdh_BZtEQqw/VVLJO1kFXUI/AAAAAAAAWhw/9c6iIDhNI04/DSC_0003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="423"></a></font></p> <p><font size="6">I MADE THOSE PILLOWS TODAY!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Gaaaah! Can you believe it?! Yes, yes you can, especially if you look closely and you can see all of my crooked seams….aaaaa</font><font size="4">Iso maybe some of the pillow covers on the small pillows were supposed to be for the big pillows, but then I measured wrong and…hey! Lets focus on the positive! First ever pillllooowwwws!! </font></p> <p><font size="4">I have been looking at new pillow covers online for a while now <em>(We got our current ones when we moved to New Jersey 5 ish years ago!),</em> and I was feeling so discouraged about how expensive they all are!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Then, I thought waiiiit a minute. I think I can make those! And then I thought, nope. Probably I can’t! And then I watched a youtube video on how to make envelope closure pillows and I was back to thinking I could!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And so I did!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="5">I might have ignored my children a bit all afternoon to get them done</font>, but when they were like<em> “Seriously, Mom, we are HUNGRY FOR SNACK”</em> I <strong>totally</strong> popped them some microwave popcorn.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Also, when Samuel woke up from his nap, I <em>definitely</em> snuggled him while carrying him down the stairs and making my voice sound all excited about the new! sewing machine! he gets to watch!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Then I plopped him in a chair <em>right next to me</em> while he said <em>“What’s this? Wow, good job! What’s this?”</em> a million times while I shrieked <em>“Don’t touch that! Thank you! Don’t touch that!”</em> a million more.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Lastly, dinner was yogurt with granola, and a side of carrot sticks and grapes.</font></p> <p><font size="5">So they weren’t too neglected is what I’m saying.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After the kids were in bed, I ran downstairs and hunched back over the machine, and Brian was like <em>“I’m going to the half price movie at the theater I guess”</em> and I was like, <em>“What? Are you talking to me?”</em> and off he went.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So he’s not here to praise me anymore<em>,</em> and my mom is apparently <font size="5">living her life? or something? </font></font><font size="4">And can’t respond to my maaaany Facebook messages/pictures that I’ve sent her in the past hour <em>(RUDE!)</em> so here I sit reaching out to YOU, blog.</font></p> <p><font size="4"> For a little praise, a teensy pat on the back, and also to commemorate these pillows- </font><font size="5">before the boys jump on them tomorrow and bust all of the seams.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-81851374702041986172015-05-09T14:51:00.001-07:002015-05-09T14:51:54.672-07:00Hello!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">I didn’t mean to take such a long blogging break, just like I didn’t mean to not lose all of the baby weight from my pregnancies! But here we are people!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Its feeling like summer here, and we are eating outside, staying up late, getting the tub all filthy.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I think maybe I just had a baby? But no, he’s 2.5, potty trained, and pronounces his name “Samels” <em>(rhymes with camels)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8aw5t8nrdA/VU58zxwnkcI/AAAAAAAAWes/9Nx_XTojsJw/s1600-h/DSC_0106%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0106" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0106" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bAVnNtNGrUQ/VU580onTn6I/AAAAAAAAWe0/S7I9QHZOqIk/DSC_0106_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" height="473"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YUm3HRRxKXU/VU581Sprz9I/AAAAAAAAWe8/_cHnpTuIztY/s1600-h/DSC_0110%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0110" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0110" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnKc-Vy51xw/VU582JhMFiI/AAAAAAAAWfE/JEJXYGTX5wE/DSC_0110_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="353"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">And this fella here is getting registered for kindergarten, in size 7-8 clothes, and is nearly 60 pounds. He will do anything to make other kids laugh. Like….anything.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-veRj9rM04cE/VU582orsLgI/AAAAAAAAWfM/Tg5Ks7RU2Bs/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O73-4lzM4N4/VU583WnchhI/AAAAAAAAWfU/Gj73Nj7CXM8/DSC_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="387"></a> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hePf2WV-vOc/VU584AmQdlI/AAAAAAAAWfc/nPKZ2_1vJnY/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBmN1EyRww8/VU584ys9vuI/AAAAAAAAWfk/yXLHM6SUl-A/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="413"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jl3DXLYHSUg/VU58-gIwzpI/AAAAAAAAWfs/032h5npG1tc/s1600-h/DSC_0191%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0191" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0191" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S3jvsEmDdMw/VU58_ZgG3sI/AAAAAAAAWf0/XUNCxNUfdYo/DSC_0191_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="427"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Last but not least Joseph is 7.5 here in a week or so <em>(an excuse for cake?)</em> and now runs off to play with neighborhood boys instead of his Mama?! Also, watch out, he will talk your ear off with his new interest…ROCKS AND MINERALS!!</font></p> <p><font size="4">(zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…..)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--W6UIrBc6PY/VU59AI8YLLI/AAAAAAAAWf8/Kt3jnwkB7b4/s1600-h/DSC_0067%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0067" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0067" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x7D24dUZzpU/VU59A5ln75I/AAAAAAAAWgE/Fl5gDKmd2rY/DSC_0067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="628"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4raixGdiMU/VU59BppJDTI/AAAAAAAAWgM/GBYJ8BJqWeo/s1600-h/DSC_0072%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0072" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0072" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNfbIXQFDaU/VU59CXeuYCI/AAAAAAAAWgQ/C3gaqF4_RuQ/DSC_0072_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bzJ_N9pedzA/VU59C1aVqeI/AAAAAAAAWgc/PDrrW6UHX9o/s1600-h/DSC_0082%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0082" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0082" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8mHTnBqWMA/VU59DgrmzAI/AAAAAAAAWgk/UCEgswsPfIo/DSC_0082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="401"></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">As for me- I’m hanging in there! Equal parts excited for and dreading summer vacation. And loving having NO MORE DIAPERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 7 YEARS OH MY GOOOOOSH! You should feel my purse, people. It’s seriously <strong>so light</strong>.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbpKPqWM70s/VU59EMUancI/AAAAAAAAWgs/fLtDJ7CZGlg/s1600-h/unnamed%252520%2525284%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="unnamed (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="unnamed (4)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NUKCNdi_ACc/VU6Bc157PUI/AAAAAAAAWg4/_x4k2h7nNGY/unnamed-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="643"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Just like my…heart? (I never know how to end these blog posts)</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k61jGI9QCk4/VU6BdTEvU0I/AAAAAAAAWhA/_pyA1vuqoIE/s1600-h/DSC_020710.jpg"><img title="DSC_0207" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0207" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J9VmI0NqUhg/VU6BeF35NvI/AAAAAAAAWhI/Wy_qji2zSQ8/DSC_0207_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="417"></a></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-70053849742902682862015-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:002015-02-14T06:26:00.587-08:00Feeling lucky<p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OlWAFqMUfZo/VN6yY2ATJxI/AAAAAAAAWZA/SCdXxnfCPO0/s1600-h/DSC_0216%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0216" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0216" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmpPRR1gxTo/VN6yZlx_-5I/AAAAAAAAWZI/8ME05zPRI0o/DSC_0216_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="475"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I sent my husband and Joseph off on a road trip tonight with a lump in my throat and a valentine stuck in J’s pillow to surprise him tonight.</font></p> <p><font size="4">We waved goodbye happily, and then Isaac and Samuel both ran inside crying. Haha! But the park and an ice cream run soon had all of us in high spirits and I just wanted to capture this warm lucky feeling I’m having tonight.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tceWDWqtVHc/VN6yaNe_rvI/AAAAAAAAWZQ/9Tsmb1KCjVg/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wRMT5q-j_mk/VN6yarCZ0uI/AAAAAAAAWZY/KjMTYrCgaMI/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="641" height="447"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I love my husband! He is truly my best friend, and my favorite person. Also, it still gives me a lump in my throat when I see him driving away from me.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MBmJMPvNQ_Y/VN6ybTXqNUI/AAAAAAAAWZg/ZrIHE9wkOoo/s1600-h/DSC_0097%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aUQbMr421-E/VN6yb6QTBNI/AAAAAAAAWZo/vFDW-Rw5L5k/DSC_0097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="431"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Joseph might drive me crazy, but he told me he will try really hard to remember everything he gets from room service so that he can tell me and it will be like I’m there with him. Also, he told me thank you a million times for his Valentine’s Day present (Wii related). “That was really nice of you, Mama!”</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o1BFCzbiUQo/VN6yck74SOI/AAAAAAAAWZw/vS2Ol5r8rsE/s1600-h/DSC_0166%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0166" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0166" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6kG43GSx1xs/VN6ydPhalaI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/dWMV56epAq0/DSC_0166_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="625" height="436"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Isaac might drive me crazy <em>(craaaaazy), </em>but he told me tonight that I’m prettier than the birds outside our window. Also, he is saving two of his special Valentine’s chocolates to give his cousins even though he thinks they might be his new favorite chocolate.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aQp3EnS-u0U/VN6ydyjoPLI/AAAAAAAAWaA/2DnuxhH7kKc/s1600-h/DSC_0164%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0164" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-95oirbIVkXE/VN6yeUfnRMI/AAAAAAAAWaI/upOcDPOR9d0/DSC_0164_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="486"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Samuel might drive me crazy <em>(yes, even him!),</em> but when he got his Valentine’s Day present today <em>(a doggy backpack)</em> he gasped and said, “For ME??!!” in the most adorable way. Also, he crammed all of his Valentine’s day chocolates in his mouth at once 2 seconds after I gave them to him.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XYMERXoFpNQ/VN6yfEn2FvI/AAAAAAAAWaQ/da0HZW0oLok/s1600-h/DSC_0133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0133" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GY5iwjXllhc/VN6yfqw3gOI/AAAAAAAAWaY/mhvMJLJgcGU/DSC_0133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="608" height="424"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’ve got mac n cheese on the stove, the littles are cuddled up watching a movie, and I have my boyfriends Ben and Jerry waiting for me in the freezer for after bedtime if you know what I mean.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BiS1RYD0siI/VN6yghbT7oI/AAAAAAAAWag/r4mmqZmv00k/s1600-h/DSC_0196%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0196" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0196" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Utgml3MC48Q/VN6yhZ8W57I/AAAAAAAAWao/F7iUbkvjna4/DSC_0196_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="406"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! May you have a lucky feeling day too.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xybiHmu8xoU/VN6yhzQvAdI/AAAAAAAAWas/ejvInijO5jI/s1600-h/DSC_0081%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0081" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0081" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zy2wCt--tYM/VN6yigoxKnI/AAAAAAAAWa4/RFvwqmo58l4/DSC_0081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="609" height="425"></a></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-626278905657078842015-01-13T15:15:00.001-08:002015-01-13T15:15:37.733-08:00Extra! Extra!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">I have a new trick that is really helping in my <a href="http://itsspelledcaitlin.blogspot.com/2015/01/happy-new-year.html">Operation Feel Awesome</a>. Do you want to hear it?</font></p> <p><font size="4">It is </font><font size="5">DOING SOMETHING EXTRA.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Doing something besides the feeding of the children, the wiping of the children, the cleaning of the children’s feeding messes.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Doing something that I can actually tell myself- look self! Look what you did today, you sassy minx! </font></p> <p><font size="4">Instead of looking around at the continual messy chaos and having the siiiinking feeling that my house would look the same if I had stayed on the couch all day.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dmCtHKrb3bU/VLWm-r41n9I/AAAAAAAAWWI/N6O_Ey_OvX4/s1600-h/DSC_0097%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O48mHTEjGwE/VLWm_WGDdyI/AAAAAAAAWWQ/bGPznbSaVso/DSC_0097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="423"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Yesterday, I made <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/01/butterscotch-pudding/">homemade butterscotch pudding</a>. And, people!! I strutted around that afternoon feeling like a million bucks. PUDDING! HOMEMADE PUDDING! I’m sure Brian is sick of hearing about it, which is why I’m so glad I can share it with you!<em>(pudding!!!)</em></font></p> <p><em><font size="4"></font></em> </p> <p><font size="4">ALSO, I got entirely caught up on laundry. Which, can sometimes be a tricky one, because the constancy of laundry can actually be depressing and make you feel LESS awesome. </font></p> <p><font size="4">BUT, if I focus on the fact that I did all of the back laundry that has been looming in my subconscious, the kids didn’t need to ask me to find clean underwear, and I ended the day with a giant pile of clean fluffy towels? WIN!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_WEEMn-mJME/VLWm_1GFgmI/AAAAAAAAWWY/yjmxqhyUvWU/s1600-h/DSC_0100%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uekvxCRykyA/VLWnAmZuFkI/AAAAAAAAWWg/EMUj9asWZdc/DSC_0100_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="556" height="388"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Today’s extra was making this <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2007/10/sweet-potato-and-sausage-soup/">stew.</a> I had hot stew waiting for my family at lunch time! I have it all together! Now I don’t have to feel too guilty about my kids eating you-know-whats for dinner tonight!<em> (you-know-whats = corn dogs. Or chicken nuggets. Or…shhh!…both!)</em></font></p> <p><em><font size="4"></font></em> </p> <p><em><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EzSUgmBYwn8/VLWnBmpYq7I/AAAAAAAAWWo/LSDbCUrmYoM/s1600-h/DSC_0118%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0118" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0118" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZX6DuNzW98g/VLWnDL-hGGI/AAAAAAAAWWw/f762aXWPang/DSC_0118_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="411"></a></font></em></p> <p><font size="3">(this picture is from the other day when Brian surprised the boys with a bag of donut holes, and when we turned around Samuel had stolen the bag and shoved all of them in his mouth. ALL of them! I was so proud.)</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">The last example I will give you is Valentine decorations. It turns out if I actually take the time to make/hang up the decorations, then I will spend a million more hours admiring how cheerful my house looks.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Tada! Valentines Day mobile!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MthmeAJ6CFk/VLWnDywgjYI/AAAAAAAAWW4/FYtID_Oo7bQ/s1600-h/DSC_0133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0133" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1TQFmBQhZkE/VLWnEpkRV2I/AAAAAAAAWXA/NHSRUGl3urE/DSC_0133_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="645"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Now, when I walk into the house and step over the shoes and accidentally kick the remote control motorcycle in the middle of the floor and go around the (clean) laundry basket- my eyes are cheerfully focused ahead of me at this pretty thang above my table!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">I would like to note that the metallic paper was VERY hard to cut shapes out of, so Brian had to help me and…is <strong>watching your spouse cut out metallic hearts for you a love language</strong>?? Because it turns out its MY love language! Raaaawr!! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">The End</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VKxX9JxxKJ4/VLWnFLwF3dI/AAAAAAAAWXI/hAeA-CBbanQ/s1600-h/DSC_0122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CJx2LLHSVvU/VLWnGPqS_BI/AAAAAAAAWXQ/2wzXxiz8MWY/DSC_0122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" height="486"></a></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-2708480769059875832015-01-09T15:29:00.001-08:002015-01-09T15:29:33.601-08:00He keeps me humble<p> </p> <p><font size="4">For your reading pleasure I give you:</font></p> <p><font size="5">Things this week that have humbled me as a parent:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m5tZydbvp1Q/VLBkQbJfOiI/AAAAAAAAWUc/AmEPMEWFfNo/s1600-h/DSC_0047%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NGehQxDBm7E/VLBkQ-SXiqI/AAAAAAAAWUk/4QBBdJB4mh0/DSC_0047_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="413"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">1) Cleaning out our under-the-stairs cupboard for the one millionth time<em> (the kids spill puzzles and games and GAAAH! Someone save me!)</em> and this time I was forcing the main culprit Isaac to help me. After several minutes of me grumping, and us not finding missing pieces, etc, he looked at me, sighed, and said, </font><font size="5">“I’m going to need some alcohol!”</font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(I. have. no. idea.)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kOrp6NK7PKc/VLBkRnnTHTI/AAAAAAAAWUs/Wao5szCETXA/s1600-h/DSC_0049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0049" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0PRJ68Yhr4s/VLBkSP2nwsI/AAAAAAAAWU0/j4irFDazY9g/DSC_0049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="582" height="406"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">2) At at the toy store yesterday Isaac grabbed a voice-changing-megaphone and was running around yelling…YELLING!…<font size="5">”Shut up!” and “I’m going to poop on your face!” </font>through it while I chased him grabbing at it and hissing “GIVE THAT TO ME! WE DON’T SAY THAT WORD!” etc.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MQuUgBxtcSc/VLBkS9WwSnI/AAAAAAAAWU8/53pBZpJZ8_o/s1600-h/DSC_0075%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0075" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GtWU7KHCC74/VLBkTakX4ZI/AAAAAAAAWVE/tZHU8e9rrOc/DSC_0075_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="755"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">3) When I went to pick up Isaac from Sunday school and upon seeing me he yelled, “NO! DIE!!!!” and hid. At least he…likes it there?…</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZRk9XmqtGXE/VLBkT3XKWeI/AAAAAAAAWVM/Ix6HZqZaM3E/s1600-h/DSC_0010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DSfPc6PrXAs/VLBkUnWU1KI/AAAAAAAAWVU/WqZL4N0sFQg/DSC_0010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="448"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">4) Two time outs at my mom’s house today for my middle child. The offense? Hissing at me when I tell him to do something. HISSING.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFCFHdKy9n8/VLBkVON2G2I/AAAAAAAAWVc/mZCohJp5Uqs/s1600-h/DSC_0028-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0028-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0028-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-94YZ4Sz7eu0/VLBkV2lUfyI/AAAAAAAAWVk/Z4eKreTEK9g/DSC_0028-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="612"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">What, are you noticing a theme? That all of these are about Isaac? Hmmm… strange. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a4rvmTazrRk/VLBkWZ_ealI/AAAAAAAAWVs/aERJgYHJYoY/s1600-h/DSC_0077%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0077" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0077" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1ApY_jg-YSQ/VLBkW5P4XEI/AAAAAAAAWV0/B9EDtpcVX0c/DSC_0077_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="416"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Please feel free to make me feel better by telling me about how your children pee openly in Target parking lots <em>(Isaac)</em>, or in your neighbors yard<em> (Isaac),</em> or “moon” their friends <em>(Isaac)</em>, or constantly hide to eat forbidden treats, even if they belong to other people <em>(guess who)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Now who wants to come for a playdate with my angels? Your kids will learn <em>all sorts</em> of new things…</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-62459921597679964762015-01-07T15:06:00.001-08:002015-01-07T15:09:44.724-08:00Just please, please knock.<p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0F8vnfusqoACZH_Xa-njie12S-9lzKYIxO36-qge_LxWeGyZlMip8Q1IF4B4o4nXONBP_KjsYS8RZYz-n-ctM4V6OT2Hu3dhGor6bU8kE_bDA0fOep_G3XAg4SQ5u5OO8rGElJHhqzc/s1600-h/DSC_0065%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0065" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0065" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6FlZ_hcY9gU/VK28Cw4qevI/AAAAAAAAWUI/G7fpeCWmU-Q/DSC_0065_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="795"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">I don’t actually know how to start this completely random post, so I’m just going to go on and say it:</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">SOMEONE IS REPETEDLY STEALING MY <strong>“Please Knock”</strong> SIGN!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">For those of you without kids<em> (or with good sleepers…you lucky jerks…)</em> who may not know what a “please knock” sign is, let me quickly define it:</font></p> <p><font size="4">The “please knock” sign hangs over your doorbell and is a VITAL part of a successful naptime for your clingy toddler/baby. Without a “please knock” sign, what otherwise might be a delightful part of your day<em> (“oh! My amazon package arrived! Huzzah!”)</em> becomes your DOOOOOM when the ding-dong wakes up afore mentioned toddler and the afternoon of crying commences.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Anyway, the first time the sign was missing <em>(ding-dong!)</em> I thought it must have fallen off! The second and third and fourth and fifth time <em>(ding-dong! ding-dong! ding-dong! ding-dong!)</em> I thought it STILL must have fallen off!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And then I thought waaaaaaaaait a minute. Like, why am I not seeing these signs somewhere on my porch or yard if it just falls off??</font></p> <p><font size="4">So THAT time I taped that sucker on there with packing tape on all four sides. And guess what? That’s right. IT’S GONE! AND 10 TIMES SINCE THEN!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Now I have a suspicion about who it is, and it happens to be one of my least favorite of the neighborhood kids <em>(coincidence!)</em>, but how do I prove it?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Do I wait by my front door <em>(in my robe, naturally)</em> until I hear something? And then what? Do I open the door and shout “Whatareyoudoing??” all scary and surprising? Or maybe (and this is my favorite option) do I chase them and yell “Come back here nap-ruiner!!! Naptime is NOT A JOKE!!”? </font><font size="5">Wait, am I becoming the crazy lady in the neighborhood?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Sorry to burden you all with this. It’s not like YOU know who is doing this (Do you? DO YOU???), but sheesh! It’s all I can think about!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Bye now, I’m off to peep out of my blinds and mutter to myself.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-39947791674350981882015-01-06T14:35:00.001-08:002015-01-08T13:38:45.440-08:00Christmas 2014<p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UjDaI16Y_IU/VKximpS1PQI/AAAAAAAAWMw/IDTB8fKhSCI/s1600-h/DSC_0064%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z3RTY0IjYHo/VKxincs0F1I/AAAAAAAAWM4/_pxsCqKs400/DSC_0064_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="397"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Today was back-to-school in our neck of the woods, and it really and truly feels like Christmas is over. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Hey- maybe I’ll finish taking down all of our Christmas stuff today? Or maybe just keep blogging and surfing the web and eating cheerios? Yes, that one.</font></p> <p><font size="4">But anywhoo, I thought that today would be a good time for the ole’ Christmas post!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Joseph woke up at 5 am on Christmas morning, and came into our room 1 trillion bazillion times asking when he could get up (6am) and when he could wake up Isaac (6am) and when it was going to be 6 am. At 5:45 he asked if he could climb into bed with me to watch my phone…and he stared at my phone for the next 15 minutes solid until yelling out “SIX!!!”</font></p> <p><font size="4">I went downstairs to turn on Christmas lights and start the coffee, and when I came back up he asked me “Coal?? Is it COAL?” Which is slightly ironic because I intentionally never threatened them with coal this year! And I could have…ooooooh I could have!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Anyhow, at this point he woke up Isaac, and Brian went downstairs to get ready to take a video of them coming out to see the goods. I told Joseph to wait just one more minute while I checked to see if Daddy was ready and he said, “I can’t. I just can’t wait.” with a frantic look in his eyes and just kept walking!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Good news, Brian captured the big moment, and I will post the video soon.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ey4a5tN_A_E/VKxioN3Tt8I/AAAAAAAAWNA/bnfEf3qJskU/s1600-h/DSC_0068%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0068" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0068" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1ROhcScz_c/VKxiolPr1DI/AAAAAAAAWNI/40Me4YiAflY/DSC_0068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="399"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0eKeBx7ssAw/VKxipZPwQKI/AAAAAAAAWNQ/vCpBWTQDP-g/s1600-h/DSC_0077%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0077" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0077" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ItG0W9qO3Lk/VKxip81_bAI/AAAAAAAAWNY/iK5ursA4XpA/DSC_0077_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="383"></a><font size="4"><em>(<font size="3">setting up the Wii- you take a picture of yourself, and it matches you with your closest-match avatar. I just love this picture of Isaac!)</font></em></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-px5agME1t2U/VKxiqiMWr3I/AAAAAAAAWNg/uGfyZ5gE8AA/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d_S9ZguZS78/VKxirL-r-QI/AAAAAAAAWNk/u7X9FQdlCMI/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="417"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Samuel woke up a little later and saw his kitchen from Santa <em>(I have eaten more plastic food in the past few weeks than in the past 30 years combined)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hYtZCzHH-TU/VKxir3S8xvI/AAAAAAAAWNw/rd4Nw7ygo10/s1600-h/DSC_0079%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0079" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0079" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Afe1Fjws3mA/VKxisr38MYI/AAAAAAAAWN4/k_TVDnoSMtM/DSC_0079_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="401"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gO-92gJQ3Gk/VKxitdxWwbI/AAAAAAAAWOA/BwphRmvnC3I/s1600-h/DSC_0083%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0083" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0083" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DbWu3BgUQuY/VKxiuCMmD-I/AAAAAAAAWOI/92l-zsGgcTQ/DSC_0083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="403"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KgfT4An3QdE/VKxiunHBXAI/AAAAAAAAWOQ/0X3FG-5CMt0/s1600-h/DSC_0086%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0086" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0086" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oROLQUYEljs/VKxivSn8RwI/AAAAAAAAWOY/9evFDo9Y1NE/DSC_0086_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="401"></a></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">The rest of the day looked like this</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4fskAn-xUoU/VKxiwNzcW8I/AAAAAAAAWTY/ZD2YxcTtyFo/s1600-h/DSC_0105%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0105" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hCCumrBoFKQ/VKxixhIeTqI/AAAAAAAAWTg/MTFKUGSxK2U/DSC_0105_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="639" height="456"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TMMyGOpXRTk/VKxiyd-ZpcI/AAAAAAAAWOw/yWv_K_iLWO0/s1600-h/DSC_0110%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0110" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0110" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DWb2q4MgkYc/VKxiy25t5oI/AAAAAAAAWO0/XsmSIeRkK1w/DSC_0110_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="574" height="401"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7W0mbGSL1MM/VKxizQxNVlI/AAAAAAAAWPA/VMMe3zR2O4w/s1600-h/DSC_0097%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YOLPjgZkuvQ/VKxi0E6oUeI/AAAAAAAAWPI/GbYWYNK133k/DSC_0097_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="387"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cLImVcPhne0/VKxpBqMwXzI/AAAAAAAAWTo/--_YdBAAu3k/s1600-h/DSC_0094%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0094" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cZfAS_biORY/VKxpCV6L6ZI/AAAAAAAAWTw/OIDbb-BlIIE/DSC_0094_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="585" height="408"></a></p> <p><font size="4">until about 3 when we finally opened presents.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-geCM_9hgaPM/VKxi2ctT-KI/AAAAAAAAWPg/OSSiY_jPuQ0/s1600-h/DSC_0126%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0126" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0126" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DCy6cWnzx9Y/VKxi3D_EJUI/AAAAAAAAWPo/J7VPTRq7g4s/DSC_0126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="456"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(a much-desired Lego Junior set from his big brother)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xf4wbqQeXuc/VKxi31feT4I/AAAAAAAAWPw/0pONX_j6xqs/s1600-h/DSC_0127%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0127" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fVq7Byyt2Lo/VKxi48lSXHI/AAAAAAAAWP4/TT5NcUlTsgg/DSC_0127_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="628" height="438"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xfKCRowAuB4/VKxi5tmQQWI/AAAAAAAAWQA/w6E8S1Ph2k8/s1600-h/DSC_0131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0131" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pn35Tnk8py-swUZ2_yon-dGKGieECD0Keiw7pyIdEZ8ikEKPPExFci2UHXk0ryI_OR87gRCGaVsPXJdLxUEs7tyuEFf5_Rbcb4Vrk6nKd9YqL2Bef2DL5CcJuH4S9JZ4pckBvbM86dc/?imgmax=800" width="598" height="417"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62_Gfb9xWC0/VKxi67jaBMI/AAAAAAAAWQQ/7F2JlergjV4/s1600-h/DSC_0137%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0137" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pg-N7ldOS9o/VKxi7TACKbI/AAAAAAAAWQY/Ty92VklOM9Q/DSC_0137_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="376"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d4B3oybBjf4/VKxi747tiHI/AAAAAAAAWQg/jzKoZIhUDao/s1600-h/DSC_0140%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0140" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0140" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7x85DBDyGo0/VKxi8cS9_RI/AAAAAAAAWQo/FqR_XO40GBI/DSC_0140_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="419"></a></font></p> <p><em><font size="4">(his first Harry Potter book for me to read to him)</font></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HjOR4xGnL6Y/VKxi9MQdMRI/AAAAAAAAWQw/NRKugcNbWzg/s1600-h/DSC_0141%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0141" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0141" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0gNKGKBOh3g/VKxi93h78gI/AAAAAAAAWQ4/avvdST9aZz0/DSC_0141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_gnQcBZjHXs/VKxi-66NNmI/AAAAAAAAWRA/a6A5fki4rdc/s1600-h/DSC_0143%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0143" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0143" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7eyZAkCwEd4/VKxi_kFFtLI/AAAAAAAAWRI/WVIawaFpWpo/DSC_0143_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="409"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(yes that is Top Ramen noodles. Its their favorite!)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o638w4wQXAk/VKxjAZnX7nI/AAAAAAAAWRQ/XI7DNcD1DY4/s1600-h/DSC_0155%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0155" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Ny6kUQPvy0/VKxjA0LI7ZI/AAAAAAAAWRY/N63rZyfjPDQ/DSC_0155_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="394"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BsI6jaS38zc/VKxjBjsuBkI/AAAAAAAAWRg/zezo-CyMzGQ/s1600-h/DSC_0162%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0162" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YX3Yz0Bqsvc/VKxjCMkPQFI/AAAAAAAAWRo/5pxbyU6F3NQ/DSC_0162_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="395"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(from Isaac)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4TXY_6DNFBE/VKxjDeufdCI/AAAAAAAAWRw/VFj1VdggUV0/s1600-h/DSC_0165%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0165" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0165" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4d61L_2RjTI/VKxjD_MtyuI/AAAAAAAAWR4/a1_DIkBYxI8/DSC_0165_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7QcaXnoHKpk/VKxjEuNm_II/AAAAAAAAWSA/oEJLhlqjgqw/s1600-h/DSC_0119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5mpde1FTssI/VKxjFSANsEI/AAAAAAAAWSI/IwFOjhLEc9A/DSC_0119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="367"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(in this next one I can hear Isaac’s voice saying “Look what you got baby!”)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6fsD1216Zl0/VKxjGXSpOgI/AAAAAAAAWSQ/EmzxoO9Dc_Y/s1600-h/DSC_0167%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p4lB5cTtS1w/VKxjHEwJwdI/AAAAAAAAWSY/Yo9iLo4WFkY/DSC_0167_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="558" height="389"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4">Then it looked like this again</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N0YULCjjzDI/VKxjH3gFxyI/AAAAAAAAWSg/B8CXYF_ShCw/s1600-h/DSC_0170%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0170" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0170" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ec1NTLwr-9M/VKxjIaNPI2I/AAAAAAAAWSo/XUAsW4ZXtnk/DSC_0170_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="430"></a></p> <p><font size="4">oooh, it makes me cringe a little! But here you go!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JyBrx8XCJHo/VKxjJF_EU-I/AAAAAAAAWSw/JRFFFmp-Jvw/s1600-h/DSC_0171%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0171" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0171" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qksQAhK4wGI/VKxjJ9SvqVI/AAAAAAAAWS4/TwabowdyoMY/DSC_0171_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="634" height="442"></a></p> <p><font size="4">After a busy past few days we opted to stay home Christmas evening, and I made meatloaf, au grautin potatoes <em>(as per Brian’s request)</em> and sparkling cider.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Smh57MNnarc/VKxjKg3XEEI/AAAAAAAAWTA/P03T0wbfKCw/s1600-h/DSC_0173%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0173" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0173" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pmAuXN9jfNQ/VKxjLY-AUwI/AAAAAAAAWTI/9EmxCDmElpo/DSC_0173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="432"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Then we ALL played wii until bedtime.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Also, after tucking in the children, I sat on the stairs and cried a teensy bit that it was all over. Happy-sad, just like everything in motherhood it seems.</font></p> <p><font size="5">The End.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-13344991772662512092015-01-02T15:22:00.001-08:002015-01-02T15:24:29.356-08:00Happy New Year!!<p> </p> <p><font size="4">Hello world! How was your New Years? How was your Christmas for that matter? </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S6NEXcG0E40/VKcoIOxY5RI/AAAAAAAAWLE/ijcghNzVq7c/s1600-h/DSC_0031%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1CGKjxiYPe0/VKcoIp3EkmI/AAAAAAAAWLM/lr60JH_au68/DSC_0031_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="824"></a></p> <p><font size="4"> I’m a little sad that it is all wrapping up, and a little bit happy to be taking down the clutter, and a little bit excited to start putting up valentines. <em>(too soon?)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">Our little fam partied on New Years with some “china food” <em>( Isaac’s words</em>), cake on my new cake stand, root beer, family wii time, and a family dance party to the Netflix King Julien’s New Years Countdown!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GmBrst3OAvU/VKcoJdb0T8I/AAAAAAAAWLU/2zUjFM9BuJ8/s1600-h/DSC_0037%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0037" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PMqOMpAqias/VKcoKOO6ChI/AAAAAAAAWLc/7mOgBr2xKtY/DSC_0037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="454"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><em>(right after this we told the boys they had to start dancing or else go to bed)</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JvzvIfmp1HY/VKcoKkNP3_I/AAAAAAAAWLk/B510ca1W78k/s1600-h/DSC_0039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pyC4hp3yiow/VKcoLaymPkI/AAAAAAAAWLs/PPULogJpKj4/DSC_0039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="443"></a></p> <p><font size="4">My resolution this year?</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="5">Operation Feel Fabulous</font>!!! Or<font size="5"> Operation Feel Awesome</font>!! I can’t decide! <em>(another resolution: work on decisiveness)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">Wanna hear about it?</font></p> <p><font size="4">Well, there’s this <a href="http://thealisonshow.com/">blog</a> that I have recently started following, and she always talks about making yourself feel awesome and I thought….waaaaait a minute. When was the last time I felt awesome?? I feel good. I feel bad. I feel tired. I feel happy. But Awesomeness seems to have left me behind.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aovhg7965l0/VKcoLy-EQLI/AAAAAAAAWL0/5vpK2gGLkoA/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W3YwQoio_Y4/VKcoMtM4-XI/AAAAAAAAWL8/wkGcW0mKgso/DSC_0036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" height="480"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><u><strong>So here’s how it works:</strong></u></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m dedicating 2015 to feel more awesome/fabulous, so that it will trickle down to my family and voila! Happy wife (mom) happy life!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Will <strong>taking vitamins daily</strong> <em>(esp. vitamin D for we vampires in the pacific northwest)</em> make me feel fabulous? You betcha! Down the hatch!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Will <strong>eating healthier</strong> make me feel healthier and more energetic so therefore more awesome? Sadly, yes. Bring on the veggies!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Yummy smelling lotion?</strong> Check!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Lots of candles to combat the darkness?</strong> Double check</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>A clean house?</strong> Probably.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>A messy house</strong> because I was having fun that day doing something I’d rather do? Yeppers!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>A yummy dessert</strong> with my sisters? Ooooooh yeah!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font size="5">You see how flexible this is?</font> Do you see how this is a resolution that I will actually want to keep?</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-niDEJCrxUX4/VKcoNP0N6hI/AAAAAAAAWME/kWibwQ_qrlo/s1600-h/DSC_0035%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0035" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r83wpbnrqCg/VKcoNpEjbsI/AAAAAAAAWMM/DyfuE44MzKw/DSC_0035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="422"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">And I can’t forget how great I feel when my marriage is running smoothly…..date nights on the calendar monthly!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Also my spiritual health….bible studies and reading plans!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Mental health?….time away from children, and time during the day to blog, read or use my brain!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AX5HHcSJJMY/VKcoOFu_DXI/AAAAAAAAWMU/-ZTObL0aySg/s1600-h/DSC_0032%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4h37k6pUJoM/VKcoO12N9CI/AAAAAAAAWMc/ZMocdwMqGTc/DSC_0032_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="803"></a></p> <p><font size="4">You guys, I am so excited about this idea.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m so excited to start feeling awesome/fabulous<em> (awesomely fabulous?</em>) again.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Shall we check in with this resolution in a few months? </font><font size="4">Now, Christmas updates will have to wait for another day, I’m off to browse etsy.com because I’m preeeeety sure that 150 small gold heart decals will make me feel awesome.</font></p> <p><font size="4">xoxox</font></p> <p><font size="4">Caitlin</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-3623896125904507832014-12-19T16:18:00.001-08:002014-12-19T16:18:59.262-08:00I’m in my 20s<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-whZJPzq39h0/VJTATLe7VAI/AAAAAAAAWJY/ihJrrQE-PlY/s1600-h/DSC_0127%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0127" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0127" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lLbRnDR8Gc0/VJTAULMUkeI/AAAAAAAAWJg/gp0Ty53e-5M/DSC_0127_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="615"></a></p> <p><font size="4">You guys!</font></p> <p><font size="4">My birthday is on Sunday!</font></p> <p><font size="4">And I’m going to be……THIRTY!!!! Thirty freaking years old??? <em>(“freaking” is a bad word in our house. I get a little thrill out of using it)</em></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m unsure how this has happened. And what worries me the MOST is that, before I know it, I will be unsure how 40 happened. Then 50…you get the idea.</font></p> <p><font size="4">So, quick…ask me how old I am! Who me? Oh I’m in my 20s. NBD.</font></p> <p><font size="4">And, while the countdown continues in my <em>(grey hair free) (for now)</em> head, here are 30 facts you probably didn’t know about me.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Ha! Just kidding- NO ONE wants to hear 30 facts about me <em>(except Brian of course)</em> So here are actually 10 facts instead.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vd4_oxG4aiA/VJTAVAN5CdI/AAAAAAAAWJo/DsG-vNnptF0/s1600-h/2%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2pxwXKvjXo8/VJTAV3YCXZI/AAAAAAAAWJw/hpa8yx_aZKA/2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="503"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>1)</strong> I came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve in a stocking. Something that always sounded so adorable and magical, until I became a mother and realized how much freaking stuff <em>(thrill!)</em> you have to get done on Christmas Eve and how having 3 other children and recovering from a very hard birth must have been so exhausting for my poor Mama. You rock Mama! </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>2)</strong> I thought that a chimney was called a “chimley” for an inappropriately long period of time. I still secretly call it a chimley in my head.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>3)</strong> Being the youngest of 4, it was sometimes hard for me to accept the signs that I was growing up. (<em>Obviously since I am sitting here sobbing about turning 30) (not really sobbing, people, it’s a creative embellishment)</em> </font></p> <p><font size="4">I remember watching a movie…gaaah! What was it called??!!…Suzy, you will know, because we watched it ALL THE TIME in my pre-teen years. But anyway, there was this girl who didn’t like the fact that she was getting breasts and so she taped them down! Haha, silly young girl, but no! I decided that was genius! And I would try it! </font></p> <p><font size="4"> Sadly, I taped them UNDER my training bra, meaning that I had to rip off the packing tape from my bare skin. Without an epidural.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I don’t think I ever told anyone that one. See! I’m still full of surprises, even in my 20s!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BVq8rAjku50/VJTAW2pn0YI/AAAAAAAAWJ4/m-uQ9X4UzOs/s1600-h/9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MziZAnGaMBA/VJTAXjlQzWI/AAAAAAAAWKA/DPog9uW3QWo/9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="533"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>4)</strong> Growing up I had a doll named Isaac Gregry. Just like my own little Isaac Gregry! Except the doll was much less naughty. But my real Isaac is actually cuter, so maybe it evens out?</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>5)</strong> I sometimes listen to country music, but only in the summer. I don’t know why. It just seems summery.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>6)</strong> I had terrible acne in high school, and if/when I do get a zit now, it is still a “forbidden topic” for Brian. No jokes, no mentioning, lets just move past it. Oh the teenager anguish! It still stings a little even in my 20s! Acne, braces, glasses, half-a-head-of-bangs, AND taped boobs? I was a fox people. A. Fox.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>7)</strong> I am totally that mom. That mini van mom. Who has a disgustingly dirty mini van. Okay, this is not a secret for anyone who has seen my car, but you guys? I just can’t. I clean the house, I clean the children, I clean myself, so the car? It’s out. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Also, if you ever want to vacuum out my car for me,<em> (cough! MARK! cough!)</em> I will not be offended in the least. It bugs me as much as it bugs you, folks, so have at it! Please!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>8)</strong> I don’t like the taste of chocolate with mint. Except for like 1 York peppermint patty per year. Or some crushed up candy canes on top of my fudge. Or chocolate mint mochas once or twice a year. Or mint chocolate chip ice cream which is one of my favorites….waaaaait a minute!!! I am realizing as I type this that the above fact is untrue. <font size="5">I DO like chocolate with mint apparently!</font> Eureka! I just don’t like Andes mints. Or too much mint. Or those mint hershey kisses. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Okay, really, let me try just a small bite of your chocolate mint offering first, please, thank you and no offense.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SXZWa0_seis/VJTAYbcAiqI/AAAAAAAAWKI/C2inzPIX4F4/s1600-h/4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tydeCg37uKs/VJTAZS74TaI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/pnuPGSrIKQw/4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="467"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>9)</strong> I’m in my robe by 3:30 in the winter. This is also not really a secret to anyone who has come over after 3:30. I think the neighbors must think that I have a chronic illness or something. So hear this: I’m not sick, I’m not fresh out of bed (I wish!), I have my clothes on under my robe, I’m just chilly. And my robe has awesome pockets.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>10)</strong> I wear a mouthgard at night. See? I’m still actually a <font size="5">giant fox</font>! Poor Brian, I try to wait until he’s sleeping, but the thing is that his children make me so stressed out that I clench my jaw at night. So this could all be construed as his fault. </font></p> <p><font size="4">During the day it soaks in a bowl. Filled with denture cleaner.</font></p> <p><font size="4">What? </font><font size="5">Its recommended by the manufacturer!</font></p> <p><font size="4">60 really is just around the corner for me.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xMQ3OgPevjw/VJTAbPuNH6I/AAAAAAAAWKY/hVYgJ8VpPX8/s1600-h/DSC_0129%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0129" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0129" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-onkh7LUYB6g/VJTAcDoWtLI/AAAAAAAAWKg/zTYi_CeE7Mo/DSC_0129_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="428"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7063543737186349943.post-53828029860082517102014-12-18T15:23:00.001-08:002014-12-18T15:24:43.279-08:00Reminders to Myself (and maybe you too)<p> </p> <p>(unrelated pictures from my solo mama cookie-baking-craziness last weekend. It was really fun, but thank goodness for Dora. Oops, I mean BOOKS.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-688aB6fgmZg/VJNhqslj_xI/AAAAAAAAWFI/yZLNouekCi4/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mtmAvTRmurw/VJNhrbEL1RI/AAAAAAAAWFQ/0sbUvGsGZvU/DSC_0029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="390"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eIAtymawjzw/VJNhsHgdGwI/AAAAAAAAWFY/LTWTUr8Guy8/s1600-h/DSC_0031%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_XPXnaKVUA0/VJNhs1Yb8qI/AAAAAAAAWFg/CMQX84G04YM/DSC_0031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="417"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I </font><font size="4">dumped out baskets upon baskets of laundry on the floor, making a mountain of things to be folded and put away. Again. Again, again again.</font></p> <p><font size="4">I rested my head on that warm mountain for a moment and I thought, </font><font size="5">“Its okay Caitlin, love. It won’t be this hard forever. I promise.”</font></p> <p><font size="4">I whimpered a little, and then got back to work.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPsCR3Gyu6kzCcDi_ejBuZXUg54WOYfCI8bxCT244iNPEjQRAGr065_8QyTQfKIwl23O8wImPHdVFbA5Mboe7cyZtMiG7Vx64bPrV7Au0u9b3Rb__HQ_GrQpth7AvGImp3c6HL-g5DWc/s1600-h/DSC_0032%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-67pXHt9h8Dk/VJNht55J0lI/AAAAAAAAWFw/4TSBJvbFXxk/DSC_0032_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="575" height="401"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_SWGMPPOSZg/VJNhutuSgFI/AAAAAAAAWF4/ZMav0VyCXKk/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n7cDTRVVKms/VJNhvd-e1tI/AAAAAAAAWGA/J3kGLgToGvA/DSC_0036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="433"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">“The days are long but the years are short”</font></p> <p><font size="4">“This too shall pass”</font></p> <p><font size="4">“It goes by too fast.”</font></p> <p><font size="4">All of these things point me to the truth that this season, though it feels oh so very very permanent, IS NOT FOREVER. I guess. I guess?</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5kGGZ5Ow0_k/VJNhwLCQ0II/AAAAAAAAWGI/bfseSY6Dqho/s1600-h/DSC_0040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0040" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uVd6jbA51h4/VJNhwlsPD_I/AAAAAAAAWGQ/5Z_8o4oy9h0/DSC_0040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="270"></a></font></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A1_-d0vivXE/VJNhxV7ZYPI/AAAAAAAAWGY/Vt7tInTruNA/s1600-h/DSC_0041%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hKud-Am9JpE/VJNhx7_cT0I/AAAAAAAAWGg/WCL3uSACaso/DSC_0041_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="361"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Some day I won’t remember that I was sick the whole 2 weeks leading up to Christmas Break 2014. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6L_vT6AWs_M/VJNhyU_v8-I/AAAAAAAAWGo/eRkp3g7Q_lQ/s1600-h/DSC_0057%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0057" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0057" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T1b40vP2PR8/VJNhywtdElI/AAAAAAAAWGw/T1e3DrnkQ0g/DSC_0057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="592" height="413"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Or how every night I would tell my big boys that they were NOT going to get to watch movies before school…only to change my mind the next morning for 20 more minutes of sleep for sick Caitlin while Joseph asked, “Why do you keep changing your mind?!?”</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q2kOQZrnKbY/VJNhz-fYYLI/AAAAAAAAWG4/x_TgHjuWFqo/s1600-h/DSC_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0048" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pJEEsyn11Qo/VJNh0R6h5_I/AAAAAAAAWHA/6PJh7q0oogE/DSC_0048_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="587" height="410"></a></p> <p><font size="4">I won’t remember the broken ornament stash that Isaac revealed to me under the couch.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RGPO_Gv1I-4/VJNh1QgjjiI/AAAAAAAAWHI/BdPTp11t_wU/s1600-h/DSC_0050%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w5cZWoo4l-I/VJNh1_PD1LI/AAAAAAAAWHM/fGPHYR-XaUQ/DSC_0050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="639" height="446"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Or the plate of sugar cookies that he had hidden in the upstairs closet. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yCr9XnFfdps/VJNh2bfVgII/AAAAAAAAWHY/fx9-v0spgMI/s1600-h/DSC_0046%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0046" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YkknKJkyTHY/VJNh20BT7oI/AAAAAAAAWHg/rl1PzM_XhY0/DSC_0046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="408"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And maybe not even how Samuel wants back into my uterus immediately and heaven forbid that I might want to do anything without him attached to me.</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FKg00xXU_bc/VJNh3hdUiBI/AAAAAAAAWHo/g2RPJwfH1Gc/s1600-h/DSC_0051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0051" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g0omdoxJMPo/VJNh4Ic3dmI/AAAAAAAAWHw/KfrofgxZ2j8/DSC_0051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="559" height="390"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-drUXyZBMzZo/VJNh4gm52yI/AAAAAAAAWH4/O2nJF1eq8wY/s1600-h/DSC_0054%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0054" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-475DtAOXDtE/VJNh5bv2RvI/AAAAAAAAWIA/16Wz3wmLgrQ/DSC_0054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="568" height="396"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I won’t remember how tired I used to be. I will say that I was tired, but I won’t remember how it FELT. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Or how I felt like I did the same 5 things over and over and over day in and day out (wipe, sweep, feed, wash, discipline. In case you are wondering.)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2tNtZqCr4x4/VJNh50kLYpI/AAAAAAAAWII/ZZR5x1rW_SU/s1600-h/DSC_0064%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jil-NnEGhiY/VJNh6nUsZOI/AAAAAAAAWIM/AhQRzRvLF-w/DSC_0064_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="571" height="399"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nha3WfiqJw8/VJNh7DiTGsI/AAAAAAAAWIY/0FHftSf4H18/s1600-h/DSC_0066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w_KdV69asds/VJNh7yki06I/AAAAAAAAWIg/Dg9z_hbZoZI/DSC_0066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="595" height="538"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">I will only remember the joy of this Christmas season- my favorite season!- with three enthusiastic, starry-eyed little boys!</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mn0ylBqxA0E/VJNh8facauI/AAAAAAAAWIo/I0hOHm__eQg/s1600-h/DSC_0074%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0074" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KRxP7bcoME8/VJNh81K2IJI/AAAAAAAAWIw/acC78QW21GI/DSC_0074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="589" height="411"></a></p> <p><font size="5">Thank goodness.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6T_OK6y86P0/VJNh9hyl-fI/AAAAAAAAWI4/ZjvbscxAwOE/s1600-h/DSC_0076%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0076" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0076" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NBfhyghkk6o/VJNh-UPOHCI/AAAAAAAAWJA/jUAQPj7kLAE/DSC_0076_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="418"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581232345782115891noreply@blogger.com2