A full day

It has been a full day. There was a small amount of cleaning done this morning and some prep for our outing to the zoo. I had a quick appointment with the doctor to get drops for my eye (woke up with pink eye) in an effort to keep my kids healthy. Then we ran a couple errands on the way to lunch with some friends. After that it was off to San Diego to see the animals and their Christmas lights after dark. The boys all seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a nice time with friends. Husband and I are now exhausted. Must rest while I can since tomorrow is another fun filled day.

Muffins

I am not a creative baker. It's true, I don't follow all recipes to a tee (ok, most recipes) but I try to stick fairly close. I bought some pomegranate seeds at Fresh and Easy on daily special and I wanted to make some muffins with them. The only problem is I didn't want to use oil and I'm out of applesauce. If I didn't have to take the three boys with me, getting applesauce might not be that big a deal. Since I didn't feel like making a trip to the store, I started looking on-line for some ideas of what to do. That's when I came across the idea of mashed beans. The author of a blog post mentioned using mashed kidney beans, and that's what I decided to use. I combined a few recipes from my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book and here's what I came up with. 

Oatmeal-Pomegranate Muffins

1 c. flour

3/4 c. oats

1/3 c. wheat bran (can use flour if you don't have this)

1/3 c. + 2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 beaten egg

3/4 c. milk

1/4 c. mashed kidney beans (I put some no-sodium canned kidney beans in the food processor and let it go until they were a goo. This is in place of the oil).

About 1 c. pomegranate seeds (I used a 5.3 oz container from Fresh and Easy)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease/line muffin tin. 

2. In medium bowl combine flour, oats, wheat bran, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 

3. In another bowl combine egg, milk, and mashed kidney beans. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients all at once (make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and dump the egg mixture in). Stir just until moistened.

4. Fold in pomegranate seeds. 

5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each two-thirds full. Bake for 15-18 minutes (mini muffins take between 10 and 15 min.) or until golden brown a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 min. Remove from muffin cups and serve warm.

*I would probably add 1 tsp. vanilla to this. I didn't because it wasn't called for, but I know it would make it that much more awesome. They have great flavor and are very mild. If you add just a smidge of whip cream (I gave the boys about a tsp. to dip their muffins in) it adds just the right amount of sweet.

Sunshine

Yesterday was a hard day. This past week has been difficult. And yet, I love that there are always reminders of how difficult times don't mean all is lost. Despite all the issues with behavior and whatever else these past few days, I am beyond blessed. My life is full of sunshine, even when a few gray clouds may find their way into my line of sight.

I picked my mom up from the airport. I love her, and after seeing her for a matter of minutes, things seemed suddenly sunshine-ier. I know that when my husband arrives in a few days, things won't be able to get any brighter.

Sunshine Moments:
- While at church today the boys were in their class and I was in mine. I rarely have time away from them and it was nice to not be distracted by them.
- I tried to remember to play with H and focus on the two of us enjoying things together instead of getting on his case for being slow about eating (we had McDonald's for lunch). His smile was worth it!

- The twins were hugging each other and holding hands and playing in their own little world and I soaked up the love that I doubt the will always be so willing to show the world.
- I read a comment on yesterday's post that reminded me everyone has days like yesterday.
- The boys all napped today on the way to pick up my mom. I had an hour (that I would have loved to have spent napping too) to think about all that is/has been going on. It was a blissfully quiet hour where I was able to listen to my music.
- My mom bought the boys playdoh for their birthday which I know will entertain all three of them for at least an hour tomorrow (it's the miracle toy for my busy bunch).

Small things that add up to big smiles. Little rays of sunshine that break through the gray clouds I sometimes focus on. Blessings I sometimes forget about, but love to be reminded of.

Blog your heart

I'm struggling. My Grandma H. is in the hospital (she's doing better) and I am helping out family. I struggle daily with my boys. They're all very stubborn in their own ways, but usually they cooperate. The past several days that has not been true. I've been staying at my Grandma W.'s house and it is not very child friendly. There are cups with pens, scissors, emery boards, pins/needles, nail clippers, etc. around the house. There are lots of pretties that shouldn't be touched. Everything is on their level and most of it is not for their hands. H has been especially difficult the last several days. He's been defiant, disrespectful, and doesn't listen; and I'm struggling. It already seems that nothing I do works with him (he's 4 and there are days where I feel I'm already want to give up, how am I going to make it through the teens?). I can say that here the everything I already do is used up faster and the extra that I find to do to make him listen still doesn't seem to help (if that makes sense). He has no fear. He's not afraid, or respectful, of me. He doesn't listen to anyone (grandparents included), and I here I sit on the verge of tears. I don't know how I went from a child who listens and people compliment me on how polite he is to a child who is rude and doesn't do as he's told. I know he's 4, and I know he's a boy, and I know he's at an age where he's trying to be independent, and I know he just wants to do what he wants to do, but I don't feel like I can handle it. That frustration and despair is made worse because we aren't at home and it requires me to be even more firm on things that might not otherwise matter. I don't know what to do. I'm at a loss. I feel like a terrible mother. I'm frustrated and angry. I just want a break, but there isn't one to be had. I'll be here for several more days, and while I know my mama will be here tomorrow, and my husband will get here Wednesday, that still leaves a lot of days in between before I can just have a moment for me. There are projects I planned on getting done that remain unpacked and unfinshed/unstarted. There are places I'd like to go or things I want to do, but it isn't conducive to helping my daddy. I just have to hold out a few more days. Here's hoping that, when the time comes and we go home, it will all be better in the future. Here's hoping I can make a few more days. Here's hoping this struggle makes me stronger and doesn't kill me.

To make me happy

After a long day, where most of the afternoon/evening was spent as a battle of the wills, H woke up and came to me after being asleep for a couple of hours. He said he wanted to make me happy and make me laugh and then he made some silly faces. I did smile and laugh. Moments like those give me hope. Despite current frustrations, he's a sweet boy and I love him!

Two Doubled

J and G leaving the hospital

Monday the twins turn two. I am at a loss for how quickly time has passed. I look at new babies, ones that were bigger at birth than the twins, and I have a hard time remembering how small they felt and were. I look back at pictures of them. They were so tiny (5 lbs 13 oz and 6 lbs 3 oz). Now they walk, talk, run, climb, color, etc. If you can show them they can do it. If H does it, they want to do it. Life is still so wonderful and amazing for them.

In the past few months both boys have began talking more. They say: hat, shoes, socks, head, nose, cheek, ow, H, G, J, Mama, Daddy, Becca, Sadie, Seth, please, thank you, ball, dog, cat, cheese, balloon, and train. There are more word sprinkled amongst these. They seem to be more opinionated about their food now. As always, they are sometimes opposites (G likes pineapple and J doesn't prefer it) and then when I tell people that they switch it up on me (J ate pineapple on Thanksgiving). They make life much more active and interesting. They cling more than H did at this age, I think. They love each other and I love watching them interact. They love H and want to be with him doing what he does a lot of times, but they also have moments when they want to be alone. They still sleep in the same bed and most of the time can be found all cuddled up together.

A year old

They are part of my joy. I couldn't have forseen how wonderful life would be with my three boys. I remember laughing when I found out we were having twins. I didn't know what else to do. There are still times when I have no clue what to do, but life is better with them in it.

Two years old

Thirty?

Last Monday I turned 30. It is insanely weird to say that. I don't generally think about my age, but given that it was a "milestone," I decided to think back on the last 10 years.

2001 - I was a junior in college.
2002 - I was a senior, and I had started dating the man I would marry for the second time.
2003 - I had been married for 2 weeks and either had or was getting ready to have my wisdom teeth pulled.
2004 - I was going to school and working part-time.
2005 - I was working 2 jobs, one as a substitute teacher and one at the local community college.
2006 - I was a first year teacher and pregnant.
2007 - I was a new mom and getting ready to go back to teaching at a new school where my students had only known the substitute that started the year for me (at the time I thought that was the most difficult thing ever).
2008 - I was teaching and a mommy (it seems so easy now).
2009 - I was ridiculously pregnant and crazy huge (the twins were born a couple weeks later).
2010 - I went out to eat with family and friends. I had3 boys, and H ordered broccoli (strange little 3 year old) and devoured it like a dinosaur eating trees.
2011 - I still have 3 boys, an amazing husband, and the best friends. I think this year was the most celebrated I've been in the last 10 and it was wonderful. We all hung out at our house and had dinner. They surprised me with a cake, sort of (H told his daddy not to talk about cake or he'd be in big trouble, that was a hint that there might be one hidden somewhere). There were a few presents, but that wasn't the best part; I loved being with friends and family. I loved the connection. I loved the feeling of community and that we were all connected.

Here I am beginning a new chapter, I'm 30 and I plan on doing my best to continue on in a similar manner to what I have. Hopefully I'm a little wiser and more patient with my boys. Hopefully I can better enjoy life and family and friends. Hopefully I'll continue to think it's weird that I'm 30 because I don't feel like getting any older. 

Good Friends

Last night was a reception for my sister-friend and her new husband. They got married two Fridays ago (11/11/11) in a small ceremony out of town and were holding a reception for those in our area. It was crowded. So many people wanted to come and congratulate them. I know they were happy to be able to celebrate some more and visit with all those people.

For me, the night was good (poor descriptor, I know). It started at 6pm and Husband had to work, so I was toting 3 hungry boys with me. The ate and found some toys at the party, so it wasn't bad, just effort. The best part though, the part that made me smile the most, was spending some time with another good friend of mine. She was able to leave her little man with his daddy at home and help me out with a couple extra hands. We both dressed similarly (which might seem unimportant until you learn that we both seemed a little more dressed up than most). It was nice to look nice and hang out. She even gave me an early birthday present (a sparkly bracelet). Silly little things but it was so nice. I loved spending time with this friend.

The three of us, my sister-friend, this friend, and myself, were best friends in college. Over time we've all been in different areas of our lives, but we've tried to keep in touch. My sister-friend and I have always been close (relationship, proximity, etc.), but this other friend and I have always been close in a different way. Often times we've lived in different areas of our city and have had conflicting school/work schedules. But whenever we get together, it's like we pick up where we left off, nothing has changed (except maybe our age). Now, at this point in our lives, it's like we're living an almost exact life. We both stay home with our children, our husbands work for the same company (different locations), we deal with the same things. Spending time with her means I have a friend who gets what's going on; she understands so much more of what I'm feeling and vis-a-versa.

While good may not be the best descriptor for last night, I love that it allowed me time to celebrate two wonderful friends in my life, friends who make it better and make me smile.

Giveaway

There is a giveaway going on over at To Go Into the World by an amazing artist named Mae Chevrette. Her work is beautiful. If you visit her blog there are several chances to win. Here's a picture of what's up for grabs.

8 years

Yesterday was mine and Husband's 8 year anniversary. Time has flown. His sister was so sweet and watched the twins for us while H was at preschool so we could have a few hours together. It wasn't a "normal" anniversary date, but it was fun. We ran a couple of errands, went to the gun range (he's been trying to take me for years), and then we went to get some lunch. It was so nice to be just us. I loved having time to chat without kids interrupting the conversation. It is amazing how quickly a trip to the store can be without unloading and loading three children, pushing a cart full of said children, and trying to get them to sit down and keep their hands to themselves. After our little outing we picked H up from school and spent the rest of the day as a family. We hung out, had dinner, and then the little ones went to bed and we had some cake and ice cream. Super fun day. I'm glad it was traditional. I couldn't have asked for a better present than time with Husband (it's all too rare) and family time.

Yay for 8 years. I'm looking forward to at least another 64!

Costumes: Superman & Dino/Dragons

H decided he wanted to be a superhero for Halloween, from there he settled on Superman. Because I'm cheap, I told him it was fine as long as I made the costume (sometimes being cheap is a curse). Anyway, I am pleased to say the costume turned out well and he liked it (the most important part). He was an adorable little superhero.

Next on the agenda were costumes for the twins. I was going to make them lions and fluff out their curls. It would have been cute, but I saw a picture of a hoodie with dinosaur/dragon spikes on the back and it changed my mind. I went to the Dollar Tree thinking I would go with whichever I could find materials for (again with the cheap). I ended up getting a couple of t-shirts to use for the lion costume if the 6 receiving blankets I bought for the dino/dragon costumes didn't work (I changed from hoodies to p.j. type outfits). Thankfully, it worked, and they were super adorable. According to H, G is a dinosaur because he's blue and J is a dragon because he's green.

J and G

With my sister-friend - we were getting ready to get some candy

Blog your heart

A couple things on my mind and heart the last week or so.

- Someone my husband knows died recently in a car accident. I'd met the man once before, but didn't really know him beyond that. He had a wife and child (the child is the same age as our oldest). Every time I think about them my heart breaks. I can't imagine life without my husband. Everyday he goes to work, and thankfully everyday he comes home. I know his job comes with risks, and usually I don't give them a second thought, but after this accident (which was not work related) I find my mind wandering to the risks more often. I know he does everything he can to be safe, but I want to grow old with him. I want to be like that couple that died together holding hands after 72 years of marriage.

- Babies. I have three of them. I want more, but I don't know if we should have more. I don't know if now is the right time. We've talked about adopting (even before we had children) and I don't know if we're going to do that either. Husband would prefer to have more soon rather than later, and I understand that, but I don't know what to do. I love my boys, and sometimes I look at them and think they are just the right amount. They are active and full of energy and all of them always seem to want me at the same time (making my lap seem just a little too small). Then there is the part of my heart that looks at them and wants more. I love the idea of a big family. Of course, you throw our family joke of triplets is next in there and I'm not sure how I would hand three at a time. One was easy (he was an easy baby), two was interesting (they're still easy babies for the most part), but three...I realize the odds are very small that we'd end up with triplets, but we weren't expecting twins either. I'd much rather be mentally prepared for three and be amazed at the easy of going back to one.

So there it is, life and death crowding my thoughts when I'm not thinking of the present moment. Thankfully, the present moment takes up a lot of time because with 3-5 kids running around our house on any given day, time moves very quickly.

Life's random bits

Okay, I've been extremely terrible about blogging for the last month or so. We went on vacation, and I planned on getting back into the swing, but I haven't. I've thought about it, and then done nothing (much like my journaling issues sometimes). The intention was there, the follow through wasn't. So, here are some random bits of life for the last few weeks.

We went on our family vacation to Texas and Oklahoma. This is something we look forward to every year. I love visiting with my brother and his family, my aunt and cousins, and Husband's grandma (and other family if time permits). We drive, which is interesting with three active boys all under the age of four, but it wasn't bad. There was a lot of stopping, swapping books/toys, movie watching, napping (less napping than anything else of course). It was a good trip. As the boys get older I look forward to this more and more because they will start remembering things. We can take them places (in addition to family homes) and have them enjoy and interact with those places. This years extra stops included a model train museum, train ride and pumpkin patch visit, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Tx, parks throughout NM, and the train in Kingman, Az. It was a lot of fun.

Hotel stays

Can you see the family resemblance?

Harold's Model Train Museum (Tyler, Tx)

Husband and H

At the pumpkin patch

G, H, and J with Mema H.

Mine and my brother's kids

G, H, and J with Great Grandma G.

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Tx)

Santa Rosa, Nm

Kingman, Az

Coming back we had a few days before jumping back into work. It felt (and still feels) so good to be home. Husband went back to work and I started babysitting S again. She seemed excited to see the boys after our two week hiatus and they have been playing like brothers and a sister since. She really stands up to them, which is funny to see since she's smaller and younger than all of them. She doesn't take any flack and J is a lot more possessive of her and wanting to play with her since our return also.

This past weekend we had a visit from Husband's parents (always a nice thing), I had a bridal shower for my sister-friend, and there was a birthday celebration for our nephew. Today is baking day (before the zucchini goes bad). Husband is excited about that because he loves this new carrot-zucchini bar recipe (substitute apple sauce for oil, add 3/4 cup oatmeal).

It feels good to be back in our routine.

The Boys Are Back in Town

My boys are back home. They were only gone for about 36 hours, not TOO long; just enough to be missed and give me a break. They went to visit the multitude of grandparents that live a few hours north of us. I'm glad Husband took the boys, they haven't visited with those grandparents for a few months. I had to stay and babysit, and that's okay. I had a chance to relax, to watch a movie, to get some sewing done, to fold clothes once instead of multiple times before I put them away. I had a chance to get the house looking better (not as good as I could - I was lazy). I had a chance to just be me. I loved my break, but I love my boys more. It feels good to have them all home. I love that I am back to hugs and cuddles. I love that they want me. I love that this house has life in it once more instead of being so quiet.

Sidewalk Art

When we visit our Alma Matar (down the street), we usually go in the back way (it's faster when we walk). I noticed this sidewalk art around Sept. 11th.

Ps. 118:8 - It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (NASB).

It's still there. It's interesting. It's in an out of the way corridor, one very few people ever go and I wonder why they chose this place. I wonder a lot about this particular writing; what made them decide to do this, why did they chose that verse, how old were they when this happened, and the list goes on.

It was on my mind, so I thought I'd share.

1950's Housewife

Today was a 50's themed bridal shower for my sister-friend. I got the idea for the theme from my cousins. It turned out nice, there were about 12 people who showed up (counting us). Very family oriented. The best part was seeing those who chose to dress up.

Back when I started planning this several weeks ago, I thought it would be easy to dress up for the shower. I planned on wearing a button-up shirt, skirt, and apron with pearls. Well, Thursday I tried on the skirt I was thinking of and it didn't fit like it did when I bought it. Turns out I didn't have an outfit, and I was throwing the party. Friday I decided I would make a skirt, a simple one. I looked up tutorials online for simple skirts and circle skirts. The circle skirt was big in the 50's, but you need a zipper and I wasn't in the mood for that effort. I decided to do a simple gathered skirt, two rectangles for the front and the back and a rectangle for the waistband. Easy. Things are always easy until I do them. I measured my waist and how long I wanted the skirt. I did everything right, except I didn't think when I cut out the front and back rectangles. They were 26 in. (length) by 53ish in. (width). Now, had I been thinking, one of these rectangles would have been plenty for my skirt; I didn't need two. I wasn't thinking and I went ahead and began sewing. I even made sure there were no raw seems (every now and again I decided I want to do this). Then came time to attach the waistband. There was so much material I couldn't gather the skirt. My basting stitch broke and I didn't care. I knew it wouldn't work to try and sew all those gathers. I decided to do a box pleat (a tutorial I had seen explained them). This worked like a charm. I'm glad to say it wasn't difficult, just time consuming because it's one of those things that have to be exact, you don't wing it. So, when all was said and done, it took 3-3 1/2 hours, but the skirt is awesome. I love it and I felt very 1950's housewife making it the night before.

TERRIBLE picture of myself, so look at the skirt.

Front

Pleats

Closure (upper left)

Back

Tuesday

Early morning (G was up at 5, H at 5:20, and J at 6). Okay day until nap time. Lack of sleep last night and at nap time made for a grumpy me since 3ish. I hate these days.

Edited to add: This evening has been better. My sister-friend came over and watched the boys while I walk/jogged (mostly walked) 2 miles. It was good to go exercise and it was good to be away from the boys for a bit (something that happens very rarely). I'm so glad today is ending in a good way.

Sunday's over...Monday is here

The weekend is over. It's back to work (of sorts). I find it funny how it feels like work never ends for me, and it doesn't, but with Husband working weekends normal ideas of time don't seem to apply to our family. The break comes during the week when he's home and can wrestle with the boys. Small moments of sanity for me wrapped up in the chaos of running and wrestling.

I'm struggling with life right now; with my ability to complete the tasks I need to and wanting to do what I want (without much success). I know we make time for what is important, and I'm trying. I don't feel like I'm succeeding much. Right now "I'm trying" is going to have to be enough...

The boys are growing so quickly. H loves to play and read. He wants attention constantly. One of his favorite ways to play is pretending. He makes friends with every kid he meets. G is a Mama's boy. He wants to be held and watch before jumping in and playing. He loves to climb and jump. J is more outgoing (though he has been clingy lately). He willing gives toys to his brothers and S, which is nice to see.

Embrace the Camera

It's been so long since I've done embrace the camera. I've been taking the pictures, but not posting them. Then again, I haven't been posting much lately. Here are a few from yesterday, including one of Husband and J that I love!

Husband and H

G and I

J and Husband

J and I

Linking up with the Anderson Crew.

Blog your heart

Stephanie, from Just me, My Soldier and our 4 little chicks, posted a challenge today to blog your heart. She mentioned a post by Ali Edwards that I happened to read this morning. So, here is my attempt at blogging from my heart.

Life has been a struggle lately. I find that with Husband's new shift (that he started in July) things still haven't settled into the routine that they were before the change, and it's frustrating. He had Sunday's off and now he doesn't. I think this has been one of the most difficult parts of the change.

The boys are growing and changing daily. The twins still don't say much, but they like to surprise me with a new word about once a week and they jabber a lot, especially when it's time to lay down for nap/bed.

H is stubborn (only to be surpassed by J, not sure what I'm going to do with that one in the future). I love him. He is very obviously his father's child (and I love that too). He's all boy. We butt heads a lot. I've been doing better about working on that, but the lack of sleep due to sick babies over the weekend brought me back to our starting point. I just have to remember, tell then make. No yelling, no threats, no questions - tell, then make!

I've been terrible about journaling, blogging, being creative for the last month. I want to. I think about it. Nothing happens. Part of that is me being tired (what will I do if we have more kids?) and part of that is a lack of time. One thing Husband and I need to work on is giving me time away from the kids (or the kids not in my space when I am in the dining room being crafty). I need a break and I don't feel like I'm getting any.

I started babysitting S again (she's such a cutie). I think there was a little adjustment on both our parts. It's hard for her to be the only one at home and then come here with the three boys. Thankfully she's an easy baby and she's doing great. They all love to be together and I love to watch them interact.

Well, I think that's it. I could babble-type forever. Life right now is hectic and tiring. My house is a disaster (except for the boys' room) and I get dinner "made" most nights. I'm glad I'm not working outside of the home right now. I can only imagine how much more tired/frustrated/etc. I would be.

Aspargus

I love asparagus. I know I'm strange, but I do. It's been on sale lately, and that means we've been having it more often; I've also been finding new ways to cook it. My favorite thus far has been baking it after tossing it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lots of parmesan cheese. So yummy!

A few days back I also found a recipe for baked parmesan tomatoes. I had to make it, and I bought all of the ingredients, but it took me a few days to get it done. These tomatoes are AMAZING! It's like a cheese pizza without the crust, but you don't miss the crust (and that's coming from a carb loving girl who never says no to bread). Absolutely wonderful.

Baking goodies

A delicious, "healthy" dinner

I love....

I love that the weather is cooling off again. It means that my boys can play outside more. More than that, I love the J loves to pick dandelions. He picks the yellow flowers, tries to blow them (he knows something is supposed to happen), and gives them to me (which is the sweetest part). He's not even 2 and he's picking flowers for me. I hope this phase never stops!

Sunday Morning

It's Sunday morning again, the beginning of a new week. Husband got home from work and slept all night in the chair (had I known I would have made him get up - his excuse: I fell asleep there). Still, I'm glad he got some sleep. The boys are fed, clean, and dressed for church. I'm getting there.

I'm fairly excited for this week. School starts (not that my children go to school) and that means S is coming back to our house. She's grown so much (eating solids, crawling, standing, cruising, etc.) and I know the boys will have fun with a new playmate in the house.

I'm hoping to get a Home Organization binder set up this week (mostly today) and try and do better with keeping up on household chores, dinner, time for me, etc. I have several crafts I want to finish, but I haven't been managing time well. I also plan on starting to do some homeschool preschool for H starting next week, so I've got to get all those schedule issues worked out this week too. Throw in lunch with two good friends on Wednesday and it is going to be a FULL week. Time to get started.

My First-born is 4!

I don't know where the time has gone, but my "little" H is now 4-yrs-old. We had his party on Saturday, and since then I've been telling him he's 4. He keeps telling me he wants to be 3.

It is so hard to believe that he isn't that little 7lb 4oz baby I had in the hospital. He's a 30lb little boy. He runs, jumps, and climbs. He's super active. He loves his brothers and he loves to wrestle/boss his brothers. He can be a huge helper in every  way possible. He talks constantly it seems (unless the t.v. is on). He makes connections like crazy, and he never forgets (an elephant was the perfect animal to pick for his nursery). He makes my life busy, crazy, hectic, and wonderful. I cannot imagine life without him, and I wouldn't want to!

My favorite picture from the hospital 

3 months old

6 months old

10 months old

1 yr.

2 yrs.

3 yrs.

4 yrs. 

H's Birthday Party

Today we had H's birthday party (he'll be 4 on Monday). We had a few friends and family over. I'm happy with how it went/turned out. The kids did well. H did well. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

I "made" some shirts for the kids to have as favors. I found shirts at the dollar store and then use freezer paper stenciling to paint a train on them. Those seemed to be a big hit, and some of the children even changed and wore them at the party. I was glad the shirts all seemed to fit and everyone liked them.

A couple smaller shirts 

The big kid shirts

After being washed

H's

The next project was the birthday banner. I decided I wanted to do one (no idea why, thought it would be cute). I used the same train outline (from here) and printed it on colored cardstock. I love how it turned out. H liked it...and then he didn't care. :)

Last was the cake. H saw this cake on pinterest a few months ago and said he wanted it.

Click on picture to be taken to maker

Not too difficult, right? Yeah. Here's mine. Nothing like the original, but it was good enough for H which is all that matters...that and it tasted way better than it looked.

Anyway, the party was fun, the kids (and adults) enjoyed themselves, and we all took long naps when everyone left.

It was all I could do to get him to wait until everyone arrived to open presents.

Z

Outside fun