Celebrations & Adventures

We've been on the move so much this summer...well really, since it 

has been warm weather... and truthfully, I'm having a hard time keeping

up lately...yeah, I know... of course I should be...I'll be 7 months pregnant

with this little lady on Monday...it's to be expected.... but how do you explain that to these 

little faces? So when the sun is shining... (or sometimes even when it isn't) we are on

some kind of adventure... I have to admit...by nature I am not the most kid-centric person

... I mean that I am not naturally the kind of person who is on top of what is 

the "coolest" and most creative way to entertain and teach kids...but I have made

it a point to work on that...and I have come to realize that it's like any other "muscle" it works better

the more you use it.

So we have been learning together.

Exploring together.

Experiencing chocolate ice cream cones melting down our arms, together.

Swimming on our backs together.

Pizza in the park on a Sunday together...

I have learned to be a kid again...in a way

to show them how to be a kid too...

because some of that is "learned" too....or at least prompted.

Kids can relate a lot better to an adult who takes

themselves a little less seriously than "normal"

...one who doesn't mind running through the rain

... splashing puddles all through the parking lot 

and then shopping for groceries with still-sloshy 

shoes... streaking your hair with wacky colors 

because its unofficially wacky hair day...

and I am learning that.

Slowing and gloriously learning.

...and really why do I have to be such "a big deal" that I can't make 

silly memories that my children will look back on and think...

"man my mom was pretty crazy...but we had a blast...and she never

held back."

Now, this 4th of July I will probably hold back on the water slide of doom

...since I don't think this baby bump would appreciate it very much (hahaha)

but it doesn't mean I'm not going to try and eat the heck out of a red, white & blue

snow cone... or squeal like a kid when the fireworks go off...that I can do.

...and I'm not altogether sure why I felt the need to "talk" about this

other than maybe I'm not the only person... the only mom who maybe

struggles here too...and who is possibly learning the same lessons...

and maybe I want to remember this someday ...all of it...

Happy 4th of July friends.

dance in public with your kids (and probably

embarrass your spouse) ... get powdered sugar all over your 

face from the most giant funnel cake on the planet...

have a picnic and enjoy your family today.

Enjoy it.

(sorry guys, I realize that this is a poorly placed stick...lol

but he's two so let's quietly giggle about it together, k? )

17/43: Secret Weapon

 It amazes me how "into" something my kiddos get...like here, for instance...

I could have marched to the moon in a fluorescent green space suit

(there's a visual) and these two would have no more than flinched...

why?

because of my secret weapon...

Elmo.

Boys,

I love how, no matter how big you have gotten, you are still the best of friends.

I can tell you that it makes this momma, your momma, very happy.

I love to see you two give hugs and kisses, high fives and pats on the back.

I love to see you two sharing your lives.

I am so thankful to have the chance to share my life with yours.

One of my favorite things to do is watch you two dance..

this is a daily event...and it never gets old.

Watching music and rhythm work its way into your being...

that is magical. If there were a million and one ways to say I love you it wouldn't

be nearly enough.

You two are my best buds...and my daily companions...

You kiddos bring out the kid in me...

and you've given me the opportunity to do things I have long since outgrown...

to relive the fun of childish happiness...that is a gift in itself.

You are my happy.

Luca

My big teddy bear... you continuously put smiles on my face...you are the most verbal little boy your age that I have ever seen... You crack me up with your silly phrases and saying all the time!!! Your favorite phrase this month has by far been, "Oh for the love of socks!" hahaha and I giggle every time I hear you say it. You have come to the realization that you can say you are "afraid" about anything you don't want to do and it stops me in my tracks.... I wonder what mine was when I was his age? I smile to myself over it more than anything... You have drawn your little fingers off with your new chalk set (that was a stocking stuffer at Christmas) you have almost every paver covered in my back yard...and I hope it rains before we have company hahaha...I love to see you create...even if it is at the expense of my yard. You love blowing bubbles in your milk and proclaiming,"I have a milk 'stache momma!" hahaha I am so pleased at how independent you are becoming...you instruct your little brother well (most of the time lol) and you effortlessly tell me how things make you feel..

never lose that. it is a special gift to be able to express your feelings...all too many people have taught themselves how to not do that anymore... Your favorite recipe we cooked this month was Shrimp Scampi...and I would have never believed it...!!! But I am so glad...you are in a picky stage at the moment. I love it when you call me Momma Robot...and when you put bubbles on my nose at bath time... I love the way you say, "momma, I just love you..that's all."

I love that when you see me crying, you give me a hug and say, "momma I know you miss Grandma Sallie."....because you always know ...

and I cannot for the life of me understand what I did to deserve

such a precious gem like you.

But oh am I so thankful.

Canaan

my bright-eyes little one...I am amazed everyday by how much you progress, by how quickly you learn. You would think I would be used to it by now, but I am in awe just the same way I was with your big brother. This month you have wanted more momma time, and I am so happy to see that finally happening...you want to be held more, cuddled more and loved on more...and I just soak it all up! You have been really into reading your books as of late and we have been pouring over your baby's first books and early readers too! One of your favorite words to say is 'bird" and that just makes my heart so happy to hear...after all, you are my bird. You want to do and learn everything your big brother can do... and I love watching you try...and helping you when you realize you aren't quite old enough to do some things. You are, I am convinced, the perfect sleeping toddler! (I hope I don't jinx this) You go to sleep right away and only get up maybe once every so often. Who does that? You're amazing! I love your gutsy giggle, and your big dimples...how you think there is a frog in your belly button...and in everyone else's belly buttons too. I love watching you clasp your hands for bedtime prayers...as soon as I say, "bedtime"....I love the way you put my head to your chest and hug me tightly... everyday at nap time....

I love every little kiss you give me...because you haven't known how to for very long.

I just love you.

Love,

Momma



Oh! Boy : Gift Guide #2 For the Older Boy

Per request,

here are a few gift ideas for the (slightly) older boy

ages 4-6 would probably categorize these gifts best.

So, if you have a little man, or know someone who does in

this age range...there are plenty of goodies to go around!

My Luca leans toward the more artistic side...so many of these gifts reflect that...

he also loves to read, and listen/create music so....I did create this board with

him as a guideline...but each shop I have linked has many other gifts suitable for

a boy with any interest!

Hope you all like this board! Let me know if you have any feedback/questions, etc.

or if you would like to see another board/genre like this one!

Happy last minute shopping (I know, slap me hehe)

everything listed above is linked here:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Boy Threads....

I know you mommas are with me when I say it is slightly more difficult to find nice, stylish and yet affordable clothes for our little boys...Now, since I don't have a little girl I may be slightly biased, but as a girl myself, I never have trouble shopping...its the men (and boys) that seem to all be slightly boxed up in this little world of fashion...there just aren't that many choices....

That said, when I find a great shop, line or lead for awesome baby boy, little boy or even big guy clothing....yep, you guessed it!....I wanna share!!!

What shop is that you ask? Well KLT works of course!

This shop ladies and gents has some adorable clothes for the boy ( big or little) in your life....and just in case you were wondering....Nope, I am not getting paid for this little plug....I just want to support a very worthy shop!  Since (naturally) we love the birds around here....many of these designs (like the owl toddler tee) is a big hit at my house!!!

not only does she make all of these products by hand, but she uses a lot of organic materials in her products...which I love!

No kiddos? That's ok...she makes clothes for adults too! Wanna know more? Just click on the link above to take you straight to her shop!!!! You know ya want to!!!

Now....you'll have to excuse me.... between kicky ball and snack time...a bomb just happened in my house :).... I did say I have boys ya know !