Homesick

My sister in law had their fourth baby early this morning. My brother called me this morning.

My first thought was "Maybe the kids and I should jump in the van and drive to Iowa. 16 hours is so doable."

I just want to snuggle that new little niece.

It makes me sad to think about when I get to meet her.

My cousin was up for homecoming queen last night.

I probably won't get to see her graduate either.

Living life far away from family is hard.

Some days harder than others.

Today is one of the harder days.

My Favorite Pancakes

I'm 50% Swedish. My dad is 100%. My mom says she got in his family because she had blonde hair and blue eyes.

My grandma, Elfie, was a great cook. She passed some of her skills on to both my mom and my dad. One recipe my mom still makes is Swedish Pancakes.

Most Saturday mornings, mom would make our family pancakes. If you heard the word pancake in our house, it was in reference to Swedish pancakes. I don't think we ever ate a normal pancake in our home.

When Drew and I would go home to visit when we were newlyweds, she would make those pancakes. We looked forward to it. Sitting at the dining room table in our pajamas eating as many pancakes as our bellies would hold.

It took me a few years to try to make them. And then took me a few tries to get the hang of making them.

Now, we eat them monthly. I like serving them for dinner.

I was so disappointed when I discovered Sage didn't like them. We thought he was not our child. Maybe he had gotten mixed up with another baby at the hospital. He is Swedish. He should like them. They are in his blood. He was adamant that he didn't like them.

But, last night. Last night! He declared he likes them. He likes them! He ate one. Levi ate one. Kolby ate three. I ate three. Drew ate four.

When Sage said he likes them now, I raised my hands in triumph. Levi copied.

We all celebrated.

I finally captured Levi's funny face! I thought it was cute that he had a piece of Swedish pancake on his nose. I didn't expect him to think it was so funny!

Here's the family recipe:

Swedish Pancakes

4 eggs well beaten
salt
4T sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter (about 6 tablespoons)

Beat in order given (use a hand mixer). Bake on a hot griddle. (We've always used a round cast iron griddle) Spoon a laddle full onto griddle. Tip and turn the griddle so the batter spreads out all over. Use a flat spatula to flip it over. When it is done, roll it up. Serve hot with syrup. It's not necessary to grease the griddle.

(For dinner last night, I tripled the recipe)

What's your favorite family recipe?

Life is Uneventful

I'm having a bit of writer's block. If I can call myself a writer. I just don't know what to say. I've sat down to write something many times and just look at the blinking cursor.

Blink. Blink. Blink.

Nothing. So I close my computer and go do something else.

Chalk One Up For...

"We don't achieve victory once, then never have to bother with it again, desiring to be Godly is the work of a lifetime."
-Beth Moore, Praying God's Word Day by Day

Quite honestly, I've been struggling with this lately. I desire to be Godly. But maybe I don't desire it everyday. Did I just admit that? Actually, I think I do desire it everyday but I don't want to do the work for it everyday. I want to achieve the goal and check, it's done. But, it's never going to be done.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9&10 (ESV)

I haven't written in a while, not because I haven't had words to say, or maybe I have had words, just a hard time expressing the thoughts mulling in my head.

We've had an uninvited guest rearing his ugly head in our house lately. Mr. Selfishness. Adults and children in our house have been affected. And by adults, I mean me.

This post sounded so much more eloquent in my head as I washed the dishes.

My friend suffered an ectopic pregnancy on Friday. I haven't been able to get rid of the thoughts of what could have been. How different my weekend could have looked. I praise God that I had a regular weekend, that she is home with her husband and kids. Selfishly, (see told ya) I'm so glad she's still here to be my friend.

A tree cracked in half in our neighborhood, landing partly on some parking spaces and a deck. No one was hurt, that I am aware. But, it made me think, we don't know when our time will be. When we'll get called home. Are you ready? Am I?

What would I have wanted to do today if this was my last? Did I do it?

I did some things today that I would have wanted to. But, I didn't do everything. I didn't tell my boys that Jesus loves them today. I didn't tell them that Jesus is the best thing in life.

I did read to Kolby, rock Levi and play Wii with Sage. I haven't spent enough time with Drew.

And that's my wrap up. I'm off to spend time with Drew.

Levi ~ 9 Months, A Month Late But Who's Counting

19 lbs. 12 oz. ~ 5oth percentile

29 inches ~ 90th percentile

size 3 pampers

size small Fuzzi Bunz

size 6 - 12 months clothes

started crawling right before turning 9 months

pulls up to stand

practices standing for a couple seconds

walks along furniture

has started to blow raspberries

bites my shoulder, cheek, leg, arm and the crib rails

wakes up 1 - 2 times a night

in the last week, he's learned to sleep through the night (this has been a draft for a while, I better not have just jinxed that)

things you've eaten off the floor:
cheerios
macaroni and cheese
taco meat

babbles mamamama and dadadada

signs "all done" with one hand

yells in protest when something is taken away

gives great big smiles to dad and reaches for him when he walks through the door

lays his head on my shoulder when we walk into the nursery or meet a stranger

so sweet and snuggly

Welcome!

You followed the link and found me! Thanks for coming along. Sorry I didn't give you more of a heads up! I got excited. Nealy showed me the light and the easy way to change things up without having to import a blog. Good thing I have smart friends!

I have to give props to my sweet hubby for designing the header. Didn't he do a great job?!

I love my new little space here on the ol' internet. I'm going to be doing a few more changes, hopefully but will stay in this little spot.

It only took me four years to make my blog more my own. I'm quick like that.

And since you came all the way here: Levi had his first taste of macaroni and cheese this afternoon. Off the floor.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

I'm changing things up here at Seagulls in the Parking Lot. You can see I've changed the picture and the background. I've just played around a little bit. With a little email help from Nealy.

The picture was taken in January by Drew's cousin, Molly. She does such a great job, we try to have her take them whenever we see her! And Levi was just a blob then so it seemed necessary to have more made. (did you catch that southern phrase?)

If I'm quiet, it's because I'm slaving away on a new improved blog. Drew might be helping a tad. I'll give you the address and kindly ask you to change your stuff when the time comes, hopefully in a week or so. I'm trying to import my blog and having a hard time, I keep getting an error code. But that's not what I'm here to write about.

I can't wait to show you what Drew can do! Maybe I'll hire him out. Okay, this is going nowhere. I do have thoughts floating in this head of mine. They just come the most when I am nursing Levi. And then they float away.

We're so classy...

We buy our wine and our art from Target.

And the Winer Is...

KELLI!!!

Yay for you! You win a dozen chocolate chip cookies made by me!

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That was so scientific since 4 of you entered the contest. I put the 4 names in a bucket and let Sage pick. He thought I might be crazy. Oh well.

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So, we were gone for 2 weeks. You already knew that didn't you? What gave it away, the fact that most of you know me in real life and kept commenting, I'm confused, are you home or gone? Or the fact that I scheduled a Wordless Wednesday post for Thursday. Oops!

We visited family and had a great time. I'm still catching up on sleep and laundry.

Drew came home for 4 days in the middle to work and decided it was a great time to paint our master bathroom. Well, part of it. We have 2 rooms, a shower/bathroom and a sink and vanity counter room. He painted the sink and vanity counter room. (That is not the technical term, I have no idea how better to describe it.) It's a coral color and I love it. But, now we're not sure what to paint the shower/bathroom room. I thought we would paint it the same color but he's thinking a complimentary shade. What do you think? Also, anyone know of a place to find simple, modern, cheap mirrors? Please do not say Ikea.

Like my laundry, sleep and bathroom, my mind is jumbled, not working real well. We're coming down off our vacation high. You know the one, where there is always someone to talk to and something to do or go do?

I'm realizing that my life is a little lonely here. But I'm also realizing it is a lot my fault. I'm so good at making excuses for not calling people. I always think people are way too busy to talk on the phone. I usually opt for an email or a text.

Or it's the feeling you get right after your done with a roller coaster. During the ride you feel so exhilarated and right after you get done you still feel rather excited. And then at the end of the day when your driving away from the theme park you're so tired. And the next day, you realize life just keeps going forward. Laundry piles up, dishes are dirtied, stomachs are filled and then hungry again, toys get dumped out and need picked back up.

Life is just so daily.

And Mothers Day Out started today except I didn't find out until 2:30. It was from 9 - 2.

Last night Drew said we need a vacation from our kids. Is that bad? To admit that out loud? We had a little bit of a rough night.

I might be the only mother sending my kindergartner to school wearing a pull up because he won't poo in the potty. I'm not talking about Sage. Or Levi. Although, someday I might. My track record with potty training is less than stellar. The thought has gone through my head that I shouldn't have more kids if I can't potty train the ones I've got.

Welcome to my head, thanks for reading the spewing mess that is me today.

Name That Photo Contest!

Leave your caption in the comments and I'll pick a winner on Monday. There will be some sort of prize... but I don't know what yet!

Wordless Wednesday~ Cars

We're in Trouble

Trouble. With a capital T.

See that train table? My dad made it for the boys for Christmas. That's not why we're in trouble.

See how there are three boys standing around the train table? Three? We thought that this would be our "safe place" from Levi for awhile. Not so much.

Mobile at 6 months and standing at 9 months. We call him super baby.

Sage was not quite this active and Kolby had just learned to roll over at 8 months.

We're not quite used to this kind of activity from a baby. We'll keep him.

Still Tired

I must need a baby fix this week. Or I'm just tired again.

Here's a post I needed to reread for myself and remind myself why middle of the night nursings aren't so bad.

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Originally published February 25, 2009

I'm tired. So tired.

It has everything to do with a certain little boy getting up often to eat or a need to be rocked.

My first flesh reaction is to complain. And boy could I!

And then I thought about how badly I would want to get up with him many times if something were to happen to him, if he was all of the sudden gone. And I realized that I need to cherish those moments. And think about what I love about getting up with him instead of the fact that 2 hours of continuous sleep isn't great.

I love watching him nurse so contentedly like I am the only person that will satisfy him at that moment.

I love when he is done and just laying in my arms so totally asleep.

I love when I pick him up to move him to my shoulder, he startles, and both arms go straight in the air, fists closed, knees pulled up to his chest, kind of like he is about to take off like a super hero.

I love when I lay him on my shoulder and his whole body is limp against mine, just snuggled in so content, so trusting and so totally asleep.

I love watching him after I lay him down in his crib as he finds the most perfect, comfortable way to sleep. His knees pull up under him and his little bum sticks up in the air.

I love kissing his fist.

I love kissing his cheeks.

I love kissing him.

I love him.

Getting up in the night isn't so bad.

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And here's the difference 8 or so months makes.

Now, I go get him and bring him to my bed.

I like to doze while he fills his belly.

I love to feel his little body all snuggled close to mine.

I love to kiss the top of his fuzzy head.

I love that his hand reaches out looking for my hand.

I love that he rests his hand on my hand which rests on his belly.

I love when he reaches his hand up and grabs my mouth.

I love when he pops off and I can take him back to my bed and go back to sleep!

Ya Wanna Know What I Realized?

I published Levi's birth story 2 weeks after he was born.

Only one person commented.

I realized it's because I published it for the day that I started writing it, November 11, one day after he was born. So, it went to that spot instead of the top where other people would see it!

Funny me. Hey, I had some things going on!

Here it is again. For those of you who haven't read or heard it already.

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You read the doctors office story from the morning of November 10th.

So, I knew I was having a different doctor deliver me and I was fine with that. This would be my first ob-gyn experience. With Sage and Kolby, I had a midwife. Very hands on. In the room most of the time. Nothing monitoring me. No iv. Not the case his time.

I had to wear two monitors, one for the baby's heartbeat and one for the contractions. I understand the baby's heart beat, they want to monitor it to make sure it doesn't dip or anything. Except that the baby kept getting lower and lower and hard to keep the monitor in the right place. Many times the nurse had to come back in and rearrange the monitor.

The contraction monitor just allowed Drew to see how painful the contractions were or weren't and when they were coming. Except that it was a little behind my pain level. He figured it out pretty quickly. And, I don't understand why my contractions needed monitoring but what ever, I could handle it.

My first iv. I had to get my first iv. I understood why they wanted me to have it in, "just in case" I needed an emergency c-section. I get it and I was okay with having it. BUT. I didn't realize that after the baby was born, it would most definitely be used. They put some saline mixed with petocin. So, all night long, my uterus was contracting. And it was painful. Keep me awake painful. I would not have agreed to that, but it was already done and started. I hated the whole iv experience. I even thought to myself "I can't wait for my labor to pick up so that I don't think about the iv anymore." And then I found out I had to keep it in.

So, those were the things that I didn't like about my experience.

And now from the beginning. We took the boys to our friends house and got them settled for the evening/night. As an aside, they did so great.

We got to the hospital a little bit after 4 pm. We did paperwork and waited for the doctor to come and break my water. She got there and broke my water about 5:25. I was at 4 cm. And, we waited. Drew and I thought that immediately contractions would come fast and furious. That was what happened with Kolby, so of course it would happen this time too, right?! Not so much. The first hour, contractions picked up but nothing too horrible and they were like 8 minutes apart.

Pitocin was suggested at 6:15. I declined and said lets see what's happening at 7. By quarter to 7, I was at 7 cm.

Contractions got harder. I mentioned not doing a natural delivery next time and that this would be our last child. Drew told the doctor that historically we're really close when I say those two things.

I told myself many times to pull it together, get myself under control. Also, this was the best labor and delivery that Drew and I have done together. He was so encouraging and loving. The other two labors, the midwives or nurse really "took control" of me and keeping me focused. Drew and I really connected this time and when I opened my eyes, his face was the one I was looking for and his voice was the one that I listened for. He said the right things at the right times and I know I fell more in love with him during the labor and then watching him with our new son, amazing.

I remember one really bad contraction. And then, a lull. I even said "What's this, the calm before the storm?" And it turned out to be just that.

The next contraction, I was pushing. He was coming and there was no stopping him. Except for the nurse telling me not to push. I screamed instead and asked why. The doctor didn't have her gloves on yet. Then she told me to push, Drew told me how great I was doing. And two pushes later and he was out.

They set him on me, told me to kiss him and whisked him away. All the while, saying how big he was. We got him for an hour, he nursed and we both cuddled him and then they took him to the nursery for observation for 4 hours and took me to my room to settle in for the night. I didn't sleep until the nurse brought him back to me.

I can't believe it has been two weeks already. The pain of his delivery is still so fresh in my mind but my body is healing so quickly. Women's bodies really are amazing.

The Dinner that Wasn't Meant to Be

I started making dinner with a napping baby and two boys watching a video.

I finished dinner with a screaming baby and two boys running around in circles.

In the middle of making tomato basil soup as I pureed the tomatoes with the basil and tomato juice. I covered the top of the blender with some paper towels so the hot soup wouldn't jump out to burn my hand and splash all over my cupboards and counter. I must have pushed too hard because I heard a bad noise. The kind of noise that makes you turn off the garbage disposal really quickly. Except I wasn't running the garbage disposal. It was the blender. I took my hand away and saw that the middle plastic part had fallen into the blender and gotten itself blended. The chunks of plastic that were missing were impressive. It also rendered my blender useless. And since there were plastic chunks in half the soup. I decided not to continue.

I had pureed about half the soup so I decided to forge ahead. I can improvise, I thought to myself. I'll just add half of the whipping creme and half the butter.

It worked.

I moved on to butter 10 slices of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches.

I realized I didn't have quite as much cheese as I originally thought. I prayed for the cheese to be enough. (No, I'm not kiddding. I really did pray that. What?)

It was.

As I started putting the bread and cheese on the griddle, bread started sticking together causing me to add butter on top of butter.

I burned the first side of the grilled cheese. I forged ahead flipping the black sides of the grilled cheese.

I stopped reading my book so I could really concentrate on not burning this side of the grilled cheese. After all, it was the side that I was planning on serving to my family.

I didn't burn it.

Bellies were filled.

Tomato Basil Soup

4 cups tomatoes (8-10) peeled, cored and chopped OR
4 cups canned whole, tomatoes, crushed

4 cups unsalted tomato juice

12-14 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 cup whipping creme

1/2 cup butter

1/4 t black pepper

salt to taste

Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes over medium to low heat. Cool slightly then place in blender. Add basil and process to puree; this will need to be done in batches. Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat until cream and butter are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil.

All Better

The Lord heard your prayers and answered yes! Thank you friends.

Kolby is much better. Yesterday, he perked up a lot. Begging for cereal.

We're dealing with the other end, but I can manage that.

Except on my floor.

Or my pants.

But you don't really want to hear those stories.

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Abrupt change of subject.

Remember my craziness? Well, we finished them.

Kolby ~ Sage

I plan to hang them in our dining room. It was a lot easier than I thought. Mothers Day Out and Sunday School have taught them well. I'm thinking this would be a fun project every summer. Then I could keep adding them to the wall. They're definitely cheap decorations!

I'm pretty proud of them.

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday, the Lord was good. Kolby didn't throw up anymore. He ate water, toast and part of a banana.

I got the floor mopped and the laundry done.

Last night, he slept through the night.

Levi didn't.

I was trying to get a few more minutes of sleep and Drew got up with the boys.

Kolby was so thirsty. He downed a glass of water.

Then he threw that glass of water up.

The Lord is good. I didn't have to clean it up.

So, today, we start over with small sips of water. If all goes well, we'll move on to toast for lunch. If that goes well, he'll get toast and a banana for dinner.

Sage and Kolby are watching Tale of Despereaux.

Today is packing day.

My Plan B, God's Plan A

I heard once that God doesn't have a Plan B.

That comforts me.

Especially today as I had planned to mop the floor, do the laundry and clean the bathrooms. And take the boys to Chick Fil A for lunch and to play.

But at 2:45am, Kolby cried after throwing up. Fortunately for me, Levi had gotten up just a few minutes earlier and I had brought him to our bed to nurse him.

Drew dealt with the chunks. And very well I might add. He helped Kolby and then started the wash. Right as he climbed back into bed, I put Levi back in his own bed. And we both tried to settle back to sleep.

A weird noise made Drew fly out of bed and run to Kolby. I had thought it was Levi. Once again, Drew started the wash and changed the sheets. This time I gave Kolby a bath and settled him back to bed.

We got back in bed and started to dose again. Levi cried out. We listened to him for a few minutes and he settled himself back to sleep. (That is so not normal. I need to start letting him settle himself.)

Starting to dose again, Levi started up again. It had really been about an hour. I decided to nurse him again.

And then Kolby cried out again. This time, Drew got there in time to hold the bowl for him. Less clean up. He climbed back into bed. Levi finished but was wide awake. I tried putting him back to bed. It was only5:45.

He yelled on and off until 6:30 when I decided to call it a morning.

Kolby slept until 8.

The floor may not get mopped, we aren't gong to Chick Fil A, instead the tv will be on all day, I'll be wearing a pony tail, t-shirt and running shorts. Although, I don't plan on running. Unless it's to the toilet.

We'll do extra cuddling. Hopefully I can sneak in laundry loads. We're scheduled to go on a trip Saturday morning.

Pray for our family. Pray that the rest of us don't get sick and that I can get us packed and the house in order.

It's funny because at the end of last week, I decided I should pray four our family's health. In light of our trip and all. My kid rarely get sick but I felt it pressed upon me to pray anyway. I did. But I guess the answer was no. I wonder what he wants me learn from this?

Lord, help me to see what you want me to see. Help me to be patient and kind. And Lord, please let the kids only throw up when Drew is home. It just totally grosses me out.

The Big Finale

Skirt week came to a close on Sunday. Monday and today I've worn shorts.

I can't think of a great reason that I stopped taking pictures. I got bored. No one seemed to care. But here, in words is what I wore.

Thursday:
Red Old Navy skirt
White Slub Tee from Target

Friday:
Gap A-line jean skirt
Shirt (From Nordstrom junior department) a creamy white color with a pretty collar and flutter sleeves

Saturday:
a skirt like this, but heather gray
And, say it with me, a white t-shirt from Target

Sunday:
Khaki A-line skirt from Banana Republic
Black Limited shirt

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I caught Sage eating his booger. It isn't a rare occurrence. After I scolded him, I asked him, in a disgusted voice, what they taste like.

Sugar!

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Levi turned 9 months old yesterday.

9 months in, 9 months out. I can't believe it has gone this fast.

He has 4 teeth. 2 on top and 2 on bottom. 2 more are coming on top.

He belly crawls all over the house.

He has successfully crawled up 4 stairs. (Under Drew's watchful eye. I wasn't home.)

He pulls himself up to everything. This morning, I said to Drew "Soon, he's going to start cruising."

This afternoon, I watched him walk his way down the couch.

I'm not ready for that. Doesn't he know that he's my baby? I'm not ready for my baby to be growing up so stikin fast.

I wonder if I need another baby. And then I wonder if my baby/pregnancy craving will ever be satisfied. What a weird thing to wonder. I guess we have always said 4 or 5. God knows. And that is good enough for me.

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I'm going to take a blogging break. Maybe. Probably. Check back. Or don't. Whatever.

Yesterday's Outfit

Top: Merona slub tee
Skirt: Old Navy

Finally! One thing not from Target.

I'm not taking a picture of my outfit today. It is a skirt. I feel like I cheated. I didn't cheat, I just feel like I did. I wore a gray Old Navy skirt just like the black one above. And an old Yale t-shirt. No make-up. But I did shower. So, no picture.

I should tell you what made me think about doing this week challenge.

I went to a women's event at church where they wanted us to meet new women and chat. They had questions sitting on the table for us to answer. One question was, "What would be your dream job?" I said "I always wanted to be a stay at home mom, so I guess my dream job has been achieved. BUT, if I wasn't thinking of my kids or husband than maybe a job in fashion of some sort. I know I'm wearing a t-shirt and jeans..." And kind of giggled at myself. I knew that I wasn't dressed super cute or really hadn't tried that hard. The woman sitting next to me said something like "Yeah, when you said that my eyes got as big as saucers!"

My reaction was to laugh. But it did stick with me.

And with that thought in my head, I decided to try to dress cuter. Today, I failed. I didn't dress cute. In my head it was cute but it ended up looking different in reality.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Day 2 with a 5 year old photographer

Today we went swimming and I didn't shower and get dressed until nap time. But, since Bunko is tonight, all is not lost.

Merona (code for Target) skirt
Merona (again code for Target) top

It might be most interesting to see if all my clothes come from Target. Maybe I need to get out more.

I did discover, through another blog, Gock's Frocks and would love to own one of her handmade yoga collection wonderland skirts. Just dreaming, not buying. Thinking of how many different colored shirts I could wear with that. I just know I would wear it at least once a week, if you haven't seen me and hopefully, I won't run into you somewhere unexpected!

Day 1

Today was easy since I usually wear a dress or skirt to church. This dress is from Target a couple of years ago. I haven't been wearing many dresses because of the difficulty to feed Levi but since it buttons all the way down, this one works well.

My brother Brad, is super excited that I'm doing this and can't wait to participate. Everyone go over and say hello! Love ya, big brother!

A Dress A Day

For 7 days.

It's my new challenge to myself. I'm going to wear a skirt or a dress everyday, starting tomorrow and ending next Sunday.

In my head, I love skirts and dresses. I like the way they look better than t-shirt and shorts. But for some reason, I tend to tell myself that when all my kids are about 2 or 3, then I will start wearing them everyday. But I want to change that!

I'm going to try to take a picture of my outfit everyday.

Now, for the disclaimer. I don't wear heels. They look great. But I can't walk in them. My outfits, although they will be skirts will still be very casual. I'm just a casual kind of girl.

Do you want to play along? If you do, tell me in the comments and I could try to figure our Mr. Linky or something like that, so we can see each other's outfits and get inspiration!

After Rain Adventure

After the rain, we decided to go on an adventure. Sage and Kolby decided rain jackets would be best to protect them from all drops.

Mom and Levi braved the weather.

We headed straight to the pond to feed the ducks and look for frogs and turtles. We'd never actually fed the ducks, but the fish and turtles appreciate us.

There were a few drops so I tried to protect Levi. He thought it was more fun to pull it off his head.

We started by not scaring away this lone duck. He ate the bread if it was placed right on the bench. Notice Kolby's flashlight (his left hand)? Just in case.

More ducks came.

And more. We were so excited. We had never fed one duck before! And there were four!

One turtle came to play. The ducks didn't let him get any bread. A few fish would jump up and get the bread too.

After this, my camera battery died.

We never saw any frogs.

We moved on to search for puddles.

We found some by the pool and more along the side of the street.

At first, Sage didn't appreciate the mud seeping into his crocs with the rain water.

But, he got more into it.

Jumping. And splashing.

Kolby preferred to step lightly.

Until.

I saw a huge crack of lightening.

We hurried home.

Happily.

I Might Be Crazy

We're doing yellow, orange and red today. Blue and green will follow later in the week. Maybe. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Somewhat clean. It's the after the fun that gets me. The bad attitudes after we do something really fun. And it took way less time than I anticipated.

I'm hoping to hang them in our house.

My Heavy Heart

I don't know where to begin or how to explain.

It started with sweet Stellan going back to the hospital last Friday.

We had a busy busy weekend and I was not online. I prayed for them whenever the Lord brought them to mind. Which seemed to be often. I woke up today and found out that he had gotten worse. And continued about my day praying.

We went to eat lunch with Drew downtown. Got home, tried to get everyone down for naps. Levi thought his 15 minutes in the van was enough. Got on the computer. Stellan is being airlifted to Boston. I don't know what the plan of action is or if there is one. Lord be with them.

I checked my email. And read an email from my husband about a 9 month old boy who had fallen from his high chair, been taken to the hospital to be checked and everything looked fine. The next day, he just wasn't right. They took him back again. Pneumonia from food being lodged in his throat for too long. It came back up causing him to choke and be without air despite CPR. They took him off life support today.

My mind and heart are trying to process. Except my mind can comprehend but my heart hurts. My mind knows that the Lord is good. My heart sobs.

Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord.

My mind feels guilt.

My heart cries.

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, O Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness

Psalm 86:6-7
Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
for you will answer me.

Psalm 61:1
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

Can I just say?

That these are the bangs I am obsessed with?

Can I have those? I don't think so. I think my hair is too thin.

What do you think? Tell me, honestly. I can handle it. I want to know. My hair is just so boring.

Hair Thursday

Remember when I was featured on Hair Thursday? Way back in February of 2008?

Well, I was. I went with option number one. I was ready for a change. A big change. It wasn't cute.

I blame myself. I went to a new stylist. I didn't have a regular stylist and I was told she was really good. She cut it way too short. Anyway. You have to give me credit for cutting it.

So, Sarah James, who writes Hair Thursday was on Rachel Ray. And guess who else was on their?

That's right, yours truly.

Click here to watch the segment. Look for me at minute marker 1:12 or around there.

Before

After

And now I have to clarify, this is after the stylist fixed it. It just got worse when I tried doing it myself. Man, those were some short bangs. Well, hello nose.

Week Wrap Up

I am so glad today is Friday! And we have nothing on our agenda for the day. Sage requested the pool so after Levi naps this morning, we'll hit the pool, swim, have some lunch and then my favorite part of the day, naps!

This week, we participated in the Houston Project. Sunday, we got to the site at 3:30 to set up for a carnival. There were bounce houses, face painting, ring toss and other fun games. We got home at about 8:30 after we drove through McDonalds for cheeseburgers. And that began our horrible dinners for the week. Part of the Houston Project was serving dinner every night. Monday was corn dogs, chips and cookies. Tuesday was chicken nuggets, chips and cookies. Wednesday was hamburgers, chips and cookies. Thursday was pizza and cookies. There was fruit on the side too. My kids pretty much ate chips and cookies for dinner every night. The entree's weren't what they were used to.

Our site leaders have been in the process of adopting for quite awhile. A couple weeks ago, they got a call about a possible baby. They met with the birth parents and the grandparents. Nothing was decided or confirmed. Until Monday. And on Tuesday, they went to pick up their new little girl, 3 weeks old. We were ecstatic for them!

They had asked us to be co-site leaders. And we said sure. Thinking they would be there! Well, we jumped in for the week and God blessed our site. Everything ran so smoothly and flawlessly. It was so incredible to see the different parts of the body, the hands, the feet, the eyes, the mouth all work together for one purpose. Everyone that served was using their unique talents to serve the Lord and it showed this week. Seriously, Drew and I did nothing but walk around and talk to people. We really did nothing. Sometimes, I wondered why I was there!

But, it was all so tiring! We got home around 9 every night. And I tried to keep our days low key and make sure Kolby and Levi were taking good naps. And Sage was getting some rest time. But, it seemed like I wasn't getting any rest time!

Monday, we had a few errands to run. Target, HEB and Cinnabon (special breakfast treat for Sage's birthday on Tuesday). And then I had to make 4 dozen cookies. And fix breakfast and lunch and clean up. I seriously, didn't sit down until we got home that night.

Tuesday was Sage's birthday. So I tried to make it a little special. We had already celebrated with friends on Saturday. They came to swim and grill. We had 5 little boys (including our two) and it went really well. It was a lot of fun. We ate Cinnabon for breakfast and opened presents before Drew went to work. Sage got a fishing pole which was his number one requested item. Now he's patiently waiting for Saturday to go fishing with Drew. He also got a super cape and mask with his initial on the back. Kolby had won his for a poopy prize (which he should really relinquish but that's a different post) and they have been so cute playing super heros. I had bought them lunchables and told Sage we could go to the pool. So, it was a little bit of a special day.

Wednesday, they wanted to watch Bolt which Sage had gotten and Levi ended up taking a 2.5 hour morning nap so I mopped the floor. It doesn't look like I did anymore. Futile. Then I got an email saying there is usually a slide show on Thursday. That night, Drew taught me how to use Power Point to make a slide show. And that is what I spent most of the day Thursday doing. It was easy but time consuming. So the boys watched another movie. I even put Levi in his exercauser in front of a Praise Baby dvd. And I let myself off the hook for homemade cookies that night and bought them. While I was paying for them I realized why I make them. They're expensive.

And today, ah, I'm so glad it is Friday. And I'm looking forward to getting out of the house by myself tomorrow. Anyone want to join me?

FIVE

Dear Sage,

Today you turn 5! Happy Birthday buddy!

July 18, 2008, you accepted Jesus into your heart. I didn't write it down, I just kept that date tucked away in my heart. Four days after you turned four. I was getting ready for the day, you were sitting on our bed. You started asking about Jesus. And we ended up praying together. It was so sweet. I was ecstatic and called your dad. He was cautious. But time and time again, we've talked about having Jesus in your heart and you readily state that Jesus is in yours. Last Sunday, Miss Julie from Heartland pulled your dad aside and told him that you have a special gift and a heart for Jesus that makes her think you'll be a worship leader or a pastor. We pray you live passionately for Jesus.

Four has been a really fun year. You make jokes and understand jokes. You get sarcasm. You speak sarcasm. You finally understand my love language!

You're helpful. You're kind. You play well with others. Your hands must be clean at all times. A napkin to wipe them off will not suffice, it must be a wet wipe or wash cloth. But you eat your boogers.

Sage, I have joked with you that I don't want you to turn five. I have so enjoyed you being four. I like four. I can reason with four. Four understands when he isn't patient or kind or needs to control his anger or change his attitude. Four has been so good.

But, I am excited for five. I have great expectations for five. Four was good, five is going to be great.

I love you to the moon, back to earth, around the orbit, back to the moon and back.

Love,

Mom

What Our Morning Looks Like

The boys wanted to play outside this morning. In pajamas, socks, and crocs. And I let them. And took their picture. As I was taking it, Sage said "You're taking our soldier picture, right Mom?" They lasted two minutes before it got too hot in their soft pajamas.


And here's Levi. I fed him mashed avocado for breakfast and have kept dumping handfuls of Cheerios on his tray for entertainment purposes. You can see that by the third or fourth handful, he is unimpressed.


Since I started writing this all of five minutes ago, Sage is now playing Legos and he's kind of hungry. Kolby is out on the deck riding his scooter. He keeps sliding open the door. In the last five minutes, I've said "Shut the door." about 100 times. And Sage is so hungry. He's always hungry.

And now we're on to drawing pictures.

Our Second Fourth in Texas

This year, we didn't spend the fourth with our realtor and his family. Incidentally, that is the last time I've seen him and he's not a realtor anymore.

We did go to a barbque with some friends. We did grill burgers. I did not actually grill the burgers but I did consume a burger and chips and watermelon.

We did sparklers. And snakes. And snap pops. Some swimming. Levi may or may not have swam in an Ariel swim diaper. Beggars can't be choosers.

And had one or maybe two margaritas. Very good margaritas or margarita, for those of you who were counting.

We technically saw fireworks. But we were driving. So it didn't really count.

It didn't fit in my collage but it was too cute to leave out. Levi loves watermelon.

Happy 4th

Usually, I get a little homesick around the fourth. Where I grew up was so fun to walk around downtown and see fireworks over the river.

BUT.

This year, we are painting our bedroom, so my thoughts are consumed.

Hopefully, I'll post a picture on Monday. It probably won't be totally decorated. I still need some frames for some pictures but you'll get the idea.

Dear Dhavood,

Today is your birthday! You are five years old! Five is such a fun age.

I wonder what you're going to do, if anything to celebrate. I wonder if your birthday is just another day? I don't know the traditions of your culture.

If I were with you I would have a balloon for you. And a singing card. I would have presents for you to open. Cupcakes and an ice-cream cake.

I don't know much about you, Dhavood or much about what makes you, you. In the short time that I have known about you, I have fallen in love with you. Your sweet face.

I pray that you come to know Jesus. That you learn that He is your friend.

I hope that someday we can meet you, face to face.

And I would try not to cry. Too much.

Love,
Kristy

I took Levi to the doctor yesterday for his second non-well baby visit.

He's teething.

You would think that with my third child I could have figured that out. We were glad it is only his teeth and nothing more serious.

He's really throwing me through the loop. I can't figure him out. He's never been a great sleeper but he does go 8 hours sometimes. Unfortunately it is from 7ish to 3am. I was feeding him at 10 but didn't one night to see what would happen and he just kept sleeping.

I've tried not feeding him at 3. That doesn't go over so well. For him, Drew, me or the other two boys.

I even got a new book called Good Night, Sleep Tight The Sleep Lady's Gentle Guide to Helping Your Child Go to Sleep, Stay Asleep and Wake Up Happy. The jist is to let them cry while periodically going in to soothe them by patting or shushing. If you'd like, you can sit by the crib while they scream. Um, right. Gentle? Hmm. It is more like torture for my child. "Hey! You're here! You came to save me! Why aren't you picking me up? What is this patting? SHHH yourself! Pick me up!"

All 3 of my kids have woken in the night until they were about a year. This time I told myself we would just roll with it and let it happen. The problem is, I'm tired.

And. (Fair warning-Talk of nursing below!)

I think I have an infection. And it seems worse on the days that I don't get enough sleep. Which I would say we are at about 75% of the nights, he is up more than a desirable amount.

And, it hurts.

I have a call into the doctor. It is just taking a bit for us to connect to see if I need an appointment.

It has hurt for quite a while. Between the biting and the hurting, I've been ready to wean him. But then, it won't hurt and he won't bite and he's so sweet. And, it's free! A friend told me that it costs about $125 per month to formula feed. So, I made a deal with Drew. Every month that I make it past 6 months (since that is how long the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends) I get $75 in a lump sum after his first birthday. Pretty good deal, huh?

I thought that the more babies you have, the easier it gets. Or the babies are supposed to be easier babies. For some reason, that hasn't happened in our family. I joke that no one told Levi that he's the third child and supposed to sit happily in the corner and watch all the commotion. He wants in on every little detail.

And I still want at least one more.

I was trying to get Sage to pray with me for twin sisters but he says he'll only pray for boys. I guess I won't ask him to pray about it!

Why We Eat Together, as much as possible

Sitting around our table yesterday eating lunch, out of nowhere, Sage asks this:

"Why did God create the fruit if he didn't want Adam and Eve to eat it?"

Seriously? He's not even 5.

Too deep for my thinking, I turned it over to Drew.

Free Things We Do

1. Library Story Time.

2. Neighborhood Pool- we like to pack a lunch, do some swimming then eat lunch pool side. If you happen to see me dumping my water bottle full of pool water under the chair where Kolby was sitting, don't ask.

3. Splash Pad (I can't decide how often we'll do this. Levi and I got terribly hot. His poor little face. He has both his parents Scandinavian red face when he gets hot.)

4. Children's Museum. Technically, not free, but we have a membership that is already paid for. Again, we pack our own lunch.

5. The Zoo. Again, not free but paid for membership. Which I will not go back to until September. Or October. Possibly November.

Any other ideas that I'm missing?

Dear Grouchy Old Man,

It's a pool.

You're standing in 3 feet of water. Your magazine might get wet. You might get some splashes on you.

Deal with it.

Quit shooting my kids annoyed glances and shaking your head.

I know it has been a really long time since you were 4.5 but I promise you acted much the same way.

And remember, it's a pool. Say it with me now, it's. a. pool.

Lovingly,
The Mom to the 3 boys

PS. Sorry my 4.5 year old told you to get out of his way, please! That was a little rude, I talked to him about it.

Another Day at the Beach

Isn't this picturesque? Frameable even? Let's see what's really happening.

They're so cute. Does Levi have his hand in his mouth?

Boys! What is Levi doing?!

Yucky, Levi! I'm still framing it.

30 Day Challenge

My husband challenged me not to use the credit card for 30 days.

Here's the back story. He has had a full time job for about a year. Before that, he was in school. Undergrad, then he decided to apply for grad school. For a total of six years (our first six of marriage) we lived on a tight budget. By tight I mean, buying a ten dollar shirt was a big deal.

I think the past year both of us have let loose a little. And by a little I kind of mean a lot. We have money coming in every month! Don't read too much into this, we aren't in debt. (Not counting school loans and our mortgage.) What I mean is that we've been paying off our credit card every month. But we've also been dipping into our savings. Not good.

So, for the next 30 days we are hitting it hard. No credit. Which means, no swimming lessons, no new clothes, no new flip flops, no hair cuts and probably other things I can't think of off the top of my head.

The goal is that if we can do it for 30 days, we can do it for the next 30 and the next.

It's not like it is impossible. It's just that I am so very materialistic. Seriously, I don't want to know how many times a day I think a sentence that starts "I should get...". It would be disgusting. They aren't all things for me, I do think about things for the kids too. And they aren't things that I don't have. I want more flip flops, a new purse, more clothes for Levi (seriously he doesn't have that many- see how I justify things), more shorts, the list continues. And the list doesn't usually get shorter after I cross something off, I just add something else. It's a sickness.

I do want to start buying from more thrift stores. So, here's where you get to throw in your two cents. How do I take 3 kids to a thrift store and actually accomplish looking at things?

And, for those of you that live in Houston, any places I should go?! Know of a Goodwill that has all the good stuff?

Jumbled Mind

I come here to write and I have nothing. No words. Or not the words that I want to write.

I want to write about the bird in our chimney and how Pedro (my hero) got it out. After I convinced him that there was indeed a bird in our chimney. And how scared Sage was. And how it might have been because I told him he was the man of the house since Dad was at work and Papa was sleeping. Oops. And how after Pedro gave be a disbelieving look that there was a bird in our chimney and how he was going to have to open the flue to see and I hurried the kids upstairs with Nana and how Sage ran up the stairs like someone had promised him candy for getting there first. And how before Nana, Kolby, and Levi even made it up the landing the bird had flown out of the fireplace, into the fireplace cover, recovered and then flew smack into the huge window and fell to the floor. And how Pedro nonchalantly got his hankie out, picked up the bird while I opened the front door and then he let it fly away.

I want to write about Levi and his terrible sleeping habits and how I cannot break him of them. It is a viscous cycle.

And how tired I am.

And I just don't have the funny words to say them. They aren't coherent thoughts.

My fingers don't know where to start typing.

I want to tell you about the splash park that we went to this morning with 3 or 4 daycares. And how I would never want my kids in those daycares.

I want to tell you how Levi threw up twice last week, in about twelve hours, and I had myself convinced he was getting the chicken pox. But he didn't.

I want to tell someone but I'm just so tired. And then I wonder who am I telling anyway? Weird. I feel compelled to write these things. But for who?

I guess for my family someday.

Read this family, I am tired. Being your mamma and your wife makes me tired. And I love every minute of it.

One Proud Mama

Sage jumped off the diving board today.

Let me say that again.

Sage jumped off the diving board today into 11 feet of water and swam to the edge.

Let me say that again.

Sage jumped off the diving board today into 11 feet of water and swam to the edge, all by himself!

Weekend Wrap

My in-laws are here this week. And boy are we having fun.

Saturday, we took them swimming right away. Then had a relaxing dinner of Swedish pancakes, sausage, strawberries and blueberries. And you know the best part? I went to bathe Levi and put him to bed and when I came back the dishes were done and the kitchen was clean! It was a magic genie! Named Judy.

Sunday we went to church then to Pappasitos for lunch and got the best Coke that I've had in such a long time. I usually get Dr. Pepper. After drinking 4 Cokes, I told the waiter how incredible it was. And he brought me a 32 oz to go. And I almost finished it. That's kind of sick.

While the boys napped or at least tried. Judy and I headed to the Galleria. I love that mall. I love it even more when I don't have a stroller. I got a pair of new jeans that I am so excited about. I'm waiting to wear them on a date with Drew this week! Judy totally helped me get them. I call it my jeans scholarship. I had some birthday money and they were on sale. Judy found some capris she couldn't live without and after we left our first store, Nordstrom, we had both spent enough. But, we love to look so we kept going until we got called home.

Judy wanted to take the boys to Toys R Us to get them a toy, so that was on our agenda this morning. After checking out the legos, train tables, ride on cars, and drums, we settled on Nerf shot guns. They are pretty cool. James and Judy wouldn't buy them for their boys but are pretty willing to get them for their grandkids!

We checked out Steinmart too. I love that store. I love it more when I don't have my boys with me. Come to think of it, I love most stores more when I don't have my boys with me. Kolby is in the stage of needing to be contained, for my sanity, but desperately wanting to do what Sage does. And two walking boys means two boys that touch, grab and walk through clothing racks. Not exactly fun.

Then we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch. I am happy to report that we ate lunch and played in the play place without incident. I have avoided that play place for a long time because we just weren't doing well when we would go, bloody noises, and a tussle made me not want to go back. I am sad to report that I forgot that I had some books in the van to trade in for ice-cream.

James has been busy fixing the boys floor. There is a hole in the floor and he has to do something to the ceiling in the living room too. The good news is that our house is built pretty solidly.

The rest of the week, Judy and I will be trying to keep the boys out of the way and entertained. It is shaping up to be an exhausting week! And nap time is slightly messed up with the work.

False Alarm

I think we are safe to say we are not on chicken pox watch! Woohoo!

The little girl that did get it was apparently at her most contagious Saturday and Sunday. Levi was in the nursery with her on Thursday. So, we should be in the clear.

Drew's parents are coming Saturday for the week so I am so glad that we won't be dealing with a chicken poxed baby. We will get to enjoy all our previously scheduled fun. As soon as I schedule it.

Sage and Kolby are having a blast at VBS this week. Even Levi has done wonderfully every day. I was a little worried for Kolby and Levi. Kolby doesn't always love to go to class on Sunday so I thought everyday might be a bit much. But every morning, he has run right to craft time with barely a glance back. This morning, he did need an extra little hug. It was sweet. And Levi, he has done great! I've been sending a bottle of formula for him just in case I couldn't get down to nurse him. It seems he needs to nurse during the time I am supposed to be doing my center. Tuesday, I did feed him and then was so sad to drop him back off. He was too. I had been sending 4 oz bottles and today I doubled it and sent 8 and he drank 6!

I do miss my boys being away from them all morning. It makes me so thankful that we don't all have to get up and out the door every morning. And so thankful that I get to stay home with them. They're so sweet.

Things I Don't Want to Forget

• Sage told Drew he wants to be an author. This came about after Drew finished reading The Lord of the Rings for the night. Sage asked if we could make up stories like that too. And Drew explained it's called being an author.
• Levi was exposed to chicken pox last week. Nothing to do but wait.
• If you ask Kolby his name, he'll tell you, Bo. He is pretty adamant about being called Bo. Unfortunately, I got his backpack and lunch box monogrammed Kolby.
• His VBS teachers couldn't figure out why he was saying Bo for the say your name game.
• At dinner the other night, "I want to try asparagus because I've never had it before." - Sage

None of these warranted their own post but they are all things I want to remember someday.

VBS is this week and I am helping in the kindergarten room. It has been a lot of fun and totally thrown Levi off any semblance of a schedule. Last night, wasn't great. I doubt tonight will be either. All that equals a very tired mommy. And we're on chicken pox watch. I've just resigned myself to the fact that there is nothing I can do about it. I talked to Drew's mom who is a pediatric triage nurse and she said it could take up to 14 days to show up and that they wouldn't tell me to keep him home. My doctor's office said the same thing except they said 5 - 7 days. My mom agreed with my mother in law. And to her credit she is a nurse.

My brain is mush. I need to shower, feed Levi again and go to sleep.

Baby Jaws

Friday, Drew found out about the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Sand Castle Competition. We decided to go. Judging started at 3pm so we thought if we got there about 1, we could walk around, see them as they were being built and then the finished product. Plus, we were on the beach so it would be lovely, right?

As we drove, traffic got really heavy. We debated whether to turn around or not. We kept going. Then when we finally got to Galveston, we headed to the East Beach where the sand competition was held.

We didn't make it to the East Beach. Everyone from Texas decided to go. And we didn't care at all.

We found a different beach, parked our van right next to the beach and set up our little area. Seriously, our van was 10 steps from our blanket. It was awesome.

Sage ran right for the ocean. Drew followed close behind. As I finished getting sunscreen on Levi and putting him in a swim diaper, I asked if the water was cold. Cold, y'all. Anyone want to remind me that we were swimming in the Gulf of Mexico?



It was warm enough for the baby to sit!

Kolby was hesitant at first but after Drew showed him how to turn his body away from the waves so they didn't splash his face, then he loved it.






Sage learned to swim last week at swimming lessons. And he loved being able to practice in the ocean. And jump into the waves. I have to admit, it made me really nervous to be watching him from so far away so I didn't watch a whole lot. Drew was very close to him at all times. And he could touch.





He used a stick to bat the waves. Sometimes, he would yell "Homerun!"



We thought we would walk down the beach to the sandcastle competition. We didn't make it. It was a long way. Sage didn't want to get out of the water, Kolby couldn't stop throwing things or whatever he was doing. Then he started crawling in the water like Sage. And again, we weren't disappointed. The ocean, the breeze, the salty air, the smell, the sun all made up for it.



Just because he doesn't like to be left out.



This guy set up next to us. Drew asked him what he was fishing for and he answered, quite seriously, baby sharks. I thought he might possibly be lying to us and prepared to tell the internet with this picture what a poser he was. Like he was going to catch baby sharks.

And then he reeled in this:



I didn't take pictures of numbers 2 and 3. And then we left.

Not because of the baby sharks swimming by my boys feet, it was just time to go.

His 2 or 3 year old son may have thought I was the crazy lady after I ran at him yelling "Yucky, yucky!" as he drank from a McDonalds cup that had been sitting on the beach since before we arrived. His dad was a little busy.

We also got to see jelly fish and seagulls. Obviously, all was right with the world.



I needed this day so badly. It was so great to be away from the city and enjoy time with my family. Every weekend, I feel like I need a break so I go shopping. Because where else can I go? But this, this was so much better than shopping.

And next time, I will have a full suit so I can more fully enjoy the water with my boys.

I'm already planning next time! I can't wait!

A Preview of Saturday

First Freezee

Some may call these Fla-Vor-Ice, like the package.

For Love of Crocs

I love crocs.

For my kids, not me. I know they make cute styles for adults too, I just love flip flops more.

Back to my love affair with my kids' crocs. I love them for one reason.

They can put them on by themselves.

And a second reason.

I can clean them.

This spring I ordered crocs for the kids in neutral colors. Kolby got khaki, Sage got gray. They wear them everyday. Even to church.

But now I kind of want them to have a color. Orange for Kolby? Red for Sage? Green? I don't know. Black? They won't get them because, they already have a pair.

Sage told me today that crocs aren't shoes, they're crocs!

I can't wait to get Levi a little pair next year!

If loving crocs is wrong, I guess I just won't be right.