Moments

I've now typed several paragraphs trying to put my feelings into words. I suppose some things are simply too big for words.

The feeling I had yesterday, as I rocked my son before his nap, was too big for words.

I was overcome with gratefulness.

I haven't always been able to share my days with three of my favorite people. Yet, it's something I frequently take for granted. So, yesterday as I snuggled with my son, overcome with emotion, I knew I had to somehow record the moment.

Even if it was too big for words.

Maybe if We Were Clowns

Do you know the scene from a circus or a cartoon of several clowns piling out of a tiny car?

That is what came to mind as I observed the three, count 'em, three car seats my husband managed to cram into the back seat of our car. I should mention that our car is a Ford Focus hatchback. It has four doors. Because we traded in the two door one when we were pregnant with Ann. We thought four doors made a family car. Funny, huh?

Our other car is a minivan. We need to take it in for some maintenance tomorrow. So, we needed to see if all the car seats would fit in the car in order for us to have transportation for the next day or so. I told my husband not to worry about it, but, I think he liked the challenge of fitting the car seats in the small car.

And that is why I had visions of clowns. It made me sort of chuckle. However, I quickly stopped laughing when my husband suggested we take the car on our upcoming road trip to Colorado.

Let me just say that gas prices would have to at least double before I considered a ten-hour trek in a tiny car with three little ones. Some things are just worth the money.

For the Record

We can now add a chunk of granola bar to the ever-growing list of items my three-year-old has inserted into her nose. Lovely.



Now, how in the world do I get this otherwise very sensible girl to stop doing this, if the pain alone hasn't done the trick? Crazy kid!

Three Little Words

As a mother of young children, I spend a lot of my day reminding them of the right thing to say.

I'm always urging them to say words and phrases like "please, thank you, I'm sorry, and I forgive you."

Of course, there is nothing quite like a child's first clear utterance of "I love you." Even if the first time he says it is to his daddy.

Yesterday was Chris' first time to say these sweet words without our help. He said them first before his nap time. The second time he said them was before bed last night. According to Tony, he said I love you and went on to say the name of each member of our family.

I have a feeling that no matter how many children you have, those sweet words never grow old. Like a baby's grins, those words seem to make all right in the world, even if for a moment.

Not the Only One

I'm not the only one with full hands around here.

Ann, Chris, and Jane, you sure are blessed to have such a wonderful daddy.

Seeing Red

We finally finished our painting project! Well, we finished it nearly two weeks ago. So, maybe I should be writing that I finally posted a picture.





This is my view of the kitchen from the chair where I frequently sit to nurse Jane. Glancing at my red kitchen always makes me smile. For whatever reason, I've always wanted a red kitchen. I've also wanted a kitchen with a black-and-white checkered floor. I think we can all agree that it would be a mistake in this kitchen.



Here is my favorite touch. I found it at Kirklands, while enjoying a morning out with a friend.





And, now, won't you please share any ideas you have for decorating a kitchen. I know the picture above isn't the best, but the wall space is pretty bare. I don't have much space, but, I would like to add a few items to finish the look. Any suggestions? What works for you?


Happy Friday!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Friday night, the five of us went to a our city's minor league team's game. The outing was planned by a group at Tony's office. We thought it sounded like something our entire family could do. Since the children are still so young, opportunities like this are a bit rare. We were all excited to go to the game. It was the kiddos' first live baseball game.


We worried it might not happen. As we were driving to the ballpark, the clouds darkened. Then, the rain started pouring. Tony and I decided we'd at least go get dinner.


Here are Chris and Ann waiting for us to finish unloading the van. Due to a certain 3-year-old girl's dramatic tendencies if she experiences the slightest discomfort, such as getting wet, we let her ride in a stroller. We hoped the stroller canopy would prevent the princess from getting wet.
We must have made quite the entrance with our little stroller brigade. Though I was tempted, I didn't ask anyone to take a picture of us and all our baby gear.

Fortunately, as we headed into the ballpark, the clouds started breaking up. While we ate, blue sky reappeared.


Tony and Ann enjoyed hot dogs and coleslaw.

Chris was also happy to have a hot dog, but, he was most enthralled by Tony allowing him a few sips of pop.


After dinner, we noticed there was a playground in the stadium. We headed over there where Ann and Chris also took turns jumping in an inflatable bouncer. (I'm not sure why I can't remember the name of those things right now.)




Here is Jane taking in the sights and sounds. Isn't she the sweetest?

We were sure we'd never get Ann and Chris to leave the playground. But, after playing for a while, they were ready to go sit and enjoy the the game.






Of course, by enjoy, I mean they were ready to repeatedly spread out their blankets on the grass. I have no idea what it is with my kiddos and spreading out blankets or beach towels, but once they get started, they do it over, and over, and over again. Weird, I guess?


They also spent most of the game staring at the other children around them. Typical, I'm sure.


Baby Jane spent most of the game in my arms.



Once the mosquitoes came out for dinner, we packed up. I couldn't even tell you what inning it was. I can, however, tell you that the sundaes we ate at Sonic, after the game, were quite delicious.


It was a fun evening of family time. I hope it was only the first of many more adventures for the five of us.