SMILE --or ham it up

Adventures in Motherhood

Confession time.  Sometimes I forget.  Sometimes when heading to check out at the grocery store and my 3yr old says she needs to go potty, I forget to stop and let her go, until we are on our way home --and there is no place to stop between the two.  However, routines help.

For example when loading up to go or leave some place.  There is a whole routine --or circus act--in trying to get shoes on everyone...heck some days just basic clothes are a battle.

Last week, picking CJ up from school, I went through my mental check list.

Glance around the van, correct number of kids accounted for?   CHECK

Are said kids strapped down? CHECK

Purse, diaper bag, backpacks etc? CHECK

Keys? CHECK

Start van and pull out.....wait was that a CURB CHECK?  I didn't think I parked that close to the curb.  Slowly pull ahead and check rear view mirror.....oops that was a STROLLER CHECK.

While it was still standing...it is not usable.  Poor thing has a stretched out malformed leg.  The very next day I missed it.  I have another stroller, okay I have 2 more strollers and a wagon.  But this one was wonderful. It folded up small, light weight, fit through doors, and easy to manage in a crowd.  Oh well, I was thanking my lucky stars that I had done the kid check first and that the stroller was empty!

The little man

While he's not performing on stage or doing much out of the ordinary, I thought I would catch you up on his going ons.

I mentioned before that he was walking...well he was toddling...and now he is doing some short distance walking!  On his own with out coaxing or a cheer squad in full gear!  I imagine that by the weekend CJ will have her wish: "I can't wait for him to chase me around".  Hehehehe  and by Sunday I'm sure I'll hear "Stop chasing me".

When it is nice out --and we have had some cruddy weather lately...he is outside claiming his mountain top. I challenge you to just try and stop him from climbing up the slide, then monkeying around like his big sisters do.  Look how happy he is!  Do you want to take that away from him?

He has figured out how to open both the patio door and the screen door, so make sure you lock it, he doesn't always play peek-a-boo on his way out.

He is adding teeth, and CJ found out on her own that brushing his teeth can make for sore fingers --a good lesson to learn about putting fingers into others' mouths (I thought she had learned that with her little sister, I guess she needed to be reminded).  CJ has discovered her own loose tooth --in case you hadn't already heard, she is so excited and telling everyone.  She was crying tears of happiness when she discovered the tooth. Mommy has noticed that one is counting IN and one is now counting OUT. Sigh.

He loves to love on Laurelei's dolls, which she'll share, the ones she's not currently toting around. It is handy to have 2 baby doll strollers and a shopping cart at the moment, this way everyone can have something to push a dolly in.  Yet, he is all boy!  Not just tasting the dirt....he likes to shovel it in!

P.S. Yesterday marked 1yr for us.  One year ago we signed papers and became owners (well we're making payments) of our home.  Which means (besides actually living some place longer than 10 months)...it's rodeo time, and I think this year again, we'll skip the hoopla, maybe next year.

Weekend wrap up

We have had a very busy weekend!

Friday Laurelei had her 3yr well child check up.  She's up to 30 lbs!!!  We are SHOCKED!  I think that means in the past year she has gained 5 or 6 pounds and 2 of those pounds in the past 7 weeks!  She is for sure in a growth spurt.  This past week she fell asleep in the afternoon each time we were picking CJ up from school, and still went to bed at night!

 So tired she didn't wake up when moved from the van.

and both girls very tired after playing in the sunshine all day.

The much begged for bunk beds have been de-bunked due to fights over who got to sleep on the bottom.  Yet often they end up sleeping together...why we got them two beds, I'm still not sure.

Saturday was Vail Pride Day.  CJ was to perform in the first slot at 9:15 with her preschool class and then close the day with her dance class.  It was really nice at 8:30 AM, by 9AM the clouds had rolled in with a cold breeze.  By Noon it was raining.  Thankfully, her dance was canceled.

They sang this land is your land, she represented California.

Saturday was also Bountiful Basket day, we got the largest grapefruits I have ever seen!

I have rotated this picture, saved it...tried again and yet blogger insist on it being sideways...

I ordered a 38 lb box of apples this time as well. 

 Not because we were out of apples...but so on Tuesday I can have an apple day!  A friend who shared a box with someone else, is coming over with her apples and we are going to slice, dice, and bake apples the day away.  Eric just shook his head at me.

We also made an emotional trip to the airport again, and went to a surprise birthday party for a neighbor Saturday night.  It was a long day!  Sunday was long as well with church and Sunday School followed by a mid  afternoon birthday party for a little boy who needs some extra love and support in his life.  The weekend was so busy, we are looking forward to Monday!

Tonight I finished up a third book!  It was really good.  It was really emotional.  As I look at my laundry and house...I'm thinking I better back off on my personal reading and get back to reality and try and catch up again.  I do recommend: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah --but have a box of tissues ready through out.

Balance Check

This is a public balance check.  With balance as my word of the year, I thought it was time to do a quick check.  This past month has been a whirl wind!

Eric has returned home, and that in itself causes the family to re balance.  It is going well, now if we could only get him to stay home!

We did a family vacation. CHECK!  It was much needed and fabulous memories were created.  It looked like we might sneak one in next week, but in the effort of having balance, it became clear it would be more work for Mommy than a true fun vacation.  And while Eric would be there, he wasn't going to get to join in much fun, which is why it was going to be more work.

I have read 2 books, just for fun.  And they were fun!  I have started a third.  This really has brought balance even if it means the laundry isn't getting completely folded and put away.

I have made doctor, dentist and other appointments for the next month, maybe not fun, but much needed.

Our Wednesday schedule has changed, and become busy.  Now during Lent I would like us to make time and return to our Wednesday night church activities.  With that, I would also find a way to discuss Lent and Easter with the kids, all the symbols and importance of this season.

Kjetil is getting better balance everyday.  Toddling from place to place.  He is also beginning to express a little bit of interest in getting around on his own instead of calling on his sister or mom.

I fear that Laurelei may have had another growth spurt, or is in the midst of one.  I switched out her clothes in January, and this week I have found items that are already too short. She is finding her way in being 3. Sweetness abounds and she warms a heart without effort.

CJ is also adjusting to being 5 or as it is called around here, the count down to being 6.  She is expressing her dreams for when she grows up (she wants to be a teacher) and when she is 6 or 7 or 8 (and she really really hopes there is a trampoline in there somewhere). I have recently seen her with new eyes as a little girl more so then a preschooler.  I rejoice in all she is and is becoming, and shed a tear at the same time.

Sweet Three

Look at that face, can it be anything but sweetness?

Well okay, she is also very, very, very sneaky.  Not in your typical, I don't hear her- is she pulling out all the tissues, again, type of way.  She is good, really good.  If you can't see her or hear her, find her -NOW! Oh the things she waits for just the right distraction to clamber to the top and grab quick, or eat even quicker, or a grab and dash routine.  She'll serve her time.  Even with a joyful heart.  After wards she can process very well what she did and why she is not to do so again. But here's the thing, she doesn't mind doing time for the crime...she's a repeat offender!  But OH HOW WE LOVE HER!

As she turns three, things like "the mommy look" that still have her big sister shaking in her boots, are nothing to her.  She has her own look in response, "that has no affect me, you better get the big guns out".

She cuddles. And loves. And says ple-pur instead of purple. How sweet is that?  It is fun to watch her care for her dolls and her siblings.  And honestly, very easy going, until we happen to running late and she has to put shoes on.

She has been battling a cold for over 3wks and I took her in to check on her ears.  She is celebrating turning 3 with a double ear infection, which she very generously shared with her brother.  She even gained a pound in the past month, she is up to 29lbs --considering her being sick, this is surprising to us. Next week she has her official well baby check up, even though, she is no longer a baby.

This was a bath she wasn't sharing with her brother, who had different ideas

This year we kept all the birthdays small family affairs.  We had another family over to share a meal and cupcakes. And she was blessed with lots of gifts that were mailed just for her.

Happy birthday sweetness. We love you and who you are!

Saturday fun

I think that Saturday was our favorite day for us all! We headed out to the organ mountains and did the pine trail loop. The trail was empty and it was really nice to go at our own pace! The temp was a mere 40 degrees when we began, and we could feel it drop as we ascended. The girls were really excited about hiking in/through snow and Kjetil loved being outside and enjoyed the view from the backpack.

I'm playing around with my new My Digital Studio picture program...I guess I have some more playing to do...awwww shucks.
In the afternoon, we continued north east to the White Sand Dunes...pictures do not do justice. CJ declared herself the bravest and went down all hills first. SO SO SO much fun! We are finding a reason to return...as soon as we can!

And just for rolling on the floor laughter...here is a video of Eric. I wish I had gotten the first attempt.



He would like you to notice the "bush" that suddenly stopped his sled...yes he is referring to the 3 blades of grass at the bottom. He is fine. He did mention that he was "feeling it" a bit more than he had expected...but would do it again in a heartbeat. I told him to be prepared to hear me laughing, no matter the outcome. Boys, apparently they never grow up! --CJ, and I, mentioned ahead of time that this was NOT a good idea.

The dunes at sunset.
Watching your family having such a fabulous time.
It can only be sent by God!

That was a quick look at our wonderful time in New Mexico. However there is one more thing that I love about New Mexico. As a state, they are very embracing of all things...in a word, all things and anything MAY exist.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N-!

Since joining the Air Force, each time we have gotten a chance to use leave, we have used it to see extended family.  This past long weekend, we actually took a family vacation.  The first in nearly 8yrs that didn't involve visiting extended family.  Before I go on, let me make it clear, we have chosen to take our vacations to see family, and we love to spend any time we can with family, especially since most of family is very far away.

However, this was a much needed time together without extra people.  And, we had a BLAST!

We had discussed going to Sedona, but the week before was that extreme weather we had that dumped feet of snow in that area.  It was going to be full of skiers, and while we have hats and jackets, and mittens somewhere around here, we didn't have snow pants or boots or really true winter gear for the kids.
We briefly talked about San Diego since it is only 6hrs from us.  However, that was farther and more time in the van traveling than we really wanted to do or had time for.  Plus, they had a mess of rain while we got the snow.
We don't have passports for the kids ( I know I know --do I dare admit that we don't even have a birth cert. for one of our kids --I'm working on it) so heading south to Mexico wasn't an option.  And currently Eric's command has issued a no travel to Mexico, at least by way of driving.  --See not much reason to get those passports anytime soon.

So we headed East.  About a year and a half ago Eric did a hurricane evac to Las Cruces NM and he suggested that it was a really nice place.  Turns out he had checked out 2 golf courses and a movie theater...but there are several things to do in the area, and key, we found a hotel with an indoor heated pool.  That ensures a great time even if we can't be outside or find something else to do.

We surprised the kids.  Only because our sweet Laurelei is so easy going.  She didn't question me packing a suitcase as soon as CJ stepped out the door for school.  We left after School on Thursday, did some swim time and settled into our room.  The pool was not really heated to a temp that Kjetil or I liked, or maybe Eric but he got in anyways, and the girls had a blast swimming each day.

The organ mts with a fresh coat of snow and fog around the bottom

Friday we woke up too about an inch of snow on the ground and we headed to the New Mexico Heritage Farm Museum.  With a big building that had hands on and a place to play, we were able to stay inside until it warmed up a couple more degrees.

 Making corn meal

 a see saw with saddles

 CJ loved milking the cow

 Laurelei was all about driving the tractor

Kjetil saw the rocking horse and made a bee line to it

 They had a school house exhibit, that contained mostly pictures of old one room schools and written information.  They had a fun photo opt for the old sit in the corner with a Dunce cap.  The girls didn't get it and thought it was a princess hat, one that was so big it covered their heads and sat on their shoulders.  So they thought Eric and I were just being plain goofy when we took our picutres

We headed outside to see the sheep, cattle and horses.  We were the only guests at the museum that day so we wandered at our own pace.  We stopped at the blacksmith shop where he made a nail for the kids.

Learning about how cold snow will make little fingers

There was a real milking demonstration at 11 that we went to.  The irony of Kjetil insisting it was time to nurse was not lost on me.  He promptly passed out and missed the actual cow being milked.

We headed out in search of lunch.  We found a local family owned Mexican place and enjoyed a good meal, and continued to head downtown to check out the area.  We tried to go to the natural science museum, but it is still located out at the mall.  It was really nice to have only a 10min drive across town vs. the 45min plus one we have here.  We got there to find out it was closed for the day getting ready for a big exhibit opening Friday night about satellites.  We spoke to Kim about the museum and since we were from out of town and not going to make it back that night, she allowed us to have a private viewing!  Not a big museum, but very interesting and funded by the city.  Once again it was great to have the place to our selves and go at our own pace.

Before we left the mall, the kids had fun playing at the train table at the book store and we stopped for  some yummy frozen yogurt.

The girls do a wonderful job in sharing and caring for Kjetil any chance they get.

I'll leave you with that for now.  The evening ended with baked potatoes and hot dogs provided by the hotel and of course swimming, that I and Kjetil managed to get out of by making a run to Walmart for a few forgotten items.