Theme Thursday...Spring Has SPRUNG!

 Linking up with Cari with my Theme Thursday submission. This week's theme...ANIMALS! Birds count right? Please say yes, because I actually played by the rules this week. I snapped this picture all by myself (with my phone) and just for this post. Bam Pow!  That's how it's done, yo! I don't know, sorry.

Anyway, about the pic...Levi, Alayna, and I went for a walk Monday night. It was nice to spend some time with the oldest and the youngest. We found this little guy hanging out in a little cedar tree. It's official...spring has SPRUNG!  Now, to fit in some time for the two middles that doesn't include baseball or softball of some sort. Just one more sign spring is here. Sigh! Now, hurry fast and go check all the other critters furless and otherwise!

Five Favorites...Family Photos

I am currently in the planning stage for our fall family photographs. This happens to me usually in August but with the shedding of the pounds I am eager for new shots on the walls to document my transformation. I am leaning toward a gray, mustard, and red color scheme this year. I have found the most divine spot near the cabin and I am hoping we can get an awesome red leather loveseat to our location. Papa Dave, tractor transport, maybe? Anyway, like all my grand schemes, it will come together in the end, if with some hiccups along the way. I will be a stressed out mess and probably screaming at everyone like a maniac. But because I have the most amazing family and a super wonderful photographer the shots will look like everything was effortless and perfect. These are my five favorite wardrobe options so far! (Subject to change eleventybillion times before September/October)

 1. Alayna: I am building up the courage to make my own version of this little number. I think I am going to go with a pillowcase dress and the one ruffle pants. I plan to add some red...maybe in the form of a bow and the long strings at the top will actually tie on the shoulders but you get the gist! A little sweater over top and this little felt headband from etsy! Love!

2. Ethan: He will be over the moon for the belt and watch. He's an accessories kind of guy.

3. Kinsey: She's my down to earth, simple is better kind of girl. The necklace might even be a stretch for her. Fingers crossed!

 4. Me: I have these chevron scarves in three colors and I am so head over heels in love with them. I could have written this post all about them. I may make my own chunky beaded bracelet in these two colors.

5. And the big guys, Levi and the hubs, are pretty simple when it comes to fashion. I would love to get them into a tie and a collared shirt with a cardigan but they would rather endure torture techniques. And since family photo day ranks right up there with waterboard torture we keep it simple. Sweaters layered with colored tees underneath for a pop of color and comfort is the key. The hubs doesn't do anything without the ball cap so we make concessions. And simple looks pretty good on my guys!

And the family shot should look something like this...hopefully

 So there you have it, these are the things I am consuming myself with these days. I know...the problems of the world and all that nonsense. Now, hurry fast and go check the waaayyyyyy more interesting! Thanks for hosting, Hallie!

Diaper Drama

 I know it's kind of getting to be a habit with me discussing Little Miss A's bowel habits. It's not a habit I'm particularly proud of and I vow to stop veeerrrryyyyy soon. Maybe right after this post. We have had a bout of chronic diarrhea with the Little Miss recently. Last Thursday night I woke to a particularly pitiful whine followed by ow, ow, ow accompanied by a very unladylike diaper grab. I asked if she needed a new diaper. She did. Done. I laid her back in bed and once again, ow, ow, ow. So I asked if her bottom was sore (the diaper change was done in the dark so maybe I missed something important?). She again affirmed my suspicions. Back to the changing table, a good slather of goop and this time a thorough (but not too close) inspection. The bottom in question was in super shape (which is not the norm of late). Hi Ho, Hi Ho, back to bed we go. Again with the whine and diaper grab. I was over it. We rose and shone like the fully eclipsed sun around 4 AM. After 15 glorious minutes of up, down, up, down in the rocking chair, she crouched down next to me and her rear end exploded. Literally. This time daddy was blessed with quality time on the changing table. Two extremely explosive diapers and 10 minutes later he emerged unscathed (for the most part) and it was back to slumberland for the diaper bombing diva.

Friday morning dawned bright and early and we left the house as usual with snacks breakfast in hand. Ethan's choice was a chocolate drizzle fiber one bar. Alayna was granted graham crackers. She, of course, was pitching a hissy to have what E Man had and he, per the norm, was prepared to share, when Levi noticed the fiber one label (he had the good fortune to be lying on the floor right next to the rocking chair when she decided to cop a squat and unload the diaper of doom). Ever protective of his favorite youngest sibling he spouted something to the tune of, "Don't give her that Fiber One junk! The last thing she needs is to poop more!" Richard just happened to be entering the room at that very moment, took note of what Ethan had in his hand. Eyes wide, mouth agape and in genuine horror exclaimed something about not realizing those "granola bars" were fiber one. He then mentioned he had been feeding them to her on a regular basis and in fact, she had finished an entire bar the night before while she was at the farm with him. Of course he felt completely miserable and I only blamed him a lot and made a huge deal about it because I'm kind of evil like that. And on the upside she seems to be tightening things up in that department thanks to a fiber one ban and a slight overload of cheese. The diaper pail is thankful, as are the other inhabitants of Ye Ol' House. On the bright side...any worry about constipation in our family has quickly been deemed unnecessary.

Mama Honor...Hays Style

 Mother's Day was amazing in our little corner of the world. The weather was cool but the sun was shining and once we managed to haul our hiney's up and get moving (which for me was 4 am) it was almost PERFECT! After church, my family, my younger (but not youngest) sister's family, and my mom and pops all got together at a park about 45 minutes from our house.

First on the agenda: Some acrobatics in the swing department:

Kinsey won the award for highest dismount. 

 I received the "stuck it" award for my almost flawless landing. The only point deduction came when I freaked out at the last moment and wouldn't let go of the swing.

 Levi got the award for technical difficulty for doing a back flip off the swing in midair.

And my underachieving sister got the lamest dismount/scaredy cat award for refusing to actually JUMP from the swing. She more or less slid out of it on an uptake.  Then we spent a little time by the water.

And we rode a train.

The kids played some flag football. Using paper towels for flags.

 And we took the paddle boats out for a cruise. Alayna wasn't a fan.

But the big kids were.

 So we took her back to the dock. Where she seemed to be just fiiinnnneeeee.

 Then we took some quick family pics. My folks. 

My sister and the fam.

 My bunch.

We had a super time. Even though today my spine is funkily out of alignment and my gluteus maximus seems to have been hit with a crow bar at some point during the day. I didn't really notice at the time but I think it may have been when I squeezed into the ladybug bouncer with Lady A. The stars of fortune were shining on me that no one had a camera nearby at that moment. The only other noteworthy mishap was when I went down the slide (again for the sole benefit of Miss Alayna) and bent all the rivets on the pockets of my jeans. Don't ask. And while I was at first a little reluctant to drive that far for a park when we have several suitable parks that are much closer (granted they have neither a train nor a paddle boat) I realized that nothing will make adults behave like irresponsible children faster than knowing there is a very slim chance of running into anyone they know. And if you've been reading long, you know I like nothing better than to behave like an irresponsible child! Hope all of the fine mommylike ladies reading this had a comparable day of honor and adoration!

On Mother's Day...To My Children

 Dear Levi:

You are nearly the same age I was when we lost your dad. You are stronger than I am. You always have been. The night we found out he was gone I was hysterical with grief and anger, you came to me in your sweet little toddler way and said, "Mommy, don't cry. I'll dry your tears." And for the next 8 years you did just that. You were my teddy bear at night when I was lonely, sad or afraid, a fierce protector when you thought someone or something might hurt me, and a constant defender of my honor. When Richard came along and you felt you no longer had to be the "man of the house" you weren't really sure who to be. I think because so much of your childhood was spent protecting me from perceived threats, you never really allowed yourself to be carefree and happy. Now as a young man I see that struggle in you. I think you yearn for that happy, carefree lifestyle that you missed out on as a boy. I see the conflict in those beautiful brown eyes that have always had the ability to melt my heart. You are trapped in a place somewhere between adulthood and childhood, trying to overcome mistakes  you and I have both made along the way. I pray for you to be the man I know you can be and wish to be, and to have all the experiences in life your heart yearns for. Just know however your story is written, I will always be your biggest cheerleader. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray. Mom

The moment I heard this song it spoke to me of you, the one who first made me a Mommy: 

Dear Kinsey:

I know I'm not always your favorite person these days. It's hard for you, as it is for me. We butt heads because we share a stubborn streak and this too shall pass. You have always been a daddy's girl but I want you to know that I celebrate your accomplishments and I mourn your losses, as well. When something happens to you, it happens to me. Your sense of humor and beautiful smile are unmatched and have always made my heart happy.  On the day you were born, they laid you on my chest and you stole my breath away. You were so peaceful, with wise eyes that seemed too old for your young soul. From the moment you entered this great big world, you were a perfect baby. You slept through the night and seldom cried. You weren't needy or demanding and I took you everywhere. We once went to a movie when you were just a few weeks old. You never made a peep. I'm sorry you were not dealt a fair hand and I know it has been a struggle growing up and sharing your time and attention between two homes and two parents. Every child should have the opportunity to grow up in a home with both parents. It stinks that you didn't have that. I know things are tough right now and it makes my heart ache. The teenage years are the worst! But I know the day will come when these times will be a distant memory. Your first broken heart, the day you put on your wedding gown or when you bring a little baby of your own home for the first time, I will always be here for you. Whenever it might be. I will always love you more than the sun and the moon and the stars. Mom

You know I'm not a fan of the Swift but this song is so perfectly you, my girl:

Dear Ethan:

Oh, my little blue eyed, blonde haired, accident prone, monster! You have turned my world upside down from the moment we decided to try for you. The ups and downs of a complicated pregnancy, then a complicated birth. One accident after another landing us in urgent care. You have been a ball of energy from the moment your little life began. You are so funny and smart. And sometimes I can barely keep up with your imagination. You, my sweet boy, crave attention and I believe some day you will perform on the stage in one venue or another. You love music and can dance like nothing I've ever seen. You're wise beyond your years and your love for Jesus astounds me. You are the reason I began blogging because when I would tell people of your adventures they would say, "You should write a book". So I started a journal I called "The Ethan Chronicles" but it seemed such a shame not to be able to share your stories with others. And so, here we are almost a full year later. You, my little man, have kept me on my toes the past five years and I am sure by the time I have accompanied you into adulthood, I will show many signs of the wear and tear of raising you. I wouldn't change a single thing about you. Not a hair on your tiny blonde head or a twinkle in your bright blue eyes. I love you for ever, for always, and no matter what! Mommy

A song just for you, my sweet Superhero: 

 

Dear Alayna:

My sweet, beautiful baby girl. You are the most loving child I've ever known. You were our bonus baby and couldn't have come at a better time. Your smile has carried me through more dark days than you will ever know. You have always been a snuggler and it warms my heart the way you squeeze so tightly to me at the end of a daycare day. We jokingly call your landing gear up position "broken legs". And you always pull this move when I am doing something of the utmost importance. For example: getting our dinner out of the oven. I attempt to sit you on the floor and you lift your legs straight up so you can be neither sat nor stood on the floor. Our only option is to lay you down which makes you scream as if struck with a fatal blow or juggle you and whatever task is at hand. Your touch is healing and you have a smile that melts my heart and turns daddy to a pile of mush. You are doted on by all your older siblings. You have your papa wrapped around your little finger, and you love to sing. You have a beautiful voice and can sing on tune. It's astounding. You refuse to say Mama but will repeat every single other word you hear and so I have threatened to sell you to the gypsies but because you have started sleeping in your own bed and sometimes through the night I have decided to keep you. Your every first is my last and while I celebrate every single accomplishment, my heart breaks knowing it is the last time I will ever experience it. For that reason I cherish every one of our days together as if they are our last. Because, I realize now that we will never again have the chance to do that one day over again. You, my darling, are the luckiest because you get the Mommy who has lived and learned and realizes just how precious each and every moment is. I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be. Mama

Because you're my baby and I know how fast time flies, this one's for you, my little Lou: 

The four of you, each with your own personalities and attitudes, make up the whole of my heart. I don't know who  I was before you and I don't know who I would be if you had never been but I know who I am because of you and I wouldn't change a thing. I thank God each and every day for allowing me to be your mother and to be given the gifts of your years in my heart and home. And finally, if I could give each of you one tiny piece of advice, it's this: Always and in all ways, simply:

 

Because that is who I love! 

~Mother's Day 2013~

Theme Thursday...This One's For The Moms

You know the drill, It's Thursday and that can mean only one thing, Cari and the Clan are hosting again and this week's theme is MOM!!! Spelled backward and forward it means the same thing...AWESOME! I was raised with the "it takes a village" mentality. Therefore, I've had a lot of mom type folks in my life. And while they were all pretty special...three stand out.

This is my mommy. The one with whom I shared DNA, history, and lots of memories. She tells the best ghost stories, makes the best mashed potatoes and white gravy in. the. world., and taught me everything I know about finding blackberries, cooking for the masses, and removing set in stains. I also inherited her terrible driving ability and her tendency to drop the occasional swear word upon unexpected injury. Case in point, batman heads to the bare foot in the middle of the night. I may or may not have a shared temper trait but I strongly believe it diminishes slightly with each generation so my kids can take hope in that. She has been the standard by which I make every single parenting choice. That does not mean I follow in her footsteps in every parenting choice. That simply means that I learned what kind of parent I want to be based on the kind of parent she is. Sometimes our choices run parallel sometimes perpendicular but she is always the driving force behind the choices I make with my own children. I owe her for that!

 This lady is also one to which I owe a huge debt. She is responsible for raising the man of my dreams. Everything he is today I owe to her and sometimes I wonder if she realizes what a wonderful job she did in the mom department! Her fried chicken doesn't suck either and her homemade rolls could have easily been my only sustaining food for the entirety of both my last two pregnancies and I would have been just fine with that. I know that not everyone has the best relationship with their mother-in-law but I couldn't imagine my life without mine! I won the MIL lottery right here, folks! In fact, I don't really consider the in-law part necessary. She's just another mom to me!

And last but certainly not least is this super lady. She is my bonus mom. She is the one I call when things are upside down and crazy in my life because she is there in a second. Literally. Right by my side. She's got my back, like all my moms do but she also has some flexibility. My kiddo's worship this one and with good reason. Her life revolves around them. She isn't so bad when it comes to taking care of Richard and I, too. She often calls to tell me she made us dinner so we don't have to worry about it. She calls me every single morning just to "check in" and ask if there's anything she can do for us and to see how the kids are doing. She is the one, when daycare is closed, that keeps the little ones for us. She is only Grandma by blood to one of our brood (Levi) but she is Grandma by love to all of them.

These are the three women I admire most and the people I model myself after, each in different ways, as a mom, myself. But what would the MOM theme be without the four people who gave me the name of the same?

So many blessings! Now, go fast and check out all the other Super Moms! And Happy Mother's Day to all of mine!

Disclaimer: I didn't take a single one of these pictures. Sigh! Will I never play along properly???

Five Favorites Meets Pinterest Party...A Big Girl Room!

So today is a special day because finally, finally, finally I am finished with this huge little project, which I first mentioned just a short little time ago...like waaaaayyyyyy back in January. And the reveal just happens to coincide with a couple of my favorite link ups. I am joining The Amazing Grace, who is filling in for The Stupendous Hallie with my Five Favorites, and The Wonderfully Creative Bobbi with my Pinterest inspired room redo. So, without further ado...I give you Miss Alayna's Big Girl Room!

1.This coral dresser turned out better than I imagined. I can't get enough of it. My inspiration came from here via Pinterest. I could not find the exact shade of coral but I love, love, love the way it came out. The dresser did not actually have the embellishment you see on the top back of it originally. That was in our home when we bought it, attached haphazardly to a piece of trim in our living room in a half hearted attempt at decorative. It has set in our garage for 5 years or better waiting on me to find the perfect spot for it. Done!

2.The photo wall above her dresser is a constant reminder that she will always and forever be my baby. I spray painted all of the frames in our colors of choice (as seen here) and added coordinating fabric to the empty frames using a staple gun. The large picture is a canvas from Alayna's very first photo shoot with our family photographer (which was a fiasco all of Alayna's doing) and the picture in the center was a gift from the same photographer when I was going through some pretty tough times. She's the most thoughtful and we are so blessed to have wonderful people like her in our lives! The shadowbox in the upper right hand corner contains the clothes Lady A wore home from the hospital, her ID bracelet and has a quote about little sisters inside. I added a rub on transfer on the outside describing what she means to us. The pom pom mobile / collage was made from some paper lanterns I salvaged from Alayna's first birthday party, a combination of two pom pom tutorials I found here and here, and this tutorial for a coffee filter lantern, all via Pinterest.

 

3. The wall behind her bed is one of my very favorite things in the room. I made the rag garland  using pinspiration. The letters of her name I made with shadowboxes and wooden letters from here. I used scrapbook paper for the background, paint to tie everything together and rolled ribbon flowers I made using this tutorial.  The window treatment idea actually came from two different pins. This one explains the process for making the strips of fabric and tying them, and this one which is where I got the idea for the tree branch as a curtain rod.The bed is a storage bed and at some point I plan to add an old door as a backboard to make it a true daybed. The bedding I found on Zulily for half price. The remaining pillows I made. The three canvases I painted myself and added ribbon roses to as well. Ethan says the owl looks scary. I don't care.

4. The reading nook has a special place for the little rocking chair I redid, a tree her daddy cut down, I stripped the bark off, spray painted white, and mounted to the wall so her owl collection would have a home of their own, and of course, all her beloved books. The hair accessory and jewelry organizer I made using a large open frame, some red fabric, and an open weave lace fabric over top. I then stapled it all together and bam pow. Easy peasy. A few hooks for the necklaces I've made her and it's beauty central.

5. And finally, of course, all of the little accessories are the icing on the cake. I replaced her old fixture with a new one that looks a little bit chandelieresque. I made the growth chart using a premium quality 1 x 8 and vinyl I designed and custom ordered from this amazing seller. Daddy bought her the canvas wall hanging with the beautiful quote all about tiny little hands. And I made the hanging organizer using an old door panel cut to size and some knobs from this store.

It all came together with lots of teamwork, blood, sweat, and tears. Actually, there were very little tears. Just the ones I shed from the joy of getting rid of this carpet. And maybe, okay, I shed a few when I was dismantling Ethan's former nursery turned coed dorm. 

But in the end, I couldn't be happier and neither could Lady A. Now, if she would just sleep in there on a reliable basis... Head on over and check out the fancier and the craftier!