He got "the Stitches"

Walking into church Sunday the teacher looked at Caleb's chin and inquired about his bandage. James and Levi looked at her seriously and declared, "He got the stitches."
"Oh my," replied the teacher, "I hope no one else gets the stitches"

Sweet Evie packed a little care kit for Caleb to take to the ER. She was  full of concern for him. 

This is the first case of many I'm afraid; with three boys who don't think twice about flipping off a table or diving into a shallow collection of decorative pillows, I'm certain there are more stitches to come. I'm always grateful we live down the street from the hospital when things like this happen.

We had eight kids at our house on Friday night, as our friend's kids were here having dinner with us and hanging out with our family. I felt a little awkward when my friends came to pick up their kids.  John was sitting to the side, holding a bloody towel up to Caleb's chin while I corralled the seven others so they wouldn't end up the same way.
Honestly the amount of kids had nothing to do with the accident. It was a simple slip of a socked foot on the wood floor and an unfortunate landing.
But still, the amount of bodies in the room when it happened created a bit more drama.

Our home is staring to get a bit sports obsessed.  James and Levi especially are turning into real aggressive dudes who LOVE sports and "rough and tumble" play.

James and Levi love the strategy, the skill, the competition.
They love the struggle and the sweat.
They hoot and holler at the TV when football is on.
They cheer on the basketball players at the gym.

I played soccer in the backyard with them the other day. We set up two boxes for goals and they couldn't be happier. I'm going to need shin guards though if I'm going to keep playing with them!

I signed them up for baseball in the Spring. James wakes up everyday asking when baseball is starting, confessing that "he just can't stop thinking about it!"
Levi wants to look at baseball mitts and bats and hats on line, dreaming of the day when he will actually get his own.
Selfishly, I want to cheer on the sidelines and proudly proclaim that I'm their Mama! I want to be the face they look for when they make a catch or need a boost of encouragement.
I know I'm only talking about Levi and James because those two seem to be the ones right now who really like sports. I signed Caleb up for baseball too and he seems to be excited. Caleb was just created totally different (they all were!) but he really is happy gathering sticks and climbing on the swing set. He's smaller and not as aggressive. It will be interesting to see how everything works out in life with them and their activities.

Caleb is such a gem of a person. He loves people, animals, music, stories.....And maybe sports will end up being his thing too, but it doesn't matter, and I so appreciate and love the person he was created to be.

At the beginning of this year John and I sat down and wrote out some goals for 2019. One of the things we wanted to focus on was spending intentional one on one time with each of the kids. Therefore, every Thursday morning we take turns taking one of the kids out for breakfast at Panera. We spend about an hour just eating with them and talking. They are so excited and so happy when it's their turn.

Speaking of one on one time, John and Evie went to the school's "Daddy Daughter Dance." This is such a special time for the two of them.

So life is a bit hectic and active. But things only continue to get better as the kids grow. I love who they are becoming.

Mobile, Alabama

Sometimes the best part of going on a trip away from the kids is coming home. I know that sounds strange, because most days I dream about the latter. But taking a step back from the chaos and routine of my life makes me appreciate my people and my story.

"What are we doing today?" the question welcomed me home with the same familiarity as seeing our blue car parked in the driveway.

It was my first morning back with the kids since being gone for five days, and I was hugging and kissing them like it has been longer.

"Well, you don't have school today," I replied.

"What! Why not?!" asked James.

"Because it's Martin Luther King day," I explained.

"What King? Who's king day?!"

"No!" exclained Evie. "I know who Martin Luther King is. He helped people be treated better."

"Yes," I added, "he helped people have a better life. We honor him by not going to school." I paused and reflected on my quick response and realized how odd it sounded.
I took out a frying pan and plopped a tablespoon of butter in the center. I tilted the pan so it could melt over the heat of the stove.

"What's honor mean? What King is he?" Caleb was still confused.

It's  concepts like this that I have a hard time explaining to a four year old.
Luckily I have Evie. "Honor means to remember! He's not a King! His name is King!" she plopped her thick sticker book down in frustration and began leafing through the pages.

That conversation ended and James expressed his desire for breakfast.
I lifted up a soggy piece of bread that had been soaking in the egg batter I made earlier and dropped it in the melted butter on the skillet. I watched it with satisfaction as little golden bubbles began to form around it.

In that moment I took satisfaction and joy in making breakfast for my children. Cutting each one of their pieces of bread, dusting them lightly with powdered sugar and adding a small wedge of honey ham to their plates gave me deep satisfaction; I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my life.
The older I get, the more intense life gets, the more I feel drawn to my home and my life as a mother and wife. My identity is wrapped up in this role now; being away from it I feel a little hollow.

I drive myself crazy writing this, because there are so many days----OH Just about EVERY DAY--- when I'd pay a lot of money to have someone take my kids away from me for awhile.
But I'm realizing that the more years that pass-the more moments that we share together-the more my whole soul is wrapped up in  this life of family and children and creating a haven in this home. This is what I'm all about.

I mentioned that I was away for five days. Yes, it was a treasured time with some of the most precious and cherished women in my life: my mother, my grandmother, my two aunts and one of my cousins.

Breakfast together

It was a long anticipated "girls trip," one we all took two years ago to Charleston to celebrate my Mom's 60th birthday, and now again we gathered to celebrate my Aunt Penny's 60th.
The Birthday Girl got to choose the location of exploration and adventure, and she chose Mobile, Alabama. A lot of people snicker when I say this (honestly, I did too when I was looking for plane tickets!) but Mobile has a lot to offer-Southern hospitality, fluffy buttermilk and lard biscuits and the cutest little old Southern Bells with the most charming accents! During civil war days, Mobile was actually called "The Paris of the South" due to the luxurious lifestyle and leisure.

We spent the days touring 19th century homes, exploring old forts and museums and walking the beach.

A perfect day to explore Daulphin Island

At night we sat around in the charming colonial home we rented and shared stories of times gone by over champagne and sweets.

This former "Paris of the South" seemed a little sleepy to me, but I came to learn that Mobile is in fact the Mardi Gras hub, not New Orleans. We visited the Mardi Gras museum and learned that Mardi Gras is actually three weeks of parades and glamorous balls throughout the city; traditionally it's actually pretty family friendly. A Queen and King is crowned each year, adorned by hand sewn capes of jewels and riches. It's a celebration of prosperity. 11% of the workforce in Mobile is dedicated to this yearly celebration.
We were all astounded by the annual display of decadence and festivity that closed schools and businesses for a week each year! We learned about the "mystic societies" which act as adult fraternities and sororities that control the social scene and throw elaborate balls.


The touring and exploring was so fun, but the times I cherished the most were the simple ones. Many afternoons we paused and had coffee, or at night we went out for a drink or stayed in and talked. It was nice being together without interruption of daily life and responsibilities.

Years ago, I remember being with my Mom a few weeks before giving birth to Evie. We recognized that this would be the last time it would just be the two of us alone.
We were right; the last seven years there has always been babies and additional needs when we saw each other.
I would always remain a daughter; but in that moment I had Evelyn I suddenly became a Mother too.
My heart would be divided, loving my mother but always fiercely dedicated and committed to being one as well.
Being able to take a trip without children was something I couldn't even fathom. But now, my very capable and willing husband has graciously encouraged these trips. To be able to be just a daughter, and a niece and a granddaughter is pretty nourishing to the soul. I do not take it for granted.

We met a lot of Southern Ladies, many of whom were older and part of a heritage group called D.A.R (Daughters of the Revolution). They were so proud of their lineage, of being able to trace their ancestors back to the revolutionary time period; they were proud of their family's bravery, loyalty and contribution. They join this group to study and appreciate their heritage. They volunteer in order to share this part of their life with others.
I stood listening in awe to some of these women and the accounts of their bloodline from centuries ago.

I felt suddenly simple, for my life has been lived without giving much thought to what my great great great great great grandparents did. There is just me and those people in my family who are still living;  history seems to stop here. I haven't given much thought to anyone else who came before.

Hearing these women talk though and share stories from the civil war and colonial life made me curious of who I am and who I have in me.

I know right now though that I come from women of  deep  faith, of Women who love,  Women who strive to do better. They are women who make mistakes, and talk about them. My heart was full when I bid farewell and flew back home to my family.

Coming home, I was ready to be a Mother again. I came in late on Sunday, after everyone was already asleep. I walked into their rooms and watched them as they slept, silently thanking God for each one of them.

The next morning I gave them their little treasures I collected for them, sea shells. I also brought them Moon Pies.
\Seashells and Moon Pies.
They represent reflection and fun, both of what this trip was all about.

Someday I look forward to including my own daughter on these girls trips.
Maybe we'll even go to Paris.

Christmas Chicago Surprise

We kicked off 2019 at 9:00 pm in a typical "West Coast time zone with Kids" tradition- the New York ball drop. Midnight there is 9:00 here, so it perfect for all.  Everyone is happy. We get the celebration and sleep.

Our kids were champs this year. We flew in from Chicago, landing at 12:30 pm on Dec. 31 and then went to a NYE party until 10:00 at night! There were no melt downs, just excitement and happiness about 2019 (Although the concept is a little tricky to explain to a 4 year old)

We did it. We commissioned 2019 with a bang (literally...some of the people at the party shot off fireworks in the cul de sac) and too much chocolate cake and wine.

I absolutely LOVE New Years. I love reflecting on the year that has gone by and I love anticipating all the things coming ahead.

John and I were able to sneak away for a night at the end of December; we talked about some goals and things we want to do as a family, as well as personal aspirations.
It really was the most perfect little getaway. We ate at this restaurant downtown and the only table available was one at the Chef's Counter, right by the open fire grill.
 It was warm...romantic...interesting!
I loved every minute of our time together.
We decided that there needs to be more of these in 2019.

December was so full. John and I were giddy with anticipation; we were keeping  a little secret  for a few months. We were going to surprise the kids on Christmas Eve with a trip to Chicago for Christmas!

We did Christmas.
The month of December was full of Christmas outings, events and magic.

 Letters were written to Santa, the elf made its debut, and the Christmas Camel was visited.

Now we waited for Christmas.

Christmas Eve started off like any other Monday.
However,  half way through the day, we asked the kids to go to the mailbox. Lo and behold,  they discovered a letter from Santa addressed to them.
The letter stated that Santa had made a 😮mistake and had accidentally sent their presents to Grandma and Grandpa in Chicago.
Upon reading that sentence, Evelyn burst into tears of disappointment. Sobbing, we encouraged her to read the rest of the letter.
Enclosed were 6 tickets to Chicago set to leave that night at 6:00 pm!
Evelyn kept crying, but her tears turned from despair to joy and overwhelm as she realized that she'd be spending Christmas and her birthday in a place she loves and with people she adores.

Christmas Eve was a a whirlwind of packing, flying, and getting picked up by my dad at nearly midnight at Chicago O'Hare Airport.
Caleb watched out the window during the flight and claimed he "definitely saw Santa."

The kids finally settled into their beds in my parent's house at 2 am.

It didn't matter that is was 2 am on Christmas Eve;
grandma and grandpa were going to get through "The Night Before Christmas"

Christmas morning started with My Grandma (their great-grandma) at our door step with a breakfast casserole. The excitement was high. The energy was electric as the kids raced downstairs to uncover what Santa had left them under the tree.

Christmas Morning delight!

Levi really had his hopes set high that he would get this stuffed Dalmatian dog

It was a joyful moment. All of my family was together, in the same room from my childhood where I used to find Santa's treasures.
We spent the rest of the day at my Aunt Penny's house with all my relatives (35+!) eating, drinking and catching up .

James and Grandma working hard on a puzzle

Caleb learning from his older cousin Evelyn about the keyboard

 


This is how I grew up. These were my crazy Christmas memories. It felt special to be able to share them with my children now.

Evelyn just loved playing with my special doll from childhood. 

What amazed me during this trip was the instant connection and love my children seemed to have for my family, even family they really didn't know that well since we live so far away. They seemed to feel comfortable and bond instantly, wrestling with my Uncles and showing care for my Grandparents who we visited in the nursing home.

Caleb and Great Grandpa

The Kids were so great with their great grandparents

We were like a parade in the nursing home

We celebrated Evelyn's 7th birthday two days after Christmas. The family gathered once again and we had four different types of pie (Evie's request!) and a lot of laughter as my kids tackled  my Uncles and threw balls with my Aunts.

GG and her great grandchildren

I honestly can't believe I have a 7 year old.

Friday we ventured down to the city on probably the busiest day of the year. We explored the Museum of Science and Industry,,,, but WOW, was it crowded with everyone on holiday and off of school and work.

Science and Industry in downtown Chicago

Nonetheless, it was festive and interesting.

The boys especially loved the model train display and a demonstration of how a tornado forms. We also saw baby chicks as they cracked out of their eggs.
James was fascinated by the WW2 submarine. He asked so many questions as he stared at the bombed out ships and brave soldiers. War was a new concept to him. He was trying to wrap his head around it.  He could have stayed at this display all day.

One of the things that's difficult about having four kids with completely different interests is that they each want to linger at the areas and exhibits that interest them. It was actually great training for them in flexibility, tolerance, and accommodation for each other.

Saturday my parents treated us to a Children's Theatre show of Shrek and then lunch at a hotel. My Aunt Robin accompanied us to all these events.
After the show and lunch, she insisted on keeping the party going and treating my kids to an indoor  ball pit and jump house.
I love how my family really values intentional time. My Aunt got right in the ball bit and climbing area with my kids in order to spend time with them.
The kids had a blast, but were exhausted.

Sunday, Evie woke up and threw up. She was not be able to go a few feet from the bathroom for most of the day. I'm actually quite pleased that this is the only outcome of a super crowded museum and ball pit. The bug lasted only 18 hours, but she regretted missing out on the fun.

There was only a small dusting of snow on one of the days we were there...yet this small dusting would have surely shut down Portland. Nonetheless, as soon as the kids woke up, their sights were set on getting in it. By the afternoon, the snow was definitely waning, yet my mom had already purchased all the snow gear they needed so they could enjoy it.
We suited everyone up in snow pants, boots, thick coats and waterproof gloves.
She also purchased saucer sleds.
We piled everyone into the car and drove down the street to the forest preserve where  stands towering a large hill formed by trash. Mt. Trashmore. 😮Yes, this flat prairie state is so desperate for some kind of elevation that piling up trash and putting dirt over is a reasonable solution.  I have many memories of sledding down this hill of trash as a child.
 I have to say, it is wonderful fun!

Unfortunately, Mt. Trashmore was closed due to lack of snow. 😔

However, this was not going to stop our mission of finding some sort of decline. We drove a little bit further into the forest preserve,  and lo and behold, a slope!
It was perfect. It was all the kids needed to have an absolute blast.
After about 45 minutes,  John's hands were frozen and my feet ached in the cold. Levi was rosy cheeked and dripping some serious nasal discharge. So the three of us  surrendered to the elements  and headed home. However, my mom and my two aunts stayed and played in the snow with James and Caleb for a few hours more! James and Caleb just couldn't get enough. James purposely would tumble off the back of the sled half way down in order to crash and wipe out. He thought it was hilarious. Caleb liked closing his eyes and being sent off with a rotation. Those two were truly unstoppable and such a delight to watch.

After a week of excitement and non stop attention and sugar, it was time to pack up all our treasures and head back to Portland.

We managed to wedge six suitcases, six backpacks, two purses, four kids, and three adults into my parents mini van so that they could drop us at the airport.

It was a Christmas my kids will never forget. We made so many memories.
Now to unpack.....😆

           

              

Dear Santa, Thank you for the tickets. Love Evie💚