Cannonball

 
I just love the way Creighton goes to the top of the pool ladder and SCREAMS "CAAANNNONNNBBBBAAALLL" every time he jumps in. He did cannonballs for a record-breaking 6 hours on Monday. And it was cute every time. 

Time Well Spent

 
I was just going through the pictures that I had taken over the course of the weekend. What a fantastic time I had with the kids these three days. I just can't get enough of them. We didn't do anything too extravagent or expensive or venture far from home, but we made a lot of memories and shared a lot of laughs. Swimming, four-wheeling, swinging, horseback riding, softball, football, trip to the playground and a couple of enjoyable meals out. It really made for a perfect weekend.

Tonight I have been thinking about how God has entrusted these two little beings to my care and upbringing. I consider it such an honor and privilege and my ultimate responsibility. No matter what else is going on in the world, they are my number one priority. Sometimes I wonder am I doing it right and am I competently completing the task that God has set before me?

I think about how much our lifestyle has changed. It's a lot of give and take. We have given up some hobbies, interests, our social life (well, most of it) and in return I have been blessed with two incredible kids. There is absolutely nothing I would rather have or do. This part of life's journey is more important than any other and I am putting my heart and soul into it. It is something that I will never have the chance to re-do if I screw it up. And I am continually amazed at how fast they change and grow. It all happens so fast and I don't want to miss a minute of it. May God continue to guide me in this process and I pray that I am reminded many more times of how sweet it is. 

Protective Sister

 
Yesterday Creighton and I were out by the pool by ourselves and he kept swimming over to where I was and saying, "I love you mom". Or he would say "mom, I need to give you a kiss". He was serious as could be (I think he was just really happy that I got the pool ready for them). He is so sweet and loveable. A real charmer. I told him yesterday that he was going to make some girl really happy someday. Today when we were eating breakfast I thought of that moment again as him and Colby were exchanging giggles and sharing eggs. So I said to Colby, "what are you going to do when Creighton has a girlfriend?". She quickly replied without any hesitation "I'll scream in her face and maybe she will dump him". Their fighting moments really are just a season in life and I'm sure they will stand true to one another through thick and thin. I think I got a glimpse of that today. 

Sorry, Officer.....

First of all Happy Birthday, Greg--we love you so much even though you are REALLY getting OLD now. Just kidding--you are like a fine wine, getting better as you age....(or maybe I am just finally getting you trained :-)

This morning Greg was trying to get some sleep after working yet another 16 hour day (and preparing for another one today, ugh...). The kids stirred him enough to give him his birthday present--no need to open it, as Creighton told him all about it in advance. He is very good at that!

I decided that it would be best if we got out of here for awhile so Greg could get some peaceful rest. So we headed to West Branch for breakfast. We were just outside of West Liberty and I saw the flashing lights and knew in an instant they were for me. (How special!) Of course, the officer came to the window and asked the standard question, "do you know why I pulled you over?" Of course I did--I WAS SPEEDING, duh.... Then the second standard question, "Do you know how fast you were going". No not really, but I said "65?". He said, "I clocked you at 59." I thought to myself, "well, that's not too bad". Until he said, "the speed limit is 35mph". OOOOPPPPSSS! He took my license and came back to the car and said, "condsider this warning a $96 gift and slow it down". Whew...I have never gotten a warning, always a ticket. I was very lucky today. Could have been an expensive breakfast......

Pool is OPEN!

The kids braved the cool waters today and swam in our pool for the first time this season. They had fun despite their blue, quivering lips! I however, stayed on the side and sat in a puddle of sweat--I don't care how hot it is today, I will not get in that water! I'll try again next weekend--thank goodness for solar pool covers. Now, if the kids would stay out long enough for me to cover it that would be even better!

Giddy-Up!

Some friends of ours invited us to their campsite where they are staying before showing their horses tomorrow. They had their little pony with them too so the kids each took several turns riding. Colby was very proud of herself after quickly learning to guide the pony without anyone leading her. They both loved it. I am sure they will be begging for horses again by tomorrow!

Needs a Nap

 
Creighton skipped his nap today. I would rather put him to bed early tonight than interupt his fun outside. He had a few funny moments today in his tiredness.

Mom - Creighton, are you ready to come in and take your nap?
Creighton - No, I'll come in when I get cold.

(It's 85 degrees today....not gonna happen)


Later tonight....


Mom - Creighton, put your shirt on.
Creighton - I don't WANT to wear my shirt.
Mom - Creighton we are going somewhere that you HAVE to wear a shirt.
Creighton - Fine then. You are not coming to my birthday party, you are JUST dropping me off there. (His birthday is in November...)

He is just a little cranky. But, I did manage to get them to sit still for a moment by the landscape pond today for a picture. Nothing is quite in full bloom yet, but it did look pretty today. I attempted to clean it out a little bit and put some of the rocks back that Creighton had thrown in. It will be tacky looking again in a matter of days....Oh well, I tried.

Headed out to go horseback riding with some friends. I'm sure I'll have more pictures to post later! 

Farmer Creighton

 
A couple of clues that it is almost June in Iowa. Mosquito bites everywhere despite wearing gallons of bug repellent and a perfect farmer tan. I'm sure that will even out over the course of the next couple of weeks, but it just hasn't been warm enough to get that perfect all-over tan that he will have in no time! He's loves to be outside and was thrilled to ditch his shirt today and show off that white belly! And for the mosquitos, I think they are here to stay so we'll just suffer...as always. 

A LONG Weekend!

Although this is considered a long weekend with the holiday on Monday, it still is never long enough. We are just going to lay low this weekend. Nothing planned, no where to go. Just stay home and enjoy my kids. Greg is working 16 hour days until Tuesday so we won't see him until Tuesday night. He just shows up to sleep for a few hours and heads back to work. I hate that and so do the kids, but I try to make the best of it and let them do some fun things. Not sure what that will be yet.

Today I got the pump started on the pool, got the chemicals added, secured the solar cover and hopefully it will warm up a bit by tomorrow so they can swim. I am headed to the car dealership today to listen to the great deal they are going to give me all the while in my mind I will be thinking, yeah right, they're trying to screw me. I will walk out without a car, I'm sure. We'll see how it goes.

Creighton is hollering for me to help him with his train set, Colby is washing radishes (that weren't big enough to pick) and Greg is snoring on the couch after working third shift last night. What an exciting life we lead :)

Blushing Bride

 
Today Colby was the princess in her class play "Princess and the Pea". She has been practicing her lines for a week and a half. I asked her last night if she knew her lines and she nonchalantly replied, "yeah, except for the ones on the big page". Well, if she missed any of her lines today I sure didn't notice it. She did a great job speaking loud and clear despite the fact that this morning she told me that she "thinks" she has stage fright. Not real sure, but maybe. She seemed to overcome that shortly after taking the stage for her part. She said that the kids in her class had been teasing her about getting married to Nick. During the play he even got down on one knee and proposed--I missed that picture, oops. Today they performed for the parents and tomorrow for the kindergarten classes. She seemed to enjoy it and I am glad--I was the one who had stage fright and I'm happy she doesn't...YET! 

Just Another Day

I feel like we have just been sailing through these last few days. Very few mishaps, no trouble, no major catastrophes, nothing....Kids behaving, school going well, work is fine (I guess), and tasks at home are slowly but surely getting completed. I got a little stressed about some stuff needing done around the house, but I have convinced myself not to worry about it (this is a new concept for me!). I am almost afraid to see what might be on the horizon. Seems like whenever things are going too smooth for too long we get knocked down with something or other. I just pray that this is just a great start to a good, long, peaceful, uneventful, non-hectic summer full of fun.

Greg took a vacation day today so that he could be at Colby's game tonight. See, just having him home one night has been a tremendous lift for me. Gosh, I wonder what it would be like if he were actually home every day(?) At this point, that is just a dream. Don't see things changing anytime in the near future.

Looking forward to a night out tomorrow and to Colby's play at school later this week and of course, the end of the school year!

Sorry, no pictures lately. My camera has been tucked away in the desk and pictures haven't been a priority the last few days. I'll try to get some new ones up soon.

Full Speed Ahead

It seems like we have been in high gear all week so far. Greg is working nights this week so I have had to work double time at home just to keep up. Colby had her last soccer game of the season tonight so that will eliminate two practices and Saturday games for awhile. Whew.... Between softball and soccer we were on the go almost everynight of the week and Saturday mornings. The over-lap time between those two sports has been a little hectic for me. Glad we will have time to stop and think once in awhile now. Down to two nights of practice/games per week now. That is somewhat of a relief.

We are trying to get some things done around the house and the yard and it seems we are chasing our tails most of the time. I spent six hours planting flowers on Saturday just to find that by Monday the cat had decided to dig them up. The yard needs mowed and trimmed, the pond needs cleaned out, the pool needs to be put up, filled and cleaned, and the weeds in my landscaped areas are taking over. My honey-do list keeps getting longer, my own list is a mile long and the longer each of those get the CRABBIER I get. I feel like a need a good couple days at home by myself to get caught up. Hmmmm....I may have to work that out.

Cute Guys

 
Just a couple of cute guys that were sitting next to me at the soccer game last week. 

Last Week

 
I forgot to put up pictures from the kids' program at church on Mother's Day. Most of my pictures didn't turn out because the lights were dimmed in the auditorium, but the stage was very bright. Not a good combo for photos. Colby enjoyed her program and also enjoyed looking around to see what all of the other kids were doing. I think she'd be better off in the back row so she doesn't have to turn around to see what she is missing! 

A Rare Opportunity

This weekend has been pretty uneventful, although it was good. Something rare and somewhat special happened. Greg and I both had the opportunity to spend one on one time with each of the kids. We didn't do anything spectacular, but just having the chance to interact with the kids one-on-one is so fun sometimes. Saturday after the soccer game, Greg took Creighton home and they did "guy" stuff and Colby and I went to the greenhouse for flowers and out to lunch. Today Colby got to stay home with Greg while Creighton and I went to church and out for lunch. Nothing extravagent, but the time was enjoyed by all of us. I think the kids like it too as they get mom or dad all to themselves even if just for a short time. I love being able to give them 100% of my attention. That just doesn't happen enough as my time and attention get spread pretty thin sometimes.

Ended the weekend with a movie (Over the Hedge) and out for pizza with kids and Mackenzie. I'm no movie critic by any means, but for an animated movie, it was cute. I even found myself laughing out loud a couple of times.

A little laundry to fold and I am ready to face another week--whether I want to or not........

Saturday

Pretty quiet day today. Soccer game this morning, to the greenhouse for flowers, 6 hours of planting, kids playing, Greg working and everyone going to bed now. That pretty much sums it up. Hoping for another nice day tomorrow.

Cashing In Early

It's been a busy morning, a busy day, a busy night. Everyone is sleeping peacefully and I am headed that way too. Turning in early tonight.

Colby had her second softball game tonight and was AWESOME again! She got a hit both times she batted and had the chance to play a couple of different positions tonight--catcher, pitcher, shortstop. Very fun to watch.

I am driving the car I THOUGHT that I wanted to buy for 24 hours. Although I am finding out that maybe I don't want it.....UGH....It is just killing me to give up my big SUV. Still trying to weigh out the benefit to getting something that is a little more efficient. So far I'm not convinced.

Addition to last night's story....

OK - Last night I wanted to get some stuff done and attempted to minimize computer time. In my haste I forgot to tell the most important part of the ball game story. Greg had taken Colby to her game. I got there while she was still warming up and she ran to the fence to tell me that she had invited her teacher to her game. I was really hoping that she didn't actually expect her teacher to come to her game. Shortly after the game started I looked up and saw her teacher coming. She sat through about 45 minutes of the game and visited with me and my parents. She got to see Colby's great hit and seemed to enjoy the game. I give Mrs. C. a gold star for that. That woman had taught school all day, been in a meeting from 3:30-5:30pm, had a husband waiting at home for her and she still fought the crazy traffic at Kent Stein to come see Colby play softball. She is so dedicated. I would venture to say that not many other kids playing ball last night had their teacher show up to watch them. We LOVE Mrs. C!!!! (On a side-note Colby will have her for second grade too--WHOO HOO!!)

One to Zero - And Colby Scores!

Tonight was Colby's first softball game. She was 2 for 2 hitting and scored the only run of the game. I don't think they actually keep score in this league, but my competitive self couldn't help it!:) She was so happy to get a hit both times at bat and to be the only one from both teams to actually advance all the way to home (they can only take one base at a time). Notice in the picture she had to stomp home plate with both feet to be sure she got it. I was a little nervous before the game as they each only get five pitches. I didn't even want to see the disappointment on her face if she had to head back to the bench without a hit. I know there are many times coming that she will strike out or get put out, but I'm so glad she got a little boost of confidence tonight. She's my little superstar! And of course, Creighton being the monkey he is, was climbing the fence to watch his sister bat. What a pair!

Nice to be missed....

 
Tonight was "dinner making" night in Bettendorf. We must be getting better at it because we got done in record breaking time leaving just enough time to stop at Starbucks for a "whatever it was" and some chat time. Before I left home this morning I noticed that the cooktop needed a little attention so I squirted some of the cream cleaner on it to set while I was at work. When I got home there were little "I miss you mom" messages from Colby written in it and a few scribbles from Creighton. It looks like everything else in the house is still intact. Everyone is sleeping in their beds, not too much of a mess for me to clean up and they ate supper at McDonalds. So all was well without me tonight, but it still brought a smile to my face to know that they thought about me. I missed them too. 

Happy Mother's Day

 
It's been a simple, but good day today. Colby was so cute for her program at church (if I must say so myself :). I was really impressed with the program. There was a lot of hard work put into it and it showed. I must say it was the first time that Colby was actually excited about being on stage. Not a lot else to say as it is time for yet ANOTHER make-over (courtesy of Colby). Thankful for these kids not only today, but everyday...... 

An Early Gift

 
It's been a good day today. An early start with Creighton up at 6:30am screaming with a belly ache. A trip to the bathroom seemed to solve that problem. Greg was working so it was just me and the babes till 3pm this afternoon. Had to get an early start out the door as it was Colby's treat day at soccer. So Fareway at 8:15 for team snacks, 8:30 to West Side Store for egg croissants for breakfast(a nice visit with my brother there), 9:00 soccer game at the complex in the FREEZING cold and wet conditions. But it was worth it as Colby had a great game and I saw a long-time friend (like since 2nd grade:) and got to chat for an hour. After the game we headed to my grampa's house to help with some sorting of his things. So many memories--found his draft orders from Franklin Roosevelt, an Easter Card he sent to my gramma while he was overseas during the war, his uniform, his handwritten farm reports, pictures galore, every receipt from everything he had ever purchased, and things from their house that I remember being there ever since I can remember. It was bittersweet. Had he been there today we would have heard the story behind every letter, card, picture that we discovered. And I MISS those stories!

Next was lunch with my mom and two TIRED kids. Creighton crashed in the car on the way home, I transplanted him to his bed and had to wake him up at 4:30! Then Colby decided that I must open my Mother's Day presents that she made me at school. How proud she was--a magnetic note pad, a butterfly magnet and a beautiful card that read: Dear Mom, Thank you for letting me do all of these fun things. I like it when you give me big hugs. Happy Mother's Day! Love, Colby. It was very cute and so special. Can't wait to see her big performance at church tomorrow :)

Now we are headed to pick up a pizza and just hang out the rest of the night. Colby and Greg have been outside cutting down and burning a tree. Not sure what they are up to, but what a pair they are.

This has been a nice weekend so far despite the crappy weather. Hope it ends as good as it started. 

Done...

Every once in awhile I find myself exhausted. Sometimes mentally, sometimes physically and tonight it is BOTH. It has been a busy week and I just hit the wall. I didn't even realize how tired I was until I got everyone tucked into bed and headed downstairs to do some of my nightly duties. I made it to the computer and that is as far as I got. I am attempting to muster up the energy to get bags packed, clothes laid out for tomorrow, etc. I keep looking at the clock and saying to myself "it's only 9:15pm, I can't possibly go to bed yet!" But guess what, I don't care what the clock says because "stick a fork in me, I am DONE". Good night.

Shaggy No More!

 
Finally, Creighton had his haircut today! It has been needed for several weeks, but I waited too long to try to get an appointment. So today I ran out and picked him up on my lunch hour and took him to get a haircut. He's not a shaggy dog anymore, YAH! Then of course he thought it would be a good idea to just go home instead of back to daycare. I would have liked to go home too, but this is too busy of a week. Once it slows down at work and the weather starts staying nice I am going to try to take a lot of days off to just PLAY! And I can't wait! 

Activity Night

 
While I had Creighton in the bathtub tonight Colby was busying herself downstairs setting up an art activity. She was the teacher and when Creighton got done, he became her student. She had a little station all set up complete with foam bowls, seed corn, popsicle sticks, crayons, glue and stickers. They made morrocas (sp?). Creighton called his a shaker, but either way it was very cute to see her "teaching" her brother. It was a fun night at home. No TV again tonight--those are the best nights! Trying to make tv a privilege rather than the norm around here. It's a slow process that I am not sure I will ever see complete, but it's worth a shot. 

Sweet Girl

(picture says 1-1-04- not true, camera goof-up, oops!) I am supposed to be doing my 1 hour of work right now, but I decided to stop at the computer. This will probably kill what little motivation I had to fold a load of laundry and unload and re-load the dishwasher.

I just wanted to dedicate one post to Colby. I am so in love with her. She is such a sweet girl. Sometimes she gets overlooked because she is always just along for the ride, causes very little trouble and requires very little assistance with anything. There was a time in her life that I thought she was going to be the death of me, but what a turn-around she's had especially in the last six months. She thrives on "doing the right thing" and "being the good kid". She is affectionate and loving and makes me just want to squeeze her. She enjoys her activities more than she ever has. She has a true love of learning and is thriving in school beyond all of my expectations. She has a beautiful love of nature and animals and friends. She is a girly girl yet at the same time is not afraid to do or try anything. I am amazed at the maturity that has developed in her recently and I enjoy seeing what each day brings with her. She takes a lot and dishes out very little. Being the big sister is a tough job and she gets better at it every day. I am anxious to see her enjoy this coming summer and can't wait to see what the future has in store for her. She is the answer to a million prayers and I couldn't be any more thankful. I love you Colby Marie! 

All Smiles

His smile is perpetual. Something so simple can make him smile from ear to ear. What a joy this little man is. This day I found him in his playhouse playing by himself just having a grand time. What I wouldn't give to be able to find the innocent, childlike joy in life again. I am continually amazed at the lessons I learn from my kids and how many times they lead ME by example. Thanking God again tonight for these precious little gifts. 

Dad has toys too!

Well, it's not only the kids that have "toys" around here. Greg has a few of his own. This is his old bronco that I think he may love more than me! :) It hasn't ran for awhile, but he's got it going again. Creighton REALLY enjoys going out in the field and tearing around in it (imagine that!). I heard some really loud noise this afternoon and looked out the window to a cloud of dust for as far as I could see and saw Creighton and Greg doing donuts in the field. I'm not sure which one of them enjoyed it more....

Lean, Mean, Racing Machine!

Creighton is pretty serious when he is racing. He's loving this motocross helmet he just got this afternoon. Now he is bigtime. How fun.

I am wondering how long this will last before he thinks he needs to go faster. It goes up to about 35 mph, but there is a governor so we can set it to go slower. He hasn't figured that out yet. Someone needs to remind this child he is just THREE! 

Four Wheelin Buddies

We are in the process of buying Colby a bigger/faster four wheeler. We are buying it online since all the dealerships are about twice as high as the online dealers. Not knowing for sure which size we should get, a friend of ours let us borrow his to see how it works out (thanks Scott!). So the kids have had a ball with it and I am pretty impressed with their driving skills. Of course Creighton has been driving an electric one since he was just barely two years old. Anyway this is Colby on the "test" model and Creighton on Colby's old one. It looks like we are going to have to get her the next size up since she would outgrow this size in no time. However, it is just perfect for Creighton and he is loving it too. I would have to say that he is 100% pure boy and drives it full-speed, does quick turns and slams on the brake in the gravel so he can do "skids". Colby likes to go full-speed too however she has just a little bit more inhibition and just leisurely drives in a big circle. I am anxious to get their new ones ordered. Then hopefully, I can talk Greg into getting me one so we can all go riding together. Fun times in the country.