Delicious Ambiguity

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."

Gilda Radner

Now, if I could only be more like Gilda and consider the ambiguousness of life "delicious".....

Pool to Plow

 
   Tonight these guys went from the pool to the tractor and back again. They were being very "cool" in their dad's sunglasses, driving and singing in the tractor. It brought back fond memories of when I was a child and would sit up on my grampa's tractor, listen to the radio and "drive" for hours...

Pure Country

Last night it became very evident that Creighton has been raised in the country. The kids were staying with my brother and his family while I had a meeting. I went to pick them up and we were sitting in the kitchen visiting. Creighton went out to play in the front yard. I looked out to check on him and all I could see was his pants around his ankles and a very white little butt. He was standing in their front yard (in town!) facing the street and peeing without a care in the world. Would have loved to have had my camera for that one!

Also yesterday, when I picked him up from daycare, the babysitter had said the kids got out of the pool and she told Creighton to go in and get dressed and come back out to play. She said that when he came out he was naked with only his shoes (green crocs, mind you) on. He said he couldn't find his clothes, but he found his shoes so he put them on and went back out to play. He didn't think anything of being outside, naked with only a pair of shoes on. He was ready to play, clothes or no clothes, it didn't matter to him!

Definately, a little country boy....

The Living Hoop

 
We have two basketball hoops at our house, yet Creighton prefers to shoot the ball through his dad's arms. Go figure.... 

Summer

 
Creighton attempting to command the dogs tonight. They are finally starting to listen to him...somewhat.




 
Throw three dogs into the picture and Creighton looses control.





 
Don't ask me why Colby was sitting in the gravel driveway playing tonight. But she was. Knowing her, she was organizing the rocks. Everything has it's place, you know!





 
Ahhh...my flowers are in full bloom, very vibrant and one of summer's biggest joys for me.






Tonight I was reminded over and over of how much I love summer. My flowers are beautiful right now. The kids played outside all evening. I got to go on a nice long walk at dusk. I am sad that one month of the summer is gone and seems to have flown by in a wink of the eye. I wish days like today could last forever. 

Desperate

OK, I was desperate to get out for some exercise tonight. Not sure how I could do this with Greg sleeping (he's on third shift) and both kids home. I do not have a treadmill and wasn't about to put in an aerobics video. Creighton's got an eye infection and looks pretty gross so I wasn't about to ask anyone for help either. It was such a beautiful night I wanted to get outside for a walk. So, I got this grand idea to put him in the wagon, Colby on her bike and head down the gravel road.

Once we got out there, I thought to myself, "Our neighbors and all of the passers-by must think we are crazy". Colby was riding her bike with last year's Halloween costume on, I was in my pink yoga pants (yeah, I know, hilarious), and I was attempting to pull a 40 pound child through the gravel in a plastic wheeled wagon all the while he was thoroughly enjoying his ride and singing at the top off his lungs...the whole way.

No, I did not commemorate this moment with a photo and I am sure we will forever be known as the crazy family down the road at 1608.

The kids loved it, and I got my exercise (pulling the wagon through gravel for 2 miles was a bit harder than I anticipated).

I am sure we were a sight to behold....

Whiskers

As if we don't have enough cats running around here....Colby drew some whiskers and a black nose on Creighton. Looks like dirt in this picture, but it's whiskers....

Sweet

 
Just liked this picture of Creighton. Such innocence.....(Yeah, right!) 

Fishing

 
Colby insisted on moving the fish from one section of the pond to the other. I think she just wanted to get in and chase them around with her net. Not really sure why Greg was in there?!? 

The Chase

 
Creighton thinks the whole idea of putting new fish in the pond is to try to catch them bare-handed. Not sure if he will ever get one, but he tries hard.

I was suprised to come home to a clean pond, gunk all scooped out and refilled with fresh water. It looked very pretty - especially with all the new fish :) 

Again

 
Once again, I come home from work to find that Greg and the kids had went out and adopted a few new "pets" again today. They were standing in the landscape pond transferring the 8 new fish to the smaller pool. More mouths to feed and more poop to scoop. It never ends around here. 

A time to dance....

Tonight we had a carefree night. I let the kids enjoy things they don't normally get to do. They jumped and danced on my bed, ate supper in the living room, stayed up late to watch a movie. Remembering tonight not to sweat the small stuff and trying to say no less often. Even if it means cleaning up potatoes off the living room carpet.....

Celebrating Erika

I just returned from little Erika's Celebration of Life. It was a beautiful service, and I was amazed at the strength of Traci and Rich. I learned a lot from Erika, Traci and Rich especially in the last few months and weeks. I learned to swing when I want to clean, make mud pies instead of dinner, how to lay in bed beside my sleeping child instead of in front of the TV, to do art instead of laundry, to laugh more and love deeper and most of all how to lean not on my own understanding, but to put my full trust in Jesus. As Rich said tonight "God doesn't make mistakes". Thanks Maynards for the lessons you have shown us amidst dealing with your own indescribable pain. Not only thinking of you tonight, but for the days, weeks and months ahead.

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day although my kids didn't get to see their father. As he is doing what he does best--working ever so hard to provide for his family. Greg is working several 16 hour days this week (and weekend) in order to get some time off for Colby's upcoming ball games. So we celebrated Father's Day without him by going out for lunch after church and lounging by the pool all afternoon. I tried to downplay the whole "Father's Day" thing so they weren't too upset about not seeing dad on "dad's day". They miss him. And I do too. We love you Greg--see you Wednesday!

(The last picture is of Creighton underwater. While I was taking pictures today he said, "Mom, take a picture of me swimming underGROUND!".)

Quiet Night

Just a simple night. A ball game, home for a quick dinner and just enough time to play outside before heading in to nod off. Glad tomorrow is Friday and no plans for the weekend. I know, very boring stuff here, but I have nothing else to say tonight.

Safe and Sound

To those I asked to pray for little Erika Maynard, thank you for every prayer you sent up on her behalf. Erika is safe and sound with Jesus tonight. Completely healed. Although we need not pray for Erika as she is dancing and singing in heaven, her parents, siblings, family and friends are all mourning and grieving the loss of this precious child. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they need support now more than ever.

I can't even begin to understand this. God is good, but I still wish I could see the big picture--the how's and why's. I just don't understand.....

All my love going out to Traci, Rich, Emma, Evan and their family.

SPLAT!

Oh Colby, what am I going to do with you???? Yesterday was Colby's first day of College for Kids. She had a class called "Mudworks". So they made some sort of gooey, gunky stuff and put it in plastic baggies to feel it, squish it etc. Colby decided she was going to lay her bag on the ground, take a running start, jump high in the air and stomp on it. Well, you know the rest of the story. Gooey, gunk everywhere. I guess it was a huge mess. Somehow, Colby inherited the "class clown" gene. It MUST have come from her dad :)

Daddy's Hands

 
This picture just reminded of the song "Daddy's Hands". Daddy teaching Creighton how to hold the kitty without choking it. Amazing what these hands have taught these kids in just a few short years. 

Lazy Sunday

Church, lunch at my mom and dads, naps and playtime. That is about all that happened here today. I did however, finally get some pictures of the new kitties. Colby went to the neighbors last week and came home with two kittens. It doesn't even phase me anymore when I come home and there are more mouths to feed and more poop to scoop. Seems we are collecting pets awfully quick around here though. I can't complain--they are not allowed in the house. That's where I put my foot down. They all live outside so I guess I just have to go with the "the more the merrier" attitude because I am definately outnumbered.

BUSY, Rainy Day

Although it was a rainy, dreary day we still had plenty on our plates today. The day started out with spending a couple of hours at my Granda's estate sale. It was fun to see what items people were interested in and the prices that various items brought. Bittersweet memories again today.

Then we came home for naps before a trip to Coralville to see the movie "Cars". We went up for the 5:00 show and it was sold out so we bought tickets for the next show. Ended up riding the carousel, going to Build A Bear and the playland, then eating Panda Express before heading to the movie. So it was busy, but fun. Greg had more of the mall than he could stand. Of course it was packed because of the weather and crowds aren't Greg's specialty. But, the kids and I love it and had a good time. The movie had some good humor in it, but wasn't one of my favorites (or the kids' either). Although they could care less if the movie is good or not, they just like to go.

Colby is looking forward to College for Kids for the next two weeks. She is taking three classes--art, science and Native Americans. Sounds like they all include some fun projects and activities. I think she'll love it.

We sure missed being outside today, but it sounds like tomorrow will be a bit better. We sure hope so.

Gas

I made my first trip to the gas station with my new car. This was very exciting. I have been driving on the same tank of gas since last Saturday and just filled up this afternoon. ONLY $42!!!!! whoo hooo! In my Expedition I filled up every five days and it was $75 to $78. So I made it two extra days at half the cost! I am so excited. I just proved to myself that it will be worth it. I am still trying to convince myself that I DON'T miss my Expedition at all. (But I do....)

Every Day

These kids do nothing but swim. They swim all day at daycare and hop in the pool as soon as we get home and swim until I have yelled "COME EAT" about 50 times or so....

Big, Loud, Fast

Creighton loves anything that is big, loud, or fast. 110% all boy! He loves to go on tractor rides with his daddy.

Missions Accomplished

The day turned out OK and the kids got to do both of the things they were looking forward to--fishing and 4-wheelin'. The new 4-wheeler is quite big so I took Ty for a ride. Not sure if I am ready to turn him loose with that one yet. Thankful for the rain, but even happier to have the sunshine back.....

Fishing and Four Wheeling

Today the kids get to stay home with Greg. They had a fun day planned as our new four wheeler is supposed to be delivered this morning and then they were going to go fishing this afternoon. I was going to meet them on my lunch hour so I could watch the kids fish for awhile. It seems that Mother Nature has different plans. It just figures. Oh well, I wouldn't be suprised if they go fishing in the rain. And with all of the puddles around our house I am sure they will go muddin' on the four wheeler too. They probably won't care. I think it is just me that can't have a good time unless the sun is shining. Can't imagine the amount of muddy clothes that I will have to tend to tonight when I get home.

Farewell to Fat

Over the last couple of days I have been completly discouraged with the way my clothes are fitting and how disgusting I look in my swim suit, but still haven't been too motivated to do something about it. In order to make any progress in this area would mean quitting eating all of the things I love and exercising more. Neither one of those things seem too appealing.

But of the blue today my boss suggested that we start a weight loss challenge in the office. So we all (all 4 of us) agreed to weigh in tomorrow and our next weigh in will be July 6th. So, being the competitive person I am, I think that was just what I needed to get motivated. So today I am finally ready to bid farewell to fat. Too bad I couldn't start today and be done tomorrow. I think it's going to be a LONG process....

So Long, Self

I had been planning on and looking forward to just a little "me" time today. It quickly became very clear that today wasn't meant to be about me AT ALL!

First I went to pick up my new car. I had just been given a little crash course on all of the features and gadgets etc. and I was ready for takeoff. The salesman was switching my license plates over and as he was screwing them into my car he somehow slipped and put a big chip in it.

The next stop was at Starbucks. I couldn't wait to get in the car, sip my favorite drink, listen to my CD's (REALLY loud) and cruise home in my new ride. I was headed down River Drive in Davenport during really busy noon traffic, my lid popped off my scalding hot drink, I hit a big bump in the road and I (not to mention my car) was completely drenched from top to bottom with sticky, wet, and very hot Chai Latte. So my new car was now chipped and covered in a sticky mess and I wasn't even 4 miles from the dealership. I pulled into a gas station went in to get some wet paper towels and attempt to clean up this mess. Everyone was probably wondering what happened as it truly looked like I had peed my pants.

At this point I was feeling really guilty for being so selfish and materialistic. I was reminded of a song, So Long Self by the Newsboys (I think?). Today was not about me, it never was supposed to be, and I never should have tried to make it such. I was reminded of that many times.

Despite my selfish couple of hours Saturday morning, I was still very consumed with thoughts of Erika, Traci, Rich and their families. That tiny little thing is still fighting hard. Over the course of the weekend there were times that I almost felt guilty as I enjoyed my family while Traci sits at her daughter's side wondering if she is going to make it hour by hour. I can't even begin to grasp what it would be like to be walking in their shoes. Even Greg is expressing great concern for them as I found that he was checking their updates regularly last night and today. He even went as far as to tell me to look into getting our kids registered as organ donors. Not sure how that would works with kids--haven't looked into it yet.

Anyway, it will be a long time before I dare schedule a "me" day again and please take some time out to pray for the Maynard family.

A Sleep-Over

Colby had a friend spend the night tonight and they had a blast. Unfortunately, she doesn't like to get her picture taken so I had to trick her a couple of times and catch her unexpectedly. The kids swam, cooked hotdogs and smores at the bonfire, caught fireflies and fell asleep while watching a movie and eating popcorn. It was a great night and I am counting my blessings today. Taking nothing for granted and loving the kids like there is no tomorrow.

Please Pray

Please pray for a dear friend's daughter who just received a new heart this afternoon and is having some difficulty. www.caringbridge.org/visit/erikamaynard

Thank you.

Gearing Up

Tonight I have been up late doing all sorts of tasks that I don't want to mess with on the weekend. We got home at 6pm and I got supper in the oven, went outside and gave all the flowers a good soak and got all of the chemicals balanced in the pool. Got the kids fed and in bed then I started on my housework. The cleaning lady doesn't come until Wednesday and I just couldn't wait. So I picked up the house, scrubbed the kitchen, polished all of the stainless steel appliances, started the laundry, put away last weekends laundry, sorted mail, cleaned out Colby's bags of stuff she brought home from school and now I am headed out to the entry way to organize the cubby cabinet. Pretty ambitious for a Thursday night but I am gearing up for a free and clear weekend! After several 16 hour days Greg will be home from Saturday through Tuesday--YAH! And best of all, my new car came in today and I get to pick it up Saturday morning. And to top it off, the car dealership is not far from Starbucks....what a perfect start to the day! Looking forward to the weekend, AGAIN.