What You Say?

There is so much, so much going on around us. Life can get very busy with a family of five. This past month mother nature has kept us horribly busy, especially Chris. All I can say is snow, trees, and outages. Repeat several times over. I have to remember things will pass and we move on. But I must remember that I have growing kids and our little 2 year old is getting so big. I have to write down some of the things he says because for 2- he's a great talker and he's got his favorite sayings.

- What you doing?

-What the heck sound?

-Chicken pot pie!

-Don' worry mommy.

-Shake a booty!

-How are you?

-shutupbehavesorry! (big brother influence)

-You hear me. (mom influence)

-He hurt me (for any owe)

He also sings and says nursery rhymes, counts to 20 now, and abc's.

I love the little rollie polly.

That pile of wood in the background used to be 3 very tall oak trees, one of which held a very fun tire swing. That post is for another day.

Valentine Cards

We've been hard at work today doing a craft. Yay! Finally, I can say we messed the house doing something fun rather than the usual books and bags everywhere. Today it was pretty paper and popcorn and hole punch circles everywhere. The kids have 55 valentines to bring to school- collectively. Yikes! And can anyone attest to the gaudy and gross valentine cards for kids to send out sold at the local big store?

Of course that means we needed to break out the craft supplies and see what we had to work with. S decided to write every one in class a note and decorate them with stamps. She worked furiously until shower time in the evening.

C decided he's help stuff baggies of popcorn and let me write the names of all the kids on paint chips from that big store. I love using paint chip cards for projects. But of course I can't turn this picture around so I can properly show you. They are tied with my coveted baker's twine. They would have been much better if they were red and white stripped paper baggies. But I've got zero time to get those.

S's turned out cute, too. I had to photo booth this shot, which actually turned out much clearer than my camera. Oh. When I get into some money I'm going to have a lovely camera that makes everything look gorgeous.

Total cost of this project: $4.00 . Not bad for 55 valentines. And a couple of sore fingers from hole punching and tying.

Around Here

The seasons are sometimes funny. It's completely sunny out side and I've got a roaring fire going because it's very chilly in the house. The wind is starting to pick up. My camera busted (which in part is kind of exciting!) I'm dreaming of a new camera. Any suggestions?

The kids are running around inside the house with mexican lollipops in hand. I don't care. I'm tired and sometimes you do things for a little quiet. I can smell the flavors- watermelon, apple and lemon.

I've been taking pictures with all I have- photo booth. They only go so far- mostly pictures of me since I'm right in front of the lens. You can only hold your laptop at a certain level.

E had his 2 year check up today and he's 27.8 pounds and 33 1/2 inches tall.

I have a rental mini van while my car is being serviced. I can see why moms love them. The doors open on remote, every thing is at kids level, and there is lots of space.

New Year's Eve

I welcome 2011, simply because I kept writing 2001 on my checks. I'd get all dyslexic when I wrote out all the numbers. 2010 was a good year.

- E grew into an amazing toddler full of personality.

-C started Kindergarten and scored 29 goals in his first soccer season.

-S turned out to be a real whiz at math.

But also, we learned to be more patient with each other.

We spent time with friends.

I started swimming.

We learned to do with less.

We learned accidents will happen.

I had a great birthday.

We had a great Christmas at home.

I am excited to see where 2011 will take us. The kids are getting older and I'm sure that will allow us to do more traveling and such.

Happy New Year!

summer Part 2

This second half of our summer was filled with social events like my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary and spending time with family. There were goodies growing in our garden. Soccer camp! There was also a lot of time at home, swimming lessons, and tending to a big boo boo this past week.

Summer is almost over... for us at least. School starts very soon. But, there's much more to accomplish in these next couple of weeks. There's a possible trip to Marine World- I mean- Discovery Kingdom. Soccer practices start soon and we will be involved with that. There's the baby shower, a birthday party, another big wedding anniversary, a little school shopping, and daddy's birthday. Ekkk! See lots more fun to be had- and some tiring days for mama, too!

Balace

Around here: There's a lot of me, the mama, trying to maneuver through life with what is essentially the weight of my little world on my shoulders. Where is the balance? Where is my center? I know, right? I am getting deep here people! But, I do think there comes a point in many mama's life that we question... our sanity, our actions, our parenting, and so much else.

Since being so sick and the little folk also being under the weather for what seemed like an eternity I've been a little frazzled. To say the least. I am now feeling better, thank goodness, and thinking more clearly. The challenging toddler with all his bedtime fussiness is starting to calm a bit. The oldest has challenging questions that keep sending me to goggle answers. The middle is healed from his "T and A" (insert your own funny what have you), and I'm trying to be a good listener to Chris who brings home the stresses from work. I'm not complaining- but some days it's really hard to get it all in: the hug, the teeth brushing, dinner, and yada yada.

I found this quote some where:

but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Here was my interpretation of it on a frazzled day:

What ever dude! I do try to treasure the doing, but nothing else would get done. Because it's just me (on the days that Chris is gone) The kids wouldn't eat good food. They'd smell. Getting it done is necessary!

On a clear day:

Well, yes I can focus less on this and maybe more on that today while still remaining with our normal routine. I can sit and linger at the bedside a little more to hear about the silly things her friends are filling her brain with. The dishes can wait today.

What I know already is something that is good to go back to. Balance. Do my best to stay balanced. It's okay to have a frazzled day, because I know it WILL be better another day.

And treasure these moments...

March in Pictures

My, my! March has been a full month and has flown by. We have fixed things, hand sewn dresses, weeded our garden, had school parties, celebrated grammy's birthday, got a first hair cut, and were sick for over 2 weeks. Oh, and the kids playing- it's a special thing to see siblings playing so lovingly with each other. We are now on Easter vacation. Time to breath and prepare for April.

March

We're on to new activities around these parts. Wrestling season has ended for C. He had his last tournament last weekend. He had a great time and won 3rd place. Chris, the proud papa, sold so many raffle tickets that C won $75 in first place. Money for the piggy bank! Then my step mom WON the raffle- a 42 in flat screen TV. Nice!

He also just had kindergarten registration. Kindergarten! He did amazingly well.

S has indulged me in checking out a new ballet class- and ended up loving it. Of course! The next day we went out to the local Payless and got her some sweet white ballet shoes. She promptly put them on and twirled around the front room at home.

We are thinking of sending the kids back to gymnastics. They need some big muscle movement! It looks like warmer weather still has some time to come. So, being out side in the afternoons is still out. They ride bikes for 15 minutes or so and then want to sit by the fire- and then start jumping off the couches. Gymnastics seems like a sensible choice.

Chris and I are trying to sell some big furniture on Craigslist. We sold the large entertainment center in our front room. Yay! It was so large and gaudy and large. We've mounted the TV's on the walls (bedroom and front room) which is actually much nicer and gives those rooms a cleaner look.

Now if any one has some storage ideas for kids things- please tell me. I keep editing and editing but there are still lots of things in plastic bins or laundry baskets. It's starting to frustrate me...

E is mister big words. When he hands me something or I hand him some thing- I hear "tis too"

In English, "thank you." Such good manners this one. What can I say? I could eat him up. The little cutie pie!

At Home

Oh, hello little bloggity blog. I can't believe we are already half way into January and so much has been going on. It's been a fairly good month so far. We all have had only 1 cold each. Yay!

Cruz had his first wrestling tournament. He loved it. Chris LOVED it, too! There is this great feeling of excitement you experience when your child is doing something awesome. I remember us feeling this way with S's soccer. I also am so proud of them for not giving up on sports or school, even when they may have felt like it at times. And, the fact they are willing to try new things makes me a proud mama.

S has consistently started to read to us at bed time. She reads short stories and when she has trouble she is very good at sounding out words. I think the phonics we did at home and what she's learning at school is all coming together. She's not looking at reading like it's a chore- but rather now really understands what she's reading. Not sounding so much like a series of words anymore. These books are fun and there are lots of stories to choose from.

She's at her grammy's this weekend having a girls only sleepover. I know she's in heaven right now. I get to hang with my boys. It's a very quiet Friday night. The fire's going, house is clean, a movie is on (Friday movie night), and E is taking an extra long nap. Ahhh! Some times things just fall into place. Sometimes.

Long nap is over. E is an official walker as of this week. He talks and walks. Wobbly. But walks. He's only crawling when he has to. It is adorable. I can't believe he's almost one!

The end of December 09'

My little wrestler

Brandee and myself.

Thank you daddy.

Christmas at the ski resort.

Annual Servin family tamalada.

What a busy month! For the first half of the month we fought off colds and lots of coughing and we are now healthy. I'm so glad. Despite the colds we have had lots of school parties to attend. We made our way to the Bay Area to make tamales with our family, made our way to the valley for Christmas after a morning of gift opening. We did some shopping and one of the two of us got very spoiled (Me). The kids truly were into Christmas and showed their appreciation. C has been very into his wrestling practicing his new moves on who ever he can. S is into asking lots of questions that cause me to run to wikipedia.

E turned 11 months and his development is very impressive. He's decided to take lots of steps, wave, pats his leg to music, fake laughs and coughs, still carries around 1 thing with him wherever he goes. He says, " ba-ba, dad, da-da, hi, hot, ish (this), ma, maaaa, MAAAAAA!" You get it. His hair is getting longer and curling around his ears. He now has 7 teeth. He's jiggly and loving. He makes a smooch sound and gives the cutest besos.

I had a great 30th birthday. Chris spoiled me to death, again. I got lovely diamond earrings from him and the kids and an imac pro notebook. This thing is Awesome. We went out to a lovely and indulgent dinner and laughed and enjoyed each other's company. I feel blessed to have someone in my life who knows just how to make me feel special.

Today, New Year's Eve, we sat to a fun lunch at home with friends who came for a "kids New Year's lunch." And, it went smoothly! It's been a good month, I have to say.

I do welcome 2010 though. I am ready for the new year and all the goodness that comes with. I will embrace the future, watching my children grow and I feel blessed to be a part of that growth. Happy New year!

The Guys in my Life

There are three very amazing guys in my life.

C is my worker. He's all heart. Sensitive- yet a man's man. He does everything 110 percent- from being helpful around the house to throwing a fit. He's wrestling now and loving it. Especially because you get to wear special shoes and cool headgear. Today he got a free sweatshirt from one of the coach's wives and he wore it around the house directing S and E in drills (like his coaches)- Ok now, 10 push ups. Ready. Begin. He's very entertaining and lovable. He's a joker, a stinker, and a gentleman all rolled into one.

E is my baby. My little best guy who, by the way, is nearing 11 months and I've been horrible at documenting all the little things he does. Today he said, "mmmm, mmmaaa, mmmaaa." Oh, my heart melted. He walks along the couch only holding on with 1 hand. He is busy, cruising all parts of the house. Really, in search of anything the older kids drop that he may eat. He does say hi, and dances, and goes up and down the step now. He scampers away when I call him and he knows he shouldn't be in something. Loves baths, loves being naked even more. Is AWFULLY loud when un happy- but it takes a while to get to that point. Has 6 teeth and like to feed him self- thank you very much. Is horrible at diaper and clothes changing time- does the alligator death roll every time on me. He pulls hair and thinks it's funny. He's a sweet little boy who gives me love in the mornings before the day begins.

Chris is a good man who loves his little family with all his being. He's serious and a joker. He's a salty old man and a kid at heart. He's one of the hardest working men I know and yet loves to be a couch potato here and there. He's great company and tells a good story. He's learned patience from the kids and has taught them how to have fun.

I'm proud to have these guys in my life.

Warmth of the Fire

Despite some melt downs by C today and stress that Chris has had to bring home from work- we are having a great Monday. Maybe it's the 2 cups of coffee that I've had, or the sweet tea from lunch. Maybe it's the fact that lunch was packed the night before and the house was cleaned before bedtime. Maybe it's because E and I had a lovely morning stroll. Maybe it's because I was able to wash my car at 10 am. Maybe it was that the baby woke cheerfully and easy going.

Or maybe it was the warmth of the fire burning in the wood burning stove. The heat from the stove warms me down to the core. Not like the heater that blows stale warm air (but I am grateful for the alternative) I just feel like a house is cozy with the glow of the fire around us. The kids move about the house more cheerfully. C and I have declared today a drawing day. There's really nothing like home sweet home.

Cliff Notes

After a highly stressful day I find myself coming here to blog. To be with my thoughts, alone, with no one in need of mama. A lot has gone on in the past few weeks. Soccer is over. I am delighted to reclaim my Saturdays, but it was a great experience for the whole family. It taught us how to encourage and praise another family member, and how to be an observer. S learned a new sport and what it means to be a team mate. Hopefully she'll do it again next year. I know C will for sure and I think we are going to tackle coaching. Well, we'll see when we get there.

My sister got baptized and finished getting her diploma. It felt good to be around the people I've always felt closest to and I am proud of her.

The school business continues. Jog a thons and theme parties and the, you know, just getting them there on time with teeth brushed and hair combed.

Maria made the kids this cute apple picking bag. An idea from another blogger- can't remember the name. But with all the apples we picked at my grandmas, I did make the apple cake. It is VERY yummy and even better a la mode.

It feels good to think of these thoughts when it feels like the roof is caving in on me. I hate it when my kids get sick. Sick to the point where I have to take them to the ER. Even as a nurse, I find its a fine line between when you take your child to the doctor or wait it out at home. I took little E to the ER to just discover what I already know. It's a virus. Not swine flu, but one of many viruses- you take your pick. I was also surprised they didn't test him for H1N1. His symptoms mimic so many others, they just call it viral illness.

This is why I always struggle with giving my littles the flu shot. It's good for the most common viruses- but there are sooo many viruses out there. We got the flu shot this year- and got the flu a week later. And, it went on and on. So, why did I expose them to the preservatives and mercury? Cause I don't want a winter like last year. I'm thinking positive.

But, alas little E looks much better that even 12 hours ago. He just needs mama to give him more loving. We are still learning how to control S's viral induced asthma. She is also learning. So, do I give them the H1N1 vaccination? I don't really know yet. I don't want to. It's a fact they've already been exposed to it and half the school was absent last week due to the flu. Still working it out in my head. All I can say is good hand washing and keep living life.

My Three- Part Deux

The daily on goings at my house amaze me some times. Last time I posted in exhaustion. Tonight I feel sleepy- but not exhausted. This weather change forces me to slow down. My internal clock sends my body a message to shut off at 8 pm and I robotically climb into bed with warm jammie's on. I love fall. It's the season of change. The leaves are turning, acorn are literally falling on my head. The kids have some time still to play out side in the warm afternoon sun before it sets. And, by 7:15 pm it's pretty dark, which I especially love because these guys go to bed at 7:30 -making bed time soo easy.

Miss S has lost her first baby tooth, on the lower front. After feverishly playing with her tooth it was finally ready. Chris pulled it out after soccer practice. You can see the big tooth growing in the back. The tooth fairy-dad (which she knows by the way) made his way to our house. One dollar and floss were under the pillow waiting for her. It was not under the pillow that she sleeps on, but the one next to her so I got woken up at 6:30 because the "tooth fairy- dad" (her words) forgot. But, there it was and she was pleased and promptly went to go talk to her self in the bathroom mirror so she could watch herself with one less tooth.

And there may be hope for C's preschool. In a week, the teacher has stepped up her game. I am hopeful... E has discovered sand, dirt, and rocks. He likes it very much. We snuck away to Pinecrest last weekend while it was still very warm out. E entertained him self in the sand while Chris took the bigger kids on "Mossy Oak" a little boat Chris got a deal on. I have enjoyed the weather taking small walks here and there. I've been baking- banana bread muffins. Most importantly, spending time with the kids and putting jammie's on very early in the afternoon.

New Beginnings

I feel like I could go on and on about what's new around here, but I have had little time or energy to write it out. Eventually I will. But today I just need to spit it out before I forget that these things are happening here.

- He likes to rock out.

- Soccer for S. We are on week three of practice and they picked a name the other night- The King Snakes. Not too shabby.

- We spent some time here and there at Pinecrest before school began.

-He's now 7 months and Oh, So YUMMY! I could eat him up.

- We made one last fort in the front room, but they were too scared to sleep out there and snuck into their beds. They didn't want me to see that they were scared.

-Kindergarten has started and it was a success. S was taking shots of her backpack in various locations. And, thus begins the school routine.

Sheesh and Yippie

The Sheesh!
I am a little angry, peeved and upset at Mr. Shaftinator with his, "I'm gonna cut the fire service by 1700 firefighters and I'm all who needs the state fire department, the largest one in California." Who cares that they already make %40 less than a city department (and do more, in my opinion)and got furlowed %10 a month until July 2010. My family doesn't need that money...whatever. I hope he chokes on those threats as Santa Barbara burns, and realizes what he's saying.
I had to get that off my chest.

The Yippie!
You know how in those baby books they say bath, story, feed baby awake, rock baby, and place in crib drowsy for bedtime. Well. It worked. I put E in bed very drowsy and he played with his hands for a few minutes and nite nite baby boy. It was a beautiful thing. ( I usually nurse him to sleep) And he's sound asleep leaving me some binge on cereal time, catching up on blogs, and filling out my absentee ballot. Maybe I'll even watch some late night tv. Ohh, living on the edge!

And, P.S. Locals.
That new Price whatev- store. I ended up spending $20 more on groceries there than at Safeway. Some discount store. But. It is way cool to have a go-to store close to my house again. So, I should stop complaining.

Edited: Price co- not so bad.

SAHM, or something like it

I'm not going to bore you all with my chore list (did I hear a sigh of relief?) Just know I'm still working away at it. Today I took a break from it to hang out at the kids school early this morning and watch C do the most adorable "Me Bag." Their version of show and tell. He brought his fire helmet, ninja costume, chain saw, and pictures of a fire engine and helitack. A chip of the old block for sure...daddy.

I then went over to a coffee house to meet with Dani and had an awesome organic decaf cup of Joe and a three dollar cinnamon roll. Worth every penny. Dani and I finally got to meet and she's on her count down to baby number two and looks amazing! Hi there! She's awesome.

After having to up and leave due to little chunky monkey melt down I went grocery shopping. Back home and mopped and cleaned bathrooms, played with baby, and put out some trash.

Got some fast food- a habit I need to quit- just for my pocket book's sake. Picked up the kids, had a snack, a movie, blanket and pillows on the couch, baths and now talking to you internet.

Very exciting stuff going on here. I really do love weekends now. I enjoy looking forward days free from taking the kids out early and having the school grind. Aren't you glad I shared so you didn't feel like you were missing out? Time for bed. Nite all.

Moth Balls- the saga continues

Time for me to start my spring cleaning. I REALLY don't want to, but at the same time I know I'll feel much better when I do. So, here's my chore list. Hopefully posting it will keep me accountable to myself to complete it.

Edited: This is a working list and will be updated as I get off my butt and get things done.

Done:
Baseboards and above door trim
Ceilings dusted
Washed indoor windows and main outdoor windows
Murphy's soap washed the wood cabinets
Major mopping- but I do it every week
vaccum car
Dusted huge TV cabinet
dust all pictures and wall art
dust and vacuum under big furniture

get rid of anything I can
spider webbs out side
clean wood burning stove area
wipe down walls and door trim
weed "garden" area - It's a PROCESS people
wash car - Chris took this one off my list- Thank you!

To Do:
clean oven
re organize kids closets
set up patio cover
scrub tile grout

What I do weekly already:
mop, sweep, dust furniture, vacuum, bathrooms, wash linen
laundry, watering indoor plants ( only have 2:)

Ahh, not too bad. This is doable. Let's just see how long it takes for me to get to all of it. Also, Chris has his own very long list of things that I could never do. I'm so thankful he' s a do-er.


And. One got new overalls (and doesn't really want to take them off.) One got a teeny trim.