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My New Toy

April 5, 2010 by Kelli

After selling much of my childhood and pieces of my parents souls on Craig’s List, I finally made enough money to purchse the one thing I’ve desired for awhile now. A good camera.

My parents are moving from their home of 13 years into a small condo. It’s a good thing. It’s the right decision. But it means getting rid of many of the items that I grew up with. Furniture and decorations that have graced the houses of my parents different homes for most of my life. It’s hard – not as hard for me since I have been living on my own for a long time – but definately hard for them.

My mom was sweet enough to let me post and sell her stuff and, as a reward, split the money she made fifty-fifty. And thus my brand, spanking new camera. My magic camera that actually takes the pictures I want it to take. And I’ve had a good time taking said pictures this weekend.

Yesterday we went to my parents house for one last holiday meal. And we all tried to keep it light when discussing their move, because if we started talking too seriously, the tears would begin to flow. So we laughed and joked, but inside we were all feeling a bit sentimental. Change is never easy, even if it’s necessary.

Despite the emotions, however, we had a wonderful day. The weather was perfect, the kids were well behaved and I was able to document it all just the way I wanted to…

Here is a little collage of our Easter Sunday:

Click on the image to see a larger view.

And, of course, here are a few more pictures from the weekend. The camera has been practically attached to my hand…

Blurred background! That was the one thing I wanted in a camera - the ability to actually focus on what I wanted to focus on.

We had a crazy week with several nights of late bedtimes. Which means Landon did a lot of this Saturday morning when we went to Forest Park.

Poor boy. His parents need to get him a haircut. He's looking like a mushroom head...

We’re going to the Zoo today so look forward to more pictures tomorrow!

Today’s post for STL Family Life is up. Go check it out and let me know what you think!

Filed Under: Easter, Family, Holidays, Kids, Landon, Life, Motherhood, Sloan, Tia Tagged With: Easter, Kids, Pentax K-x camera, Photography

Smile sob Smile

April 2, 2010 by Kelli

I came across these sweet videos the other day and my heart melted. My babies are growing up too fast. I never thought I’d be the type of person to say that and get all weepy, but it does make me a little sad. Those stages go by so fast. How is it they are aging so quickly and I am staying the exact. same. age?

Weird.

As I lay in bed this morning, trying desperately to pry my eyelids open, I couldn’t help but correlate the emotions I feel about my children aging with the emotions that this particular day bring about. Happy and Sad. Good and Bad. Gratefulness and Humility.

Today is the day we remember and observe the sacrifice of Christ. It is heavy. It is hard. It is “the sad part,” as Sloan told us this morning. In fact, he got up early and drew us a picture:

Notice the top corner says "Sad Port"

If you look closely, the picture shows Jesus on the cross. The two people on the right are the soldiers who crucified him and they are laughing. On the left are Mary and Joseph and they are crying. And on Jesus’ head is the crown of thorns.

This day makes me reflect and ponder. It’s something that occurs deep within the recesses of my heart and I often want to run from these reflections because they often uncover the worst of myself. And it is sad. It’s the sad port, erm, part.

But balancing out the sad is the joy in knowing the end of the story. And it just so happens that Sloan depicted that as well. He called it the “Good Port.”

Jesus was not defeated and the grave did not hold him forever. Notice the “sparkles” surrounding Jesus in Sloan’s drawing. It’s because Jesus rose and “He was so shiney when He came out of the grave, mom, because His body was new.”

That really is the Good Part, isn’t it?

So as I look at these videos, I’m reminded again of the preciousness of life. I remember how quickly life happens. We blink and the moment is gone. And it’s sad. But it’s also good.

Happy Easter.

Filed Under: Easter, Family, Holidays, Kids, Landon, Life, Motherhood, Sloan, Tia Tagged With: Easter, Good Friday, Jesus, Kids Growing, Motherhood

No Boys Allowed!

March 25, 2010 by Kelli

Today was a sad day for the child who bears the X-Chromosome. It was a day she had been waiting for with great anticipation, but was ultimately not to be… She was supposed to have her “vewy betht fwend” come over to play for the whole morning. An entire morning of girly giggles, squeals and squeaks. Her friend was even going to come with us to watch Tia do gymnastics. The excitement was palpable.

But her high was crushed at 4:30 this morning when Sloan came tearing into our room, jolting Lee and I out of our slumber so quickly that we almost knocked each other out in our flurry to figure out whether or not the world as we know it was about to end.

Turns out the world was not about to end, but Sloan was just dry heaving and experiencing major stomach cramps. The kid hates to throw up and avoids it at all costs so in his attempt to not hurl, he completely and totally freaked out causing quite the ruckus.

And nobody really went back to sleep after that. So we had to cancel the anticipated playdate, which resulted in great weeping and gnashing of teeth. Had I had tiny sackclothe, I fear Tia would have arrayed herself in such and tossed the ashes of the fireplace over her head. She rolled on the couch moaning, “I don’t hab anybody to pway wif. I don’t wanna pway wif my bwudders. I want to pway wif a Dirl!” And on and on that went.

I already felt bad for her because I remember as a kid how devastating it was to have plans cancelled. But as I listened to her wail at the prospect of being stuck with the boys all day long, my heart sank a little more. I wish she had a sister. I really do. I know lots of girls grow up with only brothers (including myself) and they turn out okay, but I do wish she had the companionship of another X.

Growing up, I can’t say I ever remember longing or yearning for a sister. When I was planning my wedding, I remember thinking it would have been fun to have a sister to talk and laugh with, but other than that I never felt that I was missing out. Now that I’m grown, though, I really do sometimes wish I had a sister. Not that my brother isn’t great, because he is, but you know…he’s a boy. He’s got cooties. And he doesn’t like to talk on the phone because clearly the Y-Chromosome shuts off a man’s brain when a phone comes into close proximity of his ear canal…

Anyway, I do wish Tia had a sister. Maybe she will someday. I won’t say never, because I am not sure God has completely closed the door on the expansion of our family. In fact, I’m fairly certain He hasn’t, but Lee feels…differently. Ahem.

Of course, not having a friend to play worked out swimmingly when I couldn’t keep Tia awake past noon due to the fact that she had been up since 4:30 in the AM. And bonus! I think we will fulfill the need for girl time tomorrow instead. Hopefully that will release the pent up giggles that are threatening to end her sweet life as we know it!

Filed Under: Family, funny stuff that happens, Kids, Kids do the darndest things, Tia Tagged With: Childhood, Motherhood, Sisters

All but the obvious

March 18, 2010 by Kelli

When Tia came home with a fever and a cough the other night, we didn’t worry much. We’ve been parents for awhile now so we’ve seen our share of fevers and coughs. And Tia, of all three kids, is the easiest patient to deal with. She rarely complains, she doesn’t let an illness keep her down and she almost always bounces back pretty quickly.

But this fever was different. First of all, her face was bright red. She looked like a tiny little beet sprouting white blonde hair. In addition to being bright red, her face was also very puffy. She was like a fluffy, doughy beet sprouting white blonde hair. When she woke up yesterday, her face was still puffy and hot. I assumed that she had gotten a little too much sun in Florida, but my mom assured me that she hadn’t had a sunburn. So then I feared she was having an allergic reaction – but what was she reacting to?

When she came into our room last night complaining of chest pain, she emanated heat. She was just shy of radioactive. So I did what any self-respecting mother would do…I consulted the internets – particularly Facebook – to determine whether or not I should be concerned. Thank God for modern technology yes? My cyber friends convinced me that I needed to call the doctor and despite the fact that Tia woke up with a very low grade fever and no more red face, I called it in.

She has Scarlett Fever…with Strep Throat. I suspected as much when I changed her this morning and she was covered in a sand paper-like rash. Sloan had the same type of rash when he had Scarlett Fever two years ago (almost to the day).

Tia had all the signs of Scarlett Fever and Strep…except the most obvious – a sore throat. I must have asked her 100 times if her throat hurt and she always told me no. But, she did say several times yesterday that her drink was “hurting her neck.” At one point she asked me why I gave her a spicy drink. I’m guessing this means her throat hurt while she swallowed. Crazy kid.

When the doctor looked at her throat, he winced and told me her throat was bright red and extremely raw. Way to go, Mom, for missing that one! Yeesh.

So we are now on antibiotics and on the look out for more rashes, fevers and raw throats as Scarlett Fever is apparently pretty contagious. So much for our long streak of no sickness. It was an impressive run that had to come to an end at some point…

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Tia

Reunited and it feels so good

March 17, 2010 by Kelli

Everyone is home and they have commenced to fighting and tattling already this morning. And all is right in the Universe again…

Sweet girl came home sporting a nasty cough and a fever. 🙁

It’s been a busy writing week for me. I’m feeling a little buried right now. To read my latest at STL Family Life, click here. The topic? Body After Baby. I also guest posted over at Becke’s blog yesterday. Actually, I was a week and a day late on my deadline so I was grateful for her patience with me. You can also read my review of the new VeggieTales movie, Pistachio: The Little Boy Who Woodn’t. I have a review and a post coming up soon over at 5 Minutes for Mom as well. Whew. It’s a lot but it is fun!

Now that I have all my babies back under one roof, we will relax and enjoy the rest of our Spring Break. They’re tan, blonde and worn out. And I, once again, cannot seem to get a single task accomplished. Life goes on…

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Landon, Life, Sloan, Tia Tagged With: Kids, Life Goes On, Reunited, STL Family Life

It’s coming to an end

March 16, 2010 by Kelli

The kids have had a wonderful week down in Florida with their grandparents but, sadly, it ends today. I have to admit, we’ve also really enjoyed the relaxing week with just Landon at home. I know he’s bored out of his mind, but I’ve relished the quiet. But I’ve also missed my kiddos. Rather than wishing they were here with me, though, I’ve more longed to be there with them.

Sloan lost another tooth

Thank goodness the Tooth Fairy makes stops in Florida. And she leaves money in a seashell! Cool!

ROCK ON!!!

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Life, Sloan, Tia Tagged With: Kids, Motherhood, parenting, Vacation in Florida

The Birthday Party

February 8, 2010 by Kelli

We had The Birthday Party this weekend. The Birthday Party that required a lot and very little all at once. Because I just didn’t have it in my to host a party this year, we booked a gymnastics party for the 4 year old. It was well worth the money, in my oh so humble opinion.

Of course, there was a little preparation that went into the party. Namely, making the cake. In general, I like to buy the cake because, well, I’m not that good at making cakes. Actually, that’s not true. I can make a cake fine – I can’t decorate a cake. Usually, when I try and decorate cakes it looks as if I did so while blind folded, while fighting off a rabid monkey. I’ll wait for a moment while you get that visual in your mind…

Got it? I know…it’s bad.

But I was determined this time to accomplish the task of making the perfect cake. And because I don’t know when to take a step back and tone it down, I decided to attempt this cake – the beloved Rainbow Cake from MckMama’s blog.

As expected, the making of the seperate cakes was a piece of…well, cake. Ahem. And, as expected, the decorating of said cake made me long for a stiff drink and a Prozac. And Tia wanted purple icing to boot, so after several tubs of icing were sufficiently colored, I set to assembling the monstrosity cake.

It wasn’t the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. But it was pretty cute with the purple icing and the hot pink swirls at the bottom. And, of course, when we cut into it and we saw the rainbow layers, I got ooh’s and aah’s from kid’s and mom’s alike.

But there was more to the party than just the cake! Of course, my camera batteries ran out seconds after the party began so I didn’t get a lot of the actual party (Lee ran out to buy more before the cake and presents). But I did get a few and rather than tell you about the party, I’ll let you look and see for yourself.

After all, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

: Gearing up for assembly.

: The completed cake. Not bad, eh?

: The parachute was a big hit. Every picture I have of Tia, her mouth is wide open.

: If only they looked alike…

: I’m not sure what the expression is, but I love this picture

: Landon was thrilled that he actually got to participate. I’ll probably regret it now, though, every time I take him to watch Tia’s gymnastics class.

: The whole crew with their medals

: Tia gets embarrassed and silly when she’s center of attention.

: Singing Happy Birthday

: So cute and so worth the effort!

: It was a hit

: The Rainbow cake was as cute on plates as it was assembled.

: The birthday girl with her gymnastics medal

: Tia and her best friend.

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Tia Tagged With: Happy Birthday, MckMama's Rainbow Cake

Now I’m gonna melt your hearts

February 5, 2010 by Kelli

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…

He’s YUMMY.

Filed Under: Kids, Landon, Tia

Katya Rose

February 2, 2010 by Kelli

Moments ago (or so it seems) the doctor laid a tiny, squirmy baby on my chest and said, “Congratulations, you have a baby girl.”

My daughter.

I never thought I’d have a daughter. And yet, as I held her in that very first moment and looked at her face, somehow I knew her. It was like I had always known her, her face was so familiar to me.

And now, four years later, I’m wondering how it happened so fast?

How did she go from this?

To the smart, witty, mischevious four year old sitting on my couch?

Where did the baby go? The one who’s eyes and cheeks swallowed her face?

To say I adore this little girl is quite the understatement. She’s just awesome. And Lee and I both agree that our time with her has seemed especially fast. We sometimes struggle to remember her as a baby. I think it’s because, as babies go, she may have been the best infant on the planet. She slept 19 hours a day until she was six months old. She ate like a horse (maybe a pony) and she smiled near constantly.

There’s also the fact that she wasn’t a baby for very long.

As soon as she figured out she had the potential for mobility, she took off. By 5 months she was crawling, by 9 and a half months she was walking and by one she was giving me a heart attack by jumping off any and everything in sight.

Before she was two, she was a big sister – a role that she was born to play.

But this contributed to the feeling that somehow she’s just grown up too fast. I feel like I missed it. Even though I relished in her girlness as a baby, now that’s it’s so far removed, I feel like it happened too fast. And now this small person stands before me. How did that happen?

I love having a girl sandwiched between two boys. She brings a bit of sensitivity to the bunch. Not much, of course, because she makes it known she wants to be one of the guys.

I look forward to seeing these relationships grow as they get older – to see the boys protect their sister and Tia look after her brothers.

It’s been one heckova year for Tia. There have been a lot of milestones reached. Most good. Some, ahem, not so good.

And here we are, Feburary 2, and I’m wondering how we got here so fast. Tia pranced into our room at 6:15 this morning and, with her tiny mouth inches from my ear, stage whispered, “Moooom. I’m four now.”

I know, sweet girl. I know.

Happy Birthday, Katya Rose.

Last year, I wrote this post for her birthday. It’s still one of my favorite posts. I’m not sure I could ever say it better than that.

Filed Under: Kids, Motherhood, Tia Tagged With: Happy Birthday, Katya Rose

One more week

January 25, 2010 by Kelli

For one more week, I get to tell people that I have a six year old, a three year old and a two year old. Then it changes when this girl turns four:

For a couple of months now we have been threatening to make her stay in bed all day long on Feburary 2, telling her that we were going to make her stay three forever.

Then we realized she didn’t get the joke and she was genuinely concerned that we weren’t going to let her turn four. This was proving to be devastating because, you see, for Tia four is a stepping stone. It’s a stepping stone to five and when she is FIVE, my friends, the world will be her oyster.

Because at FIVE she gets to climb the rock wall at the gym. She’s going to be sorely disappointed the day after her birthday when I tell her she’s got 364 more days before that momentous event.

For now, though, I get to say she’s three. My adorable, sweet, fun little three year old.

Incidentally, it still freaks me out when I’m recording birthdates and I have to write down that I had a baby in 2006 AND 2007. What were we thinking?!