A True Gift

It is in the eyes of a child that you can experience a true excitement, curiosity, a true and honest joy, happiness a true amazement. As a we grow we seem to loose a piece of that genuine emotion. So today I was given this gift to see all those emotions in the eyes and face of my son. My mom I took the kids to the Desert Botanical Gardens to see the Butterfly exhibit. I was so excited to get him ready this morning and tell him all about our day, the entire ride over he was only talking about the butterflies that he was inevitably going to see. It wasn't until we got there that I realized that the things that we think that our kids will be so impressed with can be a minute piece of the gigantic picture, in the eyes of a child. Inside the butterfly exhibit there was a pond with goldfish, as we were pointing out the butterflies scattered all around us, Griffin kept wanting to look at the pond and the "fishies" and even asked if he could get in the pond. So I had to say to myself, that is really exciting for him even with hundreds of butterflies flying all around us.

Later on we found our way to these amazing sculptures that you could walk around and through and as Griffin was running through these, the happiness and excitement was expelling from every ounce of his body. You could see the intimidation of the first couple of steps as these sculptures were enormous, but then the giggles and light in his eyes were indescribable. However, the most excited part of his day came when an army helicopter flew over and he was beside himself, so excited, screaming "helicopter, helicopter mama."

So as we were driving away I asked him if he had fun and told me that he wanted to tell daddy all about the helicopter. I thought that the butterflies were amazing though. So today I learned a valuable lesson in living in the moment and letting my children help guide the way.

However, Griffin was impressed with our decision to stop for lunch and ice cream after our adventure...

happenings

So we have been busy, helping my sister with wedding planning, getting Griffin fitted for his tux, which is amazingly adorable. Finally the weather has begun to cool off so we have been outside most of the day. Tim has been adjusting to the new work environment, and as the days go on we have realized that the right decision has been made in this regard. Tim actually gets home at a reasonable time, yeah for me. But our favorite activity right now is a "picnic in the park", so the park is just our backyard, but for those that have seen our backyard is the equivalent to some parks that I have seen. Griffin loves to sit on the blanket and then run around and circle the blanket over and over again. McKenna sits in her chair and just giggles as he does so.
As for me I have been able to get both the kids on the same nap schedule this week, I am knocking on wood as I say this, which has made a huge difference. Granted this time is spent cleaning the living room, folding laundry, doing the dishes, etc. However, doing these tasks in a little peace and quiet has been enjoyable.

We did it...

I would like to dedicate this post to all single parent, parents that have spouses that travel frequently, and especially military parents whose spouses are deployed for months on end. I only had the honor of being a military wife pre children. What an amazing thing that you do everyday of your lives.

Tim was gone for the entire week for training in Milwaukee for his new position at M&I. I do have to say this week far surpassed my preconceived thoughts. The last time that Tim was gone for this long, Griffin was 4 months old and I was still nursing. This child was so used to routine and being around his father that he refused, I mean refused to eat. I could only get him to take partial bottles and he was fussy the entire time. Fifteen minutes after Tim got home Griffin was calm and went back to nursing. So as you can see I had doubts as to how this week was going to go since McKenna is that same age, but she didn't seem to have a problem eating.

Exhausted, this is the simplest way to explain me. Exhausted for so many reasons. Not having a second pair of hands to help with dinner, baths, diapers, bed time, playing, teeth brushing, etc. Exhausted because I have had to be on 24/7 since this time around I do not have an "outside" job. Exhausted because these bright, amazing children know that their daddy has not been home, and Griffin especially has been trying to push the boundaries. Exhausted because I am in no way nervous with Tim not being here, but I can not sleep without him, the presence of his body at night is part of my routine.

I am so very elated that I will be picking up my husband from the airport tonight, but after only six days I am exhausted. So here is to all the parents who go it alone for days, weeks, months and years on end, I am impressed.

Are you ready for some football...

Our friends Rick and Tricia had us over for there annual opening day of football shindig. Lucky for Griffin, Rick has a vast array of football paraphernalia from team footballs to bobble heads and helmets. Tim would only let Griffin wear the Bears helmet and told Griffin the other helmets were "yucky". If you remember, Tim and Griffin have matching Urlacher jerseys, which they sported on Sunday. So Griffin put on that helmet and wore it the entire time that we were there. It was a great time, maybe the Bears will win next week, sorry Tim!

Amazed or Terrified...

Tim and I were very excited when we received an ad in the paper for a new Party City that was opening down the road, and they were going to have Spiderman there for their grand opening. We woke up yesterday morning and told Griffin what we were going to do, of course that was all he could talk about for the next few hours. We got him dressed in his spiderman shirt and matching shorts and loaded up the car.

"We are going to see Spidyman, mama?" The whole ride over...

When we walked into the store, Spiderman was right in front and the line was beginning to form. I chuckled to myself as all the other kids had on their spiderman apparel, some had on full costumes. The line went pretty fast and Griffin was just a ball of excitement as we got closer and closer. When we were two families away he was just amazed and pointing and wanting to get on Tim's shoulders to get an even better look. Then it was our turn. It was at this point that the terror started to fill him up. He was a big man and went up to him. Tim had to hold his hand though. He got his autograph and got to take a picture with him and even gave him a high 5.

Of course in this picture he looks very unsure, but as soon as we walked away it was all he could talk about. We went over to my parents that night for dinner and he was showing my parent how Spiderman held up his hand for a high 5. What a day!

Finding our feet

Lately it seems that the wings of my family are being spread and there have been huge steps out into the world. My parents are in the midst of starting a construction business, my youngest sister has left for college, my middle sister is moving out of my parents house and getting married! Which of course makes my parents empty nester's. Tim started a new job on Friday, he is still a financial advisor he just left Edward Jones and is now with M&I Bank. This move for Tim will be a huge step for our family. It is definitely a different situation changing jobs when there are children involved.

However, there is all this change and exploring around me, I can't help but reminisce about my life just few short years ago. Especially with Rachel going up to college, there is a part of me that is jealous. I loved the independence and the carefree attitude I could have. I have been wrapped up in the thoughts that Rachel has been having of being on her own, and making decisions by herself, and Jessica's as she embraces a new beginning and relationship. I also can't help but to think of all the sleep they get! I usually have these feelings at the grocery store with my clipped coupons in one hand, holding Griffin with other as he helps push the cart, and McKenna attached to my chest with the front pack. It is then that I look down at my babies and am truly happy being along for the ride in my own feet.

The low down...

So I have been off line lately, a little crazy in our house hold and keeping busy. Griffin finally had a successful sweat test and good news, NO cystic fibrosis. We knew that he didn't have it, but the weight that was lifted to hear the negative results was enormous. On the other hand, he does need to have his tonsils removed but not until he turns 3. We are not thrilled about that, but all his other health problems are really under control and he is doing great. My baby girl is just growing so fast, rolling over, laughing and trying so desperately to talk. So you are wondering what we have been doing...

Riding the Merry Go Round at the mall (it was much more exciting to look at then to ride)

Taking in a Diamondbacks game, nachos, hot dogs, popcorn and all...

Riding out the backyard...

Raking in the yard...

Taking in a little batting practice...

And a good old game of peek-a-boo..