Story Time...

My little book worms...






Gavin must have sat and read to Lincoln for a good 15 minutes. Lincoln kept grabbing the pages, looking around, and wiggling away from Gavin. But Gav has the patience of a saint. It was so cute!

My Lil Fish

Gavin started swim lessons last month at a gym nearby. He is having so much fun and loves going! Soon enough he will be our little fish!

Reptile Zoo

Yes, you read that right. I went to a Reptile Zoo. I was surrounded by cold-blooded lizards, snakes, turtles, alligators, and chameleons. Not exactly what I call comforting. The things I do for my kids...

A snapping turtle the size of Gavin

A huge iguana (Look on the tree branch)

Tree frog

And Gavin's personal favorite- the alligator.

But just in case you don't believe me...

Yep, that's me.

Boy Things

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Like when I found out I was having a boy. I don't know how to do boy things. I never played sports. Or video games. Or guns. There is something scary about the unknown. How could I possibly parent a boy, when I'm so good at playing Barbies? I have definitely learned to let go and embrace the unknown. That is what makes life exciting. I have discovered that I'm not so bad at playing catch. And that shooting my little five year old with a Nerf gun while he whizzes by is pretty darn fun. Gavin teaches ME about football, and is extra patient while he explains exactly how to play superheroes. Although someday I would love to have a little girl to dress up in bows and play beauty shop, I wouldn't trade my boys for the world. They are teaching me a whole new side to life, stretching my view of the world.

Gavin and Lincoln- one day you will no doubt be bigger than me. But I'll always be your momma. I'll be there to kiss your boo-boos, wipe your tears, and embrace you with hugs. But thank you for teaching me to let go. Thank you for letting me in on your world of 'boy things'. For teaching me about cars, trains, superheroes, and bugs. I'm loving it more than you'll ever know.

My new found love...

Some of you may find this a little weird. But I have discovered something brilliant. (And don't judge because this is my blog and I can write whatever I want.) I am in love with chicken tenderloins. Normally, I buy frozen chicken breasts to cook for dinner. But with my mind running a million miles an hour these days, I usually forget to thaw the meat and them I'm stuck at 5 o'clock wondering what the heck I'm going to make for dinner. Sigh...

I recently went to Costco, and the chicken tenderloins were on sale. So I though- what the heck? They thaw in record time and cook way faster too. That's my kind of meat. Perfect for last minute dinners.

I'm sold. I'm never buying chicken breasts again.

The Grocery Store

I'm having a hard time motivating myself to be healthier. I really want to start exercising, eating healthier and drinking more water. Joe and I were talking and he really put things in perspective. He said I need to stop thinking about the process, and just do it.

Going to the Grocery Store

My thought process:
So, I need to go to the grocery store. When am I going to go? Should I go before or after Lincoln eats? Will he need to nap? Has Gavin eaten lunch? Should I bring some snacks? Will the kids be good? How much time do I have?

I need to make a list first. What do we have? What do we need? What is the dinner menu for the week? Where's my cookbook? Is it healthy? Will I keep my budget?

Time to pack up the kids. Do I have the diaper bag? Diapers? Wipes? Outfit in case of a blow out? Paci? Toy? Where's Gavin? Does Gavin has shoes? Do I have both car seats? Do I have my reusable bags? Ok. Let's go.

On to the store. Can I find a parking spot? Is it close? Shopping cart or stroller? Is Gavin walking or riding in cart? Where's Gavin? Is Gavin going to behave? Can I make it through the store without bribing him? Will Lincoln behave? Double check for paci.

How can I shop as quickly as possible? What's on the list? Is it on sale? Do they have it? If not, what can I get instead? Look over basket. Do I have everything? Is it in the budget? I probably don't NEED that. But I really want it. Guess, I'll put it back. Where's the shortest line? Does the lady in front of me have coupons or paying with a bag of change? Where's Gavin?

Time to load up the groceries. Kids in the car? Groceries in the car? Where are the eggs? Ok, I'm home. I need to unload the groceries. First, I should feed Lincoln. I've got to put the food away. Maybe I'll just do the cold stuff. Gavin's hungry. What should I feed him?

Is it time for a nap yet?!?

And that is just grocery shopping.

31 Day Challenge Report

In the month of July, I created a list of 20 things that I wanted to accomplish. (see original post here) Although I didn't finish EVERYTHING on the list- I really enjoyed it!!

I did a good deed for a stranger,
cooked 4 new recipes,
wrote Gavin a letter,
went on a date with my hubs to Olive Garden (Thanks Grandma!),
picked up trash around our neighborhood,
spent time with Aunt Ina,
gave some old clothes away,
visited the Ballard Lockes in Seattle,
ran around the playground with Gavin and played like I haven't for years,
invited someone to church,
and prayed for a miracle.

One of my favorite things was doing something good for a stranger because I was constantly looking for an opportunity to do something for someone else. Amazing how your perspective completely changes when you see others instead of always worrying about yourself.

I also really enjoyed writing a letter to Gavin. I'm going to write him a letter every year and save them for him when he is 18.

Unfortunately I didn't
- plant a garden
- put together an emergency kit
- finish all my memory verses

The only thing I really wanted to do was plant a garden, but our finances were a little tight and I figured that could wait. I'm still planning to do the emergency kit, and finish my bible verses.

Ballard Lockes

Go here to see a previous post on the list.

Summer Days

Summer is hands down my favorite season of the year. There is something about some good 'ol fashion sunshine that can make any day better.

Enjoying Gram and Papa's beach

Love this one!

Lincoln's First Foods

Lincoln is 6 months, so I decided it was time to try solids. I remember how anxious I was with Gavin, but this time around I was in no hurry. Not only is it time consuming, it's messy. Remind me why I should be looking forward to this? I started with the usual rice cereal. Let's just say the face says it all...



Lincoln was not buying it.

So I decided to move onto to veggies, because let's face it- rice cereal has got to be one of the most boring foods on the planet. Even I wouldn't eat it. Still no luck. Maybe I could forgo baby food altogether, and just wait until he has teeth and can eat solids. Is that allowed?


Even Gavin tried. Have I mentioned that Lincoln has the most amazing big brother? Gavin is ALWAYS so willing to help out! :)