Seven

1. Sunny Saturday
It is pure sunshine today.  I LOVE the sunshine.  At this moment Jack is taking a nap and the boys are watching TV -- right -- sunshine FAIL.  They kept coming in and out of the door so I asked them to sit, rest, and watch TV.  They looked at me with complete surprise and sat down.

There is a commercial on TV called Press2Paste. Owen is trying to sell me on the idea.  He just said, "Do you want that for you AND for us."  Trust me...there were a lot more sales techniques than that...including but not limited too repeating all the words from the commercial.  It is now over but he is STILL trying to sell me on the idea.

2. Morning photo shoot
On Friday morning I was getting Jack dressed in his room when Cameron walked in the almost an identical shirt on.  He was so excited that we decided to take a photo shoot.  Almost instantly Owen came in and we tried to get a shot of all three.  Goodness...with my iPhone and a baby on the move it was hard to get a shot that wasn't blurry.

Another side note from these pictures...please notice Cameron's rolled jeans.  He does this every single morning.  

3. PenFed is OUT OF MY BED

Usually I do not put my 5 of the day in any particular order ....but today THIS is number 1.  Holy hell our Honda is paid off.  When I got this loan I was in Rosemary Beach in 2012.  My car had broken down 48 hours before the trip.  That year the twins and I drove the 13 hours by ourselves.  I was in a terrible place in my soul and then on top of it I had to go into debt.  I was over it. I would cry when I walked onto the car lot. 

Here we are a few years later.... For the past few months Mike and I have buckled down and decided that this would be a goal for the year.  Any extra money would go towards paying off the Honda.  Well this morning I made the FINAL payment.  Cheers!!  So freaking excited.  Now to the next car payment........

4. No dishes

For the past 2 nights we have had no dishes. I don't know what is more wonderful...no dishes or no planning.  Either way -- for the past two nights my parents have taken over the dinner responsibilities and it has been awesome.

5. The playhouse

As the four of us sit inside Mike and Luke are working on the plans for the playhouse.  They are making one for the boys and I am SUPER excited.  Mike just walked in and I asked how things were going.  He said, "Luke is super meticulous.  It is sort of annoying.  Between the two of you...you are going to kill me on this project."

As for my part of the project...I supply drinks (possibly food) and fire to light under my husbands butt.  hehe

6. iPhone video DVD

This week Mike completed our 2015 iPhone video DVD.  I think that one thing that we do well in our home is organize our memories.  Photobooks every year & DVDs made every year.....it's a bitch to do BUT it makes me incredibly happy.

7. Cyndi Lesch 

Jared's mom came to visit.  So.....for those of you who are clueless (which would be everyone)....one of Mike's friends from college...his mom (who lives in Columbus) came over to visit this morning.  Chris and Cyndi were in town for work so she stopped by for a few hours.  It was nice to sit and chat for the morning.  When she left Mike was smiles from ear to ear.  Grateful for a successful Saturday visit when are kids were not too crazy.

babes

1. Fresh Cuts

The boys were long over due for some fresh cuts.  Cameron has had a TERRIBLE haircut that has needed to grow out a bit. Owen's hair has been extremely long.  Yesterday I had the day off so I took them in.  They now look like they did when they were 2 & 3.  It is so sweet.  

2. Paint Night
We had another paint night/date night last night.  I don't know why we don't do this more often.  I have a feeling we are going to start doing more soon.  This week I did TERRIBLE.  Usually by then end of the evening, or even in the morning, my painting will start to grow on me.  Not this time.  It sucks.

3. No more late night wake ups
Last night Jack woke up a few times and I even woke up and gave him a bottle.  To be honest, I loved holding him and rocking him.  BUT it did remind me of those nights that I would be exhausted and it would be an every night occurrence.  So -- I am grateful that he is pretty much done with late night wake ups.  ....but yes....glad for the few moments alone with him last night.

4. Volunteering at school
Yesterday when I was volunteering at school Owen made sure to point out the girl that he likes.  This is how I know... I said, "So you like Brielle like Veda likes Owen." He quickly said, "yes."  Being there reminded me that I need to continue to actually sit and let them read.  It is so easy at night to do the reading ourselves but being in such a large class it is imperative that sit down and make sure they figure it out as well.  On the other hand, I think that they have reading in Spanish down pretty well.

5.  I started Jack's photobook
Yesterday after I volunteered at Forest Glen I sat down on the couch and worked on the photobook. First -- I HATE these damn books.  Second -- I was able to sit and watch TV.  I ate lots of pasta, drank diet coke and just sat there with no one else in the house....and I worked on the book.  It was pretty amazing.

MM

Momma Mode

I am not sure how to go about this post but there is something that I need to write out.  Let's be honest...there are a LOT of things that I would like to write out but I feel pretty safe that this one is safe in this domain.  This afternoon we went to Ezra's first birthday party.  It was actually better than I thought that it would be and the boys and I had a lot of fun.  (More on that later in The Five).  

So we were at the party and I walk outside to check on the boys and I can hear Owen yelling at Ethan and some other kid to "STOP IT." It was his angry voice.  He was upset.  Immediately I reacted.  But here is why....#1-- Owen tries to please.  Granted I am pushing the kids this weekend with ALL play, little rest BUT Owen wants to have friends.  He works at it.  #2 -- Ethan is rough.  He has been a bully since forever.  We haven't played with him for a minute (or like a billion minutes) but a lot of times those things don't die.  If you are a bully, you are allowed to be a bully, a few years later...you are usually still a bully.  #3 Cameron verified that Owen was not being mean to them.  That Owen didn't start it.  .........  all of that (well #3 came later)..... was in my head when I just went into the "momma mode."  I stuck up for Owen.  I told Ethan essential to back the F off.  Don't worry -- in not so many words BUT I put myself to the Mitchell that I was 3 years ago.  THAT was my mistake.  

You see -- 3 years ago Tanya potty trained the boys while I disciplined hers.  And in that moment, I was in her back yard just doing our every day life.  That's not the way it is anymore.  I don't see Tanya and we don't see Ethan --  we are just kids at a party playing and we all know each other from the past.  I should of protected my child but at the same time kept my self in check.

Anyways -- momma mode came out.  I fiercely love these boys and I love Ethan.  I actually miss the days of spin in the morning and playdates in the afternoon.  BUT -- that isn't how it is.  We just really are not that close.

Also -- I apologized to all.  I am sure that I am making this sound worse than it is -- but mess with my kids ....while I am around....and holy hell.... shit will hit. the. fan.

That's it--just sitting heavy on my heart tonight.  I reacted quickly and apologized quickly.  Still feeling uneasy.

1. Lunch at Scottys

Today we went to lunch at Scotty's Brewhouse because we have lots of gift cards AND kids eat free on Sunday.  They also had face painting for free.  We were in heaven. All three boys did fabulous and it was nice to get out of the house and not have to plan another meal.  Clearly we like things simple around here.

 2. Library
After lunch I went to the library with the boys while Mike shot with Luke.  Cameron decided that he wanted to carry around a stuffed animal while searching for books.  Eventually he had two animals in his arms.  I am glad that we have a new set of books to read at night.  We checked out over 40 books today!

 3. Ezra turned one
To get it out of the way --It was a great party.  It was wonderful, but that is not why I am grateful.  I am grateful that Shelby and I survived this year together.  I feel like a brand new mom and though some of these things are slightly familiar to me...I am so so lucky that I have Shelby to walk along this crazy path.  (yes...and my husband too...but girlfriends are just different).... I am still in shock that our boys are a year old.  She is such a good mom and an amazing friend and I find myself extremely grateful that her and her family is in my life.  Cheers!! (Obv)

Looking at these pictures I STILL can not get over Ezra's haircut

 4. The village
I am a strong believer that "It takes a village to raise a child."  Today we witnessed that village first hand.  Jack did not take his nap this afternoon.  He was super tired (though never cranky).  All of my friends carried him around and kept him occupied.  We had a break. They held him, loved on him, and shared in our joy.  We stepped back and just stood there.  It was wonderful.

I walked in on Jordan and Kara giving him a tattoo.  Jack loved it.

5. Bed
As I have mentioned in a previous post...this weekend was busy.  We jumped from one thing to the next and then we played outside in the sun whenever possible. I am sure all three boys were asleep tonight within minutes.  After I finish typing this out I am headed there myself.  It will be heavenly and I am excited.

Sawyer and Eloise

I am sitting in the stillness of our house.  It has only been a few short minutes but I decided to use it to my advantage and type.  Usually I do a quick QUICK pick up at the end of the night but since the kitchen is already done my plan is to leave the toys for the morning.  Tonight we are having a slumber party with the Harris kids.  It has been a LONG time since our last one.  It is a whirlwind to say the least.  Regardless -- right now -- I am enjoying the peace.

1. Slumber party

I finally put on some big girl pants and had Sawyer and Eloise spend the night.  It's hard.  Sawyer is pretty insane and he alone keeps us on our toes.  The ENTIRE time.  I think that he is harder to watch than SBJ.  We played outside, ate pizza and watched part of a movie.  Jack has been absolutely fabulous.  He loves to be in the action with all of the big kids.  Shout out to Mike.  So grateful for my husband to help us survive these nights filled with cousin craziness.

Sawyer was the last one at the table.  Usually we make everyone sit and wait but after awhile I let everyone leave.  Once they were all off and playing he MEALED and finished his dinner quickly.

2.  Clean garage
This morning Mike cleaned out the garage.  This was much needed and long overdue.  I feel like we clean it out frequently -- now we need to work on keeping it clean!

3.  The pastime
We let Jack play in the drawers next to the dishwasher.  I let the twins do the same.  5 years ago it was filled with granola bars -- now we have bottle parts and dishtowels.  Just like the twins, these drawers keep SBJ occupied and extremely happy.  I was able to fold laundry, catch up on paper work AND enjoy some coffee this morning......all before Mike woke up.

4. A full weekend
I am grateful that our lives our full but sometimes it is also nice to sit and do nothing.  This weekend it is one of the FULL weekends.  Last night after the kids were in bed I went to see Bri who was in town from NYC.  I didn't get back until way past my bedtime (especially considering I WENT at my bedtime).  This afternoon we went over to Tasha & AJ's house for a few hours and after we got back we hung with the neighbors for a bit.  This evening the Sawyer and Eloise are here and will stay until about 11 tomorrow.  Tomorrow afternoon we have a birthday party and then the week starts over.  We have been moving from one thing to the next.

5. Sunshine
Today it was beautiful out.  This morning Mike made a quick trip to the grocery store and I took Jack and Nash on a walk.  It was nice to be out and get fresh air.  Nash was in heaven.  I know that it will get cold again but I am soooooo looking forward to the sunshine in our future.

Peace Out

1. Ice Cream DateS

Yes...that is pleural because I had four special boys for my ice cream date tonight.  For Christmas the boys received gift cards and then for Valentines Day they received money for ice cream.  Since we made them write thank you notes for the ice cream we thought it would be appropriate if we actually TOOK them for ice cream. It was a last minute trip and I think that we all enjoyed ourselves (except Jack) he didn't like the ice cream and gave us his resting bitch face the entire time.  Cameron on the other hand started throwing up the peace sign up tonight every time I wanted to take his picture.

Cameron is intensely talking to Owen.  I just stare in amazement every day at them.

 2. Grandma Pat
We have enough food to last WEEKS.  Today we received a new air mattress in the mail.  Jack is outfitted with new clothes if he grows the slightest bit and the boys have a drawer filled with sweaters.  Grandma Pat LOVES to spoil us.

The boys played in the air-mattress box tonight.

3. Holli & Emily
Last week before vacation the three of us met up for dinner.  It was been SO SO long since I have been able to catch up with these ladies.  I haven't see Holli since Grace was in the NICU and I have no idea how long it has been since I have seen Emily.  These two ladies are the absolute best.  I wish that they didn't have a million kids and that we could all get together more often.

4. Sawyer's Party
We had a grand time celebrating Sawyer's Bday last week.  Since we were missing his party to be in the Bahamas we wanted to make sure we had a chance to party!  I baked a cake and we all played at Chuck E Cheese.  Sawyer has changed so much in the past few years.  I can just picture Erin running around taking pictures, making sure everyone is having fun, and being jealous that we were going on vacation in a few days.  She would be so proud of the way he has grown up AND she would be proud of Jess.  To put it lightly, he has been hard sometimes.  I am looking forward to watching him grow.

5.  The women in my family
I am really missing having a sister.  Recently I have been able get some advice from some of the women in my family.  Grateful -- but it is still super hard.

Captions

I think that I must warn you....this post has a LOT of pictures.  For the past few nights Mike and I traveled with my parents to the Bahamas.  It was wonderful to be out of the house, away from the cold, and have time to sit and be with each other.  I love traveling with Mike.  He is super easy and laid back BUT he also likes to DO things and not just lay around.  Personally, for these few days, I wanted to do both.  I loved laying in bed with the doors open listening to the ocean while I read my book.  I also enjoyed a gazzillion calorie filled drinks by the pool.  BUT I think that I had the most fun sailing and playing tennis in the morning.  Regardless -- he is pretty great to travel with.  So instead of the normal 5 that I usually post....I am going to just add captions to all of the pictures.  

The view from our room.  I am still obsessed with the color of the water.  Obsessed.

A view from my morning run.  I was able to take the "jogging" path AKA the golf cart path along the back 9.  It was unbelievable.  There was not a soul in sight.  I actually stopped running and stood in silence to take in all of the beauty.  Then I would continue a few more steps just to stop again in awe.

Mike eating dinner one night.  He would order 2 appetizers & 2 entrees at every meal.  We succeeded in eating at every restaurant and drinking at every bar.  I couldn't fit into my shorts before we left.  Yup. Awesome.

The last morning enjoying drinks in a cabana.  

Mike's favorite drink of the trip.  I must admit -- I am personally not a mojito fan because I don't love the mint leaves but these drinks on the other hand were absolutely fabulous.  I might need to learn to make some at home.

I was trying to take a picture and make my bags under my eyes disappear -- clearly it didn't work BUT Mike joined in on the fun.  Basically this is how we operated for 4 nights with endless amounts of booze.

The last night we were there we had a dance party with a huge group from Indy -- strange I agree.  We ended up shutting the bar down that night.  My camera was acting up on my phone so Mike was doing poses all the way back to our room as I tried to fix the issue.  This was his "Back Street Boys" pose.  

I think that this one is self explanatory. 

I added this picture so you can see my dad photo bombing the background.  This was at the "quiet" pool.   Mike and I only visited once for a few short minutes.  We usually stayed at the other pool -- he even tried to enter me into a dance competition.  I did NOT have enough liquid courage for that.

My dad always made fun of my selfie stick...but I think that we got a pretty good shot!

Every night we played euchre before dinner.  We would laugh and laugh.  By the last night Mike and I actually won a game.  

The gang.

This is the view from our room.

Last but not least -- Henry brought us a fresh coconut and opened it up for us to drink the water.  Then we found a bartender who could turn it into a fabulous drink.  It was amazing.  Mike was in heaven.

It was a wonderful trip.  I am glad that we made it back in one piece.  The twins stayed with Greg and Pat came into town to watch Jack.  When we got home late last night the house was spotless and our fridge was full of food.  Jack is a bit more spoiled but he will soon be in boot camp to get whipped back into shape.  ...kidding.... half.

Grateful for a few days in the sun spending it with people that I love. Cheers to the next vacation!!

photos

1. Jack's Birthday Party

Forgive me for the mass amounts of photos.  I have 3 pictures on my phone so I decided to download some from our camera.  On Saturday we had a party for SBJ.  Friday night Ashley gave me a huge box of Mickey Decorations, Miked picked up a balloons and I baked 36 cupcakes -- we were set.  (Don't worry -- we still had lots of great food & drinks.)  Kelly came in town and helped soooo much with setting up and then cleaning up.  SBJ was in good spirits the whole time.  It was a great bash.

Jack giving me one of his hugs

We are absolutely loving the beautiful weather.

Ezra, Jude and Jack

2. My friendship with Kelly
Kelly and the kids got into town a few hours early so that we could catch up.  Not only did I really need her help it was also nice to actually have a few moments to speak face to face and not just via phone.

3. Owen finished his cards
Next week the boys celebrate "Friendship Day" at school.  They will actually be missing the party because they will be in Chicago while Mike and I are in the Bahamas.  On Thursday we picked up cards for the boys to fill out for all of their classmates.  Owen was finished that night.  Cameron on the other hand is not even half way.  He has needed some coaxing and basically has had no interest.  He is also filling them out in order of his favorite people.  These two are different and different can be.

4. Momma, Momma, momma
When the twins were little my dad taught them how to say, "momma" it stuck.  Usually the boys start of EVERY. SINGLE. SENTENCE. with the word, "momma."  Somedays it is overwhelming.  Saturday morning it was a LOT.  It didn't bother me at all but Mike eventually took the boys out of the house so that he didn't have to hear them say, "momma" one more time.  EVERY. SINGLE. SENTENCE. ....and I am not really exaggerating.

5. It's all picked up
Last night after the party Kelly did all the dishes.  This morning when Mike got up (yes--I was actually able to sleep in!!) and finished picking everything else up.  It was absolutely wonderful.  This is a perfect example of why I am such a lucky girl.

Jack's Birthday

It is official.  SBJ is ONE.  It has been a wild year.  Today Mike and I took time out over a fabulous lunch at Harry and Izzys to reminisce on the good, bad and the ugly.  So in honor of Jack Jack....this post is all about him.  Also, I added a lot pictures from his first few days of life. Enjoy

1. Jack is stubborn

Oh man oh man....clearly SBJ is so stinking sweet BUT the S could easily be interchanged with the word stubborn.  I think that the coming year he is going to test his limits even more than he has done thus far.  He usually wants to do what he wants to do, when he wants to do it...sounds like a typical infant...I know that...but there is just something about him that makes him seem a bit more intense.  He comes by it naturally - but still - he is a force to be reckoned.  **we are STILL working on the sippy cup fiasco**

2. He loves LOVES adventure

Jack loves to be scared, to be thrown in the air, to fall off the couch (don't worry--we don't let him fall),....he LOVES the thrill and adventure.  He does not get this from me.  Personally -- I ski down the bunny hill, slowly, with my skis inverted the entire time.  Jack will be the exact opposite and favors his dad's sense of adventure.  Pray for me that he doesn't break any bones in the future!!

3. Jack's absolute favorite.....

 Hands down what Jack loves the most is Cameron and Owen.  There is nothing that compares to the joy he gets when the two of them walk in a room and sit down to play with him.  He is obsessed.  That being said, the twins need a HUGE shout out.  They have really stepped up to the plate and helped us with Jack.  They keep their eyes on him (for a few short minutes), they help keep him entertained, and any time that he starts crying they start singing to him.  It has been so heart warming to see all three boys together.

**Today at lunch Mike and I listed the top three things that Jack loved..... 1) Cameron & Owen 2) Taking baths 3) Daddy  ...... yup....I didn't make the cut. **

4.  Jack doesn't like to sit down
Again -- something that he comes at naturally -- but goodness it can be rough sometimes.  SBJ does not just like to sit.  For example, in the morning when he his eating his bottle, he is also reaching for the nearest toy to keep himself entertained.  He fights sleep, he likes to be a part of whatever is going on, and he LOVES to be around people.

5. SBJ gives us hugs
So for awhile I was trying to teach Jack to give kisses...he had NO interest.  Instead, he gives us hugs!!  I am sure he started doing the hugs because Mike taught him and he is obsessed with his daddy -- regardless -- it is pretty wonderful.  One of my favorite things in the world are his hugs.

Looking back at these pictures it feels like the year was so long ago.  I am still sort of in shock that he has turned one.  This evening we celebrated with a spaghetti dinner and a Jack Jack took a bath.