The weekend in pictures. (and perhaps some dialog)

Saturday and Sunday pics of the weekend.

Interior Love Shack demo continued while the boys waited for the concrete truck to arrive.

Adios yucky bano.

There may have been some heavy machinery involved.

Starting to pour the concrete pad.

(see my Mother's Day present?  Look to the left of the stairs.  :)

He can work a pair of boots.  :)

Brother Matt with the come-along.

C had a soccer game, so we had to leave the fun.

He sat out a quarter to let his teammates have a turn at playing.

Isn't he cute?!?!?

Action shots.

C. and I headed out to a local gluten free fair after the game.

TONS of free samples.

Some to take home.

Some coupons.

I have a new favorite cookie:  Lucy's Ginger Snaps.

Perfect combination of crisp/chewy, and a hint of Tabasco in the cookies to give it a "snap."

It may not sound all that great, but OHHHHHH, my pregnant belly is SO HAPPY!

Broken riding tractor.  :(

Guess who's finally old enough to learn how to mow the lawn?!?!?

And what big brother does, little brother wants to do....

(notice he's wearing his boots, "just like daddy.")

Sunday night dinner:

Theirs:

Mine.  :)



Spaghetti Noodles in my head

I once read this book called "Men are waffles, women are spaghetti."

Although I can't remember if that's the exact name of the book, and I can't remember the authors....

(lots of help there, Sandy)

But the basic premise of the book deals with the mind-patterns of men and women.

The authors are hoping that once the opposite sexes understand each other's though processes, we'll have a happy Utopian marriage.

While I don't think it creates the perfect marriage ....I do believe that understanding this concept can help ensure a bit more empathy or (at the very least) a certain baseline of patience.

While my husband is in one waffle-box at a time....I have all these spaghetti noodles in my head.

He's thinking of working.  Then playing baseball with the boys.  Then cleaning out his van.  Then my back rub.  (yeah, he's a keeper!)  Then the laundry.  Sometimes there's a "nothing" box....where he's just thinking of ....well, nothing.  (for the record, I'm insanely jealous of that box!)

In the meantime, I have 20 different thoughts all going through my head at the same time....they're all tangled up with each other.  Each thought affects the others....and I'm mentally tired.

So...here's some noodles--- perhaps you can help me with some solutions....because they all seem to be thoughts without endings:

-  I'm so glad D took the day off to go to the Tigers game with the guys yesterday.  I don't think he takes enough time to be with other guys and there's not enough time for him to relax. 

-  When will my Tigers actually show up to PLAY BASEBALL?!?!?!?  (With the exception of Justin Verlander who is currently pitching a no-hitter at this moment in time!)

-  Jim Leland and I are no longer on speaking terms.

-  I have a Dr. appointment on Monday and no babysitter for C.

-  His last day of school was today.  No more mid-day school commutes.  I'm ecstatic.

-  On Monday, I spent 2 hours in my car traveling to and from school....4 times.  I found this moderately annoying and ridiculous.

-  I understand that this sometimes happens, and our choice to send our boys to the school we have chosen is...in fact, our choice.  You take the good, you take the bad....

-  And now I have the theme song from "The Facts of Life" in my head.

-  Ally pooped on my carpet again tonight.  I am officially through my second bottle of carpet cleaner.  And I'm running short on patience.

-  My mom came to see A. play baseball last night.  I love her for taking the time to visit.  A. loved having her there too.

-  I need to drink more water.

-  C's 5th birthday is this August.  Which means that it's the birthday that he gets a large party with friends at our house.  I'm thinking of doing a sprinkler party....but I'm lost on this idea after that.  I just don't want a bunch of sugary kids running through my house.  Is that bad?

-  Just FYI, D and I agreed early on that large extravagant parties every year are ridiculous.  We have one big one for family at the first birthday, a friend party at home at 5, and a party on location at 10.  That's it.

-  We just received a notice that our health insurance premiums are increasing about 20% this year.  Fan-flippin'- tastic.  That whole statement from Obama about "Your health insurance premiums will not be affected by this legislation" is a bunch of bullsh*t.  Seriously, we have seen the BIGGEST hike in premiums and the BIGGEST drop in coverage since this legislation passed.  For example, the legislation states that they MUST cover preexisting conditions and preventative care.  So, now our well-child visits are covered (at $110 a piece), but all independent insurances dropped maternity care all together (an $9500 price tag).  In addition, our premiums have increased MORE than $110 a month.  So, thanks, Obamacare legislation for covering that well-child visit that my increased premiums are already paying for.  And thanks for making me private pay for this baby.  You're awesome.

-  I have about 5 blog posts circling my head right now, but no idea how to formulate them into a coherent post...so they'll wait.

-  I caught C. in 3 lies today.  Caught him red handed.  Busted him, told him that I knew the truth, and he STILL stuck with his lies.  I could not get him to fess up to the truth.  This frustrates me to no avail.

-  I went to Wal Mart today to get my "summer discipline and positive reinforcement" tools started today.  Apparently, I need to get these tools into swing faster.  It was a rough night.

-  I need more naps.

Random Thursday Post

• Yesterday was amazingly busy.  I think we spent around 3 full hours at home between the hours of 7am and 7pm.  Poor Ally was in her cage much of the day.  She promptly let me know this was unacceptable by defecating all over my carpeting.  Grrrrrrr.

• In the past four months, I've had six people approach me about pointers and help in going gluten free.  Some necessary for health reasons, and others have been feeling "whonky" and want to see if it will help.  I'm so glad I'm able to help them.  So glad my big mouth can be used for good.  *smirk*

• Tomorrow is C's last day of preschool.  Then, he will officially be a kindergartner.  I'm happy for him.  He's excited about being one of the "big kids."  Here he is at his preschool graduation earlier this week:

• Incidentally, my son was the only one there in dirty blue jeans and a stained t-shirt.  (Not to mention pockets hanging out and sandals on backwards).  Classy class.  I could not get him to change his clothing, and just decided it wasn't worth the fight.  He didn't even notice that some of his friends were there in a suit and tie.

• Today is our last MOPS meeting for the year.  As a table leader, we're expected to decorate our tables and do a little gift for our table mates.  I purchased plates and napkins at Target, then hit Pintrest hard for inspiration.  The WHOLE table cost me less than $11 (including giveaways).  There's a post on that coming up....soon (ish).

• I am of the belief that May could be the busiest month of the year.  Everything is wrapping up, so there's all the final stuff...but then again, spring sports are just starting.  We've had something every night for the past few weeks.  I'm exhausted.

• A skunk sprayed outside our house last night.  The smell was SO STRONG, I almost thought it had sprayed the house directly.  I made D. take Ally out for her 10pm potty stop.  There was NO way I was going to risk getting sprayed.  Gross.

• Today D, his dad, his brother and brother-in-law are all going somewhere.  I'm very jealous.  Extremely jealous....can you guess where they're going?  Hint:  one outfit should tip you off.

• We pour some concrete this Saturday.  We're filling in our L-shaped to square area as well a pouring a pad at the bottom of the driveway to help with drainage.  The boys LOVE when the concrete mixers show up at our house.  :)

• I haven't taken a nap since Sunday.  I miss them.

• We're officially done with eye drops!  On Friday afternoon, A. had something fly into his eye, which caused a triangle-shaped scratch on his cornea.  We slept for approximately 2 hours on Friday night because he was up screaming in pain.  It.was.awful.  Enter Saturday morning drama and our eye Dr's office who refused to see us (their protocol is "if you haven't been seen in the last THREE MONTHS, you're not considered a current patient, and they don't call Dr's for new patients"  Really, WHO sees their eye Dr. every 3 months?!?!?  I am not happy.).  We were eventually see by our regular pediatrician's office who put some dye in his eye and shined a special light to show me the gash.  We've had antibiotic eye drops every 4 hours for the last 5 days.  Every time has been dramatic.  I'm sooo over the drama.  Both A and I are glad that's over.  And now, I get to look for a new eye Dr.

• Today I am 18 weeks pregnant!  Here's the latest bump pic:

• Today I'm wearing my favorite maternity dress.  It's the prefect pinky-corally color with embroidered flowery vines all over it.  I remember from the boys that since it's not stretchy, there's a finite window that I can enjoy wearing this dress.  So, today's last-day-of-MOPS is such an occasion to bust it out.

• I only took advantage of the Starbucks frappy hour a few times while frappecinos were half price.  Now, every time 3pm rolls around, I want a frappe.  Blasted, Starbucks!  I have succumb to your marketing gimmick!

Grand Slam

As I shared last week, A. has been struggling to make contact with the coach pitch. 

He can do it, I know he can...but when he averages 50% tee/ 50% pitch hits....well, you gotta start working with him at home.

So, that's what we've been doing.

And we've been encouraging him to level out his swing, calm down a bit (he gets nervous at the beginning of every game), and just for good measure, I bribed him with an ice cream stop if he hits a home run of the coach pitch.

So, I just need to set the scene for you....as I'm reliving it for myself as well,

bare with me.  :)

We have an awesome team.  The kids are great, but I'm enjoying the parents as well.

We have the team where ALL the parents show up every game night...with extended relatives in tow.

All the parents know all the kids names on the team,

and we cheer them all on- by name.

Not only that, but the boys are encouraging each other on the field as well.

It's a great chemistry, it's a great team.

Last week, A. hit a home run off the tee.  He prooved that he has some strength....

...but it had the "tee" looming over the hit.

Coach started calling him "T-man" to razz him up a bit and keep him motivated to keep trying to hit off the coach.

So...Thursday, A. went up to bat, and kept dropping the bat on his swing. 

He tried...but the referee ended up pulling out the tee. 

Poor A, he was so discouraged.  His body posture slumped, and he looked at me with a frown.  A few other moms were like "It's ok, A....just blow it away now!" 

I gave him a "thumbs-up" and told him that he has complete control now, and just have fun.  (He hit a line drive out to left field and got a double.)  Later, D. gave him a few pointers about loosening up his grip a bit and encouraged him for next time.

We're a great team like that.  :)

In the 4th inning, A. was up to bat again.

Swing, miss.

Swing, miss.

Swing.....

* * * * * * * *  TINK  * * * * * * * * *

(you know, that PERFECT "tink" of the ball hitting the bat in the sweet spot)

D. FLIES to his feet. 

Arms in the air, running up to the chain link fence, hooting and hollering all the way.
(I can honestly say I've never seen him more physically excited and amazingly vocal about anything!)

The coach yells, "Soccer players...HEADS UP!  Incoming!"

The ball is FLYING out of our baseball park.

ALL the parents get to their feet....

....shouting my son's name.  Praising him.

 ...clapping for all their worth.

The kids in the dugout were jumping around like jumping beans....hollering A's name.

                            Then, I look up:

Alex is hitting home plate.

Kirgin is rounding third.

Max is flying past second.

Bases were loaded.

My boy just hit a grand slam.

A. continued to run the bases....

....with the BIGGEST smile on his face.

My heart was swelling.

(I have to admit I was choking back a tear or two.)

He did this!

He did it!

All on his own, he did it!

The three boys that ran in on A's hit waiting for him at home plate...jumping up and down, cheering him on.



He made it in, greeted his teammates at home plate...

...and the parents stood up to cheer again.  Shouting kudos to my son.

D. met him through the chain link fence and gave him some "pounds" and a "way to go buddy!"



A. received more accolades from the coaches, and was swarmed in the dugout. 

High-fives, hugs, and back pats abound.

My son had perma-grin.

I slipped around the back side of the dug out and waited for eye contact.

When he saw me, he ran over and gave me the biggest hug.

He said, "Thank you for your help, mom.  I love you so much!"

Quickly followed by

"When do I get ice cream?!?!?"

This is one of those moments that I never want to forget.

 I'm so proud of him, and I'm so proud for him.

My son hit a grand slam.



Exceeded expectations

Up until Friday of last week, I was totally oblivious to the fact that Mother's Day was on Sunday.

Oblivious.

And, since there has been zero discussion about Mother's Day with this husby, I had zero expectations.

Really, zero.

D has been very busy with work lately- leaving the house at 6:30, coming home at 6:30,
spending an hour with the boys, doing bedtime, and then doing paperwork until 11.
Sleep, lather, rinse, repeat.

Really, I had zero expectations.

But, on Sunday morning, I awoke to having my decaf coffee already made.  :)

And, he went out with the boys on Thursday night and had them pick put a hanging basket.

It's beautiful.

And they had a sweet card.

It was wonderful.

After church, I fed the family, and D took A to our old neighbor's house to install some shelving.

C. and I cuddled on the couch...and I konked out.

Oblivious to the entire world around me for an entire blissful hour.

Since my nap was totally rejuvenating, I decided to (call my mom, first...then)

took C. to Meijer where we picked out some things for an activity I could do with the boys.

This activity also doubled as a grandma's Mother's Day present.

So, I got quality time with the boys, and we have presents to deliver to grandma's.

Win/ win in my book.  :)

Then, thanks to an amazingly generous tip from a D&J customer, we had a gift certificate to go out to dinner.

Mother's Day was the perfect excuse to use it.  :)

(unfortunately, I burned my pinky finger on my super hot plate :(   )

At least the food was good. 

Hooray for great a Mother's Day!

I hope your day was as great and blessed as mine was!

5QF

Woohoo!!!  It's FRIDAY!

I'm so happy about the weekend. 

Except, until yesterday, I didn't realize that this weekend included Mother's Day.  I'm pretty sure D doesn't realize it either.  It's not like the dude has nothing on his plate.  I'm just hoping for a nice low-key day spent with my boys.  :)

Also, something BIG happened to A last night....I'm thinking it needs a blog post all its own...so you'll have to wait!  I got all verklempt.  It was a great moment.  Can't wait to tell you all about it!


Ok, enough teasing...on with the questions!

1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?


There's one piece of advice that I received while at sales camp the week before my wedding.  I took that advice, and I'm soooo glad I did. 

"When you're standing up at the alter, and the pastor announces you husband and wife, and introduces you for the first time...don't rush out of the church all fast.  Stop.  Look up, look around at everyone.  They're all there for you.  Celebrating your marriage, your love.  Soak in that love and happiness from them.  There will never be another moment like that in your life."
I did that.  We kissed, and the pastor announced us Mr. and Mrs.  And I looked up and saw all these smiling faces of people I love and adore.  My heart just swelled.  I had just married the perfect man for me, it was a perfect ceremony, and I got to absorb all that love.  I remember that moment like it was yesterday.

Best.advice.ever.

2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?

I would probably tell her to steer clear of specific people in her life.  People that will be malicious and hurtful, and really not worthy of your time and effort.  They will be hard to forgive later. and cause you to have trust issues with everyone you meet going forward.

(Side note:  Thank goodness God calls us to forgive for ourselves, and to let go of that anger and resentment.  They will probably always have evil in their lives, but me?  I'm free of their grasp, and God has placed some amazing people in my life over the past decade(s) that provide healing balm for hurt friendships.)

3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)

I really don't get annoyed with the heat.  I'm used to it, but in MI, we don't have crazy hot summers.  If it's too humid, I head into the AC for some less-sticky air.

4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?

Ha!  I can actually answer this in present tense!

Right now, I'm craving fruit.  Namely, cantaloupe and strawberries, preferably cut up together in a big bowl with a fork.  MMMMMMM.  Three weeks ago, it was all citrus fruit in general. And dairy....lots of dairy.

I'm also craving some chocolate, but not as bad as I did with C.  With him, I went through 3 bags of those Cadbury mini-eggs (and still lost 11 pounds!).

With A, I craved meat.  Burgers, steaks, roasts....meat.  The redder, the better.  Weird, huh?

But, with all three.....I cannot resist a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Oh goodness!  The yum.


5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?

Patricia Heaton from Everybody loves Raymond.  I just loved that show when it was on prime time, and her character just cracks me up.  :)  From dealing with living right across the street from overbearing in-laws to being married to a mama's boy....and raising kids to boot.  I don't think there was one episode that I didn't laugh out loud. 

Random Thursday strikes again (more pictures...again!) and a tentative D-Day date!!!

Ohhhh, Thursdays. 

Brain is shot again.

You get another random post.

• I love Thursdays for no other reason than my friend, Lissa, has an extra seat in her van and has graciously offered to drive A. to and from school on Thursdays.  I love Thursdays for not having to drive, and I love Lissa for driving.

• A. hit a home run in his baseball game last Thursday night.  Outside the fence.  Homeboy has some force behind that bat!  However, D and I are putting air quotes around the "home run" portion because he hit it off the tee.  It's technically coach pitch, but they only have 5 pitches to hit it before the tee comes out.  Even if the coach lobs it high and outside....  Still, A. was JAZZED.  You should have seen him running the bases.

• Michelle and the boys are coming over this afternoon!  Hooray!  So excited to hang out with her and her lovely boys.  :)

• We have officially filled our first dumpster in Love Shack demo.  This is what our Love Shack looks like today.

• I got a turn at the crow bar.  Which really means that D. loosed it all up for me so I wouldn't start contracting, and asked A. to grab the camera.  But it was a fun moment none the less.

• Our L-into-a-square wall is complete and awaiting backfilling.  We'll be filling the space inside the wall with a cement floor so the new house doesn't smell musty.

• Today, I'm officially 17 weeks pregnant, and I still throw up every once in a while.  This morning, for example.  Ugh.

• Next week is our last MOPS meeting of the year.  (Boo- but hooray for unexpected pregnancies that buy you a ticket into MOPS for the next 5 years!!).  As a table leader, we're encouraged to decorate our table and give a small gift on the last meeting.  I spent all yesterday afternoon blissfully crafting.  Love it.  (Pictures forthcoming- my lovely MOPS friends read the blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise!)

• I'm reaching that point in my pregnancy (D calls it "that point") where I'm starting to totally loose my verbal filter.  (The one I already had a loose grip on anyway.)  This could be a recipe for disaster.  I'm constantly praying that God's words be reflected through my mouth....not my own.  Because, ultimately, His is the only opinion that counts, right?

• In 11 weeks of pregnancy (11 weeks, because we really found out around 6 weeks- for those of you who are mathematically challenged; 17-6=11), I have consumed no less than 8 cantaloupes.  Mmmmm, cantaloupe.

• I have started charging the boys a quarter for not flushing the toilet.  I'll spare you the picture that should accompany this bullet point.  You're welcome.

• My friend, Melody, is having a garage sale today to sell their stuff in order to make money for a mission trip.  I love her heart, and I love her ability to live a simple (yet so very contented) life.  God sure knew what he was doing when he stuck us together.  :)  God is good.

• I have gone an entire 3 days without taking a nap.  I believe that today is a good nap day.

• I'm trying to talk my bloggy friend, Mama M., into bringing her family to my neck of the woods this summer.  I'm a fantastic travel agent, and would LOVE to hang out when her and the kids!

And last but not least:

• Our DEMOLITION DAY has been scheduled!!!  Tentative date is Saturday, June 2!!!  Woohoo!  So, if you've volunteered to help in the past....put it on your calendar!  (We'll provide lunch).  Make sure to bring demo stuff (sledge hammer, claw hammer, crow bar), eye protection, and a dust mask doesn't hurt (there's a lot of black mold and bat droppings in the Love Shack!).  Just make sure to touch base with D. so he knows you're coming.  :)

Woohoo!!!  Saturday, June 2!!!!