Christmas List

Christmas here in the Mitchell house has come and gone.  And while I considered typing out a deep post about how we spent the last 2 weeks explaining to our kids the true meaning of Christmas, (which in our house, among the adults, is an undisputed, Jesus came to earth).. it seems that will not be happening this year.  One, because Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus, and Jesus are still all in the running for first place on Callie's list of whose most important.. and Two, this is my blog, and I'm in the mood for a bit more light hearted approach.  Don't get me wrong, every time Callie looked at her pile of gifts and asked where more presents were, I gently tried to remind her of why she got presents in the first place.  But to a desperate 4 year old who is just trying to keep up with the other kids piles, in that moment, they are lost words.  So I'm thinking this year, maybe we will start our preaching in July, and shut up come December. 

Here is a Chronological list of the Mitchell/Johnson/Mitchell Christmas of 2010:
1. Kevin and I had a wonderful little family Christmas here the Saturday before the big day.  Just to make sure that my stockings didn't go to waste. 
2.  A few days later, we enjoyed some fantastic adult only time  when my Mom and Dad took the kids to Columbus a few days early.
3. Which resulted in a shopping spree to Banana Republic for me! Courtesy of Kevin being super tired at work, having no kids around, and just plain feeling nice.  (What can I say... the guy likes to spend when he's stressed.  I'm not complaining).
4. My first day in Columbus, my sister and I enjoyed duel haircuts/ color.  I've been scarred too many times from doosies.. and Kevin is pre-programmed to think that crying after a haircut is typical business.  This one though had no tears, no freak outs, and I am loving being a slight blond again.  I was born to be one.. even if my roots weren't. The only downside?  Rachel and I have both come down with a suspicious rash.  Coincidence?  You be the judge.  I don't care though.  I'll take a rash with a great hair style any day. 
5. We celebrated so many Christmases it seems like a blur now.  Johnson side, Mitchell side, Mitchell extended side.  They were all filled with our incredible families, so many screeching little kids that you just have to join in... and lots, and lots, and lots of food. 
6.  Jack and Charlie decided to shock us and started sleeping in big beds.  I know, I know.  My doctor tells me I'm late on the up take on this one.  But they loved their cribs.  And since he wasn't about to make house calls to make sure that they stayed in their beds at night, Kevin and I were putting it off as long as possible.  Remarkably though, ,they've been so good.  I only found them co-jumping once so far.  They've got to celebrate independence somehow.
7. We spent some quality time in my parents new hot-tub.  Or if you ask my nephew Eli.. the ocean.  Or if you ask Jack.. the Pool.  If you ask me.. it's just plain awesome to have a huge bath that the entire family can fit it.
8. I got to catch up with some dear friends from high school who although live in very different places in the United States, somehow we have all managed to stay close and true to each other.  It's a great honor to have friends like that.
9. Today, our last day, we went to what I think will be my favorite place on earth.  It's called Sky Zone.  And it's a huge building filled with nothing else but an indoor trampoline.  Oh yes, my friends.  It's as cool as it sounds. 
10.  Overall, we had a blast.  We love our families so much, and are lucky that they are all here to love on us when we visit.  We feel very fortunate to have two home bases.  And although some days our hearts may ache more for one than the other, we know that we are where God wants us to be at this stage in our lives.  We are happy to take on this new year in a city that we are beginning to love, with friends that we have fallen in love with already.

Happy New Year to everyone!   
PS.  Pictures to follow... but we are having technical issues.  The issue being I left my camera cord at home.  Oops.

It's Time

It is fitting to me, that as this year soon will draw to a close, so too, has my computer screen.  It's on it's final days as a viewable option to any email, itune, or online look-up.  Really people... these boys did a doosey on this baby.  It's wonderful that I can still type because I have genius computer people in the family who hooked me up so I could view it through my TV.  But the kids only like sharing their cartoon time with mommy for so long. 
So today, it's to the repair shop.  Time to find out just how expensive kids really are.  And even though Kevin offered to buy me a brand spankin new laptop for Christmas,  we thought that we should at least try to see if we can get the screen fixed for less than Best Buy was offering.  Budget.. gotta always be on it.
Blog posts, (thank goodness right?) are sure to continue from good old Columbus, Ohio.  Due to the fact that my parents house is a laptop haven... I'm pretty sure every couch cushion comes standard with a laptop.  As Kevin dubbed it "Family laptop hour."  Yep, that's us Johnson's.  We L-O-V-E our computer bonding time in front of my parents ginormous flat screen.  Really, that's not even sarcastic.  It's like the saying, "There's always room for one more"... well that's true for my mom's dinners as well.. but it also suits my Dad's view of technology.  You come to their house,  and you can be sure that there will be a computer available to check your emails.  He's famous for setting up guests with a Internet connection, a TV, and good coffee. 
So it's off to Christmas break with a quick stop first at the local computer store.  Here's hoping that those men who were huge nerds in high school, now turned wealthy computer geeks, will know just how to get this baby back up, and viewable, again.
Merry Christmas!!

"I Hold Jew"

No worries, this isn't a theological post.  It's about Jack.  And his current favorite phrase, and what we decided to do to make it stop. 
When you have 2 kids the exact same age, one on one bonding time seems few and far between.  They are sadly always grouped together, even in addressing them.  It's always, Jack and Charlie.. not one without the other.  In fact, in the short two years so far, I have never been out with just one of them.  I go out with Callie for girl time, but never, ever, with just one of the boys.  Weird to think about.  I've never seen their personalities without the other one's influence.
So today we started to change that.  Jack has been having some clinging issues with mommy, reverting to asking "I hold Jew (You)" (not proficient yet in correct pronouns) instead of wanting to play with toys, or his siblings.  So Kevin thought some good therapy for him would be an alone "date" with me to Kroger's and Target.  Super exciting, I know. 
The car seemed oddly quiet with 2 extra car seats, and the first question he asked when we pulled into Kroger's was where Charlie was.  He still whined a bit in the cart, but there was no hitting, biting, yelling, or temper tantrums!  Target, I must say, was a home run.  He got to walk, suck a popsicle, hold his Pooh Bear, and get eyelash pumps from ladies everywhere.  He was even such a gentleman that he held my hand the whole time, and he let me try on clothes without sounding like a sumo wrestling match was in the dressing room.  We browsed, talked, almost went potty like a big boy... and bonded. 
I think it was a success.  When we got home, he didn't care so much for me anymore.  He didn't ask "I hold Jew" ... and he didn't cry for me.  He went right back into beating up his siblings, which is the way things should be.  Leaving me more time to talk to my husband, definitely the way things should be. 
 

Stop Looking at Me

Here in the Mitchell house we struggle with our looks.  Meaning, our eyebrows can do more twists and turns than you would believe.  It's a harsh reality for us creative types that wear our emotions for all to see.  In fact, a common saying here is.. 'Raise your Eyebrows!'  I'll admit, I can make a face with the best of them. But lucky for me, I'm not good at self photos... but I am good at taking them of others.
Kevin, being the main recipient of the saying (the man wears his thoughts in his brows).. gave his permission to give a sample of this lovely face. 
So here is "daddy's"


Seriously... this man was blessed with some brows

And here is his son.  I'm thinking this is a Like Father Like son trait, Yes?


 You can only imagine what this face will look like when his hair grows in.  Oh wait.. no need to imagine.  Just scroll back up and take a peek at the DNA. 
Not to worry though.  Besides the face, Jack tends to be a major snuggler and lover.  Plus, at least when he gets to high school, we will know exactly what's going on in his head.  No sly hiding the girlfriend in his room for this boy. 
But we are working on the looks in the meantime.  And I mean all of us.  So please, if you see our eyebrows out and about before you see our lovely eyes, just kindly remind us to "please raise your eyebrows."  Remember what your mom always told you.  If you make a look long enough, your face might freeze in the position forever.  Gosh I hope not.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

The one REAL tree that Kevin and I bought was (go figure) when we lived downtown Cleveland.  He was so kind that he agreed to my crazy dream of hoisting it on the Corolla, finding a close-enough spot to park, and walking it up 3 flights of stairs.  All so that Garth, our cat, could eat it and shed all over every bottom branch.  But it was real, and I was thrilled. 
Since then, we've been happy with a fake one I got for a Dollar (yep, one big one) at a garage sale.  Every year, I tell myself I'm over it, and a real one is replacing the dust grabbing one sitting in our basement.  But somehow, that tree finds it's way back in our family room, adorned with lights, ornaments, and Crate and Barrel's version of tinsel. 
Sad as I was that after reviewing this months budget, and discovering that a real one was out of the picture (did you see how many people were here for Thanksgiving??)... Kevin was quick to catch on that if he played along with my little game, the beginning of this merry season would be a lot merrier. 
So we faked it.  Let's be honest.  Part of the reason I wanted the whole experience of getting a tree as a family was so that I could blog about it later.  (Blogs are all about making your lame life sound cool).  And if we couldn't have the Norman Rockwell version... we were going to make the Mitchell back woods version.  Which is all about putting on ridiculous hats, acting as if the basement back room is a lush tree garden... and the steps are mounds of snow that you must cross to get your purchase home.  And.. after I discovered that Kevin is a terrible tree fluffer... it actually surprised me how alright the tree looks.  It just needs a little extra love every year.  Of which I am willing to give, if it will save me some cash.. and my marriage.
Laugh if you may.  At least I have pictures that I can look back on one day as I stare at my magnificent real tree that my some day budget didn't even notice. 

What a find!  A pre- assembled tree in that chaos of a tree farm

Good thing he wore his hat.  I hear basements forests can get chilly

Bet you didn't find ornaments included in your Real Tree

Jack giving a tour of the finished product

At least this year I can do without the ugly white gate around the tree!

 Better luck next year Mitchells... maybe we should grow our own Christmas tree?

Black Friday

After we had our fun filled Thanksgiving day (see previous post)... we carried on the tradition of going out with all of the other crazies and hunting down the best deals in town.  My sister Rachel, my mom, and I, slept in our clothes, slapped some water on our faces at 4am.. and were pulling through McDonalds by 4:40am.  It's one of my favorite days of the year.  One, because I get to hang out with my sister and mom (although we missed Sarah a lot), and two, because it's the one day a year when looking like you've had no sleep and didn't wash your hair is totally an acceptable practice.  (The rest of the year I also do that.. but I stick out instead of blending in:). 
So off we headed to Walmart to find a not so secret gift of a GPS for Kevin.  You can bet I was pretty pumped when the old man handing out wrist bands to the first 50 customers had enough for me!  I pretty sure I asked him if I won, and he gave me the strange... how early do you drink your coffee, lady.. look.  Next we found some cheep-o comfy pants for 5 bucks at old navy. Because I can never have enough black sweat pants.  And Callie landed herself a new pair of $10 jeans. 
Eventually we made it to the mall with the rest of the City.  Around 9:00, we realized that it was getting to be that time when looking really bad wasn't all that accepted anymore, and we may want to make our way home to take care of the 14 people still at my house. 
But it was another great day in a string of: Kevin doesn't has to work, and I have people at my house watching my kids while I shop... days, so I enjoyed it very much.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

In line with our Breakfast Burrito's, wrist bands, and coffee





Turkey Lurkey

This weekend Kevin and I entered adulthood.  Being married for 8 years, 3 kids, 1 law degree, and a house just didn't cut it for us.  But hosting Thanksgiving?  Now that orbits you into another level of maturity.  And I am proud to say that we survived, and I'm pretty sure that most, if not all of our guests enjoyed themselves.  They may not have all gotten a pleasant night of sleep... due to Jack and Charlie's shenanigans every night... but they were well fed with great conversation. 
No small thanks to everyone who pitched in too.  From my parents who brought almost their entire kitchen with them in the van, including a smorgasbord of pies.. to my sister who stuck it out with little Norah being trampled on by lots of crazy boys, to Kevin's parents who kept the alcohol flowing.. to my sweet sister in law Mandi who basically cooked the entire meal herself.  And we were also excited that our Chicago fam joined in on the fun.  Apparently, our house is the perfect middle point on the map between Illinois, and Columbus. It was a beautiful collaboration of lots of different talents and giving.  And we are so very thankful that the melting of the two families can get along so well.  No crazy in laws here.  Just really kind families who make it so special.
The highlights of the day are as follows:

• My house didn't burn down while cooking a Turkey in the Laundry room
• Everyone had a seat at the table, except Kevin who was our designated "floater" and kid table entertainment, extraordinaire
• No food was spilled on my new chairs, Praise the Lord
• We only had to have one Beer run... and now Kevin will have lots of after work stress relief left overs for the foreseeable future
• I wore my first pair of leggings.. and didn't get weird looks
• To my knowledge, no dishes were broken, and the china was out!
• During a slow moment, my dad and Kevin's dad decided to clean out our master bathroom backed up sinks.  The result was 5 toothbrushes and 70 cents.  Gotta love those boys of mine.  Bonus: that's two thirds of the way to a breakfast burrito:)

Here are some pictures from the day...


The obligatory carving of the Turkey... My dad was happy to pass that to Kev

Some of the Family



After dinner comatose naps

Grandma Peggy and Papa Geoff with their 7 and counting Grandkids



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Next year I'm going back to my moms!!

Happy Birthday

My sister Sarah has her 30th birthday this Monday, the 22nd.  Sadly, she currently lives in France, so a Happy Birthday rendition on her front porch steps is out of reach at this point.  However, a Happy Birthday blog-out, is not. 
I was blessed with 2 sisters growing up.  Sarah, 18 months older, and Rachel, 2 years younger.  Which makes me the middle child... and is totally a blog post waiting to happen...but another day.
Both of my sisters are loving, encouraging, and close confidants.  My high school years would never have been the same without them, and we still talk today multiple times a week by phone.  I love having sisters.  Maybe not so much in the drag it out, fight out- smack down of high school... but after we stopped sharing clothes, the heavens cheered and we became friends. 

So this post is for you, Sarah.  I promise Rachel, that come August 18th... you will be the all-star. 

Happy 30th birthday, to my favorite older sister.  I am so proud of the way that you took on France, scary and lonely as it was.  You learned the language, and can now even make jokes in French.  Something I'm still struggling to do, in English.  You inspire me to run farther, eat better, and buy cooler clothes.  You allowed me to live vicariously through you on your journey to Joe Jeans, and you introduced me to my favorite among all favorite Gap Jeans.  Of which Kevin will be forever grateful. 

You have been my number one cheerleader as I struggle to be a mom of twins.  You have seen me at my worst moments, and still find a way to make things seem positive.  I know that I am being prayed for by you, even all the way from France. 

You have answered my crying phone call every time I moved.  Telling me kindly to stop my sobbing, and be kind to Kevin.  You were there when I had no friends, and you rejoiced with me when I found them.  You were struggling in a new country, yet were able to Thank Jesus for my excitement. 

I am praying that this will be a good birthday for you.  That it will be an encouragement of where you have been and what is to come.  Maybe some day we can live in that compound together... but until then, I am grateful for a good phone connection.   So go and treat yourself today, and remember that lots of people in the good US of A love you so much. 

Happy 30th.

A BIG Thank You

I am a self admitted, very emotional runner.  I basically decide that I will run depending on whether or not I like the days music selection on my ipod, or whether or not I could fit into my favorite jeans.  I like it when it's over with.  I'm not so much of the "but it's all about the journey," girl. 
Which is why when I lost my ipod a few weeks ago, things were very sad in my running department.  I had lost my point, my motivation for literally spinning my legs, going nowhere, on a treadmill.  Without Kelly Clarkson or spiritual encouragement (yep, listen to both during the same run)... I was definitely not going to be getting in shape for my big Thanksgiving meal. 
Until, my friends, my super cool husband decided to surprise me with a brand new shiny ipod shuffle the other night.  He told me he had to stop on the way home to pick something up for me.  Which I immediately thought were flowers.  Would have been nice, of course, but this was so much better. 
So now, I am one happy runner again.  No more fiddling around with an ancient MP3 player from back in the day when itunes was a sparkle in Steve Job's mind.  This girl is back in the century, and back on the treadmill.  So happy in fact, that yesterday I'm not sure I stopped smiling the entire run.  And no, it wasn't even because I was watching free cable at the Y.   - although I do enjoy that too. 
So thank you Kevin.  What a good gift, and a great surprise. And bonus for you... you just guaranteed yourself at least a few more years of my 20 something backside, still looking like a 20 something backside. 
Happy Running Everyone!

She is my Sunshine

When Callie was born we lived in a one bedroom condo in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio.  It was perfectly smashed right between the Indians and Bulls stadiums, and therefore was left wanting for extra space.  So we generously shared our small bedroom with her pack n play.. and I was left to dream of the room that I would one day create for her.  
The next place we moved was yet again, another small space.  And although she did have her own room this time, our first apartment was just that... an apartment, and therefore those dreams were again put on hold. 
Another year later, my sweet little 2 1/2 yr old got her first fully pink room in our first real house.  Being the creative type, I thought it was a magnificent idea to go the extra mile and free-hand paint a huge (really.. huge) flower on her wall to match her perfect Pottery Barn bedding.  (Disclaimer... it was purchased off of the clearance rack.. and was appropriately named "Callie".. which is of course why I bought it).  But fashionista Callie became traumatized by that ginormous flower.  Crawling into our bed at night claiming that, "The flower kept me up" or.. "Mommy the flower is scaring me.  Please paint over it!"  Good job me. 
Later I learned that pink wasn't her color after all.  How could I have known just how cool Purple had become in the circles of 4 year olds?  Apparently all of her friends were doing it.  So she convinced me that if we re-did her room for her birthday present, she would sleep through the night and I wouldn't be awoken to her elbow in my eye ball every night.  So this time we used our parental smarts, and instead of filling her room with unsightly, ability to scare, flower paraphernalia, we lovingly incorporated everything beloved by Callie... that is, all things Disney.  So now when she wakes in the middle of the night, she will face Mickey, Minnie, and Belle pictures staring back at her.  And when she is sent to her room for time outs, she can now snuggle with Daisy and Goofy.  And what little girl doesn't need a purple chandelier to make the room a little more girly?  Well, honestly, most girls don't.  But this girl got hers for free when I spray painted our ugly brass one left over from the dining room redo.  All in all, I would say it was a nice purpley change on a nice and snug budget.  And so far, she has stayed in it for 2 nights and counting... with no midnight terrors of flowers anywhere in sight.  Totally worth it for us. 



Before: Scary Flower



After

After... No more Flowers, just Sunshine








Dress Me Up.. Then Get Me OUT

This is a little late... but pictures of Halloween cannot be forgotten.  Let's just say that the boys were in their outfits for a total of a 3 minute photo shoot... and Callie rocked the Minnie look all around the neighborhood, scoring her Daddy and me a good stash of Make my Butt look Bigger, Please... candy. 
I guess it was my fault for thinking that although Jack and Charlie are attached like glue to their stuffed Tigger and Pooh... that does in no way mean that they would like to dress up as such, turning little hand held Pooh into a life size monster.  Better luck next year! 


Sad Tigger Charlie





My Friend Jamie and Callie's friend Madison.. Trick or Treating buddies



That's Bananas (Or at least that's what they want you to Eat)

Watch out reader, I'm about to get slightly political on you.  But don't worry... besides this sentence, I'm not even going to mention the "Shellacking" (President's words) from Tuesday night.   Instead, I'm going to tackle the most ridiculous item that I've heard today. 
On the Today Show this morning, they highlighted a story coming out of San Francisco.  On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to ban any sort of children's toys given out with unhealthy meals.  That means, moms,... that if you lived there, you no longer need to specify upon a drive-thru whether the Happy Meal is for a girl, or a boy.  They believe that the toys (yes, the cheep, piece of crap, plastic, break before you pull into your driveway- toy)... is the cause of childhood obesity.  Really?  Really San Francisco Board?  I wonder, do they even have children themselves?  Because I have NEVER, not once, been asked by any of my, count them, 3 children to go to McDonald's because they really want the newest toy.  Nope, I've been begged for a lot of things.  But Happy Meal toys are not one of them. 
I would beg to differ that if American families are running through those drive- thru's too often, leading to the fattening up of our kids, then there are much deeper issues behind those orders than a desire for a bad toy.  Let me begin to count the ways. 
Maybe our society is so consumed with being busy (myself included), with working, after school sports, and in my case, redocorating, that there is no longer time to cook a meal, sit, and eat a healthy dinner as a family.  (I know, racy point Kim).  Then again, I didn't see the S.F. Board also banning what parents did with their time?
Maybe we have forgotten that people older than us young hip things actually do have wisdom... like how to cook, how to make soup, how to prepare a meal in advance so that we are not rushing around come 5pm.  (ie... hang out with your Grandparents, they can be pretty darn cool... Ahem (Grandma De and Grandpa Harry).  And again, I didn't see the Board regulate a per/week mandatory, "Get and old Friend", policy. 
Maybe too many kids are playing ridiculous video games instead of running around outside like I was forced to as a kid.  Did they regulate work outs for kids?  Thought Not.
I'm just saying, I am the first to admit that sometimes my van auto-pilots into a fast food chain.  But I'm also slightly bright enough to realize that that means the next meal will include veggies and fruits.  And I'm definitely smart enough to realize that I don't need a governmental system telling me what I can, and cannot feed my kids.  Maybe we should send the Board back to.. wait for it... "Common Sense"  school to realize the true definitions of cause and effects.  Because I am positive that this cause, was not the reason behind that effect. 
And that's about as political as I feel for one day.  Off to do some decorating, and maybe eat some pie:).

Rome

Let's be honest.  Rome Wasn't Built in a Day.  And this Rome of a house, I'm afraid got a little cocky last posting; puffing a little too much on all the goings on here.  Don't get me wrong, there is A LOT of organization brewing, along with multiple cups of coffee.  But today I was a bit worried that I may have stressed out a few of my friends who have recently become mothers, leaving them wondering whether it's just them?  Or does everyone else have it together while they can't remember when their last shower was.  So here's my list.  My secret list that I pray will be kept secret (until of course, I got a blog:).  You know the one that all mom's have about how things happen in their houses once the doors are shut and they no longer worry about judgemental bystanders?  Yep, that one.
So here goes the, "I'm so not calm all the time, or have a clean house, and every closet in my house is maybe not so organized... list."
1. I usually don't shower until midnight.  (that means I look totally non-hot all day long).
2. I'm pretty sure I'm the worst dressed mom in the preschool pickup line.  In fact, I was told the other day that I actually make people feel better about the way they look.  Should I be worried?
3.  I sometimes have to strain to push my laundry door open due to the huge pile of dirty clothes behind the door.
4. My kids are very good at watching movies.  ie: practice makes perfect:)
5. I drove a whole 15 minutes yesterday before I realized I had brought the dirty bag of poop diapers in my passenger seat.  That smelled yummy.
6. Callie talks like a perfect Valley Girl on her fake cell phone. Wonder who she got that from?
7. I'm pretty selfish about the musical choices in the car.  I listen to more talk radio than kids praise music.  Mommy's friends are talking to her!
8. Tonight during dinner we forgot to pray, but listened to Justin Beiber and Katie Perry's California Gurls. 
9. I yell too much.  Working on it... but still too much.
10. Books without pictures?  I'm not familiar.
11. I Can't remember when my shower was cleaned last.  I just spray some Scrubbing Bubbles on it randomly and hope that does the job.
12. My idea of a stress relief is pulling into a fast food drive through, and sinking into a cheeseburger, hold the onions and pickles, fries, and a large Diet Coke.  I'm pretty sure I was programmed as a child to associate a good McDonald's run with World Peace.  Or at least Head Peace. 

There you have it.  Now, ask yourself.... do YOU feel better reading that?  Because now I have to go make sure my garage, and my front doors are closed.

Where You at Girl?

Things have been a bit busy in the Mitchell house lately.  Apparently you don't have to be pregnant to catch a drift of the "nesting" bug.  The crazy, hyperactive, uber-organizational birdie of a bug can hit any woman, any house, any day.  Although shhhhh... I have yet to see it hit a man:).  Just sayin'.  So obviously with the mad cleaning that has been going on here, the writing on this blog has taken a back seat.  But don't be too hurt.  My running has also been non-existent for the past 2 weeks.  It's sad when my three year old keeps asking to go the "Y"... and I keep telling her that Mommy's taking a week.. errrr.. 2 weeks of rest time.  (really.. I lost my ipod and running with no music is totally boring to me:).  
Needless to say, while my legs rest up (ha ha), I have attacked with a vengeance every cabinet, cupboard, and spare room in this joint.  Callie thought the throw, toss, keep activity of children's clothing was extra fun.  And nothing was better to me than perfectly stacking all of my sweaters into one neat and tidy master closet.  Oh yes, and perhaps the most exciting times of my weeks have been Wednesday mornings, hiding behind curtains to see if the trash man will indeed,  take that too.  And what he doesn't get to first, the crazy junk collector in the neighborhood has picked up.  I bet he has a LOT of plans for that metal crib frame.

It's probably the fear of 20+ people showing up here for Thanksgiving that I want every inch of space to be neat and clean.  Or it could be that I'm just nutty, and my husbands love of organization has finally rubbed off on me a bit.  Either way, the pantry, master closet, secret back room, kids rooms, and hall closet have all benefited.  So if you stop by my house now, I will be able to correctly point you in the direction of toilet paper, light switch covers, play-doh, and replacement stove vents.  Check back in a week, and the garage could even be clean.  At this rate, we should have family get togethers every week!

And I'll leave you with a teaser for the next upcoming post... Callie's birthday bedroom redo.  We finally got her the purple room she's been asking for every night... at 2am.  No joke.  Apparently pink is SO last years colors. 

(yeah.. that's not my pantry, but I wish it was).

A Thought

I knew that I wanted to be a mom from the time that I stopped babysitting.  I knew that if I didn't have to worry about a parent looking over my shoulder, I may start to enjoy the job.  I was correct.  Babysitting is so not like mothering. 

In the daily grind, it's wonderful to be able to stay home and be with my kids.  Although being a slight double edged sword (you love them, but you never get a break from them).. it is nonetheless a double edged sword with a blunt end.  It's totally worth every minute.  Yet sometimes encouragement is needed, when spirits are a bit low, and the purpose of the whole adventure has been lost amongst the laundry, cleaning, and tons of poo. 
That is where I consider myself a lucky girl, with a wise God and a smart husband.  A wise God that reveals peace to me in his Truth, and a smart husband who interprets a lot of that truth into ideas that I can understand while gulping coffee with my tired brain.  So whether or not my stress meter is controlled or not, my soul has been resting peacefully in the encouraging words of Jesus. 

Mark 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."  And again, Mark 10:14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 

It's an amazing and humbling task to be a mom.  If my job is also the gateway to introducing little ones to their heavenly Father, then bring on the laundry, the snacks, the crying, and the lessons.  My husband reminds me that in no other job can a family line be so impacted than the role of a parent.  Impact the lives of three loving children, who each have three more loving children, who each then have three more, and the world will soon be changed.  Not something that is usually recognized as the dishes are cleaned or the floors scrubbed.  But the kids are watching.  They are learning who my God is by watching who I am because of Him.  They will hopefully walk to His arms because we let them run to ours. 

So take heart tired moms.  There is a real purpose as to why we are doing what we are doing.  It might not make us money, and it might not be featured on Anderson Coopers 10 most amazing people of the year.  But it matters.  It matters so much that it can make an eternal difference. 

Happy dishes everyone.  Happy dishes. 

(You better believe that's me on the the trampoline.  I'm not ashamed.  No Way)

What's with all of this technology anyway?

As I write, I am halfway squinting, halfway head tilted, and expecting a headache due to the fun that my boys had with my computer screen about a month ago.  Two year olds and technology do not mix.  The main reason why I pride myself in carrying a "Go Phone" instead of a shiny new iphone or blackberry.  Lose the phone for a split second, and the first place I would check would be the toilet.  It's a lot cheaper to routinely replace a $20 phone than it is to replace an expensive App filled one.  Until they make an App that is indestructive against toddler boys, I will refrain from literally throwing my money down the drain. 
So through the 40 percent visual that I still have on my screen, I will admit that Kevin and I did finally bend to the pressure of part of the social media craze.  We pride ourselves on being a bit late to the game in many areas of life.  Not always having to have the latest and greatest the second the markets open.  A reason why we stuck it out with one gigantic (think the beginning of the PC days) TV for the first seven years of marriage.  We weren't sure those flat screens would really take off:).  But they did, and so we recently dipped our toes into another advancement: Texting.  Stop your snickering.  I really do HATE to text.  It's like watching a dinosaur press the keys every so slowly.  And you all who text with lightening speed just amaze me.  How do your fingers find the letters that fast?  Is it T-9? Is it a gift?  Am I just destined to... (gasp) Call you when I need you?  Because that would be crazy, I know. 
Leave it to a huge cell phone bill paying unconscionable prices per text to make us join that club in a hurry.  So now, thanks to the nice AT&T salesman, Kevin and I both now have a MAXIMUM (do not text me over or I will send you the bill:)... 200 texts each to message our friends and family.  But don't worry... I still prefer to call, so you can't get rid of my screaming, crazy, kid filled background noises just yet.  Now, if I could just find the send button through all of these broken pixels. 

The Not So Terrible Twos

Cue the chorus, Hallelujah, they are two.  And that makes this mom very happy.  I am a true believer that the "terrible twos" occur between 18 to 24 months, or in other words, BEFORE the child turns two.  At least that has been my experience three times over so far.  I find the six months before the second birthday to be extremely challenging, full of children who cannot find words and a mom and dad who cannot for all of their efforts please the needy kids.  They are hungry, they cry.  A toy is wanted, they cry.  They are hot, cold, tired, sick, bored, awake, poopy, or all around great... and they still cry.  Seeing that my kids begin to talk slightly later than most, this phase lasts a good six months, and lifts when they begin to talk... around 2 years.  

So although I realize that there are many crazy and difficult days ahead, I am choosing to right now be thankful for my sweet TWO year old little boys, and enjoy the new phase that we have now entered. 
Here are some fun pictures from a wonderful birthday party today, and our annul photo op with mom and dad to mark our growing boys.  (Can you imagine what these will look like when we are 50 and they are 24?... because I will for sure still be forcing them to take these!).

Week One

Year One

Year Two

Not so thrilled with the cupcakes

Birthday Friends

All of our families that traveled for the special day

 

Mom's Best Friends

We don't have a dog in this house, and we don't want one.  Why would I get a dog when I have the equivalent running around like wild puppies on a daily basis?  In fact, I'm convinced that having twin boys is like having a litter full of newborn dogs.  They are incredibly energetic, they jump on furniture, they wine for their mommies, they love warm milk, they bite a little, fight a little and on some days poop on the floor.  So again, dogs will not be in this house for many years to come. 

The positive side of twin boys, is exactly the same positive qualities of a new litter of puppies.  They entertain each other, play with each other, love unconditionally, need their mommy, love their mommy.. and did I mention how much they love their mommy?  Yes, I'm a bit worried that Jack and Charlie will still be grocery shopping with me when they are 35, for fear that I will leave them alone for five minutes straight.  No bother though, at least by then they will be able to push their own carts... and maybe pay for some of that milk. 

Birthday Week

Every birthday for a mom of twins is a big deal.  Seriously... a REALLY big deal.  Yes, I understand I can't claim complete importance of this day over the special day of a singleton, but I can claim a difference in the feeling of the parents; especially the mom. 

During the first year, I was repeatedly assured by other twin moms that the first year with twins is the hardest. Make it through that, and rest will seem manageable. Sometimes empty words for a sleep deprived, overly emotional, double breastfeeding mother.  But those words were words of gold come October 2, 2009, the boys first birthday.  A feeling that is almost indescribable came over me the entire day.  It was a Godly sense of peace, accomplishment, and "adda boy" all wrapped into one.  I'm pretty sure that I happy cried multiple times during the day, and I couldn't help but want to scream "WE DID IT" on the top of my lungs to whoever would listen.  We had survived the first year, after that, anything was possible.

This coming Saturday, the party returns... Jack and Charlie turn 2.  So in honor of another year, I will be posting the best pictures I can pull out, and post them for your blogging pleasure.  I might also include a few of my favorite things about twins, boys, and being their mom.  Stay tuned for some sap.. I'm positive it will rear it's lovely face. 



First Week... bonding brothers



Almost a year... Still bonding, and now bathing





Almost 2 and still bonding, bathing, and now swinging



Change You CAN Believe In

Budgeting has not always been a priority here in the Mitchell household.  Getting married when you are still young and dumb doesn't really lend itself to knowing how to handle a monthly spreadsheet with numbers on it.  Added to that the fact that so far, for most of our married life, one, or both of us have been in school... without jobs, or without a "good" job that really pays for the bills and the Dairy Queen treats. 
However, for the last few years, (once Kevin got a real job) we really started to buckle down and watch where our pennies were landing, and where we could pinch a few along the way.  But over the last few months, we decided to be even crazier (a term we like to use in this house to describe our budgeting).. and got on the cash-only bandwagon.  A reason why a lot of my family members may want to prepare themselves for some crafty Christmas presents this year.  Also with that cash only mindset, comes a new appreciation for the concept of Change.  No, not Change like the President promised, but Change as in "ooh I just found a nickel under my seat this morning... OR, oooh, I braved a search in my crumb filled sticky purse and pulled out 26 cents.. Change."  These moments of search and recovery end up being big deals when you are trying to hunker down and stretch a dollar way past what it was intended to pay for.   Find enough, and you can reward yourself with a nice breakfast burrito from your favorite drive through.  Hit the jack-pot of change, and you might even be able to splurge for a Starbucks.
We consider any amounts of change "off the budgeting record," meaning that it doesn't need to written down, accounted for, or filled with guilt, about.  And there's really no better feeling than holding up a drive through lane because you are slowly counting out in dimes the $2.16 needed for a burrito and a small coffee.  Yes, those moments are pure joy.  So let's raise our quarters to Obama and sing with Michael while we take a look at ourselves,...and make some change.

What a Difference a Year Makes

If you know me well, you will know that I rave about how much I love sending Callie to her current preschool.  Yes, it is because of her lovely teachers, and yes, it is most definitely because she learns about Jesus and His love, and yes, it is because she makes wonderful friends there.
But my absolute FAVORITE part of the preschool experience has nothing to do with little Callie.  It's about her mommy.  And the friends that I make at preschool, and the relationships that I have built while standing in the pick up line, and the lovely play dates that I get to host. All because Callie went to preschool... and made her mommy some friends.
This year, as we ventured out on the first field trip, a fitting pumpkin patch for fall, I couldn't help but dwell on the strides that both Callie, and I, have made from pumpkin patch 2009 to pumpkin patch 2010. 
Last year, I clung to my freezing 3 year old, giving her the unknown responsibility of making me look needed, so as to not look alone amongst a sea of unfamiliar faces.  I would try to shoot out nice looking "Hey, I'll be your friend" smiles.. but no one seemed to pick them up, so I busied myself with fixing her hair, helping her pumpkin pick, ect.  As we drove back to the school, my passenger seat empty due to my bailing co-chaperon, I distinctly remember wondering whether or not I would ever make friends in this too-small, unfriendly, city of a home.
Enter fieldtripping 2010.  With one year of school under my belt (and Callie's), we both felt so much better equipped to handle a day out with friends and pumpkins. There was sunshine, there was pre-gaming coffee with four, yes FOUR friendly faces that I not only enjoy, but who have 4 lovely children who Callie adores too.  There were pictures where people wanted me to be in, and take of them.  And I'm pretty sure that when I threw out my "Hey let's be friends" smile... it was expected, because we were already friends to begin with.  And this time as I drove home, after driving with not only my mom, but a close chaperoning friend, I drove myself right over to a friends house, where the girls played, we ate, and I became thankful for the joys of school. 
All in all, I love preschool.  I think I am learning just as much about relationships and God's provisions for us as Callie is learning about the letter "G" and the number "3".  So if you find yourself in a place that's not home, in a city without friends, maybe you should try finding a preschool nearby.  There are sure to be some amazing women who would love to set up a play date.  In my opinion, it's never too late to go back to school. 

Here are some pictures from 2009 to 2010



Callie and friend Makenna

MY friend Jamie and her too cute Madison

Picking pumpkins (It was super windy)

The Year difference: Pumpkin Patch 2009

A Vow

I am going to make a new vow today for mom's of young kids everywhere.  This one is for the grocery store.  The parking lots, to be exact.  It's a vow to those lucky drivers who leisurely enjoy shopping trips without children, without crying, and without being embarrassed at every turn.  It's for those few who choose to wait for our spaces while we load up bags upon bags of lunch meat, toothpaste, and toilet paper, then wrestle our cranky children into crumb lined, smelly car seats, just so they can save themselves a few steps to the door.  Yes, this one is for you, oh impatient, lazy Parker.  You made a scene, so now I will write one.

When I see your blinker:
I promise that I will actually organize my groceries in the car, instead of quickly throwing the detergent on top of the bread
I promise that I will lovingly pause and kiss each of my children before placing them in their nasty car seats
I promise that I will have a conversation about Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and any other fictional character, before this car is placed in "Drive."
I promise I will turn on my DVD player, and perhaps watch the first few minutes of that DVD, before I even think about getting on the road.
I promise that I will check my voicemail, text messages, and my hair before moving from that spot.
I will discuss the benefits of coupons, the value of a dollar, and the signs of a true sale, before moving from that spot.
If I have to discipline, I won't wait until I get home, I will gladly let my kids have a full length time out, right then and there.
In other words:

If I can think of ANYTHING that I can possibly do from my car before I move, I will do it.  I don't enjoy making people wait, but I do enjoy taking my sweet old time if it will help mom's everywhere.  Go pick on an empty vehicle like yourselves, and be grateful for your peace. Locate someone whose stress level isn't already about to burst, and blink the daylights out of their space. I just made it out of the store with all of my children, my groceries, and most of my dignity.  So please keep yours, and move it along.

Reinvestment and Recovery Act: Mitchell Style

Jumping on the current Government's bandwagon is not something that I have been "all about" lately.  However they did have a genious idea that although doesn't work for my politics, does in fact work for my interior design. 
I am a girl who is crazy for a project.  Any project, so long as it doesn't make me sweat too much, stays away from poisonous leaves, and in the end beautifies my home... I am interested. 
This new project, that I am coining my "Reinvestment and Recovery Act" has to do with some antique chairs, some stain, a little fabric, a mighty staple gun (my fav), and an oh so hot glue gun.  In other words, I am "Investing in the long term beauty of my dining room by restaining and recovering some Ugly, and making some Fabulous." 
I won't bother you with the details of the how, except for one: MOM.  Yep, I wouldn't have been able to make that first cut into the fabric if she wouldn't have been the one actually holding the scissors:).  I stapled, and she held the fabric, I told her "Yes We Can"... and she let me believe.  We marched ourselves over to the local "Recovery Room"... and marched ourselves right back out.  Who needs a professional when you have will power and an empty wallet to motivate you? 
So here's to the Mitchell Recovery Act.  It doesn't build bridges, but it doesn't raise your taxes either.  You may not like the style for YOUR house, but it also doesn't saddle your kids with debt.  All I know is that this year, when Thanksgiving finds itself around my dining room table, there will be some pretty sweet chairs to match that yummy Turkey. 

Before

Side chairs and Captain Chair



After.. Double Piping and All

Note:  If you are totally confused by the title of this entry, you MAY want to stop reading blogs and start watching the news:).

Wrinkle Free

Back in the day when I would find anything to do for my parents to make a little extra "sweater cash"... my dad would pay me a dollar per shirt ironed.  It was a nice steady income that allowed me to partake in some of the coolest trends in school. Like big bulky clogs, long denim skirts and anything from Fashion Bug the Gap (you know you shopped there too:).  Trend setter or fashion challenged,  (challenged), it paid for what I wanted, and my Dad went to work wrinkle free. 
Fast forward 10 years, and I'm still churning out the wrinkle free, sending off the best pressed man this side of the corporate ladder.  Do I get paid the same rate?  Not really.  Unless you count being able to stay home with three lovely faces every day worth a few less trendy sweaters.  In this house, I'm under the impression of: No Laundromat, No Problem. 
Wrinkles, on the other hand, I've got a big issue with those. 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Remember in highschool when everything seemed ackward and you just couldn't wait to get out into the real world and really "live"?  Well reality has struck here, and this weekend I realized that my highschool bubble was not as rough as it seemed.  It was 10 year reunion time for our Worthington Christian highschool class. Seeing that my husband was the president of the class, and therefore had to plan the shindig... we were mandatory attendees.  The pre-party had all of the usual fixings for a nerve wracked, what to wear, run more than I ever have the week before, stress fest.  But holy moly was it worth it. 

Coming off of a string of 6 years where life consists of a never ending strand of introductions to new people and new places, it was almost magical to me to be in a room surrounded by friends who have known me and the hubs since before we were "me and the hubs."   No "Hi my name is" there.  Just true genuine friendly faces that to my amazement are still friendly, ten years later.  I've been needing a Cheers moment for a while now, and this weekend was just the fix that I craved.  More than that, it made a impact on me that relationships built on the rock of Christ will survive time and distance in any circumstances.  Pretty cool if you ask me. And I must say, I was just as smitten with the class president as I was all those years ago.   He sure does age well.

Here are some pictures from the evening. 

My dear friends Margaret Cook and Sarah Shank

The guys.. Jack, Jonathan, Michael, Kyle, and President Kevin

Family Park Day