The Superbowl

Ok, nerds.. this ones for you.  I'm not talking about the game where small balls are thrown between grown men who finally found a paycheck in beating other people up (here's where the mom's all sigh and wonder if the disciplining is worth it).  No, this is My kind of Superbowl... a Political Superbowl.  Granted, it couldn't get much more exciting than November of 2010, aka, the "Great Shellacking," but this is still exciting stuff for a geek like me.

Every year, on a Tuesday night, at the end of January, the television stations are taken over by news junkies, and caring Americans, (you know, those ones all "sitting around the dinner table"... as our politicians refer to us), gathering together to watch the State of the Union Address.    The State of the Union... isn't it always strong according to the President?  We all know it has issues, so I don't feel the need to use this blog for political pandering.  Instead, I would like to highlight why I think it's so fun watching this seemingly boring, hour long speech. 

When I was young, my family would never have pegged me for a politically charged adult.  I was too busy watching Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman to care about what was happening with the rest of America.  But as I got older, and learned that if I want to vote I should probably care about what I'm voting for... the speech all of a sudden became relevant.  Plus, I would do anything to impress my Dad that yes, his little Kimmy could hold her own in a discussion revolving around politics.

So to me, the banters back and forth, the standing and sitting like a Catholic Mass... and the MASSIVE eye rolls coming from behind the President (currently filled by the Republican Speaker John Boehner).. are all entertaining acts that could rival a good sports game.  Followed by the news commentators who tallied the number of claps, pauses, sits, laughs, and every detail enclosed in the speech.. is just sometimes what this girl needs to feel like someone else gets my world.  (I swear some of my best friends are living within my TV... they just don't happen to know who I am). 

I hope you watched it.  I hoped you learned something, and I hope you search more into what the President was saying to find out if you really agree or disagree with what was put forward.  But I have to go now.... The Republican response is on... and I am a major fan of Paul Ryan.

Another Room, another Redo

In about 10 minutes, I'll be knuckle deep in some bright white oil paint, getting the boys room transformed from a nursery to a big boy hang out.  And in my book, if you are going to do a room, then you better do it right.  Which means removing all of the ugly, stained, much beat up wood work, sanding it down, and repainting it with some up to date white shiny paint.  Good thing I'm doing it now before the government outlaws oil based paints.. which I hear is coming soon.  But thanks to Sherwin Williams, I can continue in my remodel for the time being.

So due to the small allotted time that the kids are sleeping, and I have energy to tackle a room... blog posts may be few and far between.  But I will update with pictures as soon as we make some progress.  Which I hope is soon, due to the fact that the wild monkeys are currently holding out in a little room behind our bedroom.  Meaning, if I want my space back, I better give them theirs.

Cancelled; Again?

Cancellation days in the Midwest are among my least favorite reasons for living here.  Generally, I love the temperature changes, the distinct four seasons, and a 70 degree December day thrown in once in a while.  But when January rolls around, and we are already cooped up in the house more than normal, it feels like a double whammy when school is closed too. 
Like today, for example.  Monday was off due to Martin Luther King, ok, I get that.  But today, in the face of a slight freezing rain and chilly temps, they don't think it's wise to send kids to school.  Why not folks?  They will be inside the entire day anyway.  Don't school officials think of us moms at all and our social calendars when they cancel?  Do they not realize that on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my social network is standing outside of the preschool door?  I live for 11:20am.  My time to catch a glimpse of what an adult conversation is like, and to remember that my vocabulary spans beyond "Please don't hit your brother," and "stop taking  your pants off."  
So, I'm just a mom, asking you big wigs, to take some time, next time, to consider My time.  I've got a mini-van that can make it just about anywhere.  I'll trudge through that non-existing snow to get that sweet girl to her gym class.  Because as of now, I'm still in my robe, drinking my coffee, loosing all sense of motivation to get dressed just so I can fold that laundry pile.  It's the Midwest for goodness sake.  I think we are used to the cold temps enough that we should be able to put socializing, Learning, above our own convenience.

No pants, no shirts, no problem

My Grams and Gramps generously gave us money for Christmas to spend on something fun; her orders.  So we thought and we thought, and realized, that we could buy something that met more than just fun criteria.  It would keep us healthy, be fun, and ultimately save us money too. A triple threat.  What is this amazing device?  A treadmill, of course. 

I have been wanting one for a while now.  Although I have enjoyed my time at the local Y, (the child-care and free cable were worth it),  we've noticed that every winter, our kids are constantly sick from other ill children, and I tend to make excuse after excuse on why I could not venture out to run.

So now it's staring me in the face.  Y membership cancelled, I have no other choice but to travel down one set of basement stairs and get my run on.  Plus, as my sister so conveniently pointed out, the major benefit of having a machine in your own home is privacy.  You don't have to do your hair, your make-up (I never did it a the Y either)..or, if you are really feeling restricted, you don't even have to wear pants.  Seriously, can it get any better than that?  Just to be clear, I probably still will.  I can't imagine running without pants on.  But I'm just saying.. the option is now there.  And although I have now given up my two free hours a day without children, and with a never ending stream of free, can't get at home, TV... I think I will greatly enjoy having one in my own home, on my own time schedule. 

Callie is staring to enjoy it too.  We are working between a 1.0 and a 2.5 mph so far.  Which, considering the girl has her mother's coordination, is very impressive.  And yes Kevin, besides this posed picture, she does always wear shoes. 
Thanks Grams and Gramps!  This was by far the best Christmas gift we could have gotten. 

Bulking Up

I was reminded that I can't let this blog go another day without mentioning that our family recently took the buy in bulk plunge and became members of Sam's Club.  (We don't have a Costco here).  It was inevitable some day, with two boys running around the house.  I just never imagined it would be this soon.  And truth be told, it's not because they are now consuming un-holy amounts of meat, cheese, and peanut butter.  It was all about their mother, and my face cream.  They sell it cheeper and bigger.  Need I say more? 
So I figured that in 4 months, the membership will pay for itself, and if I walk out of there with a years supply of toilet paper in the mean time.. well so be it. 
I mean really.. they have everything.  From toothpaste to Tv's.  From treadmills to bulk chips.  (because you need one, if you buy the other).  My best purchase of the trip was a huge box of blueberries, seeing as Charlie could eat them for every meal, every day, and not get sick of them.  So instead of buying a small, overpriced container at my favorite Meijer store, I had to go with the "this should last your family at least a week," version.  I'm becoming a convert.. and I'm not sure I'm proud of myself. 
At least you know whose house to go to now if you are in need of some extra lotion, or paper products.  I'm sure to have them stored somewhere.

"We Have Arrived"

As a new parents (granted, we've only been veterans for 4 years).. we started to recognize moments where we would tell each other, "we have arrived."  Meaning, holy cow, our kid is doing something that we only dreamed they would be able to do someday, definitely not this day.  And, as a brand new parent, frankly you just don't think your kid will ever make it beyond a bottle every 4 hours, a poop every 2, and a crying fit in between each one.  (Am I right new moms?). 
For example, at 3 months, when I took Callie to visit my sister Sarah and my 12 month old niece, Lily.. I'm pretty sure I cried when Sarah casually handed Lily a cracker in the back seat of the car.  Which she knew how to eat without choking herself.  To a mom of a baby... that is like a magical dream that will never happen.  Good news though, 4 yr old Callie does just fine now with an entire McDonald's lunch in the back seat.  No choking fits yet.
So these, "We have arrived" moments continue as our kids get older.  The first time you find them dressed on their own, no matter how ugly the outfit, the first time they handle a cup without a lid (without spilling every oz of milk), the first time you can trust them on the swing set without standing in an umpire position ready to catch all falls. 
And these go on.  For me, I think I've made it to the big leagues when I finally realized that I could shower, upstairs, with my kids, downstairs, and not have to worry that 2 would be unconscious when I returned.  Really.. when you taste that freedom, it's like you got your life back.... or at least your hair back.  
But the biggest milestone we hit this weekend, was at Callie's request.  She finally wanted to rid herself of a stinky bath with her brothers, and shower,.. all. by. herself! 
Of course the entire family watched from beyond the curtain like a 4 person cheer leading squad.  Encouraging, checking, wiping her eyes, and helping with the soap.  But she still did it.  Flashes of my little girl shaving, dating, and moving out all blended into one scary thought those short 5 minutes.
We still have a lot of arrival moments to look forward to in the future.  But we like the small ones for now.  Let's us know we are still needed... and not too un-cool yet. 

Mom Guilt

If given a quiz on who is the least outdoorsy among my three sisters, hands down everyone would answer Kim.. and pass with flying colors. 
I've never been one to love nature, at least from within nature.  I like to look at it from within a car window, a house window, away from bugs, poison ivy, cold, and uncomfortable temperatures.  Not to say I'm lazy, because I promise I could run circles around most people from inside the house.  But I just don't enjoy picking weeds or building snowmen as much as some might. 
So, as a result, I begin to get the twinge of "Mom guilt" that we all get from time to time (or from minute to minute), of how my children were cooped up in this house all day long with a mom who did not for one second want to go play in the snow. 
Then, after I began to realize that apparently all you other moms love to freeze your behinds off just to get a smile out of your kids... well, let's just say I wanted the guilt voices to stop and strapped on my best boots and warmest scarf.  Oh yes, and they loved it. 
So now this household is trying, however minimally, to participate in what others call Winter Fun.  I still don't think it's that fun.  It's really cold out there folks... but the kids somehow forget that their fingers look as if they will break off, and have a blast. 
I still reserve the snowman building for Daddy... because as Callie would say, "That's just not my favorite."  But I'm trying.  We even took Callie to her very first ice skating session today.  To which I flashed back to my days as a young 8 yr. old when I too thought I would be the next Kristi Yamaguchi.  (She won gold if anyone is confused).  Then again, didn't everyone have that dream?  But apparently you have to be able to jump, and spin at the same time to make it to the big leagues.  So for now, Callie and I will just stick to trying to keep our feet on the ice, and not in the air
At least the mom guilt is slowly passing with every snow flake they eat, and my couches are getting a break from three little gymnasts. 

Zoom Zoom

As I have written about before, we try very hard to operate most of this household on a cash only basis.  Which we successfully follow in terms of our groceries, clothing, eating out, and gas.  However, when we approached car buying, our cash theory didn't make it as far as we thought it would. 
Way back, when the Corolla was still kickin' (and I use that term loosely), I asked Kevin what he thought our car budget would be.   To which he responded, $6,000.  Um, Ok.  so we're getting another junker.  But, I decided to try to be supportive, and told him that I would start praying for a car that was under six grand, and that was slightly cool.  Hoping that my version of cool, and God's version of cool would be able to mesh.
When the search got serious, we came across 3 older BMW's, with high mileage, yet still cool, and two were even manual; Kevin's dream.  So we thought we were right on with the Dave Ramsey bandwagon, patting ourselves on the back.  Long story short, two sold before we could see them, and one came back from the mechanic with a "run as fast as you can away from this thing," bill of health. 
So right then and there, and after A TON of searching, missing work, and so many Veggie Tale DVD's in the car that I never want to eat a tomato again... we decided to give the ol' Dave Ramsey, all cash, no loan philosophy our Index Finger (gotta stay clean here folks).. and bought a car that doesn't need hands laid on it in prayer every morning. 
In other words, God answered my prayer.  Not Kevin's.  Because we bought a Saab.  The used car of my dreams.  Technically, Kevin will be driving it, but it happened to be within our financing budget, a manual, super cool... and black. The exact opposite of our White Corolla.  Perfection.
I know not to put my hope in material possessions, so I realize that this car won't make us the happiest couple ever.  But I'm pretty sure that it will make date nights just a bit more romantic than a huge mini-van does right now.    Plus, if a smoother drive to work makes Kevin a bit more excited to go there.. then it was a good choice. 
Zoom Zoom.

"You don't Want to Miss This"

Because the car situation is pretty much consuming our lives at this point (family van rides to work and school are only fun for so long), I thought we could lighten the mood up and share our ten best moments with our departed Corolla.  It sold this weekend, with three non working doors, an engine that wouldn't start, and a whole lot of Kevin snack crumbs on the floor, for a nice $1,000.  And our favorite quote from one of the Craigslist applicants?  "I don't want to miss this."  Yeah dude... we don't want to miss your odd decision making either.  
But, as predicted, we were both a bit sad when it left our house for the last time.  Also, as predicted, Kevin played the uber lawyer and made the buyer sign a document stating he wouldn't come after us for unknown defects in the car.  So he can sleep better at night, and I don't have to worry about a crazy disgruntled buyer at my door during the day. 

So without further delay, our Top Ten List:
1. It was our getaway car when we got married
2. We went road-tripping to multiple law schools in that car, and although we didn't get into any of them, it was still good times, and good history lessons.
3. It was named, the "White Knight" by Kevin. 
4.  Kevin driving a long distance, on the highway, with the hood held down by a bungy cord.  We're all about safety. 
5.  It brought home my very first LIVE Christmas tree on it's roof.
6.  It has aided us in some romantic moments, and that's the furthest I'll say.
7.  It was our only car for the first 4 years of marriage.  And we still liked each other.
8.  Getting called Kevin's mom when he got dropped off at law school... because who else would he be getting dropped off by in a white Corolla?
9.  Kevin ramming into a concrete wall with it in the work parking garage (and we all thought I was the bad driver).
10.  Being kept humble for 8+ years simply by the car that we drive.  We could think we were the coolest cat at the party, but when your door won't open, you just accept your nerdy disposition. 

More car posts to come!  (Are you excited yet?).  We haven't even begun to discuss the adventures of buying another car:).

What do People Do All Day?

Remember that book?  Well we had a real life what to do with ourselves pondering due to the car situation.  We are officially down one car, so  I've been home bound now for 2 days while Kevin takes my car to work.  So I thought I would give an insight into what our daily goings on here are.  Just in case you needed any ideas for 12+ hours straight with your own kids:).
First we wake up.  Charlie plays with trains, Callie colors, and Jack and I, in his words "Snuggle and mwatch the mews." (That's snuggle and watch the news, to you non-kid adults out there).  
Then they usually all retreat to the play room for a fun round of Couch Jump.  Yes, it should be capitalized, I've made it a real sport.  And, if you aren't particuarly concerned about your furnishings, or broken arms, you too can show this to your children.  It entertains for a good 30 mintues.  Get's them worn out, and is, exactly what it sounds like.  Jump from couch to couch, up and down, back and down around again.  Sometimes getting popped by your bro, and sometimes getting a nice Rapunzel hair pull if your a lady.   Marvelous.
Check it out:




Future Gold Metalists.  Once this makes it to the Olympics

  Next, we eat.  And then retreat to rooms for a much needed nap time.  The boys without fail remove their pants every time, and that's the end of the day for leg wear if we are inside. It's a battle I refuse to take up.  Someday they will realize it's not socially acceptable.  But hey, why spoil it now?

Snack time after lunch, then today, painting!  I surprised myself at how un-uptight I was during the mess making session.  However, thanks to my neighbor who GAVE the finger paint to Callie (not Me).. I couldn't hide it.  So I loosened up, and let them have some fun.

Guess what comes next?  Right-o.  More couch jumping.  Although this time it was moved to the bigger, better to them, family room digs.  My authority by 4pm is pretty much shot, so whatever keeps them from yelling or screaming, I'll allow. 



Finally, after a long day, dinner, and some baths, it's time to hit the sack.  These kids are worn out from a big day of activity, and I'm tired of putting my cushions back on the couches 20 thousand times. 



They are asking for kisses... not pleading for a Jail Free card.



And that's what we do here.  Super fun.  Always entertaining, and always without pants. 

For Love of Country

No matter your current political views (although I have been open with some of mine on this blog).. today was a proud moment for our country.  You may not have been aware, but today a PEACEFUL transfer of power occurred in our House of Representatives.  A transfer of power where the outcoming Speaker of the House, Pelosi, with no guns or coercion, passed the power of Speaker to Representative John Boehner. 
You may be bored already by this post.  But I urge you to contemplate just how lucky you are, that you are an American.  To thank your God that you live in this country where power can be transferred by votes, instead of blood.   A country where a simple hand-over of a ridiculous looking judges gavel can put into place a new party, with a different view. 
You may not like John Boehner, or you might have no idea who I'm talking about.  But I am here, as an avid news junky and politically aware citizen to urge you to pay attention to today's news.  Maybe switch off your cable sitcom to watch history happen, peacefully.  And then thank God that you live in the United States of America. 

Farewell, Old Faithfull

This week marked a significant change in the Mitchell household.  Our 2001 Corolla.. which seemed to never want to die, we think, may have finally died.  It's not fancy, 2 doors can't be opened from the inside, the clear coat of paint is pretty much gone, and it's by no means a looker.  But it did serve us well for the past 9 or so years.  And although I was super excited to write a post with the possible titles, "Oh Happy Day," or "Don't Let the Garage Door Hit You on Your Way Out," or "A New Day has Come" (of course a little Celine theme had to enter somewhere).. I was then convicted on the lesson of faithfulness this old car has taught us. 
This car taught us the generosity of my parents, who bought it for us way back before my Sophomore year of college.  Therefore never saddling us down with a car payment.
It was a lesson in the faithfulness of God who somehow kept it running while we were dirt poor and wouldn't have been able to pay for a repair if it needed one. Which it rarely did.. it's a Corolla after all.
It was a lesson in patience, for both Kevin, and I.  But more so a lesson for me in how patient my husband really is.  I would drive it for one errand, and come back fuming at the ridiculousness of it still being considered a drivable vehicle.  Yet Kevin drove it every day to work.  To a place where everyone else purrs in with BMW's, Audi's, and leather wrapped seats.  He rolled down the back window to open his front door, every time he had to exit.  Sometimes in front of partners, and sometimes in front of confused bystanders.  He stopped going through drive-thru's because well... he couldn't get his window down.  He poured so much oil in that baby that we should have invested stock in the brand.  Although we were convinced that we would be getting a new one with his first paycheck, he waited because the needs and numbers of his family grew faster than his car budget. 
So I for one, will be sad to see the little "White Knight" drive away.  I am so thankful to a husband that cares about us more than he does what he drives.  I am so thankful for the years without a payment, for my parents, and for the safety that we had.  I am surprised about my level of emotion over a Junk car. But  I guess that's what happens when you stop and ponder just how much you really have.  Even if it's not the best looking one on the block.

A New Morning Craving

This is a slight break from the serious previous post.  Just to let you all know, that as a self proclaimed connoisseur of McDonald's breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus... there is a new item (at least new here), that you must try.

Have you tasted the fruit topped oatmeal yet?  It is delish!  I don't even like half the fruit in it... but somehow they literally all make it melt in your mouth.  I may stop cooking breakfast all together (yeah right).  But as long as my Christmas gift cards last (my mom knows me too well)... I will be driving through to see my friends at the local "Old McDonald's" as Callie calls it.

Eat up, my friends.  You're in for a real treat.

Why I Do, and Do Not

I have an amazing friend that I met during our brief two year stint in Cleveland, Ohio.  I worked with her at Ryan Homes, and this post is because of her.
She is the fiercest advocate I know to the importance of being a stay at home mom.  She believes that the most important job she could ever do here on earth, is to parent her three boys.  It is because of her, and Jesus, that I have peace and contentment in knowing that what I do as a mom matters.
So this post is hopefully not meant to offend those who do not choose to stay home.  But instead my hope is to give a voice to those who do. Slightly in defense to the outer world who often label us as unimportant, or old fashioned, and slightly to allow others to really ponder the choices that they have made. 
Contrary to the majority of public opinion, I do not stay home because I am unable to get a job.  I am well educated.  I do not stay at home because I prefer to "waste my education and talent."  I don't consider teaching my kids history, math, English, and business a waste.  I think of it as a good investment in the future of the country.  I do not stay home because I am lazy, and cannot handle an 8 hour work day.  My day actually is never really over.  It's just a rotating cycle.  I do not stay home because my husband is uber rich, and we just don't need the money.  Law School is expensive, if you're wondering.  Sacrificing in this house is a daily event.  We don't get to have lush vacations every year.  And if we are blessed to be able to go, like our Disney Vacation last year... it's because we have loving friends who include us for free, or because we have saved the rest of the year to be able to make it work. 
I stay home because children are innocent, and have been given to me by my loving Creator.  He entrusted them to me to teach them, train them, correct them, and lead them to him.  I could do that after work hours, and on the weekends... but kids ask questions all through every day, every hour.  And I prefer to be the one answering them. 
I stay home because although my parents and Kevin's parents are incredible grandparents, I want them to remain in that role.  I want Kevin and I to be the primary disciplinarians, not my parents. And in our experience.. kids need a lot of disciplining between the hours of 8am to 5pm.  They are here to spoil, love, and teach.  They have raised their kids, and it's my job to raise mine.
I stay home because my husband works a busy job, and it makes our family operate so much better.  I'm not the best cook,.. but I do.  I'm a great cleaner, and his clothes get clean.  Our house is crazy with 3 toddlers running around.  I can't imagine what it would be like if I was not here to help things along during the day.
I stay home because I feel that as a Christian, there is not a higher calling than to raise the future generations of Christ followers. The Bible is not specific on a must do/ or do not stay home statue.  But it is clear on the importance of children, on the innocence of children, and on the value that Jesus placed on them.
I stay home, most importantly, because my husband was raised by a stay at home mom.  He has been forever grateful to her for the sacrifices she made to make that happen.  Eggs have a deeper meaning to him, because she made them for him every morning.  Personal devotions are ingrained in him because she was there reading at the kitchen table every morning.  I can't help but to think that if my boys turn out to be anything like my husband, this stay at home job was completely worth every penny that I didn't make.   
I feel fortunate to be surrounded by friends who value these same ideals, and who encourage me on my way through it.  Maybe if we would all give each other a technology high five, or a simple phone call every so often, we could listen less to the world, and more to each other.

Christmas Pictures

Annual Cousins Photo Opt



Family Christmas Eve




Mitchell Christmas... Boys got new Big Wheels!



Modeling New Christmas Mickey Mouse Pj's and slippers from Mama Jan and Papa Bob

What can I say?  Christmas Morning

Beautiful Norah De.  And some gorgeous blue eyes

Eli's Gift... already stolen

Our Big surprise: The boys in big beds.  Can they get any cuter?

My favorite.  An entire building of trampolines.  I was too busy jumping to be in a picture.

And there you have it.  That is the final Christmas wrap up.  We hope everyone had as magnificent of a break as we did!