"Down Like the Economy"....

Watching election returns with my cell phone and cat pants.  Yes, I have cat pants.

Disappointment is an understatement this morning.  For a political junky like myself, waking up the day after an election that did not go the way I wished, there is no picking up and getting on with life within the first 24 hours.  So today, I will drown myself in like minded viewpoints, rant to Kevin about the craziness of it all, and probably go to bed jealous of those people who care more about bunnies and puppies than politics.  If only for one day I could be blissful and only care about puppies.  That would be nice.

Since that's not possible (and I'm not really a dog lover), I will have to stick to what I know.  And what I know is that last night made me sad.  It made me sad not because I hate women (being one myself), not because I want to see the rich man prosper and the poor man fall, not because I'm a cold hearted Republican who cares nothing for the least of those among us.

Precisely, just the opposite.  I was saddened because, in my opinion, women chose a caricature of themselves over God's given design for them.  They chose to believe a marketing machine who told them their sexual role in society trumps their intellect and unique life giving abilities.  This machine told Americans that wealth is better gained through a central Government, and poverty is solved through handouts rather than missions.   And most of all, I am beyond depressed because the successful campaign who promoted the "little guy," is also the campaign that has, and will, continue to stomp on Life itself.  A President who wouldn't want his daughters "Punished with a baby" is not standing up for the least of these.

But the votes have been tallied, the players have gone home, and thank goodness, I may have cats on my pants, but I still don't have puppies in my house.  Instead, I will put Faith in my God and train up my kids.  Because if I'm going to have any influence to combating the wave of change that is America at the moment, my best shot is my current bus load of kids.   Nothing says, Take America Back, like eight Republican Mitchell eyes staring you in the face.

So move Forward, Republicans.  Just go slowly, and don't forget to take along a friend.  We are definitely going to need more votes next time around.  

Pictures and Presidents

I have been so busy watching stump speeches and counting down the days until the election that the blog has been neglected, but not forgotten.  And so, to assure my Mom and Grams that the kids are, in fact, still enjoying life, and not wondering who the crazy lady yelling at the T.V. is all day... here is a photo smorgasbord of our Fall so far. 
Unfortunately, we don't have any exciting October surprises to report on, but I'm hoping that there will be one huge Surprise come November 7th that MSNBC just didn't see coming.  We are hoping that if things go our way, Kevin may have a side job in the impersonation business.  And we aren't talking Joe Biden, Folks. 

The boys had their pumpkin patch field trip, and Grandma Jan came along to help

Clearly, he enjoyed the tractor ride

Later that weekend... they also turned 4, and we celebrated in style in Grandma De's garage

I made them take our annual "Twin Birthday" shot.  And after a thousand out takes, this is as best as we could do.  Sadly, they weren't the problem... my face wasn't cooperating in most of them.  And after the first 100, we had to add chairs for my arms.  Apparently, Insanity workouts don't keep your arms buff after you stop the program.

The entire family pitched in and helped us get the boys some big boy toys for their presents...

And they have been driving them ever since. 

Unfortunately, putting them away when they are done is not their strong suit. 

So, I channel my inner clown every night at 10pm, and drive them in the garage while Kevin stands by and laughs.  (and takes pictures of my rediculousness)

Making Trains has become huge, again, in our house

Harry is becoming full fledged boy, going after every truck, car, train or motor he can steal away from his brothers

We (Kevin) carved pumpkins with the kids...

And a few days later some teenage smucks smashed them over night.  We spent the next day teaching the kids how to use "stupid" in the correct context, and the second half of the day learning about forgiveness.

He's just into everything he can get to

Trick or Treating night.  We had Jake and Izzy (From Jake and the Neverland Pirates), and for the third year in a row... Tigger.  Because when a kid is comfortable going as a huge bouncing bundle of happiness, you just go with it.

My candy hander outer helper.  And when I wasn't looking, a little side treat for himself.  

 

 And that is our October... from start to end.  I'll be back soon with a post election post.  Because besides looking at pictures of my kids, there's nothing that gets me more excited than a little thing I like to call, the Presidential Election.  Do you know where your polling location is?  

Get Up and Walk

Harry is on his feet.  And we thought the world should see.  Why? Because he is the cutest walking baby, ever.  Simple as that. 

Disclaimers:
1. Nothing was "stinky."  It's just a common question in a house full of kids
2. Harry doesn't chew gum.  It's apparently an odd calming mechanism he uses when learning to walk
3. Usually he doesn't wear MC Hammer pants.  It was laundry day, and we were in a rush.

Enjoy the good looks and the massive talent.

The BIG ONE

Obviously, I am in some state of denial that my baby is about to become a full fledged toddler.  I have had his birthday pictures uploaded to the computer for over a week now, and my yahoo search toolbar doesn't even have my blog address in it's memory.  Yes, Harry turned one, and I think just yesterday I was getting interrupted at 3am for feedings.  Oh how time flies when there are three more kids running around, and one of them became a Kindergartener.   It's like the 80 year old woman in the dairy isle at Kroger's told me just this afternoon (why I love small town living)...  those days in her life, raising little ones, were the best days of her life.  What a sweet thing to tell a mom who just wanted to run in and grab some butter!

Back to Harry.  We had a two fold party for him.  The first was in the early morning while my parents and Grandparents were in town due to their food trucking adventures;  or as I like to refer to it, Carny life:).  The frozen state of the ice cream freezer was on high alert due to an overly zealous festival worker, so we chose to sing Happy Birthday around 7:30 am, and pump up all four kids with cake before church.  Another reason why we go to church where the kids have their own Sunday school classes.  We'll take any form of "date" that we can get.  Even if it's in a pew. 

Pre-party the night before.. at the festival on the back of Grandpa's Truck.  Enjoying some free Mama Jan chocolate covered bananas. 

 

The Help: Carny style... My mom's broken shoulder was a bit too much for the large crowds, so Callie and I jumped in as subs.

 

With that face.. he could sell teeth to a Carny, or lipstick to a pig.  Either one.

 

Early Morning PJ's.. and birthday cake. 

Grandma and Grandma

Harry Got a Cozy Coupe for the big day...

 Unfortunately this is how he usually "plays" with it.  His Brothers insist that he LOVES pushing them. 

The whole crew.. Such a fun early morning Birthday bash

 

After our kids had crashed from their breakfast of cake and juice, and sufficiently blessed the Sunday School teachers with their joyous high, we moved on to party number two.  Our second family, as we like to call them... or to everyone else, our neighbors. 

 

We live in a little slice of suburban heaven.  Our neighbors let us borrow sugar and butter (questioning why butter seems so prominet in this post)... they watch our kids, love our kids, offer us words of Wisdom, and words of encouragement.  Because we don't live close to our sweet family in the picture above, our neighbors have opened up their homes to us, and have made us a part of their own families.  I am convinced that nothing besides a nuclear attack (or a job change).. could move us off of our street.  It's that good, and they are that important to us. 

Important prep work...

 

 

The neighborhood King and Queen, my adoptive parents, and the kids adoptive Grandparents.  They love us as their own, and make this home incredibly special

 

If we look tired, it's because Sugar-gate has descended upon the house

The other Star neighbor, Jen.(and husband Joe pictured below).   Her daughter Hannah is one of Callie's favorite playmates.

 

 

 

 

Our self camera timed photo... The Neighborhood. 

 

 

And there you have, Harry's Birthday.  I think he must know he is big time now.  Because along with turning one, he has added some ornery attitude to his otherwise super chill personality.  But it's not too rough yet.... I've only had to threaten once that he can no longer stay until 30.  It's about as serious a threat as I can give that boy.  

 

Everyone thinks their kid is the best... yes, I know.  But apparently you just haven't met Harry yet. If you are on the fence about a number four, he would make you jump.  If you just came off twins and an old paci makes you groan, this kid would have you registering for baby gear before you can say pregnant.  And if you ever wanted to see how two average looking parents could end up having a poster worthy baby... well then say Hello to Harry. 

 

It's no wonder it took me so long to write this post.  One year gone means I only have 29 more to savor, and we all know how much I like to coddle this kid.  Happy Birthday Big Boy.  Just don't go moving out too soon... I still have matching pj's in my plan.  



The Ryan Plan

I remember the day like it was yesterday.  I was working on another home project, it was nap time, and because we were saving money by eliminating cable, my laptop was Sling boxing me Fox News via my parents TV in Columbus.  Techy, I know.  And no longer necessary.  I have since learned that I cannot make dinner without Brett Baer's voice broadcasting me the days events; Live.  There are just some things that are not worth the savings.

As I listened, halfway engaged in my project, halfway focused on the current health care debates, I heard the argument that changed my view of a Congressman, who may soon change the direction of the country. *** Warning: this is a political post.  Double warning: It's still my blog*****

Wisconsin Congressman, Paul Ryan,  began to speak about his views of the American People,   the role of Government, and the possible budgetary implications if the Health Care bill was implemented.  It was genius, it was well thought out, and everyone should You Tube it.

So imagine my delight when one of my favorite Congressmen was recently named as the Vice Presidential candidate.  Yes, I remember that moment too.  It was the moment that I knew that I had good sense when it came to political talent, and when I knew that my husband may have a future in Government. 

I mean, seriously... separated at birth....


But it's Paul Ryan's moment, so we won't crash his party with Kevin's good looks, yet.  It seems that although both men have heads for politics, inwardly and outwardly, Paul Ryan also has the wife for them, while Kevin does not. While I have strong political views, I choose to live vicariously through the political ambitions of others, and enjoy strategizing from my kitchen table instead of an Oval Office. 

November is right around the corner, it's time to focus, people.  I'm not ashamed to say that this election is important.  It could be epic.  And, like Paul Ryan's speech, it could go down in history as one of the greatest events we've ever watched, besides his great hair. 

Kindergarten Days

Tony Bennett may have left his in San Francisco, but yesterday, I left my heart in a Kindergarten class, with a beautiful blond.  I packed her lunch in her monogrammed lunch box,  attached it to her also monogrammed book bag, and left her in the care of a fun loving teacher who seemed to be more into the characters of Winnie the Pooh than Jack Mitchell.  And that is saying a lot.

The world of a stay at home mom is hard.  Don't let the Bon Bon jokes fool you.  The only Bon Bons that we are consuming, if any, are to keep the sanity between wiping dirty rears and refereeing between sibling wars.  They are rarely eaten while watching Soaps and sipping on ice tea.  (Or in my case, I prefer the News and world events).

So as I have observed, many a Mom seems to find themselves upon this first day of Kindergarten with a bit of a sense of shock.  Shock that it came so soon, shock of the emotional distress of a "baby" growing up, and shock that the last 5 years went so incredibly fast.

We have been in the trenches, sometimes unable to look out and see past the current meal that we are preparing; past the missed nap schedule, and past the embarrassing grocery trip that we just endured.  Then, as soon as they become somewhat refined members of society, able to tie a shoe and maintain manners during an entire meal, they are off on a bus, on their way to a life of learning, and away from us.  

No, I'm not naive to believe that this transition is harder than graduation, college, or that walk down the isle.  But it is in the sense that it is the first  in a series of milestones.  Milestones that only lead to the larger ones that will only lead to my heart being broken again.  And that is why it hurts.  That is why I put her on the bus this morning and preceded it by a long crying walk back to the house.  And that is why I may have consumed more cake than usual for lunch today.  Because if I can't have my heart in tact, at least I can have a treat. 

Where the Heart Is...

Designing my house has been my hobby, enjoyment, sometimes obsession over the last four plus years.  It has, at times, consumed my thoughts with paint options, when I maybe should have been concerned with what movie my kids were watching.  It has been the source of some of my ultimate highs, in terms of problem solving, and ultimate lows, in terms of marital compromise.  I have learned that my husband is a master woodworker, and that the first can of paint will never be the right color. 

Yet through the learning curve of what is being a home owner, I have discovered that making this house my home is so much more than paint and pillows. 

I walk the fine line of remembering that while my treasure is in heaven, this house, I do treasure.  That while God is the ultimate Creator, he has instilled in me a creative spirit that I am proud to display.  That while inviting new faces into our home to show Christ, is priority, inviting them into  a place that is, Inviting, is important too. 

So now, as we begin to contemplate the next step in our family's future, this house might soon become part of our past.  The walls that I painted  with my sister, while both fully pregnant might be enjoyed by someone else.  The light fixture that I taught myself electricity on might be used to light up someone else's bed time routine.  The ceiling that was painstakingly scraped clean of it's odd popcorn texture might be forgotten during someone else's Thanksgiving dinner.

I am realizing that the small touches placed in this home, seen often as frivolous design elements mean so much more to the person who put them there.  They are memories, rooted deep in one's thoughts, only to be covered over with the transfer of a mortgage. 

Ask an interior designer about a wall, and I'm sure there is a story behind it.  Ask them about a woodwork chip, and there is probably a child's name that is brought up.  Ask me about my pillows, and I could talk to you for six months straight.  

These walls have seen four little people grow from babies to kids.  They have heard more crying than one house should be able to endure, but it did.  They have heard fights, laughter, early morning prayers, and late night friends. They were once a little ugly, and now thanks to Sherwinn Williams, are quite the beauty.  

We will miss this place.  I might even stalk it.   If my kids forget it, I had professional pictures taken.  My home was where my heart was... and part of it will be here forever.  At least that's what my etched name in the closet woodwork would have one believe.  But we will just keep that between me, and these walls.  Turns out, Celine, they don't really talk after all.

Milestones, Girlfriends, and Bling

As of a week ago, I can better relate to our favorite country love song, Alan Jackson's, "Remember When."  We used to laugh at the, "Remember When, 30 seemed so Old, Now Looking Back, It's Just a Stepping Stone."... Yep.  I jumped over that stone last Wednesday.  I am now 30, and I'm now thinking that maybe I'm not so old, anyway.

It was a whirl wind couple of weeks, as our 10 year anniversary and my 30th birthday both descended upon Kevin in a big, pressure cooking, throw eyebrows to the wind, kind of way. We celebrated the anniversary with a surprise (for me) trip to NYC.  While there, we took in some Phantom, ate deliciously over priced, fancy dinners, and I successfully got my wine glass removed from the table for too much "happiness" before dessert.  Who knew when you start laughing uncontrollably, the server gets all kinds of nervous about whether or not you will be able to walk out of the restaurant.  It was 10 years, people.  I blame it on their New York state of minds not understanding a long lasting relationship.

This was the only picture we took of our trip, and although my favorite, I'm sad that my Banana Republic, bought especially for this occasion, dress, didn't make it into any of the pictures.  It was lovely.  And divided out by how many years we have been married, it was really a steal of a deal:). 

Central Park French style lunch date.  My favorite shirt on my favorite Man

A few short weeks later, as Kevin was still anticipating the bill for the anniversary, my huge milestone birthday of 30 screamed for attention.  Really, I have started to feel bad about the planning of these dates as I get older.   Getting married so young guaranteed huge pressure points in 10 year increments.  We could have waited a year to get married, but I **think** it was still worth it to him to move ahead with the nuptials.

We had a getaway to Chicago planned for the weekend after my birthday, thanks to Kevin's gracious brother, sister in law, and parents watching our kids.  So on my actual day, I requested a dinner out with my girlfriends.  It has been a wonderful summer spending time with all of them and our kids, and I didn't want to celebrate without them.  Luckily, someone reminded me that I did have a camera, so we captured our after dinner ice cream stop.

When I look at this picture, I am reminded that moving to Indiana 5 years ago, all I wanted was close friends.  I prayed and prayed, and prayed some more.  I joined random mom's groups, went to weird churches, invited strangers over, all to just have some lady friends to do life with.  And the four ladies pictured with me are the ones who were brought into my life, and have changed it, forever.  They are my kids hero's, my close confidants, and my Godly remodels.  Together, we have a total of 16 kids; a basement full for a Mom's group.  But worth every crumb, every tear, every "She hit me"... and much more.

And speaking of more, I should probably mention that Kevin came through in a big way too.  He's good with gifting me properly.  And he was generous in his understanding of the big deal that these events were to me. Let's just say I have started to enjoy reading a bit more on my new Nook, which is lit up by the new sparkle on my finger:).  Yes, he escaped the pressure cooker with flying colors, and now he can relax for the next 10 years.

A Harry Situation

Kevin and I differ on our opinions of hair.  He longs for a bit more wisp, catch the breeze type of hair, while I remind him that many a female would pay big bucks for his richly (naturally) dark, stick straight like it was just on an ironing board, shiny, hair.  I'm still confused as to why God blesses men with better hair than us women.  Maybe it's because back in His time, long hair was in, in a big way.

So lucky for us, he has once again passed the great hair genes onto one of our boys.  Of course.  Ironically enough, Harry, seems to have gotten the best strands out of any of the kids.  But with a name like that, you better not enter the room bald. 

Random women have come up to me in grocery stores simply to touch his hair; describing it as halo-ish.  I can't argue with them.  It does have a beautiful glow when it catches the light.  Harry has the perfect hair that can go to sleep messy, and wake up looking salon styled.  It perfectly sticks straight up for volume, while falling nicely into rear layers.  It has recently been described to me as nearing the verge of a mullet, but as his mother, I don't agree.  I will not take scissors to that hair.  This kid has a happy personality to match that party in the back, so my vote is to let grow what God gave him.  And now,  to show it off to the world in all of its blonde glory.