"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!