Don't let the thought cross your mind

A few weeks back when Anderson had a cough I thought (and actually said out loud- double jinx!!!) how fortunate I was that it wasn't ear infection. The next day he had an infection in both ears. A few nights later I accidentally let myself think about the fact that Beck had been sleeping through the night for a few days straight. Up nearly every night since. Then I let the thought rest in my mind for no more than a millisecond that Anderson hadn't wet the bed in weeks. He then wet the bed every night (and mine, too) for more than a week.

Fast forward to last week when I actually allowed myself to not only think about, but to also plan the oh-so-many things I was going to accomplish during my week off. Needless to say not one was crossed off. Of course. And all because both of my kids were finally healthy at the same time for the first time in as long as I could remember and I thought about it, allowed myself to become happy about it even. And then Beck got sick. The sickest ever- ear infection, fever, cough, crying, screaming, miserable for days and still suffering over a week later. And the only thing worse than one sick kid is two and because I actually felt fortunate for a minute- it then happened. Anderson came down with croup. Again. For like the fifth time since September. 2 trips to the doctor's office, at least 5 sleepless nights, and about 15 mL of antibiotic repeatedly spit right on my face (thank you, Beck) superseded any plans I was crazy enough to even consider. My Monday morning 5am alarm for work could not have come any faster. The one and only upside- lots and lots of cuddles and mommy naps from my sickies. But of course I now have a cough, soar throat, and no voice. Because, well, I thought about it.

Longing for the days

Missing the long, warm, lazy days of summer. The picnics and concerts in the park, the lack of responsibility, the carefree and lingering mornings. I'm not anxious for summer again just quite yet (my goodness I haven't even gone through the pictures of last summer yet), but my soul has been craving just a little visit. Isn't that just January's way?

2013, a list of sorts

2013 was a good year. Below, a numerical listing of ups, downs, and everything in between.
12 years as "Gabe and Mimi"
7 years as "the Palmers"
4 years as parents
2 years as a family of four
3 new sports (t-ball, swimming, soccer)
9 soccer games
1 trip to Chuck E. Cheese
6 trips to the Natural History Museum
40+ trips to 31 Flavors
3 public tantrums
463 oh my God, why did I want kids again? moments
1 painted bedroom
1 new old piano
12 sewing projects
26 various home, art, and craft projects started but never completed
11 snack duties
5 computer repairs, resulting in
1 new hard drive
37,000+ photos saved thanks to the computer guys and a lot of prayers
0 Christmas cards sent
100 envelopes and blank cards ordered
6 trips to the mechanic
4,500 dollars to fix my stupid paid-for car (though technically I don't pay until next week, so I guess that falls into 2014?)
3 paid off vehicles
2 paid off medical bills
63 forgotten to-do lists
6,342 snuggles, giggles, and tickle fights
4 closets still waiting to be organized
17 blog drafts never published
0 regrets

All in all, it was a very good year. Overwhelmed, broke, and patience-testing on every level, but still one of the best years yet. 2 days in and 2014 seems to promise much of the same, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Oh, hello November. And December. (and probably most of October, too!)

It's been more than a couple of months of troubles that have now resulted in a new hard drive, but hopefully (fingers double crossed here) things are back in swing and the last few months of thoughts, pictures, and ramblings can be uploaded, jotted down, and forever memorialized. Or at least I can pick up from today and move forward. Let's not be too ambitious, here. It is Christmastime, afterall.

Computer is fixed, summer is over, and a bunch of other stuff

It has been a crazy couple of months around here, primarily because the computer has been ailing with some sort of virus that was inadvertently downloaded. By me. And apparently just waiting for nearly two months for it to magically disappear as easily at it appeared in the first place was all in vain. A house call later and we're back. Now it's time to sift through hundreds and hundreds of pictures from summer and back to school and get myself back on track. Technically summer doesn't end for 2 more days, so it's all good.

Summer to-dos

Wow, how different this year's list is from last's. I guess because Beck was at the "too young to really enjoy and too old to just hang out in the stroller" stage last year I made my goals all chore-related. Yuck. Keep those expectations low, right? But this year, these two months of nice weather, no work, and 2 boys that desperately need to be out of the house require a totally different list. This year my goal is simply to relax, have fun, and seek out new adventures. We have already made some decent headway on what we have deemed the "Summer Bucket List" and I can't remember a more enjoyable summer in recent years. This quality time with my boys is exactly what I need right now.

It made me smile

The first time he successfully (almost, at least) put on his undies by himself. He was so proud I didn't have the heart to tell him...

Duck

We followed this mama and her duckling all the way down the street the other day and surely the boys gave her quite a fright as I haven't seen her back since. (I'm pretty sure at one point Anderson asked to get his bug net to capture them.) Ducks drive me crazy, but ducklings are pretty much perfectly adorable.

A little treat

Anderson loves banana bread and his been asking for it every time we pass a Starbucks lately. Clearly we have made too many runs through the drive-thru. I have made 3 different recipes in the past week to satiate the boy. The first recipe was good, and really easy, but a bit of a one-note. The second was  a Trader Joe's box mix which, despite my love for most all TJ's box mix desserts oh how I would love a pan of truffle brownies right now was terrible. Really terrible. Thank goodness those muffins went to Anderson's class for snack day because yuck. Obviously 4-year-olds will eat anything they perceive to be a cupcake. So finally I made the one I set out to make in the first place, only to find last week that I didn't have enough rotting bananas to make the recipe. Who just happens to have at least 6 over-ripe bananas lying around? Anyway, I bought the bananas, left them on the counter all week and baked this recipe up. It's very good. Not omigod amazing, but very good. I substituted creme fraiche with sour cream because, come on, who happens to have that just hanging out in the fridge and I also used almonds instead of walnuts because they are a superior nut in every way. The recipe is huge and apparently makes two loaves though I only have one large loaf pan and ended up with 1 full loaf, 2 small loaves, 6 cupcakes and extra batter that went down the drain. Needless to say we'll be sharing the banana love tomorrow, starting with Anderson's teacher. Because teachers never receive enough random treats to thank them for all they do and, well, Mrs. Berry is pretty much the best.

*Odd note: I have never ataully eaten a banaa in my whole life. I find them repulsive. I won't even let one slip in a smoothie. Yet, oddly, I really enjoy banana bread. Go figure.

Just dance

Slow on posting a myriad of things primarily due to the seemingly endless dance parties that have been taking place every afternoon. These boys have got the moves.

Happy Spring and all of that

Last week is a bit of a blur due to all of the birthday festivities, yet smack dab in the middle of it Spring began. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking but the last few days have most definitely been a bit brighter and a touch warmer. Anderson and I even planted our tomatoes and sunflowers today to celebrate. With 9 cake layers, 36 cupcakes, and three parties down in the last few days I am definitely taking a few days to step back and re-group. I may even focus on work which promises to be nothing less than gruelling this week. Or I may just focus on looking through and editing the 500+ pictures I took this week. Because that sounds way more fun. And those dinosaurs in party hats make me smile.

Fetch

I have no picture, but I had to write this down, lest I forget:

Anderson (taking Beck's paci out of his mouth and throwing it across the room): "Go get it boy!"
Beck runs and gets it, shoves it back in his mouth and brings it back to Anderson.
Anderson: "That's a good boy! Good little Baby Beck!"

This goes on daily. We have no dog. As far as I know Anderson has never actually seen someone with a dog playing fetch. But, alas, he treats his brother like a Golden Retriever. And, just like a good dog, Beck keeps coming back for more.

Spying on them

After dinner while I cleaned the kitchen the boys went their separate ways to enjoy the last few minutes before bath and bed; so happy they both were. And so oblivious that neither one even noticed me sneaking a peek. And, yes, that IS spaghetti hanging off of Anderson's leg.

And Beck kissing his baby? Oh my gosh I just about died.

Exactly one week ago

I was off from work and took a very rare day to myself to go to the mall and treat myself to lunch. I even actually read the newspaper! Beyond words, really. I was sure to come home bearing treats and found the boys in heaven parked n front of the window watching the tree trimmers in the front yard. Today, a week later, I am back to work and dealing with crabby boys who have both been a bit sick and who seem to be on a sleeping strike. Yuck.

Love this

Beck is nearly 2 and I have never dressed him and Anderson alike, mainly because I have just never thought to. But Gabe and the boys surprised me at work on Valentine's Day and they were twinsies. So cute. That afternoon we went on a walk and they stopped at the end of the street for a rest and to just be goofy. A low quality phone picture, but one of my most recent favorites.

Sunday Afternoon

It was cold and overcast and we had absolutely no plans but to enjoy our day. For a while there was no one but us as we slid, ran, and moved from swing to swing. And oh my gosh, when did Anderson become such a big boy who can swing all by himself and even push his little brother?! It had been months since I thought about bringing my camera and I am so glad I did. These are my favorite days to remember.

So very, very sick

A confirmed case of Norovirus for Gabe, pneumonia and an ear infection for Anderson, and a head cold for Baby Beck. It's like the plague over here. I wonder if it's a positive that it all happened at once? Who knows. All I know is that this week has been horrendous for all of us. Somehow I am still healthy (I have no idea how that is even possible), but the back-log of work I have is daunting. I am hoping this weekend brings relief, smiles, and good moods. Oh, and I am crossing my fingers to be able to sleep in my bed sometime in the near future. Sleeping on the couch stinks.

Sick

It seems all the males in this house have been hit by some virus or another. Gabe has some sort of flu (which I diagnosed as the Norovirus because Google has made me an amateur MD), Anderson was diagnosed with croup (for real, when it come to the kids I see an actual doctor) and Beck has had a mild fever and congestion which I am crossing my fingers turns in to nothing more. It has been 3 days of laundry, Lysol, hand-sanitizer and bleach. Not to mention unacceptable amounts of Spongebob, dinosaur documentaries, and the Disney Channel. While Gabe is quarantined in our bedroom being grumpy, I have been trying to at least enjoy the snuggles that come from 2 sick little boys. This, too, shall pass. Quickly, I hope. Sleeping on the couch and dealing with grouchy sickies is terrible.

Mad

"Daddy, I'm mad at mommy!"
It was 5:15 am and almost too early to care, but I did. I do. Telling us he is angry or upset or sad is nothing new, but expressing anger specifically at me? Well, I guess it's a sign he is growing up faster than I can even fathom. How quickly these entirely dependent, emotionally immature little creatures grow into their own independent, free-thinking little selves capable of not only experiencing, but identifying a whole range of emotions far beyond the "I'm sad" and "I'm mad" of toddlerdom. Here we go...

Oh, and the reason for the anger? He wanted me to read to him at 5:15 am. In the dark. While I was asleep. And while I am sure every other mother in the universe would have joyfully sprung up and put on their best children's librarian voice to really bring life to the iPad story of how dinosaurs came to their ultimate demise before the sun was even considering rising, I simply did not want to. And I faked it. And that, to an almost 4 year old, is infuriating. He stomped off and told me he was "getting out of here", to which I may or may not have replied (under my breath, of course) "good, just let me sleep".

The sand between our toes

Last Sunday I was shivering underneath two sweaters, a coat, and a scarf. One week later we are burying our bare feet in the sand while enjoying a rare little dose of sunshine and warm air.  Though Gabe was trapped indoors working, the boys and I spent the better part of the afternoon castle-building, sea-gull chasing, and sand-angel making.