Abe's 4th Birthday

Boss has been looking forward to his birthday since, well, last time he had a birthday. He decided awhile ago that he wanted to go skating at Oaks Park and have a couple of friends come along. We ended up having kids to Oaks Park and then family over for dinner after (mostly for adults that couldn't or didn't want to make it to Oaks Park).

Here back at the house, Joel was mapping Grandma Mary's genealogy. Of course he was. 

Most of the group at the skating rink - Colin and some of his family didn't want to be in the picture.

Sis was crazy good on the roller blades. Wondering if she will be that girl that joins a league.

The bakery I rent out for my business gave me this edible picture for the cake. It's perfect because the cake was otherwise horrendous looking (I never claimed to be good at pretty food), but I hear it tasted good. He wanted chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.

Liz had a chance to skate with her little boy and I love that. First time for him.

The group of kids.

This is during present opening. Jude loves to bust out these teeth at really odd moments.

I think this part of Jude's gift to Boss, but for the life of me I couldn't tell you why he would make him a $4 bill.

After everyone went home, Joel's family stayed on and played baseball until dark. It's kind of a ritual with us and I love it. Sarah and I sit and talk while the boys play ball and girls jump on the trampoline. Sigh. This is what their childhood memories will be made of.

I loved this moment with Joel and Sydney.

Boss and Jake sizing up the skating rink.

Samuel showing Barb his iPad (that he bought with his own money).

I love this photo maybe more than all the others of this day.

Boss started his day watching Thomas the Train. I sort of want to gouge my own eyes out with that show, so I hid the kids away in the craft room.

He was so joyful while everyone sang "Happy Birthday."

I wasn't feeling super fabulous that day, so I held Abby almost the whole time so her mom could skate. This is a kid that needs intense touching and I'm the perfect person to fulfill that.

2015 Week in the Life (Sunday)

Made it. Doing a Week in the Life is sort of like labor. Long and painful but oh so worth it in the long run. This is the last day. It will be a "Sundays are for...." sort of day.

Sundays are for passing by my eleventyhundred books and wondering if I have enough lifetime to read all of them.

Sundays are for lazy bubble baths. And he always asks, "Mama? Will you put your makeup on so you can watch me in the bath?"

Sundays are for eating breakfast in your underwear.

Sundays are for visiting Colin at work, fresh off a call. There is nothing hotter than a fireman in uniform.

Sundays are for dishes. And just general cleaning.

Sundays are for clean sheet days turning into jumping on the bed.

Sundays are for making lunch together.

Sundays are for movie watching. Guilt free. I struggle feeling bad about screen time. But I got a total of a broken three hours of sleep last night. Sundays are for cutting myself some slack.

Sundays are for absentmindedly flipping through a magazine and thinking.

2015 Week in the Life (Saturday)

The focus today will the story of this photo. Isn't that the point of this whole project? What stories do I want to pass down to my kids? Because our days are pretty similar this week and because I love playing with different subjects and angles, I did more of myself. I don't have a need to see myself, but I think it's important for the kids to remember who their mom was and what she was like.

The story of this photo is that I'm a horrible multitasker. It's a problem. Brushing my teeth and reading. Paying bills, cleaning up, eating, breaking up a fight. I mean it gets to ridiculous levels. Not sure I'm going to do anything about it though. I feel better when I'm getting at least two things done at once.

The story of this photo is I loathe handling raw meat. But I love the taste of cooked meat, so I deal. Tonight it was roasted chicken, potatoes from my mother-in-law's garden and carrot sticks. I had to tell the kids to keep eating way too many times. I struggle with repetition at meals. Not sure what to do about that. 

The story of this photo is this is our church home. It's where my kids have grown up, learned so many truths, learned to socialize. It's where I find myself in worship and at times fighting back tears. It's where I sit alone sometimes (like tonight) and I really enjoy it. It's where other nights I sit with friends that are like family and I enjoy that too. It's where I leave challenged to ask myself the hard questions. Last night? Am I producing fruit in my life or am I a cruise control Christian? Do I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control? Sigh. Tough question.

The story of this photo is I wanted to be a fun mom for a little bit, not just the one that tells them to clean up toys or keep eating. We went to farmer's market and they picked out henna tattoos - Superman for him, an owl for her.

The story of this photo is I love magazines. Especially gourmet food ones. I may have a few too many subscriptions. And that's ok.

The story of this photo is I feel more comfortable in my own skin when I wear makeup. I wear it most days, sometimes for myself, sometimes to make sure I stay attractive for my husband. Today it was for myself.

The story of this photo is again, the multitasking. Standing, eating lunch, attempting to hydrate, scrolling Instagram. 

The story of this photo is a nap. Attempting to remedy my exhaustion. A time to not meet needs.

The story of this photo is time to create. This is my happy place. Creating is a part of my soul - I must play with designs and patterns in some way. I rarely create something for myself. I feel better creating for others. Also, I hoard pretty paper. I never met a piece of stationary I didn't like. I'm sure there is a group out there I could join. 

The story of this photo is I did a Booty Barre class followed by a Zumba class. Two straight hours of working out...maybe not my best choice ever.

The story of this photo is a how good a hot shower feels after working out. And an attempt to become comfortable without makeup in a picture.

The story of this photo is she learned to make our fried eggs this morning. I truly hope at least one of my kids takes up cooking as an interest. She and Abe are the front runners at this point.

The story of this photo is I rarely see her when she awakens. She's beautiful and innocent and I'm so glad I captured it.

The story of this photo is our stair case - the entire stair case states what love truly is. And it's such a good reminder for me, as I'm am in these years of loving these kids and loving Colin, what that love should look like. Not selfish, not envious, not dishonoring. Such a gentle but important reminder of my job. Also? Paying this babysitter so I can escape for two hours was a very good decision.

The story of this photo is nighttime stories. Again. And they never tire of them. And I love that.

The story of this photo is that I really struggled to wake up. That's rare for me. I've had a lot on my mind and sleep has been allusive. In a big way.