Oh so happy to be alive!

Our summer has been like an ice cream sundae. (And I warn you in advance, there are a lot of pictures) Not just any old ice cream sundae either. A big, rich banana split would describe it.

We've had three scoops of rich, delicious ice cream smothered with toppings, flanked with fresh and firm bananas, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a cherry on top. (Hold the nuts! Ha ha!)

Our summer days together were the ice cream the delicious treat at the base of all that is good they were plentiful, there were fun and they felt like they would never run out. Until today that is. Because unfortunately, our ice cream has run out and our dish is empty. Fortunately, though, we're full to the brim.

The toppings were the flavor that made our sundae special. The things that made us lick our lips and scrape the bottom of the dish with our spoon an extra time, or two. We relished our choices of flavors and knew each was better than the bite before.

And last and not even possibly least was the whipped cream and the cherry. Those special events, those captured moments we will forget. The ones that make tomorrow better than today, the ones that made us laugh so hard our sides hurt. The ones that make us happy, oh so happy, to be alive.

I've dropped the spoon, picked up the bowl and licked it clean savoring each and every bite of this summer and I'm so glad I did. Being momma to these three boys is a job and an adventure, one I embrace and so far, hold onto for dear life.

The dog days of summer

So, summer is here. Kids are home and we're enjoying our days. The kind of days where you wonder what to do to fill the day. The kind of days where parking receipts for the beach and Disneyland litter the dashboard of the car. The kind of days where reapplying sunscreen at the pool is a must.

You know what else? We got a puppy.

Yup, a real live dog. A golden retriever. She's 9 weeks old and her name is Holly Golightly. Holly is fantastic. Holly is cute. Holly is harassed beyond belief. I guess that is what you get when you mix a happy little furball with a 2.5 year old.

For now, we're not doing well with the puppy. We're having trouble getting her to potty outside and eat her food. She wants to chew and she wants to nap. I am hoping wisdom will wash over me . . . I didn't think it sounded likely, either.

I don't think anyone reads this blog but I will post anyway because I like to

That about says it all, doesn't it. The title, of course.

Well, you might be reading along, and if you are, it makes me happy. I suspect you're not though and that I keep this little blog for myself. Which, is fine too.

You know what else is fine? That I have fabulous kids but they drive me way crazy sometimes. Particularly the 2.5 year old one, Harry. Have you met him? He's this one:

While he's incredibly adorable, he's into everything. And that doesn't even begin to speak to the mouth that doesn't stop calling people names. (Poopy butt is always popular) He goes in the front yard when I'm in the shower and he also uses any and everything as a stool to reach high things he shouldn't get into.

Then, there is his brother. Which one? The eldest. He's smart, he's athletic and he's generally a nice boy. But, watch out if he doesn't get enough sleep or what he wants. He also likes to call names.

Then, there is the other boy. The one who declared the other day that he doesn't like being the middle child. First, I'm not sure if he even knows what he's talking about. But, if he does - tough. Can't rearrange this situation.

After months of begging on Sawyer's part, we bought the boys some tennis raquets and a couple of cans of balls. Then, we actually took them to the tennis court. The best part? I brought my old raquet too. It was great fun. I ran alot and we all hit alot.

You know what the best part might have been, though? That we had someone to shag our balls.

I don't want to give the wrong impression, however. We are truly so incredibly lucky with each day better than the last. We have enough of everything to keep us going and then some, we have our health and we have love. We face few obstacles and we have friends and family. There are no greater gifts or sources of joy.

So, save a few bouts of bad behaviour and an occasional bad hair day, I've not absolutely nothing to complain about. I'm just keeping it real.

It's been a while

Sawyer hasn't lost any teeth since last fall. And that tooth he lost, the front top one, hasn't grown in yet, either. The dentist assures me this is acceptable. I have my doubts.

BUT, in big news, Sawyer lost the OTHER front top tooth. He also claims he has another loose tooth. Big news in these parts. The toothfairy is going to be one busy lady.

It was truly a day to remember

Especially if you subscribe to the theory of enjoying ordinary days. Which I do.

Half-birthday

Today, May 6, is Harrison's half birthday. Today, he's 2.5 years old. Seriously?! Wasn't he just born? Unfortunately, no. It's been 2.5 years.

he's, um...2.5. He's loving and chatty, he loves to say POOP!

He's feisty and agressive, yet still a little shy.

He's the most social kid - he is constantly asking about friends and family.

He behaves as though he's 2 and 7 all at the same time.

He's smart. He counts, knows his colors, his name and his age. He's been potty trained for 4 months.

He's lovable, adorable and has a special place in our hearts and our family.

Happy half birthday, dude!

Guilt

So, today I'm feeling particularly bad about the bad haircut both boys received yesterday. Cam's sideburns look horrible and the back of Sawyer's hair is ridiculous. Seriously. Their hair was long before I asked for a TRIM and now it's short.



They didn't want to go to school today because it looks so bad. So, before baseball (and the Storm game tonight) I will take them for a fix. I hope.



But, in happier times, we had Sawyer's 7th birthday party and it was FUN.

Yes, capital letters fun. It was an old fashioned HOME party. I heard your gasps and saw your jaws drop. We had pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, a home made cake and more. Really, it made us all laugh, scurry around and remark on the fun after it was long over. These are the things we're all going to remember someday.







{yes I made the baby wear a blindfold (scarf!) and I even spun him around!}

{he's jubiliant and having the time of his life. not to mention he appears to be the donkey in this picture. never fear, we actually had a poster of a donkey, we didn't make Sawyer do the job!}

{musical chairs. if you haven't played in years, I recommend giving it a go. seriously this was exciting and really fun. plus, I got to play a Beatles cd. the kids were laughing and the adults were on edge. or maybe that was just me!}



{the group. i couldn't have asked for a better bunch of kids to celebrate with. it was like they had always known each other and were all good friends. this is truly what childhood is about, i do think}

{one of sawyer's 2 cakes that were exactly as he asked for them to be. they said "sawyer 7". that's it. and he loved it}





{during some of the festitivies there were some tears. a few girls weren't into the pinata or the musical chairs. but the balloon toss and the resulting water balloon fight were fun for all. i had to keep trying to find a place to hide with my camera!}

{even the adults were totally blissed out. it was really great fun!}

{no special significance. I just thought Sawyer's friend looked very cute}

After the party was over and there were still crumbs on the floor and trash in piles on the table, we remarked on the fun that was had. And Sawyer exclaimed "THAT is why I wanted a home party"! He's a fun guy...