Zoooom.

Did you see that? We just changed the month on the calendar again and yet, here I am just looking back at 1/2 written blog posts that never made it. I can't be sure, but I swear yesterday was Halloween. Right?

To catch up (a simple version), this house is:

+ making gingerbread houses that fall apart because little boys eat the corners and then nothing lines up correctly. Then they tell everyone we know that I'm not very good at building.

+ drinking peppermint mocha's & holiday punch at gatherings and by the fire at home.

+ reading Christmas cards & Christmas books! I love them. It's probably one of my most favorite things.  Every night we get the mail and gather together to open up the cards to talk about our friends and family and where the card came from. Then before bed we pick one book to read to get us in the spirit. Sometimes, if the book is too long and little boys aren't paying attention we just start singing carols.

+ wanting a snap of something fresh. An adventure, a change, a cleanse of some sort. Hi New Year, I hear you around the bend! :)

+ listening to carols, carols and more carols. Our favorites that we sing nightly are: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls" but we laugh the hardest at "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"!

+  playing bingo & snowball fights... fake snowballs that is. They are the greatest invention for our family. Small, squishy cotton balls that you can buy by the bucket full and we love and adore every last one. I have a feeling that within the next year or so, we'll have a bucket in every room. That reminds me, warning to anyone that comes over: snowballs are flying at all times so enter at your own risk. Side-note: Cameron and Tim have been doing a map puzzle of the United States every night. Slowly, Cameron is learning/memorizing the states and they love to talk about where everyone we know lives. He's definitely got Texas, California, Tennessee & Florida down.  Don't worry, we're still working on Nevada & Virginia (and all of the others in between).

+ wishing for peaceful and loving hearts.

+ loving family mornings that linger into family afternoons. comfy pajama pants, Christmas shows, cozy togetherness and warm breakfasts. Even if chores are happening at the same time, it sure is nice to not be rushed or scheduled sometimes.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS IN OUR WORLD LATELY:

1.  finding toy cars in the dryer because you're kid hides anything and everything in his pockets and for so long you only checked the adult pockets in this house. not anymore.

2.  we may be a diaper free house in time for 2017 and I'm not sure how to feel.

3.  Tim loves to "Griswold" our front yard for Christmas and now our street has gotten really into it. The kids love to take the "long way" home just to see everyone's displays.

4.  we went to see Santa and Payton was fine talking to him, but the minute that I told him to go give him a hug that kid bolted!

5.  This brotherhood. Oh how I pray that this lasts forever.

6.  Cameron was pumped when they did the letter C as their letter of the week last week, especially when his teacher drew him first on their list of things that start with C! 

2nd Star to the Right and Straight on til Morning

I grew up as a Disney kid. I even accepted a marriage proposal from Goofy (a donut ring in hand) at Disneyland when I was 16. This specific trip though, the one with my own kids, has been on my radar since we got married.  As we were planning, I was getting choked up just thinking about Cameron's expression and his first introduction to Mickey Mouse .  Here's the deal, when you grow up as a Disney kid, the magic never goes away.  It changes and grows, but it's always a part of you and all you want is to share it with another Disney kid.

Leading up to our trip, I received all kinds of advice: from, "take a flask" to an example of one Mom's power point presentation that she sent her family when making their arrangements. I like to think that I fell somewhere in between in my planning.

Today when I talk about the experience I say that Disney has a way of bringing out the highest highs and the lowest lows, and really it all depends on how you handle those highs and lows. I'm not sure if Disney is more different for me now because I'm a parent or if it's more different because it's just different. Probably a little bit of both.

To sum up our day quickly: we were there for roughly 6 hours and we rode 6 rides. We had lunch with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet & Eeyore.  It was a hot and humid 95 degrees and Payton slept in Tim's arms during Pirates of the Caribbean. We lost our patience, complained, argued, and whined. We laughed, got sparkles in our eyes, danced, smiled and sang.  We hugged Pluto, danced with 3 parades and MET MICKEY. 

What's that famous line? "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Ok, so let's put some perspective on it - there's far worse times than a trip to Disney.  However, based on some of the things we saw, we were winning in more ways than one: no one had a giant, unacceptable temper tantrum, no one fell asleep on the ground or just completely lost it. Also, we talked about what we will do differently next time.
Y'all! That means there will be a next time! This is huge!
Because, really, the biggest thing of all was that in the end we
MET MICKEY!!!

This was it. See it?? That's pure joy.
This is also the point where I came so close to bawling like a baby. My throat closed a bit, my eyes swelled and I melted. To the floor. I was mush. I was talking funny and had the hardest time keeping it together. Wedding day, birth of my children.... but this. This is happy.

 Oh and all that patience lost and arguing all went out the window when "Mickey" magically surprised the boys with balloons tied to the stroller when we got back to the stroller parking area.

We may occasionally lose our cool in overwhelming arenas, but we rock at coming together and finding the magic in the moment.
That's really when we're our best.

Out Takes:

The picture in the tea cup? That was right before Tim reached his limit and told me that he didn't want to see my camera for the rest of the day. 

The kids needed a mid-morning snack and Tim went to a concession stand for 2 bananas, an orange and a water. The guy at the concession stand told him that he had never (ever) had anyone buy fruit and a water.

The employees at Disney are a class act. The patrons can, however, leave something to be desired at times.

I hate that everything is calculated now. It's lost the feeling of spontaneous magic that you happen upon as you're walking through Walt Disney's dream... now it has to be planned out and arranged so that you can squeeze it all in. This all happens through an app, which means that everyone has their heads in their phone. Boo! 

We saw a real bunny just hopping around as we were watching a parade.

I can confirm, based on other people's t-shirts that Tim does not work to support my Disney habit, and that we will not be going to Disney to celebrate any of our wedding anniversaries.

Cameron was a pro, the perfect age really. Payton used his sunglasses for protection and clung to Tim if one of the characters was coming around.

I could live on Main Street, USA and watch Disney as it unfolds day in and day out. I'm pretty sure that's why ol' Walt had his secret apartment there. What a character, what a dreamer.

All in? It'll happen again. The magic and the mess.

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the highs and the lows.

Once a Disney kid, always a Disney kid.

A dream is a wish your heart makes, after all.

The Greats.

Family days

Family nights

Family mornings

Family just-rights

There is something to be said for QT.  something to be said for adventures , firsts and new frontiers.  

I love and enjoy vacations without the kids, but  trips as a family are priceless. Magical. Exhausting and one big beautiful mess.

This summer Tim and I made a pact about vacations with memories and time with "The Greats", our own Grandparents that is. We - ok, maybe I - thought that the kids have reached an exciting age that seems (somewhat) manageable, and so we set off to planning.

In July, we trekked to San Diego to see Great GG & Papa, and my side of the family. There were 25 of us (if I remember correctly) and we soaked in the beach, the sun & (as always) the fun. We attempted the San Diego Zoo and I was a little sad at how much it had changed since the last time I had been there (cough, 20+ years, cough). The best part of the trip was seeing my kids really start to interact and get to know the people that I saw as grown-ups & role models when I was a kid (along with their kids too).  I know just how special these memories are and I treasure every piece of this family puzzle.  I pray that my boys see what I see when they look at these pictures in our hallway.

Last week, we visited the other side of our "Greats" and headed to Florida. Since Cameron's last visit to Florida to visit Tim's Grandmother was when he was 4 months old, we explained to both boys that "Grandma B" (to be clear this is Grandma B as in Benton, not as in 'not A') lived by Mickey Mouse and that they were neighbors. This tid-bit of information was better than cake. For our kids, who had no concept of Disney World, when they heard Mickey Mouse all they saw was the cartoon, "mickey mouse clubhouse". Slowly, we introduced Disney movies: Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Zootopia, etc. We didn't go into specifics about rides, but I did mention things like, "Did you know that Winnie the Pooh and Mickey are friends? I wonder if they'll be at Mickey's house when we visit?"  The boys would respond, "Naaah!" They thought this concept of Mickey's friends being anyone other than Goofy, Donald & Pluto was hysterical.  To say that the idea of a special trip to see Grandma B, celebrate her birthday (we love birthdays!) and the chance to meet Mickey on top of it was highly anticipated, is an understatement.  (I will post later about our day at Disney.)

In Grandma B's little community there was a bustle of golf carts, Cameron "scored a goal" with a putter, friendly faces & even better: Grandma B's love.  It was so nice to spend time with her and see her giggle at these wild boys that always have us on our toes.  She commented on Cameron's sweet tooth that is apparently (to no surprise) just like Tim's was at that age and she loved Payton's facial expressions.  We left with books and treasures of love both tangible and in our hearts.

I'm so very glad that we were able to spend some quality time with our Greats this summer.
We are beyond thankful and so blessed with time. 

If I've learned anything, it's that TIME is the biggest and best way you can show someone you LOVE them. 

Extraordinarily, this summer, we were able to give it and receive it.
That's more than magical.

10 Current Life Lessons

Oh hi there. Hello.

Where have I been? 

Adulting. Parenting. Loving. Wife-ing. Working. Summer-ing. Listening. 

Top 10 Lessons this summer (to date):

1. Traveling as a family is a trip for parents and a vacation for kids.

2.  You want to do it all. Wish you could do it all. That's difficult.

3.  There are still not enough hours in the day.

4.  Connect 4:  Verb. Connecting our family and doing something special together.
Lately we've been all over the map with brotherly love. There's the attention pulls where we give each other turns to talk and they both say the same thing over and over... and over again. There are moments of tears where one is feeling left out and just starts crying to try and shift the balance.  There are quiet times that I overhear: "Payton, do you like me? Do you love that I'm your big brother? Is it fun when I play with you?"  Then there's the "Copycat Disciplinarian" when one tries to reprimand the other or copies the reprimand we're giving. When we CONNECT 4, I really try to connect all of us: put away the phones, let's go do something together.

5.  Parents need a time out more often. It's always fun to get a taste of grown-up-giggles.  You know the ones that I'm talking about.

6.  Seeing people is great, spending time with them is gold.

7.  My kids thrive more in space than in amusements.
It goes without saying that those pictures friends post or pinterest ideas for amazing visits to museums, activities, zoos & parks are great. I start to feel a bit of "mom-guilt" because I don't tend to make time for that stuff. Then when we do it though, the excitement lasts for an hour, maybe two, and they are ready to move on. Put us at the beach, the lake, a pool, a ranch, a campsite, the great outdoors -- they create and move through the space enjoying all of the time we can give them.

8.  {I had a lengthy paragraph about the current political situations that we're in and I chickened out. Let's just say I'm learning to educate myself, and wonder how we're praying that we're going to grow from here.  I desperately need another option to vote for.}

9.  Fireworks never get old.

10.  When I was a new Mom a neighbor gave me stellar advice telling me that whatever challenge (sleeping, showering, etc) I was facing as a new Mom that it would change to something else the very minute I figured out how to overcome said challenge. I loved that advice and as life progresses I've realized that advice goes for everything.  Sh*t happens. Process, come up with a plan & move forward. There's always going to be some other sh*t is just around the corner.  Perfect doesn't exist.  Life is what you do and who you are in between handling the sh*t.  Strength comes from how you handle it. (Ok, I've said sh*t far too many times and my Grandmother reads this: love you, Grandma!) Bottom line... Do something fun when you're down, it's not going to fix it, but laughter is the best medicine after all!

Or if needed, take a minute for yourself, it's a beautiful thing! 

Hello, Summer!

It's June, Y'all! It's summer!

Welcome to more sunshine (and less rain hopefully), a sheen of sunscreen, wet bathing suits & lots of watermelon. 

Hello Visitors! Hello Trips!

Howdy sun-kissed, Family!

[psst. Hey Time? are you there? now's your chance to slow down, ok? after this we have one more summer before Kindergarten and I'm a little hesitant. Sure, Tim thinks he's that much closer to buying a yacht, that much closer to no child-care payments, but that's not where my head is. So between you and me, why don't you take it easy on us. I'd be so grateful.]

Cameron's wheels are spinning. He gets the difference between the weekend (aka "mommy-daddy-days") and week days (school). He looks forward to dates on the calendars and things planned. He asks questions about places, how we'll get there and surprises me with all he's picking up on.  He knows of an upcoming trip to another state and then started telling people we were moving. So he's picking up on it, but not quite understanding it all. :)

Payton is a fish; loves swimming and feeling independent. Let's all say a prayer that he doesn't try on too much independence in the pool just yet.  He is talking up a storm and getting very vocal with his opinions, too. At night I have to go through a routine about bed time and how everyone is going "night-night" then we talk about where everyone sleeps so that he remembers that he can't sleep in Cameron's bed. He's figured out my approach and now tells me "don't say that, Mommy" or "walk away, Mommy". That one is smart. Mark my words, he'll be a game-changer forever.

The brotherhood is strong. They don't want to do anything without each other.

I melt.

2016

2014

Do you think it's possible that there is something in the rain that's making my boys grow faster?  

I am regularly stopping myself to smile, take a long breath and capture it - that elated feeling. Maybe that breath will help it slow down in my memories.  Just when I need them to, the boys do something or I find us in a moment and I try my best to savor it; it's pure magic. 

THIS is the picture I'll be looking for when he's doing this exact same thing at 14. 

The girl that was my co-conspirator in always creating our own fun came to visit with her {new} hubby! To say that we packed it all in is an understatement, but boy did we have fun!

We totally look like the tired parents in this picture.  Eh, tired, but so incredibly, lucky.

Alright, June: I've been talking you up for a while now.

What kind of adventure do you have up your sleeves?  I'm ready!

Becoming Four

Dear Cameron,
It's here. The day you've been talking about for the last 3, er 6 months. When your posse started to play "birthday party" at school I knew that I was in for it. This was the year we would cave and there would be an actual party. We'd have to decide on who to invite, and (with 20 kids in your class) who to kindly not invite. We'd have to have discussions about not making anyone feel badly, about using our manners and thanking people. There have been long talks about the difference between your actual birth.day and the day that you have your party. These things can all be very confusing for a 4 year old.

We learn so much from you every. single. day.
You make us laugh in a way that no one else can.
You have my clumsiness and your Dad's iron will. You are shy in new situations but you rise to the occasion once you're comfortable.  Four seems so big, almost 14 really. I mean you have leg hair. Like legit leg hair! I feel like I'll be buying you deodorant next week. You are factual, curious and determined. The sweet chubby baby that I walked non-stop around the house is getting taller and I can even see an ab muscle or two! Where did those lovable baby-rolls go?

You love to be just a little mischievous and your eyes sparkle when you realize that we're on to you.  For now it's very innocent and sweet, boy do I hope it stays that way.

You are starting to recognize words when we're out. You always want to know what the store, restaurant or place is called so that you can remember it next time. You're interested in time and wanting to know what time it is, what time you go to bed, what time we leave, etc.

You love Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder and taking walks to look for treasure. Your brother is your very best friend. for now.  Maybe it's because you can boss him around. for now.

You draw me maps. I feel like this is an extension from when you were little. You still love to park everything in neat places. Now you draw these maps knowing where each neighbor lives and you guide/direct me home every day.

You're coloring inside of the lines. How did this happen so fast?

Your Aunts have introduced you to "snap chat" and you think it's hysterical. I imagine by the time that you're in high school you'll look back and think it's super archaic but for now watching yourself do silly things or look like a dog is really very entertaining.

You're noticing girls. It's had me a little flustered lately. Daddy high-fives you when we hear funny stories from school. I turn to mush and blush.  You have slow-danced already, apparently to fast music, too. I gotta tell ya, this is a baller move!  As a girl (even though I'm your Mom) a guy that can dance or is willing to dance always wins the girl. Also, apparently there is a girl in your class praying that you will be her husband and that she can kiss you. EEEK! Can it be? How do these kids even know that stuff?

My Favorites, by: Cameron
Favorite food: sandwiches and rolls (pizza rolls)
Favorite song: Itsy Bitsy Spider & The Tweet Song ("Rockin' Robin")
Favorite movie: Blaze
Favorite thing to play: blocks and trucks or car wash
Favorite sport: soccer
Favorite animal: frog and elephant
What do you want to be when you grow up? "When I turn 5 I want to be a bus driver. Then when Payton turns 5, can he be a bus driver, too?"
Where do you want to live when you get big? At the bus stop

Sweet boy, we've made to 4! We love you and wish you an amazing 4th year. May there be magical memories that you hold in your heart of hearts and loads laughter that fills your soul until your eyes shimmer with love. May you continue to learn, to teach and to grow. For growth is what we live by.
Happy Birthday, Cameron!
We love you to the moon & back!

PS Before I forget to say it, every once in a while, color outside the lines just because, ok? Sometimes it feels good to push the limits. Wait. What am I thinking? Did I forget who your parents are? :)