8.17.11 The Rest of Colorado

i finally got my camera battery charged and the second half of the trip uploaded. i am in love with some of these shots. so much so…that i will let them speak for themselves.

my grandpa’s old creel and my dad’s fly rod.

Creede, Colorado

meanwhile…back at the ranch:

I must admit…it has taken me a while to get my groove back after getting home. It was great to be re-united with Chad…but the heat and the lack of mountains, rivers, fishing, horses, and family laughter over empire games and memories have left me blue. but…my yellow is comin back, slowly but surely. In the mean time…I am playing games like beauty shop and make-up mommy, where I can keep my eyes closed most of the time while I either get my hair brushed and tied in all kinds of knots with bows, clips, ponytail holders, and ribbons…or the girls put make-up on my face wtih no rules. It’s actually pretty relaxing. Especially when I remember to remove the scissors from the hair basket BEFORE I hear them snip.

It made me chuckle when Aiden asked me what “mascary” was. And I got a little nervous when both boys made this face upon entering the room. Chase said, “I better get you some soap.”

So, here is the situation with Trout. I was headed to the small grocery in South Fork to get Annslee some Children’s Ibuprofen. As I was walking into the store, there was a family out front with these puppies. A little, blonde girl held him up like Simba and said, “Do you want a puppy?” Now I challenge any of you to not, at least hoooooold the puppy that was just about placed in your arms as if it was dropped right down from Heaven by Jesus himself. I took him, but said, “Ohhhh no. I can’t take him. My son is allergic to dogs.” The momma was a yellow lab that was only 9 months old…a teen mom. The papa was a black lab. They had a litter of 10 puppies and she couldn’t take care of them all and they were giving them away. So, naturally…I called my brother back at the cabin. At first he said no. But then decided that I was clearly right and that we just HAD to take this sweet puppy back from the ranch with us. It didn’t hurt that I said I would help out with the shots. He told me to get a male. Luckily the sweet, little bear cub that was sleeping in my arms was just that. So…I just never put him down. I went into the store and got him food and snagged the last bottle of children’s advil and headed back to introduce Kevin to the pup that he new he could find a home for if it didn’t work out with Timber…his dog, and surprise the kids.

Now…it should be added that Chase has been consistently praying that God would heal him of his dog allergy. And not even because HE wanted a dog…but because he didn’t want to be the reason his brother and sisters couldn’t have one.

And wouldn’t you know it? Apparently, God answered that little boy’s pure-hearted, selfless prayer…because he never broke out into hives. Not even once. Not even when he held him and was licked by him.

So…we kept him.

And we named him “Trout.” After all…trout was all we caught that week in Colorado.

Although…he may have caught us.

8.13.11 A Story About a Horse

Do you see that horse? You probably are looking at the one that we are on…but this story is about the other one. It’s a story about the horse in the background…the one that is quietly grazing…the one that looks thin…and a little bit lonely…and who is staying out of the limelight, even though a little attention would have probably done him good. This particular morning, to be honest, I didn’t even really notice him. It wasn’t until after…when I was casually looking through my pictures that I saw that I had captured him forever…even though I wasn’t intending to.

****

I was thrilled to meet Holly, the guide and operator of the stables, at the base of the mountain trail that we would be riding on. It was just Aiden and I for the first day. We were introduced to the horses we would be riding and could barely wait to mount them. Holly had brought along an extra horse, just in case Chase or Colton decided that they wanted to go. They both decided to go fishing instead, so Apollo…the horse in the background…got to stay back. I noticed he was neighing a lot as we left him at the base…and then when we got back as well. After the ride was over, Aiden and I had to hang around and wait for mom to come pick us up…so we talked with Holly and the horses while she saddled Apollo up for the next trail riders. As she was putting the saddle on him, he began backing up and bobbing his head…as if pleading for Holly to understand. She picked up on his signs right away and Aiden and I began to watch her work. The next trail ride was about to begin and the people arrived. If this trail ride was going to happen, Apollo was going to have to have a rider. Holly quickly apologized to them and said that there was no way that Apollo could make the trip. There was no question, as they saw Apollo struggling and graciously agreed to re-schedule and pulled away. So, there we were. Holly, Aiden and I…along with 4 horses…a mile up the mountain and alone.

****

After only a few minutes, Apollo was so uncomfortable that he was trying to lay down and roll. I knew enough that a horse was not supposed to do that, but I really didn’t know why. Holly said that he had colic, and that if he layed down and rolled, his intestines could kink up and if that happened…he would die. The only way to fix it would be surgery within an hour of kinking, and that was impossible. So…the only option was to keep him walking. This could help the colic to pass and Apollo to get comfortable again. So, she began walking him. At this point, Aiden watched while I tried to figure out some way to help. The other horses had to have their saddles and bridles removed so that Holly could load them into the trailer to take them back to the stables, however Apollo could not be allowed to lay down…which was all he wanted to do at this point. So……..she gave me the reigns. She just looked at me and said, “keep him walking.”

****

So, while my daughter watched, I lead Apollo. When he would try to lay, I would pull his reigns and keep him up. When he would rear up, I would hold him down. And we he would whine, I would gently talk to him and use one hand to stroke his neck that was already beginning to sweat from pain. Holly worked quickly, but it seemed like forever. I will never forget looking into his eyes and watching him begin to pant as Holly took the reigns from me to load him into the trailer. The vet was already on her way and was meeting them at the stables.

****

The next morning, I walked down to the stables to check on Apollo. He had died.

****

It was a weird feeling…knowing that I had been a part of his last few hours; that I had softly spoken to him as I lead him around; and that my face was one of the last ones he saw. I wished I had noticed him before…when he was quietly grazing. I wished I had sat proudly on him and taken a picture. A picture where you could see his gentle, brown eyes. A picture where he looked strong and able. A picture that would have made him feel as important as he was.

****

Aiden had quite the introductory to horsemanship. And me? Well…I fell more in love with horses than I already was. Gentle animals they are…right up until their last breath.

8.10.11 Colorado or Bust

so…maybe you didn’t know we went to colorado last week. it was sorta impromptu…sorta not. a few weeks before we left from iowa, my dad offered us a trip with my parents and my brother to wolf creek ranch…where he grew up going with his parents and grandparents, and where i grew up going with my parents and grandparents. so that alone meant that i couldn’t say no. so…even though chad couldn’t go with us due to our insanely long travels the month prior…i re-packed the kids and i and headed north. again. 1000 miles through texas, new mexico, and part of colorado snuggled us deep into the rocky mountains where i reunited with the land, trees, river, rocks, and cabins from my past. it was like seeing a long, lost friend that you sort of forgot how much you loved.

i swear i think i could have been a barrel racer in a previous life. well…if i believed in that sort of stuff…which i don’t. i was most excited for my dates with a few horse suitors and was really hoping that the kids would love them as much as i did. in hindsight, i should have saved the story about how i got kicked by one up here when i was 8. the boys were not super thrilled. however, it turns out that the girls were.

sister friend was enamored right out of the gate. every time we walked outside…she literally ran in a bee line for the stable, pointing and saying, “hiiiiiii….hiiiiiiii…hiiiiiii!!!!” she pet their noses, and would stay with them as long as i’d let her. which was fine by me.

little, big man was unsure. he eventually went on a 2 hour ride on this fella. his pride wasn’t bruised, but his butt was.

i got a peek right back in time with this one. she is our little cowgirl. she wants to be in a rodeo someday…and you know what???? i think she could be.

they are such beautiful, strong, gentle animals. just beautiful.

take a look at that rock balancing up there. my great grandma and grandpa kelly used to marvel at this and wonder aloud, “how on earth is that thing balancing up there?” i marveled and said the very same thing.

my brother fished for trout.

we hiked up south fork…a family tradition. what happens on south fork…stays on south fork. there have been many, many memories made on that mountain.

the boy caught his first fish…a small, speckled trout.

she played on the rocks in her waders…a fun to do no matter how old you are.

my animal lovin girls played with the dogs.

this was out cabin.

and this was our view.

and this was the babe, waiting to fish.

this is my dad…fly fishing for trout.

the kids enjoyed smores.

the girl proved herself as a fisher girl.

especially after she caught a trout.

****

well…the tired kids have groggily meandered downstairs and into my presence, requesting breakfast and their new playmate, so i’d better save the second half of the trip for another day.

oh…did i forget to mention the souvenir we brought home from wolf creek?

here he is. meet our black lab……..

trout.

7.30.11 A Day Without Rain

Yesterday, it threatened rain all day. But alas…there was none. I think it may have rained everywhere except for our little, stifling, shriveled up street. You know that cartoon…the one where the black, rain cloud is following someone around and it is only above them and everywhere else is all sunny and fluffy clouded? Well…it’s sorta the opposite of that. I finally broke down and took them outside. 2 out of 4 love to be outside. That’s a pretty good stat, I guess. I mean…Chase hates it when the elements are less than superb, and Aiden has issues with sweat, I think. They both prefer to stay indoors, unless there is a pool involved. and even still…Chase sometimes squawks. Annslee, however…would be outside all the time if I let her. She is happiest when she is warm, barefoot and covered with light, brown dirt streaks that are mixed with a little bit of sweat. Her cheeks get pink and her feet turn dark gray…but the girl is happy.

She has no problem drinkin all my water, either.

But really? Who could say no to that face?

A summer tradition for us girls…

The rain clouds promised a cool, refreshing fall. But it never fell on us.

So instead, we played possum.

And I colored her a flower. Then I told her she was pretty as one.

We watched the boy shoot baskets and I thought I’d see if I still had it.

I didn’t.

She rode her sister’s bike. Well…sort of. She kind of amazed me with her balance and BMX style. This girl ain’t scared of nothin.

Especially this little lover.

Which she thought was for her. We had to pry the thing out of her hands. She stood at the door and cried when the sweet pup had to go home. I think she needs one for herself.

Chase invited his friend over for dinner…

…in the sweetest way. He walked the letter over to her house and gave it to her dad. I just about melt when I witness things like this. Being a part of these kids is just the bee’s knees.

And then wouldn’t you know it…today it rained. And I got to wear these new pretties. I wouldn’t normally buy them, but we are leaving for Wolf Creek Ranch, Colorado on Monday…and I’m pretty sure I will get good use out of them. When I’m not wearin my cowgirl boots, that is. After all……….

……..I have a date with a horse.

7.27.11 Clemson. Welcome Home.

The emotional connection I have to Clemson, South Carolina is one that goes beyond any normal, college experience. In a way…it is home. Not home…like where I was born and raised, or where my family is…but home, like…where I grew up. I was only there 2 years for Graduate School…but I assure you that I grew and matured in those two years unlike any other in my first 23 years. When people ask me, “So how did you end up in Clemson all the way from Texas?”…I sometimes respond, “God scooped me up in his big, lovin hands and gently set me down in Clemson, South Carolina.”

pot belly deli…my favorite place to eat in clemson. i have had many marked conversations over sandwiches at that very table…including confessing to my friend, shannon that i had a little crush on a pastor type named chad.

I wanted to get my Master’s in nutrition. I wanted to counsel young girls with eating disorders. I also knew that, though I wasn’t ready to leave home as an undergraduate…I was ready and willing as a young, 23 year old Graduate student. The only question was, “Where should I go?” I will never forget the magic of that day in Clear Lake…the place of my birth and entire life thus far…when I went to the library and looked up schools with graduate level nutrition programs. Colorado or Clemson are the two that I remember most vividly as being my realistic options. Instantly I felt Clemson. I went home…to the only home I had ever really known and began feeling excitement, adventure, growth, and something really meaningful patiently waiting for me. I just wasn’t sure enough with myself…or my God to trust that what I was thinking was actually what He wanted me to do. I hadn’t learned the skill of listening, hearing, and being sure in my Lord yet. That would all come later.

My apartment in Clemson. Old Central Rd. #3. I did a lot of growing up in that small place.

So…when my dad came home that very night that I had been at the library…hearing God…and said, “What do you think about Clemson?”…I never looked back. That’s all I needed. My daddy had heard God too. And he had never failed me. Well…neither of them had actually.

So after I had been accepted to the Nutrition program, my dad and I flew to South Carolina for a few days to find me a place to live. We landed on this little, triplex. I knew when I walked in the door…that it would serve as my home for a while. It would be my space in this town…that was a thousand miles away from my family…and where I didn’t know a single soul.

and I bet you didn’t know…under that live oak…my favorite dog is burried in the yard.

(where chad burried atticus after we were married and had moved back to s.c. and I was pregnant with chase)

our house in seneca. these were our sweet neighbors, kitty and june…who fell in love with colton when he was a toddler and chase when he was a baby. colton would head over to their house with his guitar every afternoon. she even started buying snacks and little kid’s cups for him to have at her house. they were saddened so when we pulled out of that driveway and moved to texas. thankfully, we have kept in touch.

I credit the two years that I was in school at Clemson for: some of my best friends today…really getting to know God…becoming independent…going from girl to woman…becoming the counselor that God had been shaping me to be all my life…grieving my first heart break…learning how to smoke (sorry mom)…finding my style…knocking ocd in the teeth for the first time…learning to take care of myself…getting comfortable with being alone…starting over…becoming a wake boarder…prayer…confronting the enemy for the first time…singing on a stage…finding my voice…healing…finally being “that girl”…figuring out what having a gentle spirit really meant…school spirit that would last a lifetime…wisdom…prophesy…answers…being bold…seeing and meeting the man who would later become my husband at a superbowl party and thinking he was the cutest guy in the room…ignoring what i knew was right…single-handedly breaking hearts…being stupid…being smart…acceptance…learning patience…falling…getting up…crying…laughing…being courted for the first time ever…being loved by a man for who i was and not what i looked like and being made to feel important, respected, and cared for…waiting a while for the first kiss…being asked to be his wife…

and saying yes.

there used to be an old, wooden swing hanging from this tree outside of what was then the DCF building. i remember sitting there with chad before and while we were dating. we faced the dike and sometimes each other.

Welcome to Death Valley…where the tigers play.

And also where I knew I’d tell you of your father’s proposal there one day.

juli, shannon, and me

the hayes family and the clarkson family

colton’s first best guy friend was silas

they talk of rooming together at clemson someday

the ramada inn where the dcf superbowl party was, just 2-3 weeks after i had moved to clemson

this was when and where i saw chad from across the room

i sat down with my new friends gail and heather and asked…

“who is that???”

we would not start dating until much later

hawkinson’s wedding

the reception at the reeve’s plantation

it was hot

but fun

the bluegrass band played

the beverage table

i just loved how they served arnold palmers in mason jars with red and white striped straws

although…i opted for corona

i was too busy socializin to get pictures of the old general store, old timey barbershop, broom maker’s shop, and antique firetruck…but take my word for it…

this place is magical

shannon and i

old friends…

…kickin right in where we left off

the bride with her tea and the groom with his beer

dancin to the bluegrass music

celebrate them with fireworks

oh how i’ve missed you downtown clemson

chad, colton (at 10 months), and i moved back to sc from iowa to try to become our own, little family

we experienced the miracle of chase in this house

the miracle of God’s healing and grace on my body and his while in the womb

and grateful hearts

chase was born

and colton went from being a baby to being a boy

i also truly became a counselor here…

counseling girls from my house

we had a house church here

we had friends over for dinner

we buried my favorite dog in the backyard

we grew as a couple

we listened to God

we got to go in that small house

the house that i called my “dream house”

when i didn’t know how to dream any bigger

where these boys grew

clemson stadium

the place of our first date

and our last as a single man and a single woman

when he asked me to be his wife

clemson…

where your dreams come true.

7.26.11 Just a small town girl…

Aiden sings Don’t Stop Believin…by Journey a lot. I listen to her in the bath tub…in her room…in the car…and as she meanders around the house. She quietly sings to herself in perfect melody. Sometimes she struggles with some of the words. Sometimes she is not exactly sure which phrase goes next. Sometimes she just loops back around like this…

“Just a small town girl…livin in a lonely world. she took the midnight train goin anywhere. Just a city boy…livin in a lonely world…”

The other day, I helped the girl out. I said,

“The next line is…Just a city boy…born and raised in south Detroit. He took the midnight train goin anywhere.”

She listened quietly as I sang her the right words and I just knew she was impressed by my knowledge for the song AND my singing as she was deep in thought…pondering for a minute and then asking…

“Mom? So the boy took the midnight train too?”

Yes. Yes he did.

7.22.11 Iowa-South Carolina: 1000 miles worth it

You’re going to have to pardon my lack of bloggery…as we have been traveling around the country as if we were The Jonas Brothers on our Summer 2011 Tour.

We finished off our Iowa Adventure with a bang. And I do mean bang…as we saw, yet another fireworks display. If there is one thing I can say about Iowa, it is…they LOVE their fireworks. I think we saw them, like 6 times during the 2 weeks we were there. We made an impromptu decision to go ahead and head up to Lake Okoboji with Chad’s mom’s side of the family. This is a tradition that stems back to, like, 1974 or something. They go every year. We focused a lot on eating. And then there was the swimming. Their were a few highlights of the weekend…

a.j. at lake okoboji

aiden at lake okoboji

colt at the nutty bar in arnold’s park having a frosty mug root beer float (a family tradition)

we found the boy’s sport. this kid LOVES jet skiing.

he grinned from ear to ear and laughed hysterically the entire time. that is…until i let him drive and he threw us both off. that’s o.k. we both got right back on the horse.

aiden was a little worried. but she did it!! twice!!

colt rode with me first and then with his uncle davey. he needed to find out who the better driver was. he never did say. he was cautious…but had fun.

aiden trying a nutty bar at the nutty bar. she took one bite and then she wanted a hot fudge sunday instead. i don’t blame her. peanuts and chocolate and ice cream just don’t go together in my opinion. and in aiden’s…

annslee enjoying a hot fudge sunday herself

chase being thrown. i am so proud of this kid’s brave streak he’s got going these days. lots of laughter.

colt flipping

and we came upon this neat thing. actually…it came upon us. the wedding party arrived on a boat and walked up the sidewalk right by our rooms. aiden was pretty cute as she watched the pretty bride.

****

So, we headed home early from the Lake so that I could watch the Women’s World Cup Final game. US was playing Japan and I just knew that I was going to see the US women soccer team win the whole thing. I have developed somewhat of an obsession with Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, and Abby Wamback…all players for the team. They didn’t win and I was heartbroken. But…I have decided that I am going to whip myself back into soccer shape and play in an indoor Fall league. I miss it so. Did I just hear you laughing at me? It’s o.k. Maybe you didn’t know that Goal Keepers don’t even peak until they are around 38. That gives me 2 years to prepare myself for competitive play. I think it’s a realistic goal for me. Don’t you?

We loaded up the car and left for South Carolina the next night at 5:30. After we had been on the road for about 10 minutes, 3 out of the 4 kids were crying and saying that they wanted to go home. Knowing that we had 17 hours to go…I had Chad pull over to talk about our options. At that point, I really thought that we should just turn around and head home. I was positive that we couldn’t make it another week and another 2000 miles away from home. So we talked and Chad thought. Then he said, ” I think we should do it.” So…we did. Around 9:30…the kids started drifting off one by one. And wouldn’t you know it??? Those 4 kids slept solidly until around 8:00 the next morning. When they woke up, I was driving us through the mountains in North Carolina. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast just on the other side of Ashville and trucked it on in to South Carolina around 10. We are staying at a good friend’s apartment because she and her husband and their son are in Italy for the Summer. Yay for them…Boo that I don’t even get to see them. But…having our own little place to stay has been somewhat of a luxury.

The highlights of S.C. thus far…

She found her brother’s hat. I just love a girl that can wear a guy’s cap.

My group of College Friends from Clemson. From left to right…

Amanda came in from Columbia with her 3 (Abe, Samira, and Samantha); Heather came in from Atlanta with her 3 (Elli, Ava, and Charlie); Me with my 4 (Colton, Chase, Aiden, and Annslee); Ashey is here in Greenville with her 3 (Grayson, Selah, and Isabella); and Gail from Greenville with her 2 (Daniel and Anna)

Some of my bestest friends in the whole wide world. Boy…do I love these people.

and this is us with our youngest babes. can you believe they are all girls? they had to be in the picture…due to the fact that many of them would not let us put them down without screaming this blood-curdling, high pitched scream thing that would just about bust your ear drums. look at annslee who refused to let go of her drink. good grief.

when i tell a.j. to smile…she does. and then i do too.

7.12.11 We are still making our mark here in Iowa

There have been many good times here in Iowa…as there always are.

More important than the tangible times, are the lasting memories and growth that come from all of these amazingly, magical experiences that can sometimes only be visually captured by a photograph. and that…my loves…is why I absolutely make you all crazy with all of my picture taking.

****

There have been relationships forever bonded…

aiden and aubree. notice aiden’s summer feather in her hair. we love our feathers.

sister and brother-in-law (at what point do you just go ahead and drop the in-law?)

sawyer…our nephew that i rocked to sleep for a week when he was 10 days old when everyone else was at the hospital with his mommy. he will never remember…but i will never forget.

our best friend’s kids with ours…forming bonds doing what kids do best

best friends

my niece, ava’s first slumber party. she and chase fell asleep in my lap while watching annie. he’s my frog prince and she’s my little firefly.

chad with his best friends from high school at their 20th high school reunion

aiden and aubree. what a picture of their age and friendship. to me…this image is magical.

There have been fears overcome…

adventureland…rides were conquered by all. even me! on the space shot. i screamed a little bit.

the silly cylo.

no thanks!!

climbing trees

holding her very own sparkler

the boom of fireworks

catching their very own fireflies. no fear.

****

I decided to be brave and wear a summery, strapless frock and cowgirl boots to Chad’s reunion. I do love any excuse to rock the Miranda Lambert look. The only problem with the whole look was that my hair turned green that day from chlorine. I didn’t know it until I took it down to get in the shower an hour before we left. Everyone was in a tizzy, running and buying special shampoo to try to get it out. My hair stayed green…but on the plus side, I had the cleanest hair there…after washing it 5 times. We met a bunch of Chad’s friends for drinks, went on to the party, and then followed up with a late night party at a dance club called Sticks. As soon as we walked in, I thought…there is no way I will blend in with the tight jean, heel wearin chicks on the hip-hop dance floor. But that thought was quickly followed by the “who really cares because I will never see these people again and I am here…rockin the kicks…and in the mood to dance” thought. So…I did what any Texas girl would do…took a shot with my husband and my new pals and hit the floor. Turns out…the Iowa folks really dig cowgirl boots just as much as I do (and green hair, I guess) A random guy even requested boot-scootin boogie for me. Chad was impressed and I had fun…..and that’s really all that matters, right? 🙂

On Sunday afternoon, I witnessed my oldest son and oldest niece fall in love with women’s soccer while watching the USA play Brazil in the world cup. That was one, exciting, and memorable game. Finally…my love for soccer became contagious…and the fact that we are all pretending to be Hope Solo in the backyard soccer game makes me both happy and proud.

Yesterday, we drove up to Steamboat Rock to pay Gramma Janice a visit. She cooked us a big lunch of pot roast, potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, cucumbers, cottage cheese, coleslaw, and rolls. Then, Chad’s two aunts and his cousin Tammy came over with her 3 kids. The boys caught small toads, which was right up Chase’s ally. I drove the trip so Chad could get some work done…which meant that I got to listen to my ipod and re-connect with my old friend, Dave Matthews. Let’s face facts. Warehouse is one of the best songs ever.

Tune in next time. Who knows what you will find. Probably…whatever I find.

Happy Summer, Y’all.

7.6.11 iowa…you make me smile.

my precious neice, aubree and the sweet pea…

these two are thick as thieves.

and oh so cute.

the puddin cup on the 4th of july…

all dressed up in her red, white, and blue.

and a smile.

us with the randazzos…

my best friend

chad’s best friend

and our liters of kids…

here we have

3 possible future marriages that will make us a real, bonafide family

couldn’t you just kiss the girl?

the little one,

obviously

cousins and best friends

colton and tayler

4 months apart

and truly…the first girl he has ever loved…

she might as well be his sister

me and chad’s grampa lew

annslee and sawyer…

the youngest cousins…

i just love the way she is eyeing him.

they didn’t leave each other’s sides all night.

that there is a LOT of clarksons.

the family reunion that chad planned was a huge success.

i love big families.

the thieves…watching fireworks.

these two are fun to watch.

magical fireworks…

do it again, daddy

chase…

a boy and a sparkler.

doesn’t get much more fun than that.

my niece, ava…

overcoming fears, left and right.

she actually let me put a firefly in her hand and she watched

it magically light her way toward

bravery.

the start of the trip…

“are we there yet?”

dilly bar break…

somewhere in small town, texas

passing the time with bracelet/anklet making…

a trade my oldest niece is learning quickly.

chad leading the kids in calisthenics after being in the car all night. we are almost in iowa.

the des moines capitol building…

right before the yankee pops symphony 4th of july concert

me, tayler, colt, and julia at yankee pops

i love this iowan

i like to call this one…

“um, excuse me. maybe you didn’t remember that I’M your baby.”

this is margo.

and she is a lover.

while all the cousins played…

i got to hold this sugar plum.

grampa lew has a whole little league park named after him.

that’s pretty impressive, if you ask me.

look at my man…

killin it on the court.

followed by,

“i can’t move my knee.”

a reunion with sparklers.

“look at the fireworks, brother! did you know about these things?”

lew with the girls.

chad and his grampa. he’s the oldest grandson.

annslee’s first kiss.

ricky masamo plantin one on her 10 minutes after they met.

it’s fate.

i call these kids “the bee’s knees”

they are a few of my favorite things.

aiden and luci

zoe and colt

mia and chase

catching fireflies

6.29.11 mischief making…of one kind or another

i’ll tell you what happens after the 4th kid. of course, this is nothing new to those of you other crazies out there who have four (or more) kids…but i have found that i have ended up having to master the art of letting go…in ways that are sometimes painful. it actually hurts my heart that i didn’t get the meal taken to the friend who just had the baby; or the gift to the across the street neighbor (whom i hardly know because they moved in, just several months back) for the baby she just had a month ago; or that the friend from church who had her baby didn’t get a hot meal and visit from me; and i didn’t attend the shower for another couple who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first baby…(ALL of these precious bundles girls, by the way…except for 1. he’s going to have plenty of chicks to chose from in a couple of years. 🙂 we also skipped out on the anniversary party for some other new friends. we didn’t get to go out to dinner with that couple to reconnect and we also didn’t have that other couple over, as intended. i had good intentions…truly i did. i’m not going to rattle off all that i did get done, but do know that it is a list just as long and just as important. tomorrow evening we leave for the rest of the summer. i am very excited and feel that anticipation that you feel when you just know that lifelong memories, bonds, learning, and fun are due to occur as a family, summer adventure begins. but, there are a few things that i NEED to squeeze in before we go. i must see some important people…even if they are very smallish individuals that will never know that i was there. they are just too lovely and snugly to not see.

because…in no time, flat…they will be like this one. this one…she breaks the mold that i am accustomed to. what happened to control? what happened to order? what happened to rules and appropriate behavior and response? what happened to tidiness and cleanliness? what happened to finishing? what happened to peace and harmony and quiet days of play?

i’ll tell you what happened………..

she did.

this one? she likes to climb.

and she doesn’t play with toys. like…at all. she prefers to constantly be getting into things. exploring. figuring. messing. disrupting. breaking. learning. loving.

“i know i’ve seen her use this for her hair. i think i can make this work. it’s like this.”

“or this.”

“if i could just get some hair in this thing.”

“maybe i can get it to work on him.”

“oh wait. i’ll just leave my pappy here and enjoy a cold one.”

“here it is. i got it.”

“if i could just get this top thing off…”

this one…my girl, here…well, she’s just always making mischief. of one kind. or another.

and i have to say. i love her, and her climbing, and all of her mischief making more than bears love honey. and everyone knows…that is an awful lot.

*********

through it all, however…we have been able to squeeze in a little of this…

lego making…

and an impromptu movie night out and possibly, a tad bit, immature after toast at a little place called “twin peaks.” and i do wish that i could say that the “peaks” were in reference to the actual mountains…but alas…they weren’t.

it’s no different than hooters people.

but, none-the-less…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to this guy…

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