It's No Secret

If you know me well, you already know this about me, and will probably roll your eyes.  I listen to Christmas music in the summer.  I can't help it.  It calls my name.  It's nostalgic.  It's happy.  It's peaceful.  Who couldn't use a little of that at the end of summer?

I am getting better.  This year I made it to the middle of August before listening to a Christmas album.  And in my defense, it's never the Jingle Bell variety.  Today's choice is Alex Boye's "My Christmas Wish."  Lovely.

It's the only Christmas album I have on my phone. Randomly a song will pop up and I usually switch it to the next song, but today I was elbow deep in bread dough and couldn't change it.  Then it was so lovely, I didn't want to change it.  It dug up wonderful memories of my beautiful grandmother.  Whenever I think of the peaceful side of Christmas, it is always her living room that comes to mind. Quiet, dark, with a fire built too hot.  The distant sound of aunts, uncles and cousins making merry in the basement.  The white lights on her flocked tree twinkling.  It's the stuff people dream of.  So pardon me while I jump ahead to December (or back a few Decembers).  I'll be all summery again when the album has played through.

Proud Mom Moment

It's no secret That reading is not one of Lyndsi's favorite things to do. Her 5th grade teacher has required a ton of reading this year and Lynds has really stepped up to the challenge. (It doesn't hurt that she adores her teacher.) this is the latest book report/log that she turned in. I couldn't be happier with her scores. 

Sisters

Sometimes I think I really missed out on the whole sister thing. 

Thankfully I can live vicariously through my girls. 

Happy Hogwarts Day!

I mean birthday....

Sometimes having a birthday in April with a CPA for a father looks like it's going to be a disappointment, especially when your mom informs you that you'll have to celebrate a day early because everyone will be too busy on your actual birthday.

To make up for it, mom serves pancakes with sprinkles and frosting for breakfast

Spends too much time (having too much fun) working on wands for you and 9 of your closest friends

Who all gather at your house after school on a Friday for a special Harry Potter themed birthday party.

We began with the first year tradition  The Sorting Hat. The boys sat on a stool and had the Hat placed on their heads.  Reaching into a bag, they pulled out a badge with a house Coat of Arms on it and a bit of information about what it means to be in that house.

"Gryfindor!!"

Next- Two houses attended Seeker training on the Quidditch pitch while the other houses attended Potions class with Professor Bradley.

Seeker training was taken very seriously.  Each boy learned the fundamentals of good seeking and had opportunities to run run several drills and participate in at least one scrimmage

Potions with Professor Bradley.  Several loud explosions could be heard throughout the school and all the way to the Quidditch field.  Thankfully no one was had to be taken to the hospital wing.

What would a Harry Potter party be without having a Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean tasting?

Hmm...A Nice strawberry one....

And presents!  Trying out some standard first year magic with his new wand, "Lumos!"

Herbology: Transplanting (edible) mandrakes.  (Cookie crumbs, cake crumbs and chocolate pudding)

The headmaster sent down butter beer to help refresh everyone as well.

Since it was such a special occasion, the boys were allowed a privilege generally reserved for 3rd years and older- a trip to Honeydukes Sweet Shoppe! Chocolate frogs, acid pops, licorice wand and more.

Hmmm...Maybe a tax season birthday isn't so bad after all.

Happy birthday McKay!!!!!

A healthier Me

Last summer we drove by what used to be our local Albertson's grocery store.  A big banner was hanging from the building announcing it as the future home of a Gold's Gym Express.  A few months later, after weeks of pressuring, I caved to my friend's pleas to join and go with her.  We started frequenting the closest open Gold's Gym until our location finally opened.  By that point we had convinced 2 other friends to join us in early morning torture.  The four of us have braved unearthly morning hours,  wind, snow and single digit temperatures all in the name of good health.  

I can only speak for myself, but I'm seeing some differences.  For one, I am exceedingly tired.  All of the time.  I, who can boast of multiple insanely late movie nights with my BFF, cannot function waking up at 5 a.m. 4 times a week, even when I go to bed by 10 p.m.  I have heard my kids friends more than once whisper, "You're mom's asleep again?"  Increased appetite.  Exercise always does this to me.  The cold weather is not helping.  Weight loss-none.  Strength has improved.  I can now own up to being able to do 5 push ups.  You have no idea what kind of miracle this is. Sickness.  I only get half sick now.  It's almost annoying.  I feel the symptoms coming on, steel myself for being bedridden and then....nothing.  Wha?!  It goes away.  While I'm grateful I don't have to put my life on hold for something so blah, I'm starting to think a day in bed sounds kind of nice.  C'est la vie.  

Hooray for good health!

Life As It Is

I thought I'd take a minute from my life to record what it's like right now.  I have a journal that I fill with   things of gratitude.  I try to put a positive spin on some trials to help me be grateful, but sometimes I don't think it's enough to give an honest idea of what life is really like in this moment. There are lots of things I love, and several that I struggle with or just plain don't like.

What I love about life right now:

1.  A darling 11 year old daughter who is turning out to be more helpful then I ever could have imagined.  For example (and one that very nearly made me cry), she came in the other night to ask what she could do help with dinner.  I had just come home from picking up a few things at the grocery store and hadn't gotten everything put away.  I told her she could put the eggs and yogurt away.  She did, but while she was down in the depths of the fridge, she also cleaned out all the old food that had reached or past its expiration date.  Unasked.  Such a simple thing that left me full of gratitude and an increase of love for her.

2.  The kids and I can laugh at jokes together.  We quote movie lines all the time.  We speak with British accents randomly.  A few fun(ny) things I never anticipated being part of our fun.  (For one, I never even had the nerve to attempt a British accent until a couple of months ago.)

3.  Not having to take 4 kids on every single errand I run.

4.  Time in my day to read without guilt. Kids at school.  Baby napping.  Book?  Don't mind if I do.

5.  Consistent weekly date nights.  Partly due to #3.  I love date night.  I crave it.  I need it.  Our conversations really aren't much different than at home, but something about having my man all to myself is really nice.

Things I'm not liking:
1.  Adjusting to my neighborhood.  It's beautiful here.  The people are friendly.  Yet still I struggle finding a good friend where I'm at. I'm working on it.

2.  Learning to parent 4 very different personalities and there little struggles and challenges.

3.  The ever constant feeling that I should be doing something, but not really knowing what that something is.

4. Balancing my time.  Never been good at it.  Family.  Husband. Friends. Me.  Church.  It ends up that nothing is getting the time it needs or deserves.

5.  Cleaning the kitchen.  I hear this gets easier down the road.  That one day I may only need to sweep once a day instead of hourly.  (Let's be honest.  I count myself lucky when I sweep once a day. :P)

There are lots of things I could add to both lists.  Life is good. Life is hard.  And the world keep turning and I keep trying.

Love Potion #9

I was combing through McKay's backpack the other day looking for forgotten notes and calendars when I came upon this little gem.

Love Potion
By McKay Maynes

Ingredients
2 cups of water
2 drops of your blood in the water
1/2 cup of sugar
2 peppermints

Then put the lid on and heat it for 2 minutes.

So for all of you looking for a little extra lovin this Valentine's, you're welcome. :)