Happy Birthday Maz!

We love you Maz! Thanks for all you do and the ways you love us so well!

I heart Faces

I decided to play again. The theme this week is dramatic b&w. If you want to play or check out some other entries, follow the link below....

one of my many loves....

Got me a good man!

So, the other night over dinner, Nate and I were talking. I was telling him how I have been so blessed by folks helping out- I actually leave the house more than I thought I would. Nate and I have been on several dates in the last couple months and I often leave the house to run errands alone, or with just a kid or two. What I really long for is an empty house. A quiet house, all to myself, I don't think I've had that for a really long time. So, after dinner, my wonderful husband took all the kids out to the park. Yes. All five. I haven't even tackled that yet- still building up the courage. He left for an hour (which went by way too fast), but was great nonetheless. First, I brushed my teeth (far overdue), next I rearranged some furniture (on my top 10 list of favorite things to do), and finally I took a bath. It's funny how perspective changes. I would have never imagined what a treat it would be to have a quiet house for an hour, or to go to the dentist (I get to sit for an hour!), or to go shopping with only 2 kids! You start to appreciate the simpler pleasures in life. All that said, I had to take a picture of this first monumental outing- quite the parade marching down the street- can't miss 'em.

Project #1 ... check!

No messing around with this little dude. He has been essential to our back yard projects. It gives me much joy to see Will with his tool belt on, measuring this and that, and "helping" on projects.

Speaking of projects, Project #1 is complete. Isn't it great?!?! I have had many debates in my head over what to do in the backyard. Our generous Granny gave us some money for some minor backyard renovations. I had thought originally that I wanted to get a big toy type thing. However, 3 things came to me that detoured me away from my original plan. For one, it would take up about half of our yard. For two, I think one the craziest times of my life is going to be when I have 3 toddlers. Thus, I don't want to have to worry about them falling of the big toy when I'm outside- major headache. And thirdly, what if they didn't like it or got board with it? feels quite permanent. Anyway, I landed on the playhouse idea. We found this one at Costco and I love it. It has a little hoop, window for puppet shows, a water/sand station and a little BBQ and sink. I think it's perfect and the kids love it. I'm so excited for our backyard plans, they're a little bit slow 'n comin... but they're a comin' nonetheless.

Balloons

Balloons have seemed to be somewhat of a constant in this house lately with many birthdays and celebrations and I've created somewhat of an aversion to these rubbery things. They pop, they float up to the driver seat while I'm driving, arguments occur over them, rubber remains are found on the ground (danger, danger!), they float up into the sky which is usually followed by tears.... not a fan. All that said, the kids are fans. Hmff. What shall I do? Maybe tonight they'll all accidently float up into the sky... would that be mean???

Can't handle it sweetness