Visit to Mahoney State Park

Today we visited Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland. We have only been there in the winter, so this was a new adventure for us. We played at the park before a big bus of kids arrived, then went to the observation tower. That thing is tall! Carrying Asher, holding onto Addison's hand, I did not make it far. Addison got timid and wanted to return back to the ground. Alivia and Aunt Nikki went all the way up and saw the gorgeous view! Next we took a little trail down to see the river and a passing train. We took a little walk where Nikki and I ended up with our hands and stroller full! It was 90+ degrees and too hot for the tired kids to handle! We found a shaded picnic spot for lunch before continuing our car tour to check out the pool area for perhaps our next visit. After yesterday, we were not ready for another pool day (and Nikki and I are still a little red anyway!). Besides, the pool there is unreasonably expensive!

Mahoney is  a beautiful park and we will definitely visit again.

Mama & the kiddos

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Visit to the Splash Station

 

Today, our day started early picking up Aunt Nikki at the airport, shopping for Father's Day, and running errands. After a quick lunch, we took off on our first trip to the pool in Fremont. We went to the Splash Station last year and had a great time. This year, I thought it would be easier with the 3 kiddos all walking and liking the water. Again, I should never assume that things will be easier.

We arrived shortly after noon to sunny skies and 90 degree temps. What a great day to go to the pool! Right away, Addison and Alivia did not like the big water tower that dumped 500 gallons of water every 2 minutes with a big horn warning. Alivia loved the train slides (unlike last year when she was afraid to go down them). Asher...oh Asher! The boy is nuts. He just would walk to the side of the pool and jump in. Quite scary when me eyes wandered between the 3 kids. Asher liked to jump off the side to me (not going under obviously) and then "swimming" and kicking in the water. Addison liked splashing at first, sticking her hair in the water to get wet. And then there was a 10 minute break. That broke her from the water for some reason. After the break, Aunt Nikki was in the wave pool, Alivia was swimming by Asher and I, and Addison was screaming and crying at the top of her lungs that she was cold (it is 90 degrees and NOT COLD!) and wanted to go home! I needed help and quickly. I picked up Addison screaming and kicking, picked up Asher and told Alivia to come with me to get Nikki. Nikki swam with Asher and Alivia in tow back over to where we were swimming initially. I held Addison, screaming at the top of her lungs while we swam. I took her out of the water to sit on the side so I could go back to Asher. Addison screamed louder. Oh lovely. Meanwhile, Mommy's everywhere were staring at me as they were wondering, "Come on, do something about your daughter." Okay, I had my hands full! I could not get Addison to stop screaming. Addison stripped out of her swimsuit and searched for her clothes, quickly changing back into them. I was done. Nikki sat with Addison outside the pool for a while, then we switched off. If I was at the pool alone, our trip would had ended half hour after arrival. But, luckily, we had Nikki along so at least Alivia and Asher could swim.

So, trip one to the pool down, unsuccessfully. I do not know what Addison's deal is with pools. She does fine at open swim at the YMCA (where we are there alone), so perhaps she likes quiet swimming. Her favorite part of the day: Nachos that Nikki got. Alivia's favorite was the slides. Asher's favorite, if he could say, was jumping off the side and scaring Mommy and Aunt Nikki with his lack of fear! Oh, and Asher liked licking off the cheese on the nachos and dipping it back in for more. Mmmm...double dipping!

I now know that as a Mommy, nothing is easy, and I will never assume otherwise.

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Mommy's Weekend

I want to make note of last weekend so we do not forget the fun (or I mean torture) we endure some weekends.

Saturday:
Rise and Shine around 6:30!! Don't the kids know to sleep in on weekends?
Make beds, get kids dressed, teeth brushed, hair combed.
Breakfast
Pack up for morning outing
Off to Fontenelle Forest for a hike.
Home in time for lunch.
Naptime for kids and Mommy.
Within minutes, Asher is crying, Addi is slamming doors and drawers in search for a taggie! Mommy (frustrated) calls it quits for my nap!
Movie time with Addison and Alivia
Asher wakes up, take a long family bike ride.
Dinner/Dinner cleanup
Out for an evening treat
bath time
kids' bedtime 8pm
Mommy out for a 4 1/2 mile run.
Mow the lawn (there was a little light left).
Shower and pack up for work
Work 11-7:30, and into SUNDAY:
Home at 8 in time to get the kiddos dressed, teeth brushed, beds made. Upstairs cleaned up - check.
Now time to clean up for open house! WHOOOPEE! Chris plays with very tired, crabby kids while I clean up.
Shower
Off to free lunch out with coupons from nurse’s day (from a while back!).
Say good bye to Chris and Kids - my turn to do open house!
Open House 12-3ish with 5 total families.
3:30: Kids return, tired without naps. Fun. Chris and I are exhausted. Play outside a bit, ride bikes a bit.
Dinner/clean up. Too tired and nauseaus to eat.
At 6 - I was so tired I went and lay down until I heard crying at 7:15. Got up until kids' bedtime.
8:30: Ate a bit, then bed for the night (I thought).
11 - Addison, who was sleeping in our bed, pooped and was HOLDING it! Seriously, disgusting! Cleaned up Addison. Fearing my side of the bed was poopy, I slept on the floor (We only have 1 set of sheets out and the rest are packed "someplace" who knows where). Chris and Addison slept in the bed (Addison was having problems getting to sleep on this night and I was too tired to stay in her room. Having problems going to sleep at night is a new thing since saying so long to her taggie. She usually only comes in our room when it storms).

FINALLY, to sleep until waking at 7:45 (which is REALLY LATE) to Asher calling, "Mommy, I want up!"

Oh, what a fabulous weekend! :)

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Chris is Right!

On a usual Sunday from 12-3 PM, Chris is doing the Open House while I take the kids out to find something fun to fill our Sunday with. Well, today, after not having any sleep since waking yesterday morning (that's right, SATURDAY MORNING) at 6:30, Chris offered the Open House to me and he would take the kids out. I did hesitate until I heard Chris had a plan to go to his parents' house. Okay, sign me up for the open house! How hard can it be, right?

After doing the open houses, Chris always wants to pull the FSBO sign. I am always like, come on here...we decided we want to move, let's give this a go. We can not be wishy washy with this! We have gone to so much work to get to this point. Until...today.

I have had 3 families in the last hour come through and 2 were both quite interested. One had their home on the market and are looking to move up. The other had a 3 bedroom, 3 kids, Mom and Dad, as well as a Grandma living with them! UGH! They are crammed. The mom was so excited she sent their 5 year old little girl up to pick out her room. She came down and told me she wants Alivia's room (not sure Alivia is ready to hear that until she picks out her new room!). That couple was quite excited, asking many questions about our home, neighborhood, etc. They really liked our home, and that was clear. Chris has told me this of many couples before, and we never hear back from them. Many of them have to get loan approval, have to sell their home first, etc, so it is just a matter of time. I think it will go from no offers to 2 in a week. After hearing all the nice compliments, it does make me sad. Chris and I put our hearts into our first home. We brought home our babies to this home. I learned how to decorate, and Chris and I both found our modern taste in this home.

God has a plan for us. I am just waiting to see what it is and where we will live. Since Chris and I can not seem to decide, we will leave it in His hands and see.

P.S. I have no problem admitting to Chris he is right, either!

P.S. again: Had 6 people walk through total.

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June Day at the Forest

Forest View

This month we decided to select a weekend day and go to Fontenelle Forest with Daddy. We wanted to show Daddy what we liked about getting away to the forest, as well as take a hike off the boardwalk (which, at this point, I will not do alone with the 3 kids and no stroller!). It may have been a little muddy, but that did not stop us! Addison walked probably a mile or more before wanting to be held, while Asher did not want to get his shoes all muddy! We got off the boardwalk and walked over the train tracks right down to the river. It was beautiful (but quite scary!). Alivia hunted and found many snails. She carried them around before she left them in their new "habitat," Alivia's new word for the day. Addison found a nice worm, while Asher just found 4 shoulders (Daddy's and mine) to lay on as we hiked. While we may not have seen any deer on this visit, we were able to see a wild turkey and hear it, "GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!"

The verdict: Daddy liked the Forest better than the zoo! It was very peaceful to hike through the forest, and we only saw a few park rangers (so we were more or less alone!). After playing outside, we made our way inside to play before calling it a morning! Now, Daddy thinks he may go to the Forest and spend his lunch break there sometime! What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.

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Alivia's Baptism 5 Year Mark

5 Years Since Alivia was Baptized!

Today marks 5 years since Alivia's baptism. As usual, we mark this day with a cross shaped treat and try to get a little Christian gift (although I did not come up with that yet...I'm bad! It is just so hard to do when she is always with me and they did not have anything at Borders when Chris got his Godson something).  

At 5 Alivia has come along way. Since she was about 4 1/2, she has been able to say the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary. When asked why the grass is green, sky is blue or why flowers are so pretty, Alivia responds, "Because God made them that way." Good answer!

We still have our work cut out for us...but we are on our way!

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Swimming Success

Well, in the end, Alivia has had swimming success in her summer session. Some of the lessons were moved to the indoor pool, while many were kept outside (and we had tears and shivering to content with). I think next time, if we ever brave up to do outdoor lessons again, we will select lessons later in the season during midday hours! Alivia is swimming underwater well, will jump off the side to someone, and today, she jumped off the diving board for the first time! Yeah! Alivia is so timid, that this really shocked me. I reminded her today that it was her last lesson and last time to try the board. The kids and I were so excited to see her jump in. I wish we could do another session, but every day of swimming is a lot of work and quite boring for Addison and Asher. Now, if it would only warm up so we could all go to the pool!

 

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Good-Bye Taggie Blanket

Addison BEFORE

Weaning a child from anything is hard. I remember weaning each of the kids from nursing. Although I weaned them at a year, it was still hard and I felt like I was doing something wrong. I hated that they would sometimes cry and want to nurse and I had to distract them. At the same time, it was just difficult knowing that they were getting older.

Last Saturday, we began the "weaning" process again, trying to "wean" Addison from her taggie blanket and her thumb. She will be 3 a month from today (how scary!). Her teeth are beginning to get messed up because of her thumb sucking. She was not just sucking her thumb with her taggie at nap time and at night, or we may have been better about it. She was sucking her thumb more and more through the day. Somedays she would just sit on our laps sucking her thumb watching everyone play. So, Saturday, we set out to get a taggie replacement of sorts. We asked Addison to select a stuffed toy, then told her that she could get it if she gave us her taggie (I had already hidden the other taggies, so I thought). She quickly handed it over, hugging her new found soft puppy.

Addison & her puppy

The day went okay for the most part. We had a date last Saturday night, so I explained the whole taggie thing to the babysitter. Unfortunately, there was a taggie in Addison's bed that night, so she went to bed with it.

When Addison awoke Sunday morning, the taggie was gone. She cried Sunday night for a while asking for it. It was so sad, we just wanted to give it back to her. She cried less on Monday night. Since then, Addison has only asked for it a few times, but she quickly gets over it when she gets her puppy.

The difference? Addison can talk! I would venture to say she is chatty! She was quiet before, because her mouth was full with her thumb! Or, when she did talk, I had to remind her to talk to me without her thumb in her mouth so I could understand her. She also comes to me first more when she falls, gets picked on, etc, where before she would get her taggie first before coming to me. She is doing so good, though.

This has been a hard week on all of us adjusting to the new Addison. The hardest part for me was watching her be sad missing her taggie. It is also hard knowing that she is growing up. With her little thumb in her mouth holding her taggie, I could still see her as my little baby. Now, although still my little baby, she tells me, "Mommy, I am not a baby!"

Addison AFTER

 

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We found homes we like!

Chris and I have 2 homes we like in a place that was out of the box for us really. Both homes are new spec homes in a fabulous setting (let's just say it was NOT in the flood plain). I like one home and Chris likes the other one (where I may like it if it was decorated differently!). The first home was just down the street from the one Chris liked.

1. My choice: Backs to trees. 4br, 3ba, awesome neutral, contemporary decor, large SIDE yard, limited back yard, great price (been on the market 329 days!). Solid surfaces in baths, granite in kitchen, modern decor. Sounds like the builder is VERY motivated to get this home off of his hands. Although the basement is not finished, we are thinking the builder could finish it while still staying within our price range.

2. Chris' choice: 4-5 bedroom (Basement bedroom does not have an daylight window so is not a legal bedroom), 4 bath, finished basement, large yard backing to a fabulous, grand view! Upscale finished features (granite in baths and kitchen but I did not like it), more traditional decor (not my taste), higher price tag. The home does sit on a corner of a culta-sac which would be nice. I love the location. The house is a quite similar floorplan to house #1, but it has more square foot. I do not think it is worth the price tag. This house we would probably never want to move out of unless we move completely out of the area (because nothing could match this view!).

When I looked at the first home initially with the kids (I sometimes prescreen homes), we saw a wild turkey! (We went and saw these homes after a weekend of a busy open house and interested people coming back for the 3rd time stating they would be making their offer that week). The second time, there were deer prints in the yard! There are other homes that we would need to see before we would make an offer anyway, once our home sells, that is (if ever!). Seriously, I HATE this process. If we end up staying and this stress if for nothing, I will be mad!  Oh, and interest rates have gone back up...did I mention that?

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FSBO Update

Well, this weekend we did not have an open house so we could all attend the baptism of our newest nephew, Ben, who was born May 1st (Chris is Ben's Godfather). Anyway, while we were gone, the neighbors sold their home! I, for one, am sick about it. I was the one that was to stay home to do the open house, but I did not know how I would do an open house with the kids at home (and how appropriate is that really?). We all felt we should be at the baptism.

The "neighbors' " home is on Sprague street and is a ranch (priced higher than our home, but ranches usually are, even with less square foot and fewer bedrooms. Go figure), but sits in good eye shot of our home. They had their home on the market with CBS home. So, statistically, their home would sell quicker. However, it is extremely frustrating. The homes on the market with similar floorplans to our home have not sold. There are homes selling, as our list of homes to buy is getting rather thin. Kinda scary actually. This process sure is not an easy one. We have earned every dollar of the commission that we are not paying to a real estate company and then some, and we may not be selling or moving!

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Asher's 1 year Album: FINALLY!

Better late than never. Actually, I finished this in December...I just have to sit down, proof it, perfect it, and finally order the thing. Here it is if you have lots of time to kill! Now, onto the Austin Album for 2008 and then back to Addisons FIRST year scrapbook(the by hand one. She at least already has one like Ashers)!

Asher's First Year Album

Austin Date Night

Chris and I are far from wild people. We have never been a bar hopping couple. However, we do like to get away for some alone time together.

So, Saturday night, after taking the kids to Mass and experiencing their worst Mass behavior ever, we had the babysitter come over for a few hours. Initially, being the thrifty person that I am, I thought $30 for 3 hours of fun was too expensive. Oh, I am a changed woman. What a bargain (and I would get paid that for an entire day if I babysat A child!)! It is so nice to break away from our sometimes loud home for a quiet, peaceful dinner with conversation we can hear, food we can eat while still hot, and a nice little fruity drink (okay, Chris had a beer, but still). Oh, gotta love it. Chris and I then, being the nerds we are, headed to the bookstore just to browse. We had a gift we needed to buy (as a Godparent, Chris buys his Godchildren gifts, God based of course, on the anniversary of their baptism. Oh, what a great Godfather he is, but that is a whole other story). It is nice to go to stores, too, and just slowly looking. We looked until the store closed, actually.

We had a good night. We decided next time we would have the babysitter come before Asher went to bed and go to a movie (Yes, our babysitter drives to us now...how awesome is that!). The next plan, to get our babysitter to watch the kids so I can get my haircut!

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Wildlife Safari

Today we visited the Simmons' Wildlife Safari on exit 426. We have never been there, so we did not know what to expect. Aunt Nikki is in town from Colorado, so she was on the trip with us (and was quite helpful!).

The safari turned out to be a lot of fun, and I think everyone would recommend it. You drive slowly through the "park" of grasslands, beautiful wooded areas, and wetlands and see animals such as bison (buffalo), deer, anelope, elk, black bear & wolves (in a separate caged in area that we "hiked" to),  as well as many birds, cranes and more! If one goes with kids, a jogging stroller is the only way to go for the "hikes."  It was a nice day and loads of fun! Asher and Addison leaned out the window (with Nikki holding them in) and saying "hi" and "bye bye" to the animals, both waving! Many of the animals walked right in front of the car or were seen sitting or eating right outside our car window! We ended the trip with a picnic and playing a bit on the playset.

We will definitely take the safari again! Now lean back in your chair and enjoy the picture safari...I took lots of them!

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Swim Class Drama

Chilling Asher

Alivia and Addison started daily swim class on Monday morning. I thought it would be fun to take lessons outside for once. Little did I know that the weather would turn cold and rainy on me! Anyway, Monday was Asher's 18 month check-up, so Chris had to break away from work to take the girls to day one. I could not ask anyone else to take them because I was expecting a little drama from Addison. A "little" drama would have been a dream for Daddy who had to withstand high pitch screams like Addison was experiencing a night terror or something. Needless to say, she barely got her feet wet. Day 2 came my turn. Unfortunately, Addison behaved no differently. So, we were asked to step away from the pool as she was scaring the kids (and the parents) with her loud cries. I was mortified as the many parents stared at me wondering what was I doing to my little girl. I wondered, why is it only my little girl out of the 50 kids there that had to melt down, not one, but 2 days in a row.

So, today, I thought, I have Aunt Nikki to help and only Alivia to swim, this should be easy. I guess I should go with the motto, NOTHING IS EVER EASY. Today, after telling everyone that would listen that Addison "freaked out" Monday and Wednesday (Tuesday it rained) at the pool, Alivia wanted to take her turn. Okay, a 2 year old behaving badly or scared is one thing, but a 5 year old? Today, I was using all my strength to keep Alivia in the pool area. She was not being good. I had a "chat" with her in the restroom before returning to the pool. She got in and had 5-10 minutes alone with the instructor (normally she is in a class with 3-4 other students) to do all of today's activities. Once she had completed, Alivia got out and wanted to go home!

Let's just say swimming lessons are a big investment. There is the large fee for the lesson, the pool fee (to use an outdoor pool), etc. I am running out of kidneys and nobody is swimming here. I am looking into moving Alivia back to the indoor pool where she took winter lessons (at the same swim school) and did well. Perhaps she just does not like swimming in a heated pool when the temps are in the 60's (come on...who does?!).

Here's hoping tomorrow goes better

.

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Asher's 18m Check Up

Asher had his 18 m check up today. He is 22 lb 2 oz (7%), 31 inches tall (15%) and his head is 44.5 cm (0.61%). Okay, his head does not want to grow, not growing at all since he was 12 months.  Dr. Calderon, our pediatrician, is going to consult his wife, a pediatric neurologist, to see if we should do anything about this. Asher is at or surpassing what he should be doing at 18 months, so that is all good. Dr. Calderon is considering measuring my head to see if we just have small heads (we must be all brain!). Addison has a small head, too, so perhaps that is it. Who knows.

Otherwise, Asher is healthy. Funny, the nurse took one look at Asher, who looks like a big boy even though he really isn't, and said, "So I take it he is a good eater." Then Dr. Calderon talked to me and recommended Asher begin a multivitamin because he does not like meat or milk. Dr. Calderon was somewhat curious if Asher is allergic to milk like Chris since he completely refuses it, even if flavored. However, Addison did the same thing. I think it has to do with breastmilk and milk tasting so much different. I should had introduced it better (like 1/2 and 1/2 initially or something). Asher does not like texture of some foods, like Chris. Asher does not like bread, he will eating cookie dough but not the cookie, he does not like fruit snacks, etc. It just looks like Asher is picky like his parents. Poor thing!

Next Appointment is at 2 years! I am not even going to think about that!

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