My Number 3

Adjusting to life as the mother of three was a lot more difficult for me than adjusting to life as the mother of two had been. I wish I could say that this first year of my third son's life was as perfectly recorded and meticulously organized as the first year of my first son's life had been... but I simply cannot.

And yet, putting all my motherly failures aside, this newly-turned one-year-old is my sweetest baby so far and gazes at me with such devotion that, regardless of what I'm busy {stressed} with at the moment, my heart can't help but melt whenever I see that constantly smiling face. As long as he is fed and rested, he is simply content to just enjoy life whether that means sitting on my lap, watching his brothers, or investigating a discarded pile of duplo blocks.

He has always been Mr. Extroverted around here - a social butterfly, cooing and smiling at complete strangers at a young age - but now that he is one and his personality has really come out, my goodness, he is just so fun!

So while there are some moments this first year of my third son's life that I'd prefer to simply forget, there have been many moments that, when I look back on him at one of my favorite ages, twelve months old, I want to hold the memories of these moments close to my heart for the rest of my life.

• His little head popping up and down to play peek-a-boo with me through the side door window. 
• The way he cannot resist a smile, even when he's crying, if I say his name in a sing-song voice. 
• His fluff of coarse dark hair at the back of his head that simply doesn't grow out. 
• His little hand clutching at my locket {which hold my mom's photo of course} every time we nurse.
• Seeing his sweet face at the top of the basement stairs, waiting patiently, every time I go down to do the laundry.
• The feeling of nursing him to sleep and simply holding him in my arms while my other two boys are still napping.
• His chubby double chin. 
• The way he greets my husband at the door upon his arrival home from work. 
• His little face peeking out at me through the window in the early morning when I go outside to feed the chickens. 
• The feeling of my arm going numb when he falls asleep on my lap because his head is just so heavy. 
• His contagious giggle.
• His love for any food as long as I add cinnamon.
• The way he clutches his fingers together and holds his hand out, facing up, to wave "hello"!
• His lifelong hatred of baths. 
• His chubby arm raise when we play "so big!" while getting dressed.
• The pitter-patter/swish-swish sound it makes when he crawls around our little home. 
• His squeals whenever we lay on my bed because it always means one of two things: time to nurse with mom or time to wrestle with dad. 
• His love for my sister who drives an hour to visit us for the day at least once a week. 
• The feeling of his sweaty, mushy body curled up next to me when I nurse him in bed. 
• The way he follows his older brothers, back and forth, from their bedroom to the living room, usually reaching his destination just as they are leaving it. 

Becoming a mother has made it even more apparent to me that children are truly the greatest gift from God. I know there are many who think my husband and I are a little crazy for having 'so many children so close together' but I absolutely cannot imagine life without our sweet baby boy. He brings so much joy to our family on a daily basis. The sweetness of his disposition makes it a humbling thought indeed to consider that God chose imperfect little ol' me to be his mother and I pray for the grace to raise him to be a holy man of the Lord every day. 

January Snow Day

Perhaps because it was our first 'real' {as in more than two inches} snowfall of the season. Perhaps because it started on Friday night allowing for an extremely cozy weekend. Perhaps because it started before dawn and ended after dusk so we actually got to watch the blizzard. Perhaps because I got to watch it all unfold through the eyes of my little boys, one in particular who is too young to remember the snow from last year. Whatever the reason, last weekend's snow storm felt magical.

Since I live in a bit of a cocoon and snow predictions are so often blown out of proportion, I didn't realize/take seriously the immensity of the storm we were about to get hit with until, well, Friday afternoon maybe? Even then I still had my doubts. Well, when I woke up to find the above scene out my front window I was pleasantly surprised.

As the wind howled and the snow fell silently outside, my three very excited boys and I spent the morning coloring valentines, making waffles, and reading books while we waited for my husband to wake up. After our delicious and satisfying breakfast of Wild Rice Waffles & Maple Syrup (direct from Wisconsin ;) all the boys were ready to get outside and shovel. My husband was the first one out of course so while I got the boys dressed he started clearing a safe path from the side door.

As I mentioned I didn't take the storm seriously, a perfect example is the fact that my 'tall for his age' 4 1/2 year old ended up wearing a size 3T snowsuit and my 'very tall for his age' 2 1/2 year old ended up wearing a size 12 months snowsuit! Their desire to get out in the snow far outweighed their comfort level so into those suits they squeezed. Since I did get them each a new pair of tall snow boots for Christmas this year, their lower legs were protected from the cold in spite of their 'floods.' ;)  I must say, I felt like such a real mom as I got the boys into their layers. What a time-consuming and physically exhausting production from the socks and underwear to the hats and scarves!

My Mother-in-Law had the genius idea to give each of the boys a snow shovel. Goodness did that keep them busy! With the big boys out shoveling, my littlest and I got the kitchen back in order and started with dinner preparations: pizza dough and tomato sauce. Once Round One of shoveling duty was complete I warmed warmed up with cocoa, coffee, ham and cheese sandwich melts & dinosaur egg oatmeal!

There was not much resistance from anyone when it came time for naps. With their tummies full and their bodies warm, sleep came quickly and the house was quiet for a bit while I washed and dried all the damp snow gear in preparation for round two of shoveling. Let me add that I am so thankful to be a girl! You could not pay me enough money to go out in that wind and snow to shovel! In the kitchen, making dinner is where I am happiest! ;)

Since our cozy snow day would not have been complete without a movie night, we had homemade pizza for dinner while watching Homeward Bound, which our oldest received for Christmas {my husband and I both grew up watching this movie}. The boys loved it even in spite of some nail-biting scenes {the woods at night, the mountain lion} They laughed hysterically at almost everything the bulldog 'Chance' said which made my husband and me exchange smiles ourselves. Before bed we read a couple of cozy 'snow' books from the library and played a round of Snakes and Ladders. With all the boys tucked in and sleeping soundly in their beds, my husband and I ate giant mugs of ice cream while watching Kate & Leopold all snuggled up, warm and cozy on the couch as the wind continued to howl and the snow continued to fall outside our snug little house.

A perfect snow day.

Mommy?

The other night my husband brought our two oldest sons to our town's high school wrestling meet. Wrestling is a pretty big deal in our state and in our town so, being that he is a former wrestler himself, he tries to bring the boys to at least one or two meets each year in hopes that they will be as excited to join the team when they are old enough as he is. ;) Last year our boys were three and one so our oldest son went while our middle son stayed home. Since our youngest was still in utero at the time, I thoroughly enjoyed having some one-on-one time with my 'Mama's Boy' while my husband took my independent boy on an exciting adventure! At two-and-a-half, we decided to allow our middle son to decide for himself whether he wanted to go with dad or stay home with mom this year. Since he's always been very attached to me {and I may have bribed him with popcorn and a movie} I expected him to choose to stay home and have some extra cuddling time with me and his baby brother.

I was wrong.

At the very last minute, as he saw his big brother getting his shoes and coat on, he spoke those words that broke this selfish mom's heart: "I want go with Dad."

There was a struggle going on inside of him from the moment we first left the decision up to him. Wrestling and Ice Cream Sundaes with Dad? Movie and Popcorn with Mom? {Our kids never watch television so a movie is a big deal in our house!} In the end the allure of a wrestling match was just too much for our athletic-minded boy to pass up. From a young age he has been attracted to all things sports related and is always drawn to the chain-link fence to watch the local sports teams practice anytime we visit the park. So his choice did not completely shock me but as much as I hate to admit, it did disappoint me {especially since my youngest was already asleep}. But I kept myself busy since it's not as if there is a lack of things that need to be done around here and enjoyed some one-one-one time with my youngest once he woke up from his usual evening nap.

By the time my three adventurers arrived back home the kitchen was clean, the laundry was folded and I was sitting on the couch nursing my littlest, struggling to keep my eyes open. I heard the van pull up in the driveway, the sliding door being opened, and the side door being unlocked. Then I heard:

"Mommy?"

It was my 'Mama's Boy.' First one in the door. First one in the living room. Still bundled up in his red winter coat, he marched over to me with an expression of wonder and excitement on his sweet little face. He was practically bursting with anticipation to fill me in on this, one of his first adventures, independent of me. As much as I missed him for those couple of hours he was gone, experiencing his evening through his two-year-old description was so much better. He showed me the 'goodie bag' he had received at the diner as my husband took off his coat. Then he proceeded to show me each individual treasure it contained, looking up at my face to watch my reaction, eyes glowing, mouth grinning, as he named each individual item.

"Lollipop!"

"Tattoo!"

"Crayon!"

"Placemat!"

The sound of his voice and the look on his face: I will never forget that short, sweet little moment between him and me.

Christmas Cookies

Advent Journal

Dec. 24: Christmas Cookies

My mom was known for her Christmas Cookies. (I even wrote an entire post about them last Christmas.) Just like her own mother, every Christmas she baked dozens and dozens of cookies to arrange beautifully on a festive plate, secure with a pretty ribbon and distribute to her neighbors, family, and friends (who looked forward to them each year).

Now that my mom celebrates Christmas in heaven, baking my her traditional Christmas cookies has become more than just a fun tradition for me - it is one of the many ways that I keep her close to my heart during this very special season.

If she were alive, I know she would be here, in my kitchen, baking right alongside my boys and me (and making the process a lot more fun than this control-freak mom does ;). Since she isn't, the ritual of baking "Grandma's Cookies" has at the very least allowed me to create happy Christmas memories for them to associate with their "Grandma in heaven with Jesus."

It has become a tradition for our little family to deliver Christmas Cookies to neighbors and nearby friends on Christmas Eve each year. As soon as everyone is up from naps, we load the boys into the stroller and the cookies into the wagon and head out on our merry way.

I would love to be able to say that the whole process of baking cookies with three young children is completely magical, nostalgic and joyful but, the truth is, it's not! ;) Every year I stress over whether or not its worth the time and energy it takes. But as soon as we hand the neighbor that first plate of cookies, I am reminded of why I love this tradition so much... It brings me so much joy! :)

My selection was a bit smaller than years past but I used the fact that I have an extra child this year as an excuse! Besides, not a single neighbor seemed to notice - they were all just happy that we even baked at all since, apparently, they look forward to them each year on the 24th of December.

This year's plates included:

Cream Cheese Cookies

Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Cranberry Pistachio Almond Bark

Almond Frosted Sugar Cookies

And now, my boys and I get to enjoy the leftovers! :)

Children's Christmas Books

Advent Journal

Dec. 9: Christmas Books

In an effort to build our family's library of Christmas stories to cuddle up and read beside the Christmas tree, every year since my oldest was born four years ago I have purchased one classic, hardcover Christmas book for each of my children to receive under the tree on Christmas morning. Of course family and friends have contributed to this collection as well so that by now we have a pretty hefty stack for me to haul up from the basement where they remain for most of the year.

Some of these books are ones I have read most of my childhood whereas some are new to me, discoveries I have made since becoming a mother. As difficult as it was to narrow it down to just five, here, in no particular order, are my five favorite Christmas books for children:

1. Papa Panov's Special Day: Adapted by Leo Tolstoy

The story. The illustrations. Both so beautiful! This Christmas book touched my heart as a young child just as much as it does now that I am an adult. Papa Panov is a poor shoemaker who spends all of Christmas Day waiting for Jesus to visit. 

2. The Christmas Cat by Maryann Macdonald 

Such a unique and sweet story that I discovered last year. What first drew me to the cover was the gorgeous illustration of the child Jesus. The fact that we had just adopted a kitten furthered my interest. The story of the first Christmas is told, indirectly, while introducing the creative theme that perhaps Jesus had a pet!

3. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan & Janet Ahlberg

This one's from my childhood and I still get a little giddy each time I read it. Every other page is an "envelope" containing either a gift, puzzle, card, letter etc., that actually comes out! As a child, it seemed almost magical! I highly recommend both the original and this Christmas version as a unique gift for older children. 

4. The Christmas Story by Jane Werner

This book was given to my boys for Christmas by my sister two years ago and I love it! They author tells the story of the very first Christmas in a such a simple and sweet manner that even the littlest children will understand. The illustrations are classic and adorable.

5. Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This simplified excerpt from the beloved classic is perfect for children! The illustrations are modern, colorful adaptations of the original artwork by Garth Williams so long time Little House readers will recognize Laura and Mary immediately. I love reading this story to my boys because it gives me the opportunity to show them how simply the Ingalls family celebrated this holiday and yet how joyous and content they were with the little they had.

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Linking up with Ashley today:

Saint Nicholas Day

Advent Journal

Dec. 6: Saint Nicholas Traditions

Last night, following our Advent Rituals, the boys eagerly selected their 'favorite' shoe and set it beside the (electric :) fireplace in our living room.

Saint Nicholas Day was always a big deal in our home, growing up. We often celebrated it on December 7th instead of the 6th because my mom usually forgot the night before but regardless of the date, we always woke up to discover treats in our shoe one a year.

After much prayer and careful consideration (I really agonized over this one) my husband and I have decided not to keep the tradition of Santa Claus in our home. I know, we are those crazy Scrooge parents but while my husband did not grow up believing in Santa Claus, I was so devastated when my mom finally told me the truth (yes, she had to tell me at the age of ten - I was a very innocent, sensitive child, I guess) that we have decided to keep the focus on the birth of Jesus instead of Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas for our children.

For that reason, my children know that it is me who filled their shoes last night and not Saint Nicholas but we keep this tradition just as we do for other Church Feast Days in honor of the saints in heaven. What is important to me is that they learn about this great saint's works of charity and love for Baby Jesus and create happy memories of this special day. 

Judging by the looks on their faces as their eyes behold their candy-shoes, I'd say they created some pretty happy memories of today.

Their shoes contained a Little Debbie tree-shaped cake, a candy cane, a little bag of m & m's, a little bag of fruit snacks, a packet of hot cocoa, and a dollar.

Imagine my joy as our oldest, upon discovering that I did not receive a dollar in my shoe, offered to give me his! When I thanked him profusely but refused his offer, he decided that he would put his dollar in the basket at Mass. And his little brother followed his brother's charitable example. My husband and I were so proud as our sons put their very own dollar bills in the collection this morning.

Since we happened to be at my parent's house last night, I even managed to sneak away for a few minutes to fill my sister's and dad's shoes with a few little treats before we left. It was so fun! :)

Christmas Cards

Advent Journal

Dec. 5: Christmas Cards

This morning my oldest and I are sitting at the kitchen table preparing our Christmas cards to be mailed. The soundtrack to Little Women is playing in the background, a spiced plum candle is burning, and we are both sipping on tea as we work. 

I am writing the cards out and addressing and stuffing the envelopes as my little helper here is affixing return address labels, stamps and envelope seals to each card.

Taking the time to write out Christmas cards to each of our loved ones brings warmth to my heart.. I know how much joy it gives me to receive Christmas cards in the mail, especially those that are personally written out so I hope these photos of our family and sweet messages will share that same joy with the recipients of our cards. 

Keeping Advent

Advent Journal

Dec. 4th:  Our Advent Rituals

A few days before my mom died, the two of us were cuddling on the couch like only a mother a daughter do, talking about everything that I could possibly think of because, surreal though it seemed, we had all finally realized that the cancer was in fact going to kill her and she would soon go to be with the Lord.

Since she died in October, the prospect of approaching holidays was on my heart. I distinctly remember my mom asking me this question: "Will you always think of me on Christmas?" Rolling my eyes at her and laughing I answered: "Think of you?! Mommy, you are Christmas to me!" 

While obviously Christmas is about Jesus and not my mom, what I meant by that emotion-based statement is that for twenty-nine years of my life, my mom had been the keeper of our Christmas memories and the keeper of our Christmas traditions.

And now it is up to my sisters and myself to use those happy memories to pass on those beautiful traditions to our own children. Through these rituals they will learn the meaning of Jesus Incarnation and birth. And through these rituals I will keep my mom in my heart at Christmas, as she had hoped. 

On our kitchen table (remarkably, I've managed to keep little hands from touching so far) sits our Advent Wreath (with white candles because I haven't gotten to the store yet to purchase the correct colors), a jar of hay (borrowed from the chickens ;), and a small creche. 

After the dinner dishes have been cleared, baths have been taken and pajamas are on, we return to the table as a family to perform our Advent Rituals. 

First, we discuss the acts of kindness each of the boys have performed that allows them to add a piece of hay to Baby Jesus' creche. Whether they shared a toy or held the door open for someone, I am pleasantly surprised to find that both my four and two year old have performed at least one charitable act each day thus far.

Next, we accompany Benjamin Bear on his journey, cuddling on the couch and reading from our Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider.

Finally, the highly anticipated opening of our magnetic Advent Calendar door takes place. They each wait patiently for their turn every other night. My mom gave us this calendar when I was pregnant with our first and goodness would she be pleased if she could see how my boys' faces light up as they carefully open the little door to discover which figurine will be added to the manger scene that night.

Our final Advent Ritual happens once the boys are in bed. Each night Mary, Joseph and their faithful donkey travel around our home. The first thing the boys do in the morning is search every room in our tiny house for this trio of Little People figurines who will eventually end up in the stable under the tree on Christmas morning, complete with Baby Jesus. This was one of my favorite traditions growing up and continues to fill my heart with happiness now that I get to be the orchestrator behind it!

And that is how our family is keeping the Advent Season in our home and in our hearts this year.

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Head on over to Like Mother Like Daughter for some Advent inspiration!

Giving Thanks

Advent Journal

Dec. 1st: Thanksgiving 2015

Our Thanksgiving was perfect. 

Simple but fun. Busy but calm.

We jam-packed as much into the day as we possibly could and yet, still had ample time to sit back and actually enjoy this beautiful holiday.

My alarm went off at 5:15 in the morning. It was well below freezing outside as I stood in my warm and cozy kitchen packing cups of trail mix, bottles of water, and bananas. I had already set everyone's (except my husband :) clothes out on the hutch the night before so when my oldest joined me at 5:30 I immediately sent him off to dress for his very first race. 

Upon being reminded of the morning's events, his face beamed!

Bright and early the five of us were off to run the local Thanksgiving Day Family 5k.

I'm an avid (though slow) runner so I love a good race every once in a while, especially when strollers are welcome, my husband is willing, and the prospect of extra room in my tummy for that delicious Thanksgiving Feast is my motivation!

My sister met us there so the time spent actually running flew by as the three of us chatted (again, slow runners here) and the boys enjoyed their Thanksgiving theme trail mix complete with white chocolate chips!

Once the 5k was complete the Kids' 100 Yard Dash began. Our little runner was kind of confused at first but he crossed the finish line and earned himself a ribbon so we were proud. Of course our middle guy wanted in on the action so he joined the race about halfway through with a half-eaten snack cup in his hands and a gigantic grin fixed onto his face as he made his way down the track.

Images etched on my mind and in my heart for the rest of my life.

We then made our way to our little home where a televised parade and a breakfast of champions awaited us.

There's nothing like cinnamon buns, bacon and marshmallows to refuel after a race! ;)

While the boys devoured their festive treats, the adults enjoyed Sweet Potato Biscuits with Cinnamon Sugar Butter, Bacon, coffee and tea.

After breakfast the boys watched The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City which quite conviently ended just in time for naps.

Once all three boys were sleeping my sister and I set to work in the kitchen. Having grown up in a house full of girls where Thanksgiving morning was always spent fighting over counter space in the kitchen and chit-chatting to our heart's delight, I've missed that female companionship since getting married so it was such a treat to spend the day with my sister again.

Not to mention a huge help!

A lesson was definitely learned this year: make it a priority to GET THAT TURKEY IN THE OVEN! 

Our guests for the day included my dad, my Aunt, my Uncle, and my cousin.

Since the turkey was not cooked at four as I had hoped, all the men and boys headed to the backyard to enjoy the sunny, warm weather.Luckily thirty minutes later my husband was carving the turkey so we all sat down at the table to say Grace by half-passed four. 

Our feast included Turkey, Stuffing, Corn Bread Pudding, Cranberry-Orange Relish, Mashed Turnips, Sweet Potato Casserole & Roasted Asparagus, Mushrooms, Brussel Sprouts & Kale.

As our full bellies digested the meal we played a highly competitive game of Thanksgiving Pictionary before tackling the dishes. 

By the time the kitchen was back in order, we all returned to the table for dessert. 

On each of our plates my Aunt had placed a popper that revealed a small prize, a charade and a joke. After we each took a turn provoking a few eye-rolling giggles, we were ready to dig in: Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Carrot Cake. 

And just in case we weren't full enough, as soon as the dessert plates were cleared my husband headed out back to start the bonfire for S'mores. 

Once the boys were asleep in their beds and the kitchen was clean, my sister, husband, and I sat on the couch and hung out. I took this opportunity to write an entry in the Thanksgiving Journal that we started this year. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of our guests entries and was glad that this new tradition got me to constructively reflect upon write down the many blessings God has bestowed upon me this past year.

We started a lot of new traditions this year that I hope will continue so that my children grow up associating festivities such as Family 5k's, bonfies, Thankful Journals, silly games, and parades with all the other traditions that go along with this holiday.

I know I will!

Recording Advent

Advent Journal

Nov. 29: Recording the Season

At such a special season of the year with Christmas approaching and such a special season of my life with my children so young, I hope to make time each day to write about how we are spending these days of preparation in our little home.

I know one day in the future, when my days are perhaps, a little calmer, these memories will fill my heart with gratitude, warmth and joy.

Blessed Advent to All!

Sunday Roast

This past weekend, I started a new tradition in our home.

Inspired by my Sicilian Grandmother, I prepared my first Sunday Roast. (I actually made it on Saturday instead because my husband and dad went to a football game on Sunday but that's a somewhat minor detail. ;)

When I was very young, most Sundays in our family were spent at one of my two Italian Grandmother's homes. From what I can remember there was always some kind of pasta, meat that I couldn't chew, lots of dessert, and very full tummies by the time we drove home.

As time went on and the grandchildren grew older and busier, while many a Sunday was spent with at my Grandparents homes', it was no longer a weekly occurrence and it revolved more around birthdays and holidays than tradition.

The unfortunate truth is that there are many family members that we only see at funerals. This became very apparent to me recently because we have had quite a few deaths in our family over the past three years. Most of my mom's first cousins fall in that category.

I was able to have a nice but abbreviated (fancy restaurant + three little boys + exhausted husband) conversation with one of her cousins following my grandma's burial. Though she is on the Irish side of our family, her husband's family is from Sicily and they still keep the tradition of Italian Sunday Supper among his parents and siblings, rotating homes each week. They keep an open door policy where guests are always welcome and there is always enough food to go around the table.

I was so inspired by this tradition that I decided to recreate it, at a somewhat less elaborate scale, within my own family.

Every Sunday my family will sit around the table together and enjoy a meal worth looking forward to each week. We won't always have company, though guests will always be welcome. We won't always have roast, though there will always be some sort of meat in the oven. We won't always have pasta since this grazer's stomach cannot handle so much food at once!

But we will start this tradition now, while our family is young, with the hope that as our children grow they will cherish their memories of a Sunday Supper and bring the tradition with them when they are older...

Of course, they can just continue coming to my house - that's fine with me too! ;)

Last weekend we had Roast Beef, Asparagus, Mushrooms & Mashed Potatoes.

This weekend we will have Roasted Chicken, Carrot Soup, Broccoli & Baked Sweet Potatoes.

Cheers!

Picture Our Day

{a typical august day, in our home:}

{morning run}

{legos}

{breakfast}

{tea for three}

{little rest}

{reading lesson}

{laundry}

{'little people' baths}

{dinner prep}

{surprise visitors}

{the aftermath}

{puzzles & cuddles}

{setting the table}

{steak salad}

{after dinner cruising}

{refreshing treat}

Steak & Wildflowers

Lounging on a white sand beach in Jamaica for our honeymoon, pina colada in each of our hands, my husband and I decided that we would make a point to return to that same resort at that same location to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary.

Boy are we funny! ;) No tropical vacation for us this year but ironically, it ended up being an anniversary that neither of us will ever forget. 

Circumstances arose just a few days prior so that we had no choice but to keep things simple. We agreed to exchange only cards and, for the time being at least, eating out was not an option. 

It was our best anniversary yet!

I forced myself to be creative when it came dinner and decided to take a step out of my cooking comfort zone and surprised my husband by preparing his favorite meal to order when eating out: Steak, Oscar Style. I literally jumped up and down and clapped my hands when he smiled after his first bite!

That night, I got dressed up in my wedding gown (our little tradition :) and, with our boys as our audience, danced to the song Lucky with my husband just as I did for our first dance, five years ago. Then we all had a dance party in the living room together to our wedding music playlist. It was a blast!

The next morning my husband surprised me with a trip to a Pick Your Own Wildflower Field! By far, the most memorable anniversary flowers I've ever received since it was more than just a bouquet: it was an experience! I got to select and cut each beautiful bloom myself and the boys loved helping me decide on which ones to pick! I felt like quite the princess among my crew of boys.

I hope that when we look back on this anniversary, what my husband and I remember the most is how content we were with the simple gifts that only God can give: love and family.

Happiness

Happiness is...

... a driveway completely covered in sidewalk chalk.
... French Vanilla tea on a crisp September morning.
... an area rug in the kitchen for my boys to play on while I cook.
... empty laundry baskets.
... kitchen walls finally stripped of wallpaper and ready to be painted.
... shopping for new boots.
... baby leggings.
... grilled corn on the cob drizzled with butter and sprinkled with sea salt.
... peach oatmeal for breakfast.

Vacation Memories

We vacation each year on a peaceful island off the coast with my dad and one of my sisters just an hour from the town where I grew up. Although the ocean is only five miles from my parent's house, there is nothing quite like having it mere steps away from your front door and, since we need not travel far to have that luxury, we don't!

Some of my favorite moments:

~ My boys having a blast swimming and playing in the sandbar.
~ Short and spontaneous 'dates' for lunch, coffee or just a walk with my husband. (With three little ones we have to do whatever works!)
~ Enjoying the company of friends and family who visited. (Another perk to vacationing near home!)
~ Lots of girl time to chit-chat with my sister.
~ Afternoon walks to the coffee shop for iced chai teas.
~ Watching my boys with their ear-to-ear smiles as they enjoyed the rides!
~ One-on-one time with my middle guy, coloring on the front porch.
~ Playing Red Light, Green Light while watching the sunset over the bay.
~ Eating ice cream sundaes every night.
~Soaking up my oldest boy's anticipation for his walk to the market for a newspaper each morning with Grandpa.
~ Treating our boys to their first taste of cotton candy!
~ Walking to the used book store with just my husband while all three boys napped and picking out new books to read together.
~ Window shopping and gathering crafty inspiration at the cute little shops with my sister.
~ Gazing at all the beautiful homes and daydreaming about owning one someday.
~ Walking to the candy shop so the boys could pick out six pieces of salt water candy each. They even got their own little paper bags to put it in. :)
~ Lazily browsing through magazines on the beach with my sister while the boys napped.

Of course, being the homebody that I am, the longer we were away, the more attractive our cozy little house became so that it was quite the sweet reunion when we pulled up our driveway at the end of the week. Some of my favorite things to return to included our king-size, memory foam bed (I've become a bit spoiled), my big, cozy tea mug, my convenient gas stove, my beloved sewing machine, and my sweet little Pippa.

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Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;

- John Howard Payne

Sweet Summer Memories: Week Five

With lots of housework to catch up on after being away and my husband working late this week, I was glad that our Summer Bucket List forced me to be deliberate about setting time aside to enjoy the warm weather with my boys and do some simple activities together.

This week:

We played 'Red Light, Green Light.' They didn't completely grasp the concept but we had fun and that's all that matters.

We made Orange Julius for breakfast. This was one of my mom's recipes so I take advantage of any excuse to talk about 'Grandma' with my boys. It was such a refreshing

We doodled with crayons and stickers on the driveway. Sometimes it's just relaxing to grab a brand new box of crayons and a big roll of white paper and color. We were at this table for at least thirty minutes - that's a really long time for my little boys!

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~ sweet summer memories I never want to forget ~

Sweet Summer Memories: Week Four

Our bucket activities had a little competition this week as far as the excitement level it created around here. That competition came in the form of swim lessons! I made sure the activities we picked each morning were relatively simple since time and energy was not something I had a lot of this week!

Luckily, my boys are still little enough not to know the difference anyway. :)

This week:

I blew bubbles and the boys chased after them, popping them with sticks and giggling the entire time.

We went for a short walk to find leaves and sticks to make into bugs. We ended up with two butterflies, both named 'Butterfuly' and a stick bug named 'Sticky.'

We got nice and messy while finger painting a masterpiece and learning about color blending.

 We colored old clothespin and bent pipe cleaners into wings to make butterflies. According to my four-year-old this was his favorite activity so far. We made them right after breakfast and both boys were still flying them around come dinnertime!

We read the entire Little Bear series together. We've read these books several times before and I am always amazed by how taken my boys are by the simple yet beautiful illustrations.

And to celebrate the end of Winnie-the-Pooh week and the start of Little Bear week, one rainy afternoon we drank milk and ate toast smeared with butter and drizzled with honey.

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~ sweet summer memories I never want to forget ~