My part

Yesterday morning the kids and I ate Dunkin Donouts after a doctors appointment for Wes. We sat in the window eating our goodies while we watched the local garbage trucks drop off their loads. Our lovely dunkins is located right across the street from our town's dump/landfill. Brenden was telling Annie the entire process. She and I were listening as he finished with, "then the trucks dump the garbage." Hmm. Perfect timing! So, I asked Brenden what happens to the garbage after the truck dumps it off. He pondered and replied that they put it into the landfill and cover it up. Yep, they do! This got me going on a lovely tirade about what we're doing to our environment. Brenden is trying to come up with a better plan for where the garbage goes...good luck Bren.
In the mean time, I've been trying to do my part for the environment. We've been buying organic as often as possible and recycling in our home. One amazing program our city runs is giving 2 maple trees to each household to plant! Wow! I called as soon as I got the flyer and ta-da we have 2 new trees planted in our yard. We then added a third, cause guys we have 3 kids now...

Wes and his little tree in our front yard.

Annie and her little tree in the side yard.

Brenden with his little tree in the back yard.

I've also been trying the old fashioned clothes line! Note to self, towels come out really scratchy and tough and sheets smell yummy! It's not a bad deal. I ran 3 loads yesterday and only 1 actually made it into the dryer - Wes can't have scratchy clothes on his scrumptious skin!

I'm also proud to announce that it's been more than 2 months since I've used a plastic bag!!! I found these washable bags and I bought 2 and decided they were lovely but too expensive. So, I copied them and made a bunch of my own! They are cotton bags with a nylon lining plus a Velcro closure. The kids love them and they are easy to make! So far they have carried fruit, veggies and dried goods.

my snack bags!

I'm on the hunt for a compost bin from the city (for free) to reduce our garbage and the plan is to use that on our garden next year. I know we're starting small, but it does make me feel better knowing that we're trying. What are you doing?

Wesley

Wesley is now 4 months old! I know that I say this often, but where does the time go? He is now a whopping 13.85 pounds and 24.5 inches long. I've had to change his clothes into the 3-6 month range (no big surprise there) and sadly pack his little clothes away. He smiles all day long, especially when Brenden and Annie are playing with him. Troy can get him to giggle all the time! He loves to follow us around and sometimes I'm afraid his head will pop off because he turns so much to see us! He found his toes yesterday, can roll from back-to-belly and belly-to-back, grab toys and stuff them into his mouth, and can "talk" up a storm (like Annie). I can't remember what it felt like to have a full nights sleep and can't imagine a night without his snuggle. This little man has me wrapped around his little finger and I love it!!!

Gobble gobble

These turkeys are part of our neighborhood. Much to our children's delight, we go on turkey hunts every time we drive away from or to our home. "Keep your eyes peeled" is what Brenden will tell Annie as they scour the trees and backyards for these local turkeys. We've found them in our yard, in the tops of the trees (didn't know they could fly), and of course crossing the road in front of our car (while the kids scream at me not to hit them)! We've had a troop of turkeys counting 2 really big males and lots of females running around all winter long.

Well, this spring, we've been able to see the babies too! We've been able to count 9 babies and 2 mamas roaming around our yard. The kids are really excited to watch them "bathe" in our dirt pile. They have been spotted all over the neighborhood. My only question has been, "Where are the rest of the adults?" Dinner anyone?

Graduation

This is Brenden (just under 2 years old)! It's so hard to believe how quickly he's grown up! It's hard for me to imagine that my little boy is going to turn 7 in a few short months.


Brenden's "graduation" from kindergarten was an event. It was hot, sticky and (to this teacher) poorly planned. BUT to this proud mama, I watched as my little boy marched out to Pomp and Circumstance, loudly sang America the Beautiful, recited the days of the week and the months of the year. Then he stepped forward and said that he wanted to be an airport security guard (thanks to the recent trip to Arizona) and an architect.

Can you believe that this is Brenden now?!! Here he is with his best friend Jakob.

In the day-to-day rush of things, my eldest boy often gets the least amount of time. He's independent enough that I don't have to give him every minute of every day. Right now I'd like to celebrate my first born. My son is extraordinary! He's smart, talented, and funny. He's a caring human being who often is overly sensitive. He loves fiercely and has an amazing imagination. He's learning where he wants to fit into this big wide world. He is often heard/seen playing with his little sister who adores him or rushing to help with his little brother. I have actually caught him doing laundry for my while I catch a few stolen moments to myself on the couch. He is ready to help whenever he can!

What he needs to be reminded of is that he is loved unconditionally! You see, Brenden and I are on an amazing journey together. He and I are learning to travel this road together. He's teaching me how to navigate this parenthood road. Together we're figuring it out and I couldn't ask for a better teacher. Because of Bren, I am a better parent.

Thoughts for you

I was clearing my inbox at work this morning and this was sent to me and it brought my great calm. Read and enjoy!

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exctally where you are meant to be. May you not forget teh infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use th gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your sould the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

My mom

You'd think that after 5 years I'd start getting used to the idea that my mom is not here with me. And that's just it, I won't ever get used to it. She was an incredible mother! She made moving almost every 2-3 years seem normal! She made life "normal" when dad was TDY. She made life go on as normal. BUT her normal was something exciting to me growing up. Normal meant getting lost to find out where we were, ice cream sundaes for dinner just because we could, and laughing because it felt good. Mom was at the center of our lives and we all revolved around her. She had an energy that was whole and good. She made me feel safe no matter what. She never judged me and always supported me. She was kind and generous to all around her. She taught me to trust myself. She taught me to stand my ground and not be afraid. She taught me that it's all going to be ok.

And she is missed...

Mothers

Yesterday was a day to celebrate mothers. I had a pretty amazing day (not including the migraine)! Troy and Annie cooked me one of my favorite breakfasts and we hung out in our PJ's until lunch! Migraine hit so Annie, Wes and I took wonderful naps while Troy and Bren rode bikes around the neighborhood. After my nap, I got a chance to see Brenden on action...simply amazing. Troy cooked my favorite dinner and then we headed out for ice cream. A special day indeed!

As I look at my children, I am amazed at the little people that they are turning into and I am thankful...