Week 12

Wow, I can't believe it has been almost 3 months since Nathan left! Luckily, time seems to be going by really quickly as we stay super busy. We had a great week overall which was topped off with a very exciting and exhausting weekend! On Monday Corinne was officially weaned and now drinks solely out of a sippy cup! She nursed the exact same amount of time that Lincoln did, so I feel confident that she won't feel like the neglected second child (at least not in the nursing department)! She is enjoying her new independence, but we still have our morning snuggle sessions with her sippy cup of milk and a pile of books in my bed.

We had some very warm weather this week and took full advantage of it---getting the kids outside to soak up so vitamin D as much as possible!
We filled up all the buckets and had a little splash fest!




















Then I finally got brave enough to let Lincoln play with his mud kitchen stuff.




















He made me a chocolate ice cream cone!




















Luckily no one tried to eat it.




















When he got a little chilly, Lincoln would come snuggle up with me in the sun.




















After Corinne woke up from her nap Lincoln showed her how to fill up the buckets....















And splash everyone with the soaker football.

















Although she was a bit unsure about all the splashing at first, Corinne decided playing with water outside was a lot of fun.




















This is what Lincoln looks like after some hardcore playtime in the sun----absolutely drained!




















Despite our new picnic table that seats eight---the red chair remains a hot commodity.




















Corinne learned to make "fish lips" this week.



















We also took a few early evening walks around the neighborhood.














Pushing 90+ pounds up the hills is not easy, but they enjoy it and Lincoln loves checking out all the big boy toys (RVs, dirt bikes, speedboats, pontoons, etc.) parked around the neighborhood.















Constantly filling up buckets of water got old quickly, so I picked up a tiny pool that is easy to set up and just as easy to dump at the end of the day. It is not quite warm enough to set up the big blow up pool---plus Nathan isn't around to pump it up---so who knows if it will even make it out of the garage this summer.
















Lincoln rediscovered his love for popcorn and has been requesting it a lot lately. Luckily it is easy to make and a nice low-calorie snack for both of us.















Corinne was impressed with the newest outdoor play addition.
















But was reluctant to get her hiney all the way down in the water.




















Here she is telling me a story in her own little language. She has been very chatty lately.




















On Friday Jessica and I ventured to Disneyland (or Bizineyland as Lincoln likes to call it) with our 5 kids. It was fun chaos and the kids had a great time. I also discovered that Corinne has Nathan's sweet tooth and enjoys cotton candy as much as Daddy.
















"It's A Small World" is one of their favorites. Corinne can't get enough of that catchy/annoying song!




















Lincoln likes searching for his favorite Disney characters hiding amongst the singing dolls.




















Lincoln and Ava relaxed at the hotel after a day at Disney.















Lincoln spent his first night in a bunk bed. He thought he was sooo cool with his own special ladder. I unfortunately forgot Corinne's night light and spent most of the night rubbing her back as she fell back asleep.




















The kids loved having a sleepover together and Lincoln got to play with Ava's new purse and make-up!















The next morning we headed to Goofy's Kitchen for Miss Ava's 3rd birthday party! Lincoln was so excited to see some of his favorite characters.
















Here is Lincoln checking out Goofy making his rounds.
















Corinne even enjoyed the atmosphere a bit this time and spent most of the morning sitting the wrong way in her highchair so that she didn't miss any of the action.















Lincoln got to "Do the Twist" with Goofy. This boy is not shy when it comes to dancing and was bouncing all around the kitchen getting his groove on!





















Lincoln was very appreciative of the HUGE party favors!















The next day was Sunday and we headed down to Carlsbad for a Mother's Day Brunch for moms with deployed spouses. Thanks to Jessica's iphone, we scored 2 of only a handful of spots for the brunch at the Sheraton along with free Legoland tickets! Getting though a buffet line with 2 adults and 5 kids is a little tricky, but we managed. If I could just grow an extra arm---things would be perfect! Corinne got to try out a new kind of highchair while we were there.




















And Lincoln was especially impressed with the dessert bar and ice cream toppings!















QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

Quote 1:
Lincoln grabs the fishing pole in the garage while we are trying to get into the car.
Lincoln: "I wanna go fishing!"
Me: "I think I can ask Colton's dada where is a good place to go."
Lincoln: With a head tilt "Oh, the water works!" (Of course--why didn't I think of that???)

Quote 2:
After pulling into the driveway to get the Lewison kids for our trip to "Bizineyland".
Lincoln: In a sad voice "Gave (what he calls Gabe), Ava, and Jake-Jake not have a daddy."
Me: "Oh baby, they have a daddy, but he is gone fighting the bad guys just like your daddy."
Lincoln: "Oh, he's at the airport!"

Quote 3:
On our way home after Goofy's Kitchen and realizing that he didn't see Princess Aurora or Princess Jasmine like he had that last time.
Lincoln: "Oh no! I lost my two princesses!"
Me: "We just missed them sweetie. Maybe they are on vacation. We will try to find them next time we come."
Lincoln: With a head tilt and hands up in the air. "My pink princess is at the doctor."

Quote 4:
At the grocery store after our trip to Disneyland---clearly happy that we had such an exciting weekend.
Lincoln: Wrapping his arms around me while I push the cart "I love you Mama....I want my Daddy!"
That one just about broke my heart. Lincoln was so pleased with our latest adventure, yet he knew that someone was missing in all that fun.

Quote 5:
On Mother's Day morning.
Me: "Do you know what today is???"
Lincoln: "Yes...Mother's Time!" With a head tilt and a cute little whisper "Happy Birthday Mama, I love you!"
Me: "Oh, Thank you Lincoln. I love you too!"

Mother's Day

Ahhhh---to be a mom! It is the toughest, yet the most rewarding job around. Although there are moments when I wish someone else was in my shoes (to handle grocery store melt downs, to hold my kid down for a round of shots while they look at me with that "why are you letting them hurt me?" face, and for cleaning up potty accidents), the truth is that I wouldn't trade my role as a mother for the world. The duties and responsibilities are endless and the pay is non-existent---at least from a financial point of view. The following list consists of a few of the ways I calculate my blessings or "pay" as a mom. And when I add it all up, it sure feels like I am coming out on top because they all just melt my heart.

---Unsolicited "I love you Mama!"s
---Random "leg squeezies"
---Carrying a sleeping kid on your shoulder.
---Lincoln saying "I'm sooo happy!"
---My children learning something new and seeing the delight in their faces at how proud they are of themselves and knowing how proud I am of them.
---My children's morning breath (I know it sounds crazy, but I actually like the smell).
---Their stinky feet.
---The laughter of them chasing each other.
---Endless giggles during a tickle session.
---The way Corinne bounces up and down to the "hot dog" song.
---That Lincoln always remembers to pray "that Mommy has a lot of patience" at bedtime.
---Corinne stealing kisses from me after waking up from a nap.
---Lincoln's refusal to go down for a nap until his sister has blown him a kiss as we stand at the door.
---Lincoln telling me "This is so much fun!" while we are on one of outings.
---My children's obsession with putting my shoes on my feet for me.
---The way Lincoln says "Help please Mama, please Mama, please Mama" when I tell him to remember his manners.
---The way Corinne says "Hi Dada" on any toy phone and says "Go bye-bye" as we walk out the door.
---The way Lincoln makes his elephants say prayers with us at night.
---That both kids love to snuggle up with Chomper.
---Corinne singing to me in the car.
---Lincoln teaching Corinne new things.
---Reading to my children.
---The way both kids sniff flowers and the funny faces they make while they do it.
---Their constant eagerness to help and "I do it!" attitude.

The list could go on and on, but the truth is that my children are such a blessing in my life. They have shaped who I am, and I can honestly say that I am most thankful for the constant gifts they give me like the ones listed above. Nathan once said that "being a parent the Greatest Gift" and I don't think that I could say it any better. My children serve as a constant reminder of the joy to be found in all things and the love that God gives to us all.

I also have to note here that I am the mother I am today because of the excellent example my own mom has had in my life. My mother may not be a lot of things...she is certainly not a big CEO of a fortune 500 company, a world traveler, or a fashionista...but she is a prime example of what it means to be a mom. She has always put her family first even if it meant that she went without. Growing up I could always count on her to help me with my homework, cheer me on at every sporting event I chose to partake in, make me the best Halloween costume around, and have a home cooked meal on the table at the end of the day. I have learned and continue to learn so much from my mom, and I am forever grateful for all the time, dedication, and love she pours into our family. She once told me "You will never know how much I hurt, when you hurt" and now that I have children of my own I know that the pain is two fold when your child hurts and that you will do anything to take that pain away. So "Thank you Mom" for being my shoulder to cry on, my constant support system, my ear to vent to, and for always being "selfless" and never "selfish". I love you---Happy Mother's Day!

Week 11

Well, I was bound and determined to not have another week like the last one, so we had a full calendar packed with lots of interaction with other kids. Lincoln was actually a pure joy to be around, was very appreciative to his friends, was a good sharer and listener, and continues to work on remembering his manners. Corinne just loves to be in the mix of it all--even if she spends some of outings in the backpack and stroller!

We started out the week with a trip to the local outlet mall with Jessica, Ava, and Jake-Jake on Monday morning. It was practically deserted, but I did get Linc a few t-shirts and Corinne an adorable sunhat to help protect her baldy head. I used to just spray Linc's hair down with sunscreen, then give him a crazy "do", but I don't think it will have the same effect on a little girl. We will see if I am lucky enough to convince her to keep it on her head! Then we headed to the park to burn off some energy and play in the sand.














This park is great because it has a partial canopy over the play equipment, so the kids are always somewhat protected of the sun and the slides stay nice and cool.















So far, so good with the sunhat staying on!
















On Tuesday we took an awesome field trip to De Jongs Dairy Farm with Lincoln's preschool class. They are one of the few small farms left that raise, milk, and bottle all in the same place--then ship out directly to grocers. We got to see and feed cows of all ages and sizes. Here are the veterans.














And this little lady is only a week old. Lincoln eventually got her to snack on some feed, but she clearly prefers to suckle.





















Then he moved onto the 2-year-old heifers and just ate up every minute of feeding them their alfalfa and hay.















He felt like these gals would go hungry if it weren't for all his hard work. He took the job very seriously and was not the least bit shy. By the time we were finished feeding, his arm was covered in cow saliva.















I think he has a serious future in farming. He didn't even mind the stink!















Then we got to see where they are milked and feel the suction of the milking machine. Luckily we walked away sans hickeys, but there were a few close calls when he stuck it right on his face!















After the tour we enjoyed some chocolate milk with cookies (even Corinne got a taste). Then we fed a few goats and sheep.

We were supposed to picnic on the farm, but opted for a picnic on the back patio instead, where I could better secure Miss Corinne.















We had our usual gymnastics class on Wednesday and Lincoln did an excellent job listening to Miss Nikki. Then Daddy called us that evening so we could wish him a very Happy 28th Birthday! Here is Lincoln practicing his loudest "Happy Birthday Dada!"


























































On Thursday we headed to base for a pony ride with Ava and Jake-Jake. But Ava said they smelled (they did---much worse than the cows) and Jake was a little nervous. So Linc took a few times around on his own.















After about a hundred "giddy-ups" he was ready to move on.















Then we introduced the Lewison's to our favorite AstroTurf park!




















Corinne discovered a few new uses for her ride on toy that is supposed to function as a ride one, wagon for hauling toys, or shopping cart. But she dumped the seat and used it for a scooter.




















And then a wheel chair that she propelled on her own.




















Friday we had a date with our good friend Colton and his mom, Amber. It has been almost a month since we had seen them last and we were so happy to finally get together with them. The boys were wild as ever, but had a great time in their big back yard---playing on the swing set, accidentally whacking each other in the head with baseball bats, throwing sand, playing bubbles, tormenting the 40-year-old turtle that roams the yard, and burning off some serious energy!
















This is what Lincoln looks like after a round with Colton.














Jessica and I decided to venture over to Toys 'R Us with our 5 kids---are we nuts or what---to look for picnic tables and pools. Dear Toys 'R US, I have a bone to pick with you! We found this Little Tikes pool that we both wanted and they were running a deal--"Spend $150 or more and get a separate Little Tikes Table (a $45 value) for free". So we thought, let's combine our purchases and cash in with an extra table. Well they were sold out of the "free" table. They didn't offer me a rain check or a gift card---I was basically out of luck and screwed out of my extra seating! Then we get back to the house and try to assemble it and find "umbrella not included" written on the box. The ticker here is that the lovely photo that 'R Us posts by its little pocket of fliers (that you take to register to pay with while some guy in the back pulls the box) boast a picture of six smiling kids seated at a table in shade---from an umbrella that is not included. And if you don't load the boxes in your vehicle yourself---I of course didn't--that's what they get paid for---you never know you just bought a table without an umbrella until you open the box and find it missing! To top it off, they don't even carry the umbrella in store or online. You must order it directly from Little Tikes. And of course they are sold out of them at the moment! GRRRRRRR 'R Us---the wrath of Abby and Jessica will come down on you soon!















Our visions of them eating lunch that afternoon at the table were thrown to the wayside, but they still enjoyed the food...
















And the new elephant pool in the Lewison's lovely back yard.















Later that night after putting the kids in bed, I tackled the table assembly. Two hours, three beers, 40 screws, a butt load of washers, nuts, and bolts and two very soar hands later....the table was finished! I blame the extended assembly time on the fact that Nathan managed to "misplace" the normal--everyday size screwdriver that you would use on a regular basis for practically any and every project. (He will not take claim to the missing Phillips head, but neither will I. And since I am always right, the fault will lie with Nathan who can not defend himself at the moment.) So I was forced to use the midget screwdriver that has a hand grip that is only 1. inches long!
The following morning the kids were ready to check out the newest outdoor accessory!



















Corinne was a little hesitant at first and not sure what to think of the new addition.




















We quickly put it to use and ate lunch outside after church. I still like to strap her in---so her picnic table encounters will be more for snacking for now.

It is moments like this that make my heart smile. While I was bringing the food out, Lincoln climbed up behind her and stole a big kiss from his sis!




















Corinne is a smoochy lover and was very grateful that the brother that she constantly pesters still shows her some love now and again.




















Sadly enough, my legs don't quite fit under the table. So I had to sit off to the side during lunch.
















They went for a little stroll after eating.















And we just enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.



















Corinne woke up from her nap early, so we headed back outside.




















But the tempation to eat dirt clumps became too much for her.




















After sneaking two dirt snacks in and fighting me to wash her mouth out, Corinne was banished to the house while Lincoln got in some after-nap playtime outside.



















Quotes of the Week


Quote 1:
After pooping.
Lincoln: "I did it Mama! I saved the day!"

Quote 2:
After getting out of the tub and running around with his with his hooded towel on his head.
Lincoln: "I'm a super hero Mommy!"

Quote 3:
While trying to put Chomper in the crate before leaving, but he was ignoring us.
Lincoln: "Uh-oh Mama--Chompy not being a good listener. We need to say a lotta lotta prayers for him tonight. He is naughty."

Quote 4:
In the sweetest little princess voice you could imagine while talking to Nathan on the phone on his birthday.
Corinne: "Hi Dada!"
She did grab the phone and hang up on him right after that, but luckily he called back.

Quote 5:
Walking into Johnny Rockets with Ava, Jake, and Jessica
Lincoln: "I love you guys!"

Quote 6:
Lincoln jumping into a huge blanket/pillow/stuffed animal ball on the floor of my room.
Lincoln: "I love my friends!"
Me: "What about the Mama???"
Lincoln: With a duh attitude. "Ummm, Yes--you're my friend too!"

Quote 7:
Lincoln catches me tossing legos into the box while we pick them up.
Lincoln: "No throwing toys Mama! Toys are for playing, not throwing. That is naughty--we need to say a lot of prayers for you!"
I guess this is my lesson in "practice what you preach"!