This Moment

Red, white, and blue, poppers and sunblock and pool noodles, corn-on-the-cob, burgers and fresh tomatoes out of the garden... we may be rounding the corner on the hottest of days, but there are still some pretty great things to look forward to! Happy July!

Hidden Portraits

When it rains, it pours, or so they say. Last week our refrigerator went out, followed closely by our down-stairs air conditioning. While Kyle was able to fix the air conditioner this weekend, we ended up having to get a new fridge. What that means for us presently is our old fridge has been left sitting awkwardly in the living room, awaiting it's lift outta here, and an empty alcove in the kitchen, awaiting it's new occupant.

We just couldn't let that alcove sit completely empty, though, knowing we have a few more days to go before it'll be filled again, so this morning we took action... 

...and now we have something fun to look at while we wait! It will also be fun when, another 15 years or so from now (hopefully), when we have to pull this unit out to replace it once more, we'll get to see these little hidden self-portraits of our goofballs and remember these good ol' days.

Chalk at Mimmy's

We made a quick trip down to Mimmy and Pappy's house right before our 'shelter in place' order went into effect to bring them supplies and spend some QT together. It was a beautiful day and their neighbor's long horn cow had just given birth to the sweetest little calf, so it seemed unavoidable that we'd need to basically spend the entire visit on the porch soaking up sun and peeking at the newborn.

Enter good ol' sidewalk chalk.

But did we target the sidewalk? Nope, not really... we had our sights set on something much more prominent...

Of course we did draw a little bit on the concrete...

It's been so long since we've pulled out our favorite fair-weather standby... and it really was fun working over that outdoor fireplace with my Littles, listening to the cows and birds, avoiding slobbery Tommy love, and just hanging out. It'll hold us over for a while... or at least juuuuuust long enough for things to go back to 'normal.'

This Moment

Sharing a moment from our week- a simple, special, extraordinary moment that I want to capture and share... Henry's recycled robot, Jeff. Made with minimal help and full Sissy approval.

Finger Puppets

There are times when it feels like we go days and days and days struggling between all the impulses, comforts, and privileges of being Little and all the responsibilities, assertions of independence, and different privileges of being Big. One will want the responsibility of choosing what they want to eat and maybe even preparing it, but not cleaning it up. The other will want the privilege of stay up way too late, but won't take responsibility for their poor attitude the following day. They're "too cool" for some things and yet cling to others that I would have thought would have fallen by the wayside long ago.

Some things I'm happy to see change, some things I'm happy to see have stuck around.

The other night, we were invited to a puppet show in Audrey's room, complete with music, costumes (made of clay), and a legit plot based on Huckleberry Finn. It was something I thought she might have gotten too big for, yet was pleasantly surprised to find was still going strong...

She was most proud of the costumes she designed out of clay, though she said after the show that she needed to work out a way to keep the "garments" from falling off her fingers during the presentation.

I hope there is always something lingering that reminds me that no matter how stubborn they are, and no matter how frequently it feels like they're pushing us away in the course of becoming their own people, there is still a Little tucked in those growing bodies... a Little who likes to create, who loves that Mama attention, and who needs that over-the-top unconditional praise for their efforts.

Lanterns

With a break in the rain, a warm breeze blowing, and that golden autumnal light I love so well, we took our pumpkins out to the picnic table for their transformation today. This year was a big deal for us- my Littles carved their own 'lanterns, using real knives, all by themselves. (They also scooped out the seedy goo on their own, another first.)

I must say I was a bit worried- turning over sharp pointy knives to my kiddos, who are still so little in my mind. They were very responsible, though, and followed every direction to the letter. No one was even scratched, and they are so proud of their creations this year.

I must say, I love them... especially the eyebrows. Great job, my big Littles. Excellent job.

See our past Lanterns: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012

Never Too Old for Boxes

My kiddos have become concerned about their water bottles looking too "babyish," they want their outfits to be "more mature," and they can stay on point with anyone talking computer games... but give them a couple good-sized boxes, and they just can't resist grabbing crayons and having at 'em. I find comfort in the fact that- at least at this point- they seem like they'll never be too old for boxes.

Thanks, Universe.

Isn't it funny how the Powers-that-Be can throw you for a loop more often than not, usually when everything seems to be going just swell, usually when you're absolutely not expecting it? And how other times the Universe will thow you a friggin' bone every once-in-a-while, maybe in the exact moment when you really, really need a little something?

This little gem came home with Henry today, and the timing couldn't have been better- right after a loop, right when I needed a little something.

Thanks, Universe.

100th Day

Our school has traditionally allowed kiddos to dress up like little old people for the 100th day of school- which was cute, but kinda lame- and this year they have finally switched to something different: DIY shirts representing '100' (or decorated to celebrate 100 school days). I am so much more enthusiastic about this new tradition, even though my Littles made cute centenarians...

...I think t-shirts are going to be way more fun! Because Bubba ended up being sick through Friday and part of the weekend, we chose to do something pretty easy and straightforward for the sake of being ready to wear on Monday. Initials, divided into 10 sections, with 10 different colored dots in each section. Hen did most of them himself, but Mama finished up for him since he wasn't feeling his best. Audrey did hers all herself, carefully selecting the colors (plus glitter) for each section.

Since it was a chilly morning, they each wore their shirt over something warm (chosen for what the undershirt could add to the colors of the initials, of course), and proudly marched into school with 100 dots they dotted themselves.

Loving this new tradition!