Every day is something new… Things are busy, so here is a quick recap:
Kaden you jump up and when you land you clap your hands saying, “Yay!”
Ashton you officially find your sitting position from your tummy.
Kaden you have great association. Every baby in a magazine is “Zon”. This is your word for Bryson.
My favorite new word, “me me” for excuse me. You use this when you interrupt or grab something from my reach. It melts my heart every time I hear it. Dad actually caught onto what ‘me me’ means. Go Dad!
Kaden you have started to have a case of the mine’s when it comes to Ashton army crawling over to take a look or play with the same toy.
Ashton you finally eat 3 square real people food meals.
We have had our first physical altercation. You slapped your brother on the head and then quickly kissed him, rubbed his head and said, “Ouch!” As if doing this was going to save you from time-out, which it didn’t.
You crawl in and out of your car seat without help.
Ashton you become enchanted by the television. You will be in the middle of play and something catches your eye or ear and you turn to the TV. You will watch it for quite a while.
Kaden officially sits at the table on a stool vs using his chair.
Kaden enjoyed his first cup of hot cocoa after a chilly walk.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Pumpkin Patch
Every year we search out the perfect pumpkin patch. We leave thinking that THIS cannot be it. The next fall rolls around and we begin the great search again. This year I think it is unanimous and we found The Pumpkin Patch. Yes, that is its name. What a great day out at Sauvie’s Island.
Of course we had to dress in themed black and orange colors. It is a fun day, so why not make the most of it and go themed. I cannot wait until the boys are older and they can go in a Halloween costume. I am still surprised that Adam wears his orange and black without complaint. GG, Bee and Ta-Ta came in their Halloween garb. Papa and Cheryl joined in and went black. Fun!
We decided to go early. I wanted to beat any afternoon rush. And boy, were we glad for our 10 am arrival. There is so much to do and see. Thankfully we got through most of the activities that had lines before there was a wait. We figured out our plan and went for it.
Kaden you were drawn to the big John Deere tractor. You and Dad climbed on up for a ‘drive’. We headed into the barn to see the animals. Ashton watched the Quail and Kaden you watched the rabbits. You made the correct animal noises as you saw the different animals. It is so funny to hear! The big adventure was the hay ride. This year Ashton and Papa sat it out. The rest of us hoisted ourselves up onto the bed and into the patch we went.
There were many times I thought we were going to lose GG right off of the side. Her hay bail was slipping off to the side and it was a rough ride bouncing her all about. Poor little Brooklyn sad on her lap and as I thought I was slipping grabbed her leg to keep me steady. As if her 28lbs is going to keep my butt on the truck? It was a reaction- nothing personal, Bee! The ride stopped in the middle of the patch. One would think that this would be the purpose of going to the pumpkin patch- to pick a pumpkin. WRONG. We sat on the truck as the pickers loaded up their great pumpkins. We carried on with the ride and got off. Perhaps, one year we will join in this picking tradition, but for now we will buy clean pumpkins (out of crates) from the pumpkin patch store.
There was a little kid’s cow train for Bee and Kade to ride. You both passed. And we moved on to delicious snacks and food. Holy smacks, who would guess that the pumpkin patch would have such great food fair? We enjoyed pork sandwiches, hot dogs, fresh picked ears of corn, kettle corn and soda. I played with Bee and Kade in the U-Pick garden. Bee thought this ‘secret garden’ was the best. She ran through the rows yelling, “You can’t catch me, Auntie Cole.” She is right. I couldn’t. Three year olds must have super grip shoes and stealth speed to survive without incident on the slippery Oregon ground. She took Auntie L and then Cheryl for a long look and smelling adventure as the rest of us finished up our snacks.
I don’t think any of us have ever experienced a corn maze until this year. What a hoot. I can share that I could see us lost all day long. Then again, as the three year old has super grip shoes and stealth speed why wouldn’t she have internal GPS? She guided us to turn left and right as we made our way through the first half of the maze. And I kid you not; she got us to the center of the heart. The theme of the maze: The Heart of Oregon. We rang the bell (many many) times to announce we made it to the center.
We head out to conquer the second half. I cannot remember if we led ourselves back to the hearts center once or twice. Needless to say we got lost. I wonder how many times one person or group as returned to the center trying to find the exit. Papa decided to take charge and get us out. He got us turned around one time and then straight to the exit. The wrong exit as he took us back to the beginning entrance! We all had our fun at his expense. I guess only three year olds do come with GPS units.
We headed over to the pick-your-pumpkin-out-of-a -crate area. Bee and Kade were enthralled with the mini pumpkins. “Awe, baby” and gave loves, rubs and kisses before throwing back into the group. Adam and I picked out the pumpkins for Kaden’s Annual Pumpkin Party. It was time to go and a challenge to get the tots steered away from the baby pumpkin crate.
It was a great fall day and an ideal pumpkin patch temperature. We left as the crowds were trying to make their way in. It was just what our family needed- to play, enjoy and laugh. But who wouldn’t need that kind of day? Good thing it is the beginning of my favorite time of year… many of these types of days are upon us through the end of the year!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Roll Call
It is going on two weeks… it is what I call roll call.
“Mama! Mama, off!” Kade is awake.
I do some goofy thing as I come up the stairs to start the day out with a giggle. Lately, the mornings have been the roughest part of our days. There is a lot going on around you. There has been a great deal of change that you can see and feel. I think the tantrums are your way of communicating you are unsure, scared and confused as to what you see and sense. It makes sense as to why you have started your morning roll call.
I open the door and try to get a smile. You pop up.
You point at me, “Mama?”
“Yes, I am Mama.”
You ask, “Dada?”
“Dada is working.”
“Oh.”
You ask, “Papa?”
“Papa is not here.”
“No?”
“No.”
“K.”
You ask, “GG?”
“Kade, GG is working today.”
“K.”
You ask, “Ta-ta?”
“I think Ta-ta is at her house.”
“Oh. K.”
You ask the last question-
“Oso?”
I grab him out of your crib and show him to you, “Here is that silly ole Oso!”
You giggle.
You grab your Cookie Monster, your Bee as well as your blanket and push all of them into my hands as I hold your balding bear.
I am buried needing to lift you and carry you down the stairs. All is calm as the roll call is complete. We can watch ‘Lalalalala.’
“Mama! Mama, off!” Kade is awake.
I do some goofy thing as I come up the stairs to start the day out with a giggle. Lately, the mornings have been the roughest part of our days. There is a lot going on around you. There has been a great deal of change that you can see and feel. I think the tantrums are your way of communicating you are unsure, scared and confused as to what you see and sense. It makes sense as to why you have started your morning roll call.
I open the door and try to get a smile. You pop up.
You point at me, “Mama?”
“Yes, I am Mama.”
You ask, “Dada?”
“Dada is working.”
“Oh.”
You ask, “Papa?”
“Papa is not here.”
“No?”
“No.”
“K.”
You ask, “GG?”
“Kade, GG is working today.”
“K.”
You ask, “Ta-ta?”
“I think Ta-ta is at her house.”
“Oh. K.”
You ask the last question-
“Oso?”
I grab him out of your crib and show him to you, “Here is that silly ole Oso!”
You giggle.
You grab your Cookie Monster, your Bee as well as your blanket and push all of them into my hands as I hold your balding bear.
I am buried needing to lift you and carry you down the stairs. All is calm as the roll call is complete. We can watch ‘Lalalalala.’
Monday, September 27, 2010
FOG
It was a rainy day. It was the first day that it didn’t feel like fall, but the beginnings of winter. It was cold, wet and foggy outside. It is dark until 6:00 in the morning these days. It was just one of those typical blah-zo Oregon days. It just made me one cranky Mama.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and wrapped myself tight within my robe as I sat down on the couch and looked through the front window. As I looked out I saw my refection. I was frowning and I had sad eyes. The winter blues are setting in. As I sat there I wondered how on Earth people do actually love these days. How can I say good-bye to the warm welcoming sun to greet dark dreary depressing days? It is ludicrous! I continued to sit and stare out into the day sipping my coffee becoming more and more depressed. The fog was moving and it felt as though if it could it would creep in and suffocate me.
As all the gloom is luring me into a Seasonal Affected Disorder I hear a scream outside. Kaden’s scream was shrilling. As fast as I jumped he ran into me out of breath but still able to shout, “Mama. Mama. Mama” He came to me like dew to a leaf- a thunderbolt through the sky. He grabbed my hand and pointed outside. At two it was as if he was He-Man dragging me to go with him. He continued to points as he bellowed my name. I noticed he had a look of surprise and bewilderment in his smile. It was not one of terror or of fear.
We get outside and he jumps up and down. And for Kade a jump is ¼ of an inch high. It is only noticeable because of his overly exaggerated knee bending and arm movements. He then leaned over the play-gate and pointed out into the yard. He swooshed his hand back and forth through the open air. He was touching the fog. It was as if I was seeing my angel touch the clouds. He was amazed at the fog. He was pleased to share his found treasure with me.
I sat down on the threshold of the door with my knees up and arms around them as I held my coffee. I sat and observed Kaden dancing around the clouds. He hopped and twirled. He giggled and tried scooping it up with the palm of his hand. It was breath taking. Once again, I see the world for the first time. This is the gift I receive as a Mom that is one of renewal. The drear no longer existed.
I grabbed a cup of coffee and wrapped myself tight within my robe as I sat down on the couch and looked through the front window. As I looked out I saw my refection. I was frowning and I had sad eyes. The winter blues are setting in. As I sat there I wondered how on Earth people do actually love these days. How can I say good-bye to the warm welcoming sun to greet dark dreary depressing days? It is ludicrous! I continued to sit and stare out into the day sipping my coffee becoming more and more depressed. The fog was moving and it felt as though if it could it would creep in and suffocate me.
As all the gloom is luring me into a Seasonal Affected Disorder I hear a scream outside. Kaden’s scream was shrilling. As fast as I jumped he ran into me out of breath but still able to shout, “Mama. Mama. Mama” He came to me like dew to a leaf- a thunderbolt through the sky. He grabbed my hand and pointed outside. At two it was as if he was He-Man dragging me to go with him. He continued to points as he bellowed my name. I noticed he had a look of surprise and bewilderment in his smile. It was not one of terror or of fear.
We get outside and he jumps up and down. And for Kade a jump is ¼ of an inch high. It is only noticeable because of his overly exaggerated knee bending and arm movements. He then leaned over the play-gate and pointed out into the yard. He swooshed his hand back and forth through the open air. He was touching the fog. It was as if I was seeing my angel touch the clouds. He was amazed at the fog. He was pleased to share his found treasure with me.
I sat down on the threshold of the door with my knees up and arms around them as I held my coffee. I sat and observed Kaden dancing around the clouds. He hopped and twirled. He giggled and tried scooping it up with the palm of his hand. It was breath taking. Once again, I see the world for the first time. This is the gift I receive as a Mom that is one of renewal. The drear no longer existed.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Framily
9/18/2009
Our family is fortunate to have friendships that span through generations. Adam has friends that are his parents’ friend’s children. I have friends who are the children of my parents. It is as though we have an extended family tree. The branch I now call “framily.” It isn’t just adding someone as an extension to our family. It is much more. I have been blessed to have a few overly special people in my life, but I have not known how to ‘label’ their importance. I never felt as though I could describe it accurately; and “framily” is exactly the term!
A few months ago, Kayla shared the term “framily”. This lady is my touchstone, my dearest of dear friends. Since hearing this word I have revisited it many times. What is this so-called “framily”?
It is to choose a friend to be family. It knows water can run deeper than blood. It knows in your heart of hearts you would do anything come hell or high water for these cherished people- just as you would for your biological family. It knows the answer is “Yes!” before the request or favor is asked; and it would always be returned. It is never keeping score. We do when we can without hesitation. It is a quiet understanding and stored secrets. It is someone who may know you better than those you were raised. Tonight, Kayla told me, "Our friendship is a bond that has been life changing." Could there be a higher complement? I second this emotion! “Framily” are people you want to share in your celebrations (marriages, pregnancies), bring to your victories (houses, jobs) and hold to in sadness (losses, disappointments) and sometime these people know before anyone else. “Framily” is a kinship.
I hope that we are the beginning of a unique ‘framily’ tree with the Buyas/Adams family. My Mom and Darla (Dawa) have been friends since middle school. Darla has been ‘framily’ long before I knew something beyond the term ‘like family’. Her daughter, Kayla, and I have known each other since Kayla was born. Jake and Blake have been friends with Lucas and Cody for years, too. Kayla and I reconnected in 2006. Kaden you are 10 months older than Kayla and Bill's oldest Bryson (Lil). What buddies you two are! Ashton you will be 10 months older than their baby boy due in December. This is also true for Toni and her son Mason. Mom and Toni have known one another since high school. I have known Toni's son since year one of his life. He graduates this year. I cannot wait to see where his life takes him. He is in my heart forever. They are 'framily.' I have the same hope for both Matt and Robert Molner. They are the son's of Bob and Pam, who are long time Rardin family friends. How neat! I imagine three generations experiencing, growing and being together. It is unique and a real gift to share in this multigenerational friendships.
Last night I shared with Mom (through a text message) how much Kayla means to me. She replied, “And that my dear is who your heart friends are. We all have many friends, but the ones that we hold dear to our hearts the ones that really, really get it- those are the ones. And in reality we have a few.” Oh, the ‘framily’ wisdom is all around.
The best part about being ‘framily’ with Kayla is the gratitude, respect, appreciation, honesty and love we have for one another. We thank one another weekly for our friendship. We honor one another’s choices. We have appreciation for the small and the big. Our love never goes unknown. We share the expression several times in a week. It may just be a quick “love you, friend” text or “I love you” after a phone conversation, but it is always said- always.
I have ‘framily’ in Arizona, Eric as well as Erin in Texas. I miss them every day and even more here lately. Our ties outlast distance and time. These are people I hope you boys come to know as you grow older. I cannot wait to introduce my entire family to these special people and their family. I love them with all of my heart.
“Framily” is an intertwining of friendship and family. And as you read this I imagine you will understand ‘framily’ as you boys have created your own expansion off of our tree. My ‘Mom hope’ is in many-many years I will be sitting at a party watching my son's children playing together with the grandchildren of our friends creating a circle of four generations. What a thought…
Our family is fortunate to have friendships that span through generations. Adam has friends that are his parents’ friend’s children. I have friends who are the children of my parents. It is as though we have an extended family tree. The branch I now call “framily.” It isn’t just adding someone as an extension to our family. It is much more. I have been blessed to have a few overly special people in my life, but I have not known how to ‘label’ their importance. I never felt as though I could describe it accurately; and “framily” is exactly the term!
A few months ago, Kayla shared the term “framily”. This lady is my touchstone, my dearest of dear friends. Since hearing this word I have revisited it many times. What is this so-called “framily”?
It is to choose a friend to be family. It knows water can run deeper than blood. It knows in your heart of hearts you would do anything come hell or high water for these cherished people- just as you would for your biological family. It knows the answer is “Yes!” before the request or favor is asked; and it would always be returned. It is never keeping score. We do when we can without hesitation. It is a quiet understanding and stored secrets. It is someone who may know you better than those you were raised. Tonight, Kayla told me, "Our friendship is a bond that has been life changing." Could there be a higher complement? I second this emotion! “Framily” are people you want to share in your celebrations (marriages, pregnancies), bring to your victories (houses, jobs) and hold to in sadness (losses, disappointments) and sometime these people know before anyone else. “Framily” is a kinship.
I hope that we are the beginning of a unique ‘framily’ tree with the Buyas/Adams family. My Mom and Darla (Dawa) have been friends since middle school. Darla has been ‘framily’ long before I knew something beyond the term ‘like family’. Her daughter, Kayla, and I have known each other since Kayla was born. Jake and Blake have been friends with Lucas and Cody for years, too. Kayla and I reconnected in 2006. Kaden you are 10 months older than Kayla and Bill's oldest Bryson (Lil). What buddies you two are! Ashton you will be 10 months older than their baby boy due in December. This is also true for Toni and her son Mason. Mom and Toni have known one another since high school. I have known Toni's son since year one of his life. He graduates this year. I cannot wait to see where his life takes him. He is in my heart forever. They are 'framily.' I have the same hope for both Matt and Robert Molner. They are the son's of Bob and Pam, who are long time Rardin family friends. How neat! I imagine three generations experiencing, growing and being together. It is unique and a real gift to share in this multigenerational friendships.
Last night I shared with Mom (through a text message) how much Kayla means to me. She replied, “And that my dear is who your heart friends are. We all have many friends, but the ones that we hold dear to our hearts the ones that really, really get it- those are the ones. And in reality we have a few.” Oh, the ‘framily’ wisdom is all around.
The best part about being ‘framily’ with Kayla is the gratitude, respect, appreciation, honesty and love we have for one another. We thank one another weekly for our friendship. We honor one another’s choices. We have appreciation for the small and the big. Our love never goes unknown. We share the expression several times in a week. It may just be a quick “love you, friend” text or “I love you” after a phone conversation, but it is always said- always.
I have ‘framily’ in Arizona, Eric as well as Erin in Texas. I miss them every day and even more here lately. Our ties outlast distance and time. These are people I hope you boys come to know as you grow older. I cannot wait to introduce my entire family to these special people and their family. I love them with all of my heart.
“Framily” is an intertwining of friendship and family. And as you read this I imagine you will understand ‘framily’ as you boys have created your own expansion off of our tree. My ‘Mom hope’ is in many-many years I will be sitting at a party watching my son's children playing together with the grandchildren of our friends creating a circle of four generations. What a thought…
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monumental Day
It was a monumental day: Kade went to the pet store to get his first pet. We went in with the intent to buy goldfish. Goldfish have no maintenance and small quarters, so it seemed the best compromise. In walking around we decided that a goldfish was kind of boring. No offense to the fish, but not really ‘fun’ for our guys-guy. So, he now has two frogs to call his very own!
Adam is trying to convince me to name the frogs Hank and Ledoux. Really? How about naming them something Kaden can say or better yet after something he likes? The whole ride how was screaming in the back, for all he wanted was to hold the frogs. When we got home he kept asking, “off-off” this is the word for on and out. He wanted the frogs out.
We are keeping them on the mantle. At dinner he sat down and pointed to the ‘ush’ (I think this is his word for fish) and pointed down to the table. So, I let all of them celebrate their homecoming over a meal. He was delighted! Of course, we now have to add kissing the frogs bowl two times (once per frog) to the list of other items/things he kisses before heading up for naps and bedtime.
Friday, September 17, 2010
One Year and 85 Later
Boys,
Today marks one year and 85 blogs of memories. Memories I have reread and therefore have been blessed to relive. In setting out to journal about our life it was to capsule both the big and small. Time fades our memory and in a year I have forgotten days and stories I sat down and read (and I wrote it!). I didn’t have an expectation of what I was setting out to do other than give you the gift of stored memories. I have surpassed my own expectations and have written far more than I imagined.
Life has a way of taking hold and people forget to put themselves on their own list. When I began ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ back in September of 2009 it was for you. Through this period I have realized this journal is a gift to me, as well. It gives me scheduled time to relax, laugh and at times cry. I have been able to really live in the moment of our days. I’ve reminded myself how much pleasure I find in writing. It is my hobby; and I set it aside far too long.
Writing gives me raw time to think, question and answer. I thought I was questioning myself to find answers to later pass along to you. In doing so I have come to know myself more and challenge myself to improve who I am for not only you, but for Dad and myself. It has taken one year of chronicling our days to learn what I have created is a story the journey of motherhood in order to give you your story. This was my revelation last night.
I have been unable to include everything that is touching, funny and historic. I have to make priorities and unfortunately there are days when writing doesn’t make this list. There are periods when days turn into weeks. I fall behind. I want to write in current time, so my memory doesn’t embellish. We have experienced great get-a-ways with Auntie L and the Glovers. Kaden you have coffee talks with Papa out on the patio. Ashton you scare in a crowd, which became obvious at both Bee and Kade’s birthday parties. You have met Auntie Gina and Hanna. I didn’t have the energy to include my period of postpartum. I have not been able to document our adventures in house buying. It has been a full year and in your hands you hold most of it!
My surprise isn’t the 85 entries, but the amount of support and readership ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ receives. I post our story on a social network site. People have mailed me as well as posted comments to the different entries. I took time last night and copied each comment from the site attaching it to the correct entry on the blog. I think it is important you experience these notes. I encourage anyone to write to you or include a sidebar on what I have shared. Jana has shared here. Have included works from GG, too. It will be nice to visit there memory and perspective in the years ahead.
To answer the most common question- No I do not complete rewrites of the entries. It is what it is. This is why there are spelling errors, half thoughts and imperfections. I write as time allows and at times it is a short amount of time to cpmplete a large flow of thought. Periodically, I am asked what my plan is for this journal. I have been encouraged to seek publication. Some have requested I start a newspaper column. I have received multiple offers to write for different blogs, which I have turned down.
One year later and 85 entries later my mission remains the same. As Francis Bacon advices, I will continue to “write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought are commonly the most valuable.” Mud Pies and Butterflies has great value, for it is our family’s memory. In time it will house the key to our past. Today I celebrate ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ unlocking the memory of one full year.
Here is to moving forward and still holding tight.
Mom
*If you read the blog, I encourage you to sign up as a ‘Follower’ on the left side panel. As you know you do not need to do this to continue reading ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’. Once you become a Follower you do not receive anything, nor are you spammed. It is a tool to help gage readership as well as help in the future needs for our memory bank.*
Today marks one year and 85 blogs of memories. Memories I have reread and therefore have been blessed to relive. In setting out to journal about our life it was to capsule both the big and small. Time fades our memory and in a year I have forgotten days and stories I sat down and read (and I wrote it!). I didn’t have an expectation of what I was setting out to do other than give you the gift of stored memories. I have surpassed my own expectations and have written far more than I imagined.
Life has a way of taking hold and people forget to put themselves on their own list. When I began ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ back in September of 2009 it was for you. Through this period I have realized this journal is a gift to me, as well. It gives me scheduled time to relax, laugh and at times cry. I have been able to really live in the moment of our days. I’ve reminded myself how much pleasure I find in writing. It is my hobby; and I set it aside far too long.
Writing gives me raw time to think, question and answer. I thought I was questioning myself to find answers to later pass along to you. In doing so I have come to know myself more and challenge myself to improve who I am for not only you, but for Dad and myself. It has taken one year of chronicling our days to learn what I have created is a story the journey of motherhood in order to give you your story. This was my revelation last night.
I have been unable to include everything that is touching, funny and historic. I have to make priorities and unfortunately there are days when writing doesn’t make this list. There are periods when days turn into weeks. I fall behind. I want to write in current time, so my memory doesn’t embellish. We have experienced great get-a-ways with Auntie L and the Glovers. Kaden you have coffee talks with Papa out on the patio. Ashton you scare in a crowd, which became obvious at both Bee and Kade’s birthday parties. You have met Auntie Gina and Hanna. I didn’t have the energy to include my period of postpartum. I have not been able to document our adventures in house buying. It has been a full year and in your hands you hold most of it!
My surprise isn’t the 85 entries, but the amount of support and readership ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ receives. I post our story on a social network site. People have mailed me as well as posted comments to the different entries. I took time last night and copied each comment from the site attaching it to the correct entry on the blog. I think it is important you experience these notes. I encourage anyone to write to you or include a sidebar on what I have shared. Jana has shared here. Have included works from GG, too. It will be nice to visit there memory and perspective in the years ahead.
To answer the most common question- No I do not complete rewrites of the entries. It is what it is. This is why there are spelling errors, half thoughts and imperfections. I write as time allows and at times it is a short amount of time to cpmplete a large flow of thought. Periodically, I am asked what my plan is for this journal. I have been encouraged to seek publication. Some have requested I start a newspaper column. I have received multiple offers to write for different blogs, which I have turned down.
One year later and 85 entries later my mission remains the same. As Francis Bacon advices, I will continue to “write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought are commonly the most valuable.” Mud Pies and Butterflies has great value, for it is our family’s memory. In time it will house the key to our past. Today I celebrate ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’ unlocking the memory of one full year.
Here is to moving forward and still holding tight.
Mom
*If you read the blog, I encourage you to sign up as a ‘Follower’ on the left side panel. As you know you do not need to do this to continue reading ‘Mudpies and Butterflies’. Once you become a Follower you do not receive anything, nor are you spammed. It is a tool to help gage readership as well as help in the future needs for our memory bank.*
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