mother goose 2 year old style...

Thatcher has about ten books to his name. And they all came in this little box he got for Christmas. Ironically, they are Jonah's favorites. In fact, anything that is Thatcher's seems to be Jonah's favorite these days....but these really are. And, if I can talk him into reading them all to Thatcher--twice--it's just enough time to take a quick shower.

he keeps us in stitches (literally)

Our weekend got a little more exciting around 8pm on Saturday. What was a little, family dance party before bed took a turn for the worst when Jonah decide to take his show to the recliner. So...a fall, the "I'm really actually hurt" cry, and one look at the new wound in his eyebrow and I knew we were in for our first set of stitches.

Nothing like a good old fashion adrenaline rush fueled by a lot of blood to get things rockin', you know? So we calmed ourselves down (and cleaned ourselves, and my white rug, up...sorta) and called doctor grandpa to see if this was a rush-to-the-ER kind of thing. He said we had some time. So we snapped a pic and sent it his way and he confirmed---stitches it was.

So the little man and I packed ourselves a backpack of snacks, books, and the ipad (and we are thankful for that ipad....) and headed off to the emergency room to join the Saturday night crew. Quite a bunch, that Saturday night ER crew.

And overall, it went pretty well. A couple dramatic moments during the numbing/stitching process (we're talking breaking-blood-vessels-in-his-face kind of drama...poor guy). But we survived--enough to even enjoy a "bicycle pop" (or popsicle. whatever.) after the fact. So 5 stitches later, and we were home and in bed and sporting a pretty sweet curious george bandaid.

And actually, it hasn't even slowed him down a bit (fortunately/unfortunately?) In fact, after two falls/cries this morning (where I was sure I was going to go in and find stitches split open and blood everywhere) I asked him to just sit on the couch, watch tv, and not move. A girl can only take so much...

on purging.

I'm pretty convinced that as Rocky or Hoosiers is to motivating one for competition, Hoarders is for motivation to purge. And though I didn't have to dial up an episode for this last attack on the closet, I know they're there...should I need them.

All I needed was some weather with serious commitment issues (what season is it, exactly?!) and drawers and a closet that were bearing the brunt of too many seasons/clothes, not enough space.

And though I'm pretty good about continually throwing things out (I come by it pretty naturally--I don't think my father has ever kept anything for the sake of sentimentality...in fact, I can feel him beaming with pride as he reads this) everything needed a good overhaul. You just need a little time and the right mood and...bam...(I've been known to give an entire rubbermaid of clothes away without even opening it up to see what was in it).

So this past Thursday, I literally got rid of clothes from the past 10 years in every shape, size, color, and variety (I mean, in the past 6 years I graduated college, got married, have moved 4 times, had 4 jobs, and 2 kids...we're talking every size, color, etc...). But, ahhh, the space in my closet and dresser is almost euphoric.

and a few conversations from the family purge event:

B: "but this is such a nice suit, it's a shame to get rid of it"
R: "you got it in high school. it's like 15 years old."
B: "you don't think it will come back in style?"
R: "and then you can be 'that guy' wearing 'the original'? if it does, we'll buy you another..."

and

R: "it's really a pretty dress though, isn't it?"
B: "actually, I think it looks like an old lady."

so, cheers to empty closets and full goodwills....or however you do it...

pearly whites

someone's getting something new!

and they're small, and white, and keeping us up at night! 

speaking of new teeth, his big brother is getting some too (impeccable time these two have). so basically, we're a bit short on sleep. Jonah's on his last two molars (until he's six) and I didn't even put it together that his (multiple) nightly wake-ups/juice requests may be attributed these pesky little stinkers reeking havoc in his mouth. Until Thatcher got his, and I was all like: "I wonder if Jonah ever got those last two molars?" So I pried his mouth open amidst tears and the gnashing of teeth only to witness the most painful looking half emerged molars, ever. 

brilliant.

so we may be cranky, sleep deprived, and packed full of tylenol, but most of us are still smiling.

(notice I'm not a part of any of these photos...)

easter recap

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

we certainly have something to celebrate....so celebrate we did.

family date night to texas roadhouse (those rolls....). egg hunt with eggs from a special grandma (and auntie and grandpa!) in Iowa. early morning hunt for easter nests and prizes (and peeps for breakfast). a trip to maplewood farms (aka "grandma's house and grandpa's farm") for food, egg hunt, easter obstacle course, bubbles, more easter baskets, and an overnight. 

yes. this (+ some) was what it took for us to go away for one overnight. I was once told that 1) you will end up with at least three strollers 2) the difference for packing for one night and one week are a couple of diapers. I believe them...

family shots

I don't know...

where he gets this stuff.

5 months

{5 months}

ridiculously smiley.

just found your feet.

started some rice cereal and you are a fan (don't want to lose those cheeks).

you're an ever captive audience to your very own song and dance show. your brother.

still rocking the baby blues...I think they're staying.

liking to hear your own voice more and more.

the microwave.

Who doesn't love the drama that a good 'before and after' reveal of a transformed room or piece of furniture demands? I swoon over blogs dedicated to home renovation and dream about the lovely creative outlet diy projects can be.

And then we take on a small project...like hanging the microwave...and it's a serious snap back to reality.

We decided that we didn't need to spend the $150 to have someone do it for us. I mean, we mounted the tv ourselves so...bring it on. And the guys at Lowes said it would take about 30 minutes. Jokesters...those Lowes men...

We started Thursday evening (the plan was to also finish Thursday evening. Not Friday at 4pm...).  But as with most home projects, we ran into a few...hiccups. Oh, the old hole for the electrical cord is right where that screw needs to be? Oh, the heating duct runs right where we need to put these toggle bolts? Oh, the holes that the template told us to drill aren't quite right?

no. biggy. [said through gritted teeth]

This specific project was essentially a screaming reminder to us that when it comes to renovations--large or small--1) our personalities don't really mesh well to complete this kind of work 2) we're just not that good at it.

Should we have captured various moments of the escapade I'm sure you all would have found humor in certain situations. Even we, almost, can...in hindsight. Sure, Thatcher, please have the biggest melt down of the day over there in your bouncy seat while your dad is practically sitting on my shoulders and I am using every ounce of strength my biceps can muster to wedge that. thing. up. there. and. what do you mean you can't see the holes to put the screws in?!?! And Jonah could you please come in here and ask WHATAREYOUDOING?!WHATAREYOUDOING?! over and over while your brother screams and your dad and I sweat profusely trying not to break anything?

So we took a break and drove to McDonalds--obviously--Is there something else that you would do if you were in our position?

And I'll spare you all the details, but it's hung. And we're feeling quite accomplished. And it's been hanging for about 48 hours now. Phew....really accomplished. Maybe so accomplished that we have an unfortunate pseudo-confidence that we could try something like that again...?

So maybe home repair and renovation is kind of how some people view children. You know the taking care of so and so's kids is the best form of birth control? Well eventually you kind of get over that, I mean, there are still kids running around. And it's not like all of a sudden when you have your own kids they won't scream all night, poop their pants, or rub spaghetti in their hair. But now, well...you're ready for it. 

So, what do you say Ben? Is hanging a microwave the best form of permanent 'fixer uper' control, or will we someday be ready for the big plunge into home renovation?