Fall family pics

I was trying to wait to show our fall family pictures but was to excited and had to share. Erin did a wonderful job. (My links won't work for some reason but to check out her work look at Head over Heels or Erin & Steven) There are tons more but here are a few of my favorites!

Visiting the woods. . .

Made our way over to the woods this last weekend to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa T. Always an adventure when we visit. They also had lot of new exciting things to show and share. Grandpa Robin fulfilled his dream of getting a boat, he showed the future fishermen their new ride. He was beaming with excitment, so proud of their new treasure. Grandma G also had "new" to show, little baby chicks were hatched. Nothing like a mini farm at the grandparents. Love it! My little city boys were a little weary of the animals at first but warmed up to them eventually. We loved spending the weekend with the grandparents and can't wait to them again soon!

Our new toy!

Last week we spent our last day at the park in Black Diamond because my friends we brought the park to our backyard. We found a steal of a deal just as summer is coming to an end, a new swing set with all the bells and whistles. We are soaking up our numbered days in the backyard, swinging and sliding our hearts out. Plus we have had lots of vistors over to enjoy our new toy. Notice our buddy Raleigh in the swing who comes to play every week now. Lucky us!

Mama and Teacher

So this afternoon we had a meeting with the instructor that will be teaching Carter's new playgroup at his therapy center. As most of you know I have been teaching the last 5 years and now I am staying home with the boys. Staying home is giving Carter and Nolan so many more opportunities that I couldn't do when I was working full time. I feel so lucky to be home with them, even though some days are harder then others. So my role inside this house is to be a mama and outside of here I had been a teacher. I always tried to envision what it felt like being the parent of one of my kindergartners. I always used to say to myself, remember these are their babies. I would ask parents to work with their kids at home on skills we were working on in the classroom. And conversations with parents could be tough when one of my kiddos was struggling with a skill. Being a teacher, I considered myself an empathic person. After becoming a parent and teaching my empathy skyrocketed. But today I found myself on the fence. The instructor of Carter's upcoming class was explaining the schedule and expectations. She told me about during craft time, the kids are to sit down and participate in the art project provided. And if they are not interested they are still suppose to remain in the area and can partake in another activity such as reading a story. To a typical parent of a 2 1/2 year old, that may not sound like much. But my little man will have nothing to do with crafts, believe me I try. Paper is for ripping and crayons are for eating. Sitting at a table for about all of 2 seconds, maybe if your lucky. I work on these things at home but there is only so much I can do. Am I being a good parent? Failing as a teacher? Should we be working harder? For the first time I found myself nervous and afraid for what Carter may face in school. The instructor continued to discuss the classroom activities and I found myself overwhelmed. I was angry, upset, how do they expect Carter to participate in these activities but then on the flip side, I said wow I am glad he is held to the same expectations as all of the other students in the class. I know when Carter starts school, things are going to be tough but damn it, it hurts. I curse the world for being an unfair, cruel place and thank the world that excepts and celebrates us all for who we are. In life we will always have to play two sides, take on different roles and do what is best for the ones we love.
Tonight I laid down next to Carter and watched him sleep. I rubbed his little head and promised him I would protect him for the rest of his life.
I whispered and told him he was going to do big things in this lifetime. I told him, no matter what his mama would always be proud of him.

I never got the memo. . . .

Carter has been attending swim lessons this summer and just started the fall session last week. My little fish is doing a fantastic job in the water. He is an excellent bubble blower, loves to jump off the side, a strong wall walker and has fantastic floating abilities. During the summer session I always showed up in my bikini, because that is what I own. I never got the memo. . . when you become a mom you must invest in a one piece suit. So there I was looking like a little hussy in my two piece and big old regretful tattoo on my back, knowing damn well other moms were probably talking about me. And when one of the girls popped her head out during swim lessons, it was time. . . time for the big girl mama suit. So I did it, I waited for Target to put their swim wear on clearance and I picked myself up a suit, whole piece and all, navy with a little ruffle down the center to jazz it up. It's official, I am a mom.
So last week at our first fall lesson I walked in, in my mom suit feeling conservative and confident like I was an official member to the new club! I still have my two piece attitude and don't you worry I will rock that thing tell the girls are dragging on the floor (which won't be long) just not at swim lessons!


(New mama suit is not featured in the post, that was pre-mama suit slash "hussy" suit.)

Happy Birthday to Erika Lynn

We celebrated Erika Lynn's birthday dinner with friends at our favorite sushi place, Umi's in Seattle. Nice little grown-up night out but home by 11, perfect!

Labor Day weekend

Mama decided last minute to make a quick trip to E-burg, all by myself. Yep put my big girl pants on and hit the road. I went after dinner and was home before the kids woke up so they didn't even realize I was gone. I had a wonderful time, stayed with the Gibson's and caught up with old friends and re-lived my college days. Love me some Ellensburg!

Fun at Nana and Papa's house

We stayed the night over Nana and Papa's house on Labor day. The boys had a great time playing in the yard and with the dog (and his cage)!