darn this economy!

Well- biznass was a bit slow this rainy day on our block. Poor kids were so dedicated it nearly broke my heart. They stayed out for 45 minutes with out one single customer.

Even through the rain they remained faithful to their cause.

Tate pleads with the people passing by (which was not very many because of the weather) to try his "super licious lennonade" but there were just no thirsty takers.

Livia organized and reorganized trying to improve the curb appeal while Tate took a little dance break (need I say more..........)

finally after an incognito phone call made by yours truly we had our very first customers! It was AWESOME! Livia was shaking with excitement.

The lemonade tasted GREAT- I think.....................kind of- did I mention the kids made it themselves? should have probably had customers sign wavers or something.

Livia decided that since it was a special day the refills would be on the house. Such a giving little soul that one!

occupied and happy.............

Best babysitter ever! Just some old clocks, VCR and answering machines will watch your kids for free ninety nine and hour. I got some great reading time in this afternoon. Yes!!!!!

{focus on the heart}

Tate has really been a challenge for me lately. He is growing up and we are both trying to figure out our mother-son relationship. Of course I still want to baby him and cuddle and he needs that still at times but, for the most part he is turning more independent and a little more self conscious of his image so to speak. I was holding him on my lap helping him write thank you cards for his birthday and we heard the garage door go up (dad's home) he quickly jumped off my lap so his dad wouldn't see him being held like a little one. I supported him even though it hurt a bit to be left behind. I don't want to have some weird mama's boy on my hands after all...... I will just have to take what I can from now on. He is really wild and crazy these days and a bit too much for others to handle. I am starting to wonder if all little boys go through this. I sure hope so. I find that if I focus on his big heart it makes all of the other mumbo jumbo pale in comparison. He still will shock me each day with his growing spirituality which is so very real and sincere. He also hates the thought of someone being disappointed in him and will just do about anything to change negative opinions. He is also learning the value of honesty and I am witnessing him telling truths even if it means big bad consequences. That thrills me to no end because honesty is something I want to instill in my children more than anything. Tate, you are such a good son. I love you so.

{robot tater}

{robot birthday 4 tate}

We conquered the 5th birthday this year. I am in a bit of denial that my "baby" is now officially 5. He had a blast with all of his buddies today. My favorite moment was when he robot danced for his friends to his robot music. Morgan helped me with the totally stellar cake (notice the leaning robot- it was so supposed to do that- yeah right!) the kids built a bot out of screws and odds and ends we glued onto magnets ( it was like a mister potato head only better!) thank you to all of the ladies that stayed and helped me through the chaos. The party ended with a bang- the clouds rolled in and we had ourselves a full on monsoon on our hands. The kids ran and screamed in the rain and Tate told me tonight that he LOVED his party and wants to do it again next week.

the 4th

There is just nothing like spending the 4th in the white mountains. I have yet to attend a parade that makes me more proud to live in this wonderful country. Poor chad was still recovering from his neck surgery. He was a trooper. There is nothing like seeing everyone you grew up with in your hometown with a gaping wound on your neck- lovely. The kids are so lucky to have the tradition of the 4th with their Grammy and pops. I did not want to come home. The dreaded laundry is still piled in my room as I type this...............

{can't we all just get along?}

Summer has been interesting thus far. I always have so many ideas and plans in my head at night when I am going to sleep. All the fun things to do with the kids and fun projects to accomplish- then the morning comes and I am overwhelmed by children that bicker about- well just about anything and everything. Chad says that is just what siblings do....... maybe because they are so close in age. My sister was almost four years older than me so I don't ever remember this amount of contention. it is really beginning to cramp our style and I am finding that I am thrilled when an opportunity comes for them to be separated during the day. How sad is that? all of my special mother kid summer bonding time is being replaced by a frazzled mother who can't cope? I will just have to do better tomorrow. patience..............love............understanding..........