An Icy Thanksgiving

I worked on Thanksgiving day with the highlight being a visit from OU's head coach Bob Stoops. Turns out that floating to the hemoc unit on holidays has it's perks. I was also given home made tamales by a patient's family, which were amazing and should possibly be on the menu for our next Thanksgiving. My plan for the rest of the week/weekend was a cozy three day stay-cation at home with our family. I had plans to decorate for Christmas and clean our house. Capped off with our Blakley Thanksgiving Sunday afternoon. Friday the rain started and the temperatures began to drop as the day went on. When I laid down to go to sleep I heard one of the worst noises. The sound of sleet hitting against my bedroom window. I should mention I have pretty bad PTSD from the ice storm of 2002.

Not good to be on your last dose of NyQuil going into an ice storm.

At one in the morning we officially were on the lamp. By the morning our house was very cold and very dark, and none of us had gotten much sleep. We thought that surely our power would come back on soon, but it turned out things would get worse before they got better, sleeting and icing all day Saturday. Somehow my sister, who lives approximately three miles from here still had power so she graciously let us move into her house for the weekend, as we waited for our power to come back on. The good news is that Abbey has a beautiful, big, new house that fit all of us comfortably.

I did not get any icicles harvested in this storm, but I did have flash back of harvesting them off of medal gates at the farm so I could have ice water. I'm telling you PTSD from ice storms is a real thing people.

 Of course Zane loved the ice, especially since his new coat had arrived the day before. Our tree in the front yard did survive with only one big branch breaking off from the top. We obviously need a chainsaw for Christmas.

We spent Saturday crafting, playing, and preparing for the feast. The kids played well together, watching too much TV, and played too many video games, and we were fine with it. It was a cold, rainy day, perfect for doing nothing. We went back to our house a few times to see if the electricity had come back on. Of course it had not. The scenes of ice covered trees lining the roads is literally what my personal hell would look like. Add in the sound of tree branching cracking, then crashing into water (as heard on the pond across the street from my house) and I had a few minor panic attacks. So we camped out and watched the Sooners win The Big Twelve Championship Saturday evening. Not a bad end to a kind of tough day.

I helped Zane, Rowan, and Maggie made Santas and Elves, all very festive!

Sunday was Blakley Thanksgiving and boy did we feast. It was a classic Thanksgiving menu and everything was delicious. The kids helped set and decorate the tables. Zane was very proud of his napkin folding skills. The little boys wore around the turkey hats and spent most of the day running turkey races around kitchen. Turns out there is nothing cuter than little boys in turkey hats.

 I taught Maggie all my secrets of mashed potato making, like never tell people how much butter or salt actually went into the potatoes, use Great Plains Bison Beef rub to spice it up, and always try to bring in the next generation to help you do your job. I loved her help!

Abbey had some champagne flutes she wasn't too attached to so everyone, including the little boys, drank sparkling grape juice out of fancy glasses. This was so fun and all the children were very careful with their grown up glasses. I'm proud to report no grape juice was spilled on the white table cloth! The little boys once again took home the prize for cuteness at the table. They toasted with their glasses and drank lots of red and white grape juice. Zane requested a turkey leg, like the one he had with Uncle Able at the fair. I'm not sure he is ready for eating turkey off the bone, but he gave it a valiant effort.

 Cheers!

It became clear after the meal that I had not been training properly for Thanksgiving. I have been religiously tracking what I eat and how many calories I take in everyday for months now. I know you couldn't tell by looking at me, but I have been working very hard at this with little results. So needless to say I have not had a huge, carbo loaded meal in a long time, and I did not handle it well. I felt like I might have been slipping into a diabetic coma, but after lots of moaning on the couch and being a bit of daze the rest of the evening I pulled through and was back at the gym bright and early this morning. 

In good news our power came back on around noon so when the celebrations were finished we got to come back to our little house that we had left in an utter state of disarray Saturday morning, when we left in a blind panic. I was sad that I didn't get all the decorating and cleaning done that I had planned on doing, but I did get more scrapbooking done than I've done in probably two years so that was very exciting, relaxing, and fun. Many thanks to the whole Richards clan for taking us in. I am very thankful to be surrounded by family here and so glad we all get along so well. I'm also so happy that for the Richards family that they have such a big beautiful home where we can have big gatherings without feeling cramped. What a blessing!

The Blessings from Motherhood

I live a very charmed, blessed life. I want for nothing the majority of the time. But of all my blessing my two little blonde headed boys shine the brightest in my life. Being able to be a mother is truly my greatest joy, my biggest accomplishment, and hopefully my lasting legacy on this earth when I am gone. Being a mother is a thankless job for the most part. I have pretty gracious kids, who tell me they love me everyday, but it's a rarity that I get a thank you for changing a diaper, doing load after load of laundry, or keeping them fed, all day, everyday. It's just part of the gig. Things should magically appear whenever they want them. That's what mommy is there for.

Today I came across a blog about things a mother was thankful for as a mommy and thought that was a great way to count my blessings on this Thanksgiving Day. So here is the list of the things I'm most grateful for as a mom (in no particular order). There are actual things on this list, but also my favorite parts of being a mother as well.

1. Child watch at the Y. This year my goal was to take care of me. I would say take care of me more, but since I had children I really hadn't taken care of myself at all or taken time for myself at all. So the goal was really to start taking care of myself and taking time for myself. The start of this mission was joining the Y. The only way this was actually every feasible was that the Mitch Park Y is amazing and has a place for my kids to go for an hour while I take care of me. This has been a hard adjustment for myself and the boys, but over this past year our morning trips to the gym have become a routine that I am very grateful for, all made possible by the lovely ladies at Child Watch.

 Headed to the gym

2. Netflix: I have a strong love hate relationship with Netflix, but it has landed itself on my blessings list because thanks to Netflix I sometimes get the dishes done, dinner cooked, and my house somewhat pulled together without loosing every last shred of religion I have. When the witching hour comes (side note the witching hour at my house if 4:30, one hour before daddy arrives) Netflix often saves me. Yes there are lots of fits and whining about Netflix in between, but so be it. Pushing it over firmly onto the list is the one or so a day I get to watch mindless things and relax after my children go to bed. It is truly the little things that get you through the day sometimes when you're a mom.

3. I'm magic! This is something you truly cannot understand fully until you have a child of your own and your song, your cuddle, your kiss magically fixes any and everything. No one else but a mother can stop pain with a kiss, tame fears with a song, and mend a broken heart with a hug. It's truly magical. Of course I also get to take part of all sorts of other magical things like Santa Clause, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, The Binki Fairy, Gary the Elf, so much magic come into your life when you're a parent. I love getting to be magic and getting to fully believe again in all things good in the world through my children.

 

4. Never growing up: I am a child at heart, through and through. I desperately wanted to be a lost boy and live in Never Never Land as a child. As a parent the endless world of imagination, fairy tales, pirates, pixies, super heroes, you name it, opens back up to you. You get to dress up and play again. We slay dragons, we fight bad guys, we rescue people, we have pretend restaurants, we fly, it's wonderful!!! Praise God!!! I get to play at my job too, how lucky!!

 

5. Nap Time: I mean does this really need an explanation. By eleven o'clock or noon I am need to sit down and catch my breath. I need just a tiny sliver of silence so I can keep together for the rest of the day. But by the time I hear pitter patter of little feet coming to cuddle me I've missed them and I'm ready to go again.

6. Nuk Sippy Cups: God bless Mr. Nuk, wherever he is. He is a genius who has kept me from plummeting over the on numerous occasions. I know my kids can drink out of real cups and they do at meals when we are calmly sitting at the table. However, my children are rarely doing anything calmly and I do not have the time or energy to clean milk off my couch and/or the floor all day. And that's were the numerous Nuk sippy cups come into play. I will never buy another brand, they do not leak. No I am not getting paid, I am just eternally grateful.

7. Parks: Let's face it as an adult you can't really hang out at parks all day without a kid. I mean maybe for a little bit but at some point people might start to wonder what you're up to. As a mom I spend a huge portion of my life at parks and I love it. I love watching my boys conquer huge goals in their lives, like the monkey bars or the big slide. I love that currently those are their biggest challenges and that I can't help them succeed at all of them. I treasure that sometimes the worst thing that happens to them all day is that we had to leave a park, only to return a few hours later. That's a truly blessed life kids.

 

8. Seeing everything for the first time again: If I was ranking things in order this would probably be number one. Seeing the world through their beautifully innocent eyes is the best thing that has ever happened to me, ever. The smallest things that I would never think of as a blessing are amazing and wonderful to them. Perfect example, every morning Rowan puts on his pants and looks to see if they have pockets. And everyday when his pants inevitably have pockets (he loves jeans) he says, "Pockets, Yay!!!!" Joy in the purest form. Look for the little things, be amazed by the flowers, the birds, the ducks, turtles, trees, acorns, worms, everything is amazing and new. It makes me a better person. Plain and simple.

 

9. Modern Medicine: From Tylenol and Ibuprofen, to antibiotics, epidurals, all the way to bipass and open heart surgery, and everything in between. In my line of work not one day goes by that I am not eternally, deeply grateful for living in this country where we have the luxury  of all the worlds medical treatments at our disposal. Sure I would like to not have had to use things like open heart surgery, but we were profoundly blessed to be where we were when we needed it. All of us fully utilize all of modern medicine and I know that is not the case for lost of people in the world.

10. Camera phones: They probably are just called smart phones now, but I'm specifically thankful for the camera portion. I take pictures of my boys all day everyday. Every funny moment, smile, costume, or craft that we make is captured. Every memory is saved to be treasured forever. There are lots of times in motherhood that days pass and you aren't quite sure how you made it through or what really happened. Thankfully I have hundreds of photos and videos to remind me and at the end of the day I can review what I might have missed trying to survive!

11. Equal partnership: Ok this would be much higher up if this was in any order too. I could not be be a mother without an amazing partner, literally and figuratively. I couldn't handle parenting if I wasn't in a relationship were we are equals and anything I can do Zach can do. On the days I work I never worry about what the boys are doing or if Zach can get them off to school or where they need to be. Zach's a dad, not a baby sitter, he's a father who can do all that I can do. It's an equal partnership and I do not take this for granted for a second. Many thanks to my amazing husband for all that he does when I cannot and for being my amazing teammate in the whirl wind of parenting.

12. The best club in the world: Motherhood is truly the best club you'll ever join. As in all clubs there are people who aren't kind to one another, who compare or compete, but the majority of people in the club are sympathetic, kind, helpful, and hugely supportive. It's  deep bound that you have with other mothers. They help you be a better mother, they encourage you when you are sure you are doing a terrible job, they have been there, they have survived, or they are in the exact some place. Motherhood is terribly lonely at times, but the members of this club are great company.

13. The Village: On that same note I have loved watching family and friends surround my children with their love. My children have the best Aunts, Uncles, God Parents, and Grandparents on the planet. I truly need this wonderful village to help me raise good men that can go out into the world and change it. Thank you to my village!

14. Kids Movies: I love kids movies and having kids means I can go see them in the movie theater or by them and it's socially acceptable. Win!!! Also I get to watch all my favorite kids movies from my childhood and fall in love with them again, WIN, WIN!

15. Brotherly Love: Last, but definitely not least, to watch the love that the two little people we created have for each other is my greatest joy. It is the purest form of love. They are best friends, partners in crime, worst enemies, and perfect playmates all at once. I take great comfort in knowing they will always have each other and pray they will always be there to help each other through all life throws at them. Currently this love is just too adorable for words. Bobo's hugs and kisses are almost as magical as mine, and sometimes more so when Rowan is in trouble. It's truly darling and I so grateful they have each other.

 

I could ramble on forever, but lets just say having my kids is the best decision I have ever made. I wouldn't change it or them for the world. It is also the hardest thing I have ever done, but nothing can be more rewarding that raising good people and being loved my these sweet boys!

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Sunday was Zane's feast for his Sunday School class. It was as adorable as expected. Zane walked in singing one of his songs, holding what he was thankful for, a book full of pictures of our family. We had been given strict instructions not to bring a toy or I'm sure he would have brought Mooly. They had a few different songs, said some prayers, and we feasted on meatballs and lunch meat. I did forget to bring his ginger bread man of himself, to put in the big picture of the church, but we had way too many things to remember. Thanks to Grandma and The Richards for joining us for the feast.

2. Both the boys were looking adorable for the feast so we tried to take  brother pictures before leaving. This did not go so well with Zane still being unable to smile his real smile. Rowan has inherited Zane's old scally cap and decided he needed it to complete his Sunday outfit. I have to admit I agree, it was so stinking cute I could hardly handle it. Zane inherited this snazzy vest from Brendan which is also very dapper.

 This big boys face is starting to change again, I don't like it. He is getting way too big!

It's rare that I find any boy clothes that I cannot resist buying, this shirt was one of those rare occasions. It looks so cozy, warm, and adorable.

3. Also during the brother photo shoot I got a shot of the famous Rowan dance, with his signature arm moves. I don't know how he came up with this dance, but he does it all the time, mainly whenever I request the Rowan dance. Very silly and too cute!!

 Pure joy!! I should possibly look into getting this kid a modeling gig. (Joking of course!)

4. It's the crafting time of year again. First up a festive burlap wreath. I love how it turned out and also love that Zane helped me pick out everything that went on it. He is very crafty indeed. I made this little guy during nap time on Monday. Today I almost finished my pine cone wreath, but it's still missing a few finishing touches so no pictures yet....  soon.

 5. Little E has been out of school the past two days so we have taken him on our adventures. Yesterday this included a pine cone hunt in our neighborhood followed by fun at the park. The two littlest boys are just the exact same size and have so much fun together. I love watching them chatter back and forth in little boy voices, about God knows what. They will be life long friends I'm sure.

 Some how Zane is the big kid now, towering over these two, but playing very well with them both.

6. Today's fun included going to the bouncy place, where both little boys mastered all the big slides for the first time, then out to lunch with Grandma. Can you tell they were both worn completely out from bouncing. But they both ate lots and took good naps!!

  

  7. After naps E came back over to our house for more boy fun. Below they were chanting "No Potty Talk, No potty talk, no potty talk." For unknown reasons, but they found it hysterical.

Then back to the park, braving the very windy day, to get in a little bit more park time before the rain and snow comes in this weekend.

 

 8. Speaking of rain and snow, it is obviously winter because these two beautiful birds are back. I maintain it is the same two ducks from last winter, Marty and Mary, who come and play/eat in our front yard all the time. Our bird feeders are regularly hit with sticks by the boys to make sure our duck friends have plenty to eat. 

 9. It is Thanksgiving week and as I promised all our fall decorations stay up until after Christmas. This week we made some corn by painting with Legos, which was lots of fun. Rowan really likes his artwork to be displayed on our new art line so his stickers and feather picture are up as well.

 My big decision for the week is which turkey hat I want to wear to our family Thanksgiving on Sunday. Tough call I know!

 10. The other news from the week was that Zane went to the dentist on Friday. He got a clean bill of health, no cavities, and two of his front teeth are getting slightly loose. Cue me having a breakdown about how big he is getting, again. He also didn't want me to come back with him, but the tech asked me too, he was confident he could do it by himself.

 Playing on the train outside is always the highlight of the dentist. Below is Zane with his very serious face on, holding Mr. Thirsty. Have I mentioned he is huge??

Both boys got to pick out something from the prize basket at the end of the dentist trip. Rowan picked this parachute man who took quite possibly the longest parachute flight ever. Rowan threw him up and he caught the Oklahoma wind, traveling over our house, over the pond across the street from our house, and into the Cedar tree on the other side. We obviously had to go on a rescue mission and he was brought back safe and sound. Very exciting stuff at our house this week, I know.

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I will be saving lives on Thursday so eat some turkey for me!