If you like "before" pics...well then, these are for YOU!

So.

Last Thursday night, after the kids were in bed, and we were happily plopped on our separate couches with separate laptops, scrolling through our separate FB accounts, exchanging the highs and lows of our day (yes, our life is really THAT exciting...don't be jeal.) Anyway, Greg announces that he would like to invite 2 of his brothers over on Saturday to help gut the basement.

Whoa. Hold up.


(**blink with perplexed brows and shake head slightly at the same time**)


I was shocked.

What?! We've been talking about finishing the basement for HOW LONG and all of a sudden you want to gut the basement on SATURDAY!? (Please understand: my husband needs T.I.M.E. when making big decisions. Finishing the basement? I figured it was never gonna happen).

Sa-weet!!



That's the good news.

The bad news is what I'm about to show you......prepare yourself as we enter the dungeon:

Good-bye happy world above ground level!

Welcome to the basement.

Now, it doesn't look so bad here (depending on your perspective)....

Other than the unorganized pile of junk haphazardly arranged on the floor. (There's a method to my madness, okay?) The only thing I actually use in this room: the treadmill.

But, what lies behind those walls of paneling you ask?

There's gotta be more to the basement than just this "junk" room, right?

Get ready for the most sarcastic basement tour of your life...

Lets go see what's behind that paneling then, shall we?

There was once a shower gracefully placed right under the ceiling light you see glowing in the picture below. While I never showered in it myself ('cuz we ripped the sucker out as soon as we moved in) I always thought it was so convenient. Placed right next to the exposed sump pump (the hole in the corner) for easy draining. PLUS, there was an outlet also directly above the shower. I imagined plugging in my blow dryer, so that the moment my shower was done, I could blow dry my hair without even stepping out!

Let's keep taking the tour, shall we?

Turn around.

Oh, look! I see some light down there....

Why yes there is! Let me TAKE you there! Come on!!

**skip skip skip**

THIS is the laundry room! Isn't it grand?!

 But, what's that dark color running down the wall underneath the window?

Oh THAT?

pshhh.

That's just from the flood of '09 where we got 18" of water in our basement.

No. Big. Deal.

And don't you just LOVE the variety of colors on the wall?

Golly, that horizontal striped pattern above the chest freezer (probably from old shelves, I'm guessing) adds SO much dimension. Don't you think??

And THIS? Well this completes the tour of course. Just another beautiful corner of loveliness.

Okay I'm done.

Let's go back upstairs where my brain can think clearly.

While I'm excited about the idea of having a usable basement with a larger playroom for the kids, I know it will still be a loooooong journey. And don't get too excited for the after pics. It will not look as nice as the upstairs. But, anything will be better than what we have now!

I'll take pics tomorrow of what it looks like gutted. Now that the walls are down, I can see the whole basement at once. Lots of day-dreaming will happen in the next couple weeks.

Stay tuned!

The trying and tiring two's

Before I had children I would cringe when people started groaning about the "terrible two's". They would depict fist-throwing fits where children would start to scream in the middle of the grocery store. And these toddlers wouldn't stop screaming. They would melt into a puddle of jello and refuse to walk. And when you try to pick them up they would throw their bodies into convulsions, screaming even louder. The mother would end up ditching the full grocery cart, drag (literally) the screaming child out of the store in complete embarrassment and drive home in misery.

I'm not saying it's  that terrible--not yet anyway (or maybe I'm just trying my hardest to come up with other titles because I enjoy living in oblivion that things aren't that bad. They can't possibly be THAT bad. Right?). Whatever you want to call it...

This stage is humbling. 

This stage is trying my patience.

And this 2 year old is making me plain tired!

with a capital T.

*Sigh*.....ohhhh this age.

Kensie (so far) doesn't seem to be a "throw-yourself-into-convulsions" kind of fit-thrower. And I have not had any horrible shopping experiences. She actually does very well going to the grocery store.  I'm not saying she doesn't throw fits. She just has different ways of throwing them. It usually involves covering her face and shedding lots of TEARS. Lots and lots of tears. Oh, to be a girl.

Currently my daily battles with miss Kensie include (but are not limited to):

• Sharing toys with Mason or other playmates. And she's a sneaky one too. I once caught her in the act of stealing a toy from Mason. She paused and looked at Mason with a scowl. Then looked at me and said, "Mason, share Mama?" As in, Mason needs to share his toys with ME. Uh, yeah right little miss. I caught her red-handed and she tried to talk her way out of getting the consequence. Geesh. 
• Dumping her cereal. If I don't take away her cereal bowl as soon as she's finished in the morning she dumps the bowl over and starts swirling the milk ALL over the counter. Every morning.
• Putting toys away just before bedtime. Takes on average 30 minutes of repeating myself and then she winds up playing with the toys she's supposed to put away.
• JUMPING ON THE COUCH. This one drives me absolutely nuts!! This is NOT a new rule in our house. I've been training her since she was walking that we do not jump or stand on furniture. I realize other people may be OK with this at their house. And I'm fine with that. But, at our home we DO NOT. She has been testing this one like crazy lately! I feel like giving this battle up at times but I'm still determined to keep trying.
• Taking shoes off and ponytail out while in the car. It doesn't matter where we are going, the girl will take her shoes off and throw them across the van. The ponytail also comes out and I can never seem to find it again. There's probably a thousand hiding under her car seat.
• Throwing things in the house. Once I walked in her bedroom after nap time and her lamp was knocked over b/c she chucked every dolly and blankie with all her might across the room.
• I'm sure there's more but, that's all I got for now....

I know it's just a stage. Like so many others.

This too, shall soon pass. 

I know I will get through it.

I'm sure I will not feel like a good Mom at times.

But, just for record keeping, can I please show you this video? Please??...

Mmmkay.

Here's the scenerio:

They were playing SO nicely together. Kensie was rolling the ball back and forth while Mason giggled hysterically.

And as soon as I pull out the camera...as soon as Mom wants to document this sweet moment, it all goes downhill.

Moment ruined.

I was venting to a friend last week and we agreed that God definitely knew these early years would be the hardest. That's why (we concluded) He made them so darn cute at these ages. It's what makes the tough moments tolerable, and the sweet moments that much sweeter! Just look at these cute little buns...

Can't be mad at those cuties for too long...

Updates: this and that

We've had lots going on and I keep procrastinating forgetting to update the blog...so here it goes:

We had a lovely winter wedding {for my Mama} two weekends ago. It was held inside the most beautiful log cabin I've ever seen, tucked in the middle of a deep forest with trees covered in fresh morning snow. Beautiful. Unfortunately I don't have many pics so you will have to imagine the rest....



hanging out after the ceremony




the flower girl and ring bearer...they did awesome.
{even though their silly mom forgot the flower girl's shoes! Don't get me started...}




weddings are such a nice chance for family pics...




Mama and Terry...the lovely bride and groom.




trying to capture the gorgeous snow outside. Seriously, it was unreal.



***

Greg was gone the following weekend for a High School winter retreat with church. So, while he was enjoying sledding, broomball, and freezing his booty off....I enjoyed some quiet nights with candles, pinterest, my bible, and some precious moments with God. It was one of those potentially "lonely" weekends that turned out to be one of the most memorable two days I've had in a long time. I love how God speaks to us in love when we need it most. I was moved to tears Sunday morning during worship  just thanking him for his goodness. This blog is used to document these times so I can look back on them later. So important to me.



One of my quiet weekend nights--enjoying some leftover flowers from the wedding and my favorite scented candles.

***

Speaking of pinterest...

I tried a new brussel sprouts recipe! Greg is not usually a fan of this particular vegetable.

These were a hit! I especially like the cranberries mixed in. Gives it a little zing!

Go HERE for the recipe.



I'm also working on a post which I've already titled, "The trying and tiring two's".

Can't wait for that one huh?

Me either.

Thanks for staying tuned in!

Evening stroll

Strollers have been popular from the beginning.

Kensie has always loved pushing around various dollies, stuffed animals, and even Mason on occasion...

Is that my son??? Don't even recognize him here. Crazy.

But, today Kensie decided to switch things up a bit.

Is it just me, or is there something wrong in this video...

...that's what I thought.

The baby is pushing the toddler in the stroller.

Weird.

Kensie thinks she's boss.
Mason thinks he's actually walking.

Win-win.

This is NOT January weather.

We live in a place that snows in the winter.

Some years are better than others.

Some years are worse than others.



This is what January is suppose to look like.
(pic taken this time last year)



But, this year I feel like I'm dreaming.

We've been absolutely loving this warm spell in the middle of January!

I'm talking....

(1) NO snow.

(2) Green grass.

(3) Playing outside in just a light jacket.

(4) Yesterday it was nearly 50* F

Unbelievable

**blink**

Am I still in California??

Wait.

NOPE!

It's motivated me to {finally} take down all the Christmas crap stuff.

I'm not getting tooooo comfortable with this heat wave though.

Snow is coming.

Soon.

Like tomorrow soon.

Like 8" plus.

Oh well.

It was fun while it lasted.

A {not so fun} 10 month celebration.

Mason is generally a very happy baby.

Except when he's sick or teething.

And when he's sick AND teething....you don't want to be a guest overnight in our home.

Trust me.

When he wakes up he let's the whole house know it.

(Although Kensie and Greg NEVER wake up from his cries...those two sleep like rocks!)

During the day he is easily distracted.

But at night? It's a different story.

And (unlike Kensie as a baby) he does not go back to sleep without intervention.

He needs:

(a) a bottle

(b) mommy

(c) cuddling

So last night I was up from 2am-4am.

Happy 10 months little guy....

I hope you get those 2 front teeth soon.

You deserve it.

I deserve it.

***

On that note...this is a good post to tell you two things:
(1) I LOVE my role as a mother and absolutely think it is worth it to have kids.
(2) But, there are days like today, when I'm exhausted and wonder, "Can we just get to the next stage already!?!?"


Then I read THIS ARTICLE from a gal that (in my opinion) totally "gets it" as a mom.
I was so encouraged.
Read it.
If you have little ones, you will be encouraged too.

10 months and moving fast!

Holy smokes! Is it really possible that Mason will be 10 months tomorrow??

Unbelievable.

What's even more unbelievable is how fast this kid is growing, learning and moving.

He's been army crawling for while now but just recently started cruising along furniture up on his feet.

And boy, is he happy about it....

New Year's Day {3 years ago}

It was January 1, 2009.

I woke up early and slipped out of our warm bed. The sun was just coming up. Greg was still fast asleep. I tip-toed to the closet to grab my yoga pants and a coat. Something comfy and warm. I had to run an errand. A short errand, but one that required getting dressed. I knew exactly what I needed to buy.

I quietly snuck out the front door and clicked it shut. Fifteen minutes later I was back with a plastic Walgreen's bag draped around my wrist. Inside the bag was a box. One small item that always costs more than you think. I was so excited to show Greg my little New Year's surprise but alas, he was still sleeping and I decided to wait. And wait. And wait.

Then I heard the bedroom door slowly squeak. He emerged scratching his head and squinting his eyes. Heading straight for the bathroom, I rushed down the hallway to beat him to the door. He gave me a warm bear hug and whispered "Happy New Year babe".  I quickly held up my Walgreen's bag and raised my brows with excitement, "I have a surprise for you...if you want to see it." His brows quickly matched mine. He knew what it was. And he knew why I was excited.

Yes. Inside that box was a pregnancy test. I was already a couple days late and just had that feeling. We had been trying for 6 months and were ready to start a family. So I opened the box, looked up at my scruffy handsome man and gazed into those familiar hazel eyes, "Should we take the test and see?" He replied with a sweet and silent grin.

It was such a special time for us. We prayed together as we waited for the results. Even though I knew in my gut that I was in fact carrying a baby inside...we still prayed that no matter what the results we would trust God.

And He decided to bless us with a baby. Nine months later she was born. Her name...Kensie Michelle. And just like that, I became a mom. And then nine months after that I was pregnant again. This time, a boy. And nine months later we had Mason Gregory. I felt like I became a mom all over again.

Anyway, it's my favorite New Year's memory.

Fast forward>>>>

Here's our little family today....January 1, 2012.

Can't imagine life without them.

A merry holiday indeed...

We started the week with some sickies in the house but our holidays ended well...take a look!

Dec 20--I woke up feeling nauseous with zero energy. I also decided it was time to take Mason to the doctor's. He had been sick for far too long (nasty cough, runny nose, waking up frequently at night). I can't remember the boy NOT being sick. And a few hours later we walked out of that doctor's office diagnosed with a sinus infection and a prescription for antibiotics (praise the Lord for medicine!) I was hopeful he would be healthy by Christmas Day. I, however, felt worse as the day went on. Chills. Sweating. Chills. Sweating. Achy. Weak. Nauseous. Kensie was also getting over her own sniffles while simultaneously being disobedient. Great day. Pshhhh.

Dec 21--Mason on the mend but still crabby. Kensie on the mend but still disobedient. And me? Well, that day was a blur. All I remember was putting one movie after another in the DVD player for Kensie to watch while I laid on the couch. All day. I was miserable with the flu. Both kids had their flu shots in the fall so at least I knew I wouldn't pass it to them.


still in the mood for a pic despite the yuckies...love those two!

 Dec 22--Started to freak out a little. My body was revolting against me. Along with the flu I started hacking away with a deep and painful cough. Awesome. We were planning to have Greg's family over on Christmas Eve. Things were not looking good. At all.
Dec 23--Woke up for the first time not feeling totally sick to my stomach. My fever broke. A miracle! My cough continued but I didn't care. I felt 1000 times better! Mason had successfully slept another 12 hour night in a row. Christmas was looking a little brighter....

Dec 24--I felt 80% normal again. I rushed Kensie to the mall in the morning to see Santa last minute. She absolutely loved it...in her mellow sweet way. She chatted about it the whole way there and home. (Similar to our Disneyland experience).

We went ahead and had the party with Greg's family at night. Total success! I've never seen so much generosity from one family in my life! We are blessed.

Dec 25--Christmas morning with my little family. Loved every second. Time with just my hubs and my kids. Utterly overwhelmed with joy. They are so precious to me. And feeling healthy was the best gift I could have asked for. So thankful.



I could go on about the nice gifts we exchanged and tell you I have the greatest husband in the world who probably outdid himself this year by totally surpassing all my expectations--which he did. Maybe another post on that.

But, I really saw the importance of Christ this year. And how he blesses us with relationships. And how that's really all that matters.



Kensie was so excited to receive this nativity set as a gift.
She often picks baby Jesus up and presses him to her cheek for a "hug".



And can I just say...Christmas is even more fun now that we have kids. Oh.my.gosh. I've heard the best years are only to come! Cannot wait.

Merry Christmas!

A surprise date and my first try at picnik {unrelated}...

Last night I was able to surprise Greg with a date! We have not gone out (just the two of us) since before Mason was born.

Seriously. I know. Too too long.

This was just one surprise out of twelve. The idea is not new by any means. But, it's new to us! It's called {get ready!} "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Original I know.

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...."

{now it's stuck in your head huh?}

Each day {for 12 days} you give your spouse a little present leading up to Christmas Day.

It could be as small as his favorite candy bar left on the seat of his car.

Or a kind note listing your favorite qualities about him.

Or like last night, a surprise date!

A gal at my church started the idea by inviting a bunch of us ladies to join her via FB!

Thanks Susan! It's been such a good way to stretch my love for my husband. He's worth it.

:)

I started by taking him to his favorite place to eat....

B Dub's! Oh yeah.

...and then drove around without telling him what we were doing next...

Ice skating...

...with Santa no less!



This is just like the dates we had while dating in college. So many good memories then. It was so fun going back in time for a night and feeling like kids again!

***

In other news, I've officially used picnik for the first time!

And, I'm hooked.

It definitely takes some time but, worth the extra few minutes. And I LOVE that I can make a collage. It's just so hard to pick one ya know??
:)

Miss Kensie will be a flower girl for the first time in a couple weeks (first for my Mama and Terry), and then again next June (for Greg's brother--Elliot and Jessica). She will be wearing the above dress in both. It was found for $10 (can you believe it??) at a garage sale and has never been worn! Jessica's Mom bought it and has graciously given it to us! Kensie is absolutely in love with that dress, as am I...and asks to try it on all the time. I usually say no in order to minimize the risk of ruining that beautiful gown before said weddings. But, I wanted to see how much she has grown. It was way too long when she first wore it about 2 months ago...and now she can walk without stepping on it! Yay...no alterations!

Here's hoping she will actually walk down the aisle.

***

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays!

We have our first family party today...busy busy!

The attention span of a 2 year old...

...is kinda like a squirrel.

She started out singing her favorite Christmas songs and just like when a squirrel sees a nut, she quickly goes in a different direction. You'll see what I mean...

I'm probably the only one that understands every word. But, in case you missed it here's the order of events...

• Starts by making up a little diddy, "Baby Jesus, I luv youuuu!".
• If you listen carefully she then sings the "B-I-B-L-E".
• Trying to get back to the Christmas tunes she then sings, "Jingle Bells".
• Makes it through the first verse (twice) and decides to sing her "A,B,C's" (version from Super Why on PBS)
• Nope. "No mo songs" Mama.
• Decides to try "Jingle Bells" again.
• During her swivel dance move she gets distracted and plays peek-a-boo through the back of the chair with Mason. "I see you!"
• Realizes I'm recording and begs, "Kensie see da picture?".
• Forced to say says "Merry Christmas".
• Nears a meltdown cuz she still wants to "look da picture".
• I cut her off and say bye.
• THE END.

9 months

He's in the 95th percentile for height and weight.

He's wearing 18-24 month clothes.

{Surprise surprise}.

He's army crawling.

{Which I'm super excited for since I've been lugging around a 9 month old stuck in a 2 year old body. I'm ready to chase that boy! Crazy I know. But, my arms are TIRED and I'm ready for some change!}

He has 4 teeth (2 on top, 2 on bottom) going on 6.

{and slightly resembles a vampire when he laughs}

He babbles "dadadadadadadadada" any chance he gets.

He is now a blonde dutch boy.

He is ready to move past baby food and eat some real food!

{the boy can eat....clearly.}

He wants to be near Kensie all the time.

{Tugging at her. Playing with her toys. Climbing on her. Giggling with her.}



Side note: This is the best Wendy's kid meal toy EVER! Wind up train that goes in circles. Who needs Christmas gifts? She has been playing with it for 3 days straight!



***

We are blessed to have you Mason Gregory!

Christmas is in the house! {a tour}

Since we've been married (6 years ago), I've slowly acquired a fair share of holiday decor. And since we moved into our first home (3 years ago), I think I've put the Christmas tree in a different spot each year!

I like change.

Welcome to this year's Christmas home tour...

Come on inside...

I wanted the nativity to be the first thing I see when heading out or coming home. The entryway is a perfect spot to showcase the setting for Christ's birth.

Now close the door behind you and come inside! It's freezing!

Welcome to the "fireplace" room. It was once a sitting area but is now the dining room.

Greg and my stockings (sewn by my Mama).

I can't wait to have Christmas dinner next to a roaring fire!

And the spot for the tree this year??

**drummmmmrollllll please**

In between rooms! It's the absolute best spot to see the tree from literally every living space in the house! So happy with it this year. 

This is the first year I set up a fake tree. I scored this super nice "Bethlehem" tree after Christmas sales last year. Doesn't it look real?? Bonus: I can leave it up twice as long!

If you'd like to see last year's bush tree...go HERE.

Kensie and Mason's stockings hung on the new little frame I painted recently. I painted it green without thinking "Christmas" but I love how it transformed into a festive little wall hanging.

With sturdy hooks so we can stuff them stockings full. *wink*

And some cookie cutters hung over the sink. I love Christmas in little nooks like this.

The sweater covered jars made a reappearance.

And you already saw the bookshelf but I had to include it in the tour.

 Kensie loves to point out the teeny tiny people in the windows of each house. Everyday. And she quickly reminds me to turn the village lights on first thing in the morning.

Hope you are having yourself a merry little {decorated} Christmas at your house!

***