pictures of previous posts!

Happy Father's Day!

HHMMM...I need to think about this playing on the floor thing...I am not sure if I should enjoy it or cry about it!














Griffin snoozin while we enjoy a picnic lunch at the park and watching boast down by the River!

Easton playing Hockey and Gorillia as the goalie!  (No More TV Fun)

Easton and Daddy checkin out the  boats on the Mississippi after enjoying a picnic lunch at the park.

Easton and little Miss "A"...walking and holding hands like new best friends!  (Memorial weekend)

The synonym for parenting must be ironic!

Every now and again it hits me...this thing we call parenting is so ironic. 
There are some days I just need a break form my sweet, talkative, always going 3 year old.  Usually he goes to play at Grandma's house once a week so I get that break and he and Grandma have bonding time.  It really is a wonderful situation we are truly blessed with.  Yesterday was one of those days that Easton got to go to Grandma's house for the day, but then also got to have a sleep over.  While I have to admit it has been truly busy around here with the daycare kids returning and adding Griffin to the mix, I was looking forward to the quiet day.  But somewhere between enjoying the quiet and getting things done that sometimes get over looked with an infant and 3 year old needing all my attention, I realized how very much I missed my son.  He is what makes up my days and nights and it is truly too quiet with out him here.  While Chris and I were enjoying a nice dinner of steaks and salad last night, we looked at each other and Chris remarked about how quiet dinner was.  Easton is so social and verbal and curious about everything that there is never a moments peace until bedtime.  But through out the last 2 years of all this conversation we have become dependant on it.  When he is gone we miss it!  HOW IRONIC.
Today, as things were getting busy and hectic with the kids I looked at Griffin and how much he has grown.  Again, I have to admit that I am way OK with him growing quickly out of the infant stage, as it is not my favorite.  But, as I am trying to get him to sleep since he is obviously tired, I stare down at my youngest son and just watch him.  I think to myself I could probably just hold you and watch you sleep all day.  So cuddly in my arms and the sweet innocence of his face.  The sleeping eyes with lashes resting so peacefully on his cheeks.  The way his rosebud lips part ever so much and the sweet smell of baby's breath flowing out.  The way his dimpled fingers are splayed across his face so delicately!  Chris and I are done having babies and I am so OK with that, but it was truly a bittersweet moment.  Again, I say HOW IRONIC!
Anyway, those are my sappy musings for today!

NO TV = Very Busy!

I have to admit that I had no idea that not having TV would make my family extremely busy.  We have made it a whole week TV free and everyone is still happy and thriving...if not more so!  Last week we had fun playing, laughing, and entertaining each other the old fashioned way.  (pictures to come soon)  It was Father Hennepin Days here in Champlin and so we enjoyed that fun as well.  We went to our first parade of the summer which Griffin slept through (of course) and Easton loved.  He especially enjoyed the fire trucks, marching bands, and any trucks pulling trailers!  We also hit up the carnival rides and watched some boat races.  It was a fun way to end a fun week.
In other news...  Griffin is already 8 weeks old!  Where does the time go so quickly?  Not that I am complaining too much...infant days are not my favorite part of raising children.  He already is sleeping through the night, smiling at us, and trying to talk/laugh.  It is amazing how much he is changing each day.  Easton is definitely his older brother, making sure he has his nuk, blanket, and rocking him in his car seat if need be.  He talks to him often and refers to him lovingly as "Buddy".  It is very sweet to watch the two of them interact.  Griffin often returns the affection with smiles and "quietness" (ie. stops crying) for his big brother.  It will be amazing to see the two of them grow up together in the years ahead.
Well, duty calls...I will get back to this blog again soon...I hope!  Until then, hope everyone is well ;o)

Can We Do It? ... YES! We Can!

We did the unthinkable....we disconnected and cancelled our cable!  Can you believe this?  I think I may still be in shock that I got Chris to go along with it.  The "cable guy" came yesterday morning and so it has been over 24 hours with no TV.  There haven't been any with drawls as of yet, but it is currently raining and not supposed to clear up so this evening may be another story.  Now, you may be asking your self, why did they do that?  Especially with the basement finally all cleaned up after having to move things around with Griffins room and being able to use the space that is lovingly called the family room with the huge HD TV in the wall.  Well one reason is that I am trying to cut expenses and spending over $200 a month on TV, phone, and the net was unacceptable to me.  I have to have phone and Internet for my job, so logically I said "hey, let's get rid of the cable".  Now mind you I had no expectation of my husband going along with this....but low and behold he surprised me once again!  The other reason we decided to ix-nay the cable was to spend less time in front of the screen and more time as a family doing things together.  We can read books, play outside, and even play the Wii that we hardly ever use because we had cable!  So wish us luck on our new TV Free journey.  Easton hasn't yet realized that the Disney Channel is no longer with us...there may have to be another post when the realization that Handy Manny is no longer available sets in!

For your viewing pleasure

Easton riding his Thomas scooter at the park.

And of course the 2 wheeled bike had to go along as well!  Such a big boy now.

Griffin's favorite sleeping position, especially with his blankie!My boys!  Easton 3 years and Griffin 3 weeks."Hello Everyone!"

Memorial Weekend 2010

We had a wonderful holiday weekend with the boys, despite Easton having a fever the whole time.  Saturday we layed low at home playing, resting, and even being productive and getting a few things done around the house.  Sunday was another day for just hanging out and then to a friends for a BBQ.  Easton had a blast playing with "A" and all her toys.  Being we have a house of boys, there are no babies, strollers, Dora trinkets, etc.  He was intrigued, despite Daddy's thoughts on the matter!  Monday was Chris and my 7 year wedding anniversary.  It happened to fall on Memorial Day this year.  We packed up and headed to the Elm Creek Park Reserve for a hike on the trails and a picnic in the woods.  It was a beautiful and sunny day with a light breeze to keep you cool.  Picture perfect way to spend our anniversary with the boys.  Of course, Griffin being Griffin slept through the whole thing and missed all the gorgeous scenery.  Easton walked and rode in the stroller since he was still feeling a little under the weather, but had a good time.  He especially enjoyed the new phrase Daddy taught him to say to all the passers by...."HOWDY"!  He thought it was hilarious....3 year olds, what can ya say?