Sometimes I think I need to pinch myself - how lucky am I to be the mother of these two little urchins? (And just to keep it real, sometimes I think I need to pinch them...)
Before we had any kids, I remember talking to several young moms with young kids, and they seemed to have nothing positive to say about the whole parenting experience. I wasn't averse to having kids but I was a little perplexed - surely it wasn't all that bad? I asked one of them why they even had children (I was being totally serious), and she did admit there were times when they were really sweet.
Now that I have my own kids, the days are the best and worst of times, just like about any other time in my life.
I don't know why it's this way but it's like we need to train ourselves to enjoy the life we have, in the time we have it.
So I'm thankful for pictures like this, when I slow down, watch my kids play, and truly love what I have.
Thank you, Lord!

hello, sweet summer

 The joy of popsicles outside on a warm summer's day.

Gotta love him. I asked River to smile for me. His response? "Mom, I am smiling!" Okaay.

Warm summer sun, 

shine kindly here.

what comes around, goes around...

My childhood is coming back to haunt me.
I went outside to check on my kids the other day, just to make sure they weren't dead or dying, and I found Madeira barefoot and ankle deep in cow poop, pee, and heaven knows what else.
I remember doing that...and I was old enough to know better...

I also found River hauling around a dead baby possum the other day. Jeremy actually asked me if he was using his bare hands...yes, he was. River seldom asks me for rubber gloves or other sanitary things. I can barely get him to wash his hands. Then I caught the two of them hovering over the mama (also dead, thanks to the dog) and beating it with a stick. Country living around here is not for the squeamish. (Both carcasses are in the dumpster, if you're interested.)
In other news, Jen, Wendy, and I baked many, many cupcakes the other day and put some tart shells together. It wasn't too bad, really. But, as we agreed, baking is 1000 times more fun when you do with your sistahs. :)

Riv Dog

 The joy of a boy.
He is wearing his favorite dinosaur shirt - note the syrup dribbled down the front? Note the wacky expression when I asked him to smile for the camera? He is quite the kid.
Loves to call his Dad "Daddy-O". I know, it's pretty awesome.
Loves gum.
If asked what he wants for breakfast, he will 90% of the time tell you pancakes.
He can't say it in so many words but here is one boy who can't wait to be a man someday. If he could follow Jeremy & co around each and every day and "work", he would be satisfied with life.
He has an opinion about which underwear to wear, which pants or shorts, and for sure, which shirt.
Loves boots. (So does his mother so this is great!)
He went #2 outside the other day before I realized it. And by the time I did, he already had some in his shorts and had stepped in. He told me the dog poops outside! So he did too.
I bought some cheese wheels the other day - bad decision since they are disgusting. (Sorry Jason!) Jeremy thought at least the kids would eat them but no dice - I have them trained better than that anyway. So the cheese wheels were getting stale on my counter when Riv spied them and said, "I love these!" But after unrolling the bag and seeing what they were, he set them back down. "Oh, I don't love these!" That's my kid!
Sticks are guns. Guns are guns.
He was supposed to take a nap the other day while the guys were here using equipment which was way too exciting for Riv. I kept trying to get him to settle down and told him that he couldn't ride on the skid steer with Jeremy since he was supposed to be sleeping. I never could get him to sleep and he did get to ride on the skid steer with his dad. When he came in later, he looked at me and told me that he got to ride on the skid steer. He is keeping me accountable!
He still likes to cuddle at night. I wonder how long that will last?
His lullaby is "I See the Moon".
I remember Grandma Steidinger singing this "Little Boy of Mine" song - this is River. 
I love, love, love this little boy of mine.

a little catch up

'

 A smitten kitchen event. Lisa hosted the last family night and suggested we all bring our required dishes made with recipes from the inimitable Deb Perelman. I heard many laments that the food didn't turn out like the pictures - it's safe to say that Deb has clocked many more hours in the kitchen than us, at least making these particular dishes. Wendy brought the vegetables which the dullards males among us didn't like. The chocolate chip brioche was met with much enthusiasm. And who doesn't like mashed potatoes and meatballs? For my part, the cake I made was a little dry. I baked it the lower amount of time and when I took it out of the oven, I could tell it was already overbaked. And I know I look like a moron in the picture, but I don't even care any more.

 Lake Geneva: Jeremy and I took a little trip to Lake Geneva minus the kids at the beginning of March. There's not a lot to do up there at that time of year - too warm for winter stuff and too cold for summery stuff. So what better thing for two house junkies to do than snoop around by the more expensive houses by the lake? You can tell we have a mutual house type. :) The last house wasn't one that we liked in particular but we did have fun guessing how many millions such a huge house on such a huge lot in a primo spot by the lake would cost.

Creation Museum: The following weekend we went to the Creation Museum and then a spacious house in Cincinnati with Jeremy's family. We celebrated Lydia, Lexi, and Mad's birthdays while there. Lexi and Mad got adorable matching outfits from Grandma.

Tree planting. Jeremy's reminded me a few times that I'll be spending my summer watering trees. Can't wait.

Trying to keep the heasel and sheasel from maiming each other. And they crawled into the dryer voluntarily, in case you wondered.

A new entertaining activity for the kids.

It worked pretty well until Mad figured out she could put it in her mouth. I guess I've got to keep that nuk in there while she plays. :)
We went to a marriage seminar the other weekend - I came home with a large stack of reading material. I have lots to learn, a lot to maintain.
The wedding stuff is under control. (I think.)
I think that just about catches me up on the last month or two.

miss madeira's first birthday

Well. She's one now. Such a little sweet pea.

I actually had fun making this birthday cake (not so much Riv's cake last year).  It didn't turn out quite like the picture I pinned but hey, it was close. Ish.
Kenny's birthday is the day before Mad's so we had a "combined" party. I say that pretty loosely since it was definitely a little girl's party - all pink and ruffly and stuff. I don't think he noticed - gotta love that big cheesy grin of his!
We skyped Jenna that night so she could join the chaos - definite chaos! We're all going to have to get used to the idea of her absence for parties and fun get togethers. :(
And we're not quite done celebrating - another party later this week with the Leman's!

mini vacation

 It must be the season to travel - any time I get on facebook anymore, I read about people going to Australia, Aruba, Hawaii, Israel, etc.
Well la dee dah, folks. I got to go to the Wisconsin Dells. (Yes, that was a lot of sarcasm.)
Actually, in spite of not being a very exotic destination, it was quite relaxing. One day, as I was floating along the lazy river on a tube with my little girl snuggled on my lap, watching fat, lazy snow drift down out of the windows, I truly felt like I was on vacation.
I also have an imagination (unlike some on the trip with us) so while it was snowing so beautifully, and I was relaxing inside my rustic lodge, I imagined I was in Aspen. It worked.
Madeira enjoyed the little water fountains in the pool. I was somewhat sad to see how old she looks in these pictures, all chubby and sweet in her cute little swimming suit.
River was too small to go down very many slides by himself. I wish I could have gotten pictures of his face on the ones he went down with us, rigid with terror. Poor kid, he seemed to do well with all of it.

 The Sealtite crew and families. :) It was a stressful picture taking experience.