lazy

Can a baby be lazy? 

Because if so, I think I am in for it with this kid.

Three times today, this is how our conversation went. Lute and Eddie had already made their way downstairs, and I waited (semi)patiently for George to make his descent.

me: Come on, buddy, let's go.

george: Cay-wee you?

me: You want me to carry you?

george: Ok, sure!

So I pick him up and he nestles into the crook of my neck like it's the best place he's ever been. He's my snuggler.

But just until we get to the bottom of the stairs.

"Down now, Mama!" he shouts. 

"So you're using me?" I say.

He smiles that toothy grin that melts me to my core.

He never wants to go up, either. While Lute and Eddie practically race to the top to see who is fastest, George sits on the bottom step, waiting to be carried.

And I do it. Every. Single. Time.

Yeah, that kid has me wrapped around his little finger.

I might be in trouble.

expecting

Today was awesome. There is just no other way to say it. 

First, I got to hang out with this girl:

Yep, that's my adorable sister who is having her first baby in a few weeks. We went out for a handful of last minute baby items and grabbed some lunch. All without kids so we could have an actual full length, uninterrupted conversation. I kind of forgot what that is like.

I am so excited to see her and her amazing husband become parents. 

They are some of the sweetest people in my life. 

In my boys' lives. 

And the baby on the way? Don't even get me started. I already pretty much adore her.

And as if the afternoon could get any sweeter: while we were out, I got an email from our agency.

"Carina, just wanted to let you know that we received your photo books and everything looks great. I've mailed them to our adoption consultants to share with expectant birthmothers."

I wasn't expecting to feel the emotions flood over me as I read that message. 

Elation. Butterflies. Giddiness. 

Joy.

It all became real to me today and I can't stop smiling.

I guess you could say we're expecting.

We don't know when. We don't know who. 

But we know that He knows and it's all going to come together in the most perfect way at the perfect time. 

And I can't wait.

life is lovely

It is so easy to get bogged down by the difficulties around me. To get frustrated and exasperated and just tired with all each day holds. The number of tasks can outnumber the minutes I have to accomplish them. My kids can be loud and uncooperative. People I love can be struggling and I can't do anything about it. 


But then my eyes can be opened to all the goodness around me. There is a lot of it, too - millions of tiny miracles happening all around to remind me that when I look outside of my tininess, God's greatness is surrounding me above and below and on every side.


You might remember this post about the perplexity that is my oldest boy. Four has been hard. It has taught me a lot about letting go and praying and being consistent and that I don't know very much about parenting. But then I changed my prayer from 'let me get through this day' to 'give me a heart that delights in my child.' And He did. I have found such joy in just being around Lute lately that I find myself getting weepy over how delightful he is. Miracle? I think so. Things were dicey there for a bit. When we ask God to change us, rather than everyone else around us, things happen. It's kind of amazing.

Then this morning we met my mom for breakfast at a local diner after church. As soon as we walked in, I knew we were in trouble. Nearly every table was filled with older people - probably regulars who came in to enjoy a nice, leisurely weekend brunch. Until my boys enter the corner booth and are anything but quiet. Nick and I cringed as they yelled, climbed on the table, attempted to crawl on the windowsill and threw our keys inches from the neighboring table's carafe of steamy coffee. {On a side note, we do correct them every.single.time. one of the above occurs.} As soon as the food arrived, they finally piped down and ate like they hadn't been fed for days {it had been approximately 90 minutes}. 


And yet. As we finished up, another diner approached our table. 
"I just have to tell you," she said gently, "you are doing a wonderful job with these boys."
Did angels just start singing in Heaven? I have to tell you that these words of encouragement are never more welcome than when our kids are rowdy {normal} in public. But, they are always welcome, and always always always fill my heart with gratitude for the kindness of others. There are not sweeter words to a mother's ears.


And finally, a sweet moment before naps today. 
As I carried Eddie into his crib, I hugged him and said, "I love you so much, buddy."
He laughed, looked at me, and said, "I love you soooo much."
He's two. 
And that might be his first five word sentence. Talk about getting a little weepy. 
On second thought, those might be the sweetest words to this mama's ears.


Yep, I have it pretty good around here. 

making granola bars and hittin' the streets

This past week I have cut way back on the treats around here. See, my friend Patty thought up a fun little challenge for the two of us to get back on track after a summer of overindulgence. I am loving it, apart from the lack of donuts, cupcakes, pizza and candy in my life. This is major problem in light of all that is wrong in the world, isn't it? No, I realize it really isn't. But it does mean that I am not baking (much to the chagrin of the boys in this house), and that means I don't have a big batch of anything to take to the streets at the moment.


BUT tomorrow we will change that. I am going to whip up a batch of these:

Source: threemanycooks.com via Carina on Pinterest

I am pretty sure my kids (and husband) could eat an entire batch of these on their own, but tomorrow they will have to share. Armed with these granola bars and a bunch of bananas, the boys and I will make our way out and about tomorrow to share with folks on the streets downtown.


Do you want to join us?


Bakin' it to the Streets is an idea I dreamed up a few months ago. You can read more about it here, and if you want to share something you have a little extra of with someone who could really use a boost, share your story with us. It's a huge encouragement not only to the people you reach out to, but to those of us who read about it, especially me.

what i wore {#2}

I decided to do another "what I wore wednesday" this week. It was necessary.

I have totally fallen into a rut and needed a swift kick in the boot to get out of the same three outfit rotation I have been in that requires almost no thinking (other than "does this have visible kid stains anywhere?").

I have had a very deep desire to go shopping lately. Fall is just around the bend and I am dreaming of sweaters and jackets and tights and boots and all kinds of cuteness.

But we also have an adoption in the works, and we're trying to save our pennies.

So I decided to shop my closet. And it's a good thing, too, because I have a lot of unworn goodies that just need a little love.

My sweet sister had her second shower for her soon-to-be-babe this weekend and this is what I put together. I love a good reason to spruce things up!

cardigan and top: gap

skirt and tights: target

shoes: nordstrom rack

flower pin: lovely little whimsy

Now click on over to the Pleated Poppy and join in the fun!

a week in photos.

It's Friday! That means a few things around here. 
no school for the dudes
counting the minutes {296} until my husband is done for the week
catching up on project runway
insta-friday!


Aren't you excited? Here we go.

There is this darling little dahlia stand near our house. It's on the honor system - the cute older couple that own the house cut fresh flowers and put them out every morning.

 I love an excuse to stop by.

My mom and I threw a baby shower for my sister this last weekend. I got all these lovelies for the occasion - and for only 10 bucks! And that included a vase. I love a good deal.

Speaking of the shower, this was the dessert table. There are those sugar cookies I mentioned in my last post. 
a.ma.zing. {and dangerous.}

School started this week. The boy was fairly excited about it. Not only because he was going to get to see his best buddy, play with new toys, and get away from his brothers, but because he got some new threads. 
What can I say? He's his mother's son.

 By the time the end of the week rolled around, we needed some one on one time to make up for all those mornings at school - I missed my little sidekick. Hot chocolate and a trip to the pirate park did the trick.

And finally, we met Gramma for a ride on the carousel at the mall. Why ride a horse when there is a giant freaky rooster available?

That's my week. Now, what'd you do?

feeding the homeless and reason 8,421 that i love my husband

I am way overdue (well, 4 days) for the latest edition of Bakin' it to the Streets. That's a little idea I had awhile back to share food with those in need - a person on the street, a lonely neighbor, a friend having a hard time, volunteering at a nursing home, whoever you want to share with. The boys and I are doing it twice a month and hosting a link up here for you to share your stories. I have gotten great comments, stories from friends and family, and encouragement from a whole lot of folks throughout this little adventure. We are still doing it - and hope you can join us! Read about the details here.


Nick came home from work today after leading a retreat for some of his staff. He had three extra box lunches that had been provided for the event, so he brought them home, walked in the door, and asked if we could all do Bakin' it to the Streets together. I love that man. In the past, it has just been me and the boys, but Nick has been my biggest supporter. Having him along made the experience complete. 

After dinner we got the kids all jammied up and loaded into the car. We said a prayer for the folks we'd meet and headed downtown, dinners in hand. {I also threw in some of the best sugar cookies I've ever had because I needed to get them out of my house. Make them, you will love me.}

if you can get my 4 year old to make a normal face in photos, i will pay you in sugar cookies.

Once in town, Nick immediately saw a man "he felt a tug for" and we pulled over. As the man was crossing the street, Nick rolled down his window and asked if he'd like something to eat. The guy came over happily.


"Hey man, thanks, this is awesome," he said.
"Sure," Nick replied, "No problem."
"You know, I am also trying to sell some weed. Do you guys need any?" he asked eagerly.
"Oh no thanks, we're good.... God bless."


We looked at each other and laughed. That was a new one.
Lute started cracking up.
"That guy was funny!" he said. "He wanted us to buy some WHEAT!"
Yep, buddy, exactly.


We quickly found a few others to give the meals to and it all led to great conversation with the littles on the way home and how sharing with others makes God's heart happy. I think we're gonna save the weed convo for another day.


Now it's your turn! Do you have a story to share?

it is becoming really real, really quickly

So the big thing hanging over my head with the adoption was our life book, which is the photo book we had to put together that helps the birthmoms choose which family they want to bless with their baby.

It was one of the most time consuming pieces and the final thing we needed to complete before we make it into the waiting pool of families. Our home study was finalized and approved last week (can I get a 'woo hoo!'?), so this was it! And as I may be the biggest procrastinator in all the land, I gave myself a deadline of September 1. 

I finished it on September 7, which isn't too bad... right?

I mailed it off to our caseworker and she gave it the stamp of approval and now I just have to make a bunch of copies and send them out and then... we wait to be chosen! I am nervous, excited, and just a little giddy. The last time we did this it only took 10 weeks. 

TEN WEEKS. 

I have no idea what the wait is like now, but God does, so I am just praying for His timing in all of it, and that our hearts (and our home) would be ready when the call comes.

Here is a glimpse at some of our book. I loved putting it together, and know God will use it to match us with the perfect little lady.

Pray for us, our baby girl and her birthmother, would you please?

We'd be ever grateful.

Today I am linking up (first time) with Life Made Lovely.

And please stop by my sweet friend's blog to enter five amazing giveaways

and help bring their baby home!

And finally, I am a day late with Bakin' it to the Streets... stay tuned for a post this week!

ok, friday, was else ya got for me?

The day started like it always does: Eddie and George waking up, ready for the day way too early. They get a cup of warm milk and a diaper change and we put them back in their cribs in our vain attempts to get at least a few more minutes of sleep and with feeble hope they may go back to sleep. That happens about once every six weeks. At least those are my very scientific calculations.


As I was coaxing George into a semi-quiet state, I heard a door open and a very proud and exuberant Eddie barrel into the hallway, shouting, "Hey MAMA!"




It was 6:05 AM.

good thing you're cute, kid

All right, I can roll with it. Nick was already at work. I rallied as the four of us made our way downstairs for an early viewing of Jungle Junction. 


Once I was confident our neighbors were awake enough for the loudness to begin, I let the boys into the backyard. I felt proud as I watched them play quietly with each other in the sandbox and went inside to start a load of laundry. When I came back out, there was Eddie with a purple stained mouth, dripping down onto his shirt. 


"Beh-wies!" he announced with pride.


And then I started to panic. There is a heap of wild berries growing in our yard that we cut down at the beginning of summer. And then forgot about. And then they grew back. Since I know nothing about native plants, I had myself a little freak out.


I called poison control and they told me to take a clipping to a garden center, but that it would take hours to see any effects. I (almost literally) threw the boys into their carseats, grabbed my sewing scissors and snipped a branch and flew to the nursery just a few minutes away. 


The verdict: salal berries, which are an edible "survival" berry. Deep breath, thanking the Lord above that my baby will be fine (as long as he doesn't go for strike three today).


We stopped off for a triple espresso before heading home. 


And then I walked in to find the washing machine had leaked all over the basement floor.
Awesome.

DIY: {'be a superhero' magnetic board}

I have mentioned before that we've had a rough go lately with the four year old. I love him to pieces, but that boy knows how to test the limits. And push my buttons. I am pretty structured in our routine and try to be consistent - in schedules and sleep and discipline. Not crazy or anything - we have plenty of fun - but I find it works so much better when a kid knows what the consequence will be when a certain choice is made.

It's time to get creative. I want Lute to think about the bigger picture - like if he talks back, he gets a time out, but then what? Five minutes later it may happen again and another time out. 

Until today! As of right now, he is pretty excited about this idea and so I am. We'll see how it works out.

I made this magnetic superhero board. 

{You can choose any theme you and your little one would like.}

The idea is that each day you start out with six magnets with the kid's initial on them  (that way you can differentiate between children if you have multiple using the board). 

For every good thing he does, he gets a magnet on the superhero side.

For every time out, he gets one on the bad guy side.

If, at the end of the day, he has more on the superhero side, he gets to choose a surprise from the prize bin (stickers, an extra show the next day, etc.)

Every day is a fresh start! I like that it's rewarding good and not just focusing on the negative.

Now how to make it. This is SO easy and should take less than 30 minutes once you have all your supplies. 

Here's what you need:

I got this awesome Super Man flannel online. You only need about 1/4 yard of each fabric if you're using a smaller board like I did.

The magnetic board was on sale for 4 bucks at Target this week - can't beat that!

Position your fabric to cover the top 2/3 of the board. Once you have it lined up the way you like, cut it so you have about 1/2" extra around all the edges to wrap around the back.

Now you want to glue under the bottom edge. The rest of the gluing will be on the back so you don't have any barriers between the magnets and the board, and everything looks nice and smooth.

 Flip the board over and glue down the top edge. Then fold it like you would wrapping paper and pull it tight and glue all along the sides, so the back ends up looking like this:

Next, cut your contrasting fabric as you did with your first piece. Press the top edge with an iron so you get a finished look (and no sewing - easy peasy!) and then glue it on the bottom 1/3, just overlapping the fabric a bit:

As with the top layer, only glue along that line to join the two fabrics.

Do the same in the back - wrap it around and glue along all the edges.

And then behold your work! (But not my blurry photography. Sheesh.)

Now, you can stop here and it is ready to go.

But I didn't, because everything needs a little embellishment. Right?

I printed out some phrases on card stock for both sides of the board and a bunch of L's for the magnets.

 

You could get all fancy and go laminate the card stock, but we aren't fancy around here. I used good ol' packaging tape and wrapped them up like little presents and hot glued them right on the board. 

Then I traced the magnets around my letters (I used magnets I already had - whatever shape you have is great!) and glued them on. I didn't bother with the tape on these.

And there you have it - all the answers to your parenting woes!

Ok, probably not, but it could help out - I think it will around here.

And if not, at least you can take a step back and admire a really cute project.

That always helps me.

addicted to insta-friday

I can't believe another week has already flown by! 

I am linking up again with Jeanett over at Life Rearranged for a week in phone photos.

It's such a fun way to reflect on the haps around here....

We met up with family for breakfast at a local spot that is world famous for its banana bread. 

Forget that. Lute is all about the whipped cream.

This was a glorious moment on our way home from my in laws. 

I live for such moments as these.

Here is some fantastic fabric I found for a little furniture redo project that I am pretty excited about. I hope chevron stays in fashion forever. It will, right?

We took the boys blackberry picking, which was so fun. If there is anything more fun than picking wild blackberries and scarfing them down with your kids and coming up with all the ways you're going to use them, I don't want to know about it.

Lute and I made jam. George devoured it.

And now I can't decide what's next... muffins, pie or crisp?

 I love this photo. George and I playing at the park all alone.

And check out his kicks! $4.98 for brand new converse on consignment?

Yes, please.

And finally, Lute's breakfast this morning. Mickey Mouse pancake (always) with blackberry eyes and a bacon mouth. On a Spiderman plate.

Pretty much perfection when you're 4.

Now it's your turn! Head over here and link up!