Cupcake Couture has the first event of the season...take a look at the blog!

For some reason, I had some extra energy today and decided to go with it. This is what I did...Got up early to shower before Jackson awoke, which meant I had to try and entertain Liam in the bathroom while I attempted that. Then woke Jack up to go to Speech (which went great), and so to reward him we went to get a haircut (which did not go so great). After getting Jackson down for a nap after lunch I decided to pick up the camera and chronicle how domesticated I am (not really).

I baked these cookies while holding a baby on my hip



His name is Liam, and he looks like this





While they were in the oven, Liam and I collected these from all over the yard



In the few minutes between batches, Liam managed to make this mess



and Easton stayed in this position the whole time



But I didn't mind all the commotion because it looked like this outside



and the flowers still look like this



Have I mentioned that I am not thrilled with the fact that my beautiful summer days are numbered? Although, we did something really crazy yesterday and became "charter members" at the brand new YMCA! Really, being a charter member only gets you a few shirts and locker locks, but still. I feel kind of special.

I am going to finish up my night by doing homework (ugg) and then attending class from 6-10. I have to say though, I am always kind of excited to use my brain.

Anyway..............obviously not too much exciting going on around here. Just your average stay at home mom trying to spice up the day with a little blog. Not that anyone reads all this. I know you just want to see pictures of the kids. As a matter of fact, if I did keep your interest for this entire post then send me a little comment. I am not completely convinced that anyone reads this besides my mom. Love you mom, and thanks for making me dinner tonight!

The Latest and Greatest..

Well, as summer officially ends with Jonn returning to work tomorrow I thought I should post some recent pics for all the fam-dam-ly out there. Here you go...


These are a few of Liam today, just in time for his first birthday. It has gone by so fast!


These two were taken at Kate's wedding, earlier this month. They insisted on matching. Or maybe I insisted???





Of course I had to post a few from the wedding..."puke and rally" was the motto. Can you pick out who was sick????

dream conversation with a 2 year old

I had a conversation in my head with Jackson today and it went something like this:


Dearest Jackson,

I love you very much but don't really like you right now.
If it were possible to divorce your children for a short time, today might be the day I ask for it.
I sincerely do not appreciate the chunks of muffin that were thrown at my head the whole drive home from speech class.
I do not find it amusing when you laugh in my face after I place you in a time-out.
Your brother has enough bruises on his body of his own doing, he does not need anymore inflicted by you.
Please find it in your heart to take pity on my tired body that is fighting a cold, the energy you require right now is too much.
You won this battle and I will never forget for the rest of my existence on earth.

Love, Mommy

The Dam

As the summer starts to wrap up I am becoming desperate to squeeze every last ounce of fun into it.

Last night, we packed up our van at 6pm with 4 adults, and 3 toddlers to hit the road. Destination: Grand Coulee Dam.

I have to say, it was surprisingly fun. Sort of a spontaneous road trip for no purpose than to envelop our minds with all that the great state of Washington has to offer. A little dramatic, I know. Seriously though, did you know they have a lazer show every night in which the Columbia River actually talks to you like you are long lost friends? Love it. Actually, the river is the self-proclaimed reason that we won WWII. I never knew that!

School officially starts on Monday for me, and Jonn has about 2 weeks until he goes back to work (Ugg). Things are just busy getting ready for the "big move".

I promise to upload some dam pictures when I get my rugrats down for a nap!

Note to self: Take a deep breath and relax. This year is going to be better and easier, and way more fun than the last.

I have found myself literally sick to my stomach the last couple weeks with no good explanation why. Until today. I realized that the upcoming school year was making me physically ill. Just the thought of summer being over and Jonn going back to the way things were last year is enough to bring up my breakfast. I think we both definitely underestimated the amount of patience it would take to have both of us in grad school, two boys under two, one with appointments up the kazoo, Jonn working full time plus, logging hours for his internship, plus coaching two sports.

Hence, the reminder. There are so many reasons why this year is going to be better. Like...

Jonn is graduated (Thank the kind, good lord!)
Jackson is getting used to his hours at "school"
I finally, sort-of, have the hang of wrangling two kids
Only one sport this year (although we will miss the football crew!)
Moving to a house with more to entertain the boys
and a lot more that I can't think of right this minute.

See...that seems better already. Hopefully I can cut back on my Tums intake.

I know that this rant seems a little crazy considering I am a stay-home mom. But seriously. I feel like I could use a nanny/housekeeper. Probably no different from any other mom I guess. There is never enough time, energy, creativity, money, patience in the day!

I'll shut up now.

p.s. a quick shout out to my friend Julie who I know will read this because she is on dreaded bed rest with two small girls of her own to look after. I realize I sound like a big baby right now...sorry! The Covell circus is nothing compared to what you are doing right now. You are my hero!

Birthday Vote

Is Liam getting cuter everyday, or is it just me?

I was supposed to be studying, but instead took and iphoto break with this little one. His first birthday is just around the corner and we need help deciding on a theme. Does he look more like a truck guy or a monkey guy? Vote for your favorite first birthday theme!

I am an advocate...

**Just a quick disclaimer. I am not a doctor (obviously), and am only speaking from my personal perspective. I do not mean to offend, embarrass, or hurt anyone by writing this post. My purpose is to help anyone who might see themselves in a similar situation. I am not a saint, this is not always easy. But I am not embarrassed by my son at all. How could I be...he is the most adorable thing ever! (both my boys are tied)

Some of you may know that since about his second birthday we have been Jackson tested for all sorts of learning delays. He is not much of a talkative child (to say the least), so you may have noticed. We are still in the process of a lot more testing, but what we do know is that something is definately "different". Don't misunderstand me...I love my son more than he will ever know, and for that reason alone he will always be perfect to me. But, like most parents I want him to be able to experience his life through every means possible. I would love for him to be able to eat by himself. I would be thrilled if he could tell me what he wants. It would be unbelievable if he could just simply find a way to do all the things that his friends get to do. Luckily, he is a really kind, happy and loving boy. He has no clue how far behind he is, and for that I am very greatful.

This post is not really about Jack though. It is for anyone who can read. Basically, at the beginning of this roller coaster ride, I realized that there is no one in charge of Jackson...just Jonn and me. We had to educate ourselves quickly on all the possibilities from developmental delays. It was up to us to find where to get evaluations done, which therapists were the best, and what all the diagnosises mean. It is a full-time job, and has quickly developed into a team of five therapists, multiple specialists, and work from the two of us at home. We are the advocates for our son.

We are so lucky being surrounded by so many awesome friends in the teaching and therapy fields. Through their help and google (seriously!) we have been able to get him everything he needs and hopefully it will positively effect the outcome of the rest of his life. In case you or someone you may know is questioning any delay in their own kids pass along this information:

Infant Toddler Network
324-1651
Spokane Regional Health District
1101 West College Avenue, Room 240
Spokane 99201
Provides information, referral, screening, tracking, evaluation, assessment, access to therapy and Family Resources Coordination. Financial assistance may be available for these services.

Anyone can call this number to set up an evaluation for their own child just to see that they are hitting all of their milestones. It was a godsend to us, and every therapist at the initial evaluation was wonderful. The "child find" is a free service through the health district, what is there to lose? Unlike physical health problems, there is very little (almost none) guidance on what to do once you suspect your child might need some help. The Infant Toddler Network is a perfect place to start.

Some people probably think we are being a little too open about Jackson and his "issues". For us though, it is an opportunity to be an example of not shying away from people with special needs no matter how significant or insignificant they may be. For anyone who might need some support or just have questions, we are always willing to talk! The key is to get help early, the sooner the better! For our family, this is the best way we know how. To all the parents out there...please remember that you are always your child's best advocate!

Congratulations Jonn!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blogging could be considered a full-time job for some. For others, like myself, when we happen to have a free moment we post anything just to keep our families happy!