Memories On Monday

This was a strange phone call. This morning I was called from Bremerton Naval Hospital about our Overseas Screening. It seems that the paperwork (that I thought was finished and squared away), remained unsigned because I hadn't completed all the squares. I had left vacant the Occupation/Employer box for myself and the kids....... seriously?
I explained that I didn't work, so I got an "Oh, you just stay home then?" and then he proceeded to ask about the kids...........I had to explain "Yaaaa, they're seven, four, and nine months......so they are just doing the kids thing...."
I'm choosing to not take offense, or to think that this guy is majorly retarded......instead I'm going to think that after meeting me....he thought I was so cute......he must be trying to call, as often as possible (even with stupid questions), just for the chance to talk with me.......Ya that's the direction I'll go with it.

Anyways, the whole thing did make me think. I thought back to the last time I had an 'Official' title. It wasn't fancy, or a life-long dream being fulfilled (Library Technician), but it was a box filler. I remember half-heartedly convincing myself that after I had Max, I would for sure go back to that job.. it payed well, a quiet atmosphere, wasn't stressful.. ....... and I remember two minutes after having Max, I knew I could never leave him for eight hours a day.
I also remember trying to convince Mark to be excited about my choice to stay home.


Every single day, I am grateful that I had that choice. That within a month, Mark was excited about me being home, and that I have not missed a moment with my kids.
I do just stay at home, Thank goodness!

Photostory Friday.........on Saturday

My Friday kinda ran away from me........ but I'm excited about the idea so I figured better late than never.
Photostory Friday (If you haven't checked out the link) is a little blogging idea, where you share a picture you've taken and the story behind it............you also post your blog address on the host site with other like minded folks and can read about their pictures.
I love the idea help.....sometimes when you can blog about anything......you've got nothing (stumped). So organizing specific themes on days of the week might be helpful. I think I'll do a 'Memories on Monday' too.
Anyways, for my first Photostory I chose this one......... and I'll tell you why.
First off I didn't take this picture, Mark did, so maybe it shouldn't count, but this picture was a big turning point in my family picture taking philosophy, and I felt it was important.
I really wanted to have some maternity pictures this last time around (these were taken almost exactly one year ago today), and because I hadn't allowed any photographs with the previous two........ there was always a huge gap in the nine month window.
The thing is though, when your pregnant, or at least when I'm pregnant.....I never felt like getting fixed up and just taking pictures, so waiting around for the mood to strike wasn't working. It came down to just getting it over with before my face got to puffy.
This particular day I just wasn't feelin it......in fact I was starting to get down right grouchy. Mark was trying his best, but every single angle he was going for, was unflattering and making me annoyed. I started to get snappy, itchy, uncomfortable, and mean.
You can't tell it from the pictures though........they turned out pretty cute.
But for me the behind the scenes story is ever tainted with my nasty attitude. I vowed NEVER AGAIN! What's the point of fun family pictures, if your memories attached to the pictures don't match up........so from this point forward if the picture taking isn't fun or becomes a negative distraction, then I'm just putting the camera away.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

'Toe-dipping' Into Sushi

Our kids aren't the most adventurous eaters.....you could say Max is a 'White Bread' kid. (Those that have seen him in action know what I'm talking about)
For family night out, Mark and I decided it might be a good idea to do some 'toe-dipping' into Japanese cuisine.
We had to keep it a surprise, so Max wouldn't start to panic in the car........"Do they have a kids menu? Do they have Macaroni & Cheese? What can I eat?..tears...lip quiver...tears....
They actually surprised us though....the idea of chopsticks won them over (I think Kung Fu Panda might have had something to do with it). They were up for the challenge.

A worried look crossed Max's face as he perused the menu.....he didn't recognize anything........couldn't find any white fish or chicken.....definitely no Mac & Cheese.

And when the Sushi sampler arrived the look of panic set in....."Are you going to make me eat this?"
They were happy to realize that 'Noodles' are about the same as 'Pasta' and veggies are the same everywhere.
Lillian rocked the chopsticks! She's awesome and so easy to take out.....

Max did find something he loved.....

White Rice!

Hot Magenta Girl!

Every mother needs a little girl.....
a little girl that will pick out 'Hot Magenta' and want to go twinsies!

I love that crazy 'vegas style' girl of mine!

Photostory Fridays!

So I got a little buzz on a fun blog idea...... for all my budding photography friends out there it's perfect....go check it out!
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Forcin' The Love

This experiement proves you can't force the moment.
So I had big plans for some cute valentines, a vision....an inspiration?
Why does the end product never match the dream? I know it's possible, just not with my kids.
After torturing Tobias with Angel wings (and a three foot distance from his mommy)...I gave up and figured a nine-month old is an unrealistic model.
But pinning any hope on the older two wasn't a better plan. Here is how that went..... Awkward... Ewwwwee
double ewwwwwwe
more awkward not cute
and I give up...it's time for school!
Turns out the only keeper shot was Tobias after all .......he is an angel!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Cupid Came In May..........

The little stinker fell straight from Heaven and made me fall in love with Him!

Mastering An Art

Back when Max was two, (and he finally had enough hair to need one), I decided I could give him a haircut. I liked to idea of being self-sufficient....and really, a lifetime of haircuts would add up....so I should learn how to do it. How hard could it be....?

Without further instruction (and going with my instincts) I started chopping away....this is my interpretation of a 'bowl' cut...it was kind of an accidental style I settled on because I didn't have any idea how to fade gradually.
One of my friends neighbors dared to say "Oh poor Max and his homemade haircut....maybe I should take him to the Barber for you".

At the time, I had the nerve to be insulted. It didn't look that bad did it.....? Upon reflection, I realize she had a point. But luckily a two year old isn't going to hold the trial and error process against you.

I'm also leaving out the DRAMA.......the itchy complaints and misery...."ouuuuuch, ouuuuch, the clippers are hurting me.......and I'm soooooo itttttccchyyyyyy!
It only took seven years, but we've had a breakthrough.

Not only have I sorta mastered the fade......but no crying or screaming too...? I've got a happy customer at last! Now maybe Mark will let me touch him up....

Take a Listen.........

So this is a strange thing to blog about, but I'm stumped.
I'm rockin' out to a new assortment of tunes Mark uploaded to my gym shuffle......and on pops this song. Is this about Jesus? I totally think it is! Mark says Finger Eleven isn't a Christian rock band.......but I've been listening to several other songs they sing and a whole lot of them sound like a guy struggling with his testimony. Am I imagining things? Crazy? Take a listen and tell me what you think......

A Pink Bundle of Cuteness!

Do you have those nights, when you've tucked the kids into bed and turned out the lights............only to check back an hour later and find that there was a lot of action going on after the fact.
I'm not quite sure what the backstory was, or how this came about......but it was adorable.