The Cars Birthday

Let me just first begin by saying, "thank you God!" I am in a stage with my kids that I just want to push the pause button on life and soak up all this goodness. The kids are all at such fun, wonderful, and hilarious stages and quite frankly there don't seem to be enough hours in the day to fit all the fun in. It helps that the weather around here has been more summer than spring like. It may be partially due to the fact that I am coming off the Spring Break high. It could be that I didn't work on Friday since I played with my kids all day. It could be that all my kids are rested, healthy, and extremely funny and happy! I feel like we are in a new wonderful chapter of life (which is part of the reason I have been so delinquent in keeping up with my blogging). We celebrated Carter's birthday on his actual birth day and then waited for this weekend for the party. We couldn't have planned it better if we'd been trying. It was absolutely fabulous outside. I had planned the party for a Friday night bc Elle was supposed to start soccer practice today but they ended up moving it back a week (so look for a soccer post next weekend) and we were also supposed to have small group today but that too was moved to Sunday. So we had two gifts this weekend Friday= Carter's party and Saturday was this beautiful wide open summerish day.
We also did not have daycare this week, thankfully, mom and dad came to help out a couple of days, Scott took off 2 mornings and I was BLESSED to take off Friday.

Friday was fun. We all packed into the van in the morning, ran Ella to school and then I got a chance to hang with the boys. We had so much fun. Carter was ecstatic to be the big kid with Ella gone and Christian was.....well.....Christian (aka sweet and laid back...mostly.) One thing I LOVE about Carter is that he is so thrilled and over joyed by ANYthing you do just for him. As I decorated the house, he kept saying, "thanks mom for doing my Cars party. This is the best." While Elle was at school, I took him into Kohl's on the off chance that we would find him an actual Cars shirt for his party. He was so cute. As we entered the children's section a salesperson greeted us and asked if there was something we were looking for. I said, as a matter of fact...then handed the conversation over to Carter. This is what ensued: Carter: " I need a W-ightening McTween shirt for my Tars Par-TEE today. I am free...years old." The saleswoman was more than tickled to take us to our destination. Shocked there was only one shirt left with "mcTween" on it (in a 5/6) but we took it. As she checked us out, she whispered to me, "he is so adorable, if I could give this shirt away, I would in a heart beat." Ahh he was so cute, so proud, and so ready to wear that shirt! It was big, but you will notice he wore it proudly to his "par-TEE!"
I must have been bitten by the bug...the go-back-and-relive-your-childhood bug. I threw my "Party to do list" out the window and had an absolutely wonderful and fun day with my kids. Since the week had been a bit on the unusual side, I had left far too many things to be done at the last minute (assuming I would have tons of time for merrymaking since I wasn't working on Friday) but I got caught up in all the fun and not having to work and the breathtaking weather so this was our day:
Drop Ella off at school. Sing Carter's favorite songs all the way to the library, take the boys to the mall, do a little shopping (not nearly as productive as when with Elle) ride the carousel, pick Ella up at school, throw caution and to-do list out the window, went to best park in the world for way too long with kids, had picnic lunch in van since we had too much fun at park and time got away from us, took the kids to Sam's to pick up party necessities (Carter almost came out of his skin when he saw the lady making his "cars cake") then couldn't resist but we ran Scott's errands and went to Meijer to pick up balloons and ice cream then headed home where I reinforced a strict nap time for all but myself and then miraculously we pulled off a SUPEr fun party! Whew, I fell asleep in the chair reading a magazine at the end of the evening. Scott scooped me up and put me in bed as if I were the three year old! Here are some shots from his party. It was so fun. If you weren't able to make it, I hope you can get a feel of the level of fun HE had.
A perfect night to play outside. Scott gets so much joy just seeing the kids enjoy the playset he put together.

Grandpa and Grandma Blackmer enjoying the kids outdoors! Hefty work, I say!

The party guy enjoying his pizza dinner on his Cars towel in the backyard.

Christian was less than thrilled with the hat! "Show me cake, people!"

One of Carter's best buddies from small group and daycare (I think he is more like a partner in crime) but we will call it best buds for now

Elle and Brooke loving the balloons
Carter and one of his favorite guys...Uncle Evan!

The thrill of gift opening!

More chaos!

The box of presents from Grandma & Grandpa Moorlag

"WOW!!!!"

my very own LEAPSTERand wheelbarrow

Christian had had enough of the life size poster so he

went into destroyer mode.

A few presents were too big to be wrapped so we did those out front.

A table for his Cars and trains from Grandma & Grandpa Blackmer and Evan and HEather

So awesome!

And.....his very own bike from Mom and Dad! (no more princess bike of Ella's for this big guy!)

Could we put a helmet on the kid?? Look at all those bruises already???

And the beloved Cake......

Christian LOVEs cake, grandpa's lucky he shares.

Weren't these guys just turning 3 not-so-long ago???Now they are sheer silliness!

Joy....and sugar fuel this smile

After the crowd leaves, we get on pjs and have a little wind down time. Which toy does he pick to 'chillax' with?? The new Leapster. Check out his focus...all the way to his toes. :)

Showing Grandpa a picture he made "just for you!"

Look at the two with their Leapsters and matching pjs....ahhh Heavenly bliss even if for just a short time!

Easter Pics continued

Here are some pictures we snapped on our beautiful Easter morning and day. Carter found his basket in the living room closet.
Ella's was in the bathroom linen closet.

The Easter Egg Hunt after church.

Over 100 eggs were hidden by the Bunny while we were at church!

Trying out his new yo-yo

Ella was thrilled with a new princess beach towel in her basket.

Easter dinner was served. Christian napped during most of it, but wisely he woke up just in time for dessert!Two more of my handsome fellas.

Enjoying the outdoors with uncle Evan

can you see the gigantic goose egg on Carter's head. Lovely.... he called it "his Easter egg" instead of goose egg!!?? What a ham.

Flying kites in the backyard. so much fun.

Bubbles with Grandma

Yet another look at the infamous "Easter egg" it makes my stomach turn just looking at it.

Easter

Easter is always such an amazing celebration. The hope and sacrifice of it all is so much to take in. We are so thankful for our amazing church and small group family. Today we celebrated by going to church this absolutely perfect spring morning, came home to over 100 Easter eggs scattered in the front and back yards, and then enjoyed a nice dinner with my parents and Evan. The day was picture perfect. The kids are at the magical stage right now. I could write, and write, and write numerous exchanges I've had with them or over heard between the two. How handsome are two of my guys in argyle?? Christian wore stripes...while he napped during the snapping of this photo.

Christian missed most of the hoopla of the first egg hunt but was just tickled with the big basket of empty eggs that were calling his name in the living room.

I often wonder what goes through the head of a 5 1/2 year old. This morning after finding her first Easter basket overflowing with spring clothes and goodies, Ella shares her thoughts with me as I am finishing getting ready:

Elle:"Mom, all the things in this basket must be really expensive."

Me: "why, I am sure you are right, let's make sure to take good care of them and be so thankful for all we have."

Elle: "Yea, I think the Easter Bunny probably works with the Tooth Fairy. You see they get lots of teeth and then ALL the money for the teeth and then go out and buy all these great things for us."

Me: "Hmmmm. Go share your thinking with your Dad!" Giggle, giggle, chuckle, wow!

On the way home from church Scott and I watched Christian fall asleep in his carseat in about 30 seconds. Then we were blessed to hear this conversation between our 3 and 5 year olds:

Elle:announcing to no one in particular "Jesus died for our sins."

Carter: "Yea, you heared that too!....First Jesus had dinner with all his friends. Then the bad guys came. Then Jesus died and everyone was sad.

Elle: "But Jesus is risen, Hallejlahua!"

Pretty amazing to hear it come from their mouths! I love Carter's version of the Last Supper. How cute!

I will post more pictures from all the fun later but I need to get ready for the busy week ahead. Wah! I know, I'm not on break anymore! I am excited for this summer and how much fun it will be. I pray everyone had a joyful holiday!

Spring Break in a nutshell

This has been a great week full of fun. I can't believe that I'd say this, but it is true....I would much rather a winter vacay instead of going somewhere over spring break. We had a great "staycation". We had a great time this week. It helped that the weather was so beautiful. We were outside everyday, had little art projects planned, and even went out for a few outings. It was nice to have unrushed mornings were the kids could lounge around, have a nice healthy breakfast, catch a few cartoons (gasps from the Grandmas...I know). It was nice. As you can see from the 2nd set of pictures, Christian is great at something our family is now calling "chill-laxing".

Ella and Carter have been nagging me to color eggs for about a month now. So we enjoyed this fun activity. I had high hopes but the dipper did not work out for Carter so he has grungy looking fingers. Oh, well!

Taking the pink dye very serious!

The watchful, helpful sis

Attempting the dipper

I lost it mom!

Adding decorations

Chillaxing

Elle was enjoying her dose of Noggin TV and Christian toddled over to her with his "baba". She picked him right up and they snuggled enjoying his morning 'milk' and cuddles.

It was so cute, he put his little feet right up on her. They were so cute! But you can see she doesn't take her eyes off the tube!

What a cutie pie. We love these new jammies Grandma! Thanks. What a great color for him.

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A giggle and a gasp

Ahh, the trials, tribulations, and joys of being a mom of a one, three, and five year old! A few moments to share that have happened this week. See if you can tell which are the giggles and which were the gasps??

While at the gym the other morning this wonderful woman who worked in the daycare came up to me and said, "your children are so beautiful. Your boys are so handsome. And so sweet. (this alone was enough of a compliment but then she proceeded to say..) and you are so young, you look like a teenager. How can you have three kids??" I am thinking that last part was due to dilermium. I was sweating like an animal and felt closer to passing out since I had just run 4 miles ....uninterupted...what's that Christian was happy enough that noone was sent to get me?? Joy!

Monday I watched my friends three kids while she went to the dentist. Yes, I was in my house with 6 children all 8 and under.....and no one was hurt. (this is both a giggle and gasp!)


Tuesday we were scheduled to have our updated family pictures taken. I have summery outfits planned and it was gray and rainy...so I cancelled.


Wednesday was beautiful (of course) and we were outside from 10:30 until Scott came home. The kids were so entertained and happy to be outside that I managed to rake more than 3/4 of our backyard....ALL.by.MYSELF! yep, feeling that one a bit today!

After the long day of playing outside, Carter fell asleep at the dinner table.

During the outdoor adventures, Ella was being a touch too bossy so I sent her inside to play by herself for a bit. While inside she exercised her freedom of speech and blossoming literacy skills and made a poster that she put on the slider. It read; No BuDE in isept Ella aND GuS. Mom HRT my Felens. and she drew a self portrait wither her dressed to the nine crying and a talk bubble that read "wau, wau".

We had a playdate today with one of Ella's little girl friends, which happens to be one of my best friend's daughter. Ella was so excited to have a 'guest'. Carter was thrilled to. I had done my best to talk to him about some special things he and Christian and I could while they had "girl time". In the van the girls were giggly and adorable and Carter wasn't getting any attention so he started being super silly and laughy. Elle whispers over to Alena, " we can just ignore my brother he is SOOOO silly!" I couldn't help myself from giggling but then it was closely followed by a gasp.... this little scenario that just played out was just a glimpse of what is to come. All the kids will be exactly 2 years apart in school and there will always be kids coming and going from the house. There will be boys annoying the older girls and boys someday gasp chasing girls! YIKES! My mind was coming up with all of these different crazy situations. So I just blocked it out and enjoyed the ride...for now.


We bought a package of the little Cuties. (tangerines) My kids have renamed them Sweeties! The name has stuck and we LOVE them. Christian, too!

Enjoying our week at home together. My brother just called and asked if he could take Ella and Carter for Saturday. SURE! Good thing his girlfriend works at a daycare. Although, I am concerned for their sanity. They want to take them to Bounce World AND Chuck E Cheese. Very intentionally...my children do not yet know these places exsist. Hmmm.....I predict that he will reconsider EVER planning a day like this again. But hey, let's let the rookie go for it. Only one question...can I bug Ella to hear all that goes on that day?? I will keep you posted.

Our 3 year old

It's official, Spring is our busy season here on the home front! That's because we have so much celebrating to do. We have so many wonderful blessings to count! Just one week after Christian turned one, we celebrated Carter's bday. He loves all things CARS....as in the Disney movie. Since we aren't having his party for a couple of weeks, we had a few things planned to make his day special. I had his place at the bar all set with Cars plate, napkin, and cup, served his favorite breakfast pancakes and topped it with a # 3 candle. He was absolutely tickled. I am sure if that was all we did he would have still been on cloud nine. He demonstrated extreme patience by not opening a gift until after dinner. Ella continuously bugged him asking if he wanted to open just one small one. His reply, "no, Dad would be so sad if he didn't see it." Ahh, such maturity in my three year old man. :)

We always let the kids pick what they want for dinner on their birthday. For some crazy reason Carter chimed in with, "Applebees." We never go here as a family however, he was determined that was what he wanted. He was so adorable, telling everyone around us that he is 'free today, because it's my very own br-f-day." You should have seen his eyes when all the waitress staff came out to sing him happy birthday and let him pick a dessert, he was in his glory.
Yep!, I'm three!..check out this nummy dessert

What a brother, he shared without even consulting mom and dad. He said, "Christian this is so 'dood you gotta have some!"
At home, we had a package waiting on the doorstep from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Carrie (perfect timing) and a few gifts from Elle and Christian. We had a flood of gifts from Christian's party and the big kids were so delighted and entertained with the one-year-olds presents. So we are waiting til the party to give him a few more.
More train tracks from little bro and sis

Christian checking out the package from MN.

A new favorite book. Aunt Carrie, you know just what I love!
Carter always says the sweetest things. He was over the moon about the cake I so sneakily whipped together while he and Ella were playing. He said, "mom, you made this just for me??? Wow thanks! I really like the sprinkles!" He had so much fun blowing out the candles and making the most precious wishes:

Blow out the candles..." I wish, I wish, I wish for the King race car.

Light, blow out, #2: I wish, I wish, for a magnifying glass...of my own.

Try #3: I wish for mommy's hair (????)

#4: I wish for A Leapster.

He was so cute so I just kept re-lighting the candles. Priceless.

Christian was in love with yet another card...from Ryan and Carrie

We let the kids stay up a little late, not in hope's that they would sleep in or anything, because heaven's knows that CAN"T happen at our house. We did it just so we could enjoy all the fun. Birthday's are so fun. Just think what fun it would have been if both boys had been born on their original due dates....April 11th...Grandpa Moorlag's birthday. I still marvel at the fact that both Carter and Christian were predicted to be born on the same day. Hmmm! Well mom and I share our birthday so i guess it wouldn't have been that odd. Right now we are in the middle of a great Spring vacation. Knock on wood, everything has been going smooth. Which has me really excited for the fun summer ahead.