Look what I can do!

NonaJane has been busy. Busy learning that is. She has learned that she can do this...

"What's mom hiding from me in this drawer?"

"I'll get in here myself thank you"

stools come in so handy!

Why is this not working mom?

or if she decides to play in the toilet than she gets to do this :)

This weekend I didn't hover over my zealous and curious little girl. I ignored some of my 'motherly instincts' and it was pretty cool.   "don't eat the dirt!" "don't play in the toilet" "don't lick the shopping cart!" are all pretty natural statements to come out of my mouth.   I feel it is my responsibility to prevent her from trying these things  (though NonaJane has done them all...some are more pressing issues than others. But that is neither here nor there).  But this weekend I took a laid back approach, and let NonaJane explore the great outdoors.  It was fascinating watching the gears turn in her head, and boy did she have fun.

All rocks were fascinating to her... they were fun to bang, and drop, throw, and lick.  At first I panicked that she might choke on one, but then when I watched her I quickly realized that she had no intentions of eating them. She just wanted to taste them all, and would spit them out once she got all the yummy dirt off of them :)

 Tasting one bad stick did not mean that ALL sticks were bad.   Weeds however, these were rejected after the first bad taste.  

Our little girl is entering such a FUN phase in life! Everything is new to her. Everything is intriguing, and amazing. She is so full of joy, and we are so thankful for her EVERY DAY!  The other day Jack looked at Adam and said "I sure do LOVE my baby sister"  

We do too Jack :)

I think she looks like me here...

Jack's still cool... in case you were wondering

hiking up the backside of the dam at El Dorado lake

Enjoying some time at the park with Mom

riding scooters with his cousin Emma

Jack is as cool as ever, and seems to be growing up  before our eyes. He is so observant, and seems to absorb everything that goes on around him.  He is constantly challenging Adam and I with tough questions, and thinking about things that seem much too deep for his years.  For example, the other night we were reading the book "Love You Forever." In the book the little boy grows up, and eventually moves out to his own home.  Jack teared up and looked at me and said "But Mom I don't want to move out! I want to stay with you and Daddy!" No fear Jack, I promise you don't have to move out until you really want to :) Which unfortunately will be A LOT sooner than I am ready for.  He also tells me that he loves me, even when I act crazy and yell at him. I think he is going to become a pretty amazing young man. Some little girl out there will become very lucky someday... this I am sure.

riding his bike at Great-Grandma's

 I think everyone who knows him is aware that his language and cognitive skills are just about thru the roof (at least we think so!). But what I may not have mentioned is that from birth, Jack has never been the strongest.  Always at the bottom of the weight charts, and content to sit back and relax. He didn't attempt to kill himself with daring stunts on a daily basis like his baby sister does. He was just a calm, sweet and easy baby.  His dedication to puzzles and books didn't exactly boost his motor skills! The most significant weakness has always been in his left leg.  To this day he struggles to step up a stair with his left foot, and uses his right leg for kicking, jumping, and climbing.  So this Spring I made it my goal to focus on helping him improve some of his gross motor skills. I started letting him "exercise" with me at the gym for the first 15 minutes (we run laps together and play with some of the balls and jump ropes etc.) I also found that some of the local gymnastic gyms hold "open gyms" on different days thru out the week.  Jack loves going to the 'tumbling gym',  but I really have to push him to try some of the harder stuff. He be-lines it for the toddler push cars, tricycles, and tumbling mats... I make him try the balance beams, trampolines, climbing walls, etc.  He informs me that "this looks dangerous","I don't want to go too fast mom", or "boy, I hope I don't fall!"  But he is such a perfectionist and a people pleaser that he is always willing to try.  I told him to practice going up the stairs with his "lefty".  If he forgets he will go back down to the bottom and start over using his "LEFT" foot all on his own accord :)   I think the extra effort has been worth it, because he is becoming much more independent on his bicycle and scooter.  He would still rather ride in the stroller, or read a book...and that's all right by us.

Jack labeled the birthday cards by himself

In case you were thinking about coming over...

Have you ever re-rolled toilet paper? It's not that easy...

When you come to my house, don't expect nice toilet paper.  At best you can hope for toilet paper that has been nicely rolled BACK up onto the dispenser. Sometimes I'm too lazy to do that and you find it sprawled all over the bathroom floor.  Either way I am WAAAYY to cheap to throw out the toilet paper that NonaJane has attacked. At worst you might get a few squares that she took some bites out of. It all wipes the same I think.

I've given up on stopping her. And instead decided to photograph it.

If you want to watch a DVD... well I don't know why you would do that because we have netflix, cable, and a smart TV... BUT if you did, don't expect nice DVD cases. Because these are a real delicacy for NonaJane. That forbidden item that is just SOOOOO good to chew. Why?? I have no clue. But they all look like they have been mauled by a puppy. Nope, just the Nona Monster.
And finally, if you are expecting to sit down for dinner in our dining room. Think again. our "den" has turned into an explosion. Toys no longer belong in their baskets or on the shelves. They belong dispersed across the floor. Along with the tupperware, the dirty silverware from the dishwasher, and every marker from Jack's craft supplies.

The usual state of our "den"

The amazing thing... NonaJane can accomplish all of these tasks at lightning speed. Multiple times a day and she seems un-phased by my endless attempts to put everything back. If anything, she is humored :)
But we would still love to have you over. NonaJane is very entertaining, and kind to our guests.  She hasn't bitten a single one! (she saves the love bites for me)

No meal is complete without rubbing it thru our hair!

The invites for NonaJane's birthday party!!!

Camping out at Great-Grandma's

Jack and Great Aunt Linda

The kids and I headed down to Joplin last weekend to help Great Grandma and Aunt Linda out around their home.  Without Grandpa Jack it has left the all-female household a bit overwhelmed.  Who is to mow the yard? Hoe the flower beds? Fix the microwave, repair the porch railing, and change out the lightbulbs in the closet??? Grandma had made a nice "honey do list" for Adam, his Dad and brother Ryan.  We decided to make it a family weekend, and all headed their way.
I came up with the lovely idea to make it a 'camping' trip at the same time. Adam had been wanting to pop-up the camper to check it over from the winter (i.e. cross our fingers and hope that mice didn't move in, crap on everything and chew holes thru our cushions).  Plus Jack gets super excited anytime we mention using the camper.  AND, I had my own selfish reasoning.  Taking the camper meant that we would get our own comfy queen size bed, and for some reason NonaJane sleeps AMAZING in the camper. (I think it is the constant humming of the air conditioner and the swaying of the camper from the breeze).  Plus nothing is better for me than 'camping' that involves a house with a kitchen and bathroom no more than 10 steps away :).

Training Jack early...

Well we got lucky, and when Adam popped up the camper it looked just as good as it did when we closed it up last Fall! He did a thorough scan of each cupboard (opening the doors with an outstretched arm, grimacing, and fully expecting a herd of mice to jump out at his face at any moment.  What is a group of mice called???  I dunno but I think a 'herd' of mice sounds good.) Anyhoo, it didn't happen. So that is good.

Sue, Aunt Linda, the kids and I headed out for a walk to enjoy the day

The boys were very efficient, and I believe they completed the entire checklist... but if the household is anything like ours then the list will most likely just keep growing and growing and growing...

Happy Easter! 2013

We celebrated Easter at home this year, just Adam myself and the kids.  The Crabb family is waiting until the end of May to celebrate Easter because Mark (my brother) Katie and the kids will be in town.  (Wonder what Jesus thinks of that... we celebrate on our own timeline.."he has risen!" yes, but can you hold on until May, we would like to hunt easter eggs and smash eggshells over each others head in May. Thaaaannnkss.)

NonaJane managed to bite thru the plastic sleeve... are we surprised?

We were going to head down to Valley Center and celebrate with Adam's family instead... but didn't. Had a few too many candles burning at home and didn't want the place to go up in flames. (i.e. basement renovations, NonaJane's room makeover, and some other errands of utmost importance). Anyhoo, we spent the following weekend with Adam's family at his grandparents home in Joplin so it all worked out.

Adam and I surprised the kids with their easter baskets on Friday morning (because we are TERRIBLE at keeping gifts and surprises.)  There was really no reason to give them early other than we were excited. So they were really Good Friday baskets. Though it seems odd to give your children a basket of candy and delightful treats to honor the day that our sins nailed Jesus to the cross.  Hmmm... didn't really think that one thru.

First time dying easter eggs

Jack seemed to really catch on/understand the story of Jesus this year. He learned about it at Awana's and told me all about how "the bad people killed Jesus on the cross. They put the crown on him and it made him bleed and it hurt. He died, and they put him in a cave.  Then he came ALIVE and everyone was happy."  He told me that Jesus really likes Easter :)  I know he learned this at Awana's and not at Sunday school, because I threw a fit at church and wouldn't let Jack attend Sunday school. The director of children's ministries wouldn't let Jack go in the 3 year old room.  He missed the September 1st cut off by 8 days. I explained to her that I prefer he work ahead rather than be held back. But apparently she feels that the cut off date is a law, or some form of legal contract. So I am a bit bitter...

Hard at work

But that is neither here nor there (i'm on a roll with using that saying!)

the final product :)

Hunting Easter Eggs

Back to Easter. After church we headed out to the yard to discover that the Easter Bunny had stolen all the eggs from the kids basket and dispersed them all over our yard! Jack got a kick out of it, and NonaJane really enjoyed shaking the eggs like maracas. Jack then informed us that after each meal he "should have 2 eggs, but just 2, and only after eating a good meal". What a smart little boy. I on the other hand was like an easter bunny bandit. Stealing candy from the eggs every time I walked by. Unfortunately this meant all the easter candy was gone by Tuesday... but Jack didn't seemed too bothered. He doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, guess he takes after his Daddy!

Next year NonaJane... then you'll be hunting Easter Eggs too :)

Apple'd out

I haven't been able to blog for the past month because our laptop quit working. It wasn't too much of a shocker. We purchased it 5 years ago, and it was basically the cheapest laptop that Nebraska Furniture Mart carried. It had been pretty fickle the whole time we owned it.
Back in October we purchased an iPad, and have absolutely loved it. Last month we went ahead and replaced both our cell phones with iphones... and were very pleased. So when the laptop bit the dust, we seized the opportunity and bought ourselves a new iMac! We have completed the apple circle, and our bank account has a bit of a dent in it now :) but that is neither here nor there (I think I might make it my mission to see how many times I can work that saying into my blog posts...)
ANYHOO, we are both excited to learn about our new apple systems, figuring out what all they are capable of doing. So maybe we will see some improvement in my blog posts too???

Gone Crazy.. be back soon

I think I'm going crazy. Slowly... slowly but surely. And I don't seem to be able to do anything about it.     When I was a little girl, I thought my Mom acted crazy (no worries Mom, I'm going somewhere with this).  She would 'happy'  cry at weird times, would randomly give us tight hugs and express her exuberant love... but earlier in the day was screaming at us to "stay out of the bathroom for 20 minutes so I can get ready!"

How lucky am I?... VERY :)

 Well, now I too find myself going from calm and serene, to crazy in the blink of an eye. And I know why. My perfectionism is coming thru in my parenting. Being a mom puts you in a constant battle to accomplish the impossible. To be sweet and loving, yet firm and consistent.  To manage the daily tasks of adulthood, yet make time for play.  I am constantly reminding myself to be 'present' and soak in every moment with my children. Wanting to be grateful and aware of their childhood slipping thru my fingers... YET I still want to keep the house clean, do the laundry, go to work, etc.  It is an impossible balance. When I  keep the house perfect, I spend my day so busy that I go to be feeling as if I forgot to ENJOY Jack and NonaJane.  And I feel GUILTY.  But if I forgo some of my usual 'chores' and spend extra time soaking in the moments... the house goes to hell in a hand-basket, we're out of underwear, and eating cereal for dinner (well, cereal for dinner is a pretty normal thing around here regardless...but that's not the point)  AND I still go to bed GUILTY. If I forget to take pictures of an activity I feel disappointed, but when I experience life from behind the camera lens sometimes I miss out on the moment.
So when you feel like your constantly living on this narrow fence always stepping your foot off to one side or the other, constantly grappling and grasping to climb back up... you realize that you have gone crazy trying to be PERFECT.

Could NonaJane be ANY FUNNIER in this picture? HAHA

But you know what Mom, in my eyes you were perfect. Because you Loved me, you cared for me. You were always there. Do I have fond memories of your crazy moments... yes. Will my kids have fond memories of my crazy moments... YES. Because that is who WE are Mom. You and I are two peas in a pod.  Two wonderfully, loving, hard-working crazies.
Jack and NonaJane, when you are old enough to read this. Please know that I have gone crazy because I love you so much. Because I try too hard. I expect myself to do everything for you... and will continue to do this for...
"I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my babies you'll be" - 'Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch

Have I told you how Awesome ADAM is?

Before

Notice the very LARGE space framed in for the TV... sneaky Adam. Very sneaky

Look at the progress on our basement!  I don't think this is your typical "do it yourself" kind of basement finish.  Adam seems to be a pro at this, and never ceases to impress and amaze me with what he seems to be able to do. In my head I was imagining some walls, carpet, and a bathroom.  But Adam has been adding closets, built-ins, a bar, and isn't missing any opportunities to make use of every space.  We have been stealing ideas off of pinterest, and making some great deals off of craiglslist (like this wine cooler that we purchased for $25!). Boy nothings more exciting than a good deal!  And my special trick for not freaking out at the cost of construction??? Just don't go with Adam when he buys all the materials! Simple. :)  Until it comes time to pay the credit card bill... hmmmm

Adam's work buddy, taking a cookie break :)

preparing for the BIG birthday!

It's already APRIL which means our little NONA MONSTER is turning ONE next month :) CELEBRATION time!!! Seeing as she attempts to give me a heart attack nearly everyday, I'm just hoping to present her in one piece for her special day.
Last week I caught her escaping thru the baby-gate at the top of the stairs. She was crawling down the stairs HEAD first with what seemed to be complete control. But my heart nearly exploded when I looked up and saw 2 little baby feet poking out from over the top stair.  Then a few days later she attempted to swallow the hooked end of a metal hanger. Probably the scariest day for me as a parent EVER. She literally had the entire head of the hanger in her mouth, and it was STUCK. Thank heavens Adam was home... I really do not know what I would have done.  Adam had me hold her down while he steadily worked to finagle the hanger out of her mouth/throat/gums/ whatever it was stuck on. I had to keep audibly telling myself to "calm down" , meanwhile I was imagining the hanger fish-hooking thru her esophagus, blood, surgery, and all worst case scenarios. In the end I think she just had a sore mouth for a day or two, and seems to be doing fine.
So... we will do our best to keep her shenanegans under control, and stay tuned as I am planning a pretty cool MONSTER themed birthday party for our precious little monsterette.
(p.s. Just today I caught her chewing on a screwdriver, and crawling around with an entire refrigerator magnet in her mouth.  So things are still a bit sketchy around here...)