oops... he did it again

Happy New Year! I am proud(?) to say my husband went out tonight looking like this. Blue leisure suit, cowboy boots, and the best part-my Junior High Cheerleading Squad portrait t-shirt. OH MY! He is feeling pretty sexy. I certainly don't have to worry about him getting ANY attention at the bars tonight. And the leisure suit isn't the only reason why. Todd and his other college buddies stuck in their adolescences not only dress like this, show up to all the DM hot spots on a party bus they have been doing beer bongs on(remember those-funnels and a tube), but then they proceed to let off stink bombs(yes-I said stink bombs) and laugh hysterically at every one else's expense. They dance with groups of single women on the dance floor and top the night off with Barry Manilow karaoke(they all have routines). Last year I witnessed this madness and that is why I am home right now, ready to pop in a movie and actually enjoy myself. Todd is sure to have a wonderful night. He'll be home at 3:00am to tell me about it. He'll come home(don't worry he always takes a cab), he'll have to call me from the front yard because he has forgotten the garage code, he will sneak in the door giggling to himself about all the nights shananigans, snuggle up into bed, start telling me about all the pranks and people they pissed off, and then fall asleep in 2.2 seconds. I, on the other hand, will spend the rest of the night awake thanks to awesome pregnancy insomnia.
I am glad Todd has so much fun with his buddies. This whacked out night is the equivalent to my nights out with girlfriends drinking wine, talking hair and clothes, with a big piece of chocolate cake at the end(needs to happen more!). I will ultimately get the last laugh when I send the kids in to wake him up around 9:30am. He will be suffering for days I am sure.
So Happy New Years everyone. I hope you are spending the evening exactly where you want to be just like me :)

Funnies by Holden

-After getting off the phone with my friend Corie today, Holden asked me how she was. I said she was good and getting ready to have her baby in a few weeks. We have been talking a lot about babies lately. I try to tell him honestly how they are born(not made) and that kind of stuff. I thought he was beginning to understand until later in our conversation about Corie. I said something about scheduling the babies delivery and he replied in a very surprised voice-YOU MEAN THEY COME IN A BOX!?

-The kids have heard me talking a lot lately about wanting a Wii for Christmas(Todd thinks it's crazy and refuses to get it). the following conversation is one Holden had with one of the neighbors.

Kristen: Holden are you ready for Christmas?
Holden: Yep!
Kristen: What's your mom asking for this year from Santa?
Holden: Weed

for the birds

Holden is crazy for our Advent calendar. This year I tried to get a little more creative and put notes, projects, and little gifts in the slots rather than just sweets. Surprisingly he likes the projects more than the chocolates-who knew. On Sunday we covered pine cones with peanut butter and bird seed, and hung them on the trees outside. We don't want to forget about our little feathered friends this time of year.

Finishing up on the last of my little craft projects I wanted to get done for Christmas. I have found that my favorite decorations I bring out every year are often the ones I have made. It is fun to think that next year I will frame a picture with another little rug rat in it. Oh my gosh-I love those shining faces!

I had been searching for an ornament kit this year and was so sad that Basic Grey(scrap brand) didn't have anything this year. BUT, was fortunate to come upon a blogger that has lots of fun ideas. She made the round ornament from playing cards, which I plan to do for next year after I buy a smaller round punch. Here are the links to her blog for directions, pictures and more ideas. I think you'll like her.

http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/handmade-holiday/http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2007/11/handmade-chri-1.html

Here is a peak at what my brain looks like while I am crafting. It's no wonder I never actually scrapbook-the process would be too painful. This desk will look like this until January 1st. I guess I just have to accept that I'm a spreader when it comes to getting creative(you should see the floor). I think a lot of people(Cory) may be surprised by this. You may be familiar with my clutter phobia, but anything goes in this room.

For Mom

My mom and I talk a couple times a week a lot of times about decorating, traditions, and food. Since we won't be together for the holidays, sharing pictures is a great way to feel apart of the celebration. So here is what our Christmas tree looks like Mom :)

GIVING THANKS-family

Erin and Jane

Nancy, Olivia and Holden getting ready to chow down!

We spent Thanksgiving in Kansas City(love that city) with Todd's Dad and stepmother Jody, along with her kids and their families. Bruce and Jody are awesome. I think I've blogged before about how I love to visit their house because they take such good care of us. It is one place I can actually relax and the kids have enough to entertain them that they don't cause problems. Not everyone is pictured, but Jody has four kids, plus grandkids-it is a big group. Being the youngest of a family with much older sisters, I always wanted that feeling of lots of people around at holidays, the way it looked at other houses and it never happened. I think that is why I love to visit their house especially at Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for having such a nice family to be a part of.

fun

Jody's granddaughter Erin is like a rock star to the boys. Little Asher especially gets weak in the knees around her. She is a great girl-the kind that makes you want to be 20 again(not all young girls make me feel this way, some make me happy to be far from it). She goes to the University of Vermont and is excited about life and that is fun to watch.

We went to Science City while in KC. The boys were happy to get diggin' for dinosaurs.

I think they are going really fast. Hold on little dude! Holden's driving mantra is "put the pedal to the medal". Wonder who he takes after?

finds

Jody took me to a local antique mall. A seriously beautiful one, it made the Armadillo look junkie. It was like music to my eyeballs. Jody bought me these Santas(there are 12 total-all from different countries) for Christmas. I have them on my book shelves this year, but hope to find a more special display for them next year as they are so neat all together. Loving them!

Also found a snowflake made from old fence posts. I wish my walls were painted a better color(lots of work to do in the new year) so it would show it better. It is way cute and you guessed it-I'm loving it!

Birthday Love

My Mom's birthday is in a few days, I sent her a little box I made this past weekend. It put me in the mood to get crafty for Christmas(finally!). I have also been reading a lot of blogs from really impressively crafty people. I sometimes follow links from Ali Edward's blog and then follow links from those links-it gets crazy but very inspiring. I hope to make some of the things I have seen-if I don't get to them, at least they got my wheels turning.

I would love to cover every surface in my house with modge podge glue-I love it that much :)

some progress made

I have been trying to work on the shelves in our family room. When we initially moved into this house I didn't think I could live here two minutes with this oak monster. I was determined to paint it and then decided otherwise, basically because I was scared. It would be a lot of work and could end up looking worse than the wood color. So when my sister said it didn't look bad, just tweak the tile around the fireplace, change out the gold finishes-I happily changed my plan. Although those two things still need to be done, when I started filling the shelves with some new found things I liked all of it much better. I had to borrow hard back books from my dad, and shop the Brass Armadillo a couple times, I even came upon a great shop in the East Village with all sorts of junk-I consider it aged :) Anyways here they are so far, with a couple of shelves yet to go.

the power of suggestion

I am a pathetic shopper-retailers should love me. And the grocery store should send me gifts, I buy everything. I don't know anyone who spends more on weekly groceries than I do. Today I went hungry and pregnant to the store-deadly combination. I basically filled the cart with what ever looked good. This has sorta become a habit in the last several weeks, as nothing has tasted or sounded good so when it does I jump at the chance to enjoy it. That would explain my emergency visit to the Thia restaurant, my U turn to get bagels, and my long out of the way drive for seafood gumbo to go. So I walk through the store at the will of what ever they want to sell that week. These are a few of my favorite things-for today :)

I was sooo proud of myself this year for actually planning ahead for teachers gifts. I thought it was a great idea and inexpensive too-can't go wrong with an Amaryllis. Ah yes you can...the teachers sent home a note saying they don't want gifts and if we still feel so inclined to do something to buy craft items for the class room. Although I did find it refreshing that they were honest with what they wanted and are more than likely tired of getting 80 million ugly Christmas ornaments every year, I was sad that my planning was in vain. I will more than likely have another gift to give, so maybe it won't be a total loss. Ummm Dad...Merry Christmas your getting an Amaryllis :)

I know that I am the mother of this little nugget-but I can't get over how beautiful this little number 3 is! I never had so many ultrasounds, so it is fun to see how things have progressed.

You can run, but you can't hide! Trucker can't get out of being dressed up(I make everyone do it) Doesn't he looked pissed-I'm loving it(we have that kind of relationship) A snuggly Sunday night watching movies. I'm gonna go join them!

something to remember

Marilyn Thomsen : And while it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving...
(from Ali Edwards blog)

Happy Halloween!

what's going on

I just had to share to share this picture. Todd always complains that I never put him on the blog, and I have to laugh because when I do blog about him it is always because of some silly picture. Anyways, Todd broke his glasses(obviously) and he was devastated about it. He went to get them fixed and some how came home with a free pair for me. Thanks Toddy!

No-this is not a tumor. It's a baby! I'll be 10 weeks on Tuesday. Looks like a girl to me ;)

Asher spent Saturday afternoon with Todd doing truck stuff. He is a total trucker in training, which is kinda scary to say but I guess his dad turned out ok. How about a trucker with a college education.

Happy Birthday Holden! I can't believe this little dude is 5 today. He had a great weekend full of friends, gifts and special treats. Birthday Beagle delivered all sorts of presents today. For those of you not familiar with Birthday Beagle(a tradition I snagged from Corie)he is a dog that leaves special gifts on your birthday-makes total sense to me.

Holden had a party with 11 of his closest friends(I'm crazy) at an indoor playground. The kids were awesome and it was fun to have all those little boys running around. It was without any major disasters and we didn't lose anyone's kid.

a close up for Mom

Saturday

I have a lousy cold today-bugger! It is probably the the last nice day of the year-80degrees-and all I want to do is sit and blow my little red nose. Despite my ailments, today has been a pretty productive one. I had no choice I guess. I volunteered to have a new member social at my house for MOMS Club later this week, so I had to keep myself on track. I don't want to a freak come Wednesday. The boys spent most of the morning at various neighbors houses and that gave Todd a chance to hang my barn pictures! Yippee! He did a fabulous job, they are perfectly centered and spaced. He always claims I don't appreciate how hard this sort of stuff is, but I really do. I started to measure things out and it made my head hurt even worse than it already was. So a big THANK YOU to Toddy.


this room has major work yet to be done. How long do you think it will take me to get something for all these ridiculous shelves. Good Lord people-I check books out from the library-what the heck am I going to put there. The walls are still waiting for paint, the ceiling fan needs an update, as does the fireplace. The list goes on and on, BUT I love my barns.
It just wouldn't be Fall without mums on the front porch. It is starting to look like a virtual pumpkin patch at our house. I have had to scatter them throughout our landscaping because there is no more room on the porch. Holden came home this afternoon with another. I am going to be one tired mama come carving time.
So I am making a few little things for this MOMS deal on Wednesday. I am crazy for white pumpkins. And I don't need to explain my obsession with tags-you're all well aware :) I glittered a pumpkin(Martha Stewart's line at Michaels has beautiful glitter) and have wrapped the forks and knives. These MOMS chicks don't know me that well. Chances are they will go home thinking I'm a little freaky. I'm not freaky, I'm just have a thing for paper.

changing tastes

At the gym earlier this week I spotted the spinning instructor wearing socks with the Grateful logo on them. Needless to say it brought back memories for me, as I was(for a short time) a Dead Head. He(the spinning instructor) proceeded to start the music for his class. I am no expert but it seems as though dance/rap/drums/upbeat music would be a good selection to get people moving and spinning in a class. What did he have on-Tom Petty. This too brought back memories, because after I was a Dead Head I then started to like Tom Petty, Eric Clapton-you know-old guys who used to be cool. Apparently this instructor and I were the same age and had the same taste in music-like 17 years ago! It just got me thinking about how you think life's going to be and how it actually ends up. When I was sixteen I was certain that I would be some hippie mama, driving my kids around in a VW bus and living in a commune. I wasn't a very big hippie, I was more of a wanna be hippie voyeur. I loved the Grateful Dead, went to several of their concerts(what the hell were my parents thinking) and to be perfectly honest-smoked plenty of pot(don't worry-my kids will never see this blog). I went on to love other bands, even moved to Seattle in hopes of marrying a grunge rock star(huh-that totally didn't pan out). SO what is my point? I don't have one, he just got me thinking about life and the things you love and the things that you easily give up to have other things. I wonder what this guys story is. Is he reliving his teenage adventures every time he straps on his spinning shoes and subjects his students to lame music. Does he wish that his life had turned out differently. or is that what I think would be the case if I were still listening to that music. Is he just a die hard fan, and can't part with his concert socks. Maybe I have tye-dyes packed away that I have forgotten about. Maybe I should start listening to the Dead while driving around with my kids in my 'minibus'. That makes me laugh. I think I might try it and see how it feels.

I actually had a hard time just picking one favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-EI-yid1NY&feature=related

virtual decorating

my mom needs to come and visit again because I am stuck. This is as far as I have gotten on my living room, with a lot of help. At this point I need to paint, find a rug, window coverings, and art work. All the really hard stuff, but I am happy at the direction it is going-tell me what you think mom. this is my "spot" to drink coffee and read magazines.
A great place to have my computer because I can see out the front windows when the kids are outside. Love the white buffet from the Brass Armadillo-love the Armadillo!
Red chest that I got when mom last visited-my signature piece :)
This is the fabric that I fell in love with several months ago. Mom just sent the skirt she made for my bench in the family room-adorable. Thanks mom!!

Props to Grandpops

Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Jody were here last weekend installing the workbench Bruce built for Todd(Jody wasn't installing-she was keeping me company!) It is seriously beautiful-can a workbench be beautiful? I guess it can to someone who appreciates a space to work. I'm thinking about stealing it for scrapbooking. A tall stool, a peg board and some bins-scraps heaven. I don't think Todd will be giving it up anytime soon, he is pretty happy to have a place for tools and all the projects I have lined up for him.

Asher: I can't open my eyes.
Me: It's hard getting up isn't it(scratching his back and playing with his hair)
Asher: Yep, that's why kids need mommies.

10 things I love about Kit

1. She came to visit because I have kids and it is hard for me to get on an airplane
2. She tried really hard to just smile in this picture even though it is totally against her nature(ever since I can remember she has always made silly faces for the camera. Proof-check out the next photo)
3. She always brings me outcasts from her closet that become the best treasures in mine
4. She sends me her movie rental list before she arrives
5. Sitting around the county club pool feels totally natural in her presence, in fact a cabana boy would not make the moment strange at all-we deserve to be fanned.
6. A strong drink, good nibbles and conversation is always a fantastic time.
7. She's girly. She always has time for hair talk.
8. She talks about raiding the fridge for left over pizza before bed.
9. She loves my kids and dog even when they are annoying
10. She is always incredibly generous, especially with her words.

Gubby is 3!

Asher has finally reached what he feels is "big boy" status. It seems like he has been waiting a long time to finally be three, and I can't believe it's already here. I have definitely been trying to get all the hugs I can this week. He is probably tired of all my groping, but I am trying to burn the feeling of his little arms around me into my brain forever. So, Happy Birthday to my precious big boy ninja turtle who tells me I am his beautiful princess every morning. He assures me he will fight all the bad guys that are out to get me and I believe him!

the very best part

The best part about being back home is for times like this. Being apart from my very most cherished friend Becca was always especially hard when we were celebrating our boy's birthdays. I am crying right now-I'm such a dork-but she is my sister through and through. I adore her kids and husband and really don't know what I would do without her. Thanks Bec for being you and being such a great friend to me.

Birthday Party Bliss

I only have a few birthday tricks up my sleep and I used them all for the ninja party. You've all seen these tricks before, but I just crack myself up when I do this stuff . I just never get tired of putting my kid's and dog's head in silly places(I'm easily entertained). Anyways, Asher liked them and that makes me so happy :)

The need for speed

After a very long week-Todd in Ohio and California, me holding down the fort-the boys had a chance to blow off a little steam on the lake. Why is it that boys are so different than girls? The intensity, the ego, the all around barbaric nature of these boys is almost laughable. My pediatrician once asked if I understood my husband better since the birth of my two boys. The smirk on his face said it all-no matter the age, at the core boys are all about four years old. Go ahead and try to argue it-it's impossible! I have pages of proof. But here are a few of my most favorite facts concerning the maturity of my boys and husband(love you Toddy!)

- It is always my husband who starts the basket wheelies at the grocery store
- Todd's place at the table is as dirty as Asher's
- the rev of any engine(even from a mini van) gets cheers and chants for more
- "poopie" is their favorite descriptive word
- the toy section at Target is destroyed after Holden and Asher walk the isles, but even worse when Todd is with them
- there is no such thing as watering the grass, it is just a ploy to start a water fight
- Their need to win, travel at top speed(on a big wheel, car, motorcycle, truck, office chair with wheels-what have you)make you laugh, and gross you out is how they gage whether or not it was a great day.

so my pediatrician was right, I do understand my husband better now that I have boys. It is all basic, primal stuff I wake up to every morning. Four boys(including my bossy dog) are all looking at me as I climb out of bed to face my day. Sometimes I'm not certain I will survive this(day, year, boys in general),it's guaranteed I will be exhausted, but undoubtedly entertained. As the toys whizz by my head, I am tackled to the floor and karate chopped at the knees, I am so glad that they are amazing boys(big and little) and forever grateful that I am a girl!

I'll play along

My friend Kristi challenged everyone to play this little game on her blog. Sometimes I'm not a very good sport....but I think I can do this one.
20 years ago:1988
I was getting ready to start my freshman year of high school. I remember being very nervous. what to wear, how was I going to find my way around such a huge school. That summer I had met a whole new bunch girls that had gone to the junior high across town. To say the least, they had led a less sheltered life. We were hanging out at Hardees at night(the place to meet the who's who of school), going to movies(Kyrie and I vowed to leave each other our children when we had them after watching Bette Midler in Beaches) and hanging out at the pool every stinkin' day(what a life). Freshman year ended up being a complete and udder struggle for me. I was much more interested in my social life than my school work. I had a serious boyfriend which only distracted me and there was always lots of drama. Let me just say this. In no way shape or form would I want to go back to those days. I was having fun no doubt about it, but most of the time I was struggling to keep it all together.

10 years: 1998
I had moved to Seattle on a total whim, feeling very independent and fancy free. the city was amazing and I was loving everything it had to offer. I was working for an Endodontist down town and living in a big house with several other roommates on Queen Ann Hill. I rode the bus to work, walked through Pike's Place Market over my lunch hour, and probably worked out every night. I spent countless hours walking. To the coffee shop, to the most amazing grocery stores, to the bar for a beer. My Saturday morning ritual was so completely self serving(I seem to only remember Saturday mornings with kids) I woke up(10:00?) I went for a coffee, picked up some fresh flowers, a little pastry. By noon I was ready to hit my favorite dress shop, to browse the sale rack of course, and then it was whatever else came along that day. My sister and her husband lived only three hours away and I remember feeling very happy to have family so close. My niece was one or two years old at the time and it was time with her that I truly cherished.

5 years ago:2003
Todd and I had been married for three years and we had recently bought our first house in West Des Moines. I hadn't really intended on moving back to DM but had fallen head over heals in love with Todd(we met the first time when we were 13)I was eight months pregnant and we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Holden Matthew. Todd was in sales for Housby and unfortunately starting to feel very unhappy with his job. I was working in a great dental office with my very best friend Becca, and looking forward to going part time when Holden was born.

3 years ago: 2005
Living in Cincinnati for about a year. Todd had taken a job with WorldWide as their Sales Manager and he was loving it. He was working a lot(which he secretly loves) and I was still adjusting to a new city, a new job-full time stay at home mom, and I was weeks away from having Asher Joseph. I had met some awesome moms and they were truly my saving grace. I was busy finding balance as a mom and wife, while trying to maintain some Sarah time. I was religious about the gym and playgroup! In just weeks I would experience the most overwhelming yet exhilarating experience of my life-being a mom to two little boys.

this Year:2008
Back in Des Moines. Todd working for Housby again, but this time as Sales Director for Vocon(heavy equipment auction house). Just moved into our new house after living in a rental for over 8 months. Holden is getting ready to turn 5 in the fall and will have another yer of preschool. Asher will be 3 shortly and I am looking forward to snuggling with him all winter long while we are at home together. I will surely be unpacking for another 6 months(ugg) and for the moment I am just enjoying our new neighborhood and new friends that we all have made.

Yesterday:Monday
Went to the gym in the morning. the boys played outside with their friends. Wrote out bills, balanced checkbook, scheduled appointments, finished book, ran a few errands without killing my children in the store :) Watched E! news and the opening monologue of Chelsey Lately(my favorite show)and finally went to bed before 11:00pm-didn't sleep very well, need to see the Chiropractor.

Tomorrow:Wednesday
Have appointment with upholstery guy, put debating on removing skirt from our new chair. Working out at some point is a must. Boys are going over to Grammy's house at 3 so I can run to the mall without them! Hopefully finding a pair of jeans that doesn't make me look like I just came out of the junior department(could they get any lower?).

Next year
Todd will most likely be traveling and loving his job even more. Holden will be getting ready to start kindergarten-can I get an amen! Asher will be starting preschool. We hopefully will have spent another summer doing what we do best-playing. I will hopefully be on my way to learning something new-knitting, quilting etc..and will have done some scrapbooking(maybe this will be the year?) I honestly have to say that I hope we are well on our way to having #3, although my husband isn't fully on board, lets hope he hops on the baby train :) Regardless, I know that next year and every year to follow we will love each other even more than the day before, and praise God for all he has entrusted to us.

6 great things that happened this past week

1. Holden is riding his bike without training wheels. He has turned into a total dare devil which is scary to watch, but I am so pleased to see his new found confidence.
2. Asher and I started to plan his third birthday party. The park shelter has been reserved and his favorite part so far is the van cake tin we just received from ebay. Wish me luck on the decorating.
3. I finally found a chair for my living room. We went to a furniture store in Boone(a small town about 30 minutes away) and the chair was like on clearance and then some. I was giddy. I think the original price tag said 999.00(ridiculous) and the sale price was 179.00-hip hip hooray! it needs a little tweaking-the tailored skirt MUST be removed-but for that price I can do tweaking.
4. Todd finished the main floor bathroom for me. He hung the new light fixture, put the cabinet back together(I painted them white)and put the nobs on. I just have to paint the molding to go around the mirror.
5. We had a chance to have dinner with Grammy and PaPa on Wednesday. We celebrated Grandpa Frank's birthday at the Tavern on Thursday. And on Friday we visited Becca and the boys in Stuart.
6. We made it to church on time. This never happens. We are the worst at getting out the door. My usual idea of "on time" is pulling out of the drive way at the time I am supposed to be arriving. It has been an impossible habit to break. But this morning we were actually early and we didn't have to kill each other doing it.

just an Iowa girl

I had been searching for barn pictures for a while and mom and I finally stumbled upon some. I was in love instantly. Ever since we had moved to Cincinnati I was in love with farms. Maybe just the Iowa girl in me was missing home, or I was inspired by Joanie's farm in back of us. Not sure, but I had developed a new passion for cows and red barns. These are still hanging in the store-I have a couple months to pay them off. The artist who painted them hardly wanted to let them go, she practically was in tears. I assured her that I would take very good care of them. And when my husband takes me across the country for yet another job(inevitable), I can take a little more Iowa with me.