A Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, there was a little boy and little girl who loved the outdoors. Loved it! They would stay outside all day if their mama would let them.

Unfortunately for them, their mama did not really like it. She enjoyed air conditioning and disliked bugs. She did not like to get dirty and would rather not have to bathe her dirty children.

When she was a little girl, she played inside. She ran hotels, assisted top executives, was a short-order cook at a crazy busy McDonalds, and played Math Bingo. Outside wasn't a big draw.

But nothing made mama happier than seeing her children smile and squeal at the simple things in life. So she let them play in mud puddles, eat rocks, and turn gray from gravel dust.

In law school, however, she learned the art of negotiation. Thinking that a fun but clean alternative may provide a winning distraction to the mess, mama advocated for a swingset for Eveley's birthday present. (She had to put up a pretty big fight against the case for the sandbox .)

But mama won.

It began as this.

With some help from wonderful friends, a little help from Eveley and Caleb, (and no help from the directions), the project was completed at 1:30 in the morning.

Tired from the exhausting day, mama laid in bed dreaming of the fun and clean summer days they would now experience. Then, in the midst of her deep sleep at 6 a.m., she heard a loud noise. Miss Eveley began screaming, "My playground. My playground!" She had peeked outside her window and could see the finished product glistening in the rising sun.

Mama heard some sounds of velcro and loud footsteps running down the stairs. This set off the burglar alarm which convinced mama it was time to get up. Eveley ran out the door wearing her pajamas, shoes on the wrong feet, and a huge smile. Mama shuffled behind her and grabbed the camera to record this historic day.

So, this week has been full of outside picnics, sibling bonding time, and many smiles and squeals.

Miss Eveley's favorite part?

the baby swing, of course.

Mr. Caleb's favorite part?

the cookies

Mama's favorite part?

This.

And they lived happily ever after.

Almost.

Summer Lovin

Summer is here. Maybe not officially. But this weekend brought hot temperatures and good ole' humidity. So we headed to a fun sprinkler park for the kids (which happens to be at an awesome outdoor mall nearby -- there is an architect genius out there somewhere).

We busted out the bikini (or zucchini, as Eveley calls it)

the sunglasses

and had an awesome day.

Eveley discovered the coins in the fountains and couldn't quite understand the concept of leaving valuable money at the bottom. She knows these "coinies" buy gum and skittles in the vending machine so it took a lot of convincing to get her to leave them there.

The first of many fun summer days to come.

Parenting 101

Tonight I kick off my first in a series on Parenting Tips/Techniques. These are little tidbits that I don't want to forget in case we are blessed with more children. And maybe I'll even help out a few likewise struggling parents. (I hope you can sense my sarcasm...)

Don't let these sweet, clean faces fool you.

First bit. Postpone the potty training venture until you are both ready. Don't be pressured to start early just because everybody else is doing it. If your daughter is the only one in her class still wearing a diaper, don't sweat it.....even if she does look like a five year old. I'm just saying. It's really nobody's business.

Because, just as you already knew, they will learn to use a potty when they are ready. You probably don't have to worry about your child walking across the stage to accept her high school diploma wearing diapers. It's just not gonna happen.

Do yourself (and your child) a favor. Assess your situation. Do you have the time or patience to teach them? Do they have the attention and interest to learn? If so, by all means, knock yourself out. But if they're not ready, it's no big deal.

Eveley is very tall for her age and is often mistaken for being much older than she is. So I have gotten some "looks" from people when they saw her in a diaper or when I had to stop and change her. But she was only 2. Sure, maybe she was 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 but she was only 2. I didn't sweat it. I believed it was easier to lay her and Caleb down at the same time and knock out the diaper changing than cleaning up soiled britches and floors all day.

So, we waited until March. We talked about it for a while, bought Dora and princess panties, made a sticker chart, and bought lots of jelly beans. And now she's potty trained! She even naps in her panties. I'm so proud of her (and me) and can't belive we've reached this new milestone.

Second thought. I would also suggest that you postpone teaching your kids to talk. Eveley is a very verbal bird. Not only does she have a remarkable vocabulary, but she has also picked up quite a few mannerisms and gestures that I did not teach her. With her ability to talk, comes her ability to embarass me.

Case in point:

We were at church on Sunday and the service was getting ready to start. I had met a new middle-aged couple that was visiting the church and Eveley was out in the hallway with Bob. He came to tell me that Eveley had just ducked into the bathroom and that I should go check on her.

I walked into the ladies room and called for her.

"Eveley, are you okay?"

"Yes, mom. I just did a stinker!" she excitedly told me.

"That's great. I'm so proud of you." I told her as she exited the stall. Just then, another lady came out from the adjoining stall. She was the guest I had just met.

"That lady just did a stinker too, mom. And it was disgusting."

Doubt the couple will be there next Sunday.

Third tip. Let your kids be kids.

A Fairytale

I've been married for nearly 7 years. And I absolutely LOVE weddings. I love the details, the possibilities, the creativity. So I have been looking forward to the day when my younger sisters would begin the wedding planning process. They kept me waiting for quite some time, but I am finally getting my wedding fill this year.

Kate's wedding was this past Saturday and it truly was perfect. Absolutely perfect. It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. And if I've been to your wedding...no offense. I'm even including my wedding in the list. It was just beautiful.

The event was at some friends' home, where they also have a large commercial nursery. The ceremony was outside and the reception was inside a large barn. We were on a very very (very) tight budget. But you would have never known it. My mom, sisters, and I had our hands in most every detail, and things came together so wonderfully. I made chocolate-covered spoons for Kate's coffee bar, favors for the tables, and reception programs. I can't wait for you to see the pictures!

I couldn't have my big Canon camera strapped around my neck throughout the wedding so you'll have to wait for the photographer to pass on some of the more professional pictures. But I did get a chance to capture some of the activities beforehand.

We had a lovely bridesmaids' brunch at my grandmother's house.

We couldn't stop laughing.

Kate and her BFF Ruthie. She's like our other sister!

Then we enjoyed my aunt and uncle's awesome outdoor space for the rehearsal dinner.

Eveley got a boo-boo and insisted that the dog kiss it.

We had lots of fun hanging out in the bridal suite before the ceremony began. Kate looked absolutely beautiful!! I can't wait to see the professional pictures. (the ones without the Cinderella toys on the floor which were keeping our garden fairies occupied!)

Kate and our SIL Beka with her daughter Layla.

Our other sis Carrianna

This was Eveley's first wedding experience. She had never even been to a wedding before. But this time, she would be a flower girl -- or garden fairy - with my niece and the groom's niece. I was a little skeptical but she did a great job!

And after she actually made it up and down the aisle, I didn't really put up a fight to keep her ladylike. I didn't feel like pushing it that day!

My sweet Caleb's very brief wedding appearance.

We WISELY had babysitters meet us after the appetizer hour and take the children home so we could enjoy the reception sans kids. Very smart idea!

After a yummy dinner, some amaretto wedding cake and coffee, and a little electric slide, the couple took off for the Carribbean. And we were left to pick up the pieces (and the remaining wedding cake!) Not a bad trade off.

But no rest for the weary. Carrianna's wedding is in 3 months and counting!