HEAT!

For the past week, the PNW has been in a serious heat wave. We are talking 90's every day, and SeaTac airport even hit 103 on Wednesday! That is HOT for Seattlites. We like our luke warm summers-70's and a breeze-will do me just fine, thank you. But I have to say, it was interesting. I noticed that life slowed WAY down. Getting the simplest things done felt like so much more effort was needed. I let alot of the usual chores slide. It was sort of like a tragedy; it brings people together with a common theme. Everyone was talking about how to stay cool. On the radio, TV, and at the coffee shops-The HEAT was the topic. A/C units and fans couldn't be bought.....every store was sold out. I, myself, purchased the last two box fans at Target in Renton on Monday morning. Literally.

Darla cooling off with a wet wash cloth.

Our house does not have A/C, which is pretty common in this part of the country. And, having a tri-level home makes that third floor pretty hot for sleeping. When Jeremy and I purchased this house, we inherited an old A/C unit that we found in the garage, under the stairs. It only runs on 220 volt power, and the only 220 plug we have in the house is in our basement (for the dryer). So, Jeremy drug out the beast, set it up outside our basement window, and plugged it in. Ahhhhh, now our basement was truly the coolest place in our home. I have never been so thankful for that old clunker! We camped out there all week long....Darla slept in her pack-n-play, Derick on the couch, and JP and I on an air mattress on the floor.

Derick splashing in the pool.

I planned meals I could cook on the BBQ, and we stocked up on water. The kiddie pool out back was our savior. Being wet in 90 degree heat is WAY better than being dry. My children LOVED spending every afternoon splashing around in the pool. (And, I did too!) On Wednesday, the heat was so intense that we actually set up our dinner table in the basement.

It was a tough night...no naps for the kids makes for a grumpy and tired family. But, we survived. I did get one big chore done, though. I shampooed the carpets. Since Darla is scooting around now, it was time to deep clean. And what better time to get the indoors wet, then in 90 degree heat? I know, it was kinda crazy, and hard work. But my carpets do look much better!

Sunset after a scorching hot day.

This morning, we woke to overcast skies and our indoor thermostat read 76. It was the first time the house had been below 80 in DAYS. What a relief! The forecast is for mid 80s for the weekend and into next week. That sounds perfect for me. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight!!

Summer HEAT!

It definitely feels like summer in Renton! And the forecasters are telling us it's going to get hotter this week. OH BOY! This girl isn't a big fan of the 90's. We don't have AC and the heat makes sleeping tough. It also makes for some extra grumpy people. I'm trying to stay positive, and one good thing is we are enjoying our back yard pool alot this year! Here's a few pics of the fun we've been having outside.

Renton River Days was this weekend. I decided not to walk in the parade this year. It was nice to just enjoy the crowd and my family instead of participating with RMG. I think we'll do it next year when little D is walking well and can enjoy it too.

Here's to staying cool; don't forget to drink those fluids!

Back Yard Antics

If you know me, then you know I LOVE humming birds. When JP and I first moved into our home (almost 6 years ago, now) we would sit on our back deck and watch the birds come and go. We bought bird books. We fed them. We made a space for them to bathe. The trees and shrubs in the yard are great places for birds to perch, feed, and live. However, over the years, the hummers that have started to frequent our yard bring me the most joy to watch. It started with the discovery of the Male Rufus hummingbird. They make the BEST noise when they zip in and out of the yard. We named the males, "Mr. Zippy." I think it might be the same bird that comes back each year. They are the toughest, and the most aggressive hummers in our area. I love to watch their dive displays and "dog fights" with other birds. Male Rufus hummers come in early spring (March) and only stay until early summer(June). The females come later and stay later. (we just saw a female in the yard yesterday) Then, the rest of the summer we are visited by Anna's Hummingbirds. They actually stay all year long.

As I've been sitting here typing on the back patio, we have watched a male Anna's hummer defend the feeder. The two birds swoop and swish around us. The warning clicking makes JP and I look up from our laptops to watch the show. It warms my heart and lifts my soul to watch such speed and movement from something so little. They are flying jewels, beauty in motion, and a sweet kind of magic to me.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Ahhhh, JP is HOME from his week long visit to Spokane for work. I have to be honest here, things between dear hubby and I haven't been the sweetest since children came into our lives. While we do work at it, our relationship definitely takes the hits. But, when your loved one goes away for a while, it hits home how important we are to each other. Both JP and I have been struggling separately, instead of working together. But, after a very honest discussion, we both realized that this is one of those couple moments. The kind of moments that make your relationship stronger and more grounded. Or you can ignore the issues and let the chasm between us, get bigger. Neither of us wants that to happen. So, it takes understanding, commitment, conversation, and action to make a few adjustments. To let the US take more of an important role in our daily lives.

The man I married is a compassionate man, who loves his family with his whole heart. He's a thinker, planner, and a strategist. He's cute, smart, goofy, and spiritual. And, I love him so very, very much!

Chha, chha, chha, Changes!

Darla turned 8 months old on July 13th. She's continuing to expand her communication and now is starting to say, "Da, Da" and "Ga, Ga" a lot. She also does the best smoosh faces and blows air "puffs." Two weeks ago, Jeremy and I decided it was time for her to move into the crib, which also meant she'd be moving out of our bedroom. But, we weren't ready to put her into Derick's bedroom just yet, since she still wakes up more than once a night. So, we shifted stuff again in the computer room and have set up a spot for her to sleep, for now. We are hoping she'll start sleeping better soon! The other big milestone is her desire to be on the move! If Darla had her wish, she'd be walking by now. She hasn't been big on tummy time, but is starting to tolerate it much better, now that she can move around a little. She can roll, scoot backward, and has just started to get up on all fours. It won't be long now, before we are pulling out the baby gates and picking up all the small toys after Derick.

We've been very busy going to weddings, having fun BBQ's, and celebrating birthdays. Here's a few pics of all the fun!

Congratulations, Ali!

Happy Birthday, Nonna!

Friend's Night Fun

Derick's Pack grows

If you spend any amount of time with Derick, you will hear him talk about his newest pack of friends. Except, they are not easy to spot because they are in his imagination! What an amazing story teller he is turning out to be. It started out with Robbie, and now Robbie has company: Bob, Jacob, Jan, and Savanah. Several times a day, I am updated on the location and conditions of his dear friends. Sometimes they are sick, sometimes they join us for meals, sometimes they join us for rides in the car, and sometimes they even ride in their OWN cars! He gets very excited and concerned for them. It's pretty cute and I think harmless. Except when other moms are informed that the clan has gotten lost in the woods and they don't know that these kids are pretend! Oops!

Summer Begins

We celebrated the solstice and Father's day last weekend. Summer has officially begun!! And, so far, it's been wonderful. My plants are in bloom, the weather has been nice, and we have been playing outside and enjoying our surroundings. There's been fun BBQ's with friends, jumping in the bouncy house, and playing in sprinklers, too. Here's a few photos of some of the fun we've been having!

Happy Father's Day

Jeremy, you are an amazing Dad. I am so blessed to be sharing this parenting journey with you. You bring so many gifts to our union.

A deep love. A heart of gold. A sense of right vs wrong that sits well with mine. A love of activity instead of idleness. A desire to make it better than before. The drive to take care of us and our home. A connection to Spirit and the energy that vibrates around us. Thank you for being you. May we continue to be enveloped in the circle of your arms, your love, your life!

Feeling Thankful

My heart spills over this morning, with thankfulness. As I approach my 36th birthday, I'm feeling the need to step back and be thoughtful for a moment. Although there are struggles in my life, the good stuff is much more overwhelming. I am reminded that often times, it's the little things that mean the most. So I am thankful. I thought I would share some of those things which are filling my tanks today.

*Good Friends that I can be myself with.

*Big Belly Laughs that cause sore cheeks.

*Snuggles from my baby girl.

*Listening to my daughter start to explore her own voice.

*My husbands eyes when they are shining with love.

*Long, lingering kisses from sweet, soft lips.

*Listening to my son's stories, hearing his imagination and creative mind come to life.

*Watching my son run.

*Watching my parents work with my children and loving them as much as I do.

*Having an adult relationship with my parents that is supportive, loving, and full of trust.

*The sound of the Ocean.

*The smell of the Ocean.

*Hot showers.

*Good hair days.

*Coffee on a cool morning.

*Loosing 5 lbs and actually feeling good when looking in the mirror.

*Feeling connected to the earth and the spirit that weaves it's web throughout my life.

Ahhhh, the ocean

There's something special about the ocean, at least for me there is. It calms me, sooths my worries, replenishes my energy, and fills my tanks. It is powerful, beautiful, graceful, and life giving. It can destroy and transform. It can support and lift up. Sand between my toes is a welcome and relaxing experience. The sound of the waves crashing is music to me. I am thankful for the visit, for the gift that it brings.

Potty Talk

Back when I was growing up, I have some VERY clear memories of my Dad getting really irritated when my sister and I would spend alot of time talking about our bodily functions. We thought it was SOOOOO funny to say those words: Poop, Pee, Farts. You get the idea. Well, what comes around, goes around. Derick has become OBSESSED with potty talk. Every other word out of his mouth is about poop or farts. I mean, REALLY. I don't need to hear about it all day long! I try to just ignore it, but MAN! It's the wost at the dinner table. Jeremy and I both encourage him to stop and explain that people don't want to hear about those things while they are eating. I am hoping this phase moves on quickly!

Dad, I'm sorry for all those times when we just kept pushing, testing your patience. I'm getting my payback now, I guess.

Robbie has come to visit

Did you have an imaginary friend when you were growing up? I don't remember if I did or not. But, Tuesday, "Robbie" showed up after nap time to play with Derick. It was pretty cute to listen to him talk to his new friend. Derick kept telling me where he was and what he was doing. Usually, it was pretty much what Derick was doing. When Daddy came home, he was introduced to Robbie. When we went in the car, Robbie came along and sat in the back. Derick said, "He'll be OK back there, right mom?" Jeremy and I had a hard time keeping a straight face while listening to Derick tell us what Robbie was up to. And, I thought it was sweet and was touched that Derick is so interested in making new friends. Since Tuesday, Robbie has only made a few other appearances, but we are always ready to welcome him.

Fun times

So, in between the struggles, we also have fun times.
Here's a few pics of the good moments:

Candy face; it was a bribe for going potty before having an accident.

It worked that day.

Time for swinging.

Painting with mommy; a practice run for a RMG craft event.

Darla was being soooo cute last night. I love the giggles. :)

Darla sitting up and teething.

Derick and Darla playing together.

When time outs don't work anymore...?

About a week ago, something changed between Derick and I. We have been in a power struggle! Up until then, if I had to discipline him, he'd sit on his time out step (for the most part) for three minutes. It was an effective tool for us to get him to correct his behavior. All of a sudden, he won't stay on the step. Last Wednesday, it took me 1 hour and 20 minutes of putting him back on the step for him to stay there and do his time. (Supper Nanny style) And, during that process, Mommy LOST HER COOL! It was a moment I am not proud of. I had to put myself in time out to cool off or someone was going to get hurt! This situation has happened three times in the last week and a half. Each time, was a struggle. I asked Jeremy to watch me a little closer and to give me feedback on how I am relating to Derick. I'm trying to spend more time with him one-on-one during Darla's naps; instead of doing chores. I'm trying to go to that blank place when I do have to discipline him. That place void of emotion. It's tough for me....the emotional queen. Every time I see that look in his eyes....when I KNOW he's going to test the boundary, I get Anxious! Angry! Frustrated! My confidence as a parent and mother has taken a hit. I am questioning myself now, whenever I correct him. Am I being to hard on him? Am I being too soft and getting manipulated? I know there's no right answer and each family handles it differently. I'm hanging in there and doing my best. Sometimes, it just doesn't feel like it's enough.