Drew 2 1/2
Julianna 7 mths
Lily 3 1/2
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Little Brothers
Lily has a good friend at school. Her name is Cami (not sure of the spelling, sorry Kami.) Lily and Cami are two peas in a pod. They are just perfect for each other. They both love to talk and both have an affinity for naming things. Lily has several babies named Woah He Ho and other names I have no idea how to spell and can't remember how to pronounce. Kami has a stuffed horse pillow that she has named Cupcake Sprinkles Junior. Anyway, I love watching them play together because this is Lily's first friend that she has established a relationship with without any parental involvement. Lily and Cami are friends because they like each other and not because their moms were friends first.
Coming up this Thursday at Lily's dance class, it is "Bring a Friend Day." Lily got to decide who she wanted to invite, and after a lot of thought, she chose Kami. Today at school Lily told Kami that she was invited and I talked to Cami's mom, so it was all set first thing this morning.
Later in the morning, according to Lily's teacher Miss Shanna, the girls were discussing coming over to each other's houses. Miss Shanna tells me that this is how the conversation went:
Lily: You can come over to my house and play if you want to.
Kami: Okay. Well, do you have any brothers? Because I don't want to come over if you have a brother.
Lily: I do have one brother, but he can stay in his room. He stays in his room when people come over.
Total lie. Well, not completely. She does have one brother...However, he does not stay in his room when people come over. She is making that part up. Really, she is. Come to think of it, she's been making lots of stuff up lately. For example, I heard her telling Miss Shanna that over this past weekend, she went swimming at the YMCA. That she went in the big pool and jumped in backwards. Total. Lie. She made it all up. Hmmmm......
Coming up this Thursday at Lily's dance class, it is "Bring a Friend Day." Lily got to decide who she wanted to invite, and after a lot of thought, she chose Kami. Today at school Lily told Kami that she was invited and I talked to Cami's mom, so it was all set first thing this morning.
Later in the morning, according to Lily's teacher Miss Shanna, the girls were discussing coming over to each other's houses. Miss Shanna tells me that this is how the conversation went:
Lily: You can come over to my house and play if you want to.
Kami: Okay. Well, do you have any brothers? Because I don't want to come over if you have a brother.
Lily: I do have one brother, but he can stay in his room. He stays in his room when people come over.
Total lie. Well, not completely. She does have one brother...However, he does not stay in his room when people come over. She is making that part up. Really, she is. Come to think of it, she's been making lots of stuff up lately. For example, I heard her telling Miss Shanna that over this past weekend, she went swimming at the YMCA. That she went in the big pool and jumped in backwards. Total. Lie. She made it all up. Hmmmm......
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nearly Nine Months
Julianna and her BFF Aubrey
pulling up like a big girl!
Super cute rocker chickIt is hard to believe that the baby of the family is going to be nine months in just a few days. Every mother says it, but time is just flying by. These days won't last long. I know that Julianna will soon be where Lily is- about to turn five and head to kindergarten. I hope that I can soak this all up because so far in life, this is by far my favorite part. (Despite not getting to sleep last night because of a fussy baby. And the woman whom just this morning placed her hand on my tummy pooch and asked if there was another baby on the way. AND the fact that today while driving to pick up Lily from school, Drew's car seat was not hooked to the latches on the van seat and when I braked a bit too hard he and the car seat slammed into the driver's side seat. Despite ALL of that...it's still the best phase thus far.)
Style Series
It has been brought to my attention that some people that read this blog are unaware for Lily's fashionable expressions. I have decided to start sharing a few of her especially fancy outfits here on the blog. She comes up with so many fancy and unique outfits that I'm pretty sure there will be many more photos in this series.Sunday, September 27, 2009
Consumed
I just wanted to let you all know where I have been the last week or so. . .I've been consumed lately with making our little house a bit more fancy. I've been buying and returning curtains, lamps, and various home decor items so often that Tom is about to pull his hair out. He is trying to be patient and supportive, which I appreciate, but I know that this is driving him bonkers.
I have decided on curtains for the living room which, despite clashing with the red couch, have really brightened the whole house. I have also decided on a new comforter. However, on the first night I told Tom that I was having buyer's remorse and was considering returning it. . .after he went a bit nuts, I decided that I liked it and wanted to keep it after all.
He is so frustrated because I am being such a perfectionist with this decorating. I want it all to look like an episode off of HGTV. Lord knows I have no idea what I"m doing, but I'm doing my best. We have lived in this house for almost four years and I have been too much of a perfectionist to make decorating decisions. I am working hard to relax and just pick what I like and what speaks to me, and not worry about whether it goes perfectly or not.
I can't wait to share the pictures of the finished product. . .but it will be awhile because decorating is expensive and I'm trying to spread out the purchases. We are hoping to get some new furniture pieces during the small scale remodel, so it might be a couple of months before you get to see the after pictures posted to the blog.
I have decided on curtains for the living room which, despite clashing with the red couch, have really brightened the whole house. I have also decided on a new comforter. However, on the first night I told Tom that I was having buyer's remorse and was considering returning it. . .after he went a bit nuts, I decided that I liked it and wanted to keep it after all.
He is so frustrated because I am being such a perfectionist with this decorating. I want it all to look like an episode off of HGTV. Lord knows I have no idea what I"m doing, but I'm doing my best. We have lived in this house for almost four years and I have been too much of a perfectionist to make decorating decisions. I am working hard to relax and just pick what I like and what speaks to me, and not worry about whether it goes perfectly or not.
I can't wait to share the pictures of the finished product. . .but it will be awhile because decorating is expensive and I'm trying to spread out the purchases. We are hoping to get some new furniture pieces during the small scale remodel, so it might be a couple of months before you get to see the after pictures posted to the blog.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Really?
Yesterday Lily and I were chatting and the following is a snippet of our conversation.
Lily: Oh Mommy, I love your ring! (referring to my wedding ring.)
Me: Thank you Lily, I like it too.
Lily: Maybe when you get old and die I can have that ring.
Me: You think so?
I think it's bad when a four year old is already claiming stuff that she wants after I die. Let me at least make it to 30 first!! :)
Lily: Oh Mommy, I love your ring! (referring to my wedding ring.)
Me: Thank you Lily, I like it too.
Lily: Maybe when you get old and die I can have that ring.
Me: You think so?
I think it's bad when a four year old is already claiming stuff that she wants after I die. Let me at least make it to 30 first!! :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Learning
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice.
If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.
~Dorothy Law Nolte
I have this poem framed in my house. I should read it more often because I have a child that needs lots of loving moments that I sometimes feel to frazzled to give her. However, I want her to grow into a strong confident woman...I must do better.
If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice.
If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.
~Dorothy Law Nolte
I have this poem framed in my house. I should read it more often because I have a child that needs lots of loving moments that I sometimes feel to frazzled to give her. However, I want her to grow into a strong confident woman...I must do better.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Itchy
If you have spent any length of time with me lately, you know that I've got the itch. NO! Not that itch! get your mind out of the gutter people! I have the itch to MOVE. We have lived in our current home for three and half years. Not very long, right? Right. However, I've been ready to move since the day we moved in. Tom and I bought this house with stars in our eyes. We were newly married and we were living in a small duplex at the time. When we bought this house we were not thinking hard about size, how many children we would end up having, location, or any number of things people should consider when purchasing a home. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a perfectly good house. There is nothing seriously wrong with it and is a cute little home. It'd be perfect for a young couple just starting out or college kids looking to split their monthly expenses. It's not the ideal home for a family of five.
First of all it is at the corner of a main street in our town. It's a cut through street. So, not only do we have a very busy street to the west but we also have cars flying down our street all the time. Oh, and I forgot to mention the alley beside our house. Just one more place to worry about when you have three small children playing outdoors.
There is also the issue of storage; or the lack of storage. We have no place to put stuff. I'm sure your first thought was to tell me that I should get rid of some of my stuff. However, I am one of those people that doesn't keep anything. I throw everything that I'm not using or don't need away. We have hardly anything in this house that we don't have to have. The storage issue is so bad that despite me effort to rid our house of anything extra, we still don't have a place for everything. How is a person to keep a clean house if not everything has a home! Especially when that person has a small, but well documented, issue with organization.
This is not meant to be a whiny blog post. It is only meant to inform my readers of how I feel about this house. I want to convey the thought that I. Want. To. Move. More than anything right now (Yes, i am grateful for everything. I have a happy healthy family...but...I wouldn't mind making my life a bit easier these days.) 1000 square feet, five people, all the stuff to run a household, and no storage equals chaos everyday. So, every time there is even a hint in Tom's voice that we might be ready to move, look at house, or contemplate the idea of a move...I grab a hold of that thought and I don't let go. I spend hours on the realty sites online, I drive past houses that I like and pick up flyers, and in the mean time I try to convince Tom that it's a good idea to buy a house. Right. Now! Even though I know that for any number of reasons it would make more sense to tough it out and wait. I know that this house is serving it's purpose and keeping us warm at night. That we really could save a lot more money by staying here for as long as possible. However, my inner child whats what I want...NOW!! But, alas, I am a grown up and I have to force myself to make grown up choices.
So, to appease my appetite for a new house, this weekend we're going shopping for new furnishings. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I found a used furniture store here in Hutchinson with affordable quality furniture. I'm thinking that we're actually going to be able to get a new couch. I also have my eye on some side tables, lamps, and new curtains. I think that it will spruce this place up a bit. Make it feel new and exciting to live here again. I hope it will suppress my appetite for a big fancy house for now. Later, when we have all the finishing touches to our new living room, I will share some pictures here. YAY!!
First of all it is at the corner of a main street in our town. It's a cut through street. So, not only do we have a very busy street to the west but we also have cars flying down our street all the time. Oh, and I forgot to mention the alley beside our house. Just one more place to worry about when you have three small children playing outdoors.
There is also the issue of storage; or the lack of storage. We have no place to put stuff. I'm sure your first thought was to tell me that I should get rid of some of my stuff. However, I am one of those people that doesn't keep anything. I throw everything that I'm not using or don't need away. We have hardly anything in this house that we don't have to have. The storage issue is so bad that despite me effort to rid our house of anything extra, we still don't have a place for everything. How is a person to keep a clean house if not everything has a home! Especially when that person has a small, but well documented, issue with organization.
This is not meant to be a whiny blog post. It is only meant to inform my readers of how I feel about this house. I want to convey the thought that I. Want. To. Move. More than anything right now (Yes, i am grateful for everything. I have a happy healthy family...but...I wouldn't mind making my life a bit easier these days.) 1000 square feet, five people, all the stuff to run a household, and no storage equals chaos everyday. So, every time there is even a hint in Tom's voice that we might be ready to move, look at house, or contemplate the idea of a move...I grab a hold of that thought and I don't let go. I spend hours on the realty sites online, I drive past houses that I like and pick up flyers, and in the mean time I try to convince Tom that it's a good idea to buy a house. Right. Now! Even though I know that for any number of reasons it would make more sense to tough it out and wait. I know that this house is serving it's purpose and keeping us warm at night. That we really could save a lot more money by staying here for as long as possible. However, my inner child whats what I want...NOW!! But, alas, I am a grown up and I have to force myself to make grown up choices.
So, to appease my appetite for a new house, this weekend we're going shopping for new furnishings. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I found a used furniture store here in Hutchinson with affordable quality furniture. I'm thinking that we're actually going to be able to get a new couch. I also have my eye on some side tables, lamps, and new curtains. I think that it will spruce this place up a bit. Make it feel new and exciting to live here again. I hope it will suppress my appetite for a big fancy house for now. Later, when we have all the finishing touches to our new living room, I will share some pictures here. YAY!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Fair time One Year Ago
Grandma on the excavator.
Lily's first fair ride.
Drew too.
Even a banana is better on a stick.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Things I have said lately
"We don't play with plug-ins."
"Eww. There's poop on your leg."
"We don't eat paper."
"Point your penis down." (What can i say, we're potty training!!!)
"Keep your hands out of your pants. If you'd like to do that please do it in the bathroom."
"FLUSH THE TOILET!!" (To my 4 1/2 year old, not my potty training 2 year old.)
"No snacks until dinner. You don't get a snack when you throw an entire sandwich on the floor to avoid eating it."
"Leave the baby ALONE."
"We are watering the flowers, not the minivan, driveway or mailman."
"Hannah Montana wears leggings under her dresses. See!!?" (As I googled pictures of Miley to try to get Lily to wear something under her dress this morning.)
"Mama! Ma-Ma. Mmmmma Mmmmma. Say Mama. No, not Dada. MAMA!"
"No, it's a girl. She has no hair...but she is definitely a girl. See the pink bikini she is wearing?"
"Eww. There's poop on your leg."
"We don't eat paper."
"Point your penis down." (What can i say, we're potty training!!!)
"Keep your hands out of your pants. If you'd like to do that please do it in the bathroom."
"FLUSH THE TOILET!!" (To my 4 1/2 year old, not my potty training 2 year old.)
"No snacks until dinner. You don't get a snack when you throw an entire sandwich on the floor to avoid eating it."
"Leave the baby ALONE."
"We are watering the flowers, not the minivan, driveway or mailman."
"Hannah Montana wears leggings under her dresses. See!!?" (As I googled pictures of Miley to try to get Lily to wear something under her dress this morning.)
"Mama! Ma-Ma. Mmmmma Mmmmma. Say Mama. No, not Dada. MAMA!"
"No, it's a girl. She has no hair...but she is definitely a girl. See the pink bikini she is wearing?"
Monday, September 14, 2009
Parenting vs. Marriage
Some people have asked this question: Which is harder, parenting or marriage? Hmmm....let me think. Well, for a few reasons I think I'm going to say that parenting is more difficult. Why? Well, for a few reasons that I list here:
1. My husband has never puked, pooped or peed on me. Never. However, all three of my kids have done all of these things on me. More than once.
2. My husband's choices in life do not reflect on me. Yeah, if he makes a bad choice people may wonder what I was thinking, being married to him and all. However, when my children make bad choices, people will say it's because Tom and I did something to screw them up.
3. It is not my job to shape my husband into the person that he is meant to be. His parents did the hard part. It's my job to keep my relationship with him close and strong. With my children, it's my job to make them who they are to become; or at least start them out on the correct path towards a positive and successful future. I am only here to love and support my husband as he walks his path in life.
4. I'm not in charge of the little things for my husband. He can take care of brushing his teeth, going to the bathroom and washing his own hair. With my children they all still require some level of support during grooming activities. It's on me if one of them shows up to the dentist with 16 cavities.
5. Children have Bad table manners? Again, on me.
6. Bullying, mean, crass or inappropriate behavior coming from my children? Once again, on me!
So, from the looks of things...the hardest part of marriage so far is learning to communicate with each other and finding time to spend together just the two of us. The hardest part about parenting? All of it! Because even the sweet amazing moments that come with being a parent are few and fleeting. So, turn to you partner in life and thank them for not pooping on you.
1. My husband has never puked, pooped or peed on me. Never. However, all three of my kids have done all of these things on me. More than once.
2. My husband's choices in life do not reflect on me. Yeah, if he makes a bad choice people may wonder what I was thinking, being married to him and all. However, when my children make bad choices, people will say it's because Tom and I did something to screw them up.
3. It is not my job to shape my husband into the person that he is meant to be. His parents did the hard part. It's my job to keep my relationship with him close and strong. With my children, it's my job to make them who they are to become; or at least start them out on the correct path towards a positive and successful future. I am only here to love and support my husband as he walks his path in life.
4. I'm not in charge of the little things for my husband. He can take care of brushing his teeth, going to the bathroom and washing his own hair. With my children they all still require some level of support during grooming activities. It's on me if one of them shows up to the dentist with 16 cavities.
5. Children have Bad table manners? Again, on me.
6. Bullying, mean, crass or inappropriate behavior coming from my children? Once again, on me!
So, from the looks of things...the hardest part of marriage so far is learning to communicate with each other and finding time to spend together just the two of us. The hardest part about parenting? All of it! Because even the sweet amazing moments that come with being a parent are few and fleeting. So, turn to you partner in life and thank them for not pooping on you.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Fair
Happy girl in the stroller.
Waiting for the pig races to start.
loving the horse show!This blog typically gives me a place to reflect on my life and to talk about my struggles and my joys in motherhood. However, there really hasn't been too much happening in any of those departments lately. We've just been living life and staying busy with everyday stuff. I don't want my blog to turn into a blog that simply reports what happens with no feeling or fun. There is really nothing wrong with blogs that do that, but it's just not my thing. I want one that makes people laugh and a blog that reminds people that no life is perfect and no person is perfect and we're all just doing the best we can.
The following post is exactly what I don't usually do. It's all about our day at the fair. It has no real point or meaning...just sharing what we did on our special family day. These kinds of posts won't happen very often...i feel they are boring and paint a picture of a happy happy Leave it to Beaver life...which no one has. I don't know why I'm rambling on about this. I'm not even sure that what I'm saying even makes sense. I am just trying to share that we had a good day and we've been busy with everyday stuff. Not all of life comes with a funny story or deep reflection. Sometimes it's just life; and I like it that way!
*************************
We live just a few blocks from where they hold our state fair every year. I can't say that I would spend hours there if I didn't have children, but with kids, it's a new adventure. They love it and I love that it gives us new and interesting things to do for 10 days. Today was our first day there, but, we are planning to go back at least two more times later in the week.
We live just a few blocks from where they hold our state fair every year. I can't say that I would spend hours there if I didn't have children, but with kids, it's a new adventure. They love it and I love that it gives us new and interesting things to do for 10 days. Today was our first day there, but, we are planning to go back at least two more times later in the week.
Today we ate just a few of our favorites including: Pronto Pups (delicious corn dogs), roasted corn and ice cream with homemade waffle cones. Yummy! We also took in a couple free shows. We went to see the pig races which I not Really sure how much fun the kids had with that. But, it's a stop every year, nonetheless. We also caught the free Equestrian Acrobatics show. I'm pretty sure Lily contemplated a new life dream while watching. She was so in love with the fancy costumes and was mesmorized by the show. We also took a ride on the train, the Sky Ride and just generally had a good time taking in the sites.
All in all it was a good day. There were no major meltdowns, no huge messes and just a pretty nice day. I am looking foward to going back because we have some other fun things planned. Tomorrow we are going for lunch because it's the free day to get in. I'm hoping that we will also have time tomorrow to take in the artwork and maybe catch another free show. Then on Wednesday I am most excited to take the kids to ride in a semi-truck for FREE!! I think that Drew may wet his pants with excitement to take a ride in one of those things. It's going to be A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Funk
I've been in a funk the last several days. There is no real explanation for it, really. It just is. So, tonight we had pizza for dinner and are watching a movie after the kids go to bed. I'm hoping to fake my way out of this slump in mood and energy! Good things are happening in my life!!
Tomorrow we are going to the Kansas State Fair. I hope that going there to people watch and eat myself sick will also help my current mood. I will let you know! Hopefully, after tomorrow, I will have the energy to post a Fair post for all of you Hutchinson natives!
Saturday Blessings!
Taylor
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Here I go...
Here's the plan: I'm going to change the blog address to http://www.truckstiarastutus.blogspot.com/ within the next 24 hours. Since I have a lot of non-commenter's regarding this decision, I'm just going to do it!! So, if you have me saved to your favorites (I really do know two people that do) it will be time to change it.
I hope that you guys continue to read regardless of the change!! I love blogging and hope to continue until my children yell at me for sharing embarrassing stories about them on the Internet.
I hope that you guys continue to read regardless of the change!! I love blogging and hope to continue until my children yell at me for sharing embarrassing stories about them on the Internet.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Trucks, Tiaras and Tutus
So, I'm considering changing my blog address to www.truckstiarastutus.blogspot.com
What do you think? Is it too long and confusing? I just thought it was a better address than stiversfam...but, I don't know. I don't want people to stop reading because they can't find the blog anymore. However, my sister set this blog up for me originally and picked the name for me. I'd like to change it to fit me.
Feedback appreciated!
What do you think? Is it too long and confusing? I just thought it was a better address than stiversfam...but, I don't know. I don't want people to stop reading because they can't find the blog anymore. However, my sister set this blog up for me originally and picked the name for me. I'd like to change it to fit me.
Feedback appreciated!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hello again, Internet.
We went on a bit of a vacation this past weekend. Family vacations aren't quite the same when you are the parent. It was a lot of work beforehand to prepare, pack, and load all the supplies we might need. It may have been easier if we were just staying in a hotel; however, we were staying in a log cabin in the mountains. A log cabin with no heat or insulation....so, it was cold. Really cold. Even though it's a ton of work, it's totally worth it to make these memories with the kids. Some of our activities included:
building fairy houses
family hikes (tom is not so thrilled about being photographed)
ice cream at Charlie's (Lily had fallen asleep in the car)
warming up by the fire
and swinging on the tire swing!!
building fairy houses
family hikes (tom is not so thrilled about being photographed)
ice cream at Charlie's (Lily had fallen asleep in the car)
warming up by the fire
and swinging on the tire swing!!All in all it was a good time. Exhausting would be putting it mildly...but, I'm glad we went and I really am looking forward to the next family getaway next year. I'm leaving myself plenty of time to recover before venturing out again! :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Katie Kate
My cousin Katie came for a visit this past week. It was so good to see her! She lives far, far away so it had been a long time. We stayed busy hanging out with the kids and sneaking her into the YMCA with me to workout. We also attended our family reunion this past weekend. It was all of my dad's cousins from all over the place coming together to share a meal and celebrate my Great Aunt Ollie's 92nd birthday. It was a surprisingly good time.
Katie is pretty special to me. She is actually my dad's cousin's daughter so, the rumor is that we are second cousins once removed. Who knows if that's correct. Anyway, we are fairly distantly related and didn't really meet until I was 15 and she was 11; but we connected immediately. Actually, our entire families clicked and we have been close ever since.
The interesting thing about Kate and I's connection is that not only are we very similar and get along splendidly- but we look just alike! The summer we first met people that had known me most of my life were confusing Kate for me! I wish that I had a scanner so that I could share the photos that we took that summer. I do, however, have a photo from the lovely family reunion this weekend. I'm not sure if you can tell in the picture how much we look alike, but I think at least enough to pass for sisters!
Katie eloped this year and married the love of her life, Jamie. They met on a bus in New Zealand and it's an incredibly wonderful story; of a whirlwind romance involving a boy from England and a girl from the Pacific Northwest falling madly in love away from home. Anyway, so they eloped and were married with very few family and friends present. However, they are having a blessing to honor their commitment to each other and to celebrate with their friends and families. The most amazing thing about this is that Katie has asked me to stand up with her at her blessing. Only my siblings have ever asked to do something like this for them before. I am completely honored and can't wait to be there in anyway I can for her as she plans this big event in her life. An event to honor such an amazing commitment.
I love you KATE!!
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