Smoothie-stache

The boys love to have smoothies for breakfast....yes, even when it's 20' outside and snowy. Our favorites are a random combination of berries, bananas milk and yogurt. I haven't experimented with planting veggies in there.
Eli's smoothie lip looks like North America, Joe says.

And on another note, birdies were not successful in keeping any chicks this time. The last of the eggs hatched a week ago. Imagine my surprise when I peeked in the nest and saw FIVE more eggs this morning! One egg a day....that means they didn't waste ANY time laying new eggs. Maybe this time will be more successful. I'll keep you updated!

Taking orders for baby finches (one day).

Little love for East Coast Daddy

Here's a clip of the boys sledding yesterday. We had a great time, missed you much! We'll do our best to save some snow for you! Catch the p0st-ride use of the word "right."

Chicken Middle says...

This morning middle and I were snuggling up in my bed.

Mom: Did you grow when you were sleeping? I think you're bigger.
Nate: Mmhmmm.
Mom:Did you get stronger too?
Nate: Yep!
Mom: How about smarter, you look smarter this morning.
Nate: And cuter too!

Chicken Middle's art explosion

I really needed to share this new piece of art from middle, it's fabulous! The story behind it....all these people are at the zoo waiting to pet the giraffe.

Notes to Myself

Sleep overs for the kiddos~ Always plan a yummy breakfast, sit and eat with the kids. This is a great chance to get to know the kids better & make your home welcoming.

It's Thanksgiving~ The food is coming out! But that doesn't mean your cupboards have to be full of goodies and cookies. Keep your cupboards healthy, save all that baking for the week before Christmas!

For my fellow Runners

Found a fun way to share and track your running. It's called Map My Run. I just think it's fun to keep a mileage journal and to know exactly how far I'm running. You can even see a satellite image of the area you run (very fun for me, I'm off the road/paved trail.) Very fun! Let me know if you give it a try!

You Win Some....

Our middle-est chicken in the resident snuggler around here. Don't get me wrong, our other boys love a good snuggle sometimes, but for #2 it's a requirement before and after each sleeping period. This afternoon, Hubby offered to snuggle #2 before his nap (and get a little rest in too.) I quickly took him up on it, but as usual, after a minute or two, Hubby came out in defeat. "He wants you." I snuck into my room and climbed up to my bed next to Nate. He says "You're so much better than my daddy." Fully understanding that I'm a better snuggler than daddy, I asked him "Why?" #2 couldn't come up with an answer. But I knew. It's cause I'm the mommy and mommies are softer, in many ways.

I just might need this win right now, 'cause when we're walking through the parking lot, Hubby 10 paces ahead of me, the boys flock to be by his side. Many times this brings a sigh of relief, but sometimes I just get sad and feel all sorry for myself. And things aren't changing, except for in a growing up way. In the last 6 months I weaned Chicken Little, he potty trained himself, Big Chicken turned 6 and started Kindergarten, Middle is 4....and as of this week we are officially not having any more babies. A BIG 6 months, and I know, I know, my OLDEST child is still young and I have so many beautiful years to come. However, I found my identity all wrapped up in being a mother of young children, growing chicks or feeding them for 6 years solid. So I think it should be understandable that I'm now having to redefine who I am.

And what a beautiful time to find myself in Christ. My identity should be all wrapped up in him, everything else is always changing and nothing else is sure.

As my favorite song says;

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.

When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay.
In every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.

So I'll find myself in The Rock, the one sure thing in this world, & I'll continue to beat their dad hands down to being the softest mommy these little boys will ever need. Soft ain't so bad.

An Old Favorite

I'd like to share with you....and many other people would too. If you haven't already heard, there is a fantastic yahoo groups out there called Freecycle. This organization is proving itself in the most lovely way for me.

Let me tell you a little about it;

1. You go to the website, and find your local group
2. You sign up to receive all the local posts, or if you live in a HUGE area you may just want to surf the adds. I get all the posts in my inbox.
3. You find something around your house that you don't love or need anymore, but that someone else might just need. It could be a bag of too small diapers, a set of silverware, an odd chair that fits nowhere, or even a half full bottle of shampoo.
4. You post an "Offer" to your community.
5. Someone wants your 1/2 full bottle of shampoo. You make arrangements with them to pick it up. ( I always just leave the item on my front porch for them to pick up)
6. Your shampoo trash is someone's treasure!
7. Now you realize that you need....say a vcr, a pincushion, a stack of Reader's Digest Magazines. 8. You put out a "Wanted" email. In just hours you have three replies, and arrange to go pick up what you need. Their trash, your treasure.
-or-
9. Someone else posts an "offer" for 28 cd's from the 90's, three unopened cans of peaches, or a doggy crate, and you're all over that one. Hurry, respond and say you'll pick them up tomorrow! You might just get that treasure!

I highly recommend Freecycle. This week I treasured a bird cage and a toddler bed (yes, we put the crib away...another blog). Fabulous! Even better, I freecycled 4 bathrobes, a pair of shoes, a barely working electric blanket and a jacket. So fun to share! Try it!