Memories Past...

So, I might be dating myself here, but do you remember playground equipment when we were children? Old wooden see-saws, merry-go-rounds, metal slides, wooden swing seats with heavy metal chains, those octagon shaped climbing bars, etc?

I think back on my days as a little kid, watching my sister play softball, and playing on those parks. I remember riding the merry-go-round until the whole world was spinning and my legs couldn't hold me up... I can still hear the joyous sequels of our friends, smell the honeysuckles growing on the fences, and still see how bright and vivid the world looked to me. Those might be some of the fondest memories I have of my childhood. I still think of them when I am driving with my windows down and the sweet smell of the honeysuckles comes in the car.

Now-a-days the parks are bigger, safer, and seem somewhat less unique. One of the coolest parts of coming out to the lake is the opportunity to ride our bikes down to the park, and for the boys to play on some of that "vintage" (yeah we can be nice and label it vintage and not antique) play ground equipment. They always have a blast, and seem to enjoy it more then the big, new, beautiful playgrounds we have at home! I really hope that these are some of those memories that will stick with them the same way they stuck with me.

Here are a few shots of Rory on the merry-go-round, and of them riding back together.

Easter Enchantment...

We were lucky enough this year to spend Easter in the "Land of Fairies" with my in-laws.

Their home (which we have mentioned here on the blog) is a land of enchantment and magic for the boys. Every time we come here there is some sort of magic to experience.

Today's magic was Easter. The boys, Carl, and I got up early to go to church for brunch and Easter service. This was the first time that I had gotten to hear my Mother-in-law preach, and she was wonderful. The service was open, welcoming and really made me think about a lot.

We wrote a letter earlier in the week to the Easter Bunny asking if he would be willing to make a special trip to our Grammy and Dad-Dad's house AFTER church so that we would be able to enjoy our Easter Egg Hunt and basket with our Grammy (since her morning as pastor is a bit busy on Easter!). He wrote back to us and said he would come while we were at church and boy did he! He hid our eggs outside, along with the baskets. He hid Rory's basket so well that we weren't even sure that he got one!

Here are a few shots of the day:

We really couldn't have asked for a more perfect Easter Sunday! Aunt Dee and Uncle Dave were able to celebrate with us our meal was delicious, and the children were as happy as can be.

Happy Easter everyone! I hope your day was filled with as much love and joy as ours was.

Arden Baby...

Just a shot of Arden b/c he wanted one up since Rory had one up yesterday:

He is such a sweetie pie!

The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth...

Yup, this blog is about the tooth... the tooth that Rory lost today!

Well, he didn't so much as lose the loose tooth, but he asked me to pull it out for him...

He has had this wriggly tooth for about 3 months, and has played with it non-stop. Then today, I look at him, and the tooth is half hanging out of his mouth like a fang! It was gross looking! So, when we got home from school, we sat in the van and I told him that I would help him pull it out. We grabbed a photo first... (it isn't hard to figure out which tooth it is).

So after a few attempts at getting a tissue on it, and getting a firm grip on the tooth, I finally got a nice hold on it, and gave it a pull.

The tooth went flying across the van, and we had to search and find it for the tooth fairy!

Rory was so proud.

Here is his little tooth pillow to hold the tooth until it holds the dollar coin that the tooth fairy will bestow on him tonight:

He really is getting so big! This is such a bittersweet milestone.

I look at this as the ending of true "childhood", not that he won't be a child for a long time to come, but in the fact that in nature, these are the "milk teeth" and children/mammals lose their baby teeth at the time that nature intends for them to wean from the parent and start to care for themselves...

So here my little baby boy is, with a gap in his smile, and growing up... pretty soon he won't need his mama for things like the tooth fairy, teaching him his school lessons, good night kisses, chasing away bad dreams, or reaching the tops of the closets. I'm already dreading the end of him wanting and needing me to help him with everything in life... and each milestone he hits is a reminder that it is getting closer to that time.

Anyway, I don't need to get all sappy over something he is so proud of. So congratulations to my big boy. I love you!

And this is what 6-year-old boys are made of...

Rory is getting so big; as I watch his transformation from a little boy into a school boy, it is amazing to me.

This past week I noticed his increased frustration with his brothers. There is no wondering why he was getting frustrated; he had no place to get away from them, no place to play with his toys, and the younger boys kept breaking his things. I realized that he needed his own space, his own bed room. So I decided to take the playroom and transform it into a new bedroom for Rory.

Now, as for what little 6-year-old boys are made of...

Rory has begun to pick up on that "school-age potty humor" that little boys find so amusing.

Last night we were talking about the neighbor's dog (which is a Dachshund) and he says "Mom, I know another name for a Dachshund..." It didn't take a genius to figure out where he was going with this conversation.

"Oh yeah Rory? What?"

(Snicker, snicker.) "A wiener dog!" (Giggle, giggle, snicker.)

We let him giggle about it, and then made him tell us why it was funny to him.

Does this type of humor start this early? Really? Ugh, I am in for a lot more if it with 3 boys.

So, we went to get ice cream later in the day, and when we are getting ready to go, Carl gets my attention and shows me the chalk board that Rory is writing on. In big, bold, bubble letters, the word POOP appears.
We quickly had a conversation about how potty talk isn't appropriate where people are eating,  and we make him erase it, but honestly... it was a little funny. He still hasn't explained to me why that one was funny...

Is this what 6-year-old boys are made of? Potty humor and talk about their parts?

A week of changes...

This has been a week of up and downs for us...

It started out with Carl going to Washington DC for the week, and leaving me and the boys here in WNC...

A little later in the week, Blackie, the neighbor's beautiful old greyhound, had to be put to sleep. He began to go downhill quickly, and it was time to let him go in peace... We will miss him, he was a sweet dog and a great companion.

I then decided to reclaim my bedroom, and for the first time in 4 years, my bed is off the floor and on a frame again! It feels great to have my bedroom back from the children.

Then I decided it was time for Rory to have his own room, and to give him this, I had to take everything out of the playroom, take the beds and furniture apart to move them, relocate clothing, and put everything back into the room... but to do that, I also had to rearrange the other boys' bedroom, which meant more furniture dis-assembly and moving.

It seems that everyone is growing accustomed to the new living arrangements, Arden loves the top bunk in his room, Canyon is doing great in a big-boy bed, Rory is thrilled with his new room, and I have had a week of blissful sleep in my bed alone... I can't wait for Carl to get home to see the transformation of our house!

I can't believe how busy we have been this week, between school, after school events, and room changes, I am completely worn out!

What the Hail?!

Today we decided to meet up with some friends and take a nice fishing trip, hike, and picnic.

Our day started pretty early, even early for us... Canyon was up, Arden was up, and that combination meant Rory, Carl and I were not far behind. After being up for a few minutes, I decided to go outside and reinstall one of our car seats, and when I went out I was face to face with one of the most beautiful late-winter/early spring mornings that I have ever seen. The soft yellow light from the sun made the grass the most bright and beautiful shade of green, the sky was perfectly blue, and the light dusting of dew on the ground added to the effect. It was just amazing.

So after eating our breakfast, we packed up and decided to head out to the river. As we were leaving, we talked about maybe grabbing some rain coats, but decided against it because of the beautiful weather. It was sunny, and very warm, warm enough that I wore shorts with my thermals.

Very soon we realized that we may not have made the best choice (and by we, I really mean Carl because I was going to get the coats when he said not to). It was pouring. By the time we arrived to the park, the rain had let up to a sprinkle, and soon stopped.

When we got there, it didn't take long to see that the roads we were going to travel were closed because driving was unsafe from the snow that is still on the mountains. So we changed our plans and found a nice area at a lower elevation.

We had a great lunch with our friends and hung out for a few hours.

Pretty soon after lunch, Arden decided he needed to poop, so Carl takes him to the composting toilette. Arden wouldn't go, so I took him, and he did. As Arden and I walk back out of the outhouse to the trail, I noticed it was much cooler, almost cold enough that I needed another layer.

When we got to the table, everyone had packed up, and I realized why, the sky had turned black. We quickly walked back to the vans and chatted, as soon as I got the trunk opened the skies opened and the precipitation began to fall.

It took me a minute to figure out what was happening, it was hail. Pea sized hail, falling hard and fast. It continued to fall for almost 45 minutes! It was crazy... there were an inch of hail stones on the ground when we left. It went from 55 degrees to freezing in a matter of moments.

I took a few photos of the hail as we left, I cannot believe how long it hailed and how much!

On a side note, our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends and family dealing with the severe flooding in WV. Stay safe.

The Rain Comes Home...

Today was a wonderful, rainy, stormy day. We were blessed to sit here this afternoon enjoying the first thunderstorms of the season.

I have mentioned in the past how much I love the rain. There is something special and wonderful about it. I love to see the clouds come over the mountains; I love to smell the rain approaching; I love standing in the rain; I love feeling the coolness running on my face and in my hair, and more than the rest, I love to feel the cool wetness and mud squeezing under my bare feet.

I'm so happy the warmth and wet are finally here.

Here is a photo from a few hours ago:

On a side note, I am so thrilled that one of my best friends just found out she is having a baby girl! I can't wait to make her some cute hats!!

New Nature Center Friend...

Today we went to the WNC Nature Center for a picnic and to meet a new Nature Center creature!

Olive the Otter finally has a new partner, and he is quite handsome. He doesn't have a name yet, is a little bashful when it comes to the camera, but he loves to swim and play! We planned on getting a lot of photos while we were there, but mom forgot to charge the camera. (You would think that I know better by now, the darn thing barely holds a charge, lol.)

We sat for about 30-40 minutes and watched as he and Olive became a little more accustomed to each other. They had a great game of chase going on, and were playing in the water a lot! He seemed eager to play and interact, she was less sure. Olive ran around rubbing herself on everything she could, I am assuming to leave her scent and to "claim" the items? It was very amusing to listen to her calls and screams at her new friend when he would get close to her or an item she had claimed.

Without further-to-do, here is our newest friend at the nature center:

Arden also really likes looking for the turtles, and over the last week, the beautiful weather has drawn a few out to warm in the sun... Arden insisted on having me take a photo of this one, luckily my camera held on long enough.

Heart Stopping Mothering Moments...

Have you ever had one of those moments as a mother where your heart stops?

Well, I just did. It was one of those moments where you can't find your child and begin to freak out.

About 30 minutes ago, I sent Arden to his room to go take a nap while I got Canyon to sleep. When I went to put Canyon into his bed, I looked for Arden... but he wasn't in his bed.

I looked over to Rory's bed, and he wasn't there either.

I started to freak out. I knew he hadn't gotten out, I was just out side of his room, I saw him go in...

Then I heard a snore... and I found him.

Where you ask?

Well, take a look: (he was well hidden!)

Another Perfect Day!

Today was another perfect WNC day. We had the windows open in the house and we stayed outside all day!

I love these early spring days, the brisk (yet warm) air, the outdoor trips, the hikes, and the time with family. It doesn't get any better!

Here are a few shots of Canyon and Arden at the Nature Center, while Rory was in school.

My middle darling, Arden...

I think all of my boys are gorgeous, but between his behavior and facial expressions, Arden is so darned cute. Here are a few photos of him from today... Don't you think he is adorable (and goofy)?

 

We also went to the Biltmore Estates today... if you live in the area, a season pass is totally worth it, and you should think about getting one!

I think today might have been the last of the snow on the estates, and the weather has gotten beautiful! Here are just a few shots of the house, I didn't get the camera out much, we were too busy having fun!

Every Step Counts... Mark this one for the midwives!

PushNews from The Big Push for Midwives

katie@thebigpushformidwives.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 4, 2010

CDC Report: Demand for Out-of-Hospital Midwife Births Sharply Increases

Research Debunks Physician Group Claims that Actress Ricki Lake is Responsible for Rise in Out-of-Hospital Births

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 4, 2010)—A Centers for Disease Control National Health Statistics report released this week showed a five percent increase in demand for out-of-hospital midwife births in 2005. Seventeen states reported an increase of ten percent or more, numbers that continued for 2006. The increase predates the release of actress Ricki Lake’s film, The Business of Being Born, which the American Medical Association cited as a leading factor behind the new consumer demand, a claim echoed in an anti-home birth position statement from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“The idea that American women choose out-of-hospital delivery because a celebrity had her baby at home or because they value the birth ‘experience’ over the health of their babies is not only insulting, but it reveals an appalling lack of awareness on the part of ACOG and the AMA about the economic pressures influencing the health care decisions that people are making,” said Katherine Prown, PhD, Campaign Manager of The Big Push for Midwives.

The CDC report identified the reduced costs associated with out-of-hospital maternity care as a factor in the increased demand, as well as religious and cultural practices and personal preferences for birth settings that are both safe and private.

Consistent with the medical literature on the safety of home birth under the care of Certified Professional Midwives, the report also found significantly reduced rates of pre-term and low-birth weight in out-ofhospital

populations. Certified Professional Midwives, who specialize in out-of-hospital birth and who deliver the majority of U.S. babies born in private homes and freestanding birth centers, provide intensive, individualized pre-natal care that focuses on prevention and risk assessment. The authors of the report identify appropriate risk assessment as a likely factor in the reduced rates of pre-term and low-birth weight in out-of-hospital settings.

“Those of us who have been advocating for increased access to Certified Professional Midwives and outof-hospital maternity care have long known that the research shows that AMA and ACOG statements about the safety of home birth and the reasons why women choose out-of-hospital delivery have no basis in the evidence,“ said Prown. “It’s great to be able to cite even more research on the safety of out-of-hospital birth and to be able to point to data showing that women in the United States do not, in fact, make decisions about where to have their babies for frivolous, selfish, or trendy reasons.”

The Big Push for Midwives Campaign represents tens of thousands of grassroots advocates in the United States who support expanding access to Certified Professional Midwives and out-of-hospital maternity care. The mission of The Big Push for Midwives is to educate state and national policymakers about the reduced costs and improved outcomes associated with out-of-hospital maternity care and to advocate for expanding access to the services of Certified Professional Midwives, who are specially trained to provide it. Media inquiries: Katherine Prown (414) 550-8025, katie@thebigpushformidwives.org

So much for spring?

Well, we were given a slight taste of what the normal weather pattern this time of year is... and then it was yankd from us! We went from 60degrees to snow, all in one day.

The weather here in WNC never ceases to amaze me. It changes so quickly and without warning.

Yesterday, Carl built a ramp for the neighbor's dog. Poor Blackie has lost the full use of his hind leg/hip on one side. He is a beautiful, old, greyhound rescue. He wasn't able to get up and down the 3-4 steps from the door to the yard, and this was the solution. Carl's skills never cease to amaze me :)

While Carl was working on the ramp, it really began to snow! I have to admit, it was gorgeous, but I am ready for spring.

The woods, rivers, and just all of nature is calling me. I can't wait until all the access roads to our favorite hiking areas are re-opened. I heard that the National Forest Roads will be open this week if they didn't today.

Thanks to Deb that treated us to dinner as a thank-you! It made it easy to go to bed early.

On a side note, is it wrong that I love that my child had a two-hour-delay today? I got a nice long night of sleep for the first time in a while!

Giving Thanks for a wonderful fellowship dinner...

Last night I was lucky enough to have a wonderful fellowship dinner with some couples from church, at the pastor's home.

Dinner was delicious, and the company was great. I hope we get to do it again soon!

Thanks again to Jim and Jane for a wonderful evening.

And this is why you listen to mom...

So, over the weekend WNC had perfect weather. I think we even hit 60degrees on Sunday...

Well, we took the boys for a hike and picnic at the river, and while I was making lunch I kept telling the boys to stop throwing rocks into the water. I had a few reasons for stopping it, one was because they would scare away the fish, two was because the beach was really sandy and they needed clean hands, and third was because I didn't want them to fall in...

I was making sandwiches as we sat, and handed them out according to age, with Rory being first. I reminded him again to stop throwing rocks.

As I was finishing making all the sandwiches and handing them out... I hear Rory start crying.

I turn to him and see that he has a rock in his hand and no sandwich.

It didn't take long to realize what happened. Rory threw his sandwich in the water instead of the intended rock... That definitely wasn't the reason I was telling him not to throw rocks, but hey, it works as a reason to listen to mom!

Here is Rory right after throwing his lunch away:

And here is the floating sandwich (which became fish food):

The warmth is here...

And not a moment too soon!

Today we went hiking in what I hope was the last of the season's snow. It was perfect out. The temperature held in the 50's, the boys played in the water, the fish were jumping... it was great.

I hope that this weather is here to stay, we were right around the normal temps for today...

Going for these late winter/early spring hikes do so much to lift your spirit! I love that feeling you get as you inhale that first breath of pure mountain air, and smell the creek, trees, and the dirt... There are very few things that I love more.

The boys had a blast. We ate lunch on a cobblestone beach, sat on a tree, and took some photos. Rory is getting the hang of the camera!