for the love....

Anna's new do for Summer...doesn't hurt to donate some gorgeous hair in the process

may

 May was such a wonderful month. It was Aaron's first full month after busy season and we are loving how much he is home.  He was home every night for dinner by 5:15, and off by noon every Friday. Heaven!  The weather has been slowly... very slowly warming up.  It is funny when 60 degrees feels so warm.  We've been able to spend more and more time outside which has been great.  Aaron build the dog a great dog house for outside and I found this gem, written by Anna, near it.  The ironic thing is that she really is a stinker of a dog.  

I'm trying to like her. (The dog that is)

 With the arrival of warmer weather came the much anticipated garden.  I have been so anxious to get started as I love to garden and be outdoors, and we've never lived in a place where we had the space.  Aaron thought the garden was a little big but... bring it! We planted potatoes, corn, beans, peas, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, chives, basil, cilantro and the most highly anticipated .... RASPBERRIES!  I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be able to go out to my backyard and pick fresh raspberries.  We also planted about 45 lilac bushed along our back fence. They are going to look and smell beautiful!

 Mom came down to help out

 Brooklyn had a field trip to the local zoo for Preschool and Carter and I decided to tag along.  The zoo was tiny compared to the Columbus and Portland zoo we are used to, but what can you expect in a smaller town. We still had a great time and enjoyed the Sunshine.

 Carter and Clark; of coarse Clark had to come along. Brooklyn said he liked the Monkey exhibit the best..... naturally

 Brooklyn and her pal Ava

 May also brought Brooklyn's preschool graduation and end of the year play. She was a narrator in the "Little Red Hen," and did great. She insisted on having her hair curled and was just adorable.  One of the best parts was that even though it was in the morning, dad was able to come. Another perk of the job here!

 Brooklyn and Mrs. D

On Monday we decided to take a pre-family night walk because it was such a gorgeous night. 

 Our neighbors have these adorable miniature ponies named Spirit and Buster.  Their owners said we could come over any time and feed them Carrots so that's what we do!  The girls were a bit apprehensive at first about feeding them but caught on quickly.

 Look at those teeth.

The owners of the ponies have this amazing barn they restored. I wish I could say that it was ours.  I love where we live. There are things about a big city I'll always miss but I love living in a place where people still wave when you drive by, and the kids can run in the open space and see moose and wild turkey when you are driving to church.  Did I mention we have a guest room?

oompa loompa

Boy does spaghetti stain.... I think he ate more than I did though

happy mother's day

 the kiddos... my greatest challenge and my greatest joy

 with mama

Brooklyn loves flowers, plants, bugs etc.  It is a well known fact that she wants to have a farm when she gets older. She informed me that I can be her assistant and that she would like to still live at home.  Spring is slowly arriving here, and as a result little dandy lions are popping up in the grass. She came in the other day, holding a fist full of dandy lions and said,

"Mom, do you think we could plant some of these?"

I smiled and informed her that those pretty yellow flowers were from weeds that would grow all by themselves. She smiled big and brought me a  whole bouquet.  

I had a wonderful day full of homemade cards and pictures. At school Anna wrote me a recipe for Octopus Soup.  This is how it went

Recipe for: Oktpos Soup
by: Anna Kay Tonks

Ingredients: you need 1 oktpos and you need 2 cups of brown srgr (sugar) and 1 bag of wodr (water) and por (pour) it in a bathtub and put the oktpos in the bathtub.

I feel so blessed to be a mom. The past few weeks I've had a lot on my mind about motherhood.  Maybe if I have time and/or energy I'll try to articulate it here on my blog so that someday my girls can read it. 

mr. independent

 

Carter has become quite independent lately, refusing to let me feed him.  He watches us very closely at the dinner table, everything we put in our mouths. anxiously awaiting his turn to try it out.  He has been very receptive to almost everything he has tried. His favorite is toast cut up, then dipped in rice cereal.  It can be quite messy but he is very proud of himself and gets the job done.

Carter you are such a sweet boy.  You are content and happy and easy going. You will smile at just about anyone we meet, which I know makes there day because you are such a doll.  You take two, sometimes three naps a day and sleep pretty good at night. You're usually up around 1:30 like clock work for a binky reinsertion, and then I feed you about 5:30 am.  Someday I am really ready to be done nursing but I think that I'll probably try to just make it a year like I did with your sisters.  You still have no teeth which surprises me but the doctor doesn't seem concerned.  You have redish/blond hair and it is very thick .Aunt Michelle is always teasing me that it looks like a toupee.  I can't wait to see what kind of little boy you'll be.  If it is anything like the last 9 1/2 months I can't wait!

The Help

I loved this book...

hope the movie can live up!

The Help
(Click above to watch trailer)

"I" questions

Anna: age 6 1/2

I have:  a toy
I wish: papa was here
I hate:  hot dogs
I miss: papa
I hear:  birds
I wonder:  why the snow doesn't stop
I regret:  I don't even know what that is (laughing)
I am not: a boy
I dance:  with my bear
I sing:  bird song
I cry: because my sister pulls my hair
I am not always: sad
I make with my hands: shadows
I write:  stories
I confuse: my sister
I need: chipper to stop barking
I should: repent
I start: the car
I finish:  my dinner
I love:  my papa

because I have a moment

At the very moment I wrote the words to the title I heard Brooklyn cry out and then a sound a mother never wants to hear....

projectile vomiting

Oh geeze laweeze

It came out of nowhere poor thing.  Good thing Aaron was home from work and could help me gather clean clothes, a warm washcloth to wash her face, clean sheets, and help calm her down. It could be a long night. A very long night.  

Motherhood is never dull 

Mom on her way back from Italy, brought home Ruby, an adorable 3 month old Malti-poo puppy. She is only going to be 4 lbs full grown and is just the cutest thing you have ever seen.  She looks like one of those toy dogs you'd get from Target and put batteries in. Poor Chipper goes crazy each time mom comes over with her. I'm afraid Chipper must think she is a big rat that she wants to pounce on.

Brooklyn has pretty much adopted Ruby and won't let her out of her site.  The other night Brook came out and had one of her dolls dresses on the dog. Good thing Ruby is so compliant!

 Brooklyn was learning about pirates at school and was able to dress up.  She was so excited and looked adorable eye patch and all!

Brooklyn you make me smile constantly. You are full of energy and spunk.  You love preschool and are excited to start kindergarten but seem apprehensive about riding the bus.  You are a bit of a homebody and love to just hang out.  You've told us on several occasions that when you grow up you want to be a cow girl, but you still want to live at home with me.  You love to see all the animals that are near our home. The cows, horses, and your favorite bird, the magpie. You still come in and get in our bed almost 5 nights a week. It makes me a little crazy but you've learned dad is a softy and you go to his side.  We've signed you up for t-ball as well. It will be interesting to see how you do.  

Oh Anna, where do I begin.  Let's preface this by saying I've read a book recently called,

"How to set limits with your strong willed child"

(It is very good.... if you are interested click HERE)

That pretty much sums up how things have been lately. You have a will of iron and you pretty much test everywhere you can. I did find some peace when in the book it said that if you can channel your child's strong will for good, than they will be strong leaders who will stand up for what they believe in and will not be swayed.

That is my hope and prayer.  I try so hard to channel your energy for good. You do well in school although you tend to want to be in a rush. I have to remind you during your homework to slow down, write neatly and try to do things right the first time. You are participating in a school play next week and couldn't be more excited.  You've recently lost your top 2 teeth. The latest one came out during recess when a little boy you were pushing on a swing accidentally hit you in the mouth.  I don't know what it is about loosing teeth that makes you look so grown up all of a sudden. 

You also started piano last week from Nana. You are doing really well, despite becoming frustrated quite quickly when you make a mistake. I hope that Piano teaches you patience and persistence. 

You've also become so creative recently. It is a good thing we buy tape in bulk at Costco because you go through so much. You love to create with paper and write stories.  You also love to plan your own family home evening lessons. It is so sweet to watch you teach about the simple gospel truths you know. We love your sweet spirit in our home!

Carter Wayne.... how we love you.  You are 8 1/2 months old now and keep us so busy. You have been crawling for months now and love to pull yourself up on anything you can.  You seem to be turning into a little boy right before our eyes.  You are such a happy little boy (accept when you are teething, even though you still have not cut any teeth) and love to be held.  I fear I spoil you a bit.  You are still nursing quite often which I love.  There are times when I am ready to be done, but I love the calories it burns, and your sweet little face looking up at me while you eat.  You love rice cereal, carrots, squash, and bread.  You hair is coming in quite thick now and we still can't decide what color it is going to be. Some light it looks red, other light, brown or blond.  Time will tell I guess.  I feel lucky to have you as a son. 

This is a picture I took one morning on the way to take Anna to school. When we bought our home we didn't want Anna to have to switch schools again so I've been driving her back into town to the other elementary school. I have to admit it isn't ideal, but it is worth it.  Most mornings it is a fight to get Brookie into the car and I usually have to wake Carter up and I hate that.  The other day though I thought about all the good that has come of it.  During that time I can talk with the girls about what is in store for the day, quiz Anna on her spelling words, and our most recent favorite, listening to and learning primary songs that we have on CD. 

 I loved conference this past weekend. Aaron had to work on Saturday and by some miracle I was able to listen to almost all of both sessions.  (We don't have TV so the radio had to do)  When I was growing up conference seemed to last forever, now I can't get enough.  Each day I am trying to do better.  To enjoy each moment. Good or bad.... and count my many many blessings!

quit staring at me

My self control is wearing thin

Maybe I should eat a half... or maybe just one

if not I may fall victim to all 4!

I told you mom you should have taken them home

ducks

Grandpa and Grandma Tonks took the girls to feed the ducks at the local nature park.  There were so many ducks the girls didn't dare leave the back of grandpa's truck. 

#4

Would you like to meet the newest member of the Tonks family?

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This is Chipper

She is a 2 1/2 month old German Short hair.

Aaron and I have been talking about getting a dog.... maybe at the end of summer.

Well so much for good timing and really thinking things through because Aaron went to pick her up that night.  We had no bed, toys, crate (luckily the man gave us the last of his food)  We put up the baby gate in the half bath and hoped for the best. She barked for about 25 minutes and then was quiet the rest of the night.

The girls were so excited when they woke up in the morning.  I also didn't realize until morning, how hard it was going to be to have a puppy and a baby crawling on the floor.  It's been interesting.

While Aaron is in the midst of busy season, I am home trying to hold down the fort, and potty train a puppy!

Thanks honey :)

 She really is a good dog and the housebreaking isn't going that bad. I am just glad that it is starting to warm up and the snow is starting to melt.  She loves the girls... especially Brooklyn (Probably because she is home with her more)  She does normal puppy things and loves to sit right on you. 

This morning I came home from driving Anna into school and found Chipper's poor face stuck in a small space in her crate. In a panic I called Aaron and he came right home (Thank goodness he's only 10 minutes away)  It was so sad to hear her yelping in so much pain. Aaron had to use pliers to pull the bars apart so she could free her face.  Poor thing.

You may also notice that one of her ears is significantly smaller than the other. The breeder's family called her Nemo.  I am sure that is why she was the last of the litter. No one wanted her because of her "lucky ear" .... as we call it.

We think she is beautiful and now feel like a real family now that we have a dog.

PS: We'll be sure to let you know when the real #4 is on its way.... don't hold your breath though :)



discovery

the digs

The kitchen...and the mama! 

We had so many help us get our house ready to move in.  We decided to paint everything (Except the bathrooms) before we moved in. I have never really painted before but boy, it was not fun. We had Aaron and I, Alain, Gary and Lynette (in-laws), mom, and Jenn my sister in-law helping watch kids. We painted pretty much for two days straight. I am so glad though that we decided to paint.  The color before was a mushroom-y color with pink undertones.

Yuck!

We painted a color called Autumn Haze and I love it.  It is bright and beaufiul and looks great contrasted with white.

This is in the basement.  We tried to have the girls at the house as little as possible because they were to eager to "help."  Aaron designated one small spot where they were allowed to help paint.  My sweet mother in law spend hours cutting in pretty much the entire house.  She is amazing!

You can see the difference in the paint there

This is the family room that you see when you walk in the front door. The stairs are on the left to go down to the basement.  It isn't a huge space and we are planning on getting a sofa, chair and ottoman to fill this space soon. Right now our old sofa and love seat are up there and it is just a bit too crowded. They'll move downstairs when the new set arrives

(That is the before color) 

oh, I love to see a man multi-tasking!

Girls room before. Purple changed to a soft vanilla pink

My handy men, Alain and Gary. They worked so so long.

Carter's room was pink and changed to a grey/blue that matched his crib bedding.

This is our office that is just as you walk in the front door to the right. 

I can't believe that I am posting this picture.

Does an air mattress count as furniture?

Super fun dad set up a tent also.  The room is so large. I have no clue how I am going to divide it and make it into the most useful space I can.  Any ideas?

I love our mud room. It is off the garage and connects to a door that goes to the back yard.  We bought a new washer and dryer when we moved in and I love them. We got the H.E. Top loader and I couldn't be happier. After a lot of research they were a  much better for us than the front loader, which is what I thought I wanted. 

I also have big plans for this mudroom in the future. One is removing that bar and behind it putting one of these beauties

(pottery barn)

 Isn't it pretty?  (and functional I have to add, just for Aaron.)

I would also love to add bead board and a bench seat under the hooks. Good thing my man is so handy!

Behind this door just may be the most exciting thing in the house for me

 Are you ready? What could it be?

Wait for it....

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Ahhhhhh.... A cold storage/food storage room.

Did you hear angels sing? I did :)

A little lame that I am so excited over it but what can I say?

Here is Aaron's favorite part, even though it doesn't look very impressive in this shot.

An over-sized 3 car garage.

Woo-hoo. Those of you who don't live in snow country can't appreciate the awesome-ness of not having to clean off your car after a snow storm. Ahh, the little pleasures.

(We had just moved our stuff over from the storage unit)

I am a little hesitant to post these or anymore pictures because things still seem so chaotic and out of place. (There were a few nagging to see pictures..... ya, you know who you are :)

 When Aaron is finally done with busy season we'll really be able to dive into projects/decorating/organizing.  I'll post more "after" pictures when I feel more done!