Loudness

Our kids are very wound up and chasing each other in a very loud sort of way. I stand up from the chair in the living room with the intention of going up stairs where it is quieter, but Jordan gets up from the couch and gives me a hug and holds me. We are quiet as our children run around us yelling and he whispers in my ear, "don't move, their vision is based on movement."

Just another Sunday

Quote of the day, from memory so not exact...
"The joy of motherhood comes in moments..."
I find this quote so true. With all the hustle and bustle you don't always FEEL the joy, but when I have on of those joyous moments I savor it because who knows what the next minute brings. I had one when bathing Luke the other day to have it squashed by him pooping a minute later in a JUST CLEANED tub that then had to be re-cleaned. I love being a mom but it is so hard sometimes. I felt today was one of those days that by noon I was thinking, "is it bedtime yet?" I fear for Lei's teenage years. I put her in time out yesterday and she yelled at my from her bed, "you don't understand me!" WTFreak where did that come from?! I don't recall using that line, which Jord confirmed he hasn't heard me use that either. So I am thinking t.v.? A 3 year old should not be yelling that to her mother and I fear what the future holds. I really need to figure out a better way to communicate with her now and a different way of disciplining her otherwise the conflict is going to just get worse and we will be constantly yelling at one another. I love that little girl but we butt heads...hard. Today at church she was trying to get out of the pew so I was blocking her leg and telling her to sit down when she YELLS "STOP HOLDING MY LEG AND LET ME OUT!" (picture a quiet setting with heart felt talks, I mentioned quiet right?) At least we were in the back row, but I was at church alone with the kids because Jord was sick at home but needless to say we left early. Which this caused another melt down (worst to date and not just because it was the most recent) because her favorite part is the last hour when she can go play with the kids. This fit was a balls out show down with screaming and body contorting to avoid getting buckled in the car. So ridiculous that I found my self laughing inside and thankful I couldn't see anyone else in the parking lot who may have been compelled to come see if the child was really mine and I wasn't trying to kidnap a random kid.
Alas, let me end on something positive: Lei's hugs and kisses are the best. I tear up every time she tells me I am the best mom EVER. She is very gracious and most always thanks me when I do something for her, even if it is just reading her a book. She is incredibly smart and I often forget she is only 3. I love her Peter Panish ways of saying she never wants to grow-up.
I love her crazy hair that rebels every time I try to do anything to it. Most of all I just LOVE HER.

soccer anyone?

So Lei started soccer a few weeks back and EVERYDAY I am asked if "is soccer today?" She tells me daily what she likes about soccer and that it is her most favorite thing, and then demonstrates how she kicks the ball.

Luke is pointing and things and saying, wasat (what's that). I asked him today where is dada and he turned and pointed at Jord to my surprise, but of course I asked again right away and he would not do it.

Luke's 1 year stats on 9-23-09
24 lbs and 7 oz.
31 3/4 inches long
head 46.5 cm.

Surprise to me!

So my wonderful husband was able to keep a gift secret for a whole week! We were in the apple store awhile ago so he could lust after the new ipod touch and I found the new little ipod shuffle that I thought would be nice to run with. Much lighter then the one I had. So yesterday a package came in the mail for Jord and I assumed it was his new phone for work so I didn't open it so...when he came home at lunch he was able to open it and surprise me. He even had a little engraved message put on it that said "1/2 marathon mommy". I ran with it last night and I felt like I wasn't running with one it was so light! So thank you to my Jordan!

He Claps!

So today Luke finally clapped! I am so relieved, I was getting worried. So when I go this week to his 1 year check-up I can say yes to the question, "is he clapping?"

Thought

So I want a new kitchen table...it is really ALMOST a need. But then I think I don't want to worry or freak out when the marker misses the paper and goes on the table. And the mod-podge stains won't be there anymore to camouflage the spilled milk. And I think I may get upset when Lei pounds her fork prongs in the table in between bites...yes I think I will wait a year when it becomes a NEED.

Luke Thomas Norris

Mix a panacake, Stir a pancake, Pop it in the pan;
Fry the pancake, Toss the pancake, Catch it if you can...
Pictures from Luke's 1st Birthday Pancake Breakfast Party! (at the park)










Instead of birthday cake I made monkey bread and stuck a candle in it! We had pancakes, sausage, eggs, monkey bread, and milk and juice! Very yummy!

Be-lated Buddy Birthday Wish

Luke,
I am so sorry my sweet boy that your birthday falls on one of the 2 worst weeks of the year for as long as I have my current job; and this wish comes a bit late.
You are such a joy in my life. Behind your Daddy you are my number 1 guy. YOU ARE ALWAYS HAPPY! And it is the first thing anyone says about you. You began walking a few days before you turned one and now you are almost ready to run, you learned this skill very fast. You are such a sensitive one, if I am stressed or upset you whine at my feet until I hold and love you. You love cars (anything with a wheels really), balls, and your stacking cups; I love watching you try to stack those things. You are very into music, the piano and guitar are you first priority if they are in the room. You say Dada, Mama, Lala (Kaleia), baba, and you hum when you are tired. You still tug your ear when you are ready to go to bed and you love to sleep only in a crib. You wave but I have yet to see you clap, however you clasp your hands so I have been told not to worry. You are a mellow baby and take a lot of roughness from your sister who loves you like Lenny "Of Mice and Men."
Love, Mom

Buddy Boy,
I have enjoyed watching you walk like you are drunk, sleep ALL night long, and eat everything we put in front of you. I love your loviness you little blond teddy bear.
Love, Dad

turn-over 1/2 over

So I have worked 27+ hours the past 2 days...You would think I would be feeling worse but am not feeling too bad. I have decided to take the night off of manual labor, i.e. apt. cleaning and yard work, to catch up on first the computer and then paper work.

Blast from the past

my sister brought it to my attention these were floating around on facebook. pics from girls camp way back in the day. you really can't hide from your past. p.s. i think i am wearing tapered pants!