Life's a beach

Have I mentioned how much I love Colorado? Who says you can't go to the beach when you live in the mountains?! I don't know why it took us so long to go, it's only an hour away! It's not Cancun, but we had nice, clean sand, and whole afternoon to play, and dig, and swim.
We had an awesome end-of-May kind of day....perfect temperature, a slight breeze, and with rain clouds looming in the distance (but not on us). Heaven.

It took Hayden about an hour to realize it was fun.

But once he did, he was a regular sand diggin' expert!

The only obstacle for him was keeping the sand out of his snacks.

I think we heard "This is SO much fun!" about a gazillion times from the girls.

My two favorite boys in their "matching hats"....it's sweet because I have a feeling Hayden only wore his because Tom was wearing one. Whatever works!

The wanderer.

Madeline loved collecting seashells.

Avery loved pushing the limit on how deep she could go.

Mommy loved snuggling with Hayden, and Hayden got tired of having his picture taken.
We had a super great day, and those rain clouds eventually caught up with us, but we were well on our way home! We can't wait to go again!!

JOY

I love my kids. They make me laugh. They make me crazy. They keep me silly. They make me cry. They keep me sane. They make me pray...and that's just today! As I received my homemade cards, yummy breakfast, and potted flowers today...(what??! YOU did TOO? Crazy!) I was reminded of the more lasting gifts I receive on a daily basis, and that the joy of being a mother is in the journey. There are many days where the journey becomes monotonous, and I find myself wondering "Am I there yet?!", but thankfully there are far more days when I am able to appreciate the scenery and the beauty of the experience. It's in the moments when I catch my two year old in prayer without prompting, or when I look out the window to the backyard, and see my two girls laughing and giggling together. It's when Madeline makes a joke at the dinner table that is actually funny. It's hearing Avery sing to the radio at the top of her lungs in the van. I love being a mom, and quite frankly I couldn't do it without my children; or without my dear husband who loves and supports me in this sacred calling. So, on the days when I ask myself "Am I there yet?" I already know the answer....I am there. The joy is in that very moment.

Happy Mother's Day

xoxo

Childhood

Through his eyes I see a world unknown; where each dawn promises new beginnings and goodness, where miracles blossom at the sight of sky, and earth, and sound. Where love is understood through touch and a knowing smile. Where joy is embraced and nourished without reservation, or fear of consequence. Where pain is fleeting, and discontent but a passing triviality soon forgotten. I see faith; pure and untouched, untainted by shadows and cynicism. Through his eyes, I see hope and a world unknown; and I am reminded of what I need to be.

The post you have all been waiting for (or not)

On April 16th, nature brought us four new kittens! I have to say....I was less than thrilled about the prospect of these new friends. All through Skittles pregnancy I imagined meowing, rambunctious and messy kittens ruining our house and our lives (how awful am I??!) However, now that they are here, they are precious and sweet, and surprisingly CLEAN - thanks to their good mama, Skittles.

I "assisted" with all four births...and learned some things about cats that I never wanted to know. Like it or not, you will now know too! Did you know the mother cat eats the placenta's? Each baby kitten has it's own placenta, so that is four in all in our case. Skittles was more interested in chowing down after each delivery, than in freeing her kittens from the sacs, which is where I stepped in. I tore each sac open, and cleaned their little faces so they could breathe. It was actually a very amazing experience. I allowed the girls to stay home from school to watch the births, and I am so glad they did! Birth is not something they get to see every day! They have learned a lot as they have watched Skittles take care of her kittens these past 2 weeks. I have learned a lot! Nature is amazing and perfect. I am so impressed at how animals instincts take over....they don't have classes on labor, breastfeeding, or taking care of their young, but they do it perfectly and lovingly. Another fun fact - did you know that the mama cat eats all her kittens "waste"?? That's right folks! No little poops for us thank you very much (loved that surprise by the way)! She supposedly will start litter training them around 5 weeks. After this experience, I have realized that cats truly are extremely clean amimals!
If you know me, you know I have never cared much for Skittles...she never was the brightest cat in the litter - but I have new respect for our pet now, as I watch her be this wonderful mother to her babies.

This is "Bella". She is the sweetest kitten. The rest of the kittens were ornery last week as we tried to pet them, but not her! She was happy to explore and sniff and be close to us. She has a "twin" sister we call Luna. They have the same markings and color.

Cheeto is on the right. He is the only male, and the first born. Avery named him Cheeto as soon as he came out. She said she thought he looked like one. She was right, he did. Scout is in the middle, she is a Calico, and has a very unique patch on her right eye. (What can I say? I'm a "To Kill a Mockingbird" fan).

For now, these little guys stay under our bed with their mama. Skittles moved them 3 times before she found the right place for them. They are surprisingly quiet! They hardly make a peep. When they aren't sleeping, they are nursing, or climbing all over one another. They just started walking, and it's very similar to watching a toddler take his first steps. They are wobbly and cute! Now, the hard part is deciding which bundle of joy we will keep! The rest will be available for adoption mid - June...come on, you know you want one!! ;) Now...where is that number to the Spay and Neuter clinic???