Growing and grasping

It's amazing how qickly my childred are changing.  Espen wanted to paint with me.  I was paintinng some airplanes for my nephew's bedroom and Espen started to paint one too.  I was amazed how he copied the shape so well and the details. 

Asher is grabbing now.  I don't have many toys for him, so out came the kitchen utensils.  THe mixer worked great for him to hold.

He also likes this spikey ball. Any thing easy to hold on to.

Sound of waves

The sound of the beach is so wonderful. It clears my head and relaxes me like nothing else.  Espen, on Friday, asked to go to the beach.  He wanted to stay the night and was so excited when I told him we could go, if only for hte afternoon.  Today was such a nice day we jumped in the car and headed towards Lincoln city.  Asher cried about the whole way.  Once at the beach we went down 15th street and found the best beach spot.  We drove our car down on the beach and the kids ran right to the water.

 I told her this is going on the blog.  Top Gun meats Spies like us.

 It was a bit cold, mostly windy.  He went out for a bit and then we sat in the car and watched the waves.

 The boys found a large barnacle.  The biggest I have seen.

 Even though it was cold, Payton still jumped in knee deep.

 Espen found a great collection of rocks and shells.

Now we are going to have to plan a weekend trip soon.  I love it too much.

Sunday blues

Sundays are hard days.  I struggle with making them better, like Saturdays.  It just never seems to work.  Everyone knows that we are going to church which will ensue an argument from Payton and then Espen will kick in.  Payton has learned to just go get dressed but will still try to deal.  "If I do this, or that can I..."  Some days it is just easier to let in after so many years I am just tired of the fight.  I am so glad for sunny days ti makes it so much nicer for the boys to go out and play.  I can spend quiet time with Asher or while he naps, do some baking or crafting.  Today I tried to make Mom's fudge, she always made it with little effort and I made fudge sauce instead.  I really just wanted fudge, but fudge sauce will have to do.  I thought I boiled it long enough but apparently not. 
Asher on the other hand is doing great.  I am enjoying my time with him.  I noticed yesterday that he has a great mullet.  It went from rock n roll faux hawk to a mullet.  It may be time to trim.

 He has a great baby chin, gut not much of a chub yet.  I am glad for that.

 You can see how long in the back his hair is.  This is also the first time he picked up his giraffe and pulled it to his mouth.  He loves books and looks at them as we read and turn the pages. 

Espen likes to make a house for him by standing up books all around him on his pillow and setting toys and flash cards on the floor in front of him.  Today before church I asked Espen to watch the baby and keep him happy while I finished my school assignment.  He was so excited to help, set up the house, and read him a book.  I started him on learning to read Dick and Jane series.  So all I hear is "Look, look, Dick, See Jane, Help Help.."  He is doing good at learning to read.

Over all today was a good one.  I just have those normal struggles with my boys that seem to be the most on Sundays.  I know it will be okay and I keep pushing on.

Tricia

If life were simple

If life were simple I could me home, I could play all day with Asher and enjoy his smile.  If life were simple by boys would be happy, Espen would not be sitting next to me at 1:50am with mysterious leg cramps that always show up this late.  If life were simple, I would not have had to work at 9pm because I did not want to miss time with my little one.  If life was simple....

Today was the first day I started work since Asher was born.  I new it was coming, I had planned this job.  I just would rather not have to work.  It seems to be the only thing that is easy, it comes easy, and I do enjoy it, just not at this time in my life.

  Payton had a melt down with his report card.  It is like he does not know his effort equals poor grades.  I work so hard to make improvements in his life and I also feel I earned his report card. 

Espen is struggling, yesterday he wanted to change his name first to Asher, than to Tom.  Of course his imaginary friend is back, Joe.  I enjoy hearing how Joe has all the bells and whistles at his house.  Mostly concerned about his anxiety, tummy aches, and leg pains.  I hope this will pass soon.

Working tonight got me thinking about how I just do not have many pictures of my kids.  It is about paying attention more to those moments that are so easily missed.   I know I have a few months before I get busy so I vow to start paying more attention and trying to have more moments with my kids.

On Sunday with the beautiful weather, we went on a walk to find hearts in nature.  I wanted my boys to pay attention and have some fun with a scavenger hunt.  If only it were that simple.  They fought over who had the better scooter the whole way, but I had a few moments.  I will post photos tomorrow, I am going to bed.

Asher 3 months now

Asher is growing so fast. He mimics me sticking my tongue out.  The boys still play with him just not as much.  Asher is making more faces and is able to hold his body straighter.  His hair is so long now.  It generally sticks straight up and can be combed down but not in the back where he has his alfalfa sprout. 

Payton is now fixing his hair everyday and putting on his body axe.  It is like over night he has become aware of his appearance.  We went to get a hair cut and he told the hair dresser to cut his hair a certain way.  He told me it was a secret and I would have to see how it turns out.  Tabiatha wants him to cut it short, but he like the Justin Beiber look.   I am thinking it is time to get Asher's hair cut.  I am not quit ready, I can not believe it is that long. 

Superhero Sunday

Sunday morning the boys get up and Espen puts on his Captain America costume. I was suprised that the boys did not go for the game or television, instead played hero. Fighting poses and ninja stunts insued as they narrated each others next move. It is a rare day that the boys can play for hours with out conflict. Espen loves Captain America and playing with Payton.

 Finally took his hero suit off and got ready for church. 

 Our first snow this year and how exciting it is for the boys. 

Here Espen is ready to go to church.

What is it about babies....

Yes that is his amazing hair.  It only sticks up!!!

What is it about babies that makes me want to sing.   Asher is so sweet and when he smiles I just start singing.  I make up lullabies, sing songs from the radio, or my favorite hymn.  I also find myself whistling to him.   He is starting to coo more and more.  I love his squeaks. He is also grabbing and pulling things to his mouth.