And so it goes

With the promise of Spring, so comes the reminder of Winter. We were reminded today that snow is still possible and in all likely hood, probable. We are still in awe of having a little baby in our midst. He is getting more and more used to us, which is nice. Can I say how much I hate formula though?! Noah has such a rough time processing anything it seems! Plus, it stinks, and so does what comes out! And then... bottles are no fun either... we have only three so then we don't misplace them and find something nasty later!
Colton and Ayla have been trading their sicknesses for the last two weeks. Colton decided to scare us a little today with a high (103.5) temp that came on really quick and finally now it is down to 101.5 ish. Maybe it is a remnant from our last week sicknesses.. but of course it happens on a Sunday when the doctor is away :) We are continuing to monitor.
My biggest wish right now is for all of us to be healthy and able to make it through a week without something! Anyone have any ideas?
Tyler is cultivating a little jungle in our bedroom... peas, black eyed susans, squash, zucchinni, tomatoes, and a couple other things! I think they may be full size before we can get them outside! We will see... the kids LOVE to water them and fight over who gets to water what... kind of cute, but mostly frustrating. Something we brought on ourselves, so we just sigh and remember that they are learning a valuable lesson!

Sickness... and then better!

We have been sick for the last couple days... it all started with poor little Ayla. She ended up having a pretty bad ear infection on top of some 24 hour flu thing that we all got. Yesterday was the worst... Tyler had gone to Butte the night before, so it was me with the three little guys. And then the sickness really started... everyone was puking everywhere; on the floor, on the couch, on me... it was awesome! Then Tyler was in Butte throwing up all morning also. Luckily, Noah didn't seem to be too affected, but he wasn't holding everything down that he should have been...




But today was a new day, and although Ayla still isn't 100%, we were all feeling a lot better... and no puking! Ayla just got this ADORABLE cape, that I just love! Our little red riding hood.
And of course ... can't forget about Noah! He had his first visit with his dad on Tuesday, and it seemed to go well. Can't really tell how he feels about it. What a cutie, though!

Tough day

Today has tested my will as no other day that I can remember (maybe that is because I can't really remember much since sleep has taken a backseat?). Yesterday evening, Ayla decided to throw up a couple times and then once during the night, and one more time (so far) today. Add Noah needing CONSTANT attention, and you have one mom who wants to rip her hair out! Noah doesn't like to sleep during the day anywhere but your arms... but we trick him into the swing sometimes! The last few days Ayla has been needing extra attention... and I try to give it to her, but it is hard to make everyone happy!
Guess I just have to prioritize, right?
Well, Ayla got her first pigtails last night (before the puking!) and she gave us her most rascally looks!
Wish me luck for tomorrow... and everyday after! It can only get easier, right? Please tell me yes!

What a cutie!

Noah sure smiles alot... he really likes the kids and seems to like us too. We are growing to love him and are pretty attached already; really doesn't take long! He is just a fun little guy (minus the gas and sleep issues!) and we feel we are pretty lucky to have him in our lives right now.

And I think blue is his color.

Our Missoula trip

We decided to all go to Missoula kind of last minute on Wednesday till Friday. Tyler had a training thing down there... I thought 3 kids would be tough, but it really wasn't that bad! The kids and I spent Thursday going to the Children's museum in downtown Missoula, and then hung out in the hotel room until Tyler was done... then we went to dinner, but had to make a quick stop at the CAT dealership for Colton, while Noah got fed. Kids had a cheap blast! Friday (today) Tyler got done early and we headed to the nearby carousel and park... had a great time! Kids did not want to leave! They were going down slides all by themselves! It was a great trip and good change of scenery... even though I love the scenery around here!
Noah is doing great.... just a normal 2 month old. But he is so small! I weighed him in today at about 10.5 lbs fully clothed! Just a little bundle of smiles!

Noah Kincaid

We welcomed our first foster child yesterday! His name is Noah Kincaid, and he is 2 months old... born on Jan. 11. So far, so good. I forgot what sleepless nights were though! The kids like the idea of him, but seem to be more needy now... as expected! So... wish us luck!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...

Our weekends always start out slow... we wake up slow; we eat breakfast slow; and we get dressed slow. Ayla takes this to heart, and gets dressed any which way! Here is a typical weekend morning for Ayla... boots, woolies and pajama shirt.

Then we decided to do a little watercolor painting... the kids made some great pictures and it lasted all of about 15 minutes.

This is an example of the training pants I have been making for the kids... adorable! Hope everyone had a great weekend! My friend, Angie and her husband Chris welcomed their 4th child into the world on Friday.. little Anna. And my best friend Jaime and her husband Erich celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Addy! Yeah!

Potty training time!

I have been making some training pants for the kids, and amazingly, they have made a huge impression on Colton! It all started last night when I put him in a pair, and he realized he could take them off an put them on quite easily. Then today, I went on a hike, and during the hour I was gone, Colton went potty 4 different times! And to top it off, not 2 minutes after I walked in the door, he sat again and, lo and behold, he went #2!! I guess when they get it into their little heads, it just happens! So, needless to say, I will be making more training pants, and actually putting them on both the kids to use.

Top ten things I love RIGHT NOW...

1. The way Colton helps Ayla by calmly explaining things to her, and then she does one thing wrong, and he yells, "NO, Ayla!" He is a great big brother!

2. How the beautiful blue skies really lift the spirits and puts a great big smile on my face!

3. When Tyler helps without me asking him to.

4. that my mom taught me to move the furniture around from time to time to get a whole different feel in your home (I have to admit this is a nuisance sometimes, because I HAVE to move things around like every two months... or with the changing of seasons. Tyler seems to think it is an endearing quality... or so he says)

5. When Ayla hears the kitties fighting and immediately says "No, Meow, no meow, no meow!" So cute!

6. Colton's wonderful laugh and smile (he has been sick for a couple days, so it is such a relief to see him getting better)

7. The new training pants I am making for my kids and for Jill's daughter, Eve... it gives me hope that I won't be changing two kids diapers forever! Colton has been going on the potty chair every day and he is quite proud of himself. I plan to let them roam around outside naked this summer to help them along...

8. Getting rid of stuff! It is such a relief (?) sometimes to let go of things you know you don't need.

9. Strawberries - just got the first batch at Costco this week and they are a favorite in the house right now!

10. And last, but DEFINITELY not least..... NUTELLA! I have never had this amazing creation before, but my Mom had told me how good it was, so I finally bought some at Costco. And let me tell you, I have been putting it on everything, and finding excuses to eat it! Just talking about it makes me want some! It is really a great invention of chocolate and hazelnut combined in just the right mixture. Don't buy any if you have never had it, if you are a chocolate lover like me, you will have a hard time putting it away!

Hope everyone has a great day and weekend! Wish Tyler luck, he takes his promotion test on Monday!

Hot Cocoa days...

How I long for the Spring, but it is so elusive here in Montana (for the two winters we have been here for). My excuses for not working out pile up like unopened mail on the bookshelf! I keep saying "as soon as it is warm enough to not freeze my butt off, I will work my butt off!" Ha... well, if I really do intend on running a half marathon (13.1 miles!) then I better start running in the near future!
So while we wait for warm(er) spring days to replace the cold (burr) winter days, we have a good excuse to drink warm drinks, like coffee (with Bailey's) or hot chocolate for the kids. I just found a homemade recipe for hot chocolate that tastes REALLY good, actually may be better than the store stuff....

Makes about 92 (yes, that is right, 92) 8 oz. servings!

3 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups cocoa
2 TB salt

milk for serving

to make:
whisk everything together (the dry stuff) in a big bowl and store in airtight container.

mix 2 TB of mix to one cup of warm/hot milk.

Delicious! I got this from the Martha Stewart website (thanks, Martha!)

We have been loving it. Especially since Colton has been sick :( Poor little guy woke up in the middle of the night a couple days ago with a HORRIBLE sounding cough (croup is what it probably is) but the cough at night is gone, but fever is still here and just not as active as usual. He did however manage to go potty on the potty chair again! Yeah Colton! He was bribed with a lollipop, which worked wonders.
Well, hopefully everyone is having a great week, and not too much snow.

A great Saturday with the family, and a free drawing...

Yesterday, which was Saturday, we had such a great day here in Montana! The kids slept well, we slept decently, considering our colds and we woke up at our usual time. I decided to try a new breakfast recipe and made a Dutch Baby, (this recipe is a little different, but basically the same) which is a puffed pancake you bake in the oven, and I cooked some Gala apples with cinnamon/sugar and a little bit o' butter... this goes on top with some powdered sugar... ummmmm good! Tyler even liked it. The kids weren't completely impresses, but they change so often! I remember having something like this when I was a kid, and I thought it was the best breakfast ever! So, I thought I might pass it on to the kids.
Then we packed up the kids and our two mattresses, and headed to the Samaritan House to donate them. Colton asked a lot of questions about why and who, and we answered them the best we could considering he isn't even three yet! I think it was a good lesson when I said since we aren't sleeping on them, we can share them and let someone who doesn't have a mattress sleep on them. I am really trying to donate what I can, and hope to soon donate my time to a couple local charities.
Later, while Tyler made a scrumptious dinner of Salmon with salsa, the kids and I ACTUALLY PLAYED! I always feel like I don't play with the kids, but yesterday I decided to actually enjoy it.. we "cooked" and made dinner and "cut" some veggetables "Just like daddy". It was fun.
.... Right before dinner I made another choice; Tyler said it was the wrong one at the time, and I was in between. I got out a bowl full of rice and gave them funnels and some scoops and let them play on the kitchen floor. Most did NOT stay in the bucket while Ayla was playing; but as soon as Colton was alone and given some tractors with buckets and trailers, he kept most inside. The thing is, they had sooo much fun! Colton did not want to go to bed because according to him " ME like playing with rice!" And the first thing he asked about this morning was the rice. I just had to keep reminding myself that it was JUST RICE, after all.






Here is a give away for anyone interested:

Win a free Bumgenius 3.0 Diaper! This is a valuable All-In-One cloth diaper that you can use for yourself or give as a gift to someone expecting a baby! Go check out Hot Belly Mama's Blog for details on how to win this wonderful All In One Cloth Diaper. Hot Belly Mama will announce the winner on March 30th, after her 30th birthday!

Here is the direct link to her blog:

http://hotbellymama.blogspot.com/

Good luck!

Inside when outside is beautiful but cold

We have been finding ourselves inside for most of the time, due to the cold weather. Sometimes it is hard to occupy the kids time all day, but coloring is a daily thing of ours. Colton has gotten pretty good at solidly coloring things in and wearing the crayons down to a nub... we are unsure of the genetic artistic ability he has inherited, but we have seen him progress definitely! Ayla is our free spirit, that usually finds the most joy in "stealing" the crayons when Colton isn't watching! I found some awesome crayon rocks that both the kids really enjoy and don't break quite as easy as a regular crayon... always a plus, and worth the extra money!
Tyler and the kids have an almost nightly ritual of eating popsicles before bed. They are all too cute sitting around and sharing the different flavors.

I moved this great chair downstairs because upstairs seems to be full with beds (both the kids have a crib that they are sleeping in currently, then there is toddler bed for Ayla eventually and a full twin one for Colton when he gets better at sleeping at night!) So... it is sitting by the front door. The kids think it is so fun to climb on it and look out the front door (Colton has the excavators next door to keep track of!) and Ayla just likes to do anything that Colton does. I love the chair and so do the cats... if the kids aren't bothering them too much they like to lounge on it.

Finished with a lot of things... well almost

Today I feel like I got alot of stuff accomplished... although looking back, I guess it isn't too much! Ha! I donated to a local charity, moved a chair downstairs, got Ayla some meds.... and finished a couple dresses for gifts. Just need to finish a couple diapers and get some pics of them to put on etsy and what not, and then I should be good!
I am so excited about my recycled stuff I am making... I almost feel like I am making the world a better place for my kids. I hope so, at least :)
I made some yummy banana bread today, that the kids just gobbled up for snack. I had some buckwheat flour left over from my "I might be allergic to wheat" days and decided to finally use some of it. It gave the bread a really light, but rich taste (I think).
Colton has been using some pretty advanced words for a 2.5 year old... He said "Me didn't re-a-lize that the excavator had three buckets". Seriously.

...Changed my mind!

So I have decided to give up Facebook for at least a month instead. I have noticed lately that I am quite annoyed with people on Facebook, for different things, and I continue to think about it all day (well, not all day, but it does cross my mind). I do not feel adequate as a friend, because of Facebook. I look at people's comments and goings on between them, and wonder why I don't get invited here or there... it is quite pathetic! But I really believe the problem is Facebook, with all their updates and emails... so... I am not checking my Facebook account at least until the end of March. If I am still feeling left out by everyone, then I will say "My bad, it wasn't Facebook; it's just me."
I can assure you that I know this is pretty pathetic, but I am trying to be as honest with myself, and my friends and family, as I can be! I don't think there is anything wrong with honesty, and I have been beating myself up about this friends thing for a while. And sometimes the truth isn't pretty.
Speaking of pretty... here is a new dress/shirt that I have made. It was for my niece, Alayna for her second birthday... but after trying it on Ayla, I really don't think it will fit her! and if I do say so myself, it turned out pretty darn cute! It is the biggest size, and it supposed to be a 5!

Giving up in February

Well, not giving up, but giving SOMETHING up! It was my intention to give up chocolate, but then Tyler made a chocolate peanut butter cheesecake and that all changed! So I have decided to give up excuses to get outside everyday... I know that might sound kind of lame, but here in Montana at about this time, you get pretty stir crazy, but sometimes the weather does not cooperate, so you find yourself inside ALL day. Not fun. So far, so good. Even with a headache all weekend, we managed to get outside and get some sunshine. Saturday we went around and looked at some land for sale... no, we are not buying any, but we really wish we could! Yesterday we made it out just for a bit before dinner, and then today the kids and I went for a really nice walk and even jogged a bit. I am still trying to get in the mindset that I need to rest my back for about a month for it to heal, but let me tell you... it feels SO much better after acupuncture! It is amazing the difference!
Anyways, I am going to come up with a list of things to "give up" so that I find myself maybe appreciating things a little bit more. Chocolate will be one very soon! I am SOOOO addicted to chocolate. TV is one (not that I want to appreciate it, but I want to prove to myself that I can be without it!) I am really not sure what else, but maybe someone has some suggestions? Oh, Facebook will be one too! I find myself checking that a couple times a day, needlessly!
Hope everyone had a great day, and I am off to make a couple dresses!