Bringing out the big guns.

or... spoon. 

Meal time has become a bit messier.

and this:

This is what I found on my fridge tonight after cleaning up the kitchen. 

 I guess Seth is ready for Christmas?

Um, I think not.

I've heard people say, "It only gets busier when they get older." Pshhh. 

When they're older they can wipe their own bums and tie their own shoes, dress themselves, feed themselves.  I have three <4.  It's busy, and has been busy. This isn't a whine post, I just really truly believe I'm at the busiest stage in my life (in regards to family).  And I believe I'm nearing the peak though and that the coming years will be less busy and not so maniacally-laughing stressful.  

I wanted to write down our schedule for this fall/winter for posterity (AHEM SETH AND LEVI, but mainly Seth).

6:30 Wake up

8:00 All dressed and fed, house cleaned for the day (on a good day).

8-10:00 Is my time where I just hang out with the kids, I usually read books, color or build legos with them.

Monday: 10:10 Swimming lesson/Swim Playgroup (yes I take all three swimming by myself),  

              12:30  Montessori  Drop Off, 3:30 Pick Up             

Tuesday: 9:00ish PS I love You (mom's group), 12:30 DO, 3:30 PU

Wednesay: 10:10 Swimming lesson, 12:30 DO, 3:30 PU

Thursday: 10:00 Library hour, 12:30 DO, 3:30 PU

Friday:  We occasionally go to the Science Center or to a Play Group I helped organize, 12:30 DO, 3:30 PU

12:30 - 3:30 While Seth is at school I put Raya down for a nap, I have a bit of down time, Levi gets to watch Reading Rainbow probably, and I have some one-on-one time with Levi while Raya is taking her afternoon nap, clean.

3:40-4:10 Read more books, let them ride bikes, be out side

4:20 Clean house start dinner.

Saturday: 9:00 Swimming Lesson, 10:45 Soccer 

Sunday: 11:00 Church

Does anyone else have this problem... ?

Jeff is singing Tom Petty, "Last dance with Mary Jane, one more time to kill the pain ...."
Levi, "Daddy -- what does kill the pain mean?"

doh!

Raya's third, first birthday

I brought cupcakes to playgroup, and Raya loved it. 

 She turned one and the sugar floodgates are open for sure!  

In other news... fall is in the air and so is SOCCER SATURDAY

I'm glad Seth loves soccer so much, because I love being a soccer mom.

Raya's second, first birthday

Ok, the last two pictures have nothing to do with Raya's birthday, but c'mon! They're so cute!  Seth comes out of his room with his shorts hiked to his chest and Levi had to follow suit.  These two crack me up.

(Back to Raya) ... For Raya's birthday we dressed her up in her birthday skirt that aunt Jessica made, so everyone would know that she was "the birthday girl."  Later that night we opened presents, I think in the hustle and bustle of feeding kids and everything I didn't take any pictures (sorry) I'm a mom first then paparazzi. 

We went to Baskin Robin's afterwards for Raya's first bowl of ice cream!  After watching us for so long she was able to have her own bowl, I think she really enjoyed it.

Later that night we all told Raya some of the reasons why we love her:

-She saves Seth from daddy

-Her giggle
-Cute

-That she's a mommy's girl

-That she attacks Jeff and tries to tickle/bite him
-Levi likes how Raya refers to herself as "baby,", and goes "baabaa baabaa"

I think we're all happier because of Raya :)

Raya's first, first birthday party.

enough said.

What a busy weekend!  Jeff and I also went to Brain Regan on Friday night. 

I laughed so hard I cried, it was great.

Brain candy books; I just can't do it.

My wonderful husband surprised me with a book and flowers when I was having a random off-day a couple of weeks ago to cheer me up.  He bought me a light-read "contemporary" book, apparently he thinks all I read is out dated classics. He had heard that it was a popular book and has recently been made into a movie (and if you're thinking Twilight... stop.)

Last week I threw it in the trash.  I've never been so annoyed with a book in my life!  I've never thrown a book in the trash! -- I didn't want to pass on the rubbish. 

So I was searching on our kindle for a free book to read (trying to get the other book out of my head)... and to my confusion that same book I threw away was #1 on kindle's top book (whatever) list.  I don't get it.

I read Willa Cather's My Antonia in two days and felt much better.  I was pleasantly surprised with the book.  

Everyday Seth

This is how my conversations go with Seth.  I can never win.

Mom: "Oh Sethy, you don't need a bib.  Besides you're wearing red, and spaghetti wont stain it."
Seth: "You mean spaghetti sauce."

___

Seth comes over to me triumphantly, wanting me to feel his bulging stomach.
"You're so full! You're going to burst Seth! "
"Probably not."

Help!

Help us win a Cutest Kid Contest! 

The winner will receive a free photo session!

 ... and since we haven't had family photos taken since Seth was a year old ... 

this would be really nice :)

What to do:

• First, click on "Like" next to Cali Jenae Photgraphy on Facebook
• Find "Cutest Kid Contest" folder
• "Like" the photos you see my kids in

The kid with the most likes wins.

Cali is starting a photography business in Pullman and travels throughout the Palouse region, Spokane and Wenatchee.  Her prices are really reasonable, you should check her out! (And say I referred you)

Well here's hoping; thanks everyone!