The Joy of Raising Boys

I received this email from Chris yesterday:

Jared tells Spencer to raise his hands up in the air. Spencer complies. Then Jared punches him in the gut. Spencer complains and to make him feel better, Jared punches himself in the stomach. Spencer follows suit and is shortly punching himself in the stomach. Crisis averted

Then today Chris and I witnessed the following:

Spencer walking around with scissors dangerously close to his face... Chris asks Jared to show Spencer how to correctly walk with scissors to which Jared responds, "Spencer, throw me the scissors." To which both Chris and I scream "No" while laughing at the same time.

Oh boys... LOVE THEM!

Early Birthday Present

I have loved Chicago mainly because I found a wonderful friend right away. The first time I did something with Linsey I came home and told Chris I really liked her and would love to do more together but I thought I was a little much for her. She was so soft spoken and so kind I felt like I was loud and too much compared to her. Maybe that's why we work so well together:). I cried when I found out Linsey was going to move and cried when she did. Days when I was having a bad day or just out of the blue I'd burst out crying and say, "I miss Linsey!" She is the sweetest, soft spoken person you'll meet and I loved parenting with her. We were constantly at each other's places eating dinners together without husbands, spending countless hours at parks and the beach, and watching each other's children on a whim. Our kids got a long great, she has three: Anna (6), Peter (4), and Sophie (2).

They moved last October and I have missed her dearly. Well I guess I've complained enough that Chris surprised me with tickets to go see her in Connecticut! Woot! Woot! He told me Wednesday night that I was flying out Thursday and my amazing friend Beth was going to watch the boys till he got home. (Chris had court that week and he was thinking it would last Monday and Tuesday for sure and maybe Wednesday. Well the judge had something on Wednesday so they couldn't proceed until Thursday. And if the jury didn't come up with a verdict then he'd have to drive back Friday morning early (before 6:00). A little stressful but it worked out that everything got settled Thursday and he was home Friday).

So Thursday I enjoyed a kidless flight and read. Flying into the city was amazing. It was dark and the city was lit up. I had a perfect view. I don't know how to explain it but it was like a movie. The crisp lines the street lights made, the Yankee stadium lit up, and the magnificent skyline, it was just awesome. At the airport I was welcomed by these cute kiddos! (this picture was taken when they took me to the airport Sunday. When I got there they were all sound asleep:)
Thursday night we stayed up late talking and catching up. It was so natural talking away and felt like I lived a few blocks away. On Friday after dropping the kids off Linsey treated me to a pedicure and lunch in New Canaan and then we shopped.

Linsey drove me around showing me around the area and later in the afternoon we visited and watched her kids play outside. While outside some of her neighbors came out and started chatting. It was so nice to be able to get to know the people around her. They were so genuine and nice. I loved one of her neighbors, Yanni, she had a lot of spunk. I could totally see her as a friend if I lived close by.

Friday we set off for New York! Chris' gift was perfect for two reasons: #1 Linsey, #2 I'd never been to New York before. I had a list of things I wanted to do and we knew we'd be running the whole day. The rest I'll tell mainly through pictures:

Grand Central Station

I went home Sunday the night Bin Laden's death was announced. Would've been cool to be there afterwards.

The Statue of Liberty is to the left in the distance. I opted to not to a ferry to save on time.

New York Stock Exchange

Model in action. She was hideous but totally something you'd see in some magazines. Her mannerisms, walk, and figure were everything I'd would think they'd be. In between pictures she'd chomp away at her gum. I must say I was very intrigued and watched till the end of the photo shoot (5 mins maybe).

Brooklyn Bridge

On the other side of the bridge was suppose to be this amazing pizza place. Well it must have been amazing because the wait was an hour so we opted out, strike one. We hopped on the subway and went to the Frick. No pictures were taken but I loved this place. It was a billionaire's home that had been turned into a museum. The amazing thing about it was that all the art in there was a single person's collection. There was a lot in there and a lot were well known artists. Very cool. The biggest disappointment was the video they usually showed on Frick was not being shown because of an event they were setting up for. I had been told it was a good informative video and I was looking forward to it. Strike two.

By this point all Linsey and I had eaten was a pretzel that we shared. We had a huge long list of places that were recommended but most were out of the way and we, I, didn't want to take the time.

So after The Frick we hit Central Park. We only strolled through a small portion but seriously this park is gorgeous. Loved the landscaping, looked so natural (is it?). I would totally love running through this park.

The boat house

Where John Lennon lived

One of the places lower on our food list was a hot dog place that was close to Central Park. (it had Papya in it's name, weird name for a hot dog place.) We decided to try it out since we hadn't eaten much. Well they weren't bad but nothing special. The drinks on the other hand must be what they're known for.

Next stop Times Square

Then Rockefeller Square and the Today show's window

We were hungry and were seated right away at the Carnegie Deli Restaurant. We split our sandwich and good thing to. Look at that beast! And that's half.

We finished our evening with Mamma Mia! Chris had bought our tickets and arranged everything.

When he first told me I was little disappointed. I wasn't a fan of the movie and I thought I would've preferred Phantom of the Opera. But I LOVED it! The cast, girls, were great! The male cast really struggled but the women totally carried it. I was so exhausted I wondered if I'd have to fight staying awake but that wasn't a problem. It was great, catchy, and lively.

Afterwards we went to Serendipity. I wanted to try their frozen hot chocolate. But... strike three. Another hour wait. It was already 11:00, and if Linsey didn't have church responsibilities the next day we would have stayed but we had to face reality and sadly go home without our cravings left unsatisfied. I guess I've gotta make it back;)

Sunday we went to church and had a relaxing time before she took me to the airport. As much as I would have loved to take Linsey back with me it wasn't a sad goodbye. I feel better knowing where she's at and I'm glad I got to meet some of those around her. It makes me feel better to know there's good people there. And although our lives will never be like our Chicago life I've added a sister for life! You're the best Linsey!

Back at home my family picked me up and it was so good to see them. I felt loved and appreciated and Miles wouldn't let me go. He always wants Chris to put him down for the night but for two nights he wanted me. Being away was good. It made me realize I could be gone from my kids without being paranoid or worried (it helped that Chris was watching them otherwise I'm sure I'd worry more, probably for the babysitter). And I realized my family doesn't need me as much as I thought. Although my kids missed me they were totally fine and didn't have any meltdowns. (this is also probably because Chris was watching them and he said they could play the wii without paying any tokens. That just doesn't happen when I'm home). Chris survived and kept the house in order and fixed meals and everything. He just didn't get a lot of work in but hey, being an at home parent is a full time job!

Thank you Chris for your wonderful gift. I loved it and it was perfect!

Mother's Day 2011

For a long time I've been realizing how quickly my kids are growing up and yesterday was one of those days I wanted to freeze time. The night before Chris and the boys informed me I had to stay in bed till they said. Miles woke up at 7:00 and Chris promptly got up to get him. I knew it was going to be pointless trying to go back to sleep but I tried. Some time Spencer made his way in to my room and asked to sleep by me. Of course! He cuddled up by me, touched my face and just chatted away. Loved it, I wanted to freeze time.

Awhile later Miles pushes the door open and in he walks all decked out in his church attire but half of his collar is up with his tie is on but the top button is undone. Again I wanted to freeze time.

Finally breakfast was ready and all my boys, Chris included, brought me back some of the most delicious french toast I've ever had, banana's foster french toast. AmaZing!

They also brought me cards and flowers. I told Chris that I didn't want a mother's day gift because what he got me for my birthday (more to come) was more money than I'd like him to spend so I preferred my birthday gift be for both occasions.

I was a little worried that the boys, mainly Jared, would be upset that they didn't "give" me anything so I told Chris he could wrap up some shoes I had bought myself that I needed. We forgot to wrap them but I'm so glad we did. Jared and Spencer were thrilled to give me cards they made and flowers. They didn't feel a need to go out and just buy something, anything, but gave me what they really wanted to and that made it all the more special.

Later as I was getting ready for church I came back to my room and Jared was making my bed. I wanted to freeze time watching this little boy maneuver himself around the big bed. the top comforter was completely off the bed so i'm sure that was some work for him to pull and tug into place.

After church I was waiting for a meltdown moment to happen. All I really wanted for mother's day was for everyone to be happy and get along. So cliche but so true. It continued to be a wonderful day. Everyone loved Chris' ribs and the boys and Chris were so helpful in keeping things picked up and cleaning up after themselves.

(Chris preparing the homemade bbq sauce)

At bed time I requested Chris put the boys to bed so I could blog. I was tired and really wanted to do some blogging before I talked myself out of it. Jared heard my request so of course he wanted me to carry him back to bed. I kindly refused but Jared was putting up a big fight and quickly ruining the mood and the idea came to me that I should go to bed too and have them sleep by me till Chris came back to bed. What a perfect way to end mother's day with one of my boys on each side of me.

I don't just love being a mother. But I love being a mother to my boys. Our life is far from perfect, in fact I have failed to mention how Spencer spilled my only expensive makeup ($40) in the morning and Jared got mad at something and was threatening to not sing the primary mother's day song in church and I didn't know if he would until he went up to the stage with all the kids, but I wouldn't trade anyone of my boys for the best boy in the world. I hope they feel the same about me.

To my sweet, sweet husband who was sensitive to all my wants and needs today. Not only did he fix amazing meals but he bathed and dressed the boys, took care of Miles at church, kept things tidy at home and then when I did go to bed he cleaned everything up, kitchen included. I love you sexy, thanks for making me feel loved and appreciated.

And to my own mom... I love you, I love you, I love you! I appreciate you so much more with kids of my own and am so glad I was part of our family. I know I would never trade you for any mother out there. Happy Mother's Day!