behind the scenes: family pictures

My favorite: cooper disinterested. beckham trying to make a break for it. mom praying. seneca refusing to look forward and dad laughing at all of us.





The players:

Jackie who gets major props for agreeing to photograph this lot. It was cold, she was dealing with another photographer with his own ideas and three children who for the life of her would not cooperate.

Cooper who was mad and cold. Cold makes us cranky and taking the jacket off was pure torture. Smiling was simply not possible. Ever.

Seneca. She varied between silly and stubborn all day. She had her own ideas of where to look, which direction her body would be turned and when roaring seemed more appropriate than smiling at the camera.





Beckham. Pretty much a Winston Churchhill somber face most of the day. He'd look at Jackie, point even, but smile? Not so much.

Denten. The Ironman himself. He had ideas about this photoshoot and I suppose most came to pass. He was in good spirits considering he does not get cold quite as easily as some of the rest of us.

Amberly. Taking pictures? Fun! A day on the mountain? Fun! Coordinating outfits, fun photo shoots? Fun! Except that I was freezing and that I pretty much have a giraffe neck in several photos.



look, we're all looking the same direction!



the parents are still sane. let's do it again soon.

behind the scenes: my kids.

There are a few behind the scenes posts coming to this blog... simply an alternative way to journaling the happenings around here. This week my children take center stage. They usually do...


* Cooper often requests a game with mom or dad after the little ones are in bed at night, so after we read, we've been engaging in Go Fish, Bingo, Old Maid, Uno, Candy Land, Connect Four, etc. Last night we tried Crazy Eights. Often after my turn, Cooper would evaluate the card played and then reply, "well done." Why, thank you. Sometimes I got, "well done, my friend."

* Last night all the wee ones were tucked in their beds fast asleep (or so we thought) and we were just settling down with Fame when we heard Beckham cry out, loudly. Is his door open? asked Denten. No, I never leave his door open. First he called for Daddy and then he said "brother," which, despite the sound of things, is how he refers to his sister. Then she answered him. From the hall. That stinker! She had gotten out of bed, tiptoed to Beckham's room, opened the door and flipped on the light. He was sound asleep prior to this intrusion, mind you. No wonder he awoke with a start. This is not the first time this has happened. It has occurred in the morning a few times. She'll wake up early and go straight to Beckham's bedroom to play, not realizing or caring that he had another good hour to sleep before she came in all chipper and ready to roll. What would she do with out him?? They're a pair, I tell ya.

* On the way home from school Friday, Cooper casually mentioned that there was a girl he thought he would marry. I kept my composure and in a similarly casual voice, said, "oh yeah? who's that?" even though I thought I already knew the answer. He said the name of one of the girls in his class, the same one he had been holding hands with a while ago. "She's a nice girl, isn't she?" I said. yeah. That was the end of the conversation until we got home and he told me that his friend's teeth were different from his, "like there is one tooth and then a space and then another tooth." which is totally true.. she does have a little space between her teeth. We talked about how everyone is a little different and that's ok. Obviously he doesn't mind, he wants to marry her, after all.

* "cuem, cuem" is how Seneca and Beckham say "excuse me." I'm not sure where the term came from, but it is used appropriately. Usually I hear it if I have not responded to them the first time or if Denten and I are talking and one of them has something to say. It's nice to hear them try to be polite, it makes up for the times they break out into song at the dinner table. Although Cooper told me this week as I was singing in the kitchen while they were eating that I wasn't being a good example because we don't sing while we eat. Caught, red-handed.

* Happy Birthdays are a regular thing around here since Beckham had one. Seneca sings to us and brings us pretend cakes and Beckham points to my treat hiding spot and keeps asking for "cukcakes."

* Seneca likes princesses. I guess I knew this day would come, but pretended it wouldn't. We borrowed a movie from the house down the street that had a princess in it and it was loved by everyone. It has since been returned and she keeps asking for a princess movie. Guess I better find one. She also thinks that she is a princess whenever she wears a dress. Sundays are special days.

* Soccer season is up and running again. Last week Cooper did a great job defending the goal, much more concerned about the other team scoring than doing it himself. This week on the way to his game we talked about what he was going to try to do better this week. The kid just has a defensive mind right now. He wanted to block shots and not let the ball in. He hung back just a little when all the rest of the kids were a mess of kicks but was on full alert for when the ball came flying out of the pack. He was the first one back attempting to kick it off course or take it away. There is no official goalie at this stage of the game, but I think he'd take the job.

* My boys got haircuts yesterday and they look so handsome. Beckham also has a bruised forehead and a fat lip, but his cheeks are still just as kissable. All wounds were self-inflicted.

And that's behind the scenes with my little ones. Coming next: Behind the scenes at the family photo shoot. Mercy.

2

Two years ago:







When Beckham was born, my heart was still full of love for a completely different baby. I wondered how it would make room for another so quickly. Somehow, it worked and it wasn't hard. I fell head over hills for this one immediately and the feeling has lasted. He's got his whiny moments, but his pure joy, uninhibited smile, big curious eyes and hugs that don't hold back make this little one perfect for us. I can't believe it's been TWO years!

There is another post coming shortly wondering how the mother in the house will deal with two two-year-olds for a few months that aren't the same age... because behavior lately has indicated that both of these little ones are fully two years old!

I love this little guy like crazy. Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing.

random today.

It rained today. We were going to go play at south mountain today, but instead, we stayed home, watched movies, got a few things done around the house and enjoyed the cloudy skies.

Denten created our New Year's card today. He left it to me a while ago and it didn't get very far, so he took it upon himself. If you want one in your mailbox, make sure I have your address! One of my projects was to get the zillion photos off of this computer and onto an external hard drive. This computer has the potential to be great, but I think the photos were slowing it down. Denten takes an incredible amount of pictures. Love them, but my computer was screaming.... no more! It was also an opportunity to make sure they were organized into the proper folders so I can find them easily. Project complete!

Cooper's quiet times these days have consisted of art projects in his room. He'll paint for hours, or cut and glue or color. He gets his music set up and then hides out in there until he hears the little ones awake. I love seeing what he comes up with when left to his own creativity.

We had good food and good laughter with friends tonight. I completely love my friends here. I'm different from them in lots of ways, but I depend on them and truly enjoy them. They make me want to be better.

I went for a little run, Denten had a good bike ride. I attempted a nap but waited too long.

I've got to go watch night 2 of 24. I'll keep my reviews to myself seeing as ruining it for those not watching yet would be outright nasty of me.

I had the thought that it would have been interesting if Martin Luther King Jr. had had the chance to be president of this country. I think he would have made a great one. More ethical and true to his values than many others. One who wouldn't be swayed by gimmicks, bribery, deals... One who stood by his principles and who truly cared for people. If his time and mine could somehow merge, I'd vote for him.

24... upon request

It has been suggested by a closet reader of this blog that I post about 24, considering that Jack and his posse debut tomorrow night.

My thoughts on Jack Bauer and the end of the world drama are random... but here you go:

First of all, this show is unlike ANY other in that it demands my full and undivided attention when watching. I often eat when watching a show (call it an unhealthy habit, but I monitor my portion control just fine, thank you). I also often use evening television time to fold laundry or straighten up or catch up on various blogs. There will be none of these distractions when 24 is on. Riveted is a good word to describe my condition when the clock starts ticking.

There should be a word said here differentiating between the character Jack Bauer and the actor Keifer Sutherland. I try to ignore celeb news when Keifer's name is mentioned as more often that not the report has something to do with the combination of driving and intoxication. Jack, however is pretty much immortal and while he makes mistakes, somehow they make him endearing.

I happen to have several female friends who swoon over Mr. Bauer thinking he is incredibly sexy. Please don't shoot me when I say that I do not find him especially physically attractive. I mean that if I were to just see a picture of him or have him pass me on the street, I would not take a second look, however, it's the "tough" in him that makes him appealing. It's the way he handles certain situations, say tracking down the poor soul responsible for bringing a nuclear device onto American soil. Heaven help that dear person. Jack appears to me to be a pretty stereotypical man. He's not incredible emotional, or in the brief moments when we see his heart, he's quick to put it away and get back to business. He thinks with his head, makes quick decisions and pushes the limits. That, I like.

There have been rumors that this season is going to display the age of both the show and Jack. I'm choosing to ignore such rumors. Keifer may be getting old, but Jack? I just don't want to believe it. Apparently he slows down a bit and leaves more room for contemplation. I personally would be a little disappointed if this were the case. I have many other television options that include sap. I watch this one for the nonstop action and suspense. For the corrupt government officials and way that ridiculous end-of-the-world ideas somehow seem completely believable.

Let's move for a moment to Chloe. Opinions vary widely concerning her character, even within my own home. She disappeared for a while last season and I missed her. Her direct nature and lack of social skills makes me adore her. Denten thinks the show would go on without her and that she can be a bit annoying at times. Pfff.

We watched the first seasons of 24 when visiting in London years ago. We had it on DVD and watched one episode after another in a church-owned flat in a very dark room where we had no concept of time or life outside or anything but the fact that Jack had better save the world, and quick! There were many times the clock would click to the end of the hour and it would take only seconds of considering whether we should be doing something more productive with our time before we said, "just one more." oh, the loss of sleep that occurred that week!

I believe I watched the first 4 or 5 seasons like that... on DVD so the episode control was mine. Then we started watching it on TV, which proved to be pure torture. I mean, when it ended I was not ready. Ever. Sometimes we'd DVR it and once we had three or so, we'd watch, but waiting another week is a problem. That being said, I will do it again. I will set my DVR, get my children to bed, turn off the lights, sit by my husband and get sucked right in. and be disappointed when it ends.

I hope the storyline is good this year. I hope it's riveting. I hope I'm not tempted to fold laundry while Jack does his thing. Denten's favorite Jack line: "just trust me." listen. you'll hear it a lot, and it will be mildly humorous every time.

Man, for not knowing what to write, this got LONG! There you go, Tiff... now comment already so I know that you read this! Bring it on, Jack!

journaling

Denten came home sick from work yesterday. That never happens, so I figured he was probably dying. He conveniently showed up right at nap time and my entire house was quiet for a few hours. My pity wore off by the time soccer practice came around and I ditched the two little ones with their sick daddy to head to the park with Cooper. Seeing as I'll be chasing after them every other practice and game of the season, I enjoyed my 50 minutes of peace.

Cooper has a lovely little friend who is in both his preschool class and his music class. He talks of her occasionally, took special care with hers when preparing Christmas ornaments for his class and reports that she is who he hangs out with most at school. She's quiet and darling. His teacher told me yesterday that they had been holding hands. While nothing inappropriate, she wanted me to know. She said she'd keep an eye on it, but wasn't worried. I'm not either. But it was kinda funny.

Beckham is testing limits. He dances on the kitchen island, climbs up on his little play table just for my reaction, pushes chairs over to the counter so he can attempt to reach treats... all resulting in a minute on the bottom stair. It's a bit of torture, but always ends with a hug and an "o-tay" when we talk about what we're not going to do again. Until he runs right over and does it again... laughing. Consistency, Amberly. It's bound to click sometime.

Seneca has been singing "here we are together" all afternoon after listening to her nursery song CD (thanks sister malone!). She and Beckham dance around singing at each other and going through our families' names. Seneca also has a lovie, her blanket (thank you, Deirdre!). It was originally gifted to Beckham when he entered the world, but after snagging it, she hasn't let go. The rule is that it stays on her bed, but man, that is so tough! There are times when only the blanket can give comfort. Not mom, not dad, not either brother. Only the blanket. "mom, I need to lay on the couch!" fine, you're welcome to use a blanket down here. "nooooo! I need my blanket!" then you're welcome to use it on your bed. this just starts another round of unimaginable agony. oh, the drama.

This week has continued to be productive in my quest for order. The kitchen has been gutted... meaning each cabinet has been emptied, wiped down and all unnecessary objects tossed. the fridge and freezer have received the same treatment. It's embarrassing how long some of that stuff had been in my freezer! The linen closet is done and the closet under the stairs. Toys have been sorted through and I even inspired Denten to pull a pile from his closet to add to the DI mountain growing in our garage. This afternoon I attempted to put a case to every movie in this house- a small feat, but I think we only have two missing. The layer of dust on my blinds is calling to me, loudly and I keep tuning it out. Please, please please let a magic fairy come do that one!

I had a great energy session this afternoon with a new client. She didn't know much about calyco or energy work in general, but she was open to it and we cleared some great stuff. It was a good experience for both of us.

The kids were playing outside today and came in with an armful of citrus. I didn't even know we had anything growing out there. They were excited to eat their goods and devoured grapefruit for lunch. Beckham's initial reaction was awesome, but then he couldn't get enough. Cooper went to town on his while Senny and Beckham kept requesting I put "more juice" in their little open mouths.

Jayme made me crepes for dinner tonight- I added a little nutella to my strawberries and whip cream and enjoyed dessert for dinner! It was easy and delicious, thanks Jayme! My kids didn't know whether to call them tortillas or pancakes... guess we need to have crepes more often!

I enjoy having Pandora on when I'm working during the day, any suggestions for fun new stations for me??

good medicine

There is a feeling of being completely in love, being filled to capacity with joy and knowing that whatever comes, all will be right with the world. This guy does that for me. He runs into my arms several times a day ready to give affection. He is sweet and wonderful and good medicine for whatever might ail you. He captured my heart when he was born, almost 2 years ago, and he keeps doing it over and over today. Man, I love him.

 

 

 

Reunited, and it feels so good!

Our trip to San Diego over New Year's included cousin Xander's baby blessing, getting nailed by a seagull, a playdate and lunch with cousin Tessa, a super fun trip to Legoland, endless playing with the Eltons and being reunited with the Millers, who left us for the ocean 10 months ago. Seeing our kids together again was completely worth the trip. They treated us to a tour of the USS Midway, one of the fun places they frequent regularly. Jackson kept a close eye on Seneca, Boston and Cooper acted just like old pals and Beckham was absolutely content exploring on his own. It literally hurt me to walk away from them, mostly for Cooper's sake. He was so excited to see Boston and the afternoon simply wasn't long enough.














Let's do it again soon!

happy

I am happy today. I am calm. I feel peaceful. I am being productive. I am patient. I am having great conversation (via text) with my husband. I tell ya, this "life in order" business has got something to it! My dining room table keeps piling up with stuff to give away... this organization and cleanliness is good for my soul!

Robinson Cousins

it makes me laugh out loud.

any guesses at to what beckham was thinking??

despite the look on his face, these kids had a blast together!

seen and heard

my life:

heard: Cooper asking over dinner, "mom, you're getting old, aren't you?"

seen: seneca headbanging to christmas music that cooper insists on playing.

heard: quiet. water running. little voices.

seen: seneca sitting in the bathroom sink coaching beckham to hand her everything under the sink so it can be washed.

heard: "boap {boat}," "airpay {airplane}" all day long.

seen: the exterior of mom's bathroom drawer painted and colored so pretty with the make-up found inside.

heard: denten trying not to gag as he cleans up vomit from crib sheets.

heard: cooper, in the midst of his sick spell, thinking it would be cool to have a tunnel-like contraption that went from his bed to the toilet "just in case I don't make it in time."

heard: cooper wishing that leaves fell from the sky like rain.
mom wishing he could remember the place of his birth and what true autumn is.

seen: so proud of themselves for finding little seats and surprising mom when she came in.

seen: two cute little bottoms in the bathtub.

seen and heard: these two taking turns racing cars down the track at the children's museum.

heard: beckham finally saying "bampa" on the phone and making grandpa's day. they have a thing for each other.

seen: 85% of kitchen cabinets cleared out, wiped and organized. 2 full garbage bags, 4 sets of dishes to sell and several items for goodwill removed.

heard: "I ready to try again!" from seneca several times a day as she is asked to sit on the stair for a few minutes.

seen: beckham emerging from the playroom diaper-less. more than once. beckham wanting to use the potty. mom finding him sitting on the potty with a little puddle out on the floor and bex with a stumped look on his face as he examines his manhood and trying to figure out how that happened.

seen: mom doing her best to keep up with these little ones.

heard: lots of laughing. it's the only way to take the unexpected around here!

a life of order

I enjoyed this last year immensely. I see a lot of flaws in myself when I look at the last 12 months, but I see a lot of joy as well.

I have two toddlers. I realize this isn't unique as many have young children, but for me this situation required a bit of "letting go" as I have been described in the past as a bit "uptight." I enjoy planning and schedules and function best with minimal chaos, so you can imagine the screaming in my head at times when the messes, tardiness and dirty faces reigned. My control levels have been all over the board this year when evaluations of my parenting skills, and life in general, have gone from relaxed and easy-going to overly structured and rigid. Go figure.

This past year my children have occasionally worn dirty clothes. I have been late to church. I have offered less than stellar meal options to both my family and others. I have had my husband digging for clean underwear because the laundry hasn't gotten done. I could go on, but my pride is kicking in. I know that these things aren't what makes life meaningful, but they stress me out. I don't want to be stressed out this year.

I wrote this a while ago and have had it hanging where I see it often:

I am my best self when my home is clean and organized, when I am ready for my day, when things are running on schedule and my children and happy and healthy.

I am most stimulated when I am engaged with friends, learning spiritually and serving in a capacity where I am making an impact on someone else.

I function at a high vibration as I am in tune with Denten, see the
positive in a situation and exercise my faith consistently.

I strive to have enough money that my family can enjoy experiences without being concerned about the cost and that we can freely bless other's lives.

Did you notice how that started? clean, organized, ready, schedule... they are things I appreciate and things I have not had enough of lately. This year I am striving to have a home, and a life, of order.

I don't mean to say that I won't have fun, or be spur-of-the-moment sometimes, but I'm a better mom, wife and friend when I am on top of things rather than always trying to catch up. I will enjoy moments with my children and use the moments I'm not with them a little wiser.

So that’s it…. order.  I hope to implement more of it in several areas of my life.  My computer desk is clean.  My kitchen floor is clean.  That’s a start.