Soccer Season

No, I have not signed my kids up for soccer this Summer. I, on the other hand, am playing in a league, ...but my kids aren't. I'm so nice. But, why would I do such a thing when they can have their very own games in our backyard? Right?

And yes, they just happened to be wearing their soccer garb today. If I let them, they would wear their soccer jerseys every day. We have more than one soccer outfit per boy, ...and somehow neither play soccer on a team. Haha! Maybe they are trying to tell me something.

They are the best and worst of buds. They mostly play well together and as I was watching them play soccer today, I was envisioning them as teenagers hanging out or playing like this together. I love that they are only 17 months apart. They honestly do everything together. Like play Lego Batman, or pretend Batman, or watch Batman, and occasionally they are even active and play sports outside, like today. In fact, they even get mad together. They do THAT very well, too. Not often, but well.

(So sad Jackson's pic is blurry. He was trying to get at Noah while I was taking pics. Haha! Oh dear....)

They were so mad I was taking their pictures, but I couldn't help it. I also could't help but laugh. So that made them even more mad. They accidentally hit each other's noses with a tennis ball. One nose right after the next. Impecable aim! ...too bad they weren't actually going for the nose.

The Perspective Punch

Who doesn't love a good perspective-punch in the face? Yes, I went off a little in last night's post. To defend myself a teensy-weensy, I AM getting my period tomorrow and am most "sensitive" days before it comes (and bloated. Which makes me more sensitive). Anywho, so today is Sunday, which means I went to church. Which also means that I felt the Spirit and it really softened my heart. Which I needed in order to get a punch in the face, which I got when I came home. We were having our family scripture study in the Book of Mormon (in 2Nephi: 9 right now where Jacob is talking to the people about sin and if they were pure and holy he would talk to them of those thing, but because they are not he is talking to them about sin), and I came across these verses. 2 Nephi 9: 51,52:

51) Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

52) Behold my beloved bretheren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.

Sheesh! I've been so enveloped in things that don't matter. So from that I gathered that I needed to perhaps focus more of my thoughts on Spiritual matters, like how is my scripture study going? Or how are my prayers? Are they sincere enough? Am I truly looking outside myself and seeing what others may need? The last two lines really get me. I need to remember my blessings and rejoice in them, so I've decided to dedicate the rest of this post to pointing out ten of my many amazing blessings and remember that God is in charge and with me (even when I'm having my period-mood-swing moments).

Maren's Blessings:

1) I have been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am able to receive all the blessings therein.

2) I have been sealed to Joe in the temple which also makes me sealed to my children for time and all eternity. I know that when I die I will see them again and be with them forever.

3) I have a sure testimony that God is my Father, Jesus Christ is His son and my Savior, and that through Joseph Smith, they restored this gospel to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is a true book (or else I would not be quoting it as though my life depended on it). And I know that prayer is an essential and beautiful way to commune with God and be guided in my life.

4) My kids are awesome. Though they may not be groomed to perfection every day, they are sweet and loving. Today, Noah's nursery leader told me that he saw another girl crying and shared his snack with her. What? Now that's cute. Maybe something is getting through afterall....

5) Though I may not be able to use my talents everyday, I feel blessed to have them. I love to sing, so whether or not it is on stage or being recorded professionally, does not determine my worth. I sing around the house for fun and that's a blessing enough (...even if my kids DO tell me I am being too loud every once in a while. Fine, each day).

6) I feel blessed to live in a home in a nice and friendly neighbourhood, and although we are not in the most ideal financial situation, at least we have a roof over our heads (and are building equity while we're at it).

7) I feel blessed that Joe has a job. I have a brother living in the States who has been really affected by the sad economic crisis. Thank heavens my family hasn't had to struggle that way. Joe gets a cheque every month that meets our needs and I am grateful for that (but darn that Anthropologie!!).

8)This really should be number one, but I have an amazing husband. He let me go out and have a break yesterday, and while I was out, he took care of the kids and did the laundry AND put it away. That is gold right there. A definite keeper. Right now he is making banana bread and dinner. Yes, he is awesome and I love him. And I've only talked about the things he has done to serve me the last couple days. His sense of humour and personality are another thing altogether. He is truly the best!

9) It's sunny today. I could not live without the sun, so I'm glad that I live in a place that, although cold much of the year, is at least sunny for most of it.

10) I grew up in a loving and close family. The relationship that I have with my parents and siblings are a huge part of who I have become over the years and a huge part of who I am today. My sisters and my Mom are my best friends and I am grateful that I get to cherish that kind of relationship forever.

bonus: I know I said I would only list ten, but because this is something I complained about yesterday I thought I would add this one in for good measure. I may not be a size 2, but I have a healthy body that is capable of doing many athletic things. I may not be able to run as easily and as fast as in my twenties, but I am still agile and am not 80 YET.

Anywho, although I feel better after counting my blessings (I always do!), ...I'm still giving myself a road trip where I will get a chance to continue counting my blessings (and refuel). And by golly it's going to happen or my name isn't Maren Road-trip Burnham!

Pity Party

Hi. I am having one of those moments where although I love my children and my husband, I just need to be a person again. You know. Like an individual. Sit at the piano uninterrupted for hours on end. Have a project lined up (like sewing a dress or making a cool craft for the kids rooms) and then have the energy to finish it. Having a reason to pull out my sketch book, blow off the dust, and draw something. Anything. (That's right. I actually used to be a pretty decent artist. But now? Who the heck knows? It's been too long since I've picked up a sketch pad or a paint brush). At the beginning of the year I gave myself all of these goals to accomplish, and at the time I thought that they were not at all that hard. Even attainable! I know the year is not yet over, but we're half way there and I have only six months to get my butt in gear. AND, some of my desires have changed (obviously, because I haven't quite accomplished everything I set out for myself in the first place). Isn't goal setting supposed to make you feel excited? Like you can do anything? For me right now, it's just making me feel worthless. Like, I must be lazy if I can't finish learning Au Clare De Lune, or set up another quarterly "Maren Ord" concert, or work out as vigorously as I should (says the girl who just finished eating chips, wings, cake and a slurpee all in one night. Barf. But I worked out this morning. Does that count?). I feel like I'm getting off track here though. I think where this is stemming from is me coveting all the other perfect-people. Oh they're out there! (And yes, I used the word "covet!" Sinful!). They are the people who look amazing all the time (I have an eye infection so I get to wear my glasses and no make up for a while. Yeah. I look hot). Their hair is always done (and they even shower every day). Each outfit that adorns them looks amazing on their size 2 body. Their kids are always well groomed (Noah had dried snot on his face before bed, and I did NOT wash it off. Gross. I know). Their house is not only tidy, but immaculate. What person can have kids AND a clean house all in one? Super woman. That's who. Oh, ...and their house isn't only immaculate, but every single room is to-die-for cute! "Oh, I just whipped together this craft and this frame and this wall hanging and sewed all these curtains and bed covers and..." the list goes on. There is a reason I have entitled this post "Pity Party." It's because I want to be this woman and have these things and talents and time to do them and have a rockin' bod and not have to wear my glasses ever again and shop without thinking about money and blink and my laundry is done. If I am also being honest (and since I am having a pity party for myself already) I'm also really stressed out about getting pregnant again (one day. Not right this second). I get really sick and I don't know how I'm supposed to take care of my 3 kids. Oh. And I am considering taking up nannying to earn a few extra bucks. I am almost crying thinking about it. Most days I feel like I can barely make it to 4pm on a healthy, non-barfy day with only three kids. And they are good kids but somehow 4pm hits and everything falls apart, ...and then I still have to endure another hour and a half before Joe gets home to spell me off. And THEN, it's just chaos until bed time. And then by that point all I want to do is veg and watch Modern Family all night long. Oh. And eat. That's a new habit I've aquired. I'm not even pregnant and somehow have gained 5 pounds out of no where (okay, ...not out of no where. But why can't I have the odd treat in the evening? Where is the fairness in turning 30 and very suddenly, nay, drastically having no metabolism to help me out?). It took me 5 months to LOSE 5 pounds, ...and two seconds to gain it all back. Blurggg! Muffin tops. Wonderful to eat, but not to wear around.

I need a road trip. No kids. No husband. My two sistas. And my Mom. (Mom, will you buy me things and spoil me if I come visit you next weekend? That would be rad).

May Long Weekend

For part of May Long weekend last week, we decided to hit the road and hang out in Lacombe with the Burnham's. Christie is recovering there (along with Mitchell) and thankfully she is feeling much better and healing quickly. A relief to everyone! While we were there, we went to Outi Kite's place to google over her new batch of puppies! (Sounds like they came fresh out of the oven! Haha! ...I guess they kind of did. Three weeks old!!). Anywho, the kids loved it.

It's possible that I may have loved it the most. Don't worry though, it will be a long time before I even consider having one of these. I'm not even done having my own. Why would I want someone else's kid? (In this case, puppy). It's that feeling where you're happy to hold someone else's baby to get your "fix" and then hand it right back when you're finished.

We then, of course, celebrated Noah's and Grandpa's birthday as they are on the same day. Two cakes in one week! Ask me how I feel about that?! Bloated. And awesome. But mostly bloated.

Yes. That is a bite mark in the candle. That mark is there because he is eating it! My weird child. He didn't even react.

After all that sugar so close to bed time, I'm not gonna lie, it was chaos! Here is a segment of that chaos while opening a few gifts.

I love and hate weekends like that. I love having family-time and getting together with everyone to visit and play games, or spoil the kids by doing fun stuff that we wouldn't normally do at home (like see puppies). But then you get home, unpack, and get to do THIS the following morning. Laundry. Boo! At least I have Jenny by my side. On the computer. She makes the load (or loads in this case) easier to bear. Thanks Jenny.

Batman Birthday Bash!

Today we celebrated Noah's third birthday, and as Jax and Noah are very much alike already, it had to be a Batman party. Of course. Whenever the boys play "pretend Batman and Robin" Noah is always Batman and Jax is always Robin, ...so who wants a soccer cake when you yourself could be standing (figuratively) on your own birthday cake as Batman!

Here's Noah, already being the superhero by helping me with cake-clean up duty. My fav is the little puppy in the picture below.

And the grand finale!

Noah, my little three-year-old super hero!

The smaller the eye-slits the better, right? ...Joe made this one for Jax, not me.

Defeating the Joker!

Just punching him in the face. That's all.

They were seriously giving their all. Each time they'd punch the wall I would cringe a little inside. Doesn't that hurt? Perhaps the masks give them their super power strength.... because I personally know they've cried over much less.

I asked them to give me their super hero poses, and this is what I got. Very... creative?

We played a few games. One of them being, pop-the-villans-faces-to-smitherines-and-get-a-candy-inside-their-brains.

Everyone but Hannah loved it. She was covering her ears the whole time and eventually Ellie started crying because the balloon popping was too much. Noah actually ended up hurting his hand trying to pop one. I'd say it was a hit!

We later moved on to pin-the-bat-on-the-Joker's-nose game. That one was better. Less tears. However, the birthday boy himself had no desire to play. I think it's safe to assume that he got mad because we took off his mask to blind fold him. It was then that he meandered off and had no interest (he also had candy from the previous game to attend to, of course). His shinanigans meant that everyone else got to have more turns. Another hit! (...trying to be positive here!).

Noah was happy again when it was time to open gifts, ...Jackson, however, was not. He really wanted to "help" with the gift opening and Noah didn't really want to receive that kind of "help." I thought I had the "Jackson, it's Noah's birthday today" talk previous to the party, but apparently, not everything got through. Poor guy. He was pretty bummed. But Noah on the other hand... he was screaming with delight at each gift! I think with him being the middle child I've realized how little he gets to be in the spotlight, so it was a nice change to see him being coddled a little and get some attention handed to him for once.

The spectators.

We then played a "Mr. Freeze" game, where they danced to music and then froze when the music stopped. It's lasted part of one song. Another hit, I'd say.

After eating Costco hotdogs (nothing but the best for my boy), we had Reese's Peanut Butter Cup chocolate cake with the clan. (Sarah, when did your girls become Asian? Tee hee....).

Jackson "helping" again.

Everyone ate their cake like good little girls and boys...

...everyone, except the birthday boy himself.

...He was too busy playing with his new Batman toys. My cake? Untouched? (...I will not be offended. I will not be offended...). I loved watching Noah have the time of his life with his cousins and new toys. I think as a Mom, it's way more fun to plan these events and watch your kids have a great time. It makes it feel like all my efforts with planning and preparing have not gone to waste (minus the not-eating-my-cake part). But although it was a crazy-busy day, I'd say it was a hit.

Hairy and the Burnhams

Being a Mom means being the designated hair-chopper. I don't know how hair-stylists like Tarilyn, Bethany and Brooklyn do this all day. I am done after three boys in one day, and they do this sort of thing ALL day! Fortunately for my little guys (and Joe), I feel like I've gotten better over the years (and thanks to the helpful tips from my sister-in-laws). I think it helps that with age, the boys can stand to sit still for longer periods. Kind of. Anywho, with it being Summer Joe finally allowed me to chop off all of Noah's raggety... uh, I mean, beautiful hair! It's hard because I feel like Noah looks so much younger with his long hair. Do I have to let go of my baby so soon? He IS turning three in a couple days, so I suppose it's high time I let him look his age. (...Next I will be buying him skinny jeans and a skateboard! Oh dear....). Anywho, I like the change and think he looks stinkin' adorable! Jax kept saying, "Hey! Noah looks like me!" True that. And in true Mom fashion, I am sure I will get them mixed up even more than I do now!

Summer Summer Summer Time!

Summer isn't officially "Summer" until you can bring on the sprinklers, pull out the mini-pool and laze around in your swimsuit all afternoon eating freezies. Which is exactly what happened today.

Ellie looks like my little British daughter. "Say, these freezies are quite lovely. Lovely indeed!" Maybe that's why she can't talk yet, ...she doesn't understand our accent. All this time....

Ellie has had few experiences with outdoors pools. We had several last year where I got to hold her up the entire time and stress over her falling over in the pool, so this was a brand new thing. It was WONDERFUL. For me. I got to sit and watch... while she got splashed by her brothers. Haha! I promise she loved it after she got used to the water's temperature.

Cousins! Jax seriously asks to play with Hannah and Taylor every day and if we don't get to spend time with them that day, he will say a prayer along the lines of, "...grateful for Hannah and Taylor and bless that we can play with them today...." Guilt trip.

Taylor was showing us all her mad-skillz with the skipping rope and was trying to teach Jackson (who gave up after literally 30 seconds). Free rope means...

...fight!

Sometimes it's fun to watch my kids figure it out on their own. Ellie is already strong-willed as it is (as you can see). Just think of how much stronger she will be as a woman. I'm doing her a favour. Right?

And Noah wins.

...while the sore loser has to watch. Awwwwwwww.

(In a British accent): "Why that little good for nothing... he'll get his just desserts! I daresay he will! Crumpets and tea cake-face!"

Thanks again Sarah for rescuing me from the confines of my house. I would have never known what a beautiful day it was outside had you not called. I was planning on using the afternoon to photoshop and catch up on emails. Sheesh! Forget that!