Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

This is something I would like to say to all of my friends who have grandparents that live nearby.  My mom and stepdad visited this weekend and it was wonderful.  Both sets of grandparents live 12 hours away from us and sometimes it gets very tiring never having a break.  Sure, we can hire a babysitter but it isn't the same as dropping the kids off to play with grandpa for the afternoon.  Our goal has always been to move closer to family but that dream seems to be fading.  We are trying to make the best of the situation but pray that it won't always be like this.  
I think the boys liked my mom's dog, Chloe, as much as them.....maybe a little more!

Here are some pictures that I promised of Joseph playing in the rookie league.  Not sure how he feels about it yet, we are hoping that he wants to play again!

Worst Blogger Ever

Yes, I admit it, I am the worst blogger ever.  I just go through times when the last thing in the world that I want to do is blog.  I know this isn't the best way to build up my readership, so there may not be anyone out there even reading this!
Well, where do I even start....so much has happened recently.  We almost moved to Ohio and then didn't.  We have taken our house off the market.  Things here have really slowed down and it just isn't worth it, so we will jump on the refi bandwagon for now.  This really seems like the best option and I don't mind not having to have the house in "showing order" all the time.
Here are some pictures from the last 2 months, wow 2 months!!


So this is what the boys' room has looked like for at least a month.  They have been on a big building spree.  I confess, I have given up on cleaning this up every night, now we just push it all over to the wall!

Henry wanted to be rolled up like a burrito and then insisted that we do it to Oliver too.  It made for some cute pictures!

We went to a minor league baseball game.....BIG waste of time and money.  We left after the 3rd inning!!! Note to self, wait until the boys are 8 to take them to a game and definitely leave the baby at home!

BUT, the hotdog did make Henry's 1st tooth fall out.

Oliver loves monkey and Henry's gorilla.

Finally, the boys have just started t-ball (Henry) and coach pitch (Joseph.)
I will post some pictures of Joseph soon, it was raining during his game.

For the next month, we will be living and breathing baseball.  The boys have 3 days/nights a week of practice and/or games.  YIKES!  This is their first year and they seem to like it so far. 
We have officially started school.  Our co-op met today for the first time today.  I am praying for strength to get through the school year, homeschooling is tough and I am struggling with it already and we have just started!  
And, yes this is a fall background but I am sooooo ready for it.  I really hate August and am dreaming of cool, crisp weather and apple pie.

Father's Day

Father's Day for me is always bittersweet.  There is a bit of sadness because of the absence of my own dad in my life, but it is always overshadowed by the joy and thankfulness that I have for my boys' Daddy.  I am so blessed that God allowed me to meet such a wonderful, loving, faithful man who is the most incredible father to our three little men.  

Happy Father's Day!

Practice, practice, practice

Henry got a new baseball glove for his birthday and has been practicing quite a bit.  He's got a wicked throw if we can just teach him to control it.  Note to self: Daddy needs a glove!

Oliver wanting to get in on the action.

Getting Ready

We are going to California at the end of the month and had to try out the somewhat lighter weight carseat.  Carrying the usual one is like trying to lug a rock through the airport so we are trying to make it a little easier.  Oliver thought it was hilarious sitting in a seat in the living room.

Summer Treat

Every summer since I have known Thomas, we have enjoyed the tradition of getting frappuccino's.  I actually have great memories of going out when our big boys were babies and getting a frappuccino late at night, before bedtimes mattered!  The problem with this tradition is that our boys are not babies anymore and they see something with whipped cream and chocolate and they want one.  We've tried to eliminate the "latte factor" from our budget and can't justify spending money on these for ourselves, let alone the whole family.  Not to mention the fact that I really don't want to encourage my kids to develop a caffeine habit at 5 and 6.
We found a recipe a couple of summers ago that is a knock-off of the Starbucks frappuccino.  Honestly it tastes just like the real deal.  The trick is that you must buy the real Starbucks coffee if you are going for authenticity.  You need the Italian Roast, and if you want to splurge you should get the whipped cream too.  One pound of coffee will get you more than 30 drinks (ours has lasted 2 years!)  We usually make one for each of us and 2 small ones for the boys.  If you are interested the recipe follows!

 

FRAPPUCCINO:
Makes 2 "Grande" drinks
Coffee:
1/2 cup Italian Roast coffee
4 cups water
3/4 cup sugar


Note: we brew 4 cups and save what we don't use in the fridge and use it within 1 week.


Brew a double-strength pot of Starbucks Italian Roast coffee using 1/2 cup coffee and 4 cups of water.


When the coffee is finished pour into a heat safe container (we use a Pyrex 4 cup measuring cup) and add 3/4 cup sugar.
Refrigerate until cold.


Frappuccino:
3/4 cup coffee mixture
1 cup milk
2 cups ice
whipped cream
chocolate syrup (or caramel)


MOCHA:
3 tablespoons Hershey's syrup
CARAMEL:
3 tablespoons caramel topping


Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.  Top with whipped cream and additional syrup.  Enjoy!

Bored in the summer

Is it really only June 11?  Everyday my boys say "I'm bored, I have nothing to do" over and over and over again.  Don't let them fool you.  Our home contains a plethora of toys, puzzles, coloring books, books, outside toys, bikes, balls and board games.  Joseph and Henry are 18 months apart, they should be perfect playmates but no, they only fight the entire day.  
My problem has been too much TV, computer games and laying around the house and TOO MUCH COMPLAINING!!  I am contemplating some sort of chart that actually works, do you know of one?  I am trying to figure out some routine that involves a minimum amount of time per day spent reading, writing, playing outside, quiet time and minimally watching TV.  Any ideas??