One Last Hurrah!!

Babysitter hired to stay with J.
"Just a second" all morning to prep bottles and pack pool bag.
Snacks, towels, dive sticks ready.

All of the pieces were in place for one last Momma/W pool date before the end of our summer together.

As it turns out, the neighborhood website was misleading, and the pools are already closed during the week. Strike one.

As it also turns out, after driving to a nearby splash pad that we haven't visited all summer, we discovered the "button" to turn on the water was missing. Just missing. Strike 2.

The Sheriff just went with it while my heart grew more and more frustrated. I should take a lesson or two from that kid every now and then. After all, we must become like children to get anywhere at the end.

We played at the park for a while, and low and behold, after glancing at our pool bag resting on the bench, an angel in the form of a parks and recreation serviceman asked if we wanted to play in the water. The water would turn on but not off again, and he said he'd come back later to turn it off.  We would not strike out after all.

In fact, a home run of a date it was!

Nothing Says Summer...

Like a backyard slip-n-slide

After our LA friends headed out for the long trek down I-10, we decided the slip-n-slide wasn't quite ready to be put away yet.

With The Sheriff questioning, "What is that smell?" (uh, mud kid. mud) and Little Brother down for a nap, we all joined in for our own backyard Woodstock of sorts.

This post could be alternately titled "Sore for a week and a half."

Seriously.

Daddy and I joined in on the fun and felt it in our entire bodies for days to come. But from bruises on the knees to abs that ached with every chuckle, our backyard afternoon was well worth it. This one will be surely find itself on bucket lists to come.

Heck, perhaps we will break it out every Saturday and call it a weekend workout. I'll take it if working out looks this fun!

Louisiana Tech Comes to Texas

A couple of weekends ago, we rolled out the red carpet old school LA Tech doormat and welcomed this crew to our little corner of Texas for an annual reunion. We haven't been able to attend the LA ones the past couple of years, so we really enjoyed catching up with old friends!

Before our Saturday festivities, we geared up to "pre-party" at the hotel where our guests stayed.

We had Will grabbing towels

and W doing his thing in the noodle. 

And then spotted off in the not-so-distant distance, a storm bolted in on the fun.  We knew it was threatening but kept our fingers crossed and Solo cups close and hoped that we would somehow avoid it. Apparently the little weatherman below knew otherwise.

After waiting a bit too long to see if it would pass, we scooped up the kiddos with shouts of, "Close your eyes" as dust and leaves tossed about. Perhaps it was a little dramatic after all.

But we made it to the lobby, enticed the kids out of their worries with veggie straws, and then headed up to Team Rome's room for pizza. 

While we didn't have much water fun Friday night, one slip-n-slide, a few water guns, and a boatload of BBQ chicken later and kids and big "kids" had full bellies and full hearts.

The kiddos were super sweet to each other for the most part and played so well together even if The Sheriff did try to highjack Cooper's Harold. Gotta keep an eye on that one and his helicopter obsession! 

I can't wait to see how our families grow in number and grow together! See y'all in LA next time!

Summer Bucket List -- Play Like a Kid

Some mornings, perhaps more than I'd want to admit, I get caught up in the household management routine. There's getting everyone fed and sometimes dressed; breakfast dishes to clean or a dishwasher to unload; or perhaps laundry to put in, take out, or put away. I sometimes have emails calling my attention, and sometimes Momma just has to get a shower in before afternoon naps.

It's all gotten more complicated with another little guy in the mix. 

I have to remind myself to snatch the moments of play each day offers, and it's often during our little Deputy's morning nap that I give it my best shot. I don't always make the most of these moments for the reasons listed, but when I take the time to be fully present and allow myself to play like a kid again, we sure have lots of fun around here.

I also have to remind myself of a preschooler's narrow world. We have quite a few air vehicles in this house, and by quite a few, I mean a boatload, so when the idea popped into my head to have an air show, I knew I was on to something.

The Sheriff's eyes lit up as his little three-year-old voice asked,"What's an air show?" My first thought was, "An air show. You know--an air show," and then I remembered that he should have no idea what an air show is. He's never attended one, seen one on TV, read about one. 

We quickly gathered an audience of stuffed animals waiting patiently in W's room for just such an occasion, and we crafted admission tickets complete with stickers and a hole punch for the records.

In my best announcer's voice, I took us through the show and described planes, helicopters, and even the sole space shuttle, as they flew around the room.

As the show drew to a close, we offered plane rides to willing guests,

and the photographer was even on site for complimentary pictures.

I really do get lost sometimes in the routine of the day-to-day caring for these little guys.   If I had a bucket list this summer, embracing the lighthearted spirit of a child and hosting an air show would certainly be on it!

Something About Sunday

Mass was wonderful this morning, minus the little guy's spitfest while standing in line for Communion. It's ok, kiddo. Jesus understands. Or maybe Mary. I wonder if Jesus had reflux.

That's not where this is headed, and I believe God is lighthearted enough and wouldn't mind musings about His Son's baby days.

The Sheriff was well behaved, and I actually heard parts of the readings and homily. And that is where this post is headed.

In his homily, Father pointed toward the importance of the Crucifix. Our faith isn't based on the fact that life will always be smooth, carefree, joyous. Our world is broken, so very broken. It's God's sending of His own Son to take on this hurt, inequality, unfairness, and evil that gives us freedom in the midst of the pain.

I am stewing in my own knowledge of the brokenness of our world.  I am questioning questioning why some have and others have not. I am crying for those suffering from addictions. I am hurting for children who don't have a voice. I am feeling a bit lost.

Yet through these feelings, my heart knows the power the Crucifix brings. My heart knows that God doesn't send terrible events into our lives. God created a perfect world. Man has caused its hurt. We all have crosses to bear. Some have heavier ones than others. Some don't seem to have one at all. Some seem crushed beneath the ones they carry.

I'm not sure where this post was headed when it popped into my head during Mass, and I don't know where it's going, if anywhere. I do know that beneath whatever cross we bear, keeping our eyes lifted up, toward Jesus and His Cross can be comfort and remind us that this world will fade. The judgements here, the power here, the unfairness here will be nothing in the world to come.  I will be made accountable for my choices and others theirs. May I carry my crosses with grace so that others who may not be able to view Christ's Crucifix may see Him through my journey.

Bottle It Up

While I can't quite bottle up the sweetness of a 5 month old, I can certainly snap some pictures and save them within the pages of this blog.

When Daddy is on bath duty, hair doesn't always get combed. Combine that with a big brother's afternoon nap and a bright-eyed sweetheart, and I received a few quiet moments for Momma to take in just how perfect this little guy is. 

Two tiny teeth and a mouthful of drool. I'm not quite sure they make up for the grueling teething process, but in hindsight, sure, it was all just fine.

I don't see you staying put long, little man. There is a big brother to chase and helicopters, so many helicopters, to check out.

And there it is, bottled up, for a rainy day when the smiles turn to frowns and those pesky teeth start bothering us again.

Carseat Carrying and Pool Noodle Wearing -- Getting By With a Little Help

We have had the pleasure of meeting the sweetest family here in TX, and  I can't believe I don't have more pictures of us together. Our kids are months apart in age, and our youngest two even share a Christening date.

We love hanging out with these guys, and we picked up a few tips along the way:

We have the heaviest carseat known to man, and upon complaining about it to our friends at a play date and finding out we also share the same mammoth of a seat, they told us about this carrying trick that will change your lives!

I haven't quite perfected it, but luckily I've got a handsome model.

Slip your arm in and grab the pivot point for the handle and there you have it. It takes serious weight off of your arms.

And on top of that, they showed us this pool noodle "floatie" trick:

Put away the puddle jumpers and arm floaties. Simply tie a noodle tightly under your kiddo's armpits and watch him maneuver through the water much more seamlessly. This frees up their arms and gives them a bit more control in the water.

Thanks Team F for being family here with us in TX and teaching us new tricks along the journey!

He Came, He Ate, He Took the Perfect Picture....

He was up all night with, we assume, digestive issues.

So we aren't sure we are ready for "solids" around here, but the pictures are cute!

And a proud big brother sat by his side for this stepping stone to a milestone.

Calling All You Instagram Lovers

You love your pictures. You love your kids. You love your Instagram filters.

Yes, you love pictures of your kids filtered nicely by the guys over at Instagram. 

Come join the fun with the Houston Moms Blog and hashtag your Monday Instagrams as #mamarazzimonday 

I'll be snapping and hash-tagging! Will you?

Exciting News

I loved linking up with the Build 'Em Up ladies yesterday and posting about the friends I have found within a local moms group. Today I'm excited to announce that I'm jumping in with another group of moms for a great local venture.

While it's a new group of ladies, and of course my insecurities will pop up here and there, I'm saying yes as a Houston Moms Blog contributor!

Our little corner of the City Moms Blog Network will bring loads of great things our way, and while the launch is about a month away (September 3), you can begin following along on Facebook. Stop by, say hi, and stay tuned!

Build 'Em Up -- Telling Yourself To Just Do and Go Ahead and Be You

I'm so excited that I ran across Erin's post today to grab my attention and remind me about the Build 'Em Up series hosted by Kelly, Courtney, Erin, and Jennifer. I wasn't able to participate in the last series as much as I had wanted to, so hopefully this go-round I can get the dates on my calendar and make it happen!

Thanks Ladies for this opportunity to inspire, uplift, and share stories and smiles with one another!

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This week is all about moms groups, and for me, follows a weekend where I was lucky to hang out with some of my local mamas for a good portion of the day Saturday.

We don't always pose for group photos with props and color-coordinated outfits but when we do...

It's a baby shower!

These are just a handful of the women in the moms (or Mamas!) group that I found about two years ago when I was looking for an outlet to get out of the house and meet people as a new mom. I found our group on meetup.com, and at a perfect time because not long after the group moved to a private Facebook group where it is much easier to have "conversations" during the day and have a calendar of events.
Without having family nearby and with few friends with children at that time, I knew that our family, and me as a mother, would need to open myself up to a new group of friends.

I was incredibly hesitant to get involved at first.  While I feel that I was fairly outgoing as a high school and college student, I have become more reserved, and I approach groups often feeling like everyone knows each other and has a history of which I will never be a part. I project on groups that they don't need to open their hearts to someone new as they already have each other.

But I was wrong. This group of ladies with different personalities and viewpoints welcomed me, and as I continue to develop relationships, what I find to be true is the more I open myself to them and put my insecurities aside, the more I feel a part. Heck, they now know that I own (and use!) a Snuggie and have a deep-seated love for Hootie and the Blowfish. No, not just Darius Rucker. Hootie Baby!

While those are silly examples, the more events I attend, conversations I join, and parts of myself that I give, the more I get in return.

A moms group can offer advice and support, encouragement, an outlet for crafting, and of course, play dates, but it can also be more and as I'm slowly finding as I open myself up, a place to be yourself, yes, as a mother, but also as the woman and friend God created you to be. A great moms group will give each other a little room to breathe on the journey.
I have found a group of moms to walk with me as I raise our children. I also think we naturally connect more with some people over others, and a moms group offers the opportunity to make those close friendships.



And now I need to clean my house for a crafty play date with these ladies tomorrow!

Goodness Sakes Alive! It's Been FIVE!

Baby John,

We might be calling you that until you get married, little boy. Well, W might call you "Bru-dah" until then, but that's his special name for you.  

These days I'm in shock of two things: just how fast you are growing and how you manage to keep getting cuter and cuter. You are still a happy baby for the most part and love catching our attention for a smile.

That is until this teething business began, and then all bets are off.

This month brought your very first trip to LA, and you did great on the car ride there and back. We had to stop a bit more than we hoped in order to keep your belly full, but if that meant keeping the tears at bay, I'll take it.
You loved hanging out with your Nana and Pop and even had a chance to meet and snuggle with other family members and friends.

While there you managed to cut two bottom teeth, and while it wasn't so much a problem for you while there, it seems that they are bothering you more now that we are home.

While you are trying everything from nibbling on your toes to our hands to Sophie the Giraffe, we are pulling out our arsenals as well.

Momma bought into the amber teething necklace craze, and perhaps that's why you weren't so fussy while they were cutting. While Daddy isn't a fan, he rolls with it being the best Dad around! 

Daddy, in fact, was the one to discover the best way to lull your heart to sleep or shush your cries. It looks like you are our little lion, John, because "In the Jungle" is your song. Whether sung at the top of our lungs and with our best falsetto or hummed soothingly before you sleep, this song speaks to you for some reason. 

You are officially swaddle free this month and are a tummy sleeper which seems to help a little, but let's still not talk about how many times a night you wake up. Maybe those pesky teeth have something to do with it. Maybe you are just a hungry, growing boy. Either way, let's keep working on it, ok? 

You have begun "drumming" with both hands and love to hit whatever you can, including the bottle while drinking, and you love when people clap with and for you. We have been practicing with your own hands which always brings a smile. 

I didn't have the best light for your pictures this month, and the black and white ones above certainly don't do justice to your beautiful blue eyes. Don't worry; they are still there, and we still think they are captivating.  

Speaking of captivating, you love being outside, and one of your favorite things to do is look at tree leaves moving.

Lastly, little guy, you are one lucky baby. Your big brother loves you so much, and while he may still be adjusting to sharing room in our walls and in our hearts, he seeks out ways to show his affection to you and for you. 

And you show no lacking in your affection for him either. Of the three of us, he makes you smile the most and often lifts your spirits when you are fussy. You shower him with smiles and reaching out for "hugs."  

We love that you two adore each other and pray for your relationship to always flourish! It's almost been half a year, little one. May God continue to bless you and us as we grow together as a family in His love. 

By God's Grace

Hi.
I'm Jenn.
I'm a mother.
And I'm stuck.

I am in place lacking balance and rhythm.  Perhaps I have a case of the summer needs to end soon blues. Perhaps its the little guy's teeth-cutting that's stressing me out. Perhaps I'm grappling with the lack of control I have over certain situations surrounding me. Regardless, I know that through prayer, through Grace, I will be made whole again.


By the Grace of God, I will say yes more often to "Momma, can you pway wif me?"

By the Grace of God, I will hold each little boy a little bit longer before they doze off to sleep.

By the Grace of God, I will walk more slowly, glance around more intentionally, and appreciate more fully.

By the Grace of God, I will smile at my husband, hug and kiss him warmly when he returns instead of giving him the "I'm-throwing-in-the-towel-it's-your-turn" look.

By the Grace of God, I will inhale deeply and feel a pat on my back acknowledging that while I may not be perfect, I'm doing the best job I can.

These days are not easy, but indeed they are fleeting. By the Grace of God, I will be grateful for each one.

While "stuck" in a sense, I can't help but feel so very blessed, and I pray that I can use the instability I feel to grow in thanksgiving for the miracles God has loaned to me here on Earth.