Today

Every day I have a list in my head of goals I would like to get accomplished before bed.

Most days I may get only through about 10%

of what I had planned.

The list never goes away, or gets shorter.

But the new me (remember)

has learned to remain calm, prioritise

and have fun!

Today on my list-

go to the gym

keep my boys happy and entertained

clean the house

get groceries

take a nap

spend time outside

finish some projects.

We know immediately that "clean the house"

is always on the list.

And napping isn't possible because my boys never sleep

at the same time.

But today, we actually checked off more than one item

at once!

My group gifted us a new double stroller

and I couldn't wait to get it put together.

(Isn't it funny what we get excited about as parents?)

So we put it together,

jumped in

and headed to get our groceries.

It was a beautiful day

the boys loved their new stroller

I got great exercise without the gym

we were spending time together

and having fun.

At the store Trent jumped out of the stroller

and got all the items off the shelves

and put them in our bag.

He never gets out of the cart normally

and he did great,

but then

at the checkout spotted the candy for the first time ever.

"M's!!"

He was good help

and I was really proud of us for our accomplishments

so yes, a yummy treat!

Oh, and we had saved money on gas

and saved the environment~
(can you tell I was pretty excited?!)

Everyone thought we were quite the sight,

most people just say

"Wow, you have your hands full!"

Yep, and so is my heart!

We also FINALLY

finished the birdbath.

He is so proud!

Gracie thinks its her water dish,

oh well, I'm sure the birds will share.

I think I had more fun today than them!

In between our activities there are many food and bathroom breaks.

It seems like the "bathroom breaks"

are constant.

We got a new stock last night.

My baby is using wipes now

and has moved up to size 2 diapers already.

Big guy has been using the potty more, but we aren't

forcing anything.

So, how long will this stash last?

384 wipes

128 cruisers

168 swaddlers.

Any guesses?

Winner gets a great prize!

love, the rockinryans

boohoo...?

Sean and I have had a rough couple of days.

I am having a hard time believing that next week

it is time for me to return to work.

In an attempt to make an easier transition,

I have started weaning Sean from his favorite food source.

He is very attached to me,

and my heart is aching

with the thoughts of leaving him.

Today was a little better,

but evenings are hard.

Thank goodness for our

comic relief!

Trent never fails to entertain!

He always brings smiles to my face

and warmth to my heart.

I sometimes wonder if he senses my feelings,

and his brothers

(well, I guess the baby's screams are pretty obvious!)

Because not only did he cheer me up with silliness,

he comforted the baby by covering him,

making sure he had his binky

and surrounding him with toys.

And guess what,

it worked!

Sean calmed and slept.

What an amazing kid!

love, the rockinryans

laugh till I cry

I love taking pictures of our daily lives.

I really love natural shots that are not posed or fake.

Every now and again some really great ones come about.

Today we helped Daddy in the yard.

We supervised grass planting,

helped to water the plants and grass,

bought cherry slushees,

and washed daddy's truck.

As he started screaming "Mommy!!!" and shooting me with the hose, I knew I really wanted a picture.

I thought it would be neat with the water coming towards me.

And it did turn out cute.

But

When he was done, he realized he was more wet than me.

And decided to take off his pants.

I said no, don't take them off outside!

He said "Pants up."

And I was so glad I had my camera!

Good job buddy, you did it all by yourself!

I have been laughing at that silly face all day.

love, the rockinryans

Mothers

It is a good thing I had great teachers,

lots of love,

excellent role models.

Women to guide me and instill good values.

To support me in my ups and downs.

To travel with,

teach me to cook

and clean.

The importance of being a supportive wife,

mother and friend.

Women to enjoy shopping and movies with.

How to be selfless and

the importance of being

a God loving woman.

Because there is no way I could do this on my own!

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31

Thank you Mom, Sity and Nanny

I love you!

Love, rockinbabyryan



Bribes

Remember this book I said I was going to read?

It was back ordered, so I thought it would be very good.

I finally received it and I started reading.

The first chapter did not a believer make me!

She begins the book by stating all the ways we should NOT discipline our children.

I agreed with most of them until reading

"Do not offer bribes".

BAHAHAHA!

Funny stuff.

She better have a lot better advice in the rest of that book.

I love bribery.

Without it I would have none of these beautiful items at my home.

"Give me your binky, or you can't plant the flowers!"

"Help momma pick up then you can make the bird bath."

"Stop whining~don't you want to make Grandma and Sittie Mothers Day cards?"

"Lay still while mommy changes your diaper so we can go shopping to get more flowers and dirt!"

I don't really know what would work any better!

Love, the Rockinryans

Hmmm....

Sometimes I think my boys look nothing alike.

Then I took a picture that immediately brought back

memories of another.

What do you think?

Love, the rockinryans

Dedication

This digital invite generated with Smilebox

silly bunny dirt

If you would like a serious picture

of our family...

don't look

here!!

The Easter Bunny found us again!

Time to count eat the loot!

What else does one do with a big blue ball?

Have you ever seen the commercial

of the man smoothing fresh cement on his sidewalk-

the scene pans to fresh prints

left by an adorable boy?

The man grits his teeth, smiles at the boy,

gently lifts him from the cement

and continues smoothing over the prints.

The commercial speaks of

an exercise of patience.

I thought of that commercial

as our kids had a blast

playing in the dirt

that Grandad

just paid to have reseeded.

He would have been VERY angry at the mothers of these two

if they would have done this some years ago.

But this day, he didn't say a word.

Why can they get away with so much?

Patience and love from Grandad.

We love you Grandad

and someday

we will help you mow

the beautiful grass

you grow!

Love, the rockinryans

Tonight....a first!

I didn't know the response I would get when I

asked Trent if he wanted his brother to take a bath

with him.

 He was thrilled!

He ran up the steps as fast as he could,

yelling "Sean, Sean!"

As you can see, Sean equally adores Trent.

Here's to clean boys!

Love, the rockinryans