Grandparents: Na

It's been said around here before....my kids have amazing grandparents.  

My mom, Sheri, Na is one of the amazing bunch.  

These photos were taken for her 50th b-day as her gift.

That's what she wanted, just photos of her and the kids.  

What does that tell ya?

Yep, she loves them like c r a z y!

And the feeling is mutual!  They are nutty-in-love with her.

Thanks for being the best, Na!

We are all so lucky to have you!

the County Fair

I have heard about the Monroe County Fair for years. I've known people who compete in things there....like the rodeos and horse shows. Not my normal scene, but Jayjay and I decided to brave the sweltering heat to check out the Fair, since we Albrachts are legit Monroe County residents.

Luckily our buddy, Corbin was at the Fair too.  We got to hang out with him while his momma finished up some work stuff.

These two took rides pretty serious.  And had some serious fun!

Max and I swapped sweat.  Then Jayjay and Max swapped sweat while I let sweat trickle down my legs.  And then we switched back so Jayjay's sweat could soak through her shirt. Switch and repeat...

Jayjay and I decied that the Lemonade shake-up that we had been longing for (that may have even been part of the reason we went to the fair) would help us to beat the heat.  

Fail.  

Worst. Lemonade-shake-up.  Ever.

Round two on the space ship was more fun.

Max took it all in.  Give it a few years, baby girl....

The boys were so cute.  We had wristbands....aka a VIP pass for the County Fair.  These boys were free to roam and play!  (with us dragging behind and leaving a trail of sweat).

Cole was so brave!  He climbed the stairs to slide down the GIANT SLIDE!

Woah....it's a biggun.

Hey Corbin!

These boys are two of my favorite. So handsome.  Can't wait to see them grow up and I hope they'll always be buddies...maybe even soul mates like thier mamas!

It wore us all out.  We trudged around, sweaty messes, until we were completely worn out.  

See ya next year, Fair!

happenings....

There just isn't much time for blogging these days but I look forward to catching things up around here.  In the meantime, here's a snippet of what we've been up to...

 playing with family in Jamaica,

 Schroedeling,

 trying some foods,

 playing with friends,

and growing up (too quickly)!

a day in the park

before I went back to work and before it got too-hot-to-breathe we spent a day in the park.

 it was a perfect day for soaking up the sun, fun, and puddles at the bottom of the slide.

Back at it...

One week back into work.
Day One was tearful!  Hormones paired with the sadness of my fantastic leave ending left me a blubbering mess all day!  I thought I was ready - - until I left.  Then I thought I had myself pulled together - - until I dropped Derek off and had a moment to myself.  Then I told myself I was going to be okay - - until the first person I saw welcomed me back.  Then I cried for an hour.  Then I stopped crying and made it through a client visit.  Then I told myself I was fine because I was on my way home! - - until I picked Derek up and told him that I didn't want to do it again the next day.  Then I got home and figured I was good to go - - until I snuggled my baby and played with my boy and realized that being a mom makes me happier than anything in the whole wide world and I wish I could focus all of my energy on mom-nes.
Day Two brought fewer tears.  I am SO grateful that Na is watching the kiddos while I adjust to being away from them.  I have 100% trust in her and know that the kids are getting such good love and attention!  And- I am so grateful that she is helping me to figure out a schedule/getting into a groove with Maxine and the bottle.  There are no words to express the gratitude...I just can't find them!
The rest of the week really agreed with me.  I have said it before and it might sound like just positive blabber - but I really love my job - my coworkers - my freedom - and my independence in my work.  I like the ride to and from work - time for D and I to talk and be grown-ups together.  I like being in St. Louis, driving around, listening to the radio, being me...
I have felt strangely okay for a few days.  Strangely because I thought I would be fighting depression right now.  Almost "out of body"...  I feel really happy and present.  The downside is that I having feelings of "what am I supposed to be doing?" and "what do I do next?"  Not sure if this is hormonal or sleep-deprived-over-caffeinated but I hope the feeling of presence and enjoying every moment can last.  Because I AM so lucky: relationships - kids - work - home - health....
For now, back to this good stuff...

...and hoping this feeling lasts!

Father's Day 2011

I am not the father, but I thought Father's Day was a perfect day. 

We snoozed until 6:30 after a stormy night.

We gifted Daddy his grill, photo, cooler cups, and stepping stones.  Cole gave him a special gift that he made at school - a brick with his handprint.

We made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. (Derek ended up cooking *with an audience* - what a guy!)

We watched CBS Sunday Morning, drank coffee, and the boys put together Daddy's new little grill.

We went to Na & G's and enjoyed the pool.

We came home and all four napped (at the same time!) for a couple of hours.

We made Smokey Mountain chicken for dinner.  (Derek ended up cooking again - Dad of the Year!)

We snuggled in to watch a movie together, 2012, in which the Daddy was the hero.

Derek and I talked about how wonderful the day was and how lucky we were to have these awesome kids.

Cole and I talked about how great the day was and how lucky we were to have the best Daddy.

Cole told Derek to stay home from work because he would miss him.

Derek told Cole to never grow up.

 Being a dad is a big job that I try to never underestimate.  I am so grateful for the father that my kids have!

Happy Father's Day, Derek!

Garden Tutorial

Here's my take on "how to" have a nice landscape and lawn:

Step 1 - Get yourself a family member with killer garden / landscape skills.  Mine happens to be Ed/G.  He has mad skills when it comes to all things outdoor.  He has an eye for landscape and he is some kind of plant whisperer.  AND - he is incredibly generous with his time and plant materials!    

Step 2 - Marry a man who works his @$$ off around the house.  Derek has developed a pretty amazing eye for landscape too....plus he has just enough obsessive compulsion to work until things get done -
p e r f e c t l y.  

 

 

Step 3 - Be grateful.  Repeatedly offer water/lemonade/alcoholic beverages to your laboring gardeners.  Tell them 'Thank You!'  Feed them well.  Let them know how much you appreciate them.

Thank you guys!