California and a dinosaurs hunt

^^^^Even Baby Hawk got his very own egg with a toy inside^^^

Here I go again telling you I've been bad at blogging again. Here's the deal I got behind on the 52 week project, then felt overwhelmed to catch up and then procrastinated even more because it stated feeling like an obligation. I had to regroup and remember why I am doing this in the first place, to document my boys and our life journey, simple. Aahhh. Now that I have that off my chest, goodbye 52 week challenge, hello blogging again.

The boys and I spent that last week in California with family. We were so spoiled! The boys received more gifts and love from so many people it was incredible and I received things like having someone hold the baby while I was eating, giving the boys a bath and getting them ready for bed, not having to cook a single meal. It felt like Christmas everyday to this tired mama. I cannot even explain how act of love like that speak to my heart.

One afternoon my MIL had a special surprise for the boys. I dinosaur egg hunt! The very fact that she found plastic eggs and stuffed dinosaurs that fit in them was impressive. The boys took turns looking for their eggs and I have to admit that Bear's reaction when that T-Rex popped out of the egg makes me laugh every time I think about it. He jumped back about a foot and screamed half in excitement and half in fear. It took him a little while to warm up to Ol' T- Rex. They spent the rest of the afternoon chasing each other around with their dinos in hand.

This is just one of the many memories that was made on our trip. I can't wait to share more.

Halloween

Halloween was a busy day for us. We spent the morning at a local state park and trick or treating in the evening. Bear was so excited about Halloween, we've had our costumes for the last two month. We dressed up a little early to insure being able to get a few photos. (last year I waited too long and only have Iphone pictures) Last minute pumpkin carving, and a little Punkin Chunkin show to pass the time before it was dark enough to head out.

Baby Hawk fell asleep before the festivities officially started so papa stayed home and handed out candy while I took the boys trick or treating. As you can see safety was at the utmost importance and the boys were excited about holding their  very own glow stick (thanks bubbie). We got home and they each had one piece of candy before going to bed. They requested to keep their glow sticks for the evening which seemed harmless at first. Two hours, and two very awake toddlers later we revoked that right. Between the sheer excitement, sugar rush and glow stick frenzy it took  them a while to finally fall asleep. Bear was still so hopped up on excitement that he walked into our room at 4am requesting to start our day. Ummm... not going to happen. He fell back asleep only to wake up at his normal time with a mission to attempt sneak candy. Oh children, what you won't do for candy. It was a wonderful day and the left over candy ( that I haven't eaten) it now safely on the top shelf of our pantry.

inspired

We've all been sick and I've found myself lately, stuck in the rut of the day to day. Diaper changes, feedings, snacks, baths, clean up, repeat. This feeling starts seeping into everything, homeschool has been taking place but sort of lack luster, blogging has felt like a chore (mainly because I had nothing to say, since life has been boring) and even being a mom has felt impossible. 

When I get to that place it usually takes a while to shake myself out of it. (i am really good at feeling sorry for myself HA!) I received a new lens from my parents for my birthday and that sort of forced me to shake this "ick" off (i had to try it out,right?) I pushed away the desire to stay home and hopped in the car with the boys and some props. It was exactly what my soul needed, the sky was golden, the boys were silly (and snotty but they can't help that) and I am loving my new lens. It seemed to do all of us well and it was just enough to inspire me again. Ideas for our new homeschool week and ideas for new locations to shoot are flooding my brain at the moment. It is a fantastically overwhelming feeling. 

I often think of what the Lord desires for my life. Sometimes I wish I could be doing more, helping more, working outside the home etc. But this is exactly where the Lord wants me and He doesn't want me to be bogged down with the responsibilities of motherhood but rather be thankful and full of joy with the ability to be home with my children. The Lord desires us to be happy about what we are called to do and more often than not that is a hard task for me. Being a mother does not mean I am not able to do things that inspire me and bring me joy but rather expanded my horizons of how to express my desire to be creative. It has fueled the fire in areas I never even considered before and have given me three little blessing from which to draw inspiration from. Sometimes we just need to get out there with a new lens to appreciate it.

{fall}ing in love

Lately, nights have required footie pajamas for the boys, an extra blanket on our bed and the desire to stay in our warm bed just a few minutes longer each morning. I never realized while living in Oregon how much we as a family enjoy the cooler weather. Honestly, it brings comfort and the desire to get out more. (who knew I would miss gloomy Oregon weather so much) The first sign of fall brought about our desire to explore.

We hopped in the car and set out to the Snake River scenic route. We hadn't made it out there yet and were surprised at just how quickly we were out in the county. Rolling hills, and farm land in every direction . It was breathtakingly beautiful. And for the first time in a long time this felt like exactly where we were suppose to be. I am slowly falling in love with Idaho. Probably because it's been showing off a little more.  With its snowy peaks in the distance, an array of colors in each tree and the biggest pumpkins I have ever seen, it has slowly chiseled away at some of my apprehension of living here and helping me look forward to what our life in Idaho may look like in the future.

mornings

  Mornings come far too early in our home. Especially since this little guy stays up late and acts like.... well a baby. He gets his energy right around the time I would go to bed and usually gets upset for a while after that. Next thing I know it's the middle of the night when I finally get to bed and then just a few short hours later here comes a toddler that get's in my face and request to play games on my phone (really who  thinks of games at 6am?) . Followed soon by a younger brother who is stuck in his crib angry that he's missing the party yelling "mama get out". Yes these events are actually true.

Then  there's the morning when your husband takes pity on you and your tired eyes and takes the older boys and let's you sleep in. I woke up to this beautiful sweet baby. I forgot that he kept me up most of the night and remembered how fleeting  these days are. In the midst of the day to day with three little ones it can be hard to remember that but when I do I  try to take it in and savor it. That sweet baby smell, the fact that he likes to sleep on my chest at night  and his little sighs. It won't always be this way. Soon he'll be running around with his brothers waking up early in the morning with a ridiculous request and I will have to remember to treasure just as much. This stage in my life with all my boys will never exist again. So despite the fact that waking up is a pain I will try to treasure these day because when I actually type this up it's pretty comical and special. It's my life and I love it.

Party in the woods (part 2)

                                                     ^^ wandering in our pajamas^^

                                                           ^^ getting the perfect shot^^^

^^my little explorer^^

                                                                    ^^^ totally content^^

The last set of pictures from our super fun cabin trip with the family. We were able to go adventuring and got to see some beautiful spots. The boys filled their tanks with dirt play and running around. And the adults ran around like children just the same. Catching frogs (toad?) climbing rocks and a ton of photo taking were all part of our agenda. I am already wanting to go back.

Party in the woods (part 1)

 There was one last hoorah with husbands family before everyone left. My in laws rented a cabin a few hours north of us and our surroundings were gorgeous. All the pine trees were making me miss Oregon. I think it was a great end to this time before reality hit. The boys had fun exploring the property and taking pictures of everything. We went adventuring outside the cabin a few times but I have to say one of  the best memories would be roasting marshmallows and making smores the last night we were there. It's something I envision us doing more and more as they get older.

We are back to reality now. With all our guests gone husband and I are alone with our pack of boys. Which means when husband is off to work I'm figuring this out on my own.  I am trying to slow down the pace of the day and take each hurdle as it comes. (most are disguised as crying, and poop explosions) have a sense of humor and know that God is here. I know that it won't be easy but I pray that I try to see the joy and beauty in it.