For Our Winged Friends

I don't think it's a shock, I'm not very crafty. I try. But I'm just not. Even with all my education. You know, I was supposed to go into the field of education. But well, you know. Life happens. I'm getting off topic here....

It's been so hot here. Been in the 90s for weeks! And the boys are dying to do all kinds of crazy things outside. They've hunted lizards for weeks! Literally, no lizard is safe in our yard!! They all end up in a jar. With 2 boys poking them. Staring at them. Just being curious.

Bugs get the same treatment. I find Mikey digging in the yard. And Danny standing there, with another jar. Ya, no jar is safe in our home. I do make sure, to poke holes in all the tops. I'm trying to save the creatures here. :)

With Mike being gone, fighting the wild fires, I'm all the kids have. So I've been trying extra hard. To be a good momma. We go on daily "nature walks." Early in the morning. It's the only time it's cool out. And in the evening, we head to the park. So they can play with their friends. But around the house, I'm a little at a loss. What can we do?

I found a fun project. That involves a Slinky, birdseed, and birds. Even I can manage this one! I bought all the supplies yesterday. And today, during the "peak heat hours," we're going to create some wonderful things. For our winged friends. :)

What are some of your "go-to" activities to do with your kids? Especially in the heat. We live in the desert. For about 5 months out of the year, it's tough to be outside, between 9AM and 7PM. I'd really like to hear some great ideas. I know my sons would appreciate it too!

♥Rach♥

What a Blessing!

How was everyone's Mother's Day? Our was nice. Low key. And at home. It was really nice! Both my family, and Mike's came down for a visit. Which made it an extra special weekend for us. :) If you read Monday's post, you can tell...it's getting warm around here.

Our moms cooked all the food! And it was so good. I'm still stuffed! But I wanted to contribute something too. That's when I tried a new recipe. For cheesecake cookies. Um, hello! If the name of the recipe didn't interest you, well I'm not sure what will! But they were amazing!

And we just enjoyed a lot of time, with our family. Everyone melted over Mikey and Danny...in their little suits. And Savannah, had everyone, wrapped around her little fingers. :) We don't get to see our families much. It's really unfortunate! But Mike's family lives 4 hours away. And mine, well they're a plane ride away!

It was a nice little visit. Everyone was so happy. Life was going well. And we were just enjoying life. It's nice to be spoiled by my momma, and momma-in-law! In some ways, it made me feel like a little girl again. To have my momma, make me a yummy breakfast in bed. The only difference was, I'm now nursing a sweet little girl. With 2 little guys, who couldn't decide if they wanted to eat with their momma, or daddy.

This was the kind of weekend, that we all needed! Low key. Surrounded by our loved ones. Unfortunately, before our families even left, Mike was called out to work. And with that, "Fire Season" has begun. We were all sad, to see him go. But I know, my husband is good at his job. And he enjoys it. Believe me, we're all praying. For Mike's fast, and safe return!

♥Rach♥

We NEED One!!

Not even going to lie here. It's already insanely H-O-T! The rest of the world, is excited about summer. I'm well, not so thrilled that the temps are already in the 90s. Years ago, when I was in college, it was great! Welcomed actually. But these days, with 3 kids, it's tough. My boys want to be outside. 24/7! Never mind that it's 110 degrees. They don't care!

And I feel bad. I don't want my kids to be stuck inside. Not when our summer pretty much begins in May. And ends at the end of September. I want them to enjoy the summer months. And the nice weather.

But we need some activities that will keep us cool. And I'm not just talking swimming. So I took to Pinterest for some inspiration. Look what I found!

It's a sprinkler! Made out of PVC pipe. It might have taken me a week, to track down the original post. But I did! Mike told me, that he could make one. He's calling it the "Kid Car Wash." And after Mikey happened to spot it on the computer, I was writing down the supply list. Well it is essentially set in stone! Mike can't get out of it now. :)

I do have to say, we're blessed. Not only is Mike the kind of guy, that enjoys DIY projects. But the firefighters, are always excited to help us out. Especially when it comes to our kids. So guess what's on tap, for their next day off? This bad boy! My boys are so excited! They keep calling this, the "wimmin wower." If you didn't get that, it's the swimming shower. :) How cute! This momma might even have to run through it too!

♥Rach♥

Bad News

I should have known. When I saw the news yesterday. And there was another fire. Mike is heading up to the fire. He should be there no later than 9AM today. I feel so bad for the people up there. They are already evacuating the area.

But we miss Mike. It's been weeks since we've seen him. Mikey asks about Mike every single day. And I feel just like him. I can't wait until Mike is safe at home. But we know, as a firefighting family, that sacrifices have to be made. And we're OK with that. Because we know, Daddy is doing good work.

We just ask that everyone keeps Mike and all the firefighters in your prayers. They need all the support they can get. We love them all. And we hope that they are able to get their work done quickly and safely. Because they all have families who are waiting for them at home.

♥Rach♥

Ugly Animals!

I'm pretty sure, my boys and I are hooked on PBS' Nature Show. It's amazing. And the boys honestly enjoy watching all the animals. I'm always learning something interesting. It's just a "Win-Win Situation."

This week was about the world's ugliest animals. Which of course, my boys were so into! This pig thing, Mikey wants one. What the heck?! I'm sure Spot wouldn't enjoy this guy.

Let's just say, I'm happy these animals are on TV. And not anywhere near me. :) Oh, and we're super excited! Mike is supposed to be coming home, sometime Tuesday. I'm so excited! He's been gone for what feels like forever! I can't wait until our family is back together again. :)

♥Rach♥

Welcome to Our Family Danny!

Mikey has a new baby brother! Daniel (Danny) waited for his Daddy to come home! Mike was able to come home for a week. And he arrived early on July 14th. The night before, I had begun having some fierce contractions. And I labored well into the morning of July 15th. But it was all worth it. Just to meet our little man! Danny we love you so much. Our family was definitely not complete without you. I see an entire lifetime of fun ahead for our family! But for now, I'm going to be spending lots of time with my boys!

♥Rach♥