4th of July celebration.

I really would love to be one of those people that just fly by the seat of their pants. But I am not, I always thought it would be fun to just get up one morning and decide to take a trip. With two kiddos in tow I thought that was dreaming the impossible, until Matt decided to go along with me on my whim of thoughts for 4th of July.

Pack the car.

Drive to Estes Park.

Stay at the YMCA.

Have fun!

We sure did even though the weather got very chilly right before fireworks. So we tailgated in the back of the mini-van. Who knew two hours, in the back of a van with a 15 month old, 3 year old, emergency snack pack, blankets, cards and some music could be so fun. At about 8 o'clock Matt mentioned to me that maybe we should turn off the cd player to save the battery, I assured him it would be fine. 10 o'clock rolls around, the car won't start but luckily Matt chases after the last car in the parking lot, a Jeep, who is nice enough to give us a jump. Lesson learned- never listen to your wife's car advice when she knows nothing about cars.

One other important lesson learned this weekend- Monday as we were leaving, the boys decided to hit the playground. After 5 minutes on the tire swing Matt asked Luke if he wanted to get off, of course he did not. I leave and return to find Luke loosing his breakfast in the grass. Poor kiddo, now we know. 2 minute time limit on all tire swing adventures!

Matt's First Tri.

Never mind that he started a new job and was working 50+ hours a week.

Had to be a weekend warrior with his training.

Was never able to squeeze in the open water swim before the big race.

Had no idea how to transition the day prior.

He still managed to race. Hard.

Have fun.

And secure his own cheering section.

Waiting for him at the 5th mile marker of the run, most other competitors were passing us by with their bodies aching, faces gloomy and tired. Matt turned the corner, his heart was smiling, his legs were briskly running and he ran over to kiss the boys. He felt so alive. It is these moments in life that shape who were are and how we live. How easily he could have said, "I don't have time to do this or I did not train enough" instead this is his experience to own. Forever.

Cloth Diapering....the verdict.

So, I posted about cloth diapering about a year ago. My final verdict......

I like it.

Much easier than I thought overall. Although I will say that I have learned a few things~

* Using an HE washer is a bit cumbersome, you just might have to double/triple/quadruple wash to get them really clean. It can be done but just takes a bit more effort.

* Once a child has used disposables they may not transition to the cloth. I tried and tried with Luke. Since he was old enough to take them off that is just what would happen. You would think he would use the potty at that point but no such luck.

* No need to even attempt cloth diapers while traveling, moving or using a babysitter. Not worth the headache or grossness.

* They need to be changed one to two times more each day or else a nasty rash can ensue.

So, here is what you need.

1. About 15-20 cloth diapers. I use both the All in One diapers and the One Size diapers by Bum Genius. The All in Ones take a bit longer to dry but the One Size need an insert put into them, pick your battle.

2. About 100 cloth wipes.

3. Some homemade wipe solution. I fill a spray bottle with water and add a drop or two of lavendar oil and/or tree tea oil.

4. A cloth diaper friendly detergent for washing. I have tried several and Charlie's Soap (available online) seems to work the best. Although there is no stain removing agent in it so if I left my diapers an extra day or two too long I do add a squeeze of Bac Out while they soak to help.

5. A wet bag- I have two for the bathroom (one will be in use while the other is getting washed) and a travel wetbag for when we are out and about.

6. A fairly good gag reflux. I am not gonna lie, it can get gross.

As far as washing goes, every 2-3 days I soak the soiled diapers overnight in the washer. I set the water to cold and add some Bac Out. In the morning I wash them on hot, for a large load with one scoop Charlie's Soap and a double rinse with a few drops of lavendar oil. If they are still stinky you can wash them again with a 1/2 baking soda, then another wash with a 1/2 cup vinegar and then a last wash with no soap or anything added. Pop them in the dryer or on the line after. Wa La!

Oh and shockingly enough the cloth diapers have leaked less than disposables even for overnight.

Just look how happy he is! (Eli is a major cuddler........oh how he loves a snuggle!)

Mother's Day

Being a mother to these boys has been the greatest gift I have ever received. I am grateful.

Florida adventure.

I went solo with the boys to Florida for some fun! Apparently, I was relaxing so much I forgot to take pictures....here are just a few.......

Oh I wish I had my camera to get a love bird picture of Samantha and her boyfriend, Josh. This was the first time I met him and he is just wonderful, adorable and so sweet. Wish we got to spend more time with them! Hopefully our next trip.

On this trip I learned a few lessons.

~ I (heart) Kristie Serra. She was heading back home to Seattle with her boys the day after we arrived so our only time to meet was for thirty minutes at the airport when we got in. Nothing like a quick hug and chat with the most genuine of hearts.

~ Eli likes the beach as long as he is not wet, sandy, or in the sun. While Jamie was trying to make that happen Luke was turning into Flipper with Travis.

~ Aunt Dana's "spend the night" is like my fond memories of Elitche's Amusement Park as a kid- non stop laughter, 1000 to do in not enough time, more fun than I can imagine and photos to prove it.

~ A house full of love will never be forgotten. Luke walks in to Grams and Pax's house like he owns the place and was just arranging the bunny hutch yesterday. Poor Grams was under the weather but held up like a trooper.

~ I wish Jamie and Travis lived near me.

~My parents are so wonderful (I have actually always known this). They drove three hours to see us. This entailed picking us up, taking us to lunch and then to the airport. They then turned around to head home.

Wonderful trip.

3......yipppeee!

Luke and Pax share the same birthday (almost), they are a day apart. We were down in Florida for a visit the week prior to their big days and Luke could not have been happier. Cake, singing, presents, and lots of love. These two Klasnick boys love their time together.......

Luke will be the one to carry on the Klasnick name for Matt's family. What an honor, the men of this family are God serving, devoted to their wives and children and the ultimate of providers. Pax had made a promise to himself that when Matt was born he would never turn turn down a request by his son to play ball. After Pax would get off work (he maintained the ball fields at thelocal high schools in Florida- think 100% humidity and 90 degree weather) Matt would be anxious to get out for a catch, each and every time, most everyday of the week those two would be outside tossing a baseball back and forth well into the night. What a great gift to give your grandchild, values that are not spoken but are lived. Commitment, loyalty, a giving and humble heart. As Luke is stepping into his third year as my son I relish the time we spend together. He makes me laugh (loud, full laughs), he asks me questions that are far beyond his years and has a soft, sensitive heart.

Happy Birthday Pax and Luke.

The Bad Habit.

(The Berenstain Bears boys and my mom walking in Ybor City, FL. I am constantly told how much my brother and Luke look alike. Lucky Luke.)

Growing up my brother, Travis, loved "The Berenstain Bears". He read the books, watched the cartoons and talked about the bear family like he knew them. I found it funny when Luke took to them too. "The Berenstain Bears and The Bad Habit" is our newest. My list of bad habits is long..........I thought I would note a few hoping it would make me accountable to maybe change a few or at least acknowledge them.

1. Late night snacking- usually something sweet. Thanks mom and dad, I know I got this one from you two!

2. Picking my nails- uggh, gross. I go through phases with this one. More stress = less nail.

3. Controlling. My poor husband, I like to have my short nailed hands in everything.

4. Reluctant to try things I could possibly fail at. This is a huge shortcoming.......I have missed out on what could be so many amazing opportunities and life adventures all because of my own insecurity. Umph.

5. Not pondering the past enough to learn from it. I have noticed in blogging that if I go a week or two without a post I just let it go as I prefer to look at what is ahead and not stop to think about what those weeks have taught me or the experiences. I am going to let that one sink in.

(Travis and I at the David Gray concert in Tampa. Travis and David Gray are both amazing!)