Photo Challenge Failure

Kate and I looked at today's word, "shadow" and noted a very cloudy sky. We then collectively decided a random list of words is not the boss of us and opted to end our challenge. We are still going to seek inspiration in the world around us each day and perhaps take some photos. We enjoyed working together but all the extra kids in the house made the challenge feel more like something we had to do rather than something we wanted to do. The pressure is off. We're quitters.

I took a walk with a group of kiddos today. It was beautiful and the perfect way to wrap up our morning. I am always surprised by the people who pull over to question my sanity. Why is it considered crazy to take a group of happy kids out and about to enjoy the world around them? It's much crazier, in my opinion, to take a single grumpy child into the grocery store. Maybe it's just me.

These guys are buddies. I am glad they'll have each other a few days each week this summer. Where you find one, you will find at least three. Ty can be the independent one when he needs a break. I have always been amazed by his ability to self regulate his need for quiet time.

This morning's cuddle time with Makenna ended in a wrestling match for a kiss. Kenna wins every time. Clearly Ty was distressed. Smile. I love how each one of the girls has such a unique bond with him. He is treasured.

And finally a shot of our spoiled dog. Brutus has been completely freaked out by the new table for the kids because his bed has been moved. He is not happy about it. There has been an obscene amount of whining and moaning. He is such a stubborn old man these days. He has also learned when it pays off to be obnoxious. The teens are prone to slipping him treats when he is pathetic so pathetic he is often.

He took another nasty fall last night. This was the second in a week that required two of us to lift him off the floor. It's tough to watch him age and decline. We love this old boy. He's part of the family.

Photo Challenge Day 8

A young man in our community was killed in an ATV accident on Saturday. Calling hours were today. My girls knew the young man but weren't close. Erin had a few classes with him in high school and Lauren hung out with him in the eighth grade. Whereas the shock of a seventeen year old death is always difficult, the girls processed through this relatively peacefully. However, I learned last night that I know his mom. Jackie and I volunteer together at the inner city church program. My grief went from a prayer for an unknown family to having a very real face to associate with that grief. My heart is heavy.

Irony is about the only way to describe my reaction to today's photo challenge word. Laughter. I am seriously not feeling up to it but life with kids tends to move forward no matter the circumstances. Kate was rather busy with friends and I just absorbed the laughter of the kids in my home this afternoon rather than intrude with the camera. But for a much needed smile, check out Ty dressed as a cowboy Mario riding his bike last night. He is so proud of himself.

photo credit Makenna Grace

Photo Challenge Day 7

Today's challenge was "with Dad". Kate decided to focus on her favorite activity with her Dad. Archery is one of the few activities we can use to engage the entire family.

photo credit Kate Ryan

I decided to capture Makenna's final day of 8th grade. Cheers to the end of middle school! Greg and Makenna were as compliant as usual.

And now the big reveal. We attended Devyn's birthday party at a local church on Saturday. The church is in the process of remodeling a few of their kids' rooms and needed to unload tables and chairs. I was approached about taking one set given how many little people hang out with me during the week. I spent the next few hours processing how I could make one work in our house; loving the prospect of an art table, snack table and little chairs that would be accessible without assistance. As it stood, the dining table and counters were taking a beating with all the paint and such we dished out and the littlest ones weren't able to easily participate.

As much as I loved the orange color as a whole, it really didn't work well in our space. I opted for a neutral antique white and then used colors in other areas of the house for accents on the chairs. The table has changed location a few times which has led to a few other changes in the living room and foyer but I think I have a workable arrangement for now.

Tomorrow, five extra kids will decent upon the house. We'll see how well it works out. Makenna is already thrilled, stating the chairs are fun size like her. Sadly, they ARE a perfect fit for her!

Photo Challenge Day 6

Today's photo challenge was the word breakfast. We were not excited. We thought about seeking a vintage "Breakfast Served Here" sign but didn't really know where to search and with extra little people in our house today, it really wasn't possible anyway. We considered photographing a typical morning's dishes set out for a big breakfast; however, we weren't that motivated. Our breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon wasn't very photogenic so we left the dinner table this evening still unsure how to tackle today's challenge. We contemplated cheating and choosing a more interesting word but in the end, worked together to create a simple image with eggs since they are the most used breakfast item in our house. We don't even have farm fresh eggs this week because our friends' chickens aren't happily supplying many these days. For what it's worth. Here's our shot for the day.

In other news, I have made two trips to the Home Depot for paint. One was a quick date I owed my sweet husband for dragging home my latest project against his will. He's less than thrilled with me at the moment. The little people in my house are going to love the completed project though. I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

The under ten crowd is in bed early tonight. Both have lost privileges for the remainder of the week. Summer must officially be in the air because they have lost their minds.

Photo Challenge Day 5

Today's photo challenge assignment was the word smile. Ty provided my shot immediately. He declared he wanted to remove his training wheels on our way home from Devyn's birthday party last evening. Since it was already bedtime, we held him off until this morning. First thing he wanted after breakfast was the removal of those training wheels. Greg complied and Ty took the bike to the back yard where he was going to learn to ride all by himself. I assumed he'd quickly give up or ask for assistance and started another project. A few minutes later, Ty emerged from the side of the house and asked me to come see something. I followed him anticipating another captured toad or something of that sort; however, I instead watched him ride his bike down the back yard.

Once he arrived, he raised his fist over his head in a celebratory fashion and yelled, "now I am big". This smile is one of pure satisfaction. He is so proud. His goal is to take a big bike ride all the way to Anne's house. He knows who to show off for in order to get proper praise and Anne is good for it every time. However, I have to say I sat and watched with a huge grin upon my face and tears in my eyes. I swear it's training wheels today and a learner's permit tomorrow. They grow up much too fast.

Mom's photo

And now Kate's photo! I am so excited about this one. She started off with a selfie of a traditional smile but I probed her to think outside the box. She accompanied me to the grocery this afternoon armed with the camera and yelled, "Mom, stop the car! I see it!"

photo credit Kate Ryan

Can you see it too? Sister has a great eye.

Photo Challenge Day 4

Today's challenge was a favorite toy. Kate chose to focus on the trampoline and gained cooperation from Makenna for her shot. I may be handing Kate the camera to capture all the teenagers.

photo credit Kate Ryan

Mom's photo

 In other news, you know you are the mother of teenagers when....

• you have a car payment but have nothing to drive
• when you actually do get your vehicle back, it is running on fumes
• you assume your child is lying at the bottom of a hidden ravine somewhere because she was missing for two hours
• you lose more sleep waiting on them to come in from outings with friends than you did with them as newborns
• and more so when they are out with boys!
• you can talk about life with someone who is starting to understand it and form their own opinions
• the laughter is amazing
• so are the tears
• typically in the same day you experience both emotions simultaneously.

Motherhood. It's quite a ride.

We're heading out to celebrate Miss Devyn's third birthday. Yesterday she played with Makenna's makeup and was quite interested in "blending in with a brush" followed closely by applying lip balm to her forehead. She's adorable.

Photo Challenge Day 3

Today's prompt was "favorite thing to do" and both Kate and Ty agreed they needed to go to the park for these photos. Kate loves the merry-go-round and Ty loves the trains.

photo credit Kate Ryan

Mom's photo

In other news, Lauren has successfully completed her junior year. She's had a rough year overall but has shown amazing growth and perseverance. She is celebrating with friends tonight and looking forward summer.

photo credit Greg

I have begged this child for photos. I take what I can get.

Photo Challenge Day 2

Today's prompt was the word hands. Kate decided I should do a  handstand so she could take an awesome photo. I let her know I have never successfully completed a handstand and don't plan to try perfecting it now. She then asked me what I could do with my hands and I rattled of a list along the lines of this: clean, cook, change diapers, wipe noses, clean ears, etc. She looked me dead in the eyes and very slowly asked, "okay, what can you do with your hands that we could photograph?" I cracked up. I apparently lead an exciting life.

photo credit Kate Ryan

I didn't expect a kid's photo challenge to leave me feeling exposed or vulnerable but today's photo caught me off guard. Kate chose to photograph my hands. I have purposely guarded my hands in photos for quite a long time.  Between the inflammation and the psoriasis outbreaks, my hands are anything but beautiful. I am still unsettled but somewhat relieved. Here they are; healing at the moment but always prepping for another outbreak.

Mom's photo

Hands can be both functional and comforting. Miss Anna illustrates that beautifully. I suppose motherhood in general does too.

Photo Challenge Day 1

Kate and I have decided to work together throughout the next thirty days to capture at least a photo each day. Today's prompt was playtime.

photo credit Kate Ryan

photo credit Kate Ryan

Mom's photo

Mom's photo

I would show you Ty's interpretation but he captured the inside of my trash can, the toilet and my rear end. I think we'll wait until he's a bit older to try again since no one deserves to have those images flashed before their eyes.

photo credit Kate Ryan

Kate then wanted to continue the bonding time and offered me my very first pedicure. Whereas it was not as luxurious as promised, I was able to read exactly one paragraph of my book and am now sporting some very thick daisies on my toes. Having lotion rubbed into my legs; however, was pretty wonderful.

The Week

Motherhood appears to be more about growing me than raising children.The days I run on too little sleep and too much caffeine are not pretty. Heck, none of the days are glamorous! Pretty is surface deep and my yoga pants, hope to have my teeth brushed before noon, didn't notice someone wiped their nose on me is anything but pretty. However, at the end of the day, when I am hiding in the closet consuming my secret stash of chocolate, I pray to be more beautiful in the manor that matters. I strive to be more patient in my tone and encouraging during struggles and tantrums. Some days I am confident. Other days I could weep as I look at the clock and realize it is only five o'clock and I have three more hours until bedtime. Those are the days I tell my family the mommy has clocked out. As if. Clocking out is never an option. There are beautiful days, recharged and renewed. The days I have the answers and grace aren't the most predominate in my world; I am too outnumbered and the needs are too great. So, God grows me while I flail through this motherhood gig. I am incredibly blessed but lose sight all to often of how amazing this journey really is. When I take time to reflect, I see beauty in the challenging days too. It just takes a little more effort to discern in those moments. After all, even superheros need hugs too.

This week was full of heartache and turmoil so we started our weekend intentional about rest and relaxation. Greg and I slipped out to use his last birthday gift card for a late lunch alone. We ran a few errands and spoke in complete sentences about current challenges, future goals and better stress management. I haven't managed well this week and he was all too aware.

The little ones captured a turtle who happened upon our driveway this week. I allowed it to remain in captivity for a few hours, just long enough for everyone to see it. That turtle high tailed it out of sight immediately upon it's release. Smart turtle.

Justin had to be talked down a few times this week as he observed a few stressful encounters. He started calling me Mom and at one point was rather insistent I trade my tea for wine because there is no way anyone should deal with all of this sober. He's cute. I refused his offer and remained sober so he took the kids for an ice cream. Can you believe the kids think his car is cooler than mine?  And then he offered Lauren a trip with him and Erin to his extended family's lake house for the weekend so she could get away from a rough situation here. She has to work the entire three day weekend but he was pretty sweet to offer. We hope Erin and Justin are having a great time with Justin's aunts and uncles. They also deserved a break.

Official paperwork for Makenna's freshman year states she has declared her future career goal to "be Spiderman". I can't decide if I am more annoyed with her for not taking anything seriously or the school for putting unnecessary pressure on thirteen year old kids. Who has a clue about their future when they are entering high school? Erin had declared her goal to be a professional skydiver during her freshman year to get them off her back. I suspect we will be retiring our high school counselor in the near future.One look at another incoming Baughman should send him screaming from his office.

Miss Devyn celebrated turning three this week! She woke on her birthday ready to party and eat cake. Sister isn't easily redirected and ended up with a few gifts despite her party being scheduled for next weekend. She's adorable and rather persuasive too.

Celebrating Kate

"Some people are worth melting for," Olaf from the movie Frozen. Miss Kate most certainly is one of those people. She chose the theme and we had a great time perusing Pinterest for ideas to pull it off. Frozen is in such demand, no store can keep it in stock. We had a neighbor in Orlando at Disney a few weeks ago and even he couldn't get anything! But, it came together and was a great celebration. The birthday girl is now nine years old.

We served Olaf noses (carrots), snowman arms (pretzels), snowball cake balls, snowflake cookies, hugs candy for Olaf, while chocolate dipped strawberries and melted snow bottles along with "We finish each other's....sandwiches".

The kids made "Diamond Ice Bracelets" with clear beads and also took home "Do you want to build a snowman" kits with marshmallows and pretzels.

Justin not only hung out for the entire party but he showed up with a treasured stuffed Olaf. Clearly, Kate was pretty pleased.

Foam craft balls created the perfect snowball fight this afternoon. It was a great way to wrap up the birthday celebration.

Andrew gave Kate new nail polish for her birthday and then tolerated a manicure.

Happy birthday Kate Ryan. You truly are the Anna in our world and we love you.

Mother's Day Weekend

Kate, Ty and I took a quick road trip to my sister's house yesterday to celebrate Kate's upcoming birthday and Mother's Day. We also assisted my parents in their search for a new house. I am afraid we offered too many opinions and left Mom and Dad as confused as ever.

Theresa gave Kate a "ballet dress" for her birthday and then proceeded to teach her some of the lessons she remembered from her dance years. Kate will treasure the memory. I loved watching them work together.

However, Uncle Jamie swears he is the best dancer in this family. He is a nut and we love him. He has a birthday this week too and maintains only the coolest people are born in May.

Happening Here

Erin enrolled in ATA College dental assisting program on Tuesday. She and I spent a few hours working through paperwork, interviews and meeting the people who will be supporting her efforts. Afterward we celebrated with dinner at Olive Garden. I love finding restaurants who will substitute pasta for veggies! Go Olive Garden!

Erin has been asked to help train a potential new manager at Subway. The first thing Erin told Richard was that she would like a Stingray Convertable and to have her schooling paid for. He was taken aback so she followed up with a comment about how she knew he was secretly on the show, "Undercover Boss". As it turns out, he isn't but he's a bit concerned about the nineteen year old who told him to make his own sandwich despite the fact he may be her new boss! Customers and managers love that girl but she automatically assumes everyone understands her sarcastic humor. Richard is being trained on far more than Subway standards, I am afraid.

We had a play date at Maverick and Gleason's house Tuesday morning. Their lovely mother insisted the kids stay for lunch while I grocery shopped ALL BY MYSELF! Scarlett may be my new best friend based exclusively on that offer alone. When I picked them up I was told they had peanut butter sandwiches because they wouldn't eat the lunch she prepared. I was embarrassed and inquired further. Ty informed her he doesn't eat Cheerios in pasta. Scarlett cracked up. My children do not recognize canned pasta. 


Lauren landed a new job with JCPenney! She gained a raise and will no longer smell like fries! She's excited and nervous. We couldn't be happier for her.

The tow truck driver had quite an audience.

The Venture has taken her final ride. I am a bit emotional saying goodbye as a lot of life has taken place around that vehicle. She was a solid and dependable van for eleven and a half years and 204,744 miles. Now I am grounded since Lauren needs a car to get to school and work. See ya, Kia. That was short-lived.

This Week...

• Erin shopped for a few small appliances, torn between her color choice and one that would be better suited in a home with a husband. Time flies.
• Erin dropped the whole triple major idea and opted instead to enroll in a ten month dental assistant program because she feels more confident she will find a job at the end of that shorter tunnel anyway. 
• Lauren passed a college accu-placer test well above expectations. This opens a few doors for her we didn't previously anticipate. 
• Lauren wrapped up an internship with a company that treated her poorly the entire ten weeks. She handled the challenging situation well. She is celebrating it's completion this evening. 
• Lauren appears to be getting a new job after eleven months with McDonald's. JCPenney is interested in talking with her after receiving stellar references from her previous internships. We are proud of her and she is looking forward to the change.
• Makenna was sent home from school with a stomach bug yesterday. She slept the rest of the day and recovered completely for school today.
• I called Anne this evening asking if we could just arrange marriages for our little ones because I just don't see the need to allow any more of my children to date. She is rather perceptive and immediately inquired about my life at that particular moment. Makenna had politely let a young man down this afternoon and he responded with a seven page vial text message and continued to text throughout the following hour with graphic language. The messages ended when Greg was standing on his doorstep. The good news is that we don't need bail money. 
• Kate has decided she wants a Frozen birthday party in two weeks. There is a nationwide shortage in all things Frozen so I have been allowed to get in touch with my creative side. Ahem. It appears I will be pulling out Christmas decorations in May. Awesome. We all know how much I enjoy it in December but as Olaf says, "some people are worth melting for". 
• Under the same heading, did you hear there's a Frozen shortage? So the only gift Kate has requested is an Anna costume. Let's just praise the Lord for etsy. Amen. 
• The van has officially been broken in. Ty threw up all over it in the drive thru line at the bank this afternoon. It was fantastic. I am so glad we got that out of the way. 
• My new oven will be delivered on Monday. I made homemade pizza dough for dinner tonight before remembering I don't have a working oven. It's been a long week.
• Mom called this morning to announce she sold the house! Now we all get to help find my parents a new home near Theresa. It is an exciting chapter in their lives.