A Playground for the Books

One of my sweet cousins was in town with her two little girls last week.  So, she, her sister and I met up at a park none of us had been to.  They live about 45 minutes from us, so I loaded the kids up bright and early to head that way.  I had Sophie with me (we all have infants about a month apart) and began to play in my head what I was actually doing.  Quickly I envisioned all of us holding our infants and chasing after our 1.5 year olds (we all have those too) while Carter and Peter were left to fend for themselves.  Luckily, my mother read my mind and asked if she could keep Sophie.  Whew!

We got there, and the park looked like this (this was the mid-sized portion)...

I'm all about letting the kids roam free, but when there are about three 1-2 story drop offs, even I get a little antsy.

 So, we stuck to the smaller stuff.

I read a post maybe a year ago about letting boys be boys and not too often telling them to "be careful" or "be quieter" or "watch out" etc.  The premise of it was to not stomp on their sense of adventure...to let them be boys.

Sometimes I'm better at that than others.  I feel like I give them a fair amount of room to be creative and adventurous, but I do find myself telling them to be quieter a lot (probably more for me than them), and when we're at places like these, I think, "Would I rather be a little helicopter momish, or would I mind if they fell from that super high slide and broke an arm?"

I think I lean toward the protective side.

I know I cannot shield them from every fall or suffering.  Nor do I want to.  Okay, maybe I really do, but I know better.

 However, I'd like for them to stay as safe as possible.

This crazy playground reminded me that sometimes life is a little daunting, and I don't always know how to navigate it.  Eventually these boys (and now girl, too) of mine will have to break free a bit more and take the risks.  Sometimes it will mean sliding down that fire pole with me not looking (or peaking through my fingers as I hold my breath).  Other times it will mean me letting the leash out just a little further.

But for now, I think I'll stick with holding them tight for just a bit longer.

Tomorrow I'll be hosting a huge giveaway that you don't want to miss.  Don't forget to check back and enter.  HINT: It will make you feel like you're sleeping in Heaven :)

Joules

When I was in Dallas in August for The Hundred Event, I met a few ladies representing Joules clothing.  I learned that they were a company that began in the UK countryside and that "feel" still remained in their product line.  Visiting more with them, I grew to love their down-to-earth style and authenticity.  I told them that I grew up in the country, and my husband and I had chosen that life for our kids as well.  Now, while the countryside of New Mexico looks quite different than that of the UK, I offered to do a little blog post showcasing their clothing.  So, they generously gifted us a few items of our choosing...

I rounded the boys up one evening and dressed them in their new duds before heading out to see the cattle.  

John Paul's attire: shirt - Joules // pants - Target // shoes - Sperry

Peter's attire: shirt - Target // pants - Joules // shoes - Sperry

Carter's attire: shirt - Joules // pants - Polo // shoes - Sperry

At one point the boys just wanted to toss a few rocks near the cows to see what would happen. Nothing did.  Thank goodness.  I think even those mommas understand that boys will be boys.

Peter tried to have a stare-down with some of the calves.  They outlasted him.

And, all Carter wanted was for them to chase him.

I even got Sophie out there for a few photos.  I'm just praying for more rain so these fun rain boots will be put to great use!Sophie's attire: dress - Joules (sold out) // onesie - Gerber

My rain boots are also from Joules!

We love our clothes!  I cannot say enough about this line of clothing!  It's so well-made, yet it's comfortable and affordable!  It washes well and runs true-to-size.  It's also great to be able to put a face to a brand and know that our purchases are supporting a company that values a simple, yet full, life.  We do, too!

Thanks Joules!  We'll be customers for life!

He's Got the Blues

While cleaning out a few drawers in the office last week, Jeremy unearthed a gift from Aunt RoRo. After getting it out and letting the boys use it, we remembered why it was hidden (kidding - kind of). It is a harmonica, and each of the boys thinks they make beautiful music with it.  In fact, John Paul has taken to serenading Sophie.  She's an attentive audience.

Once RoRo has kids, I will be looking for a drum set to send her way.  Really, it's been a lot of fun listening to them "play" and seeing their expressions while doing so.  When they play their music, I often think that's what it must sound like when other's hear me sing, haha.  Sometimes I wish I had their confidence :)  For now, I'm just going to keep encouraging them hoping we'll have some musicians on our hands some day!