Wet Paint

This week we've been painting up a storm...or at least painting while it storms.  I am enjoying the sound of pitter patter, Nora Jones playing on Pandora, and snacking on vermilion red watermelon.  Okay, so it isn't always so picture perfect when you give a kid a canvas.  But between the mess and madness, there are a few moments that for me, rival a Monet.

The gardens around here are so beautiful, after our bike rides I feel inspired to create.  I am enjoying the process of painting and not focusing too much on the big picture (since the end results never turn out quite like planned.  Hence the cropped picture;).  Ha ha.  C'est la vi.  Happy Friday friends.:)

Baby Charlotte...

My sister Heather had her baby yesterday morning.  Baby Charlotte Ashley Sullivan.  Heather had baby girl twins a few years ago that passed away shortly after birth, so this is such a sweet thing for all of us.  She is on oxygen because she is a bit early, but besides that, it sounds like she is doing well.  What a doll.  I can't wait to go to Utah in a couple of weeks to meet her.  Love you Sullivan fam.

What a proud bunch of brothers.  Charlotte is a lucky girl to be born after these boys.

Reflections of my Calling...

From the movie Juno...
VANESSA (the mom who wants to adopt)
 Well, haven't you ever felt like you
 were born to do something?
 MAC (Juno's Dad)

 Yes. Heating and air conditioning.
VANESSA

Well, I was born to be a mother.

Some of us are.

I relate to that line by Jennifer Garner.  I too know I was 100 percent made to be a wifey and a mamma.   I believe there are different strokes for different folks, some women are made to be doctors, writers, business women, and some women can balance both.  Shoot for the stars, I say.   But for me, being able to be a 24/7 mom has made me completely content.  I feel like it is a blessing and a privilege to be able to do what I love and I hope I never take it for granted.  Sure there are some un-fun parts to my profession (diaper pails and under eye circles), but overall, this career takes the cake!  Here are a few of my favorite things around the office...  

Going off site: Early morning bike rides and playdates to parks, pools, and museums.

The plants around the office:  Newly bloomed Crepe Mrytle trees.

Break time:  Chocolate chip cookies.  John's Aunt Claudia and Grandmother gave me the lovliest set of dishes this last trip in Oklahoma.  Everytime I look at the pretty china it makes me smile. 

 
Hanging around the water cooler:  Running through the sprinklers as the sun goes down has taken the place of our nightly walk ritual. 

The boss:  Ring around the rosie is an order not a request!

Business attire...or Risky Business;)

 Lately my office wear is a suit...

Today, James wore a soggy diaper after an impromptu swim.

(This picture reminds me of a quote my mom used to say.  "She'll wipe the butts if my dad will go work with them:)"  Ha ha.  Gladly!

Job Sharing:  John is usually home by five to join in on the fun.

Well, I better get back to bizness;)  Have a happy weekend!  Especially all you working around the clock with the kiddos.  XOXO, Jess

Stop Growing!!!

               

               

Good thing I have another bun in the oven, because over night my beach baby has turned into a big kid.  John had his mom fix the trim we gave James.  She did a good job, but if it is this hard to watch him get a haircut, how am I going to let him go to kindergarten in another couple years, let alone college!  Does having more kids make milestones any easier? This mama is having growing pains tonight.  At least it helps to see him so happy...along with see his eyes again;)

Wet n' Wild Weekend

James is always on cloud nine in Oklahoma.  There are more toys, treats, and cousins than a kid could ask for.  It makes me wish I was five again.  But it's also fun to sit on the sidelines and witness childhood memories in the making.  Thanks for having such a kiddie paradise, and allowing James to be the king of the castle this week.  We love you Grandma and Grandpa Gregory.

Enjoying the Fruits of My Labor...

One of my favorite quotes is "necessity is the mother of invention."   I like to mix it up and say, "invention is a necessity of motherhood."  I am using the creative side of my brain as much as when I worked as a designer.  Being a stay-at-home mom requires daily ingenuity to keep James (and me) entertained.  Right now I am enjoying the challenge of finding a little art and adventure in the everyday… 

We went blackberry picking today for playgroup. 

You can tell by their faces that harvesting is hard work when you have little hands:)

Most of the time our adventures are more low-key and imaginary.

Two other friends and I are trading off doing our own preschool.  James's favorite part is wearing his daddy's backpack.

Mary Poppins was on to something.  Chalk really is a magical medium with munchkins.

Sharing the dewberries with daddy after work.

I am feeling lucky to have my dream job thanks to John sitting behind a desk all day.   I might have to make him a pie in appreciation.  Recipes anyone???  Have a berry good week (sorry, couldn't resist:)   Love, Jess