I Know, I Know

"I know, I know Sophie girl" was one of Trexen's favorite lines this weekend. He found a small beanie cat in our random toy bin the other day, the bin I only get out when I really need them to be entertained. My mom got him this cat a year ago and he has loved it on and off since. Well apparently we are on right now because this weekend at the cottage was all about Sophie.

























She got a tour of the cottages, came on the pontoon with us, took a paddle boat ride and even got some guitar lessons.

















































At first I discouraged this Sophie girl as he calls her, I can't stand stuffed animals and we already have one little boy dragging a monkey around everywhere. Once I stopped to watch Trexen with this stuffed cat though my mind changed, he is learning so much. Taking care of her, putting her needs first, being responsible, thoughtful and darn right cute with his little Sophie.




















Who am I to squelch this relationship, for the time being I know he needs her. I know he is listening to me as he repeats my common phrases "I know you want to... but we can't right this minute, Sophie please use listening ears, mommy leave her alone she is crabby, Sophie two more minutes, etc".




















By the end of the weekend there were ten adults worrying about Sophie, talking to her like a real cat and caught carrying her around all gingerly.

I know it is extremely challenging being a mom but it's so worth it.

I know it would have been easier to just stay home but unforgettable memories wouldn't have been made.

I know my kids are loved unconditionally.

I know the mud, buzzing bugs, flapping fish and fresh air are all good for my boys.

I know my hair is greasy, feet black from dirt and the smell of campfire buried into my pores but fun was had.

I know I am incredibly thankful and blessed.

Cold Play

Create some cool artwork with homemade, frozen watercolors. I found this idea in a magazine a few weeks ago, dug it out of my heaping project pile and gave it a try today with 5 little ones. Definitely fun, pretty and cool however a bit messy. Once the ice cubes started melting I had red, purple and blue drops all throughout my kitchen. Maybe its a good outside project especially on a hot day like this.

1. Place 1 tsp. of tempera paint (I used washable crayola paint) in each section of an ice-cube tray.

2. Fill with water and stir with toothpicks. Let stand for 10 minutes and stir again.

3. Place in freezer until frozen. Pop out and start painting! Using think paper, card stock or butcher paper is best.




















Have fun!

Sand and Sunscreen

Finally we were able to go to the beach! Status said open, forecast was correct and schedules aligned. Tenney Beach did not disappoint today, the water was warm and pretty clear, ducks casually swimming by and sand toys being passed around. Lots of sunscreened little bodies sculpted castles and splish splashed. Three new mamas even joined us making it that much better.





























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My latest project of adding color back into our main level with a small budget continues. The fireplace mantel has been transformed, still trying to decide on just the right layout but it's a start. Bright pillows added to the couch and a few fun accessories for the shelf. A painted end table and spruced up tv stand still to come.

Before and After


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Did you know...

-the early bird catches the worm.

-a spot filled with fish is called the honey hole.

-5 years old is the magic age in the Moll house for a Canada fishing trip with daddy.

This can only mean one thing, a fishing birthday is in the works. Lots more to come.

Sun and Shade

Summer seems to have finally arrived and I am trying to balance time between sun and shade. My mind loves the sun, warm temperatures and the thought of being golden brown. My body on the other hand likes the shade. From a very young age I've had super sensitive skin; my cheeks would break out from spaghetti sauce, arms itchy from the garden and swollen bug bites bigger than a dime. Now in my late 20's (really, do I have to consider 26 late 20's, I don't want to!) this skin hasn't changed much.




Hats are a staple for me in the summer (Pacey had a rough weekend).






I listen to my mind, lay out in the sun and wham...an instant headache, legs covered in red rash and the delicate skin on my face boiling with anger. My skin just doesn't like the sun, it desires shade so I am done fighting and am embracing my whiteness. Yes I have close to glowing white skin, will occasionally get red in the summer but won't be tan and would rather be inside sewing instead of soaking up the rays. I've learned...the summer shade is just as enjoyable as the summer sun.

Today's PB & J Day was perfect for the shade lovers. Town of Burke Park was peaceful, shaded and an amazing play date spot. I had the treat of being a mama to only one today as Trex stayed with his Nama. It was a shocking difference, I actually chatted with other mamas, held my littlest and didn't leave exhausted. Although I missed my eldest and felt sad as his friends one by one asked where he was, it was much needed bonding for Pacey Pie and I.














Hope you are enjoying the sun and shade, soaking up the season and enjoying this moment right now.

A Chance Meeting

Last summer when I started PB & J Day I had no idea who would come. Lots of mamas were invited, emails sent and prayers asked. The Deforest Splash Pad was one of our first play date locations. It was a new discovery, looked awesome and I hoped others would come to enjoy.











A few months prior I delivered a meal to a new mama; she went to my church but we had never met. The doorbell rang as I stood there balancing a bag, cake and gift. A warm smile greeted me and instantly my inner voice said, "yes we will be friends". After a couple minutes of small talk and a quick baby snuggle I left thinking "wow I just met a new best friend".










Fast forward to that summer at the Deforest Splash Pad and she came with her baby. Lots of mamas came, kids ran through the water, sprinted around the park and it marked the beginning of lasting friendships. This random mama who I delivered a meal to is no longer random, instead a best friend and at the splash pad one year ago she met another best friend. Two mamas who had never met introduced themselves and a friendship started.







(July 2010 & June 2011)

Yesterday we went back to the splash pad, reminisced, played and photographed the memory. Ahh such great memories, can't wait to make more and see new friendships start!

Green Thumb

I have never had a green thumb and have no desire to garden. My mother-in-law loves gardening, has a beautiful yard and has done most of our gardening. I enjoy how pretty and peaceful gardens are but just don't like the outdoors enough to put all that time and energy into a garden.

However my husband has been talking about a vegetable garden for a few years now. Honestly I think he should have been born in Amish country or something, he is all about living off the land, eating locally grown foods and being self sufficient. I go in phases, jump on board for a while and then fall back into my place of liking the outdoors because my boys do, eating organic when possible and picking my battles.

A vegetable garden was not worth battling about so we now have fresh green beans sprouting up. I love green beans and am excited (don't tell him) but am participating in gardening by taking pictures and encouraging the boys to help daddy. All this inspired our garden theme this week and we sure had fun. A garden tour at Oma's house, played in the water because everything needs water, played hot tomato, painted with potatoes, planted grass, played pin the flower on the stem and made hand print flowers.


























Maybe someday a green thumb will appear but for now I'd rather use my thumbs crafting indoors!