Mitchell Family

June Update

2010-06-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

I just had to post a picture of my little jumping bean and my fire fighter. Tatum jumps on/climbs EVERYTHING and has me climbing the walls and Ty still obsesses over all things related to fire fighting. I am trying to enjoy my time with him as much as possible because he starts kindergarten in August. That's right, kindergarten! First off, when did I get old enough to have a kindergartener and secondly, when did these little 6 lb. babies grow up?????

Tatum is now encouraged to color with crayons only

2010-05-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

Tooth Trouble Update

2010-03-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

What a trooper! He went under at 8:20 and 10:00 they brought him back out to us. Lots of work done on a tiny mouth, but he's doing well and has already eaten his weight in jell-o and applesauce. God is good and praying with Tyler and Daddy right before he went in really helped all of us feel a little more calm.

Tooth Trouble

2010-03-02T13:43:00.001-08:00

Well, tomorrow morning Ty will have some dental work done. Our dentist feels he will react better if we put him under general anesthesia so he'll have his first surgery-type experience tomorrow. If any of you out there are the praying type, add him to yours please. We know it will go well and is not such a big deal, but when you're a mommy everything that your child has done seems like a big deal. Will report tomorrow after he's home and comfortable!

Who Says You Shouldn't Play with Your Food?

2010-02-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

"You belong at the zoo..."

2010-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

We love our membership to the San Diego Zoo! It has been one of our better investments as far as annual passes go. Outdoors, family time, and tons of great hills so even mom and dad can get some extra exercise! (Not to mention all the awesome animals!)

Ty's best impersonation of a flamingo

Nice ducky...

...Crazy ducky, run for your life!

We think he thinks he's Jeff Cromwell.

A bit more to grow and he'll be just like Daddy

Observe...the wild children

Conquering the beast

2010-01-30T07:23:00.000-08:00

I usually don't write much about myself on this blog. I try to just use it to update photos of the kiddos, family, or major events in our lives. However, as I look at the date of my last entry I think this is the perfect time to post something I've been thinking about quite a bit lately.

Yesterday I was catching up on some of my friend's blogs then I went to my page and thought, "Jeez-o I can't even keep up with blogging. We'll just add that to the ever-growing list of things I'm not good at." I started to feel like a loser because I wasn't posting frequently or don't write as eloquently as others or am not as creative as so-and-so. I thought some more and thought about all the times I compare myself to other women, mommies, friends, family in my life. It's a daily thing. I often find myself wishing i was more (fill in the blank) or less______. You get the idea.
You see, I used to spend alot of time being unhappy with myself so I can recognize a downward spiral when it's on it's way. I start to feel down on myself, then start to hyper-focus on the negative, then start to get super sensitive to things others say, then start to retreat...blah, blah, blah. The point is I did a little exercise. I made a list. That's right, a list of all the things I am just not good at. Here is a sampling of that list

Singing

keeping up with my blog

keeping ALL of my commitments, (some may even describe me as a flake)

driving

scrap booking

printing out the pictures I've taken

remembering to write thank you notes

accessorizing

drawing

any sport involving a ball

making it to church every Sunday

Speaking about my faith with others

being diplomatic

gardening

keeping up the backyard

sewing

being the "mom who is always on the go."

dancing

washing the car

The list goes on and on. Why would I do this? Well, as I read the list, the fact is I am Okay with most of the items listed. So what if I can't sew a button back on my husband's shirt. The local tailor can help me. So what if I can't grow my own vegetables. That's why I go to the farmer's market every Saturday. I asked myself, "If you are so Okay with these things, then WHY are you comparing yourself to others constantly?" Hmmmm....

So I made a list of things I am good at. It goes something like this

Trying

cooking

getting on the ground and playing with my children

loving my saviour in quiet ways

cleaning

organizing

laughing (at the good, at the bad, at myself.)

being silly

listening
Teaching my children about God's perfect love

It came to me. The good, I believe by far outweighs the bad. The list of things I'm not so good at may be much longer, but it's quality I'm after, not quantity.

AND...I'm very good at trying. Trying new things, trying to improve the things I want to improve.

But for today, I'm not going to TRY to be everything that everyone else is. I'll just try to be the best ME that I can be.

At the end of the day, if I can say I've tried my best then that's good enough for me! Hopefully it's good enough for you too!

WE'RE WALKING!!!

2009-08-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

I know I am soooooo behind, but I had to take a moment to report that the youngest of the Mitchells is now WALKING!!! I'm not talking Grace Kelly like poise or anything, but getting from point A to point B on her own two little, tiny, feet!!!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-07-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

We were on the way home from the grocery store and from the back seat, Tyler asked,
"I please have some alligator?"
Puzzled, Ryan and I looked at each other and shrugged it off as Ty pretending again. Then again, he asked,
"Mooooooommmm, can I please have some alligator?"
I told him I didn't have any alligator and offered some zebra instead. He was NOT amused. Again he insisted,
"Pleeeeeeeezzzz, I have some alligator we just got at the store." Pointing to a grocery bag near him, he said, "It's right there!"

As I looked in the bag, I realized that what he had been asking for all along was GATORADE!

Quote of the week

2009-07-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

While visiting with a relative, (who shall remain nameless in order to preserve her innocence,) Tyler started talking about his mosquito bites. "You know I have lots of 'skeet-oh' bites here," he said pointing to his hair line.
"You have skeet-oh bites," he asked our relative.
"No," she replied.
"Yeah you do. You have little skeet-oh bites right there on your cheek."
Blushing ever-so slightly she said, "Oh...yep but when you're a grown up you call them pimples."

Fourth of July

2009-07-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

At the last minute, (after weeks of trying to get a room in San Diego, we decided to head to Palm Springs. Long-time family friend Lance and his little guy Jacob met us there. The kids had a blast swimming all day and watching the great fireworks at night!

A Moment to Pray

2009-07-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

This link was sent to me by a friend in Arizona. Kate is the five year old daughter of one of the pastors at her church. Without a sound, a look, or a touch she has won my heart. She and her family are enduring an enormous struggle and need prayer. Many of you who read this are the most amazing prayer warriors I have ever known. Won't you please take a moment to read what life is like through her mother's eyes then take a moment to pray?

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/journal

HAPPY 9 MONTHS TATUM!

2009-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

2009-06-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

I said, "Tyler finish your snack while I get your sister down for a nap then we'll build." When I came downstairs this is what I found. Like any good mother would, I gently woke him and moved him to a more comfy spot...after snapping a few photos.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-06-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm about to write this, but here goes. This mornig Tyler looked up at me and said,
"You know, when I toot it's kinda hot in my bum bum."

Very enlightening, Ty.

PAINTING WITH (eating) PUDDING

2009-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

8 MONTHS TODAY!

2009-05-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

15 lbs. 26.5 "

Tatum Can

Crawl
Pull herself up to standing on almost anything
Hold her bottle
Drink water and juice from a sippy
Feed herself crackers, puffs, and small pieces of steamed fruit and veggies
say, "Mamama, Dadada, Babababa, Nanananana, and OOOO" all indiscriminately, but still great to hear!
squeal
laugh
smile in response
imitate waving

Happy Eight Months!

Ty Teaches Tatum the Art of Fine Music

2009-05-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

5 Random Things I Adore About My Little Boy

2009-05-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

1. Emergency Vehicles; pronounced "emergen-seets" His obsession with all things related to emergency vehicles and the fact that these must come with us everywhere. All of them. In this bag. Everywhere.

2. His "Guys" Meet Chocolate Milk Bunny (for the chocolate milk spilled on his ear,) Other Bunny, Bear, Other Bear, and Babby Bear. Creative names, huh?

3. Monster Spray; to be sprayed nightly to ward off any monsters that may be out there. Of course, there is no such thing as monsters, "but sometimes you just have to spway it to make sure."

4. The fact that he calls knives, "muffins."

5. That out of the blue he'll call out, "Mom, I just want snuggles." ~makes my heart melt every time!

You Be The Judge

2009-05-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I copied the first picture from Stacie's blog. She is of the opinion that her Abigail can take Tatum. I beg to differ. Check out the other two photos where Tatum is clearly in control of the situation.

Now, I don't want to raise a bully either, but you tell me who is the alpha female!

For those of you who don't know us, we are TOTALLY kidding with all of this!

EASTER FUN

2009-04-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

VACATION

2009-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

When we heard Merry Lynn was going to be in Phoenix, Stacie and I decided to round up the kids and meet her. After a very long drive we made it just in time to spend the day with her in Tempe. Beth and her darling Braydon met up with us for photos of the future Sun Devils. It was off to lunch and reminiscing. We even went to Casey Moore's where Ryan and I had our very first kiss THIRTEEN years ago this August. Thanks Mommy friends and kiddos for a great day!

The next morning we packed up and made our way to Palm Springs, where we spent time poolside, the kids "played golf," rode bikes, and made forts, Ty had his first "sleep over." By sleep over, I mean he and Nicholas fell asleep on the couch. Thanks to Erin for hosting all of us! The mommies had their own fun too...lots of great food and better drinks! Thanks for a great week Stacie!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-04-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Thinking I just wanted to stay cool, I threw on a sun dress and exited the closet where Tyler (without skipping a beat,) asked "You have another baby in your tummy?"

Excuse me while I go and burn this dress

A Very Busy Family

2009-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

The two weeks before Easter had us running to and fro! It all started with a visit to Auntie Maura, which included dinner at Tyler's new favorite pizza place in L.A. complete with tiramisu for dessert.

Next Gramma connie came to visit and we took the kiddos to Irvine Park Railroad. We tried to get Tyler to pose for pictures, but he was NOT into it that day.

The next day Grandpa Richard, (my dad) came to visit from Mexico where he is now retired. He met Tatum for the first time! Uncle J also came to play.

We headed down to HB to have a play date with Stacie and Abigail and finished off with a visit to San Diego to see the Baker Family. Whew!

Oh my flower!

Ty shows his favorite part of the day...the stamp from the zoo. The first time he got one he cried when it washed off in the tub.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tyler; "Momma, I just saw a skunk in the road!"

Me (trying to be sensitive to the fact that he may not know the skunk was indeed road-kill,)
"Oh...was it sleeping?"

Tyler; "No, it's not sleeping. It's just broken a little bit."

WHY won't anyone in our family sleep in their own bed?!

2009-04-07T07:41:00.001-07:00

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-03-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the things that come out of Tyler's mouth just need to be shared.
While watching basketball, (Sun Devils, of course,) one of the players adjusted his shorts and Tyler promptly exclaimed, "HEY! He just grabbed his penis in front of people. We don't do that."

Tyler's trip to the Fire Station

2009-03-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

We joined some Mom's Club friends for a tour of a local fire station. Tyler was actually speechless. That's not a misprint... SPEECHLEES !

Share Day

2009-03-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Cousin Kirra took Tyler to school with her for share day. Need I say more?

Visitng Uncle J, Aunt Heather, Hailey, and Moulder

2009-03-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

We visited JJ and Heather for a Saturday and they treated us to "Pie Day." Not able to fully understand it myself, the best way I can describe it is an annual event for San Diego Lions Australian Rules Football. (JJ plays) The families and players get together and eat meat pies and drink beer. What more could you ask for???? Ryan was in heaven.

While Tatum was perfectly content hanging with Auntie Heather

Tyler explored some real estate investment opportunities.

When we returned to their house, Tatum went to sleep and Tyler (big surprise) felt compelled to run, jump , hollar, laugh, run more, and play football with Hailey. It was SOO cute that night, not so cute at 6 the next morning!

A Few Thoughts on Arranged Marriage

2009-03-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've never really considered the idea of arranged marriage...until now. Meet Lia. She's charming, smart, adorable, talented, loves God and her family. What more could we ask for in a future daughter-in law. Not to mention the fact that her mom is one of my best friends too. It's really a match made in heaven. Don't you think?????

They share many of the same interests; fishing, building, fairy wings

They work well as a team

They enjoy meals together

They enjoy "cooking" together

They can sit in comfortable silence

"SPARKLES"

2009-03-02T08:30:00.001-08:00

"Moooooooommmy, you want to come see my sparkles?" This question was posed to me by Tyler as I spooned oatmeal into Tatum's eager mouth. I instantly knew what he was talking about. I threw the spoon on the floor, unbuckled the baby, and without speaking a word, went upstairs. (WHY didn't we put the Easter stuff out of reach, I asked myself.) I held my breath as I came up the last step, as though holding my breath would make the outcome any different.

Nope, it was exactly as I thought. Last year's confetti eggs...one dozen...being saved for this year...cracked...all...over....the floor. So I thought to myself, "yell, laugh, cry..." Still not sure which emotion I wanted to adopt for the moment I started to head back down the stairs . Then I heard him say, "WOOOOOWWWW, I didn't know you got all these sparkles for me. For my birfday yesterday. That was so nice for you mommy!"

I laughed hysterically. I laughed at the myriad of colors now sprinkling my carpet. Laughed at Tyler's concept of time, (or rather lack there of.) Laughed at the fact that Ryan and I didn't even think about putting the bin of Easter decorations up high. Laughed at my Aunt for making these darned eggs every year. But mostly I laughed because it was an incredibly wonderful, silly moment of pure joy for my little boy. I laughed and laughed, then hugged him tight and told him how much I love him.

Of course, no matter how much I love him, I still made him clean up a little bit later. His response? "I don't want to clean up that huge bunch of mess!" But with a little help from mom and dad, he did. I guess no matter how big the mess we will always be there to hug him and help him clean it up. God does it for us, why wouldn't we do it for our own children.

Play Date with Abigail

2009-03-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

A view from above

We think Abigail was staring down Ty for sitting on Stacie's lap!

Tyler couldn't get enough of the babies!

WHILE THE FAMILY'S AWAY...

2009-02-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Floyd reporting here. My family left me for the day and didn't even offer to take me with them. Sooooo, I showed my appreciation.

All that digging really wore me out!

It's a Sickness, really

2009-02-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

I can't stop putting these ridiculous things on Tatum's head. Now I only say "ridiculous" because prior to having a girl I certainly "would not put one of those giant flowers on my child's head." Now she wears one almost every day. (Just another example of how many opinions I had before having my own children!) We just snapped these while we were out playing the other day.

What's Wrong Here?

2009-02-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

Such is life in the Mitchell household.

This is your brain...

2009-02-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

...Or something like that. This evening as I headed up the stairs I discovered Tyler perched on the (very narrow) shelving at the very top of the stairs. Needless to say I FREAKED out and yanked him off as quickly as my body would move. I hugged him and through tears tried to tell him, "Never, never do that again." Well, that approach didn't really work so well. He screamed at me "Yes I can!" As tempted as I was to yell back, "No you can't," I took a different route.

After pulling myself together I got an egg from the frig and put it in a plastic bag. We talked about how the egg is hard on the outside and mooshy on the inside. I explained that I was very scared when I saw him up so high because I was afraid he would fall. So we chatted a bit more about what would happen if the egg fell off the shelving and then together we dropped it down the stairs.

Not pretty. Sometimes I am still actually surprised at the lenghts we parents go to to get through to our kiddos. Luckily, I grew up in the 80's during the "this is your brain on drugs" campaign

Where Ty was seated

View from the top

Smashed Egg

Alright Lorayne....

2009-02-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Lorayne is mocking me for posting such old news...so I have decided to stop trying to catch up and just post the current stuff. Not to mention the fact that really it was never going to happen.

Much more to catch up on...

2009-02-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Baby Abigail is home and well! I am going to attempt to get current here...so forgive me if I jump around a bit here with the photos. Anyway, Halloween was a blur of parties, visits to the pumpkin patch, and candy. When I say costumes, I mean lots of OTHER children in costumes. Tyler and I looked high and low for just the right spider costume. We found it, he wore it around the house the night we brought it home and then refused to put it on again for any of the parties we attended until Halloween night. Even then he wouldn't put it on until it was time to go trick-or-treating and the second he walked in the door he said, "I got a huge bunch of candy...will you take this off me now?" Sooooo, we have NO photos of him dressed up (sigh)

Update on Baby Abigail

2009-01-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

God is so good. While we know it must have been an impossibly difficult day for our friends and there is much healing to be done, the surgery went well and Abigail is on the road to recovery. Thank you to friends and family who believe in the power of prayer. Below are a couple pictures of the courageous little girl.

Prayer Request

2009-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

This precious little girl is Tatum's bff. Well, her mommy is one of my bff's. Today she is going into the hospital to prepare for surgery later this week. Needless to say, Stacie, Bryan and Baby Abigail are in for a difficult time ahead. Please see their storyhttp://www.itsacornylife.blogspot.com/ . I ask you to join me in prayer that God once again shows His mercy and grace and that these two girls will have many, many more photo opps! My love goes to you all.

2009-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Daddy, (being the wonderful man that he is...) took Tyler to Big Bear Lake after we broght "Baby Tatum" home. The two enjoyed some dude time while Mommy and baby bonded.

It's really not that difficult...

2009-01-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

I just want to say I don't know WHAT my problem is. I mean, it shouldn't be so challenging to post these things in order...should it??????????? I have faith that this by this time next year I'll have it figured out.

Tyler said, "Good job Mom!"

2009-01-22T21:22:00.001-08:00

We were so fortunate to have Maura here! She helped with Ty, gave much-needed support, and took amazing pictures.

Greeting the World

2009-01-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome Baby Tatum!

2009-01-22T21:04:00.001-08:00

Tatum Hope Mitchell born September 16, 2008 at 12:16 6 lbs. 2 oz. 18 1/2 inches

Dad turns 75!!!

2009-01-21T19:27:00.001-08:00

We celebrated my dad's 75th birthday in August.

He and Carol spent a night with us before heading to his brother's home, where a surprise party had been planned for him. Ty loved spending time with his Grandpa Richard and talks about him often.

Baby shower and Baby Lunch

2009-01-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with amazing women in my life. Friends and family came together to help us get ready for Tatum's arrival with a shower and luncheon.

Mitchell Family Vacation

2009-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

ALRIGHT, so I'm not so good at this...

2009-01-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

I admit it, my follow through on this whole blogging thing has not been great. I am going to try again. The following is what I refer to as a brief summary of the last six, (are you KIDDING me...six?) months.

July came and went with our annual family reunion/vacation in San Diego. Tyler turned three and to celebrate we took him to Zoomar's on the train. Yes, again. It's his favorite outing. Kirra joined us and we had some lunch at Ruby's. He was so exhausted by the end of the day he fell asleep on the train ride home.

2008-07-20T16:34:00.001-07:00

Working on puzzles with Haley

2008-07-20T16:24:00.001-07:00

Baking....

he learned to stick his whole face in the bowl from his Uncle!

FOURTH OF JULY FUN

2008-07-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in San Diego with Uncle JJ and Aunt Heather. We spent the day relaxing and grilling with friends and the evening watching fireworks. It was difficult to decide what Tyler enjoyed the most...fireworks, snacks, baking with Aunt Heather (and by baking we mean licking the batter out of the bowl,) or playing with Haley the dog. We had an amazing time and are so thankful to JJ and Heather for graciously hosting us!

A Boy and His Dog

2008-07-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

As Uncle Eric pointed out, there are no pictures of Floyd on here yet...

Curious George Stamps

2008-07-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tyler received a stamp set in a goodie bag after a birthday party. He loved testing out the new stamps and stamp pad....

Ryan's face made a great surface for our artist!

Chino Youth Museum

2008-07-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

We joined friends at the Chino Youth Museum, what a great place to explore! Each room has it's own theme; community helpers, dramatic play, the farm, science, etc...It was no surprise that Tyler spent the majority of his time on the police motorcycle and pretending to fight fires!

Fire Fighter Tyler to the rescue!

2008-07-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Fire Fighter Tyler to the rescue!

Zoomar's

2008-06-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

We took the Metrolink line from Corona to San Juan Capistrano. Tyler loved the ride and stared out the window, absolutely mesmorized! Once in San Juan we went to Zoomars Petting Zoo where he spent the day feeding bunnies, pigs, goats, horses, riding bikes, and riding the small train too. We had a blast and are so thankful to our friend Lisa for planning such a fun outing!