Six Years

Six years ago today Clay and I said, "I do" to a beautiful marriage.  I wish I had beautiful pictures to show you of the joyous occasion, but they look about like this...

and this...

If you weren't there, I'm sure you've heard...Clay and I got married in hurricane gust winds...outside...literally.  Rita was her name, Hurricane Rita, that is.  We don't have amazing pictures to show for six years ago, but I have amazing memories in my heart of the day I married a wonderful man.

Since then, Clay and I have weathered our fair share of windy days, maybe not literally, but certainly figuratively.  And the reason I have taken this approach to the celebration of our sixth wedding anniversary is because today, September 24th, 2011, could be considered one of those "windy days".

It started in the late night hours of  September 23rd, 2011.  Maggie and I both came down with terrible fevers.  No one else, just us girls.  By Saturday morning, {my anniversary}, I had a throbbing headache and an extremely sore throat to pair with the fever.  I can't speak for Maggie, but she didn't look much better than I was feeling.

To make a very loooong day short, I spent the morning taking Mags and I to urgent care, finding a neighborhood "tween"ager to watch Jack, dropping prescriptions off for us girls, racing home to get Jack dressed and ready for a t-ball game, exchanging Maggie for Jack with the sitter, watching a humorous ball game while feeling on the verge of death, picking up prescriptions, and then spending the rest of our anniversary in bed fighting chills and hot flashes.

While I was supposed to be at a romantic dinner with my hubby, I was laid up in bed.  Basically from the kid's nap time until the next morning.  I had a lot of time to think between dosages of medicine and painful sips of water.  And I questioned, 'what would the 28 year old Paula have thought 6 years ago, on my wedding day, if someone had shown me a snapshot of a day in my life exactly 6 years later?'.  Two kids later?, Twice as much chaos later? and a genuinely "windy" day later?

And the answer was so easy, I would have loved it!  I would have smiled one of those big wide open mouth smiles that photographers always seem to catch of me.  I would have thought it was Absolutely Perfect.  Exactly what I signed up for when I married Clay Cibula six years ago to the day.

I love my life, I love the man I am married to, and I love the family God has made for us.  And yes!, there are a lot of windy days, some of them hurricane force {actually a lot of them}, but I wouldn't change it for all the sunny days in the world.  I would certainly take some more of those sunny days if they were offered to me, but I would never change that beautiful union, and all that has come with it, that took place on September 24, 2005.  Today was just another simple reminder of that.  Reminders are good. {although, I could use a little break until the next one}

So from the deepest, most honest part of my heart--Happy Six Years Clay!  I adore you and all the windy days we weather!

Art Barn Rant

The kids have been on Fall Break this past week.  We've taken it pretty easy, but did plan a few activities.  One of which was our visit to the Art Barn.  The Art Barn offers a petting farm, tractor rides, chicken egg collection, bunny visits, and of course, an art project in the barn.  Sounds fun, huh?  Our dear friend Kristen, organized around 8 Mommies and twice as many kids for this event. {reservations, confirmation emails and all} It was the one thing I was really looking forward to for the week leading up to our break.

Well, as I'm sure you can tell from my preface above, as well, as the title to the post, we were greatly disappointed. And it was not because the Art Barn didn't live up to all it promised.  It was because we didn't even have a chance to find out.

I woke up well before the kids on our Art Barn day, got myself ready, made breakfast, packed the car for the 40+ minute drive to the place where farms are {which is not close to me}.  Then I grabbed the kids...rushed, rushed, rushed them to eat and get dressed.  We were in the car and pulling out of the driveway at 9:00 a.m.  I was feeling pretty proud.  We talked on the way up about what we would see, what we would do.  Maggie got excited about the bunnies {buns} and Jack wanted to check out the tractor ride.

We arrived a couple minutes early {woo hoo, I was thinking} and also assuming that is why the farm house looked so quiet.  We were greeted with a boisterous cock-a-doodle-do which elicited giggles from Maggie.  This was going to be a good day.  Slowly, our party started arriving, the kids walked around in front of the farm house peering through the gates, and we all waited for Farmer Sue to come on out and greet her 10:00 a.m. reservations.

And then we saw it...the note.  It said...

Dear Friends, 
At the Doctor with a sinus infection.  Will make it up to you next time with a free pony ride.  
xoxo
Farmer Sue


Please tell me your jaw just dropped as mine did when I read this note for the first time.  Except when I read it, I had two anxious kids under my feet ready to "see the animals".  Now, doesn't this woman work with kids on a regular basis and understand a pre-schoolers level of disappointment?  I ask that rhetorically.  Could she not have called or emailed?, at least Kristen who made the reservations for our group, so she could pass the news on to us.  And really? A sinus infection?  How 'bout go to the doctor at 12:30 when our visit was over?  And I hate to say it, but a pony ride is not going to fix this wound.

Okay, so I could rant and rant.  But, it's pretty obvious we were disappointed.  Jack got over it rather quickly when he found out we were going with plan B, a trip to a bounce house place {gag} to meet some of his classmates.  Maggie, not so much.  She is not a bounce house fan {as you may remember from previous posts} and would have much rather spent her day on a farm.

So what could I do, but leave Farmer Sue a very stern note and help myself {and my kids} into the gate so they could see a few animals.  We spent about 20 illegal minutes on the farm and then loaded up {with very stinky shoes} to head to plan B.

I would like to say with a firm voice while stamping my foot, "I am never going back there again!".  But unfortunately, I just can't do that to Jack and Mags.  Jack already asked this morning, "Are we going to get our free pony ride today?".  See what I mean?  Impossible to follow through with the boycott.

I did, however, get a few illegal pictures {hope Farmer Sue doesn't read my blog}.  Maybe next time, I'll get some legal shots.  Until then...

The Fall Itch

I'm starting to get the Fall itch around here.  This is very unusual for me, seeing as how I despise Winter and therefore usual spend the Fall dreading it's arrival.  But, this year feels different.  So much so, that I've started pulling out the Fall decor.  However, I have resisted the urge to go overboard, for fear of being antagonized by one of my dear friend's husbands {ahem...Erin}.  He would be happy to know that the Halloween decorations are stilled stored away, {much to Jack's dismay}, for another 11 days.

Beyond the decor, our October and November calendars are filling up fast.  Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patch visits, a "spooky" Halloween event {as Jack refers to it}, friends birthday parties, and my absolute favorite...Maggie's 2nd Birthday Party.  I believe the latter has given me a new perspective on the season.

And though I know this won't surprise you...we already have the kid's Halloween costumes.  Just a little hint...Jack and Maggie commercialized the holiday to the tilt this year.  Believe me, I tried hard to avoid this. 'Don't you want to be a fireman and Maggie can be a dalmatian? or 'How about a farmer and Mags can be your pet piglet?'.  All my effort was in vain.  So what was I to do, but give in with a big smile on my face.  Let's just say, they will both be very happy dressed as their favorite characters. More to come...

With that taken care of, it is time to fully focus on Maggie's 2nd celebration.  This one I have full rein over.  I am aware that this will not always be the case, so I am taking full advantage of it.  Maggie's invites will be mailed out in just a few short weeks!  Time to get busy on all of the "moo"velous details.  {Just another understated hint for you.}

So with all that in the works, I am most definitely getting the Fall itch.  Here's to pumpkins, falling leaves, and a chill in the air.  Happy almost Fall ya'll!

Cook Out and Kids

I have officially renamed our annual backyard get together.  It use to be Babies and Bar-be-que, but seeing as how the babies are growing up and new ones are taking their place, 4 years later it needed a new name.  So 'Cook Out and Kids' it is.  Not very original, but I was trying to stick with the alliteration theme.

I think Jack may look forward to this event more than anyone.  It's like a giant playdate with what he likes to think of as free rein.  Free rein and Jack don't always mix.  {He gets a teeny bit overexcited in these settings}.  And then there is Maggie.  She has a whole other take on the event...pure chaos.  Where Jack gets overexcited, little Mags gets overwhelmed.  She does enjoy it, but being the soaker she is, observes the chaos from a safe distance.  And by chaos, I mean several rambunctious 4 year old boys.  Keep her next to the sweet baby girls and she is a happy camper.

We had a fair turn out this year, so bummed that a few close friends couldn't make it.  It was impossible to please everyone with a date.  We changed the date once and had a few causalities in the process which bummed me out even more.  Oh well, there is always next summer.  We  certainly weren't lacking in the "kids" part of the cook out.

The guys enjoyed a few rounds of backyard Bocci Ball.  While Daddy tossed the ball, I manned the grill.  Whew!...that is a hot job.  I think I did fair work, although, I won't be volunteering those services again.

Only two words for this picture...sweet girls!  {Eliza Kate & Maggie}

Check out sugar and spice from our cook out one year ago...so yummy!  {yes, that is Eliza Kate & Maggie hanging out at the same event on the same deck last year}  Can I just say it?...they grow up way too fast.

And again, only two words for this picture...busy boys! {Jack, Miller, Carson, & Patterson}  I'm seriously exhausted just looking at that picture.

The group shot is always a must at this event.  My how times have changed.  Year one of this event was about 12 babies sitting across our sunroom couch.  So precious!  And back then we didn't even have to bribe them with popsicles.   And take a peek at how polar opposite my kids are...first there is Jack, being an energetic little ball of fire and then there is Maggie, quietly hoping for some personal space and wondering 'is this really worth a popsicle?'.

I think Maggie would agree that the "pop" was worth it and so would these other darling girls.  {Please note how the boys took their popsicles and ran.} 

Sesame Street Live

I took the kids to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Superheroes today.  By myself, mind you.  I just wanted to put that on the record.  No, it wasn't impossible.  But, with a toddler budding into true toddler behavior and a pre-schooler who has enough energy to wear any sane person out, I feel I deserve a little credit.  Now, that I've established that...on to the show.

As you may already know, Maggie is in love with Elmo.  She even carries her own Elmo doll everywhere with her and sleeps with him too.  Between an Elmo and a lovey we have a lot to keep track of around here {to my dismay}.  But, what are you going to do?  It comes with the toddler territory in the Cibula family.

Maggie refers to Elmo as "La", you know "la la la la...Elmo's world".  And she has taken it upon herself to name her lovey "Boo" {also to my dismay, I tried to name it Pinky, but she had other plans}.  So, basically at any given moment at our house, you can hear Maggie searching aimlessly and calling out, "la boo, la boo, la boo?"  If you didn't know better, you might think I had a French baby.  With all that being said, Maggie was quite thrilled about our trip to see Elmo's show.

Jack, was a bit of a different story.  He told me on repeated occasions, that he, "didn't want to go to Elmo's Superheroes".  I assumed it was because he loves Toy Story and only likes Sesame Street at his 4 year old maturity.  And so I repeatedly gave him the whole speech about 'doing things that make other people in our family happy, even if it's not what you want to do'.  Come to find out, the Toy Story obsession and lack of Elmo obsession was not the problem.

Poor guy...the whole time he was worrying himself sick about the "noise" and being "scared".  Amazing what I can figure out when I take a moment to just ask.  Luckily all of his nervous energy was relieved when I explained that, 'Mommy got balcony seats this time'.  You see, when Jack was a little over two, we took him to a Sesame Street Live show and being the, 'great, I want the best for my child', Mom that I am, I got floor seats.  Big mistake.  Lesson learned and, when I bought tickets this go round, I did not repeat it.

So we had a very happy ending to a Friday...we all had fun, Jack was not scared, {he actually really enjoyed it} and Maggie had an Elmolicious time.

Maggie spent the first half of the show in this position.  Intermittently turning around to announce "La" and point to the stage.  I think she was in shock and awe.

La and Boo in all their glory.  We actually try to leave these guys at home, but I threw them in my bag last minute, just in case she got scared, and well,...she spotted them pre-showtime.

Hmmm...maybe this is why Jack had such a swell time...a $4 dollar snowcone.  At least we got a souvenir cup with it.  {and yes, that is a blanket on him, I learned two years ago that Elmo shows are FREEZING, so I came prepared this time}

During intermission I got suckered into this spinney Elmo light contraption {and popcorn}.  However, I was able to dodge the $10 Elmo balloon this year.  And by the way, that light was suppose to be for Maggie since Jack "just likes Toy Story toys".

After intermission, Maggie spent the second half of the show in her seat.  I was happy to know that the requirement to buy a ticket for anyone over a year old wasn't a complete waste.  And that snowcone cup  worked out nicely for Maggie's popcorn snack.

And for nostalgia's sake...I just could not resist.  My little guy has grown up so much from his Sesame Street obsessed days.  Maggie was just a little peanut growing in my belly at this show 2 years ago and Jack was a terrific little toddler.  How time flies.

T-Ball Time

Yes, we are still alive at the Cibula cottage.  We've just been t-balling it up!  {insert a "just corny joking" here}

Okay, as much as I would like to blame my lack of blogging lately on t-ball, I just can not tell a lie.  We've actually only had two practices.  But, it's no joke that we have been playing, just a joke that I can use t-ball as an excuse for my recent absence.

To be honest, I don't know what has really happened in the last 12 days.  Obviously nothing, hence the reason I haven't had any note worthy news. But, no fear, Jack and t-ball are here! Finally, you say,...something worth blogging about!

Like I said, we are on week two of practices.  And by practices, I mean one 60 minute practice a week.  Daddy is one of Jack's t-ball coaches for this first season.  How cute is that? We will soon see if that was a wise decision on our parts.  Anyone who has had a father/son coaching situation knows exactly what I mean.  Jack {and Daddy's} team is the "green team" as Jack likes to call them.  But, are officially called the Sand Gnats.  Really, gnats?  Neither Jack or Clay seemed as disturbed by that as me.

So far Jack likes going to t-ball, it's the backyard practicing that he doesn't want any part of.  {you know, because playing anything Toy Story inside is better than exerting yourself outside}  Hmmm...if only I could find a Toy Story t-ball set.  Might have to do some Googling when I finish this post.  {I just love how writing gets your mind flowing--why didn't I think of that earlier?}

But truly, the best part of all of this is watching my little monkey on the field.  It is quite entertaining and a bit endearing all at the same time.  It's basically all those typical 4 year old sports stories you hear and more.  Someone is making hills in the clay, another kid is experimenting with putting his hat on every which way (usually mine), 5 kids at one time run to the same ball, coaches are steering kids to the right bases because they have no idea which one is 1st or home, for that matter--they all look the same, etc.,etc.  Regardless, I think it's safe to assume, they are all having fun and Jack is certainly worn out after wards, so I'm thinking I like t-ball.

I decided to take full advantage of the practice Saturdays to get some pictures of the action.  Once games start I don't think me and my camera will be happily accepted on the field.  Although, they might not even notice with all of the other shenanigans going on.

Yes, that is 3 kids and 1 ball.  

The great debate...is Jack a left handed hitter or a right handed hitter?

How great is this father/son coaching picture? 

And here is a little of that hat experimenting I mentioned.  Jack is beside himself that his long time buddy,Carson, is on his team too. And you can see why.  Two peas gnats in a pod.

Possibly Jack's favorite part of practice...water break. {and please note the latest hat position}

Here she is...Jack's biggest fan.  I wonder how many of Jack's sporting events over the next few years, this little one will be cheering at. There is nothing like watching big brother.  And because it was only practice, Maggie got to do it from inside the dug out...talk about feeling special.