The Born Identity

The minute our first child is born, we are identified as a mother. All mothers act a little differently depending on what they deem important for their children. With Mother's Day approaching, I would like to celebrate all different types of mothers. No mother is without imperfection, but all mothers work hard to try and raise their kids to the best of their ability.

The category of "Mother" is a big one. So, I broke down the big category into a few favorite genres. Do you (or your mother) fit into any of these identities?

Wholesome Mom

Wholesome Mom always appears to have it together. She is organized and ready for anything. Her house is immaculate, right down to her snack cupboard. Wholesome mom is very clean-cut and has well behaved children. On the weekends, you can find Wholesome Mom in her perfect kitchen baking cookies (from scratch) for the PTO fundraiser next week, for she is the PTO President. During the week, she always finds time to pack cold lunches (with all food groups represented) for her children because school lunch is strictly forbidden (shutter at the thought). She wear pearls to church, never raises her voice in public, and throws seamless birthday parties. Her children aren't allowed more than 30 minutes of (educational) television a day, but they don't mind, for they are Wholesome Children.

Hippie Mom

Hippie mom strolls her children down the sidewalk without a care in the world. She is happy. Truly happy, with herself and her family. Yes, she may look a little unkempt, with her I-haven't-showered-in-three-days hair, but she could care less. Hippie Mom's children are often without shoes, and their clothes never match, but they are don't seem to notice. They are pumped their mom lets them get as dirty and messy as they want as they play outside for hours at a time. Hippie mom would never micro-manage her children's activities, and loves that her life is stress-free.
















Organic Mom

Organic Mom and Hippie mom are good friends . . . they met at a Yoga class at the local YMCA. Organic mom is a Vegan, and prepares all her meals from raw (and organic) veggies, fruit and tofu. Her children are wearing cloth diapers, and are never at the doctor's office because they are never sick. She also makes her own wipes and recycles EVERYTHING. Organic mom always has her children in cute sun hats at the park because she doesn't believe in wearing chemical-packed sun block. Organic Mom is always packin' a gluten-free snack in her purse with a back-up in the glove compartment of her hybrid vehicle. Organic Mom spends her free time in her huge garden and loves every minute of it.










Fun Mom

Everyone wants to be around Fun Mom. She is the life of the party and the hero of her children. Fun mom would never turn down the opportunity to play Barbies with her daughter, or trucks with her son. Her house is eternally scattered with toys and blocks, but she doesn't mind because playing with her kids is way more important than a clean house. Her teenage kids and all of their friends actually like her and want to hang out at her house . . . Fun Mom also has all of the good snacks in her kitchen.












Chic Mom

Chic Mom is gorgeous and fashionable at all times. Can anyone look that good at Wal-Mart . . . oh yes, Chic Mom can! Not only is she trendy, but so are her adorable children. You may secretively hate Chic Mom because when you are seen with her, you are known as her "frumpy friend". Her Christmas cards makes you puke. Chic Mom is the poster-child for "Hot Mama" and probably gets a discount there for being so perfect. She also has a keen eye for home decor, very contemporary (maybe not your style, but nice). Even though it might be tough, don't be hating on Chic Mom . . . you know you want to be her.

Motherhood is not easy. In fact, being a mother is the hardest job there is (to do well)! Every mother has her strengths and weaknesses. Instead of focusing on the negatives of our own mothering skills, lets celebrate all that we do well. If you need a little encouragement, just look into the eyes of your children. They love you more than you can measure, so embrace your inner Wholesome Mom, Hippie Mom, Organic Mom, Fun Mom, or Chic Mom. You must be doing something right!

The Bathroom Reveal

It took a few weeks, but the bathroom is finished, and we couldn't be happier with the results. We weren't going for a complete renovation. We wanted to reserve some of it's 70's charm . . . well that, and we couldn't afford a complete re-do :) We kept the things that were in good shape: the tiles on the wall, the sink, the light fixtures, and the mirror with storage area.

One thing we did change was the vanity. We replaced all the drawers and cabinet doors with new oak pieces that were custom built and stained to match our existing vanity. We also replaced our old laminate counter top with a new kinda-looks-like-granite laminate counter top.


We kept our porcelain sink but installed a brand new faucet to match the new door pulls on the vanity. I (of course) went out and bought a few new accessories to freshen everything up a bit.

Carl replaced the old (and gross) vinyl flooring with a new laminate tile floor. I was quite proud of him. He worked very hard, and did a fantastic job (without too much swearing!). It looks completely professional!

The shower . . .oh the new shower! This was the most rewarding, because it was the biggest change. Every day, we used this broken down old shower. It was the one thing that we were, quite frankly, embarrassed of when people came over to stay with us. We replaced the nasty flowery tile, with new tile and mosaic border.

Ta-da! New shower fixtures, that actually work! YAY! No more shampoo bottle, no more duct tape, just a nice, new, brushed nickel fixture that works!

We also replaced the toilet with a new-and-improved throne. This change wasn't planned . . . but when the old one was put back into place after redoing the floors, the tank was cracked, so we were kinda forced to get a new one. But on the positive side, it has a 10/10 flush rating, and is also a "green" model because it uses less water per flush. So our toilet purchase just helped save the planet :) I was going to take a picture, but I didn't think anyone would really care to see our toilet.

Carl worked many hours on this update, and I am very thankful for that. He would often come home from teaching all day and going to driver's training, and then work until after 10:00pm. Who knew how talented he was?! Now maybe we can do something about our not-quite-a-bathroom down stairs . . . right after we win the lottery :)

More Fun in the Sun

On Sunday, the girls decided to put the perfect weather to good use and start a business. With all of the people walking down our sidewalks enjoying the sun, they decided that a lemonade stand sounded like the best opportunity. I advised the girls to get a little creative and not just have "run of the mill" lemonade. In order for them to capitalize on their business they needed a little "twist" . . . we came to the conclusion that a slice of lime (instead of a tired, old, lemon) would do the trick (creative thought . . . and that's all I had in the fridge).

In the first few minutes, the girls reeled in their first customers. They loved it so much that they paid $1 a cup instead of the asked 10 cents! Ka-ching!!

Jocie at work . . .

. . . Ella at work

The business started out with a boom. Unfortunately, the girls' first customers where also their last, if you don't include Carl and I guzzling down as many cups for 25 cents per refill (plus tip). All-in-all the girls split a profit of $4.25.

It's not often the girls all play together at the same time. Ella is usually "too hyper" for Jocie, or Jocie is "too cool" to play with Ella. But, we do have three swings on our playground, and all three girls took advantage . . . at the same time :)

Ella loves the playground in our backyard, which includes her play house.

Here she is in her "fort" right at the slide's landing.

Claire is very curious about everything outside. She loves to explore anything she can: the grass, the twigs, the rocks. You name it, she needs to touch it . . . and yes, taste it.

This spring has made us so excited for the up-and-coming summer. I can't wait to spend a ton of time outdoors! Hopefully the novelty of the nice weather doesn't wear off!

Spring-a-ding-ding

Spring is in the air, and the Adolphsons are taking full advantage. As I write, I am enjoying a 65 degree, sun soaked, cool breezed, Saturday afternoon from the patio in our back yard. As I watch our neighbors enjoying rides on their lawnmowers, I can't help but take in all that spring has to offer. Budding trees, kids running, ladies gardening, joggers pounding the pavement, bikers (some in spandex and others in leather) biking, big round robins, the smell of charcoal, emerald grass, all-in-all a little slice of Minnesotan heaven :) We have been so spoiled with our 70 degree April days, but considering our history, we will take it without guilt.

All the girls have been loving the outdoors. Whether it is jumping on the tramp, shooting hoops, peddling their bikes, or going for a walk, the girls are over the case of cabin fever they felt in February.

We hope this awesome weather is just the beginning of a glorious summer vacation . . . which is only 7 weeks away! WooHoo!

The Year of Claire

This year has been the best year of our little family's life. It was the year of Claire, the year of three children, the year of 5 Adolphson's. There is a picture hung up in every one of my family member's houses that states, "with every new birth our circle grows, and with every challenge faced, our circle grows stronger". With our circle growing, we faced new challenges - stretching our responsibilities, stretching our time, stretching our dollars, but also stretching our ability to love past a level we never thought possible.

We were blessed with Claire Natalie one year ago today (almost to the minute). She came 2 weeks early, on Easter Sunday, and was a true gift from God. Her first few minutes were nerve-racking, due to some respiratory difficulties. But, like a trooper, she pulled through quickly, and was perfect in every way.

Jocelyn and Ella were absolutely thrilled with their new little sister. Three sisters. Another best friend for life.

We were smitten with our new little kitten. We just couldn't get enough.

The beauty shot (3 days old)

Relaxing (at home at last)



2 weeks old

This little girl was showered with affection from all

Claire's God Parents - John and Beth Lundby

Claire's Baptism

2 months old

3 months old

4 months old

5 months old

Claire-Bear on her first Halloween

6 months old

Opening her first Christmas present (with Ella's help)

9 months old

10 months old

1 year

Claire's 1 year stats:

Walking status - no, still crawling. But standing on her own.

Favorite food - bananas

Favorite toy - teddy bear

Favorite naughty behavior(s) - pinching and head butting

Words spoken - mama, dada, dat (that's a word) and pup

Weight - 23 lbs

Favorite book - Goodnight Moon

Least favorite activity - driving in the car

This year has been absolutely wonderful, and we can't wait for all of the new adventures yet to come. We love you, Claire-Bear

It's fun turning one!

I know this is a cliche, but, oh how time flies!!! I cannot believe our little Claire-Bear is turning one tomorrow. We have had such a wonderful year getting to know her and having all sorts of adventures as a family of five. I will delve into our past year in my next post, but this one, I am dedicating to the party!

We celebrated her big milestone with a good-old-fashioned family birthday party. We invited our families; which included grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins . . . the whole fam-damly :) We were so blessed with the people who could make it (almost 30!) and missed the ones who could not. The few that were absent, were with us in spirit.

What's a family party without some good eats! We had all of the BBQ basics. Brats (no, I'm not talking about the kids), hot dogs, cookie salad, taco salad, spinach dip, chips and dip, veggies, Doritos, and lets not forget the margaritas and beer!

What's a birthday party without the cake! This adorable cake was made by Carl's Aunt Joan, which Grandma and Grandpa Adolphson brought all the way from Argyle! Not only is it cute, but it was amazingly delicious. Claire was sure lucky to have this as her first experience with cake . . . although any other cake will not live up to these high standards!


Okay . . . here it comes . . . the birthday attire. I will straight-up admit to it, I am that mom. One that buys their little girl a special little outfit just for her to wear for a few hours at her 1st birthday party. Even though she won't remember it. Even though it was too expensive. Even though it wasn't that comfortable. It's damn cute, and no one can tell me that it wasn't worth it.



It's a tutu! That's right, a huge, two-toned, pink and pink, fluffy tutu. Paired with a specialized onesie that has an embroidered "1" on it, embellished with ribbons and topped off with a matching headband. I told you. Absolutely ridiculous, but freakin' cute.

After getting dressed, we had to show Grandma Adolphson first . . . she approved.




Then we showed Grandpa Adolphson . . . he approved.

Then we showed Boppa (Grandpa Lundby) . . . he approved.


Then, of course, there was daddy. Who's exact words after opening the box it was mailed in was, "What the hell is this?" . . . he came around and couldn't resist either.

All that tulle didn't slow her down one bit! She loved being on the trampoline with her cousins . . .

and walking with Ella . . .

(It's official . . . she's got the "Lundby Legs" . . . sorry, honey)

walking with Boppa . . .

she could do anything she wanted in that tutu :) After a while, we decided to take it off after it cooled down a bit. Oh, and did I mention the weather?!? I couldn't have ordered a more perfect day out of a catalog. We all took advantage by relaxing on the patio, sipping our beverages, watching the kids play (cue the alleluia chorus).

Watching the kids play was like traveling back in time. Twelve children attended the party, all spanning from 11 years old to two-months-old. Everyone had someone to play with and many played in big groups. It reminded me of our family get togethers growing up; grown-ups BBQ-ing and laughing, with the kids running and playing. Couldn't help myself from smiling.

Cousins Megan (puller) with Tanner and Keira (riding) and Taryn (pushing).

Step-brother Scott, with niece Keira

Carl's brother Keith and wife Katie chatting with my step-sister Sarah

After our feast, it was time for the cake. Everyone gathered in the garage to sing to our littlest "big girl". She wasn't quite sure what all the fuss was about at first.

Until this happened. Her first piece of sugary, buttery birthday cake was plopped onto her tray. She was never allowed to eat anything like this before. Oh, the wonder.

Then came the first taste.

She was still pretty reserved as she had to have another touch.

She continued her dainty tasting, just one little bit at a time.

Ummmm. This frosting is soooo good.

But then she had enough. "That's it?" I wondered.

Nope. She got her second wind (or the sugar kicked in)

Then she started to really dig in and make a mess! She crumbled that piece into tiny little morsels

and took full advantage of the situation

until she was "all done".

Then it was straight into the tub!

After her tub, everyone headed for home so she could relax a bit. Our big day was done, and it was perfect. Throughout the whole evening, I couldn't help but be amazed with my family. All these people came from far and near to celebrate our little girl's first year of life. I am so blessed to have such a big and wonderful family.

The next morning, Claire got to open her presents in her PJ's while all the grown-ups sipped their coffee. We were blown away with one adorable outfit after another. The girl is ready for spring and summer!

She also got another special gift from her God parents, Uncle John and Auntie Beth, who couldn't be with us because they just moved to Washington state. We missed them terribly, but Claire loved the books she got. We will read them often.

We had a wonderful birthday weekend and are looking forward to Ella's 5th birthday party in just 4 short weeks. Party on!