More Fun...You're Gonna Love This One

Tuesday's fun was getting half-priced slushies at Sonic during Happy Hour.  What a bargain!  We also had some unplanned fun in the form of this old thing.  The kids found what used to be a Spiderman ball toss that Ian got as a gift one year.  Apparently it had been tucked away in the basement for a while and the kids dug it out.  When they brought it upstairs I basically thought they had just brought up a piece of junk to clutter up the house.  Little did I know the hours of fun this toy would bring.

Using their active imaginations they invented a new game they call...wait for it..."Big Booty."  

In this game, all three (and sometimes four!!!) kids climb into the ball toss.  (They first started out playing in the living room, but over the course of time, moved it out to the trampoline.  How lucky that this game can be played in so many different places!)

After they climb into the ball toss, they run around (or bounce around, as the case may be) until they all fall down.

At which point they laugh hysterically.  (And I'm sure this game is 100% safe, for anyone who's wondering.)  Oh, and did I mention that they have to say "Big Booty" a hundred and one times while they play?  The silliness got a little out of hand this afternoon on the trampoline when they started telling each other to "climb in the pooter", referring to getting into the ball toss.  And yes, we are a family of mostly girls.  Please tell me where they get this stuff from.  

Animal Hospital

Spring Break started for us this week.  Technically it was supposed to start Tuesday, but we went ahead and started on Monday.  I don't know who has been more excited for this week, me or the kids.  Our goal is one fun thing every day this week.  It doesn't have to be anything big, but just something out of the ordinary.  

On Monday we made an animal hospital in the living room.  The kids got out all our stuffed animals (and we have a LOT of stuffed animals) and set up shop.  Elise was a Doctor and the other kids took turns either being doctors or bringing in sick animals to be cared for.  

They covered the chair and ottoman with sick animals.  I had no idea dogs could throw up so much.  That seemed to be the main ailment of the day (complete with the kids making gross noises to go along with it!)

Here was another pallet of animals that needed nursing back to health. Some animals had strep, some fevers and a few even had chicken pox.  Who knew?!

Elise didn't even mind doctoring our pet snake.  She wrapped him up and gave him preferential treatment.  As long as that snake has been around, I'm surprised old age hasn't gotten him yet.  But Elise was able to get him going as good as new.

A few animals had more private rooms than the crowded conditions the animals on the ottoman and chair had to suffer through.

I don't know what these animals did to get this much space, but evidently it was the right thing.  I'll bet these rooms cost much more. ;)

It was hilarious to see the kids' imaginations at work.  They were good doctors and good pet owners.  And they even picked up after themselves. (I love that part. :))  At the risk of sounding like a bragging mom (but, hey, I think my kids are pretty great), I have to say how well the kids played all day on Monday.  I think they've just missed the time to all be together and play without all the fuss of homework, extracurricular activities, family events and a million other things.  It was a day we could just play.  I didn't hear one argument or disagreement the whole day.  I guess I don't think the kids fuss and fight a lot anyway, but this was a time that they seemed so happy and like they were just spending the day with their best friends.  I hope that's how they see each other.  I definitely think our Monday fun was a success.

Weekend Fun

We were really excited this weekend to be able to see Jon Schmidt in concert.  I had seen him at an EFY when I was a teenager and thought he was pretty neat, so when we heard he was going to be nearby, we bought tickets and made a date out of it.  It was a lot of fun.  His music is great and he has a fun personality that made it well worth our time.

Jon Schmidt performing one of his compositions.

My parents were our baby-sitters for the night, while we were at the concert and then we went back to their house for the weekend.  We all got together to celebrate my brother Ethan's birthday and my Dad's birthday. Grandma Delia made her famous Chocolate Sheet Cake.  It is truly heavenly. 

Paige did her best to eat some.  This was my dad's piece that he'd set down for a minute.  Clearly, that was a mistake.  When you have something as yummy as grandma's cake, you'd better hang on to it for dear life.

We also spent some time at a new walking trail near my parent's house.  It follows the river through part of town and is just beautiful.  We loved going off the trail down by the river.  We skipped small rocks and climbed on large rocks.  

Thank goodness we had these strapping boys with us or how else would these kids have survived the walk?  I love how all six of our little family are in this picture.  Even Cory is in the background with Paige in the stroller.  Granted, the stroller is facing the other way, but I know she's in there. :)

The kids loved playing "sink the boat" with their uncles.  They would try to sink sticks by throwing rocks at them to sink them before they floated downstream.  I think that may have been their favorite part of the walk. :)

It was fun to have Ethan and Lois with us, and not just because they were great at helping carry kids who were too tired to walk. :)  It was so fun all being together.

It was such a nice weekend all being together.  It seems like we don't get together as often as we'd like to, but when we do we have a blast.  Can't wait 'til next time.

Tooth Fairy Update

For those of you who were wondering, it turns out the Tooth Fairy is cheap.  And forgetful.  So for those of you thinking of having the Tooth Fairy come visit you, I'd pass for now and hang onto all my teeth.  I don't know if the Tooth Fairy is overworked or just a casualty of the economy, but this does not appear to be a good way to earn money.  Perhaps we can find another way. :)

Picnic

The sunshine has been warm and bright, the air is fresh and the birds are singing.  We are feeling wonderful!  Yesterday we went and had a picnic lunch with the kids at school and today we had a picnic lunch on our front porch.  Each time we get to a new season, I feel sure that is the season I love best.  So maybe it is just the changing that I enjoy so much.  However, if you asked me today, I would tell you Spring is for sure my favorite.

How could it not be, when we're able to make memories like this? :)  I hope this weather is here to stay!

Overheard

Last night, I sent Ian to our bathroom with 4 rolls of toilet paper to refill the holder beside the toilet.  Several hours later I walked in to see only three rolls in the holder.  When I turned around, there beside the sink was a sopping wet roll of toilet paper.  You can bet I knew how it got wet (and did not want it on the cabinet!!!!!) so I just threw it away and cleaned up where it had been.  I didn't say anything about it and then I overheard this conversation between Ian and Elise in my bathroom this morning.

Elise:  Why is this wet roll of toilet paper in the trashcan?
Ian:  Oh, I did that last night.  It accidentally fell into the toilet when I was putting the other up.
Elise:  Then how did it get in the trashcan?
Ian:  I don't know.  I didn't put it there.  I put it on the sink to let it dry out.

I just wonder what he thought would happen.  It would have taken that roll of toilet paper 3 days in the heat of summer sitting on the asphalt to dry out.  Sitting on that sink, I think it would still be wet 10 years from now.  And really, if my some miracle it did dry out, did he think we'd want to use it then?

Cleanliness is next to...

Apparently we have kids who are meticulous about personal hygiene.  Can you really ever have too many toothbrushes?  I don't think so.

Oh, don't you hope she used your toothbrush?!  Although I know from personal experience, there are worse things kids can do to your toothbrush...  Like THIS.

Q-Tips

What are the chances her ears got clean? :)

Memorial

One of the reasons we went down to see Cory's Mom, was to put the marker on his Dad's grave.  About mid-afternoon, everyone gathered together at the cemetery.

The boys (this time meaning Cory and his brothers) worked to get a hole for the stone.

I was touched at how everyone (even the children) pitched in to help.  They took time to get it even and "just so" and then brushed the dirt off the top so it would look nice and clean.  It was a tender thing to see Russell's family performing this service for him.  

I think proper cemetery etiquette requires that you not step or walk on someone's grave.  I don't think any of the kids have heard this requirement and flatly refuse to comply.  Their favorite thing to do is to sit down around the grave and play in the sand.  Some of them were writing their names, some of them wanted to smooth the dirt down and make it "pretty", and Charles Allen buried one of his Chuck E Cheese cards for "Grandy."  While some may not approve of this behavior, I think it is wonderful.  I feel sure Pa loves knowing that his grandkids still love being near him.  Its still hard sometimes, knowing that he's not right here with us, the way we'd like.  But seeing the kids, so full of life, energy and love, takes some of the hurt and pain out of being at the grave site.  It seems so much more warm and approachable with the kids playing around.  Its part of what makes Russell's spirit seem closer.

Before we left, we sang "Sixpence" in Russell's honor.  The last time we were all gathered there, it was the first time most of us had been back to his grave since the funeral.  It was a cold, gray, wet day and we sang (or tried to sing) that song.  There was hardly a dry eye by the time we got done and several hearts were breaking.  Many of the girls continued to cry long after we'd gone back to the house.  This time was much better.  The day was bright and sunny and warm and we were able to sing the song with love and happiness.

Before we left, we had all the children climb in the back of Pa's truck and take a picture.  This is one of those pictures that is worth a thousand words to me.  I can't decide if my heart is swelling or breaking when I look at this picture.  But I love it and I love all those sweet faces looking back at me.

Reminders

Most days during the week I have time to "keep house."  Some days we have errands or activities to attend to, but usually part of my day is spent caring for our home and keeping it clean and well-cared for.  Last week, there were several days in a row where we were so busy that the usual routine of housekeeping was disrupted. By Saturday, I was feeling that my house was overflowing--overflowing with dishes that needed washing, overflowing with laundry in various stages of care that needed attention, overflowing with toys that needed picking up, beds that needed making, and rooms that needed cleaning.  I was lamenting the plight of our house to Cory as we worked on some laundry together.  It seemed that I could spend day after day keeping the house clean, but give me three days of doing little or no housework and things suddenly looked like I hadn't cleaned of picked up in ages.  It just gets so overwhelming so quickly.  Why can it not just stay clean longer?

 Right in the middle of my pity party (because really that's what it was), Paige walked into the room in nothing but a diaper, rubbing her tummy and sucking her thumb.  She had the cutest expression on her face as she walked over to me and reached her arms to be picked up.  So I took a break from laundry and sat down with her on my lap as she snuggled with me, babbled and cooed in her cute little baby voice, and laid her head on my chest.  As I sat and held her on my lap, I realized that I had gotten side-tracked by those (sort of) important things.  My house may not be as clean as I'd like.  My dishes may be piled in the sink more than I'd like.  There may be toys cluttering the floor more often than I'd like.  But I have four children who I love more than life itself and who I know love me.  I know they need me.  And I know the things I do besides keep up with the house are oh-so important.  There is nothing like a sweet snuggly baby on your lap to remind you where your priorities lie.  I'm thankful for those little reminders that climb into my lap, that sneak into my mind and lift my heart.  "Our lives are made, in these small hours, these little wonders, these twists & turns of fate. Time falls away, but these small hours, these small hours, still remain."

An Afternoon at Grandma's

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon at Cory's Mom's house.  It was a beyond beautiful day.  I sat outside watching the kids play for at least 3 hours, maybe more.  I don't even know.  I just soaked in the sunshine and I loved every minute of it.  While I was sitting out there, I had time to take some cute pictures of the cousins playing.  I love that they love playing together so much.

Charles Allen was showing Ian some of these cards he'd gotten at Chuck E Cheese.  Ian thought they were great.

I love how focused and intently they are looking at the cards.  I LOVE those boys, even if they are a bit rowdy and rambunctious.  If the truth be told, I think it makes me love them more. :)

After they'd looked at the cards for a while, they had to put them in their pockets for safe keeping. 

The girls were having just as much fun playing together as the boys.  They pretended the baseball Kyleigh's holding was a pet dog.  They also played with their imaginary pet horses.  Such sweeties.

Oh yes, they have so much style.  They are so sweet and sassy and growing up WAY too fast!

The boys were never still for long.  Much of the time they were running and chasing each other through the yard.  

Paige was in heaven sliding down the slide.  Her daddy was so awesome and fixed the broken bottom step on the playhouse so she could climb up and slide down over and over and over again.

The boys did slow down long enough to climb on top of the playhouse.  None of the girls even thought about doing this.  Even once they realized the boys were up there, their main question was, "How did you get up there?"

As you can see, they are quite high.  They were not scared or intimidated in the least.  And just for the record, I did ask Ian (for what its worth) to stay away from the other side of the roof, where he would have farther to fall. :)

It was the most beautiful day ever.  The weather was perfect.  After playing outside and visiting all day, we had grilled BBQ chicken, french fries, salad and coleslaw for dinner.  It was a delicious end to the day.  I think we all enjoy the time we get to spend together as a family. 

The Tooth Fairy Strikes Again

 Ian has had a loose tooth for a while now.  He's been working on it, wiggling it a lot, and hoping it would be ready to come out soon.  Finally, yesterday it was deemed "pullable".

A big smile with all his teeth.

Prepped and ready to go.  Cory is so good to pull the kids' teeth.  Truthfully, wiggly teeth give me the willies.  And this one made a gross popping noise when it came out.  But Ian was a pro and didn't seem bothered by the procedure at all (loud pop included.)  

And here is the cute snaggle-tooth smile.  He's now the proud owner of two permanent teeth, a mouthful of baby teeth, and a hole that represents (and I quote) "A lot of money."  I'm interested to find out how much "a lot" is.  I might be interested in parting with a tooth, if that turns out to be true.

Spring is in the Air

Can you feel it?  We sure can!!  We've loved the snow this winter, but we're itching for Spring.  These warm days are heaven.  And boy, we sure hope they're here to stay!

We love some sidewalk chalk around here.  Its a springtime staple!

These girls sure are lucky to have a brother as sweet as Ian!

From the looks of that sweet sugar, I think maybe they know. :)

Another big part of our springtime is softball/baseball.  Ian was getting in some practice time.

He was pretty good!  It was fun to watch him hit.

After watching Ian for a while, Merry Grace wanted a turn.  Bless her heart, she didn't hit a single ball all afternoon.

But she did not give up.  She tried again and again. 

And again...and again. :)

After hitting the ball for a while, Ian moved on to football.  He practiced kicking the ball.  I can't say for sure, but I think he has good form. :)

Merry Grace thought if Ian was doing it, it must be worth trying.  So try she did.  I think she needs a little coaching to figure out the tee.

Ian and Cory threw the ball over the van.  

Another day, we spent time outside on the trampoline.  (Check out Charles Allen's hair.  LOVE it!!!!)

Ian and Charles Allen had some kind of pushing game they were playing.  Oh, how differently boys play!

I'm not sure what's going on here, but I love that jump of Ian's!!!

But really, the best part of Spring is what is beautiful about any season--time with family and friends!