Showing posts with label Miss A. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss A. Show all posts

Friday, July 11

It just gets away from me…

I feel that way about a lot lately: The days, the weeks, the month, the entire season of SUMMER! It’s been insane! Matt and I are in crunch time. The county-fair-craziness is literally 2.5 weeks away, we’re hoping to finish up the majority of inside projects so that we can be back in our home for my birthday {July 21}.

Matt and I have been putting in late nights working on the floor and painting, while spending the days with life as usual; meaning he’s working his crazy-long days, and I’m entertaining 4 kids and running the shuttle to swimming lessons. I’m not quite sure where the time has gone, but it’s gone all the same.

This weekend is Operation GET IT DONE so that we can put the house back together. There will still be a ton of things that need to get done: Molding, doors, painting, trim work, CLEANING {OH MY LORD THE CLEANING!}, tiling and a whole lot more, Oh, and the ENTIRE OUTSIDE! EEeek! I try not to think about it too much, because I start having cold sweats.

Not to mention there are still kids that need to be fed and watered! And Avelyn, Bless her Heart, decided yesterday was a good day to get hurt at the park. I figured it wasn’t much, took her home and let my mother in law assess the damage, and it was decided she needed x-rays on her foot.

AveWhile it’s not broken, she can’t walk on it, which means carrying her around and keeping her siblings AWAY! Next week she goes to the orthopedist to determine if there is further damage and whether it should be casted or not. I did just find out though, yesterday morning, that they do make waterproof casts now. She did get a bit of a thrill from the kid-size wheelchair.

I’ve been rather remiss in the blog documentation and pictures department. I’m not entirely sure why, but I do know it’s partially because things are starting to come together {and not in 5 weeks THANK YOU! HGTV!} and I want to do a big reveal. If you’re on Instagram that really is where I share a lot more of the secrets!

Last Sunday night we were at the house until almost 1am, getting all of the ikea cabinets in place, so that my FIL and our contractor could install them all before Tuesday when the countertop people were coming. It was all going great! Countertops would be here the end of next week. Then I decided to change the island. Now we’ll have 3 of our 4 countertop pieces next week, but not the island. I was losing sleep over what I was worried about, and it’s fixed and I think will be so much better, but will be a bit of a delay.

Here’s a bit of a tease of the kitchen. This is the top of my new stove and you can see the color we painted the walls.

Tease

I still have to paint the mudroom, the living room, the upstairs bathroom, and ALL OF THE TRIM. Lots of work there. And it all SHOULD be done by the end of the week. All that to say we really would appreciate your prayers in getting things pulled together and with Avelyn’s foot.

Tuesday, February 4

Ideas for Indoor Fun!

Last week, I shared with you how I was starting to lose it, what with being sequestered indoors for weeks on end with 4 kids 4 and under. This past weekend, Matt and I decided to grab the bull, uhh to do list, by the horns. We’ve been wanting to make a tent/fort/teepee thing for months now, and it was just time.Ideas for Indoor Fun {some assembly required} TeePees and Other Fun Activities for the Cabin Crazies @LifeintheWhiteHouse.com

Activity One – Teepee

We asked Ave if she’d rather have a “house” or a teepee and the teepee won out. We found this awesome tutorial, and Matt headed to the hardware store: For around $60 he got everything we needed. The instructions were pretty good, but the blogger wasn’t quite sure how the previous person managed to get all of the pieces out of a 9x12 tarp, so being the person I am, I spent about a half hour figuring out how to cut all the pieces out of one drop cloth.

The way I worked it out is this way…
Ideas for Indoor Fun {some assembly required} TeePees and Other Fun Activities for the Cabin Crazies @LifeintheWhiteHouse.com

I had all the panels cut out in about 20 minutes. The first one took the most work, with figuring out the measurements and such. We used a chalk line to mark it. Then used that piece as the template to cut out the other 4 panels. I did hem the bottom edges that were un-hemmed; I didn’t realize that drop cloths frayed the way they did.
Ideas for Indoor Fun {some assembly required} TeePees and Other Fun Activities for the Cabin Crazies @LifeintheWhiteHouse.com

The rest of the instructions on the blog were easy to follow. I did end up serging all of my inside seams, because of how much the fabric frayed and because it strengthened the seams too. We didn’t have ribbon on hand to finish the inside ties, but we did have some good rope that Matt pulled out {one of the perks of having a nautically-minded husband…you always have rope}.

I thought I had this great project for Matt to do, and it ended up making more work for me than him. Matt had all the PVC pieces together in about 15 minutes: I spent about 2 hours {with the ties being stitched in} sewing together the whole actual teepee {not quite what I had planned on doing during nap time}. The whole thing came together awesome!

We do think that there needs to be some adjustments on the teepee frame, because the legs on the front get spread too far back and then the teepee falls over. Have to figure that out still.

Activity Two – Doorway Bean Bag Toss

Before Christmas everyone was asking me for gift ideas for the kids, but we really didn’t WANT anything more. One thing we did find was a 3-in-1 monkey toss for a doorway, which looked pretty awesome. Then they were out of stock, so my mother in law, crafty lady that she is, made something similar.Ideas for Indoor Fun {some assembly required} TeePees and Other Fun Activities for the Cabin Crazies @LifeintheWhiteHouse.com

It was pretty simple construction on this, and wouldn’t even need to be made as fancy. Depending on how much you spent on fabric, will determine just how much the project costs. If you could find $1/yd fabric, the whole thing could be made for less than $20, plus the rod for the doorway {Target has tension shower rods for $7.00}.

My mother in law asked how high and wide we wanted it to be {it did end up being a bit longer than we needed}. She took 2 pieces of fabric that were the same size {she was going for fish and picked these fabrics out}. On the front piece she cut out holes and then finished the holes with a bias tape {if we were to make this again, I think the holes would be smaller—they’re about the size of a small dinner plate, which means the kids fit through them}.

Then she stitched the two pieces of fabric together on the short ends. With it right side out, she stitched another row about 3” down from the top, to create a sleeve for the shower curtain rod. In the bottom you can put a a shallow tote or an old cookie sheet to spread it out and way down the bottom. I ended up going back through and stitching the sides together, because the kids kept climbing between the 2 layers of fabric and pulling the whole thing down on their heads.

My mother in law is a seamstress, so the kids got actual fish-shaped bean bags, complete with painted gills, spots, and faces. You could just as easily stitch together squares or circles. Our fish weigh around 4ounces, which is a good weight, and are filled with dried beans {but you could use rice to fill them, too}. This project could be as simple or as detailed as you want to be. Honestly, your kids aren’t going to mind too much either way.

Fish Collage

That’s what we’ve been up to lately. Believe me, the TV is still on way more than I would like, but most of the time they’re not even paying attention to it…they’re too busy moving furniture and making mountains out of cushions…yes I am one of those moms. I figure furniture can, and will be, replaced eventually, but these days inside…they can’t.

kids on couch

Friday, January 31

Just a Touch of Cabin Crazy

Most nights, I lay awake in bed; assessing the day’s craziness. I often thinking about what I could do differently the next day, what I would do better, and all around thinking of all those “good intentions” that I have for my children {most of which do not come to fruition}.

This winter has been a bit of a challenge. It’s really our first winter with mobile triplets, plus a 4 year old. It’s the first winter in which our house has felt too small {the kids pretty much spend their time in our living room}. It’s the first winter when we really could have gone outside, but didn’t because it’s been consistently too cold {YAY! For a REAL winter!}

Yesterday I kind of lost it, I may have gone off the deep end, I may just have thrown all sensibility out the window. I searched pinterest for some fun inside activities, and realized that most of them required forethought and planning. Then I figured what the hell and threw my arms in the air. I pulled out the blocks; I pulled out the play dough; I pulled out every single one of those things that make way too much of a mess.

And, I let this happen….

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And this…..

Cabin Crazy: The Goodness of Messes | LifeintheWhiteHouse.com

And yes, even this…..{I will forewarn you to  turn off the sound, so you don’t have to hear my blaring voice}.

And you know what...it drove me a bit batty: Wait, I’m not going to lie, it actually drove me more than a bit. All of those things on the table and floor, the play dough that was ground into the cracks in the wood floor and the rug, all of it everywhere, made me want to pull my hair out. Because I know there is no point in cleaning it with little ones still up and about, and that as soon as they wake up from their naps, it’s going to happen all over again; which means mommy and daddy get to clean it up on their time.

Cabin Crazy: The Goodness of Messes | LifeintheWhiteHouse.comYou see this is one of those things of mommy-hood that I really don’t like: The mess. You know what I did like though…watching their creativity, watching the fun they had being in an off-limits room, watching how they actually behaved pretty well, despite my sewing machine and china cabinet being mere inches away.

But it is also one of the things that we need to do, allow the mess and the creativity. Allow them the opportunity to discover and learn who they are. Even if it does mean an hour spent with a steak knife cleaning play dough off the floor {and I truly say that with a smile on my face}.

Monday, January 13

What’s Going on in The White House

I keep waiting for this ride to slow down so that I can get off for a bit and recuperate, but that doesn’t seem to be happening. So much has been going on around here in the past month or so! And none of it is little stuff, it all seems to be life changing, HUGE things.

On Thanksgiving my sister announced that she was pregnant and due the end of March {with a little boy}! We’re all excited for the new addition this year, which will be one of MANY in 2014. We have no less than 6 or 7 babies being born this year, and we’re only into August due dates!DSC_0303

Just after Matt’s birthday we lost his grandmother; which was a hard, HARD blow for all of us. His grandfather had passed away in January 2013 {1 year ago today} and 11 months later his grandma was gone. I am so glad that I get to spend some time with her {sans kids} before she passed away. 

Matt and I started dating almost 14 years ago, and within a few months of that both my Oma and my Opa passed away. It was really hard on all of my family when that happened {my Oma was only 69 and my Opa was 77}; I missed my Oma and Opa so very, very much.

But God gave me another set of grandparents during that time, Matt's, Grammy and Poppo. Not a replacement or a substitute, but someone to love me and give me the hugs and love that only grandmas {and grandpas} can. They both have been an incredible blessing in my life and we owe so much to them.

When my Oma died it was really rather sudden, and there were things that I wanted to say to her that I just didn’t. I was 17, I didn’t know the importance of saying those things, or that it wasn’t “cheesy” to do that. With Grammy I don’t have that regret; I was able to thank her for being my Grammy too, because she was...in every way that mattered.

Onto happier things…

We celebrated Christmas and had it very low key. It’s not easy when your family all lives within 10 minutes of each other and you feel like you have to see everyone. We decided to spend Christmas Eve with my family and go to church with my parents; which was wondering, since we were able to do Santa Claus with the kids. Henry DID NOT LIKE IT AT ALL!

Christmas collage

Then we spent Christmas Day morning home and just enjoying some quiet time together. In the afternoon we headed up to Matt’s parents and did Christmas with them. It was actually one of the nicest Christmases we’ve had, because we weren’t running. I’m thinking this is going to become our tradition. PicMonkey Collage2

Not soon after Christmas Matt’s sister’s water broke. {I don’t even remember if I ever even mentioned that she was pregnant?!} On the 27th our niece, R, was born, 5.5 weeks early. My sister in law had the same due date as I did with the triplets {February 2nd}, so we now have LOTS of Christmas birthdays! She’s home from the NICU now and doing well. We were able to meet her last week.

New Years’ was incredibly eventful. Matt was in bed at 7:15pm, it was a regular work week and day for him. I went to bed before 11pm. I just did not see the point in staying up, alone, to ring in the new year. We don’t even have TV that I could have watched the ball drop.

Ave has been very busy with numerous science experiments {and awesome Christmas gift that she received. She’s been very interested lately in learning how things work. I can see the big girl lurking just under the surface sometimes of the little girl in front of me. Things that I think won’t have much affect on her, seem to devastate her {a broken toy} and things that I think area going to be a big deal, aren’t. It’s crazy. She and I went to her first movie a few weeks ago…she thought that was pretty neat, but decided that she’d rather stay home and watch movies.

Ave collage

The week after New Years that triplets had an Early Intervention Assessment. We’ve noticed that they’ve been, what I consider, very delayed in speech. Avelyn was talking up a understandable storm by 20 months old, and these guys have less than 20 words each.

The EIA was great. The people who did the assessment, we’re really helpful and told us that the kids are doing great, being either AT LEVEL or ABOVE for their actual ages. The big thing is the speech: Both boys qualified for help. James is having a hearing test in the next couple of weeks, and then we’ll setup an appointment to come up with a plan for them.

It feels good to know that we’re doing something. And we’re also working more with sign language, which we’ve always done, but stopped because we felt that was perhaps hindering their speaking. It was good that we did stop because we then noticed their speech. The EI people did tell us that there is no harm in continuing to sign, so we’re back at that and learning new words.thumann

I don’t know if I ever mentioned it, but I’m working on the route with my dad twice a month {have been since October}, making deliveries and driving the truck. It’s great to get out of the house a bit, and bring in a little extra money, and my MIL watches the kids on those days. But sometimes it is hard losing that day at home. I’m usually up and gone before 6am, and depending on the weather and how many deliveries get home anywhere from 4pm to 9pm {most of the time it’s closer to 9pm}.

Progress is moving forward with our home renovations. Matt and I have been deep in discussions the past few weekends tweaking our construction plans and deciding where we can cut a few expenses and what things we’re not at all willing to give up. The more and more we work on these plans the more excited I’m getting about all of it. I keep having to remind myself that there is a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY long road ahead.

I think that’s the majority of what’s been going on. We’ve certainly managed to keep our plates full lately!

How are you doing? What’s new in your life?

Ps. sorry for all the crappy iPod pictures. Very often that’s what I have at hand to take a picture.

Sunday, December 22

TWO YEARS OLD!

Pardon me, while I go and have my cry….

Ok.

Two years old….2 YEARS OLD! They’ve grown a bit since they were born {you can find all of their growing up posts here}. Hard to believe that it’s been 2 years already…I’m not sure where that time has gone. They’re now the age Avelyn was when they were born.

Two years doesn’t sound much, but then you think about how these little ones went from weighing less than 5lbs {and a touch over for James} to being solid, BIG kids, it’s incredible.

DSC_0465Henry
*Weighing in at 32.8 lbs {born at 4lbs 13.5ounces}, measuring 2’11” tall
*Started saying “Hola” today, after playing with a new toy.
*Calles Elanor, Ewanohr, and Jamie is ‘Ames or Mamie. If you ask him his name it’s ME!
*Loves having a fit to get your attention only to look at you and go “Hi Mommy”.
*When you tell him, “make a face”…he makes the most hysterical looks.
*Making a few sentences: “I do!” being the main one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC_0475James
*Weighing in at 32.8lbs {born at 5lbs 3ounces}, measuring 3’ 2” tall
*Still waiting on that ONE tooth to poke through!
*No new words, but boy does he babble lots of sentences!
*Has yet to scale the Christmas tree, but not for lack of trying ;-)
*Makes an angry face that melts into the biggest warmest smile ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSC_0443Elanor
*Weighing in at 25lbs {born at 4lbs 9.5 ounces}, and measuring 2’ 9.5” tall
*She is a ham…H-A-M! As you can tell from this picture: More and more I see Mini-Me.
*Starting to string a few words together, has a few sentences in her repertoire.
*Loves making animal sounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kids are all doing well: We do have an appointment with Early Intervention to have the kids hearing and speech checked, since they are delayed, and Jamie especially so. Avelyn was speaking TONS by 20 months, so we really noticed it. It’s very hard sometimes to understand anything but a few words. Henry and Ellie you can kind of figure it out, but you can really see frustration on Jamie’s part.

I’m more concerned about Jamie and his hearing than the other two. My mother in law had pointed out to me that he speaks like a deaf person does, very mono-tone, with no variations, which is exactly it! I couldn’t put my finger on what it was precisely but that’s it. I don’t think he’s deaf, but from talking with a few people {our pedi included} it could be just a few decibels that he’s off, which would result in his speech being lacking. More to come on that.

No major birthday party pictures to share: We’ve decide to hold off on birthday parties and try doing half-birthday parties. We just did cupcakes in the afternoon with Matt’s parents {since they were the only healthy people available…we’ve been fighting stomach bugs since last Thursday…and still going…}DSC_0481

Line’em up!
{I will admit to bribing once again: This time it was pretzels.}
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The birthday babies on the way to church for their First Christmas Pageant!

pageant collage

Even Mommy and Daddy got in the pageant {I strategically cropped myself out of this picture}. And before you drive yourselves crazy, yes that is the same picture of Jamie. I have no idea why I have no other pictures of him.

Now….ONTO CHRISTMAS!!!!

Friday, November 15

Homeschool Preschool

This post does contain affiliate links. Please view my disclosure policy Here.

We decided this summer that we would take the first few tentative steps into homeschooling. We knew that we wouldn’t have to report anything to our local school district until Ave is 6 years old, which for us will be 1st grade {for the homeschool-image5triplets we won’t have to report until they’re almost 7, 2nd grade, since their birthday is after December 1st}. For now, homeschooling is about fun, finding out what works for us, and how we want to function as a homeschooling family.

Over the past few years I’ve collected quite a few things for homeschooling via the internet, most of them free. Now, I don’t know if you could legitimately managed to homeschool for free through high school, as I haven’t researched it, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve managed to get some great e-sources for only a few dollars, from other moms who have put together curriculums, and I have found a plethora of things that were free.

There is one great blog site that I HIGHLY recommend called, 1 + 1 + 1= 1 {that is a link} written by Carisa. I had the privilege to hear her speak last year at Allume, where she discussed being a homeschooling mommy blogger {got all that ?} She has a vast multitude of information on her blog about how to beginning “schooling” with the under 5 group. Also check out the blog Confessions of a Homeschooler: Another great resource of materials!

There were several preschool and kindergarten curriculums as part of the Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Bundle that I had promoted in May. The whole bundle was just under $30, but it had 2 full homeschool curriculums in it, and a ton of other homeschooling materials….definitely something to keep in mind for next year’s sale.

What we went with…Avelyn Homeschool Preschool Collage

My sister was homeschooled and one of the curriculums my parents used with her in Kindergarten was Sing, Spell, Read, and Write…which had this really catchy song for the phonetic pronunciations of the alphabet. Put it this way, it’s been 16 years since my sister was in Kindergarten and the song is still in my head. It must be good. However it was backordered. Thus why I didn’t share a homeschool post in September.

We soldiered on.

I pulled together a bunch of things myself: From an alphabet to hang on the wall with bible verses, a selection of books from Sonlight's preschool curriculum {I love their literature selections, and will most likely be using them for English, Writing, and History when we get into the higher grades}, as well as something I found online, ABCMouse.com. They had a free one month trial and we figured we’d give it a shot.

I was impressed, but realized that Ave wasn’t. She was frustrated. She was used to an iPad, that she had to touch the screen to use, not a mouse. I figured after the free trial we definitely wouldn’t be signing up, because she never wanted to play on it, despite how fun it was. Then it “clicked” {pun intended}.

After a few weeks she figured out the mouse, and away she went. She loves the music videos for each letter of the alphabet, she loves the puzzles, she loves the games, she loves that she gets to have a pet hamster and that playing all these “games” gives her tickets to “buy” things for her hamster.

ABCMouse GraphicABCMouse.com ran a promo in September, that you basically got 2 years membership for the price of 14 months, which made the cost a bit more reasonable. At that point we had to move the computer into the kitchen, because she LOVES, LOVES playing her ABCMouse.com.

I figured she was having fun with it, but how much learning was actually going on: Umm more than I realized. Ave went from not knowing ANY of the letters in the alphabet by sight, to knowing almost HALF of them after just a few weeks, including what sounds they make. She’s now able to right her nickname {Ave} as well as about a 1/3 of the alphabet. I was impressed.

One thing I do realize with Ave is that unless she wants to do it, she’s not going to, which is absolutely going to be an issue when she gets older and HAS to do certain things. I just know that I will have to think outside of the box and about how Ave will be interested. She’s not going to be the kid who at 8 years old picks up an encyclopedia {never mind the fact that they don’t exist anymore} and looks up “Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo” because they want to know why the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were named that {yes, that was me…I even proceeded to write a 2 page report on each of those people…I was weird, I know. And yes, I did that for fun.}

For right now we’re doing a mix of her ABCMouse.com program {when she asks…sometimes she doesn’t want to}, reading quality literature and science books {from our own collection and from Sonlight’s Reading List, as well as doing lots of hands on activities. Most people wouldn’t even see the “schooling” that is going on, because it’s not sitting at a desk for an hour and doing paperwork, it’s reading together and playing games, answering her questions {“Mommy, how do you spell ______?”, “Why does ______ happen?”}, and doing our own research about the why and how of things. Which, in my opinion, is how learning should be.

*I’ll be sure to post a follow up on how our homeschool room is setup. This post was just getting too long to include it.

*If you’re thinking of homeschooling, I highly recommend checking out the Home School Legal Defense Association…they have an incredibly amount of information on their website. Also seek out reputable homeschooling groups in your area, fortunately for me, I’m familiar with a lot of them, because my parents homeschooled

Tuesday, November 12

Let it snow!

I’ve missed blogging…the whole just sitting down and sharing with you {or over-sharing as the case may sometimes be}. This post will be chock full of all the fun things we’ve been up to!

Yesterday we drove to NJ to visit Ikea {one of my FAVORITE stores!} We’re still planning to go ahead with our big house repair/renovation for next spring and wanted to start looking at cabinetry and all those other things we’re going to need for the new kitchen. I LOVE doing this! I don’t love the prices though…why is everything so expensive?!

We picked out two finishes that we really liked on the cabinetry, and then lucked out with getting doors in those finishes in the As-Is section for $15. At least we’ll have them on hand when we look at other cabinets online or locally. They’re 2 completely different looks, but both lend themselves to a more traditional country/cottage feel.

Ikea Kitchen

Then this morning was a big surprise…we got snow last night. And not only did it snow, but at 3:15 this afternoon, there was still snow on the ground! Avelyn was outside promptly this morning to play in the snow, unfortunately it’s not the best packing snow, but she had fun. {You can visit my friend Natasha’s post for 25 things to do on snowy days}.

When I brought the trio downstairs, we were sure to have them look outside…

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they didn’t quite know what to make of it. They made even less of it when I took them outside for a few minutes…

kids in the snow

they lasted about a half hour before everyone had enough, besides Avelyn, and wanted to come in. Hopefully we get a good snow soon…there’s nothing quite as depressing, for me, as getting ones Christmas tree in mud.

What things are you looking forward to this time of year?

Sunday, November 3

Avelyn’s 4th Birthday Party Festivities

She somehow managed to have TWO parties: We had our family party yesterday, and on her birthday we had a small play date with some of her friends.
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When Matt got home that night we did birthday AGAIN.
Avie Bday collage
Then Saturday we had the family party.
Bday Collage
I think we’re birthday’ed out now.

Friday, November 1

Avelyn Turns FOUR!

I have been a mother now, for more years than I fought to attain that title. It has been more than I could have ever hoped and everything I imagined {good and bad}. This girl, no matter her years, is my dearest friend. She knows me like not many others do, loves me in spite of it, and continues to hold me in awe of her and our Creator.

Ave is 4!

A little bit about Avelyn at 4!
*Weighing 34.5lbs, 42“ tall
*Wearing a size 10 shoe, and 5 in clothes
*Loves books…LOVES THEM!
*Wants to be outside whenever she can, rain or shine.
*Has been out of overnight diapers since last Christmas, with only a few accidents.
*Has such a heart for her brothers and sister, and every one else {this kid has more “cousins” and “brothers/sisters” than we’re related to!}
*Knows her colors, shapes, a little less than half of the alphabet {by sight}, and counts to at least 20: We started homeschool this past September, but haven’t gotten crazy with it.
*Can write her name, Ave, and about 3 or 4 other letters in the alphabet.
*She can swim for short distances by herself.
*Giving up the Georgie {her pacifier} tonight {SOOOO, NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!}
*She comes out with the darnedest things, then follows it up with “That’s a figure of speech..hahaha”

I found my list of questions to ask at each birthday {You can go here to read last year’s}. Here they are:
1. What is your favorite color? Pink
2. What is your favorite toy? Playing dress up by myself at Baba’s
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What is your favorite TV show? Wonder Pets
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Grilled Cheese Sandwich
6. What is your favorite outfit? Princess Ballerina Dress
7. What is your favorite game? ABC Mouse
8. What is your favorite snack? Cheese
9. What is your favorite animal? Sheep
10. What is your favorite song? Schlaf Kindlein Schlaf {Sleep Baby, Sleep}
11. What is your favorite book? Curious George, Peter Rabbit, and about 50 others
12. Who is your best friend? Clare
13. What is your favorite cereal? Rice Crispies
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play
15. What is your favorite drink? Farm Fresh
16. What is your favorite holiday? The holiday of going to Noah’s Ark {Sight and Sound Theater}—She’s British, a holidays a vacation.
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Georgie (her pacifier) {That ends tonight…pray for us}
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Dippin’ Eggs {Over easy eggs with Toast}
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pigs in a Blanket
20 What do you want to be when you grow up? A Mommy

Thursday, October 31

Halloween 2013 {Ha…that rhymes}

This was Ave’s 4th Halloween, having just missed her first by mere hours. The weather was terrible, again; we can’t seem to catch a break. Despite the rain Avelyn and I went Trick or Treating, with a bit of assistance from Oma. We only went to a few houses, but Ave thought it was fantastic! The trio stayed home with Daddy…maybe next year, we’ll all be able to go.

Halloween Collage

Wednesday, August 21

Tales from Behind the Stroller

As you can imagine we get our “fair” share of looks and comments when we’re out and about with the quad stroller. Some are heartening and positive ones, the genuine smiles accompanied by “God bless you.” Some are a bit odd and creepy. And some are downright nasty and negative.

With fair week safely behind us, you can imagine we heard them all, and a few new ones. Which got me thinking about the various comments. Namely, why people say or act as they do. For all the comments, my question is the same: How were they raised? Were they raised to believe that children were a blessing or a burden? Were they raised to know that if you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say anything?From behind the stroller

The newest one I got was, “Is that legal?!” Huh? I didn’t know if they meant the stroller or the kids, either way, it was dumb. Then we had several women who would freak out every time they saw us and have some odd exclamations or have all of their kids run up and say “hi”. And there was always my favorite, those who commented negatively and seemed to think that you were somehow deaf to what they were saying.

But all of it, fades away when Avie reaches over and gives her little sister a hug: Both girls head to head, giggling. Or when one of the boys gets upset and the other reaches over to him, pulling his brother’s head to his shoulder. Those moments are beyond worth all of the hurtful comments that people make.

Saturday, June 22

18 Months

 

 H Birth to 18 Henry
*Wearing size 7 shoe and Carter’s 2T/Jumping Beans’ 3T clothes

*Running

*Has 13 teeth

*A few more words:

*Is now willing to do the stairs on his own, and climbing up on low things {boxes and such}

*Walks around giving hugs to everyone.

 

 

 

 

James2 recheck James
*Wears a size 8 shoe and Carter’s 2T/Jumping Beans’ 3T clothes

*Has 11 teeth

*Definitely mimicking sentences and words: He may not have the pronunciations correct, but if you listen to the sounds he’s making, he knows exactly what he’s saying. The one day, as clear as a bell, he looked at Matt and I and said “What did you say?” He’s also kind of said “Avie” and “sister”. He’ll answer questions with yes.

*He’s always sharing with the rest of the kids and making sure they’re ok.

 

Ellie Elanor
*Wears a size 6 shoe and fitting in to 18-24 months clothes, as well as some 12 months still.

*Has 13 teeth

*Still won’t eat unless it’s something SHE wants, but pretends that she’s miserable so you put her down for a nap with her bottle.

*Climbs the stairs with ease.

*Much more comfortable with walking and running.

*Picks up her dollies and will say “aahhaa”, which is what I say when I tell them they need to be gentle.

 

All 3 Kiddos
*We’ve been moving toward 1 nap a day. I figure with swimming lessons starting this coming week, we’ll be 1 nap a day from here on out. Which will be nice, since Ave still naps and that will {hopefully} give mommy some time to get things done around the house.

*They still get a bottle at bed time and nap time, but I’m thinking that’s going to end soon. Once we have a weekend to do it in. I think Ellie’s not wanting to eat is because she knows she’ll get a bottle {she’ll go on a crying jag mid-morning, so that I put them in their beds with their bottles…I caught on to that trick pretty quick}.

*Someone had asked me if the kids have their own language between themselves: Not that I’ve really noticed. They certainly have their own language, but not one that they communicate to each other with. I think part of it is because of Ave.

*We had our first day of swimming lessons of the year {June 24, 2013}: Jamie loved it! Ellie liked it! Henry tolerated it {but barely}!

Months together collage

Friday, May 31

I’ve Got Nothing More to Give…

This week has been hard people: Not every-minute-of-every-day hard, but hard in the moments. Like weary down to the bone, why do I even bother, exhausted to the point of sleeplessness hard. I know I had promised my Gwynnie Bee review, but that just isn’t happening. Monday. I promise.

I know since going public with this space a little over a year ago, I’ve kind of shied away from post things that are going on in our life, but this time I have to, because honestly I need your prayers. Truthfully, more than need them, I am craving the comfort of knowing that others are praying with me.

Remember how we fenced in our yard last year? Because of the amount of traffic along the cow-path in our backyard to the community vegetable gardens? Last summer we received a series of letters from a neighbor, telling us that our fence infringed on their right away and that we needed to immediately remove it, preferably out of the right away area.

After the fair, Matt went and spoke with the neighbor explained our position {the safety of our children due to traffic, that has not heeded our requests to slow down, regardless of signage and verbal reminders}. An agreement was come to. The fence would stay and legal documents would be drawn up allowing it. Particularly since no one has any clear idea of where the right away ends/beginnings.

Faithfulness
All through the winter I kept questioning where our copy of these documents were.

Tuesday night we received a phone call from another bordering property owner {who had expressed issue last year jointly with the other neighbor}, that the fenced needed to be move, that if it was still infringing on the right away on September 15th, they would seek legal action against us.

Matt immediately called back this person, stating our case, that we thought this had been amicably dealt with last Fall, and again asking where would be an ok distance for our fence. No response. They told us that they really didn’t have an issue with the fence, since they don’t need to get farm equipment to the property any more, but the other  neighbor {whom Matt had sat down with} was the one who wants it removed.

Within 45 minutes someone was at our door {the original neighbor}, sweet as pie, and saying that they don’t have an issue with the fence, it’s the other one. That they’re sorry for the inconvenience, but that the fence does restrict their rights.

I was beaten. Downright, moved to tears, slapped in the face beaten.

This alone has caused me so much grief this week. So many minutes wasted by worry and thought about what might happen. But time spent in worry, is time that reminds me to call on God.

The internal issue has been Avelyn. The conflicts with her have just left me completely drained of any remaining gumption after dealing with the fence. She’s been deceitful, disobedient, unkind…you name, she’s been it….and sad to say I just haven’t had the where-with-all to be on her the way I should be, but I’m frustrated and angry and hurt by how she’s been acting. So we’re back in boot camp mode now.

I’m just beyond grateful that it is Friday. That we made it through the week. That the next 2 days Matt will be home, and we have a bit of fun planned. I’m praying that it is the recharge that I desperately need.

But if you would be willing to pray for us, regarding a final and clear resolution regarding our fence I would be so grateful too you {preferably one that does not result in our being forced to tear it down, and risking our children’s safety}.

And how may I pray for you this weekend?

Wednesday, May 22

17 Months

One more month and we’re closer to 2 than to 1 :-(

Henry
*Weighing in at 32lbs
*Wearing 3T bottoms {clothe diapers will do that to ya’}
*Wearing a size 7 shoe {needs it in the width}
*Has 11 teeth, although 11 isn’t all the way up. 12 and 13 are hot on it’s heels.
*In addition to Mama, Dada, Baba, Do {dog}, his new favorite word is bub-bo {bubble}, which he loves when I blow bubbles.
*Can do the stairs, but doesn’t like to…I think the few times he’s fallen has made him nervous.
*Will not sit in the tub. He’ll squat, but he won’t sit on his bottom. I’m not sure why, but I’m curious to see how swimming lessons go.
*Doing a bit better with eating, but he’s still having issues keeping food down sometimes. It goes away, but comes back when he has a cold or is coughing.

Henry

James
*Weighing in at 29.5lbs
*Still fitting into 2T bottoms, but they’re getting a bit tight.
*Wearing a size 8 shoe {although he still can fit comfortable in a 7, depending on what brand/style
*Has 7 3/4 teeth in the front…that front-right-bottom one just does NOT want to come up. He’s working molars…I think he has 1 up, maybe 2.
*No longer climbing out of his crib. Found the idea online to put him in a sleep sack, so that he can’t get his legs up. It’s been working for the past 3 weeks now.
*Does the stairs like a pro! He doesn’t even crawl up them, he most of the times walks up, holding the railing.
*Still climbing everywhere.
*He’s my cudddler…oh my. I love it! He’ll just come up to you, climb in your lap, putting his head on your shoulder and sit there.
*Not too many words, but he will answer questions with a “yesth”. Babbles like he’s having a full on conversation.
*Will eat almost anything, but does take to throwing his food on the floor for no reason.

James

Elanor
*Weighing in at a whopping 24 lbs!
*18-24 month clothes are starting to get a bit tight, if they’re one piece or a onesie. We might just hit 2T before she turns two! Although she’s going to fit into Avie’s 6-9month bathing suit this summer…go figure!
*Wearing a size 5 or 6, depending on the brand/style.
*Has 9 1/2 teeth. 8 in front, 1 molar and a partial molar. She’s working on 2 or 3 more teeth, so she hasn’t been too happy lately.
*Climbs up the stairs
*Running like a champ…she’ll still crawl if she doesn’t feel safe where she is.
*Loves, loves, LOVES! the water!
*Eating a bit more, but still very fussy and picky.
*Turned her car seat around, because she kept having screaming fits when you would put her in. She’s much happier now.

Elanor

*All 3 of the kids had their first bottle-less bed time last night.
*They love being outside.
*James sleeps through the night and loves sleep. Ellie is doing a lot better and rarely wakes up. Henry has been good the past few nights, but still is up sometimes, usually only once.
*In the afternoon, if the dogs bark…all 3 of them immediately look at the back door and start saying “Dada”. It’s awesome!

And just because I couldn’t leave Avie out: Miss officially 3 1/2 now!

She’s certainly something. The things that she comes out with are dumbfounding. We’re driving with the windows down the other day and she informs me, “This is the life! A girl could get used to this!”
*She’s weighing in at 33lbs, wearing size 9 shoes, and 4T/5T clothes.

DSC_0586edit

Wednesday, April 17

Routines in the White House
{Part 4}Transportation: Part 2

Routines-in-the-White-House-Transpor
I posted before how we had our minivan setup with 4 car seats. Well, Ellie grew out of her infant car seat….it was a sad, SAD day. Fortunately, our tax return arrived just in time to purchase the new car seat.

So, I set about figuring how to have 3 car seats in the back row and 1 in the middle captain’s chair. And again, after much knuckle-ripping and head-bashing I had figured it out. Only to have it last about a week.

Yea.

See I had it all figured out, but then we discovered something: Avelyn get’s car sick any time we drive for more than 20-30 minutes, since she was in the back of the van. Since she’s the one who actually goes places with me, that are further than 30 minutes away, we had to reconfigure them again….fun right?

Car Seat install

A few more choice words and bloodied knuckles and I had it figured out, again. I’m not keen on the boys being forward facing, despite their being well beyond the 20lbs and 30” recommendations, and a year old; however, it really was the only option given Avelyn’s propensity for vomiting in the car and that you could not fit any child over the backs of the wall of car seats in the back row. We felt ok with the decision to turn them, given that we never go anywhere…seriously…the only time the kids go more than 10 minutes in the car is for their well baby appointments. Elanor is still rear facing, due to her peanut stature and weight.

Soon after this set up was installed we discovered that now Henry, likes to vomit all over himself while in the car. Even while he is sound asleep. I really can sympathize with these kids, because frankly, being in the back seat of a van makes me want tear my hair out…l feel Iike I’m in a straight jacket and being held under water back there, just a slight panic attack, and I’m always the one driving because I get car sick.

We’ll probably stay in this configuration for a while, since I don’t see us turning Ellie before she’s 2 {the goal for every parent…I think a few states have actually mandated that now}. Of course, the boys just had another growth spurt and I will soon have to unstrap their seats in order to adjust their shoulder height. Please pray for me.

We figure we have about another 2 years in this vehicle and then we’ll be looking for another. There is seriously no room in it. Once we put the stroller in the trunk, you’re done. You can’t shove another thing back there. There is the roof, but you I’m paranoid of the clamshell flying off in the middle of the night while driving down the interstate {it’s really a good thing we don’t travel}. We know that once the kids are a bit older we will be travelling places more often, so we’ll definitely need the space.

We figure we could maybe get 1 more kid out of this car and then we’re looking at getting this bad boy….
Do these come in a color other than white? Beige or Silver or Tan perhaps?
By the way…did I mention, pray for me.

Thursday, April 11

Where Does Our Food Come From?
{and other random things}

A farm.

Fortunately for us, we are friends with the farmer. Our Mom to Mom group had a play date last week and the kids had a blast! It was the first nice day in a.g.e.s. and it was great being out in the sun!
farm day *Yes, that is me wearing both Ellie and James at the same time.
*Henry was not feeling well and fell asleep on the couch when we got home.

We were even blessed with a SECOND day of nice weather, on which we headed to the playground at the elementary school.playground
There was even a THIRD day of nice weather, on which we stayed home.  
home There wasn’t a fourth day…it’s been kind of blah again. But it was fun while it lasted!

Sunday, March 31

Easter 2013

We hope that you all had a wonderful day, rejoicing in the resurrection of our Lord!

I figured I’d share a few pictures from our day. More and more I’m realizing that a good family picture is not something that’s going to happen, particularly when I have no one to take the picture but me.

Easter collage This was our very sad attempt at getting a picture of the kids :-)

Easter

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