Bravery

We're 2 weeks down and one more week to go!

We've talked A LOT about teamwork. I've explained to the kids that while dad is gone its really important for us to be brave and work as a team. To pull together and get along as best we can. In fact, after our morning meetings (or when we've started having melt downs) I pull the kids together and have then all put their hands together and on the count of 3, yell..."teamwork!" Its pretty funny. And it works most of the time.
Yesterday, I realized that we hadn't done anything special to reward ourselves for our bravery of being on our own. So I sucked it up and decided to have some bravery of a different sort.
I take my kids shopping with me all the time. No big deal cause I can confine them to a cart. But little stores and especially 7-11's and the like - I stay far away! Well, yesterday something came over me and I decided that it was time to test it out. One the way there we talked about how there were going to be lots of things that we'll want to touch. And that there will be lots places to run around. But that it was super important to stay right by mom and not touch anything so that we could have a special cold drink! And if we couldn't handle it we would have to leave without anything!

Cheers! Clapping! Promises of good behavior! *Me with my fingers crossed*

Oh, how I really wished I had documentation of the event! How cute it must have looked to see the three older ones holding hands across the parking lot. Lane holding the door for all of us. When we got inside there were "oohs and aahs" and delighted faces. Then they all stood along the wall and waited. Of course they were loud and excitedly talking about all the things they saw. And what color of straw they wanted. Could they hold their own cup, etc. But so well behaved! Amazing! (they aren't always perfect! I have had to leave the grocery store before I even got them all in the cart because they were being ridiculous!) But the stars were aligned in our favor that morning. And the reward?

Slurpees! Awesome!

Of course I got "looks" and my favorite..."are they ALL yours?" My new response to that has been, "Yes. Aren't I so lucky?" I was so proud of them (and myself) for pulling it off. We'll have to do it again. Especially in this 90* weather. (I know what you PHX folks are saying, "boo hoo, Jessica." But 90*+ weather and no A/C is really gross!)
Anyway, it was a good time for them and it helped us get through the hot day a little easier! Now if they could always be that well behaved! But then that would be too boring, right?

Here's to one more week!

Rockaway

I can't believe that we've lived in the Northwest for a year now and I never realized how close we lived to a perfect day! Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law. If it weren't for them, we would be the most boring family. Charla called and invited us to go on a little excursion to Tillamook Cheese Factory and then to the beach. All of this is only a 1 and 1/2 hour drive. Unbelievable! We tasted to cheese curds and had the obligatory ice cream cone. All squeaky and yummy! But the beach! Oh my, the beach! What an amazing day! We were there for 7 hours! How did we do it? This is going to sound terrible at first but hang in there and you'll understand. The day of this trip June started getting sick. And I was glad. Really, I was. A 10 month old at the beach is NOT FUN! Of course when we got there all she wanted to do was eat as much sand as possible. But since she wasn't feeling well, she slept the majority of the time. Thanks June. For letting me have a relaxing day at the beach. Although, poor little girl is still sick...a week later. So sad! The Husband got the camera prepped and ready for the day. And in the chaos of organizing 8 people to get up and packed and out...we left it at home! Drat! But thanks to our photog Charla, we were still able to capture the day. Are you ready? Here's a "little" sampling. (One of these days I'll learn how to do a collage so I can post more pics w/o overload guilt!)

Awesome day! We may have been dehydrated, malnourished and sunburned. But I can't wait to go back. There's just something about the water, waves and sand in the toes to calm the soul and pause the crazy!

1/3

1 Week down
2 to go

We've stayed pretty busy this week so its helped the time pass quickly. You better believe that I am keeping a tally of how many times I've been puked on. How many diapers we've gone through. How many tantrums and "I don't want this food. I want different food" conversations we've had. Husband, are you reading this?

We miss you!

Really, we do. Not just cause of the above mentioned tasks. You're good to have around for lots of reasons. Most importantly, we like you.

And just so you know, you'll be taking us back here as soon as possible. Wasn't it an amazing day?!

Love you. Stay safe.

--wife

Independence Day

When your toddler brings you their soiled diaper and a wipe smeared with evidence. All with a face beaming with pride and self accomplishment...

Clearly this child is ready for some independence. To be free from diapers and take care of business on her own. With some patient and guided training, hopefully soon it will all take place in the proper place...if you know what I mean!

No better time than now...wish us luck!

Oh, were you expecting a different sort of Independence Day post? Oops! Maybe next year : )

***And since she's already going to hate me for the above T.M.I. - I thought I would go for the gusto and post this picture as well. She does love that independence. Dressing herself? Yep, she's got skills...***

MEAT

I made hamburgers for dinner. Kyle doesn't like hamburgers. Lane doesn't like meat. What's a mom to do! ...I'm tricky. I cut Kyle's up into little pieces and tell him its meat...but what about Lane?

KG "I don't like cheeseburgers."
Me "I know you don't. That's why you get this meat instead!"
KG "WooHoo! I do like meat!"
Lane "But I don't like meat, mom!"
Me "I know son. I made you a cheeseburger!"
Lane "Alright! I love cheeseburgers!"

How many hours ago was that? I'm still laughing...

Spokane

We're having a fantastic time at Grandma's house this week! (Although we wish Dad were here! See, he gets informed that he has mandatory time off and then soon after he's told that he is exempt from the mandatory time off!! Its a rough gig - being as important as he is.)

So, while my dear Husband is at home catching up on weeks of neglected dishes and bathroom scrubbing (oh yeah, AND working...) we're here lounging in p.j's and swimsuits and having a wonderful time. There will even be pictures to prove it! Prove the having fun and the missing dad.

We'll be back soon!

life lessons from the 3 year old

Trying to quiet 4 little ones at the same time for even 30 seconds is most often a bit tricky. One (or two) needs ample creativity, diversions, off the cuff games to be played to get it to work...if it even WILL work.

Every morning at 8:30 we gather round the kitchen table to have a short family meeting. To talk about what day it is (and how you spell it and sound it out) the schedule for that particular day. What chores need to be done and who needs to be where and when, etc. And most importantly (at least to the kids) who's turn it is to say the prayers for the whole day. We have to have this planned out and written on the white board calendar so they won't argue about who's turn it is as they all want it to be their turn - everyday. There are worse things they could argue about!
This whole meeting should only take 5 minutes or so since we most often don't have anywhere to go. But it usually takes about 10 minutes...at least it seems that way! 5 minutes to get everyone quite. 1 minute of talking. 2 minutes to get everyone quiet again. And so on. We've been working on raising our hands to have a turn to talk. Now we need to work on doing it quietly. HA HA!

Is there a point to this? Of course...hang in there

This morning, the kids were being extremely charming (catch the sarcasm?) Oh goodness were they wiggly and loud! And here's what happened this morning.

(Warning - the following story is not a proud moment for Pat but with his permission I am sharing it anyway. Cause its good!)

After I don't even remember how long trying to get everyone to calm down and co-operate...
Pat (frustrated): Kyle! Do I have to throw something at you to get you to listen to me for 2 minutes?! Good Grief, son!
Kyle (raising his hand): Dad, I want to tell you something.
Pat (up to 11 frustrated): No Kyle, its not your turn right now. Its my turn. You just have some patience for a little while and then it will be your turn.
Kyle (still raising his hand): But Dad, I NEED to tell you something!
Pat (Use your imagination):Son, thank you for raising your hand. I see you. When I'm done, then it will be your turn.
Finally Kyle's turn: Dad, if you throw something at me and you hurt my feelings then you won't have the Spirit of God with you!
Silence...
Pat: You're right, Kyle. I wouldn't. Let's talk about that.
How awesome is that? Pat and I were both hugely humbled! It turn into a great learning opportunity. And we all took turns (quietly and politely) sharing situations where we could lose having the Spirit of God. And what we could do to be better to each other. Just when you think they can't possibly be soaking anything other than T.V, show's in.
But seriously! How can a sweet 3 year old be an example of Christlike love and stinker at the same time?
And, how come he can't remember that same lesson he taught us when 30 minutes later he is beating his sister's head with his dirt digging spoon while they are both screaming?

Love You K.G.!