How We Roll

I took the kids bowling this morning on their day off. I don't usually attempt this sort of thing on my own. It's nice that Owen and Mason are old enough to help me. They were especially sweet to their sister. Avery wasn't sure what to make of the sport. She hung in there, but I think it was sensory overload. She asked to use the potty several times (a rarity). Perhaps the quiet bathroom was a refuge of sorts ;)
I bowled too. I almost didn't, to save money, but I am so glad I did. They loved that I played, at least until I won. hee hee!
Next year for Christmas, I am going to try and remember all these Jan/Feb holidays and suggest gift cards to an indoor activity place as gift ideas for the grandparents :)

Juggling Act

This weekend was a busy one. EJ left on Friday to visit with family. His mother's mothers' health is failing rapidly. He had a nice visit with his grandmother and mom. It's been a long time since he has made that journey on his own. We missed him, but I kept the kids busy and thankfully we enjoyed him today b/c he arrived home late Sat.

The kids and I bike/scooter ed/stroller ed to a nearby bagel shop on Sat morning. It was a great workout and fun treat for breakfast.

Later, I babysat for baby Tripp. I took all 5 to Mason's first baseball game. What a riot. I know everyone was wondering what in the world? I didn't take any pictures of the game, but I did manage to catch Mason at bat each time. He had his first hit off a machine. Pretty big deal in his world!

 

Avery struggled to share Momma. Thankful for her attachment, but certainly tricky holding 2, 22lb babies at once :)Later we introduced Tripp to our ball pit (that recently made a re-appearance). He loved it.

 Get 'em Tripp!

More progress on the basement. Yahoo! 

The bathroom vanity and plumbing is in, the stairs are done and the flooring installation starts tomorrow. Pics soon.

Silly Me

I used to think (before kids), when I wanted to make my home look like a P0ttery Barn magazine, that I'd never allow huge ugly plastic toys :) Little did I know, I'd have them and they'd be stacked on MY desk chair on top of the "coffee table."  

Aside from needing my chair to type this blog post, I don't really care. They are happy and burning off energy on cold blustery days. Plus, I am a tired mama of four and I don't have the energy to be bothered like I used too ;)

Flashback Friday

Yesterday, Ryan wanted the toy bball hoop lowered all the way. Made me think of these pics :)

Ryan - May 2011 

 

And now...

Ryan - Feb 2012

 

 Oh my goodness!

Dropping the Ball

Desperate times (extremely cold temps) call for desperate measures. And yes, the ball pit qualifies for "desperate measures." Only because having all those balls all over the place drives me batty.

 

 Static!

Mason is perfectly content to stay home and play and so today, I chose to do just that. Hopefully I can keep the pace from 2-6 p.m. :) Although today is warming up, so we can be outside this afternoon. I thought Owen was going to drive me crazy during homework time yesterday. It was very obvious they did not go outside for recess. He could NOT sit still.

We've stayed home a lot this week (Mason's 1st morning back is tomorrow). Mostly b/c I had no particular place to go and if I go out for no reason that usually means shopping, which I certainly did enough of back in Nov and Dec :) Staying home or indoors all day wouldn't be my first option. If lunch is over and cleaned up by 12:01 p.m. I know we are in trouble. The day just kind of drags. Don't get me wrong its a quick, never sit down kind of dragging on, but my mind goes a little numb.
I haven't felt a whole lot of purpose for my 1st week of the New Year. Just kind of going through the motions. Actually, I have stayed on top of the house chores (isn't that what everyone does the 1st week of a new year, ha). It's nice to have a tidy and clean house, but the satisfaction dies off quickly.
I have been slow to revamp our 5 Days, His Way. We didn't start back this week. But I am kind of glad I dropped the ball b/c it has made me realize just how important it is for ME. I truly miss it (I was afraid I wouldn't). I need a (vague) guideline for our afternoons. Otherwise we all just flounder about.
This weekend I will make preparations. I'd like to change the scripture verses and our vocab words.
Hopefully the boys will quickly realize how much they missed it too ;)