Sleeping babies...

So since Monkey's gotten older, she doesn't generally fall asleep in our arms anymore. But this morning she was up more than an hour early and so when naptime hit at 1 o'clock she was really tired. As usual, I sat in the rocking chair with her and wrapped a blanket around her. Then I sing songs for both her and Moose, who is laying down in his bed. She was so tired she just fell asleep in my arms, and it was so sweet. It's been so long, I couldn't help but stop and look at her, enjoying the moment. That is, until Moose says, "Mama! Why aren't you doing anything?"

It was really sweet. The whole thing. Since then, I told Moose that if I stop singing and I'm still sitting in the rocking chair it's because Monkey fell asleep, so he doesn't need to say anything. :)

Wrestling...

At nights when the hubs is home, and our schedule isn't hectic, or way behind, the hubs likes to give the kids some fun physical time since I'm not nearly as capable. (Wrestling with a 45+ lb. 4 year old who's half my height and doesn't know his own strength has risks.) So tonight beind one of those nights, I sat in our recliner and watched the kids adoringly play with their papa. It was such a joy.

The hubs is a big guy. Not bulky, but tall. 6'3 or so. (We're pretty sure that's why our kids are both 95+ percentile in height for their age.) He's got enough muscle and size to wrestle these kids to exhaustion. They just love it. Moose just loves playing and wrestling. Sometimes I think he doesn't get enough of it. Monkey is also quite the wrestler despite being smaller in size. She doesn't get nearly as into the fray as Moose will, but she's not too far behind.

I absolutely adore these times when I can watch the kiddos having a blast with their Papa. I truly love it. I remember doing similar games with my dad when I was a kid. I have great memories of him playing monster with us. (A few of those memories include breaking a certain touch lamp with glass panes which we broke most of. Sorry mom!) But certainly memories that will stay with me for a long time. I'm sure the kiddos will remember these fun nights too.

Red Rover, Red Rover...

Send Mama right over! Today we played some games as a family. A while back the hubs taught Moose some fun games and he wanted to play them this afternoon. We played a rousing few rounds of Red Rover, which mostly consisted of 3 of us, with Monkey occasionally running through the place, and ducking under our arms when she got to us. We then proceeded to play some Red Light, Green Light. I will admit that it was a ton of fun. I haven't played that since I was a kid, growing up at my parent's house. I have a ton of great memories playing that in our family room. So we played that, again with only 3 people, but we had a great time. And when Moose was the light man, me and the hubs actually competed a little bit, which was quite fun. I ended up breaking a little sweat by the time we were done. What an awesome afternoon of game playing. It'll be even more fun when Monkey is a bit older and can join in the fun a bit more.

Bedtime...

There are times when these words are not met with happy faces. However, there's always one moment, when I say, "It's time for bed!" that the kids always love, and I do too. After books have been read, potty taken care of, and all that, I will tell the kids that it's time for bed. We're usually in the living room at this point, because that's where Moose's library books are. Whenever I say this, the kiddos both look at each other, and then take off running for Moose's bed. It's really the cutest thing you've ever seen. Well, Moose isn't that adorable running, but Monkey sure is, chasing his heels down the hallway. It's become their favorite thing because they always climb into Moose's bed together (a twin bed) and lay down together. Monkey is still in her crib, but for quite a while now she's been a fan of his bed, and thinks it's so great. I'll let them lay there for a minute or two, and then proceed to take Monkey to the rocking chair and sing them songs before I shut the door.  It's a nice routine we have, and I can certainly say that my favorite part is now, "It's time for bed!" so I can watch them chase each other to the bedroom.

Kisses...

So this was originally intended for yesterday, but the hubs had a long online training for work and immediately turned off the comp after. So here it is today.

Lately, I've started to give Monkey "eskimo kisses". When we rub our noses together. She thinks they are so hilarious, she'll always start giggling. I remember getting a multitude of those silly kisses from my dad when I was little. He was pro at the whisker kiss. I remember butterfly kisses. (Just to mention, I cannot stand that song. Don't know why, just can't.) I certainly remember eskimo kisses. I'm sure we probably made up a few others too. That's the same thing Moose did. I was remembering when he was younger and I introduced him to the eskimo kiss. He was equally intrigued by it and would laugh everytime I did it.

So tonight, have yourself a smile and think about cute little kiddos giggling at eskimo kisses. It sure did make my night.

Bedtime Songs...

Tonight's song consisted of:

"There's a hole in the bottom of the sea" sung Veggie Tales style, by me.

I looked for a youtube video or something. There is one sung by two 13 year old girls. But it doesn't show the veggie tales part, just them, so I decided it wasn't interesting enough. But if you don't know the song, look it up. And try singing it to your kid for bedtime. :)

Bumps...

So over the past few days, Monkey is having a really hard time not hitting her head once a day. It's really getting to be a bit much.
For example: Sunday she walked straight into the door jam. There was some confusion with a big brother in the vicinity, but I'm pretty sure it was still mostly her own fault. I'm pretty sure she hit it again on Sunday too. Just forgot the details. Then there's today. She walked straight into the door frame. I mean, straight on. It was so sad. I was just thinking, "What are you doing?" She's got a nice bruise. Then I was playing with her, and she swung her body around and whacked her forehead on the back of my chair. Again, so sad. Poor thing.

I can't imagine the headaches she's been having lately. We try to give her some tylenol if we know she hit it really good, just in case. I'd hate having a bad migraine after some of her accidents without a little tylenol love. Hope she sleeps good tonight. Without any headaches.

Because I Said So...

So I don't recall if I've posted about this or not, but if I did, excuse me for ranting (okay, expounding) on it again. I caught myself saying this to Moose today (totally not the first time, won't be the last) and stopped and thought, why do I do that? Here's my conclusion.

Sometimes it's just easier to say that to a kid than taking the time to explain your thought process and ultimate conclusions. Here was our scenario today:

Moose left his babies (the two doll/blankets he sleeps with) on the dinner table. While we were eating, Monkey starts to play with one. He wants to take it away. I tell him no. It will only make her very angry, and he knows they're supposed to stay in bed, so it's really his fault she has it anyhow. Later on, he ends up with one of them, and goes to put it away. He wants to put the other one away (which she still has) and I say no. He asks why, and I think the above reasons (it's his fault anyway, it will only make her really angry) but say to him, "Because I said so."  I probably could've taken the time to explain it all to him, but at the time it just seemed like way too much energy to put into something he probably didn't really care about hearing anyhow. (Meaning, he wouldn't have really been better off with my explanation and ultimately was probably just asking the question for the sake of asking it.)

So, my oldest kiddo is 4, and I'm completely a "Because I Said So" Mom, and I totally stand by it. There are times when I take the time to explain things to Moose, if I think it will really be beneficial or helpful to him, but I just don't do it every time. So I stand by my mom phrase, and encourage all your other parents to do likewise. I'm considering it a privilege of parenthood.

End of Summer...

Today officially marks the end of summer for us. The hubs starts work tomorrow. (Although the students don't show up until Wednesday.) It's exciting to start this next school year. Tomorrow is a "detox" day. Mostly for me, since the kids don't understand that and probably don't need it. I think the most we will do is go to the library (and get gas if we have to.) and spend the rest of the day relaxing at home.

It's been a really long, but enjoyable summer. It's actually gone really fast, and it's hard to believe it's over. The last month has made it seem longer since we've had so many things planned, it's hard to believe we did it all.

It's been raining today, which for me is a perfect way to end this summer. It's cool, and cleansing in a way. Like washing off everything we've been doing, for a new start. I'm really looking forward to whatever will come this fall. The kiddos are growing so fast. It's hard to grasp how quickly the time has gone. It feels like Monkey was just born, and she's almost 1 1/2, and acting like such a big girl.  Moose is such a big guy and getting so mature (for a 4 year old, of course). I just love watching our family grow.

Well, the next few days should be interesting, now that the hubs will be leaving for work much earlier, and I'll need to be manning the fort much earlier than I have been. I know I can do it. It will just take a few days to re-adjust. And now that I'm done sewing (Definitely the first time I've been this glad to put my sewing machine away.) I can clear off the school table so me and Moose can restart our daily school time, which we have both missed a lot. I'm definitely looking forward to what's next for us.

Wedding Day...

So today was the big day. I spent the entire morning sewing and was so glad when I was done. Ultimately it was a beautiful ceremony. Moose did awesome and received rave reviews on his duties as ring bearer. The lady conducting the ceremony had him stand there for a minute while she talked about the rings (we didn't prepare him for this) and he stood so still and looked really intently at her. I was very proud.

I'm very glad that this weekend is mostly over. We've been so busy lately, I am (as I've said before) very much looking forward to the slow down in pace. I just got the kids down (shortly after 9 - ahh!) and I'm thinking after such a long day (with no nap for Moose and an early one for Monkey, due to the early afternoon ceremony) there won't be any noises coming from behind that door. The hubs is still at the wedding (it's still going strong) so he can help his brother break down DJ equipment when the party is over. So I'm stuck here relaxing alone tonight. Oh well.

It was a beautiful day. The bride was absolutely dazzling! (Seriously, in that bolero jacket you were supremely gorgeous. I was totally staring!) The kids were adorable, the ceremony wonderful. It was a great feeling to remember my own wedding day. (As it was a fantastic day.) The day that started it all. And 6 years later here we still are, with 2 kids added to the mix. And more to come! Weddings are wonderful. Such a beautiful celebration to start out a new life together.

Congrats you to crazy lovebirds!

Almost the big day...

So tomorrow's the wedding and I think we might actually be ready. Just about.  Today was spent sewing up the mother in law's dress, and it's 95% done. A little hand stitching to finish tonight and the hem in the morning. My most pleasing accomplishment was getting Moose's suspenders all ready. He now has a matching pair to go with his homemade bow tie. What a cutie pie he's going to be as ring bearer! And all of his get-up will match their colors, as well as perfectly matching the dress my sis in law found for Monkey. We'll definitely have to get some family photos tomorrow, since the hubs will be in a tux we'll be one good looking crew!

We enjoyed the rehearsal dinner tonight, which didn't mean too much for the kids. Just a lot of good food for us adults! The majority of the day was spent recovering from a 10 o'clock bedtime last night. That sort of stuff sounds so good at the time, but we really pay for it afterwards. That's why we normally DO NOT get out of our routine. But every now and then we do, and then remember why we don't like it. Moose slept in til 7:30, and Monkey got up a little early around 8:30 or so. Even though they had their naps today, they were still ready for bed tonight, and we got them down a little late due to the dinner. But tomorrow should be the last big event, and then a school schedule begins for us starting Monday. So perhaps some amount of normalcy will return to our home. I am oddly looking forward to next week a ton. I miss the regularity our schedule used to provide, and me and Moose both miss doing his "school" every day. It will be fun to get back into our old routines.

We just have to survive tomorrow. I think we can do it. Can't wait to see my great bro in law marry his gorgeous bride. We're so happy for them both, and excited to officially have another sister in law!

Only Slightly Frantic...

So yesterday wasn't too bad, it just got late and the hubs turned off the computer. (While I watched, laying down on the couch, too tired to say wait.) Today however, was slightly frantic, and it will most likely continue over the next few days.

This morning we spent the entire morning running errands with the whole fam. The hubs had the day off, so it's always a good day for family errands. Stopping at work, dropping off at the thrift store, big Wal-Mart trip, then off to the fair with the rest of the fam. We spent a few hours there, then brought our kids home and put them straight down for a nap. Then I proceeded to cut my hubs hair, and sew. I'm working on my mother in law's dress for the upcoming wedding. (Saturday.) Then Moose got up (after only an hour, fantastic.) and I cut his hair too. Then I sewed some more. Then the hubs headed over to the Big House (his brother's house) for a brother/son bachelor party with all the boys. Simultaneously everyone else had dinner and partying at the in law's house. This included massive amounts of food (some being prepped for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow), a whole lotta kids, and 4 women. Basically, madness.

All in all it was a really fun time. But in the end we stayed way too long, Monkey ended up falling down the stairs a tad bit (totally unhurt, thank GOODNESS!), and a short while later was kicked in the face by a cousin. (And yes, it's actually a bit swollen and red. Hope she won't have a black eye at the wedding!) That put a lovely cap on the night for me and I was done. They're now both in bed, and hopefully will fall asleep shortly. Miss Monkey is fussing as I type. Although with her night, I'm not too surprised. I think I'm going to go cuddle her for a minute (if she's still fussing when I reach the door) and hope for a peaceful night. I gave her tylenol as a pre-emptive strike. Maybe tomorrow won't be too bad. Plenty of sewing, but otherwise nothing much to do til the rehearsal dinner.

We can do this. One more weekend til school starts. We can do this.

Teething and more...

So for the last two days, Monkey has had a pretty serious runny nose. Which makes her falling asleep fantastic. (Can you sense the sarcasm?) She usually goes to sleep fine for her naps, for whatever reason, but bedtime is a whole other story.

Tonight's bedtime was a little worse than usual. The hubs put her down, complete with tylenol (teething: molars and I'm pretty sure her canines too), vicks and the humidifier. Covering all the bases I suppose. But she screamed, nonetheless. A lot.  After a bit I decided to go in and hold her a little and sing some songs. As I went to pick her up, I felt that her bum was wet. Upon further searching, she had a little accident. Not a poop accident, as I was expecting, but a vomit accident. Not much, thankfully, but enough. (Really, it was a tiny amount, but still needed bathing and cleaning.)

So after a bath, some cleaning, new sheets, etc., we were ready to put her back to bed with Moose. (He had been awake the whole time, but by now it was his bedtime too.)  She's still not the happiest of campers, but I don't think we'll have to go in again. (crossing my fingers!) And hopefully there'll be no more fluids of any kind. (crossing my toes!)

Scooby Doo Saga...

So Moose's current obsession is Scooby Doo. He loves Scooby Doo. He's only seen it on our Netflix Instant Watch (a real treasure), but just loves it. However, one day he was watching it and the episode (for the first time) was actually quite scary and in the end the monsters were people with masks, or that sort of thing. (Which they usually are.) The hubs didn't really like it, and we didn't want Moose getting nightmares or anything of the sort. Not to mention his need to act like a zombie, and make strange sounds at a teeny slumber party across the way. (Yes, this actually happened a few months ago.) Anyhow, Scooby Doo was temporarily banned.

Now in comes my stroke of genuis. Moose would occasionally complain about things like taking a nap, going to bed at night, or going to the bathroom when asked. It was SO annoying. So I get this idea one day and tell him he can't watch Scooby Doo because he's not a big boy. And big boys don't complain about going to bed or going potty. So for 4 days, if he wouldn't complain about any of those things, he could earn one Scooby Doo show on Netflix.

Fast forward to now, and he's earned 2 Scooby Doo shows. It's been over one week of NO complaining about the potty or going to bed. Can we say score one for Mom? Oh yeah. I'm pleased. And he knows that if Scooby Doo starts to make him scared, or act bizarrely, or if he starts to complain about things like shutting the bathroom door because of monsters (which he knows, and will tell us, are not real) then Scooby Doo is out. So far, it's worked like a charm.

And he'll readily tell anyone that the monsters are always people wearing masks. (Which makes me and the hubs happy.)

Water Fight...

We were able to have an awesome family dinner at the grandparents house. Lately their house has meant water play to the kids, so we came prepared with swim suits today. Grandma brought out a new slip and slide for the kids (Toy Story 3!) and after they put it on a small hill, the fun began. Eventually it became a water fight with 3 separate hoses. It was pure madness. Especially for my 3 nieces and bro in law who were not dressed for the water! :)

Moose used to be the type who didn't enjoy that sort of playing in the water. He was a "water on my own terms" kind of kid". He still is in many ways, but he's learning to just enjoy the fun of it and get soaking wet. He had a blast today, and was even blasted in the face with a water hose by his cousin and didn't cry! (Which is what I thought would happen.) Monkey had a good time too, as she enjoys the water a lot. She couldn't handle the slip and slide on her own (she'd fall on her back and it would be too slippery for her to get up and she'd just lay there writhing on her back.) but was able to do it with others and enjoy the fun.

I enjoyed all the fun from the window inside the house. Luckily the hubs is such a playful guy and was in the midst of it all, soaking wet like everyone else. Such a great day to cap the summer, since it's just about over for us. School starts the 25, the hubs starts work the 23. The summer is just about done. It's gone so fast!

Cleaning Time...

So today I got a bit of a cleaning bug and decided to do a little bit. Monkey's finally old enough that I'm able to do some of these things while she's awake and it's not too hard to keep her in appropriate places, and out of trouble. I started cleaning the bathrooms a tiny bit, and then decided that I needed to clean the kitchen floor. (Since Monkey is perfectly comfortable picking up her cheerios from the kitchen floor and eating them, I decided the floor should be as clean as possibe.)

I started out sweeping, and apparently I don't do this infront of her very often, because she was fascinated with what this "broom" thing was. It took a while to finish that part. Then out came the mop. (This is an old fashioned twisty mop and bucket.) This was extremely interesting. I don't think she's ever seen me mop. No, not because I don't ever do it, but because we never do it when she's awake.

Now, here comes the "this is why we don't do it when you're awake part". As I was in the middle of mopping and talking to my sister on the cell phone (which was now plugged into the wall in the kitchen), I wasn't keeping a very close eye on her, and she walked straight into the kitchen, right over the freshly mopped part. As you can imagine, she fell right back and hit her head. Fortunately she was okay, not very hurt, and easily distracted, but it reminded me nonetheless why I don't do these things when she's awake.

And of course later on (because I hadn't tossed the water yet because I still wanted to mop more) she brought me books to read her and dropped one right in the water. Thank goodness it was a thick board book. Those Sandra Boynton books are resilient. That's one reason why I like them so much.

But all in all, a fun cleaning day introducing my girl to the mop and broom.

(Oh, and Moose wanted to help mop once he saw what I was doing. So I let him help me mop the entry ways. It was such a treat for him. Wonder how long that'll last?)

Old Friends...

We had the awesome pleasure of having some old friends visit us today. They live a few hours away, where we lived for 2 years, but now we rarely get to see them since we moved a little over a year ago. They have a little guy Moose's age, and they are really good friends.

Sadly, Moose hasn't been able to find an new friend even close to this other guy. They came and played for a few hours this morning and it was awesome. I so enjoyed watching them interact. His buddy is very equally matched to Moose in verbal skills, the way they want to play, and all those things, so they make the best playmates. Watching them play together made me realize how much we missed them, and how much Moose must miss having a boy his age that he can connect with. There are a few girls his age, but let's be honest, they just don't play the same ways.

It was such a blast having our friends visit. Monkey just adored their 6 month old girl and oogled over her a lot. They also have an almost 3 year old boy who joined right in with the 4 year olds in all their boyish play. This included trains, wrestling, tools, monsters, and a bout of saying things like "stinky socks" or "smelly head". It was so much fun.

As much as we really enjoy our new and current home, I remembered how much we enjoyed our old home, and how great it was to have a friend for Moose, a boy, that is his age and that he really clicks with. I wish we lived closer. Or maybe we'll be fortunate enough to find a friend for Moose that he can connect with like he does with them.  Either way, it was a great morning that made me smile.

Anniversary Date...

I'm getting ready to leave the kiddos with the mother in law for the night as me and the hubs finally head out to celebrate our anniversary. We're having a fantastic dinner (courtesy in part to my parents for their fabulous gift card and our friend for a leftover gift certificate to the particular restaurant), which will be followed by a late night movie.

I'm sure the kiddos will have a blast with grandma. They always do. I know we're going to enjoy our night out, chatting and eating, and relaxing together to celebrate six fantastic years.

The New Babysitter...

I know for some kids, the TV can easily become a babysitter. However, for Monkey, it holds no appeal. Her babysitter is...the bathtub. So wonderful, so wet.

The other day, Monkey was being high maintenance and when the hubs came home that night, mentioned something about putting her in the bathtub to ease up on the stress load. So tonight I tried it. He was gone helping his brother and I had the kiddos. Moose is an easy fix. We watched a movie together, which is always super special. But since Monkey has no desire for media yet (which I'm totally okay with, by the way. Moose didn't watch any tv, movies until he was 2.) I had to entertain her. She was getting tired, I was getting worn out, and that's when I remembered the new babysitter.

So Miss Monkey took a bath (a straight shot from my spot in the living room, bathroom door open, of course, water super low - for those worried about safety) while me and Moose enjoyed a bit of our movie together. Then the hubs came home, which ended her bath and the chaos began again. But that's okay. At least now I'm more familiar with my new ally, the new babysitter.

Raising a Reader...

So we made a real effort with Moose to expose him to books early and often. As a result of this, we read books every day, and he's a big fan. We remember when we was younger, and we'd read books before bed. We finally realized the only way to keep him from throwing a fit for more books was by letting him pick 5 books. That was his magic number.

Monkey is only 16 months old, but she is quite the book fanatic as well. We have a few sets, one with Winnie the Pooh and an exercising theme, and two sets of Sandra Boynton books (which I adore) that she would literally have me read to her all day long.

The last few days have been this way. I'm so happy that she has this early love for reading, and I'm doing my best to encourage her love of books (since she's obviously not reading, but looking and listening) but I must admit that it is really exhausting. In that "this is really boring, must I read this again" sorta way.

But don't get me wrong. I want my kids to learn to love books. I'll just be glad when one of them knows how to read.

Yay for home...

So today ended up being a day at home after all. While I slept in with Miss Monkey, the hubs took Moose to the store and did the grocery shopping. (Love you hubs!) It was a wonderful day of recovery, completely at home, never once considering going anywhere. It was great.

Maybe now that we're finally recovered, I'll brace myself to take the kids to the library as it's been quite a long time. Perhaps.

I'm currently looking forward to celebrating our anniversary this Friday night. Or Thursday night. Dinner and a late night movie (the movie theater is a once a year occurrence for the most part, and is a pretty big deal for me. I'm quite excited about it.) while the kiddos spend the night with the grandparents. I just hope there's something good to watch in the theaters. We always try to pick something that's a real "theater" movie and is worth paying the high cost, versus something that's equally good at home. (For example, the last thing we saw in the theater was "Avatar".) Any recommendations?

Back to life...

The reunion and all business included with it is over, and it feels like we might be back to the way things were. At least for a week or so. Last night we were home late after a dinner, games and talent show. I played a duet with my niece and the kids sang along. It was an exerpt from "A Spoonful of Sugar". Moose actually sang the words. I was pleased enough. It was a really fun time, but I am completely finished with my kids going to bed at 9:30 and being non-stop all the time. I actually look forward to a complete day of going nowhere. Perhaps tomorrow. Perhaps. Probably not. I think we need to go to the store. Oh well. Perhaps Tuesday then...

The hubs and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary yesterday. Yay us. We'll actually be celebrating this coming weekend with dinner out and maybe a late night movie. The kiddos will likely spend the night with grandma and grandpa. Then the week after, I'm afraid, will be a slight return to chaos. The hubs' brother is getting married the 21st. (Yay!!!) Moose is going to be the ring-bearer. (Awww.) I'm excited for the entire event. I don't think it will bring nearly the amount of chaos that the reunion did. Just a few missed naps and one or two late nights. It will most certainly be worth it. Weddings are always such warm and happy occasions. I just love them!

Mr. Ring Bearer is going to be wearing a bow-tie and suspenders. I finished his bow-tie. (Yes, I made it.) I'll be working on the suspenders this week, now that the reunion business is finished. I just need one more supply and I can whip them out. I think he's going to look super cute in the combo. And the kid sweats bullets so easily, that a suit coat and the whole get-up would probably have him soaked through his shirt before he made it down the aisle, I'm afraid.

Anyway, one week of slightly not much to do and then another week of somewhat business, and then the school year starts and the hubs is back to his high school schedule.

The summer has gone WAY too fast.

Family Reunion Fun...

So last night was such a late night, and the computer wasn't turned on, that my nightly post got the boot. But tonight the computer was on, so I'm whipping it out. Yesterday was full of family reunion fun. We had the "opening ceremonies" so to speak. Everyone wore name tags, we talked and mingled, had some killer food (s'mores too!) and sang some campfire songs. (Most of which we didn't know, but that added to the fun.)

Tonight was even better. We had a light dinner and got to the game playing.  The hubs was involved in an egg toss. At one point, he was up on a rock, right infront of me and Monkey, having the egg tossed at him, at pretty high speeds, since they were already pretty far apart. I openly screamed about twice, for fear of being splattered with raw egg. Then they finally found another distance to throw from. After that we enjoyed badmitton, horseshoes, water balloon volleyball and more. It was tons of fun. Then came the magic show, which we previewed a few weeks ago. It was wonderful, once again, and there were still a few that I completely couldn't figure out. Moose remembered bits and pieces and would get excited occasionally.

We had a late night again (although our morning was completely empty, which was nice) but I'd say it was worth it. It was a lot of fun. Tomorrow we're in for even more. Pot luck, family photos, talent show, and 50's sock hop. Oh goodness! It should be great. For now, it's a night of recovery.

And ooh, I got a ringer playing horseshoes. We won. I was pretty proud. :)

Family Reunion...

So today was the unofficial beginning of a family reunion on the hub's side of the family. It technically starts tomorrow, but since his brother and 3 kiddos are already in town, we spent most of the day together. We went to a local ranch that's free and has horses, goats, pigs, bunnies, a huge turkey, and more. The kids got to ride a horse and had an awesome time.

After late naps (but naps nonetheless) we had dinner at the "big house". This is the house which is the biggest in the area belonging to family, for which we use for all family gatherings, for the most part. Everyone was there. Great Grandma, the in-laws, two brother in laws, their wives, and 6 kids, plus our bunch of 4. Pure madness. If their house wasn't so large (and yard) I'm sure I would've gone mad. But it was tons of fun. By the end, Monkey was running around shaking her head (which makes her ridiculously wobbly and dizzy) and crashing into anyone who would catch her. It was a blast.

Tomorrow the official reunion begins. It's 4 or 5 generations. I'm not sure how to count them. Although the oldest generation no longer has any living members. But a huge group, to say the least. So the next 3 days are going to include super late bedtimes, possibly ruined naps (maybe not) but hopefully a ton of fun. Here's to a fun reunion! (My first on the hubs side, outside of just him and his brothers. This should be interesting!)

Productive Day...

This morning I didn't have many plans and didn't really feel up for much, not having slept well the night before. However, I undertook a project early this morning since Monkey was sleeping in (thanks to her not sleeping well last night either.) I put together Moose's rather large Thomas the Train Track System that has been undone for weeks. It's also been caked in dust from a wind storm a while back. So I swept, and cleaned pieces and put it back together. Yay for me!

I was feeling pretty good, like I had done my motherly duty for the day. Until Moose received his final birthday present in the mail today. A Black and Decker Toolbench. So during naptime, I took it upon myself to put together the entire thing, even installing a few sets of batteries. Lo and behold, I had outdone even myself.

It felt pretty good to go above and beyond my expectations for the day. I, only slightly, regret to say that the rest of the day didn't prove to be very productive in any way. Outside of feeding my children healthy meals. But I felt good about it. Moose loves having his train track restored and adores his new toolbench and tools. We even stayed late at grandma's house visiting with his cousins who just got in town, until 9 o'clock. As we left the house, I said something along the lines of, "You should be saying thank you for us letting you stay up so late so you could stay up and play with your cousins." To which I didn't actually expect a response. But Moose promptly replied, "Thank you Mama."

I think my day is officially done. :)

Dinnertime Diapers...

For those of a weak constitution, tonight was not a night for you. It started out innocently enough. As we were enjoying our fantastic stir fry at the dinner table, Monkey felt the need (as kids often do) to announce that she was pooping. So when she was done eating, the hubs was prepared to take her straight to the changing table and handle business. However, upon taking her from her chair, he realized she had "stuff" up her back and out one leg hole.

Ew.

Needless to say, we haven't had anything like this happen in ages. However, for the last while, Monkey has been plagued with what we like to call "pebble poo". You can imagine why we term it that. So I'm guessing she hasn't been getting quite enough of something in her diet lately and her body decided to do a little regulating.

Having been such a long time since we've handled something like this, the whole affair was pretty silly, while still being stinky. We more or less put her straight in the bathtub. I'll spare you some of the icky details. (For which I know you're glad because I've already shared enough, right?) But when you're parenting kids of this age, this sorta thing just becomes part and partial. "The whole genie gig. Phenomenal cosmic power. Itty bitty living space."

I don't know about any phenomenal cosmic powers (except for eyes in the back of my head), but he definitely had it right when he said itty bitty living space. Kids spread out and take over everything, ultimately leaving you with very little of your own living space. But it's worth it. Even when it's stinky.

Silliness...

I spent the last few minutes before the kids went to bed laying on the couch watching Monkey. She was taking an adult sized t-shirt, putting it over her head (so she could not see) and then trepidly walking around the living room giggling. It was absolutely hilarious. And when the shirt would fall off, or she'd decide to take it off, or she'd actually bump into something, she'd look up with a huge grin on her face, just knowing how cute and funny she was being.

She really is becoming quite the character.