Baby care

Today I walked into the playroom and it was terrible. You would not have known there was carpet. So off to some cleaning we went. After about 20 minutes it was really pretty good. Only several things moved out, the sweet little babies moved to L's room. Tonight when they had on their Pj's and J was on the phone with a patient, the kids, all 3, were trying to get babies to sleep. Ek and H were taking care of the babies they got when L was born and L was taking care of baby Katie that her great Aunt Jeni gave to her. They were all swaying and swaddling and humming and those babies got so many kisses on their way to bed. Ek swaddled her baby perfectly. H was a bit bouncy and loud at times, and he wrapped his in a hand towel, but hey, he tried! L was hilarious. For some reason, she holds her baby high on her shoulder and throws her tummy and hips forward and sways. She takes her baby care very seriously. At one point she told me her baby would not let her put her down. hilarious that she recognizes that! And she did get her baby a lovie at one point. She also shhh, shhh- ed her baby alot. So should I take notes here, high on shoulder, hips forward, sway, shhhh, lovie, don't put down. check check check.

Not so much

I forgot to say last night-- just before the movie started, during the previews, Ek leaned over and said, "hey mommy, after this, I think we should get a real dragon." I said, "sure honey, that would be great." she said, "we will know how to take care of him!" I agreed with nodding. About 10 minutes into the movie, she tapped me again, "Mommy. About that dragon, not so much." I had a feeling that was coming.

Raising Vikings?

I just took my kids on a spring break trip to the movies. My big kids that is, I am sooooo oo oooo glad I did not take L to see a movie about vikings and dragons, that would have been a bad choice. At times, Ek and H wished, I'm sure, that they were not there also! Even I had to remind myself, this is a kids movie, in kids movie the hero seldom dies. And he didn't! Horray! So, I am not writing to give a strange recap, but to say-- how grateful I am when God can give a great reminder of what to be speaking to my kids. The main character really struggled to know his place in life, especially because of his relationship with his father. I want my children to know, so much and so deep, that God has a wonderful plan for their lives, not easy, but peaceful, and that they were made with that purpose known. I want for them so much to seek God's plan and know God's plan is mine too. I don't have big specific hopes and dreams for their lives. I just want them to live out their purpose and their good works that were prepared beforehand that they should walk in them (Ephesians). I want to train and teach and cheer, pick up and nurse to healing, send out in strength, receive in fatigue, love always and accept. Help me Lord. please.

Welcome spring.

After the St. Patricks parade, we were at home hanging out with mom and dad. It was beautiful out, I mean perfect afternoon beautiful. The sun was shining, the tank was clean (sorry a "Nemo" line just popped out!) and when the breeze wasn't blowing and you were in the sun, it may have been just about 70 degrees. Perfect weather for--- da-da-da-daaaaaaa-- an afternoon in the sprinklers.

Thats right, bathing suits and all. I didn't actually get bathing suit pictures because by that point I was way too comfortable lying on my towel in the sunshine. Ek and H were so happy to pretend like it was summer for a minute and actually, I was too. Mom and Dad had to head back to Athens for a party, so we headed over next door and grilled steaks and asparagus, made mashed potatoes, creamed corn, squash and onions, rolls, salad and a key lime pie for dessert. What an amazing day. From race, to parade, to mom and dad being here- of course- it was St. Patrick's, to sprinklers to cookout. Amazing.

Irish football afternoon

Last week during the St. Patricks day festivities, S's parents worked with an Irish frield of theirs to bring a team of high schooler to spend the week in our Dublin. It was amazing seeing them around town, they were always smiling and laughing, as well they should be, they had a week taht they were treated as royality! One afternoon, they played the TCS boys in soccer. We were so excited to see them play and spend the afternoon with friends. Then we went over to the other field and the kids played with their hurling equipment and watched the boys run some. We had an absolute blast beign outside and playing all afternoon.

The girls took a break from playing, mostly twirling and discussed the news of the day. H thought he might as well get caught up as well.

The boys had a great time kicking, running and playing...

B acting as water boy, he really liked that cooler!

The M's taking pictures of the Irish boys and their boys at the end of the game.
"Look! I got cleats jus like you!"
Life with friends is so fun!
little ducklings walking from one field to the other, safely. 7 children (C was holding baby J), only 2 families!
I'm not so sure what H was laughing about here, but it must have been good.
We went straight from the fields to the annual Pancake supper. No need to wonder why there are no pictures from that event, although my camera was in my purse. Three hours at the fields playing + a long line for pancakes + crazy amounts of people = tired, hungry children.

Never mind the lights, just a quick picture!

L had her first sleepover guest Friday night. Pops and Mopsey were in Ek's bed, so Ek joined L. It took a while for L to fall asleep, but maybe because she had a 3 hour nap, but she did eventually go to sleep. So thankful these sweet girls think so much of each other.

H was alone in his room, well except for the muiltitude of animals, but I had to turn his lights on for a pic too. Nothing like a peaceful sleeping child.

Mad for bball

H has been all about a basketball lately. Maybe its because the weather is a bit warmer and we are out a bit more, and that boy has been in front of his basketball goal. Last week, he and I were shooting. We both had a ball and were both shooting and keeping track of how many we made. I had 2 and he had 5 at one moment and he said, 'here mommy, I'll help you, let me have your ball.' So he took my ball and made three baskets and caught me back up to him, then joyfully returned my ball and picked his back up and went back to shooting. What a generous boy. :) He has been dribbling up a storm and is even working on some new moves. He is becoming a fan of the under on leg dribble and a spin move that I think will come in handy one day. Yesterday I was calling and calling the boys of my home to come in from shooting for supper-- finally they came in, H was first and proclaimed he had 21. John came in a few steps behind to say he had 17. That's right, H out shot. He has been playing in the driveway, dribbling up and down the hallway and shooting above the door frame and in his room on a over the door hoop. I guess we are having some March madness around here too.

2010 Leprechan RR

Wow what a weekend! It may take me weeks to recount all the fun we had. Where to begin? Where to begin? hmmmmmm. I think one of the biggest highlights was during Friday night dinner we saw an ole familiar car pull up and raced to the street to give hugs to our Pops and Mopsey. and the big times began. Mom commented on how H makes such a fast bee-line to Pops these days. Gotta love Pops!

Saturday morning was the race. I do love the race. It makes me so happy to see all those people, over 1000 this year, out running, walking, smiling, cheering and having a great time. I love it! Last year the big kids ran and L hung in the stroller. J was recovering and I ran the 10K. I had the most amazing cheering crowd that followed me all around the course. The kids ran the mile, without stopping, in about 11 minutes, I ran in a bit under an hour. On to this year-- the kids ran without stopping or asking to stop!! in a bit over 9 minutes and J finished a fast 46 minutes. His first 10K race, by the way. My knee kept me to the mile only, but it didn't hurt!! horray! I can get back at it now. Amazingly Ek's friend Leah finished with us just like she did last year. H's buddy JP finished about a minute quicker. I was amazed watching the racers come in, there were so many fast kids! and I can't wait to help mine run fast too! What a blast. I forgot my camera, but thanks to email and FB, I have these shots.

I love this picture! J is running so strong!

My fast runners after the finish line!
Ek and her 2nd cousins, who ran awesome! watching racers come in.

Growing

Three years ago, when Ek was at school where L is now in preschool, a man came to make silhouttes of the children. L was in my belly, so I was hesitant to do Ek and H because I knew my collection would be incompete. Mom wouldn't hear of it. I'm glad I listened to her. Ek was 3, H was 1. Ek's hair was barely growing and she mostly wore it in a little water sprout. It was so straight and she was teh sweetest little thing. H barely had hair. He sat in my lap and I was so pleased at his adorable profile. They really looked just like their silhouttes. I loved them and they have sat on my shelf ever since. Here they are.

I was so excited when L started preschool there and hoped the artist would come back. I have even been tempted to mail him so side profiles of my kids and ask him to mail them to me. Well, he came yesterday. I took some pictures of the kids,

and took L to sit live for her silhoutte. Maybe I should say "sit." She was as wiggly as she has ever been, but so happy and so cute. They seemed to think she was quite adorable, I know I do. My feeling of the new silhouettes is very mixed. I love them, I really do, but I cannot believe how much they have changed in 3 years. My, my, my, they have grown. So happy over them- yes, but sad that they are changing so quickly, and so so grateful to have this little snap shot of their adorable features at these precious ages.

Green days of spring

There is nothing quite like St. Patrick's Day in Dublin. This morning we began our day with green french toast in the shape of shamrocks. hilarious. Ek was quite ready for the day with her t-shirt, necklace, bracelet, headband and socks all green with Shamrocks. We are in the middle of all the festivities. We have been to the balloon festival and beauty pageant. We can't wait for the pancake supper, annual visit from mom and dad for the race, parade, arts and craft festival, and quilt show. I hope this year we will make Munchies on Main. And J may try out the bike race on Sunday. I am enjoying my Shamrock plant and all the green balloons around town. Ek's class was so brightly green today that it was almost overwhelming. Good times, good times.

Good night, again

"Good night" has not actually meant "good-bye" around here lately. L has been stirring up some excitement on the second floor here as of late. I think my favorite was several nights ago when I was talking on the phone to Dad when L came down stairs and stood beside the couch to tell me H was out of his bed. And you are ...? The have been telling on each other like that so much when I can clearly hear the tattle tale is out of their bed as well. Ek called me to her room 2 nights ago to tell me L was playing in her doll house and saw nothing wrong with her light being on in her room. Of course she was playing in the room with the light on!!! Last night J was talking on the phone and laughing, L heard us and crept quiet as a mouse downstairs and then popped her little smiling head around the side of the couch like she was the cutest thing you ever saw-- and she is, but a bit cuter when she is obeying. On a sleeping note, poor H couldn't find his puppy the other night (who was in the play kitchen in the playroom- silly us for not looking there) was all curled up snuggling with his monster truck prize. I'm sure the other 8 stuffed animals were wondering why truck was chosen over them, I was too actually. All is quiet now. I hope they are all snug and asleep.

Little friends

What can be said about these two!? This is one of L's favorite friends, C's little brother H. They are both lively, hilarious, adorable and the baby. It will be a hoot to see their lives lived out. Love this little pic of them, happy to be out and about, swinging and playing. Love em!

As promised,

Ok, so here's the story. Ek's 'best' friend C, all of the sudden, decided she was ready to have her ears pierced for her birthday, which was yesterday. C's mom had always said when she was ready, it would be the time for it. I had no theory, I was 10, but didn't quite know when the best time would be for my girls. We were in the car several weeks ago and the girls were just talking talking all about it. Full of wonder over what it would feel like and just the whole experience. Ek never really said anything about her feelings over her own little ears. I just assumed she was not quite ready and that was fine with me. I even told C's mom that Ek must not be ready she hadn't said anything about wanting her ears done. C wanted Ek to come with her to have her ears done so she could hold her hand. Great, I thought, then maybe we will see if Ek would want her ears done. Then one day while riding in the car, Ek said she couldn't wait for C's birthday. Why? I asked, knowing full well. Then she said, "I just don't know if maybe I should go first so I can tell C what it feels like." excuse me? "Yes mom, I'm going to have mine pierced too." what? deep sigh. C's dad said, "That Ek, she's all action and no talk!" Let this be a lesson to me! So J and I talked about it and decided to let her go ahead and have it done. I told Ek that she could have it done that this was something I could say 'yes' to, but there will be times when she wants things her friends want that I will need to say 'no' to and that she needed to trust me that day too. I told her for instance elementary boyfriends-- 'no.' hahahah but really 'no.'

So here is how it all went down--- The day before C's birthday, Friday afternoon, we meet at the pediatrician's office for nurse Rebecca to medically pierce them. C's mom and I had gone by earlier to pick the earrings to leave the girl out of that loop (pun intended). Next door neighbor B went along with us and a hold host of boys came along with C.

C went first and was so brave, didn't cry a tear but looked quite distraught over the pain. She later told her mom that she was quite scared on the but didn't want anyone to see on the outside.

Ek, not so much. She was terrified and could not hold it in.

She said she wanted to change her mind, but I knew she really wanted it done especially seeing C's ears sparkling. I knew if we walked out, she would regret it. So. I made her go ahead and do it. Like hold apart her shoulder and ear. And thought, why I am doing this? And thought, oh yeah, for my sweet girl who is having a moment of hesitation over what she really wants. So we did it. There were tears but never anger (at me). And by the time we made it to the front door, we began to see a sweet-I-did-it smile. The are beautiful and she is really glad its over with.

I'll tell the story later...

Wacky

Today was Wacky Day at L's preschool. She wore a matching shirt with Ek and then she was all on her own. Just to add emphasis to the picture, she had on a plaid shirt, striped shirt underneath, polka dot tights, a jean skirt with flowers, green boots with bugs on them and a ballerina hair clip. The best part was that she did not seem to notice anything out of the ordinary about her outfit. The worst part was that most of it was new spring clothes that she had not worn so she probably thinks they all go together, oh help me! I know the picture of them is way out of focus but sometimes a quick out of focus picture is worth it, this was one of those. In the other she was twirling, again, not great photography, but well worth it. What a cute girl she is.

A monster prize

We had some huge excitement at our house last week. H got to bring home a huge prize- monster size actually. Everyday at school, when they behave well and do not have their 'clip' moved or have to stand on the fence at recess, they get a sticker on a their chart. After about 25 stickers and their chart is full, they get a prize. Twenty-five days of good is no easy task for a 4 year old. I guess he does have the advantage over some of his classmates that he only has to be good until noon. hahaha His major offenses these days are not sitting still on the carpet, running in the classroom and talking at the table. In other words, he is doing amazing at school and I am so proud of him. So back to the prize. His teacher told me that most of the girls want Barbies and the boys want monster trucks. H was so proud to bring with him last Monday his 'peanut engine' truck, which translates to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle monster truck. He drove him around his carseat all the way home, introduced him to another one of his monster trucks and then fed him some lunch, a great introduction to his sweet life.

Good.

I'm having a hard time finding good news on my blog reading tonight, so I will only have good news here. good news. ready go.

1. My computer battery is replaced. free. I signed the receipt for 0.00. that was good. So I am back blogging.

2. I got to go to Macon 2 weekends in a row and get a few things we wanted, including spring clothes, bike gear and a fabulous build-a-bear bunny named "Funny Bunny" that is wearing silver jeweled flip flops. ya know? that deserved its own entry.

3. Ek got to go to a fabulous birthday party with her adorable friends and created her very own, one of a kind, spring bunny named "Funny Bunny" that is wearing the cutest pair of jeweled silver flip flops you have ever seen. Much better.

4. L is the cutest little shopper you have ever seen. One sales associate at the Gap did not fully appreciate her cuteness and took the handbag away from her that she was toting around. Wait a second! That is not good! But me finding her another one seconds later and letting her wear fancy bracelets around AT Loft is good and the smiles she gave the shoppers when she grinned ear to ear at them was very good. She even cheered up a 10 year old-ish boy who was sitting bored and waiting for his mother who was trying on a lot of clothes. All good. All fun.

5. Today the kids and I made cookies. Really good. I let them eat 4 each. good. I left the chocolate chips out for J and Ek, they loved that. Good. I didn't count how many I ate. Good, again.

6. The weather- oh the weather has not just been good but great!! We have played outside for hours and hours the last several days. Two play dates at the Chick yesterday and the park today.

7. J makes me laugh. He has just finished the hugest cup of coffee and cannot stop yawning. and laughing. He just asked if I bought decaf. Starbucks Kenyan? Uh, no.

8. Talked to my brother yesterday. Good good good. Love that he loves to read my blog. Loves that he misses it when I don't write. (Don't like to hear about his woods finding-- any insight? any more to report? that was not good- )

9. My knee is getting better. Not really any pain this week. Last rehab on Friday! Can't wait to run with the kids on Super Saturday. Can't wait for mom and dad to be here to cheer us on.

And 10. So grateful for my Tuesday mornings. Couldn't be more grateful for that amazing group of women to study with, pray with, listen to, and seek more of God with. Praying today with them to know the height and depth and width and breadth of Christ love that surpasses knowledge. Oh I would love to live in His amazing power continually! Eph 2

Gotta add 11. J got up this morning to encourage the kids in the Word while they ate their cereal and pray for their day. J was asking one of them to pray for Papa's colonoscopy today and L said, "I want to pray for Papa's tummy!" That was good. And the results- good. which is great. Hey that was 3 in one entry!

Yeah for good!!