Ok Sam, I won't. Thanks for the tip. And we had a great rainy afternoon trip to the Jones Library.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
3.28.17 or the day I rocked being a mom (kind of)
Today was one of those days I want to document and say "well done!" to myself. (And also I wish I was a better writer but here it goes anyways).
Started as the day usually does, from my bed I hear Sam yelling "Isaac! Isaac!!!!" in an attempt to see if he is awake (or to wake him up I am not sure). We eventually headed downstairs, got the baby up, had breakfast, packed lunches, got all 6 of us dressed and Nate on the road with Isaac while Sam, Daniel and I waited with Olivia for her bus.
On Tuesdays Angela from "Baby and Me" comes to visit with a book for Daniel. Sam played outside in the snow and rain almost until she arrived. Daniel was short-lived- he was ready for a nap at 9 as he announced with his new loud screams (not a fan!). So Dan slept, Angela read to Sam and said goodbye, and on went Daniel Tiger. I put in a load of laundry and got ready to head out for the rest of our morning.
At 10 I woke up Dan and we headed to Crocker Farm Preschool for Sam's speech time, then to the polls to vote for our town election, then to Stop and Shop in preparation for Nate's birthday (where we saw our friends Sally and Bethany) and back to Crocker to pick up Isaac.
Except for the voting, thats all pretty typical of our Tuesdays. Here is where it gets interesting... for the first time in a long time, neither Sam or Dan were asleep in the car. So we all got out to pick up Isaac and actually stayed to play on the playground!
When we got home, I declared rest time! And Sam and Dan slept. Isaac played for a while and then joined me. I kept the laundry going, worked out, cleaned the upstairs bathroom with Isaac's help, folded a load of laundry and PUT IT AWAY, cooked dinner and got ready to go out again.
At 3:45 Olivia got off the bus and we all headed downtown to drop her off at her chorus practice. The boys and I walked in the rain to the library. We had a great time there... including a visit to the potty that was almost catastrophic as I later explained to Olivia. The boys (who peed together with their "swords" crossing) were just finishing when I needed to go and not wanting my phone to drop into the toilet from my back pocket or into the sink if I left it on the ledge there, I carefully put it up on top of the toilet paper dispenser... only to have Isaac accidentally knock it off into the peed in potty! without flinching, I grabbed it!!! (and didn't yell too much) and dried it off and it still works!!!! THANK YOU OTTERBOX!
We gathered our books, DVDs and hastily walked back to pick up Olivia- getting throughly wet in the rain, but otherwise without complications.
We had a nice dinner at home with Isaac offering to pray and sharing our favorite parts of the day. Taco Tuesday is almost always a hit around here.
Then I went to change Daniel's diaper and put his pajamas on. Lets just say a blow out diaper does NOT give it justice. Into the bath he went and then to bed. (Can I say how thankful I am that he is a REALLY good sleeper!)
Cleaned off the table, dishes, changed the laundry, kids in PJS, read to, sung to, prayed with and tucked in and now the night is mine...
In a moment I'll get a glass of wine and catch up on my recent favorite TV show.... but for now, I wanted to write this. But I guess now that I am done, it doesn't seem so extradorinaiy. Ive just started a book called "what mothers do when it really seems like nothing" which would be fast to point out that all these "things" I did included unexplainable forethought and planning (and a bit of luck - like no meltdowns between the church and library since I packed light and left my wallet and bag of tricks (i.e. diaper bag) in the car). And yet, I felt like super mom today. I did all of that. On my own. Without yelling too much at my kids. I even enjoyed some of it. I guess I am just trying to feel thankful for the season I am in and this is one way to do that and document it.
PS Blogger let me upload photos really easily today!!! Maybe I will get back to blogging more- yea!
Started as the day usually does, from my bed I hear Sam yelling "Isaac! Isaac!!!!" in an attempt to see if he is awake (or to wake him up I am not sure). We eventually headed downstairs, got the baby up, had breakfast, packed lunches, got all 6 of us dressed and Nate on the road with Isaac while Sam, Daniel and I waited with Olivia for her bus.
On Tuesdays Angela from "Baby and Me" comes to visit with a book for Daniel. Sam played outside in the snow and rain almost until she arrived. Daniel was short-lived- he was ready for a nap at 9 as he announced with his new loud screams (not a fan!). So Dan slept, Angela read to Sam and said goodbye, and on went Daniel Tiger. I put in a load of laundry and got ready to head out for the rest of our morning.
At 10 I woke up Dan and we headed to Crocker Farm Preschool for Sam's speech time, then to the polls to vote for our town election, then to Stop and Shop in preparation for Nate's birthday (where we saw our friends Sally and Bethany) and back to Crocker to pick up Isaac.
Except for the voting, thats all pretty typical of our Tuesdays. Here is where it gets interesting... for the first time in a long time, neither Sam or Dan were asleep in the car. So we all got out to pick up Isaac and actually stayed to play on the playground!
When we got home, I declared rest time! And Sam and Dan slept. Isaac played for a while and then joined me. I kept the laundry going, worked out, cleaned the upstairs bathroom with Isaac's help, folded a load of laundry and PUT IT AWAY, cooked dinner and got ready to go out again.
At 3:45 Olivia got off the bus and we all headed downtown to drop her off at her chorus practice. The boys and I walked in the rain to the library. We had a great time there... including a visit to the potty that was almost catastrophic as I later explained to Olivia. The boys (who peed together with their "swords" crossing) were just finishing when I needed to go and not wanting my phone to drop into the toilet from my back pocket or into the sink if I left it on the ledge there, I carefully put it up on top of the toilet paper dispenser... only to have Isaac accidentally knock it off into the peed in potty! without flinching, I grabbed it!!! (and didn't yell too much) and dried it off and it still works!!!! THANK YOU OTTERBOX!
We gathered our books, DVDs and hastily walked back to pick up Olivia- getting throughly wet in the rain, but otherwise without complications.
We had a nice dinner at home with Isaac offering to pray and sharing our favorite parts of the day. Taco Tuesday is almost always a hit around here.
Then I went to change Daniel's diaper and put his pajamas on. Lets just say a blow out diaper does NOT give it justice. Into the bath he went and then to bed. (Can I say how thankful I am that he is a REALLY good sleeper!)
Cleaned off the table, dishes, changed the laundry, kids in PJS, read to, sung to, prayed with and tucked in and now the night is mine...
In a moment I'll get a glass of wine and catch up on my recent favorite TV show.... but for now, I wanted to write this. But I guess now that I am done, it doesn't seem so extradorinaiy. Ive just started a book called "what mothers do when it really seems like nothing" which would be fast to point out that all these "things" I did included unexplainable forethought and planning (and a bit of luck - like no meltdowns between the church and library since I packed light and left my wallet and bag of tricks (i.e. diaper bag) in the car). And yet, I felt like super mom today. I did all of that. On my own. Without yelling too much at my kids. I even enjoyed some of it. I guess I am just trying to feel thankful for the season I am in and this is one way to do that and document it.
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| Daniel on his One Year Birthday |
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| Olivia and Daniel at Liz's Surprise 30th Birthday Bash |
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| At the end of our walk in the rain to the library and back- JOY! |
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Monday, June 20, 2016
First day of summer
The last week was filled with end of year things: Isaac's preschool picnic, Olivia's kindergarten open house, last reach playgroup for Sam, my last women's growth group and in the midst of that I prepared many thank you gifts and Father's Day cards... And Isaac had his tonsils out. And then I realized its summer! Olivia has one more day of school tomorow but today felt like the start anyways. Nate left for work at 8 and the boys and I got Olivia on the bus at 830. It was a beautiful morning and we saw two neighbors we never usually see. Then I raced to put together a snack and linch to take to the park before the boys drove me crazy and I let them watch tv. I succeeded and when we pulled up to the park I saw my friend Gretchen! We ended up having a blast with 6 boys between us and even running into a few more friends along the way. When we got home the boys played and has a rest time while I worked out and got a shower. I even did dishes and paid some bills... I did eventually let them watch an hour of tv when they woke up and we picked up Olivia and headed to a friends house for dinner. I was starting to get worried about what the summer would be like with 4 kids... But if today is any indication, I think it's gonna be great!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Bible Study
On Sunday nights this semester I have had the privilege of hosting a women's bible study and its turned out to be wonderful in so many ways! Again, I wish I had a picture. But I don't. So I want to write a brief note to remember.
Amy has coordinated us having dinner each week. She gets a ride to my house, then borrows our car and ministry money and cooks us something delicious while I put the kids to bed. The first time was a german pork dish and a delicious salad. And this last Sunday was a chicken curry. Also delicious and something I never make.
Meanwhile Ana has gotten in touch with everyone and makes sure whether they are coming and if they have a ride.
Eventually a group of women gather around our table and eat and share about life. Then we get cozy in our living room and open the word together and pray. One week everyone was all giggles. This last week, people shared more and more personally. It was wonderful.
I am thankful for this opportunity to be connected with women at UMASS. (even if it does make me exhausted!)
Amy has coordinated us having dinner each week. She gets a ride to my house, then borrows our car and ministry money and cooks us something delicious while I put the kids to bed. The first time was a german pork dish and a delicious salad. And this last Sunday was a chicken curry. Also delicious and something I never make.
Meanwhile Ana has gotten in touch with everyone and makes sure whether they are coming and if they have a ride.
Eventually a group of women gather around our table and eat and share about life. Then we get cozy in our living room and open the word together and pray. One week everyone was all giggles. This last week, people shared more and more personally. It was wonderful.
I am thankful for this opportunity to be connected with women at UMASS. (even if it does make me exhausted!)
Thursday, March 3, 2016
3.3.16 Blessed.
Two times this week I wish I had taken a photo. Instead I am going to write about it so I don't forget.
Yesterday was Isaac's 4th Birthday. He woke up to a dining room full of blue balloons- 39 to be exact:) And asked for birthday presents until he left for school- those came later in the day.
After a very trying morning with Sam, I managed to get myself and him into Isaac's classroom to eat lunch and celebrate Isaac. I wish I had grabbed a picture of Isaac with his brother and classmates as they sang to him and he too quickly blew out his birthday candle. A blue crayon candle.
We celebrated with dinner of hot dogs, peas and mac and cheese- and KETCHUP because that is certainly Isaac's own food group. He received a construction costume and Octonaut Puzzle.
Today I had my weekly women's prayer bible study at church. Sam and I left with just enough time to make it there a few minutes early in hopes of getting coffee brewed and not starting too late. Much to my surprise, my co- leader Sally (who has never been early, let alone on time...) met me in the hall way looking for cream. As was another member who has always come late. Huh I thought. But got Sam down the hall only to see EVERYONE in the group ALREADY THERE. With decorations. And a table of food. And later PRESENTS. My love language. A baby sprinkle for our 4th baby, our son. Just last week someone asked if we had a shower, and I said of course not- its our 4th we don't need anything. Maybe diapers or meals after he is born would be great. This was such a surprise blessing to me. They all prayed for me and this baby too- for health and safety in delivery. For a name. For Nate to bond with the baby and help me without me asking. For me to ask for help when I need. I am in shock. We only started this study in the fall. I have only known most of these women since the fall- some shorter! (three a bit longer). I am blessed. and thankful. God is our provider and we are not in need. Amazing.
Ok and I found two pictures...
Yesterday was Isaac's 4th Birthday. He woke up to a dining room full of blue balloons- 39 to be exact:) And asked for birthday presents until he left for school- those came later in the day.
After a very trying morning with Sam, I managed to get myself and him into Isaac's classroom to eat lunch and celebrate Isaac. I wish I had grabbed a picture of Isaac with his brother and classmates as they sang to him and he too quickly blew out his birthday candle. A blue crayon candle.
We celebrated with dinner of hot dogs, peas and mac and cheese- and KETCHUP because that is certainly Isaac's own food group. He received a construction costume and Octonaut Puzzle.
Today I had my weekly women's prayer bible study at church. Sam and I left with just enough time to make it there a few minutes early in hopes of getting coffee brewed and not starting too late. Much to my surprise, my co- leader Sally (who has never been early, let alone on time...) met me in the hall way looking for cream. As was another member who has always come late. Huh I thought. But got Sam down the hall only to see EVERYONE in the group ALREADY THERE. With decorations. And a table of food. And later PRESENTS. My love language. A baby sprinkle for our 4th baby, our son. Just last week someone asked if we had a shower, and I said of course not- its our 4th we don't need anything. Maybe diapers or meals after he is born would be great. This was such a surprise blessing to me. They all prayed for me and this baby too- for health and safety in delivery. For a name. For Nate to bond with the baby and help me without me asking. For me to ask for help when I need. I am in shock. We only started this study in the fall. I have only known most of these women since the fall- some shorter! (three a bit longer). I am blessed. and thankful. God is our provider and we are not in need. Amazing.
Ok and I found two pictures...
Friday, February 19, 2016
2.1.2016
What a week! We went from outdoor play to a snowday.
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| After taking Isaac to an ENT appt, Sam and I had a long playdate at the park. |
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| Before Dinner on Us (a monday night parent teaching/dinner event at UMASS) I took the kids to Mill River to play. |
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| Wednesday Night we had a fundraiser at Bertucci's for the Amherst family Center. Our friends Luke and Hannah also came to town and spoke at NavNight. In between, I got to sit at the bar with my mom friends for a drink. All moments were crazy and lovely. I am so thankful. |
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| Yep- thats my belly! |
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| Waiting for Olivia's Bus |
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| Making Valentines. Olivia is SO creative. Isaac said "Coming right up!" as we went through his list of classmates. |
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| Friday it snowed! NO SCHOOL! |
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| Our friends Florence and Annabelle came over while their Mom had a doctor appointment. |
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| Best time of day at our house- the sunlight! |
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| At the hockey game that night. Go UMASS. |
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| At a friends birthday party Saturday afternoon- Olivia was able to connect with her friends from her old school. |
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