Summer Structure

So after yesterday, I decided I had to get some structure into our day. So I made a late night trip to WalMart and picked up some misc craft items, bubbles, and projects. Today, we made these

Those are Zak and Paige's chore jars. Each Popsicle stick has a chore on it. When they finish it, they take the stick out of the jar. When the jar is empty, I put some sort of something in there for them. Like a quarter, piece of candy, little toy, etc. Most of the time it will be money. They got to decorate their jars. They were so excited.

Our next project is to make snack boxes. Then they are going to help pick a few snacks for the day and put them in their box. When their snacks are gone, they are done for the day. I can't wait to get that in place because it will minimize me saying "you just had a snack". If they eat them all at one time, they'll learn real quick.

I must know

Do you all play with your children every single minute of the day? Mine seem to think I need to and its driving me crazy.

I think we just had homeschool in the van.

Zak: Mom, I just want to see and hold some baby birds
Me: Well, we can only look at them because if we touch them, then they'll have human smell and their mom will abandon them.
Zak: What does abandon mean?
Me: to leave
Zak: Oh, I thought it meant kill.

Zak: Mom, if a balloon goes up in the air does it go into outer space?
Me: No, when it gets to the top of the atmosphere its is so hot it will pop.
Zak: Then what happens to the pieces?
Me: I guess they float back down to earth.
Zak: Why haven't I seen that before?
Me: I don't know honey.
Zak: Well when astronauts go into space, they don't get burned up.
Me: That's because there is a fireproof coating on the space shuttle so that won't happen

Zak: Why is my swimsuit waterproof?
Me: It's not, it just won't get ruined in water. Waterproof means water can't get in it or just rolls off.
Zak: I want lots of waterproof stuff

New Ritual

Last night the kids were in bed by 8:00. I have been enthralled in the book "Escape" by Carolyn Jessop, who escaped from polygamy. So Andy and I headed out to the back porch where I read and he had some Dr. Pepper. It was so peaceful and nice. We hadn't sat and talked like that for a long time. We discussed how we'd landscape if money was no object. That was fun. Then the June bugs were bothering him. I had to laugh. I used to play with those as a kid, but the sticky legs send him into a frenzy. We've decided to make it a ritual.

Genetics

It has been a week of craziness around here. We've had some random things that only happen for a week, all happen in the same week. VBS, swimming lessons and T-ball (which we are sick of - I think Zak only wants to go for the slushiest afterwards). And seriously - why would I pick the 5:30 swimming lesson? That's dinner time.

So since we've all been on overdrive this week, sleep has been less than usual - for all of us. Which leads me to Paige. She's 3 now. I don't have a whole lot of specific memories about my childhood. Its horrible. I wish I could remember everything. But the few I remember, I remember well. And I can remember going into my room when I was mad and slamming my door with all my might. I remember it felt really good. Now as an adult, I will be honest and admit that sometimes I do it - I slam the door. Although now, I have the unfortunate realization that I need to be channeling my anger into something a little less childish. I'll let you know when I've found it. ANYWAY - Paige - she is me. I look at her and know that she has gotten the "anger" gene. I wish so desperately I had a video of her stomping to her room donning only her high heels, pink panties, and flower shirt, and slamming her door with all her might. I was laughing to myself outloud. Then I got scared. Very. Scared.

Was it naptime?

The poor 3rd child gets slightly neglected

Summer Funk

I'm in one. Call it company let down too. Our summer has a pretty laid back looking calendar. Which I like. But I think my kids crave the schedule of a school year. Maybe I'm the one who is craving the schedule of a school year. Summer has never been my favorite season. I don't like the heat, I just want it to forever be between 65 and 75 degrees. And this summer has a different feel to it. I'm finding some things that I used to think were absolutes in my life, transitioning. Nothing stays the same forever and while I'm okay with the changes, I'm still mourning them in a way. I saw them coming, and was prepared for them, but now I am finding myself in a place I haven't ever been. And I'm a little bitter. I'm just going to try to kick back and enjoy where I'm at, and see what I'm supposed to learn from it all. Why do I always feel like I am somewhere where God is trying to teach me something?

Paige turns 3!

Paige turned 3 on Wed. I can't believe it. We headed out to Aunt Linda's farm where cousin Todd was having a birthday too. We had a dual party. Here's some pics. I have to give credit to Karen for making the adoreable dresses for my girls. Check out her store on Etsy.

Licking the beaters of birthday frosting

The look Rene' always has on her face

Getting ready to cookout

New butterfly wings

Todd and the kids

Some of the guests

A break from swimming for presents

Lavendar Festival

We hit the lavendar festival with Grandma and Papa. It was a fun little daytrip. Here's a photo glimpse.

Motherhood.

It wears you out. I used to think being a mom was glamorous. I can't believe that. I've been sitting here for about 10 minutes and can't get anything out because I've been interrupted at least 3 times. Once for an apple with the core cut out, once to get a band aid and finally because the wearer of the band aid doesn't like how it is situated on her finger. I have company coming. I seriously love company, I hate cleaning for it. I must single-handedly clean the house while 3 little children follow behind me wrecking everything I've just done. And they also need to eat, which creates lots of crumbs on the floor. I love my children dearly - don't we all. But I need a vacation from my children so I will miss them.

Mom + break = happy family, happy mom.

Now, how in the world do I schedule that break? And where can I go for $16?

I believe its summer

Okay - I could spend $1200 at Sams on a play yard thing - but all we needed today was a $1.99 shovel from Target, an old storeage box from the garage, sand, and water. Hours of fun people - hours of fun. I am convinced the only thing anyone needs in their backyard for their children is a sandbox. Dirt and water are every kid's dream.