Afternoon at the Pool

We took the kids to Jesse's aunt's house to let them spend the afternoon swimming with their cousins. We left immediately after the babies awoke from their morning nap.

The trio enjoyed lunch poolside while Jesse took Jackson and Levi into the pool. 

Amelia was the first of the three to get in the water. She was too curious to finish her meal.

Jesse, his mother, and I each took turns holding babies and swimming with the bigger kids. We made sure each child had time to be held outside of a float so they could splash around and practice swimming.

Jesse conducted a boys' club meeting.

James nearly fell asleep in his float.

Maddie loved being immersed in the water,

almost as much as she loved cuddling with her MiMi.

Amelia was perfectly content eating her cousin's dolls.

Jackson raced me to the deep end, shot water guns, and floated merrily.

All was going well until Jackson had a near drowning incident when he slipped out of his tube. It was one of those moments where time stood still. I scooped him up and rushed him out of the pool. The poor boy is still apologizing for going under water 24 hours later. I don't know why he feels apologetic, but Jesse and I continue to assure him that he didn't do anything wrong.

Jesse and I dried each of the kids off. It became increasingly difficult trying to prevent the babies from crawling into the pool. We loaded them into the van while Jack snuck in a few minutes swinging with his cousin.

Sleepover and Movies

Jackson had two firsts today: a sleepover with his cousin and going to a movie theater. Jack has been asking to have his cousin, Levi, over for weeks now.  While brainstorming things we wanted to do this summer, Levi spending the night was on the top of his list. Levi's parents dropped him off at our house after dinner last night. The boys were completely wound up. We let them make cookies after we put the babies down for bed. 

Jesse tried to maintain Jack's regular bedtime routine as close as possible. He read stories to them and sang. Jackson was out pretty quickly. Levi eventually fell asleep on the twin mattress. The boys awoke to cinnamon roll waffles and strawberries.

Another thing on our summer to do list was to take Jackson to the movie theater. Our local theater offers $1 movies on Tuesday mornings. Arthur Christmas was playing today. We had never even heard of the movie before but Jackson loves all Christmas related things so we figured that was a good sign. Jesse took the boys to the movies while I stayed with the babies. They split a popcorn and fruit snacks. According to Jesse: "Jackson concentrated on the movie until the fruit snacks ran out. Levi was engrossed the whole time."

I had lunch ready when the boys came home. Jesse ran errands while I tried my best to keep the afternoon low key for the kids. They ate and played outside. Levi is expecting a baby brother in the fall. Throughout the day there were times when Levi was more interested in playing with the babies than Jackson. That changed quickly when James knocked over his plate and started eating his pretzels. An aggravated Levi exclaimed, "I can't hear!" when the babies were louder than the TV.  It made me laugh since I frequently wish the babies had volume control. Jackson was unfazed, which goes to show how much he has adapted to the chaos of living with the triplets.

Once Jesse returned home I took Jack and Levi to the museum. We would have gone together as a family but the seven of us couldn't fit in the van and the babies needed an afternoon nap anyway. The museum is always one of Jack's favorite places. And Levi is one of Jack's favorite people. The combination of the two was almost too much for Jack to handle. The boys were so animated and curious in each area.

I was very intentional about making sure the boys had down time and I didn't over plan. Still, the excitement of it all proved to be too much for Jack. I endured over 30 minutes of wailing from one very over-tired Jackson on the way to Levi's house. Thankfully, Levi fell asleep. I guess he'll adapt to the craziness of having a baby in the house after all. ;)

I'm already making a list of things we can do next time.

Memorial Day Weekend

Most of the events of Saturday blurred together. Amelia and I unintentionally tried to starve to death by spending two hours at Urgent Care to confirm an ear infection, taking an hour to deliver a cake, and waiting for yet another hour in race traffic and getting Amelia's prescription filled at WalMart. Thankfully Jesse cleaned the house while we were gone because we were expecting company just 15 minutes after I came home.

A few former coworkers and 3 month old came over for an overdue visit. I think the kids were a bit jealous curious of this baby intruder on their Daddy's lap.

I made taco dip and chicken quesadillas. For dessert I had purchased a chocolate pie and saved some strawberry cupcakes from the cake delivery. Jesse and I were full and content from the taco dip (without chips, of course). I always thought I enjoyed baking and cooking because I get to eat it. It turns out I truly just enjoy cooking and feeding people.

I miss having these women in my daily life!

Saturday evening was slower-paced. We spent hours on the deck eating watermelon and roasting marshmallows over our fire pit.

Jackson's marshmallow roasting strategy was to either dangle a stick five feet from the fire or to place the marshmallow directly in the center of the fire. He proudly came waving his flaming marshmallow to James and I. I swear, the boy can unintentionally turn anything into a weapon.

Sunday morning the girls and I went to church while the boys worked in the yard. A tree had fallen on our fence a few weeks ago. Jesse chopped it up for more firewood.

I had invited Jesse's family over for dinner on Sunday evening. Jesse cooked a pork butt all day and collard greens. I boiled corn on the cob and stewed apples.

The weather was gorgeous. Jackson and his cousin ran around the yard, chased one another with sticks, and climbed the fence. With my sister-in-law expecting another boy, we're going to have four boys under five soon. It's a good thing we've got a big fence. ;)

We enjoyed the unofficial welcome of summer by eating more watermelon, 

and making s'mores. Jesse and I didn't eat any, of course. I still struggle with the idea that I'm refraining from grains and refined sugar because there are no health benefits, yet I'm feeding those foods to my children. Yet, there is something about roasting marshmallows over a fire and sandwiching it between chocolate and graham crackers that seems critical to childhood.

Amelia and PaPa enjoyed their s'mores, too. (Baby s'mores=graham crackers)

We're excited about meeting our new nephew in the fall.

James wasn't feeling well. I think this picture was the only time he smiled all evening.

Monday was a nice balance of lazy and productive. Jesse took James to the doctor first thing after a night of screaming. It turns out he just has a cold and is teething. We rarely took Jackson to the doctor when he was a baby, but I've become paranoid after completely missing the double ear infections a few months ago. We've taken all three babies to a separate sick visit this week. FYI, at 10.5 months old they weighed the following (with clothes):
James-19 lbs, 1 oz
Amelia-18 lbs, 13 oz
Maddie-15 lbs, 5 oz

I contemplated going to a nearby zoo park since Jesse had the day off, but Jesse wanted to stay home (surprise). I'm glad he did because I really enjoyed time to unwind after having company over. Jesse and I tackled the overwhelming task of updating the babies' wardrobe. Almost all of the bins were full of clothing that was too small or too hot. We had bins of footed pajamas and 3-6 month clothing. It took a few hours to sift through clothes and replace the bins with 12 month, summer clothing. The trio look so big now wearing clothes that actually fit.

I started and finished another book, The Bungalow by Sarah Jio, this weekend. This is the same author as The Violets of March. My problem with reading quickly is I cannot savor books. I won't sleep because I want to finish the book immediately. And even though I get completely engrossed in the book, by the following week all of the beloved characters are jumbled together and the details have faded.

Only three more weeks until school is out for the summer, aka, Jesse is home!

Fun With Cousins

Jackson was able to spend quality time with his cousins over the past few days. He spent Friday morning reading, painting, and being silly with his cousins, Lucy and Jude. We normally go to their house on Fridays, but they got to play at our house. It was the first thing Jackson asked about when he awoke.

Fun fact: Jack and Jude are exactly one month apart. They took turns putting Spiderman band-aids on one another s pretend boo boos.

After eating waffles, I rummaged through my teacher closet and broke out the large paper and paint.

Saturday proved to be even more entertaining when Jack joined his cousin, Levi, at a Spring Fling. The fundraising event was held at Jesse's brother's school.  Jackson was overwhelmed with all the inflatables, but still had fun.

One of the most entertaining parts for the boys was getting to dunk their Uncle/Dad in the dunking booth.

We enjoyed a relaxed dinner on the grass. I'm so glad I leave the blanket and toys in the van at all times because we use it several times a week.

The true highlight of our afternoon was the long awaited horse and carriage ride.  Amelia and Maddie stayed with their Aunt Chrissy while Jesse and I took the boys. Thankfully, we sat on the outside edge. The horses were going a nice, smooth speed until they hit the pavement and began galloping. It was borderline frightening! Jackson and Levi were giddy.

Neither Jesse or I had close cousins growing up. (Mine were significantly older than me.) I always wanted that bond and I'm so thankful that my kids will grow up together with their cousins.

Eleven

Maybe it's because eleven was the most significant year of my childhood.

Or maybe it's because I spent every day for five years surrounded by 10-11 year olds.

Or maybe it's just because I adore everything about these girls.

Whatever the reason, when my nieces turned eleven, I knew I wanted to do something memorable to celebrate. Their birthdays fell just before spring break this year. I proposed a few different options and they decided to have a sleepover at our house.

Our time together began with eating a mac-n-cheese lunch before heading off to a park. They chose to play mini-golf. Jackson actually used his golf club correctly this time, but he started wandering around after the second hole.

We did the typical playground stuff-swings, slides, climbing, etc.

I was prepared to relax in the shade. I brought a blanket and toys for the trio and Jack. We had bread to feed the ducks. All was picture perfect...

Until we were attacked by geese! Seriously, these were the most aggressive geese I've ever encountered. Poor Jack was hysterically running away. I think they were just territorial because when one of the geese got up we discovered a huge nest of eggs. Regardless, they were pretty darn intimidating!

After our park adventures. we came home for brief downtime before dinner. Between the eight of us (2 nieces, Jack, trio, Jesse and I) we ate twelve quesadillas in addition to beans and rice. I can't imagine how much food we'll tear through when the triplets are older.

After dinner is always the most stressful time of our day because the kids are getting tired and Jesse and I are busy cleaning and trying to get everything ready for bed. The girls took the babies upstairs to play. Jesse loaded the dishwasher and made his lunch for the next day while I wiped down the high chairs and swept. When we were finished we just looked at each other and said, "Hmmm. You think they could just come by every day?" 

The girls and I got the babies ready for bed,

while Jackson and Jesse inflated the air mattress and made the bed.  Jackson was so excited that his big cousins were spending the night. It took a bit of coaxing to get him to come upstairs and read stories.

After my kids were in bed I went downstairs to spend a few hours catching up on eleven year old gossip and taking quizzes in girly magazines. The good news is that I love chatting with my nieces and could stay up talking to them every night. The bad news is that I'm more out of date than I thought in regards to teen celebrities.

The following morning flew by as I rushed to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door in time to take Jack to preschool. After dropping Jack off, we headed to the mall for a shopping spree.

The babies and I had hours of entertainment watching the matching fashion show that took place. The entire time I kept staring at Maddie and Amelia while thinking, "Is this what my life will be like in ten years?" I certainly hope it is!

After buying new dresses, we obviously had to go home and do makeovers.

At some point throughout the afternoon we also ate a shocking number of homemade waffles, picked up Jackson from preschool, and cared for babies (nap, diapers, bottles, play, neighborhood walk, etc).

The girls are such little mammas already. I love it!

Happy belated 11th birthday, girls!

Easter Commentary and Collages

Easter 2014 was a marathon of egg hunts, driving, and overeating. What should have been a joyous holiday celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord turned into a chain of stressful to do lists. Nothing was necessarily bad, I just didn't have my usual feelings that my heart would burst with enthusiasm and love for Christ.

Here's why Holy Week was a bit off this year:
Thursday-Maundy Thursday is my absolute favorite church service of the year. Every year I find myself in tears during the stripping of the alter.  Departing in silence provokes such powerful emotions and helps prepare my mind for the awe of Easter weekend. (If I can find a service that incorporates washing of the feet, it's even better!) Instead of attending the beloved service this year, I celebrated my niece turning eleven with a family birthday party. Again, this was a fun occasion that I would always choose over church, but it still left me missing Maundy Thursday.

Friday-I woke up in the wee hours of Good Friday to Maddie vomiting in her sleep, then Jackson throwing up later that evening. I'm not entirely sure either were virus related as they were completely isolated, one-time occurrences. Even still, their vomiting sent me into a state of total paranoia, which caused Jesse to get frustrated and angry at me. I was happy to escape to the Good Friday service, though the stations of the cross/drama was changed because of pouring rain.

Saturday-Despite a good morning, the day ended poorly.

• Our huge egg hunt with my extended family was cancelled due to heavy rain. I'm not sure if the kids or adults were more disappointed.
• Even though the year anniversary has already passed, it was a few days shy of Easter last year when my sister-in-law died. Apparently Easter is now a reminder of her absence. A literal and figurative cloud hung over us all day.
• I spent most of Lent in prayer and reflection trying to admit my shortcomings and accept others offers for help.  Ironically, I found myself stubbornly alone and completely stressed out while Jesse and his mother went to dinner and a concert. The event had been planned for quite some time and they both deserved a chance to enjoy such a fun evening. Still, I turned into quite the curmudgeon as one thing after another went wrong throughout the day.  I still had the sole responsibility of baking cakes, stuffing eggs, assembling Easter baskets, cleaning the house, washing clothes, etc.  I ended the season of Lent the exact same way I began...completely overwhelmed and ungrateful. So much for personal transformation.

Sunday-Easter itself was as busy and fun as always, but I can no longer pretend like it doesn't bother me that Jesse and I have different beliefs. Once again, I attended church sans Jesse.  I fear religion will divide our family, when it was once an issue that united us.

...............

Thankfully, amidst my many less than wonderful feelings, there were plenty of smiles to be shared.  We enjoyed visiting family, overindulging in food, dressing the babies up, etc. I'm confident that the children felt happy and loved, which is my priority. The highlights included:

...an indoor Easter egg hunt, coloring, story time, and snacks at our brother and sister in-laws' church on Saturday. Jackson got to hang out with his cousin/best bud, Levi. The babies were loved on by their aunt and uncle. Everyone got to play with eggs and have fun.

...Easter morning egg hunt and opening of Easter gifts. The babies each received a new outfit, small bath toy, squeezable fruit pouch, bag of yogurt melts, and pacifier. Jackson received a chocolate bunny, slap bracelet, farm animal figurines, candy bracelets, and Candy Land game.  Even though Jackson just turned three, this is his fourth Easter. Jesse and I decided three is the perfect age for simple egg hunts.

...church egg hunt, story, crafts, and service. This was no different than the usual church sponsored egg hunt, but it was fun for the kids to be surrounded by their church family. I also appreciated the fact that the eggs were stuffed with bracelets, stickers, beads, and small crafts. The ground was very wet so Jackson wore his rainboots. He was very serious about hunting for eggs!



...Easter lunch with my side of the family. In lieu of the traditional meal, we had a cookout this year. The weather warmed up considerably which allowed us to have yet another egg hunt. Additional entertainment included a play performed by my adorably talented nieces. I say it all the time, but my kids are beyond blessed to have such incredible aunts, uncles, and cousins.

...Easter dinner with Jesse's side of the family. My phone died and I didn't think to bring a charger, so I don't have any pictures. We had a more traditional meal (pork, mac-n-cheese, potatoes, rolls, green beans). I provided some unattractive, but tasty desserts. All four kids received ample attention, in addition to a stuffed animal and sweets (courtesy of their MiMi).

After being on the road for ten hours, we were all ready to head home and go to bed.