tired already

I just made our weekend to-do list. Maybe I shouldn't have. I'm tired already.

Four soccer games
Church
Date night!!!
Library pick-up
Liam's new glasses
Grocery shop
Costco shop
Target shop
Penney's $10 coupon
Mow lawn
Load to Goodwill

Now if we could just get a little sunshine - these would all be a bit more enjoyable!

smart or sneaky?

There are things I do as a mom that make me wonder if I'm being smart or sneaky? Perhaps the fact that I even have to ask the question points toward sneaky. But I don't know. What do you think?

My boys love Wheaties. It's their favorite cereal. I prefer that they eat Total. They say they don't like Total. But my youngest is quite a picky eater and I figure he can use the extra vitamins and minerals where ever he can get them. So yesterday, the Wheaties ran out. I took the box into the kitchen to get a new one and saw an unopened box of Total in there. I took out the plastic bag of Total, slipped it into the Wheaties box and brought it back to the table. And wouldn't you know - they love it.

Or this example. I'm sick and tired of finding pee all over the toilet. On the rim, on the back, on the floor. Yuck! And there is only one young boy in the house who uses the toilet - so I know who the culprit is! This week I thought up a plan. Each day he can earn 25 cents if the toilets are as clean at night as they were in the morning. "No problem" he exclaimed when I told him my proposal. And sure enough - they're spotless. I figure I'll do this for a few weeks and then once I'm sure of what he's capable of - he can pay me 25 cents every time I find misplaced pee!

awards

The kids finished up a great Awana year. Liam finished his first book, Audrey finished her second and third books. They memorized lots of verses and had a great time! We're so thankful for all the people who serve in this way to make Awana such a success.

egg drop

One of our favorite Awana nights is "egg drop night." The kids each package an egg that will be dropped off the church roof and hope it withstands the fall. The kids both drew out their elaborate plans and Daddy helped with the construction. I'm happy to report that they both remained intact.

Even against the forces of little brother!

alice

On Monday we were treated to a visit by my brother and his daughter Alice. She is a doll - we had so much fun!

beautiful

I woke this morning with a bad attitude. I was awakened earlier than I would have liked. And one glance outside told me it was going to be another rainy day. I turned on the tv for the little one that woke me and curled up on the couch. The next time I looked out the window - I saw huge flakes of snow falling, already covering the yard. Isn't it beautiful?

my focus and prayer for today...

"Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education?" ~Ann Voskamp

laugh!

Some days, my kids crack me up. Today has been one of those days.

The kids and I like to listen to some of our favorite songs on YouTube and dance around the living room. Audrey asked to listen to one of her favorites, "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood, a song she's only heard on the radio until today. "Mom," she said, "she doesn't look anything like I pictured. She looks like Kezi's makeup doll. Her hair is even blonder than mine and she has a bunch of stuff on her face!"

A short while later Ethan and I were reading his nap time book. It was a book of opposites. I said over, he said under. I said out, he said in. I said young. He said "Mommy!"

See what I mean? Cracking up!! Hope your day is filled with laughter too!

our week in pictures

Audrey prepared an April Fools' Day breakfast for Liam - make completely of paper and cardboard. He clearly loved it!

Audrey made her own slides to look at under her microscope from leaves and flowers she and a friend collected while on an 'adventure walk'.

This little guys loves puzzles. And is quite good at them!


And he has a new favorite phone.

The boys raided Audrey's hair drawer. Daddy would be so proud.

Audrey and I went for a late-night walk after the boys were in bed. So fun. The first of many, I'm sure!

sisters

My sister recently came for a visit. I'm the oldest in our family - she is the youngest. We are separated in age by eight years, but that space seems to dwindle with each passing year. We had a wonderful time. I adore her, my kids adore her - and we miss her already.

Patrick and I are done having kids. Our quiver is full and our cup runneth over. But when I spend time with my sisters - and realize that my daughter will never experience this relationship - it makes me stop and wonder. How would I be different if I had no sisters? They love me and refine me and laugh with me and are honest with me like no one else on this earth. And it makes me sad that Audrey will never have this in her life.