Breaking It Down...Mother's Day

12:15am  I am wrapping up my fifth phone conversation with my own Mom of the day.

3:00am  Middle of the night feeding with Hudson.

4:00am  Early morning wake up with both Ryder and Hudson (clearly they missed the memo that Mommy should get to sleep in on Mother's Day)! 

6:30am  I began to clean up a broken light bulb compliments of Garrett (thankful for no injuries).

6:50am  Eric is home from work and tells me to go lay down till 8am.

8:12am  Before Eric heads to bed himself, 4 of my "boys" (Hudson is back asleep) present me with doughnuts, handmade treasures from school, a HYSTERICAL card that produced a hearty laugh from me, red roses, and a super cute tumbler adorned with colorful pictures and words from the special little dudes in my life.

9:25am  The older three boys and myself make our way into the front yard while sporting our jammies...they ride bikes & scooters while I sip my coffee.

9:50am I hear Hudson on the monitor and drag another little boy outside as well...I am pretty certain an entire bag of Goldfish crackers is consumed during a game of Orange Light/Wheelie (don't ask).

10:25am  I bribe my kiddos with doughnuts to come inside so that I may make Spaghetti for lunch.  As I cook, Parker and I work on Reading activities that will earn him an entrance into the Right to Read Week Carnival the following day.  I draw no less than 12 faces on brown paper bag puppets for Ryder.  Crayons and bits of brown paper find their way into Hudson's mouth.  I continually remind Garrett to lower his voice as Daddy is sleeping. 

11:30am  Via text messages my Sister-in-Law and I arrange for an impromptu Mother's Day BBQ that evening.

11:35am Lunch is served...Ryder EATS!!!  I declare it an awesome day!

11:45am  While we continue to eat, Garrett reminds me that Aunt Dawn and her babies are celebrating Mother's Day in heaven.  Parker comments he wishes he could hug Aunt Dawn's mommy today as he is sure it is a sad for her.  I agree and find myself thinking how BIG their hearts are.  Whew...I am doing something right!

12:15pm  Naps for Ryder and Hudson.  I break my own rule of no laundry on Mother's Day and throw in a load of towels.  The older two boys are now properly clothed and back outside riding bikes.  Their laughter brings a smile to my face.

12:50pm  Time to clean up the disaster from lunch, make a few phone calls, shower, and put together a few dishes for tonight's gathering.  I kick myself for not getting to the greenhouse yesterday (as planned) for Mother's Day gifts.  The afternoon rain got the best of me and my spirits.  I am certain the special Moms in our lives will understand and gladly accept their gifts later this week.

2:15pm  I apply another coat of spray paint to a project I am working on for Ryder's birthday party next week.  Three years ago we hosted a Mother's Day BBQ the day before we welcomed Ryder into the world.  I am reminded of our spread that day and my mouth begins to water for grilled cabbage.  Hmmmmm....


2:30pm  I break my laundry rule (again) and put another load of laundry into the washer upon putting the towels in the dryer.  I spot Hudson hiding in the corner, pooping in his diaper, and laugh.

2:50pm  I glance out my front window and spot a neighboring mom.  While sitting in a lawn chair she reads a book.  Her husband is mowing the lawn and her two daughters work busily in the yard as well.  She looks relaxed.  I briefly wonder if a future Mother's Day will provide a similar scenario for myself (sans daughters and insert four boys).  I catch a glimpse of Hudson as he flies by me.  Crusty nose.  Drool covered shirt.  Minus one sock.  Mess of blond curls atop his head.  Relaxation?  No thanks.  I will take two more of him please!

3:00pm  Confession time...that shower I talked of earlier?  Didn't happen.  I quickly hop in...with my two bitties in tow (at times a necessity in this house for safety purposes).  I lather and rinse.  Hudson splashes.  Ryder pretends to put out a fire with the shower hose.  I am questioned by my almost three year old where my pee pee is.  Three sons down to ask that question at age 2'ish...one more to go!

3:17pm  Snack time for all!  The older three boys nosh on string cheese.  Hudson and I share a Fiber One yogurt while sitting on the crumb filled kitchen floor.

****Insert mad dash to get myself and four kids ready, diaper bag packed, and stroller loaded...it is not pretty, folks!****

4:02pm  My four boys and I make our way to my brother's house via foot, bikes, and an overflowing double stroller.  One of us is sporting flip flops that are closer in appearance to slippers (ahem, mama needs flip flops...mental note).  I notice Ryder's shoes are on the wrong feet.  As we make our way down the street we are a cross between a small parade and traveling circus.  Regardless, the sun is shining, we are healthy, and off to see loved ones.  For that I am forever thankful.  We literally stop traffic (twice) with a new, independent, determined, and on the slower side bike rider.

4:19pm  We (safely) arrive at my brother and sister-in-laws.  We, the adults, talk, laugh, and BBQ.  The kiddos ride their bikes 'round and 'round. 

6:10pm  Following dinner, my mom, her husband, Ryder, and I head to the cemetery.  The rest of my clan stays behind with my family.  I place a purple metal flower at my friend's grave site to honor her this Mother's Day.  With Ryder's help, I place one blue and one green pinwheel at the site for each of her sons.  After a small debate, Ryder (reluctantly) agrees to place a pink pinwheel into the ground on her daughter's behalf.  As I stand up, tears flowing down my cheeks, I am reminded that our friendship has changed.  Our dinners out are a thing of the past.  There are no more shopping trips.  Our phone calls and texts back and forth have abruptly ended.  Our friendship has taken on a new meaning.  There are trips to the cemetery, fundraisers to take part in, endless tears, and the fondest of memories.  I know she and her children are in a glorious place, but selfishly I want them back here on earth.

6:45pm  We make our way back to our family gathering.  Hudson is in my sister-in-law's arms, tears streaming down his face.  He was not happy mama left.  After a quick feeding, snuggle, and dessert he appears happy again.

7:13pm  My crew and I make our way home.  My mom offers to help me out by taking Ryder with her on her visit to Grandma Mary's.  It's a no go...he wants to ride his bike home like his older brothers.

7:24 pm  We are less than a block from home and Ryder declares he wants Mimi.  He refuses to budge and kicks his legs wildly as I pick him up.  I am spent; therefore, I cave.  I place a quick call to Mimi who promises to be there shortly.  We stand on the street corner waiting for back up.  Within minutes, Mimi arrives and Ryder's world has been righted.

7:38pm  The older two boys, Hudson, and myself arrive at home.  I decide to forgo baths for the night and let the older boys know they can shower in the morning prior to school.  I wrestle with my overly tired 14 month old to get cleaned up, diaper changed, and PJ's on.  Soon thereafter, he is fast asleep in his crib.

7:51pm  Mimi drops off Ryder (after he cried for Mommy at Grandma Mary's...noticing a pattern).  While we stand in the kitchen, a chaotic fight amongst my older three boys erupts over a new set of plastic golf clubs. 

8:22pm  After our bedtime routine of stories, songs, kisses, and hugs; I tuck the last of my three boys into bed for the night.

8:27pm  I attempt to regain control of my house...dishes are done, towels are folded, my second load of laundry is switched over to the dryer, the bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room floors are swept.  I carry the trash out and hang a new hand towel in the bathroom.  Book bags and school clothes are at the ready for the following morning.

9:12pm  I make my way to my room to change into my pj's.  As I remove my bra, two Sweetheart candies fall from it.  At first, I am baffled; however, I quickly remember the exploding bag of candy I had opened earlier in the evening for the boys.  I have to laugh...

9:25pm  With my bootie planted on the couch, feet up, and laptop nestled atop my lap I hear nothing.  Silence.  I am beyond blessed for the four beautiful, sleeping boys that are snuggled in their beds.  While I welcome the calm the late night hours bring and I am reminded how I LIVE for the chaos that is sure to follow in the morning.   

Waving My White Flag

Somewhere...

...there is a law about the Lindsay Boys.

It may be unspoken.

It may go unwritten.

BUT, if it was written...

it would go a 'lil something like this.

Ahem...

We, the cosmic forces of the universe,

do hear by decree that the Lindsay Boys may

ONLY be plagued with sickness

when their daddy is scheduled to work nights.

~The Not So Nice Powers That Be~

Eric is working nights this week.  As if on cue, two of the boys are sick.  Someone is ALWAYS sick when Eric is working nights.  Parker is missing day two of school this week.  A fever, body aches, chills, and cold have overtaken his body.  Around 11pm last night, as I prepared myself for bed, Ryder made his way down the stairs.  With pillow and beloved Gunkey in hand, he began sobbing.  Within seconds, pillow and Gunkey were covered in vomit.  Merely minutes later, the dining room floor was hit with a splat.  Soon, the bathroom floor fell victim to Ryder's stomach contents as well.  As for Mama, I am not feeling too hot either.

   

**Image borrowed from the land of Google**

This is me, white flag in hand...with a can of Lysol in the other.  I surrender.  Please, I beg of you.  Do not take any additional hostages. 

Are You Ready For Some Football?

As of last Saturday, Parker's football team is 5-1.  They have one game remaining before BIG Superbowl Saturday on the 30th.  Parker is pretty stoked as the games that day are played at the Junior High Football Field versus the High School's practice field.

At the beginning of the season I found myself having major doubts about flag football.  They keep score.  There is a winner.  There is a loser.  Players are not given equal playing time.  This is very unlike our experience with both T-Ball and Soccer at the beginning level.  Thankfully, the kiddos do get a snack at the conclusion of each game.  Face it...that is HUGE in youth sports!

When Parker asked to play football I was caught off guard.  He has never watched a lick of football on TV in his life (and still hasn't)...dirt bikes is where it's at with him!  Parker (for lack of a better word) was pretty clueless as to the rules, regulations, and even the basics of the game.  As I watched his practice, I found very little instruction or teaching of fundamentals happening.  As a first year player (clearly the only or one of few on his team) he needed some help. I was frustrated!    Parker spent a fair amount of the beginning games sitting on the sidelines.  Honestly, I found myself saying we would finish the season and that was it.  I was done!  Shame on me!  Parker was not throwing in the towel.  He was happy and having fun!  Thank goodness, I never voiced my thoughts to him. 

With each practice and game, Parker has acquired more skills and knowledge.  He is getting more playing time with each game.  I have realized his coach needed to warm up to Parker and Parker to him.  While learning fundamentals is awesome, I have witnessed Parker come into his own by simply watching his teammates play and playing the game himself.  Who was I to judge the right or wrong way to coach?!  Thank you Parker and Coach J for proving this mama wrong!

Parker headed out the door to play...go get, 'em!

Primarily, Parker has been playing offense...snapping the ball.

The offensive team in their huddle.  You may be able to tell the coach is looking at Parker...from the sidelines I could tell something big was coming and was holding my breath. 

Oh, it was something alright!  They handed the ball off to Parker. For the first time!  The play called for him to run the ball; however, he got excited (or nervous) and threw it.  The coach laughed...I laughed.  I wish Eric had been there to witness it!

Setting up for the fake and playing a decoy...the play worked a few times and got them a TD!  Go 49'ers!

Parker, I am so proud of you and your team! 

Parker's Personal Lunch Lady

When Parker started Kindergarten, I became OBSESSED with packing his lunch.  My main goal is to provide him with a nutritious lunch that will sustain him through the day.  Yes, I am fearful my baby is going to starve while at school.  Honestly, I also enjoy packing his lunch as it allows me to maintain some sort of control over a small portion of his day.  Let's face it, while in school all day he spends the better part of his awake hours away from me.  Finally, Parker is the world's slowest eater (next to me, of course) and he cannot afford any time standing in the lunch line. 

Parker got bored with sandwiches early in the beginning of the year (told you he would, daddy).  I began to get upset he was not getting a hot lunch while at school.  A new world of lunch options was available to us when I discovered the Thermos FUNtainer Food Jar!  There is an overwhelming amount of colors, sport motifs, and character designs for the kiddos to choose from. Score!

With the FUNtainer I can send leftovers to school with Parker...spaghetti, soup, and casseroles.  Chicken has made it's way into the container as well as mac-n-cheese.  From time to time I have filled the container with cold milk and sent a separate container of dry cereal for Parker to add at lunch time.  

 

More often than not, Parker's lunch consists of a main dish, a veggie (carrots or cherry tomatoes being his favorites), a fruit (he is not picky here), a cheese stick, a treat, and something to wash it all down with.  I LOVE the Apple & Eve Fruitables Juice.  I am by no means Super Mom...the occasional PB,& J or Lunchable (blech!) do find their way into Parker's lunchbox on occasion.  This year we are allowing him to buy on Fridays...Pizza Day.  After all, I have been told it's the cool thing to do!

Bunny Ears

The year was 1985. I was in Kindergarten. I was bossy. I was busy. I informed my mom after the first day of school that she would never style my hair again (and she has not). I was capable of tying my own shoes. I vividly recall my older cousin, Cheryl, teaching me the task. We were outside in her back yard. She was one year older than me. There were no bunny ears involved. The day I learned to tie my shoes the heavens parted and shed light down on me. Please tell me you experienced the same thing! If my memory serves me correctly, it was a requirement to tie your own shoes before moving on to first grade. Maybe not. I do know that back then learning to tie your shoes was...well, a BIG deal!

Fast forward to May 2010. My oldest son, Parker, has been promoted to first grade. He was capable of counting coins. He could tell time (for the most part). He utilized the basic skills to operate a computer. He had begun to learn how to read. He had learned how to skip count and read graphs. He could not tie his shoes. Huh? I thought it was a requirement! Seriously, for the better part of last school year I expected to read on Parker's Homework Sheet, "Please practice with your child tying his/her shoes." Funny, I never found those words. Anywhere. Times...they are a changing. Thankfully, Parker found a sweet girl, Maggie, to tie his shoes last year when they came undone. Parker was not alone. From what I understand, Maggie tied a lot of shoes. She should have charged the kiddos a quarter per pair;)

Eric and I fully intended to teach Parker how to tie his shoes over the summer. T-Ball games, boat rides, trips to the beach, endless bike rides, and a new baby derailed our plans. A few days into school this year, I attempted to teach Parker how to tie his shoes. I googled "How to teach shoe tying" (gotta love technology!). I found endless information and even discovered shoe tying is a skill many kids master between ages 5-7 (whew, Parker is 6). I opted to teach him the bunny ears method....a decision that was foolish on my behalf. I do not tie my shoes using that method. Hey, we both will learn! Needless to say, Parker was not grasping the process. A few days later, Eric sat down with Parker and taught him to tie his shoe. In minutes. No bunny ears. Way to go, Parker (and thank you, Eric)! Personally, I have one less pair of shoes to tie before heading out the door in the morning. Amen.

Then and Now...

Recently, as I gaze at Hudson I find myself thinking of Parker. Six summers ago Parker was the same age Hudson currently is (give or take) as their birthdays are now 9 days apart. I vividly recall the summer of 2004 and what a change it was for me (becoming a parent will do that to you!). Fast forward 6 years later and Parker has evolved so much between then and now...


Then you were my only baby...now you are a big brother to three.

Then you happily accompanied me to the Dairy Queen, but ate nothing...now you love Blue Raspberry Sherbet cones.

Then you were content to ride in your stroller on our daily walks...now you lead our mini caravan (what else would you call two kiddos on bikes and a mommy pushing a double stroller?) while speeding along on your bike. Let it be known, you also rode your bike alongside mommy for 4 miles the other night!

Then you sat on my lap while we gently swayed on a swing at the park...now you soar through the air all on your own.

Then you sat on the porch swing taking in the world around you...now I find you on the porch Googling yourself via the computer (no joke!).

Then you napped on me each and every day...now you no longer take naps, but very willingly play outside while your younger brothers catch some zzzz's.


Now, my love for you continues to grow each day...just as it did then.

2 Parents+4 Kiddos+Indoor Waterpark=Adventure

Last weekend we made our first trip to Kalahari as a family of six. The indoor water park and resort, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is approximately thirty minutes away from our home. Sandusky is "home" to two additional indoor water parks as well. However, Kalahari is by far our family favorite!

We first stayed at Kalahari when Garrett was three weeks old. Our family thought we were crazy taking a three week old to a water park. Indeed, we were on the receiving end of a few "Are you kidding me!" stares from other resort visitors. Personally, I sported a bathing suit three weeks postpartum. Insane!

Our most recent trip was truly an adventure (or crazy...your call). Let's break it down...2 parents...4 kiddos (6 and under)...3 kiddos who are fearless of water...acres of water fun...thousands of people. Yea, let's go with crazy!

Last weekend's stay was brought about via a fundraiser for our school district (awesome room rates with part of the proceeds going towards our district). Many local families took advantage of the great deal and the older two boys ran into a few of their school friends. Garrett, as it turns out, is a little social butterfly. My mouth literally dropped when he ventured away from Parker (his best buddy...his idol) and veered towards his preschool pals.

Did the kiddos have fun? Most certainly! Did Eric and I? Yes and no. It was great to get away as a family. As always, it was wonderful to see our kiddos laughing and having fun. Honestly, it was also the first time I somewhat regretted our decision to have four kiddos so close in age. As a parent, it was beyond stressful. Yet, we managed. A smile escaped now and then from Eric and I's face, between moments of sheer terror. We arrived with four kiddos. We departed with (the same) four kiddos. Victory!

The scrapbooker in me had to take some photos (you know, to add to the stress). They are not too shabby considering they were taken with one hand, I had Hudson strapped to me, and I was attempting to protect my 5th baby (aka my DSLR) from massive amounts of water.

Parker in the wave pool

Garrett enjoying the wave pool as well

Eric and Ryder...Little Dude did his absolute BEST to keep up with his big brothers. He is a force to be reckoned with!

Fun for all in the kiddie area

Swimming and slides for Garrett

Parker and Ryder getting in on the action, too

Eric took the older two boys on a family ride. They loved it. I listened to Ryder ask for 45 minutes where his daddy and "boys" were. It was awesome!

This photo makes me laugh and reminds me that all of the stress was worth it

Gifts Made With Little Hands

Oh, how I LOVE gifts made with little hands. This Mother's Day has been no exception. Parker and Garrett were more than joyful when they presented me with these...

Garrett brought this little pot of happiness home with
him on Wednesday after preschool.
I love that he chose a blue butterfly...his favorite color;)

Super sweet poem that
brought a tear to my eye.

Parker came sprinting out of school Friday afternoon
with his gift and gleefully exclaimed, "Mama, look
what I made for you!".

As we stood outside the front of the school (with hoards of
kids rushing around us) he pulled this from his backpack.
Again, a tear made it's way down my cheek.

In a few short years, Ryder and Hudson will begin crafting their own little treasures. Each one of my little boys brings me such joy, laughter, and at times even frustration. They are each unique; however, each of them makes me a mother. Their mother. Indeed, I am blessed!

Happy Mother's Day!

Say Cheese

Oh, my dear Parker...

You are so handsome.

Your eyes just shine.

You remind me of your daddy and I adore that.

I love you. There is no denying that.

You have a sincere, genuine, and beautiful smile.

Recently, I find myself wondering what in the world forces you to flash this fake smile whenever a camera is around...

Spring Musical
March 2010

I understand you may be tired of my camera in your face.

I am pleading with you, though.

Please, find it within yourself to bring back your real smile.

Thank you!

Love,
Mama

Life With Ryder

Oh, dear Ryder...there is never a dull moment with you around. Amidst our crazy life I forgot how entertaining (almost) two year olds can be. My parents and older family members all agree that you are me (just in a male form). At times, I think my mom should be sainted if what they say is true!

You have a love for accessories...glasses, hats, bags, shoes, and mismatched socks. They do not have to be yours and anyone's will do. Once your look is just right you head to the door and plead to go ''bye''. All day long...




You use my time spent caring for Hudson as an opportunity to get into everything and anything. In your eyes nothing is off limits.


You are addicted to baths. Honestly, I will throw you in the tub a few times throughout the day just so you can swim and cook in the tub. You *heart* Melmo (aka Elmo) and Gunkey (aka Monkey). They accompany you to bed for each nap and again at bedtime.

Sweet Ryder, you are no longer my baby in regards to age. However, you have a huge grasp on my heart. Always and forever...

You are the BEST...

Every night, once the kiddos are bathed, snack time is done, and their teeth have been brushed we head upstairs for bedtime. I cherish bedtime. The craziness of the day comes to an end as the kiddos are tucked into their beds. Our bedtime ritual is special. It is personal. It is ours. Yes, there are hugs, snuggles, and kisses. The following interaction also takes place between me and each child...

*Cue song..."Close your eyes, close your eyes, close your eyes little (Parker, Garrett, Ryder). Mommy loves you, Daddy loves you, so goooooo tooo sleep"

*Repeat song to stuffed animal of choice

*Me: You are the best (Parker, Garrett, Ryder) in the whole wide world!
Child: You are the best Mommy in the whole wide world (okay, this is what Ryder is thinking)!
Me: You are the best (Parker, Garrett, Ryder) in this house!
Child: You are the best Mommy in this house (again, I know Ryder is thinking this)!

*Hug

*Hug

*Big sloppy kiss on cheek

*Little soft kiss

*Me: Happy (January, February, March, etc)...don't ask!
Child: Happy (repeat what month mommy said or in Ryder's case right now "Baby")!

With that the doors are slightly left ajar and I walk downstairs. Within five minutes Garrett is standing in the doorway requesting more water, declaring he has pooped, and generally annoying Parker.

What makes bedtime special at your house?

Another One (Almost) Out of Diapers

Confession...I am a tad bit relaxed when it comes to potty training. Shortly after Parker turned 2 years old I began feeling the pressure to get him potty trained. I tried. He tried. At the time Garrett was a newborn and I was adjusting to life with two kiddos. I remember calling Eric and my mom one day declaring Parker had been through 18 pairs of underwear....in one day! Seriously. Furthermore, who in the world pees 18 times in one day? OK, Eric would promptly say I do. Regardless, he was anxious. I was anxious. Clearly both of us were not ready.

Together, we made a few more attempts between the ages of 2 and 3. I began listening to some of my dear "online buddies" over on the "MW" message boards I belong to. They reminded me that all kids are different, boys often potty train later than girls, and I was not the only one with an almost 3 year old who was not potty trained. Whew....sigh of relief. I was not a failure.

I took Parker to the doctor for his 3 year old wellness check and much to my surprise he did make me feel guilty that my son was not potty trained. We took Parker for his first preschool visit and the director was not mortified that Parker was not potty trained. Whew (again)! The summer prior to starting preschool Parker GOT IT! Something inside him clicked and he was ready.

Moving on...Garrett turns 2 years old. I am pregnant (again) and in the middle of a difficult pregnancy at that. I would consider myself a tad bit more experienced AND relaxed. When Garrett turned 2 years old I told myself I would not push the potty training issue. Remember, my almost 3 year old was not potty trained either. If Garrett showed interest then we would go forth with potty training. Otherwise, we were going to give it some time.

Garrett turned 3 at the end of December and since then he has shown an interest in the potty. Together, this past Monday we buckled down and since Wednesday he has had very few accidents. He has even mastered going #2 on the potty (something Parker really struggled with). I am so proud of him!!! He is so proud of himself!!! He sits on the potty and exclaims, "Did you hear that? Did you hear that sound?" Yesterday, Eric took him to the store for his big reward (a Hot Wheels Dirt bike racing contraption). Garrett was ready...

...however, we had forgotten about a beginning potty trainer's interest in toilet paper.

Uh-huh...that is the roll of the toilet paper on the floor. Of course, the "pee shield" from both of our potty seats have went missing between kids 1 and 2. There is no doubt the kids were using it for something inappropriate and it has been discarded. With that in mind we have to endlessly remind Garrett "to keep your pee pee down". Perhaps we should stop being cheap and go out and buy a new potty seat.

The look I was given when questioning Garrett regarding above mentioned toilet paper...

..."It's all good mommy! I'm going on the potty!"

Congrats to my Baby G!!!

Now, as far as Ryder...it is too much to ask for Parker and Garrett to potty train him when the time comes?

HELP!!!!

Will someone please help me? My parents make me do crazy things...like swim in the bathtub!

Seriously, he LOVED swimming in the tub. I am not sure what this "look" was about?!?!

First Bite

At our doctor's suggestion (for reflux) we gave Ryder his first taste of rice cereal earlier this week. You have to love the look on his face...he definitely did not know what to think.





The cereal did nothing for Ryder's reflux and he was not a big fan; therefore, we are holding off a few more weeks. Oh, Garrett is not a fan of rice cereal either (he insisted upon trying it)!

Best of Both Worlds

I like to remind Garrett how special he is to be our middle son.

As Parker's LITTLE brother he gets great hugs from his BIG brother...

...but as the BIG brother to Ryder he has the chance to read him cool dirtbike magazines!



Love you Baby G...you really make me smile!

Cursing the Sandbox

I do not recall whose idea it was to purchase a sandbox and for that matter to recently fill it with sand. Yes, it sat empty the two previous summers. Wait...I do remember Eric getting the bright idea to turn it into a hot tub for the boys at one point (please do not ask!). Needless to say that idea did not pan out.

Regardless, this simple children's "toy" has been a source of frustration for me this summer.

EVERY time Parker and Garrett step foot in that darn thing the end result is this...

...and it never fails that Ryder starts screaming to be fed while I spend 20 minutes getting sand out of every crevice on their little bodies.

No, I am not completely anal about my boys being clean 100% of the time. It is just the simple fact they desperately need a bath every time they venture outside. Seriously. We go for a walk...they need a bath (OK, perhaps we should stop walking to the dairy queen LOL). They play on the swingset...they need a bath. They go swimming...they need a bath (Eric would probably argue that pooltime is equivalent to a bath). These two older boys of mine excel at getting dirty. There are days when each of them end up in the tub 3 times (my only saving grace is being able to throw them in the tub together).

With that in mind I am asking...Eric, are you reading this? I believe it is time to get hot water outside so I can hose them off in a nice fashion. Yes, I feel guilty spraying them with cold water; however, they show no remorse when turning the hose on me.

For the time being I will leave the lid off of the sandbox and hope for a neighborhood cat to use it as a liter box. Then I have no choice but to empty the sandbox...right?!?!

Totally Random Info...

*I HATE pink eye!!! In the past 3 weeks all 5 of us have had a "go" with this nasty virus. Ryder was the last of us to come down with it as of yesterday. Yes, my precious 4 week old has pink eye. I will be sure to make a note of that in his baby book-ugh!

*Parker truly has superhero powers...by merely putting on a pair of Spiderman underwear he becomes Spiderman! Likewise, by quickly changing into a pair of Superman undies we then have Superman in our house. Hey, I am impressed:)

*While sitting in my lap during Monday night's thunderstorms Garrett proclaimed I was his "friend". Awwwwww...

*Ryder currently weighs 9lb 2oz with his clothes on.

*While repeatably questioning Parker during a recent coloring session I was informed to "Just drop it already Mom!". I can hardly wait for his teenage years (note sarcasm).

*Garrett is showing big interest in the potty. On Tuesday while he was sitting on the potty I briefly left to check on Ryder. I returned to find him brushing his pee pee with MY toothbrush! Are you serious?! I will be reviewing the potty process with him.

*I am in LOVE with my new double stroller.

*Garrett successfully made his way into Parker's bed the other night (a task he has been working on for a LONG time). The next morning I told Parker Garrett had slept with him briefly during the night. Parker acted surprised, because in reality he thought it had been ET in his bed. Huh?! I recall checking his closet prior to bedtime and could of swore ET was not in there.

*One of Garrett's recent timeouts resulted in an additional timeout. I went to get him out of timeout only to discover he spent his timeout coloring all over the wall leading upstairs. The little rascal had been hiding a crayon in his diaper!

*Ryder currently possesses both Parker and Garrett's worst traits as babies...Parker's crazy sleeping habits and Garrett's reflux. Wonderful!

*Earlier today Garrett handed me my Pilate's DVD...wonder what he is trying to tell me!

*Life is good...crazy, but good:)

Our Trio of Cuteness!

I am having a hard time believing that Ryder will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. The past 3 weeks have been a tad bit crazy as we settle into life with 3 kids, but overall things are going smoothly. If it was not for the pink eye that has been making its way through our home life with 3 kids would be no different than life with 2 kids. In all honesty I think going from 1 to 2 kids is a big deal and from there you are simply adding to the chaos in your house:)

Parker and Garrett have been doing an AMAZING job with Ryder. They both enjoy singing to him, helping to care for him, and attempting to play with him. Parker is big on sharing his stuffed animals with him and Garrett insists he is cute (we agree!).

Eric took these photos the other day while I was napping...I am simply smitten with all three of the little guys in my life.

We Made It!

Hooray for us...we made it through Parker's first week of preschool. I will admit it is thrilling to go through his backpack and see what treasures it holds. Check out today's find...Parker's first school certificate. How cute!!!

Though Parker has attended school only 2 mornings I have already made a few observations.

First, Garrett is a BIG fan of Parker going to school. When I walk into their room and happily greet them by saying "Good morning my little rays of sunshine. It's a school day!" Garrett is quick to rush through our morning routine. Both boys happily eat breakfast, get dressed, brush their teeth, etc., but Garrett is really eager to get Parker out the door! He knows ALONE time with mommy is quickly approaching. Today we spent part of our time together taking a long walk. Currently Locust Street is under construction and Garrett LOVES to see all of bulldozers, dump trucks, graders, and such.

Second, I am relieved that Parker enjoys going to school. Today when I dropped him off I noticed quite a few children crying as their parents left. It broke my heart to see those children crying. Once we were at home Parker shared with me that one little girl was crying and HE told her "You will be okay." How sweet of my little boy!

Third, it was so cool to see Parker listening to his teacher! I showed up early to pick him up and happily discovered him following directions. My child...following directions...after only 2 days!!! I wonder if his teacher would share with me her secrets LOL!

Through these observations and more I am happy with our decision to put Parker in preschool a few mornings a week. It has been a positive choice for our entire family.

Discovery

Earlier this afternoon the boys and I were outside. The backyard and its surroundings was theirs to explore...to discover.

Today Garrett discovered butterflies. He found out that as quickly as butterflies float into your life they float out. He discovered after numerous attempts of running after them he could not catch one. I discovered tears of sadness in his eyes with each butterfly that drifted away from our yard.

Today Parker discovered the red mulch in my flower beds. He found out the mulch made a suitable replacement for the dirt that he typically carries in his dump trucks. He discovered the mulch stained his little hands with a red tint. I discovered his little hand prints on my white shorts!

Today Garrett discovered sidewalk chalk. He found out he was capable of drawing little masterpieces just like his older brother. He also discovered the nasty taste of chalk. I discovered a little tooth "painted" blue when he looked at me and cried "Yuck".

I rediscovered today one of the reasons I love being the mommy to these two beautiful boys...with each discovery they make I make one too.