DPP Day 8

I have a lot to do tonight and so I just wanted to stop in and share a few of today's pictures.  We had a lovely day.  A big brunch of Mickey Mouse waffles, eggs, and bacon, singing at the kitchen table, playing in the snow, baking, a 6 month photo shoot, yummy rotisserie chicken, and prep for school and get to bed!  What a great weekend. . .

Rich was out of town all weekend for his work Christmas party.  My sweet daddy scooped my driveway and sidewalk with Ben's "help".  They also tackled the neighbor's at Ben's insistence.

 His first time scooping snow!  It was a perfect snow for it too!  Dry, light, and not much of it!

While some were scooping, Kevin and Brandon were singing with all their hearts "Daydream Believer" with Katherine Jean instead of Sleepy Jean.



Pure Joy

 

At her photo shoot struggling to sit up.   Maybe her mom should go help instead of taking pictures! 

 Tickles and Dog Kisses

 A good day for Eskimo kisses.  Love their matching smiles.

Brian stopped by to have me give him his injections and he got a little K time.

 

The winner today is:

 

I loved this picture of seeing what is on the other side of the camera during the photo shoot!  Sara did such an awesome job with Miss K today.  Can't wait to see her pictures!  BIG thank you to my neighbor Kelsey, who provided some super girly stuff for us to use today. 

DPP Day 7

What a fantastic day was had at the Hoffmans!  I banned all screens this morning in anticipation of our "let's get snowed in party" that was planned for this evening.  This resulted in lots of play time and great sibling bonding time.  Warms a mama's heart big time!  I hustled through a bunch of laundry this morning so we could get some Christmas staples accomplished. 

Brandon is my little chef.  He helps me cook absolutely everything that he possibly can.  So I expect that he will be a big help in the Christmas cooking making and giving of 2013.  Today was molasses cookie day.  They remind me of Mamo.  :)  It doesn't hurt that the recipe is written in her handwriting.  Truly something I would recommend anyone to do.  Those favorite recipes that come from your mom, your grandma, uncle, etc, get them to write them on your recipe cards for you.  When they are gone, I can not tell you how comforting it is to still have their handwriting.  I am hoping this isn't one of the many things the digital age will take away.

Ben wanted to spend the day with Omom and Pawee so Brandon, Katherine, Elizabeth and I got the tree decorated.  It isn't balance and there are pockets with 100 ornaments and spaces with none.  But it is ours and therefore, it is perfect.  I was so surprised at how effective of a team Elizabeth and Brandon were.  I couldn't keep up with them!  All I had to do was place a few ornaments high up in the tree.  They did the rest!

Tonight, Elizabeth has a friend over to spend the night.  My family was hoping we would go to their house to get snowed in and have a sleepover.  But going anywhere for an overnight with a baby, I might as well pack the whole house.  So they packed up and came here.  We have had chili, popcorn, movies, Christmas carols, and a Muppets Christmas movie.  Now it is time to tuck everyone into their beds. 

After a long hard week, a day at home was just what I needed.  I never did get out of my pjs!  Since we were here all day, I got a lot of pictures with a lot of stories.  I will try to only pick a few of my favs. 

 These two mean business when they play superheros.  The benefits of sharing a room and pooling your toys. 

 The girls were in Elizabeth's room playing too.

 I have titled this picture "The key to a good Saturday morning."

 This picture cracks me up.  I love it so much!  Brandon's face as he directs people who are not listening.  Ben's face as he clearly disagrees with whatever Elizabeth has suggested.  Katherine's face as she seems to think this is all for her entertainment.  Love it.  :)

Katherine is getting sleepy. . .

 This picture is fine on its own but when you know the story - it becomes a bit more interesting.  I had put the vanilla wafers in a Tupperware and there were a few that didn't fit.  I handed the bag to Elizabeth and asked her to share fairly.  She gave all but 5 of the wafers to Brandon and kept her 5 in the bag.  Brandon would not believe that he had more than her and was sure that she was not sharing.  So in this picture, he is ignoring his big pile of wafers and just staring down that bag that he is sure that he wants!

 An essential final step to the cookie making process.

The tree trimming team!

 And the post for today is this picture. . .because it was just too cute.

Just one of the girls. . .

DPP Day 6

I almost missed doing this today.  I went straight from work, to pick up kiddos, to getting them settled in with a babysitter, and then off to a dinner celebration for work.  Tonight we were honoring a woman who has worked for the PA program since its inception.  Over 40 years of service.  Quite remarkable!  It just won't be the same without her!  Now, she has exceptional knowledge of the university, the PA program, and the jobs that need to be done. . .but my favorite thing will always be that she was the keeper of the Office Depot catalog.  Oh how I love office supplies and she was the one with the office supply hookup!  :)  The dinner was a ton of fun, as is most gatherings with my coworkers.  Tonight, Katherine was my date to the event.  She had a wonderful time.  She really impressed them with her calm and quiet demeanor.  While she is a really sweet and good baby, she was on her best behavior. She was in heaven though.  Lots of people to hold her, lots of jewelry to play with, and people fawning over her.  It was a lovely evening for both of us.  She got held and snuggled and I got to socialize while other people held her.  Most of all, laughter and good friends (and even a glass of wine) is such good medicine for the soul.

When I returned home, bedtime was well on the way.  What a blessing!  So I came into the picture to help out getting everyone settled and I remembered my photo project.  I ran to get my camera.  I am so glad I did because I love some of these sweet and peaceful pictures. 

 I couldn't decide which angle I liked the best.  :)  The party princess is partied out.  :)

The rainbow loom instructor and her student.

Sleeping?

He is as angelic as he looks.  My sweet Ben.

Today's winner.  :)



Sleeping in Heavenly Peace

DPP Day 5

Overwhelmed.  Today I was completely overwhelmed by the helping hands that surround me and my family.  When I write these blogs, it is a stream of consciousness often resulting in some raw honesty.  There is little reflection on how my words might affect those who stop to read them.  Today I saw an outpouring from the effect last night's blog had.  Facebook posts, texts, calls, and even my co-workers asking if they can lighten the load.  Overwhelmingly supported.  That is how I feel today.  Thanks friends and family!

Even my brother, in a big brother mocking way, gave me a compliment.  :)  Not gonna lie, his praises always have big impact on me - maybe because I spent a big chunk of my life thinking he hated me.  Ha! And at the same time, he has made me self conscious of my grammar and word choice which will likely continue to be poor.  I am always throwing these things together so I can either go to bed or back to work on my stuff!  That is my disclaimer. 

Life is good.  It is truly good.  Even on the days Rich and I are at our wits end, we still feel blessed.  We have such great kids. 

Elizabeth - a born leader with big ideas and the fortitude to make them happen.  She got her whole class involved in writing a newspaper, formal interviews and all, and got it printed!  Plus she is starting a new club every time I turn around (which results in lots of talks about inclusivity and not exclusivity!).  A soft heart that wants so badly to please and perfect.   I am learning so many new things about her this year that are really helping me to understand her better. 

Benjamin - a bizarre blend of a sweet, empathetic heart and wild hooligan.  Just tonight, the dog peed all over Elizabeth's mattress when we were trying to change sheets.  Benjamin began to cry because he was so sad that Elizabeth didn't have a bed anymore.  He went in and offered her his bed and told her that he would sleep on the floor.  Such a lover.  But at the same time, he spends more time sliding around on the ground, going up and over furniture, and jumping than he does with two feet planted on the ground.  I call it "squirrelly". 

Brandon - oh - he is his own man.  Quite the little director.  He knows what he wants and he will make sure you do too!  He has his three year old tantrums - which doesn't get him very far around here and so he has learned how to charm.  This three year old can wrap someone around his finger in no time flat.  It doesn't hurt that he loves to perform, loves to snuggle, and loves to join in whatever activity is going on at the time. 

Katherine - too soon to tell what little personality will start to develop in her.  But for now, she is a sweet, content baby.  She doesn't ask for too much (other than she would really prefer if you would never put her down - but if you insist, she'll settle in).  She is such an easy baby and loves all the action that constantly surrounds her.

Unfortunately, I spent a lot of my night sitting in front of the computer working while my family watched a Mickey Christmas Special (can you believe I missed Mickey?!?!).  So the pictures were a bit last minute and fewer. 

Do you see that little twinkle?

Rich and his soda - it is more about getting out of the house than the soda.  It is the little things when you work from home!

Organizing Queen!

She is a big help.



Boo boo.

This is the one I picked tonight because I felt that though the boo boo was subtle, his facial expression and the placement of the focus made it obvious.  This boo boo came from that wild hooligan side of his personality.  You can't watch Mickey without flipping off and on to the couch at least 200 times.

DPP Day 4

I have made it to day 4.  If I am being honest, I wondered when I wrote that first post if it might be the last for another couple years!  The real reason that this blog is getting any attention is that I am seeing the benefits to my mental health.  At 3 o'clock today, Rich called me to tell me that he had to go to Florida tonight so that he would be there by 9am tomorrow morning.  I was teaching a class from 4-5pm and I have to leave before 5 to make it to kid pick up before 6.  It shoved me into a full on panic mode.  What I have found is that having 4 kids, a full time job, and a husband that has a job that has travel that comes up at the last minute is not for the faint of heart.  I feel like I spent a significant percentage of my life creating plan b, plan c, and disaster planning mode.  After a week of unexpected unpleasantries, this was a bit of a last straw.  I had a meltdown.  Tears, panic, and feelings of complete and utter inadequacy.  My meltdown was premature because the upside to living here in the middle of the Midwest - you can't get anywhere that quickly!  So someone else had to go.  Phew!  To ease my stress, I stayed and worked longer than normal.  Rich, in his ever supportive style, got the kids fed and Elizabeth off to basketball practice. 

Well, technically, Ben got everyone fed.  He was proud of it.  He made peanut butter and jelly for all three kids, fruit, and some raw veggies with dip.  He served it up with some formality.  When Elizabeth commented that he poured her too much milk, he calmly stated, "Excuse me miss, I need to take this back into the kitchen for a moment."   This was a fun side to see of Ben.  It wouldn't be something I would expect from him which only makes me love it even more. 

Today I am thankful for:

1.  Supportive co-workers that don't freak out when I cry.  (Thanks Patty!)
2.  The after dinner scramble for picking a few pieces of Halloween candy.
3.  My mommy being by back up day care for the last few days.  I want SO badly to be the one snuggling my little ones when they don't feel well or are home from school or day care.  But if I can't be there, I love knowing they have their grandma to do some good snuggling and spoiling!
4.  A day with no meetings tomorrow!!
5.  My crazy life. . .every day I take a moment to realize that some of my greatest aggravations are followed by my greatest joys.  My greatest frustrations precede some of my greatest triumphs.  Despite all the chaos, all the crazy, and all the struggle - I wouldn't change any of it for the world.  My heart is full!

Today's photo choices. . .

Stealing from Mom's take out.

The candy bowl attack!

"Mommy, can you open this for me?"

Getting responsibilities done.

Keeping watch.

And the winner is:


Daddy's Girl

If today taught me nothing else, it reminded me how much I love and need this man.  He has gotten totally on board with this photo project and took K from me so that I could get the candy bowl picture.  It was his suggestion to get the picture of Brandon asking me to open his candy.  He is a great daddy, a supportive hubby, and an all around good dude.  And just look at how intently K is watching him move the toy.  She adores him.  So when I looked up from the candy bowl picture, how could I not take this one?

DPP Day 3

Today seemed to be filled with speed bumps and road blocks, literally and figuratively.  The literally part was much less exciting, at least for me; some big accidents as I was attempting to make my way through my day.  I needed to rearrange my day for a sick little lady and that long to do list from yesterday is not very forgiving.  I had a doctor's appointment that required moles be removed and sent to pathology.  While unlikely to be anything significant, it will be that little nagging thing at the back of my brain for the next week.  Then a call from daycare on the other attendee, which sent us running for a prescription and home to do even more laundry.  Our evenings are full just with activities and school responsibilities so these extra things feel much bigger than they actually are.  These days fatigue us all.  Rich and I find our energy zapped which leads to impatience which zaps the kid's energy.  We find ourselves at the end of the day begging for sleep to come to the little ones and the mercy that follows.  Although tonight we had to do a whole house pick up so the house can cleaned tomorrow (blessed to get to have my house cleaned!).  Again, this project stops that spiral into negativity.   I think I am in love with this daily reflection despite my lack of time for it!  But here I am at the end of a rough day feeling at peace.  For I just sat down and looked through the images that I took a few moments to snap as the day went on. As usual, I will put the one I chose to post at the end.  I hope you enjoy. 

Today's counted blessings:
1.  Getting a scalp massage at the hair salon.  Ahhhhhhhh, my favorite!
2.  Jimmy John's for dinner - when life gets crazy, no problem.  They really ARE Freaky Fast!
3.  The 30 minutes of conversation I get with Elizabeth and Ben while the other one is in for piano lessons.
4.  Baby K's smiles despite not feeling well.
5.  A tidy house and a husband that helps me get it that way.
6.  Having a job flexible enough to let me be with my kiddos when they need me.

An advanced ninja move for that TMNT!

Maxing and relaxing while the big kids work on spelling.

I love the way he always crosses his feet!



Just because it is Jimmy John's doesn't meet we can't meet around the table!

Such a sweetie. . .most of the time!  The bottom right is where she sucks her top lip - it is hilarious!

Just caught my eye. . .

And the winner!  This is just perfect for our kiddos.  Ben plays toys, Elizabeth reads.  But they both enter their own worlds!  I was lucky to catch this moment in between spelling, dinner, and rushing out the door to piano!



Each in their own world of make believe....

DPP Day 2

Day 1 was a bit of a last minute decision which led to a quick photo and upload.  Today, I had most of the day to think about what I wanted to do.  I spent the majority of my day at work with a never ending to do list.  I considered taking a photo of that since it consumed my day!  But I realized that wasn't where my heart was and that I wanted to wait until I arrived home to see what photos developed from an evening at home.  We had a quick dinner of the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers, Ben went to Basketball practice, and I had some time to just observe.  Perhaps my favorite part of this new project is that it encourages me to stop and look for those precious moments.  Like most evenings in our house, there are many sweet moments but they drown in busy chaos.  I took several pictures and I had a hard time choosing.  Ultimately, I let Rich choose.   The winner will be the last photo posted.

A few blessed moments from this evening. . .
   1. Nonstop snuggles from baby Kate - she wasn't feeling well.
   2.  A shy, but bold serenade (Gone, by Kelly Clarkson) by my 9 year old.  She knew every word! (My coupon from her impromptu gift giving the night before). 
   3.  Another serenade by a not to be outdone 3 year old.  A little "What Does the Fox Say" from him. . .sadly, he knew the words too. 
   4.  The dishes being done by my sweet and helpful hubby after a long day of being Mr. Mom with a sick baby.
   5.  Time spent looking around the house for inspiration.

What a great guy!!  I am truly blessed by this man and not just because he does dishes!

Some of my favorite things. . .

  Impromptu concert!

This dog is a decedent of Marley - can you see it in her eyes?!?!

Sneaking mom's phone. . .but still will "cheese" for the camera!

Sweet sister snuggles.

This is the winner of #DPP2013 #Day2.   Rich picked it because he loved the look on Brandon's face as he teased his sister.  Complete joy and admiration.  Sweet conversations between siblings.  Sometimes they are hard to come by. . .

Dusting off the Blog for December Photo Project

It is no secret that I have been neglecting this blog. I don't know if this project will change that or not.  But I love going back and reading all the stories I have posted in the past.  It is worth a try. :). Here is my December 1st picture.  We spent the weekend preparing our lives and hearts for the Christmas season.  It gave me great joy when my 3 year old declared "Santa is Christmas" and my 9 and 6 year olds stopped their activities to sit down and tell him all about Jesus.  It was one of those infrequent mom moments when you think to yourself, I am doing something right.  A nice break from the never ending scroll of thoughts about what I should be doing better.  Another blessed pause today was after Rich and I got our Christmas lights up.  It makes me feel like a kid all over again.  I love this season.  It propels me back to the simple joys of childhood. My heart is happy.