Can I Pet The Fat One?

Well, we are 6.5 hours in to our first sleepover, and dare I say, just now showing signs that sleep may actually happen. My favorite line of the past half an hour was "mom, we really can't fall asleep, and can you help Hannah buckle the roller skate?" 

I don't know about you guys but when I'm really needing to get some rest, I strap on the ol' roller skates to calm down. 

Overall the night has been awesome, and silly, and girly, and everything a sleepover should be. 

One huge plus I have discovered is that a 6 year old will in fact clean her room if you tell her she can't have the friend over unless it's done. And even volunteer to vacuum. "Cause it just really needs to be done, Mom."

It was an unbelievably perfect day outside today, and we took full advantage. Started the morning at the park with friends. It ended in a walk that was a bit more than we bargained for and I recruited Lucy to help with stroller-pushing.

Even though it only lasted 10 minutes- it was awesome to realize another benefit to them growing up. 

While on any walk my kids will ask every single dog owner we pass if they can pet their dog. Today we hit an unusual bump in the road when someone told Jack that he actually shouldn't pet their dog because it doesn't really like children, and in fact can get mean towards them. 

"Why doesn't he like children?" Because I don't have any children in my house. "Did your children die?" No, I never had any unfortunately. 

Just bury me in a hole. 

A few more creeping, crawling hours into the countdown until The Great Sleepover of 2014, and Jack called me outside. 

"Something is going on with my foot"

Well duh, you have it jammed into a wagon handle.

He was having a very special day. 

Finally, FINALLY Lucy's wait was over and a knock was at our front door. 

The rest of my evening has included so much squealing it's almost lost it's cuteness- but not quite. 

In an effort to get everyone tuckered out we went for a walk.

Belting "Frozen" songs at the top of their lungs. 

No, they did not stop when people passed. 

Yes they also did the motions. 

Yes, they debated the movie in far greater depth than I have ever, ever considered.

They only stopped when they came across this-

"Is this potatoes, or poison?"

...?????

Jack came across another dog owner- this one with two pups. "Can I pet the fat one?"

I swore then and there to never bring him in public again.

When we got home I tried to keep him out of his sister's hair with some play dough distraction. 

Can you make a garbage truck, Mom? 

Most definitely. 

What do you mean it looks like a snail?? It's totally a garbage truck. 

Lucy chimes in with a request for "Pocahontas' family in their boat."

Also nailed that. 

Smaller kids went to bed and I thought it'd be fun to get super "slumber party-esque" with some nail painting with the girls. 

"Ok, that sounds fun. But we need blue, for the ice in frozen, and red for the ground in the castle when the queen gets mad, and purple for the princesses cape"

I've never put that much thought and coordination into my nail colors in my nearly 30 years of existence.  

They also had reasons for why each particular finger was each particular color. 

My God, what am I in for? 

Next we drank hot cocoa out of Hello Kitty mugs while watching, nay, singing along with Frozen, and then we headed off to "bed."

I can still hear quiet giggles. At least it's not roller skates anymore. 

Let's all cross our fingers everyone gets through til morning!! Lucy asked if I could wake up in the night and make muffins to bring them in their bed when the sun comes out. 

Seriously- she's cut off from Disney. 

Koala or Koala?

We are officially on spring break, and you can feel it in the air!! Got some sunshine in this morning, and the forecast has Monday at 72 degrees. I have chosen the right place to live!! 

With excitement in the air, friskiness is bound to happen. 

Hey Mom! Look at this cool thing!  

Oh neat. 

Jack decides to give it a whirl...

Not quite the same effect. 

I decided to go in to Lucy's school today and ask if they have a lost and found. I swear she goes with jackets and they never come back. This is where they pointed me. 

The organization level in this place is top notch. 

Also- it was damp and stinky. 

However- FOUR of Lucy's coats were in that gross pile. 

"I have no idea how that happened, Mom."

However, as I get more comfortable with the school I get more and more sad at the fact that the little 6 lb string bean will be gone 5 full days a week this coming fall. Wah. The teachers are great, the friends seem kind, and she loves it. But still- wah. It helps with the nasty attitude times to realize that I will in fact miss her, and these days, though long in the moment, are all too quick in the big picture of life. I imagine I'll always say that about present and future phases in parenting. 

We spent some time outside this afternoon

Pogosticking actually entails me lifting her up off the ground 1,000 times, maintaining her balance while she jumps.

She can't seem to understand why it's not so super fun for me. 

Tiny discovered the wagon and Bigs discovered whipping her around in it is actually entertaining for everyone involved. 

Ignore the lack of shoes- I have no explanation. 

But, they are the cutest nuggets in town. 

Lucy came with to do some errands with me, and had to wear her eye patch. She chose to not wear it this morning- and fully regretted that decision. "You were supposed to forget, Mom"

So sorry to disappoint. 

Came home to find Jack blowing bubbles casually in the living room.

Also neat.

Took the bubbles away and he quickly asked me if we could get a pet koala. 

I'd really rather not. 

After some digging though I asked him what this was

"A koala"

And what are these?

"Koalas" 

Obviously there has been some confusion. 

With that said, I would still rather not have either kind of koala. 

Lucy spent the evening making Gram cards as she is spending the day with her tomorrow.

Der Gram, tanks for inviten me.

Now she just needs to go to sleep. "I hate being without you- when I'm alone I'm scare-der than I love you." 

Well then. 

Glad to know your love does indeed have limits; though, I appreciate the honesty. 

Danny boy is channeling his youth and having a video game night with his friends. It was his only birthday request and quite easy for me to make happen. 

So- I'm on the search for a good netflix series, and listening to Lucy sing in the key of "yell." 

The lyrics are:

 "just be yourself and don't be scared, I don't know why I need you, it's a wonderful thing, but I only love you sometimes...you're a wonderful you"

It's all highs & lows with this one.

She will be a complicated girlfriend. 

I Ripped My Sister

Today started with Lucy and Jack tag teaming with great & passionate drama, "whyyyyy are we left alone?!" "what's going to happen to us?!" "it's the middle of the day, and we're still in our rooms!!!" I rolled over to check the clock- 6:47 am. 

Poor neglected children. 

Once they were given the ok to start the day, or I guess "what's left of it" Lucy emerged with her bags packed and a plan in place. She was spending the night at Gram and Uncle Caleb's house. Caleb had told her she could. 

I called Caleb (once 9 am had passed as I'm not cruel enough to call a 19 yr old at 7 in the morning) he didn't answer. At this point- Lucy's plan had only grown and she was now expecting Caleb to pick her up from school, go on a cocoa date, "maybe get a new toy" and then head to Gram's house for an evening filled with activities. 

He'd better wake up and return my call or this was only going to grow worse for him. 

He did. And as I suspected he'd mentioned, "maybe sometime soon" they could have her over. Of course this meant the next day in Lucy's mind. 

Drama ensued. "Mooooom, I trust you to believe me" was my favorite line. 

I had a meeting for a majority of the morning- so I was able to escape and therefore keep my sanity. 

The trick to Lucy (and most kids I think) is to somehow allow them to think they are in control of as many decisions as possible; all while you, in fact, keep true control over the decision. 

When they were younger this was much simpler with things like avoiding the "I don't want that cup" tantrum by asking them if they'd like the blue or the red cup as soon as they walk into the kitchen. They choose the red and feel oh so powerful. 

The older they get however, the more crafty I have to become. Or the more I simply need to let go and let them figure things out the hard way. For example- Jack insisted he could make his own breakfast the other morning. Usually I just want to do it because I haven't had my coffee yet, and I simply can't handle the barnacle children right away. But, I let him have at it. I backed away from my station at the toaster and let him try. 

He was so proud of himself- see Mom, I got this. 

He is definitely sitting directly on top of the butter dish. 

And yes, I'm aware that sometimes you truly do need to let go and let them learn. Sometimes you win, and they realize maybe they really do need their mama, but it won't always "let you win" sometimes it opens your eyes to the fact that they are perhaps capable of more than you give them credit for. 

He did need a change of pants, though. So, even though he successfully made his toast- he still learned he needs his mama to point out things like the butter dish.

Win/win.

With the exception of this afternoon, we've had a few days of beautiful weather. "Let's all go draw with sidewalk chalk!" Said this crazy mom. 

There was about 5 seconds of this beautiful scene. 

Then they scattered like "blow flowers" as Lucy calls them. Dead dandelions to the rest of the world. 

After school today, I opened the van door for Lucy to climb in... "not these kids, mom!!!!"

 Yes- I know it's shocking- they're still here. 

"I just was hoping for something different"

Despite her shock, she quickly accepted reality and our afternoon began. Only one physical altercation between the bigs- "Mom! Jack punched me in the head for no reason!" ......"Oh I didn't do it for no reason, and that's the Christmas truth." 

Around Christmas time they started saying "the Christmas truth" in place of what most would use a pinky promise, or cross your heart scenario. 

Glad to see it's still going strong. 

Poor Tiny got in her brothers path as well

However, Jack wept in a heap for the better part of half an hour. Screaming to the heavens in disbelief & disappointment in himself, "I ripped her! I ripped my sister!"

Pull it together man. 

Speaking of Violet- no crib land took a step backwards.

We basically just made her a deluxe crib. 

For whatever reason- she doesn't climb this though- so all are happy. 

Later Jack asked me if Violet would be a boy or a girl when she was a grown up. 

A girl, Jack. 

"How do you know boy and girl babies will be boy and girl grown ups?"

Seriously? The kid is 4.5 and hasn't figured this out yet?! 

He's our special guy. 

Speaking of that- this is the bulletin board picture in the hallway at Jack's school for the month of April...

Repping the Smith name like no other before him. 

May this image stay with you always. 

With that I'm signing off and will enjoy a quiet evening with the laundry. Hope you enjoyed today's peek into this crazy, beautiful brood!

Purple Martians and Elephets

Back to reality today! All systems are go, and no fevers were found. Of course I set out on my first day back in the land of the healthy with an ambitious goal- de-crib Tiny. If she can get out- may as well take away the possibility of her falling to her death and simply put her in "the big girl bed".

She was obviously sad to leave her crib. 

I on the other hand..

...turned around, looked at this crib and did feel sad. This oh so annoying to put together, dirty, kicked, chewed piece of furniture that Grandma bought for Lucy back in our tiny little New York apartment has held all three nuggets into the toddler life. 

I am so not the mom who gets emotional about this "stuff", but this crib has been seen as an annoyance to me for so many years. It's big, it's hard to move, and for the 3rd kiddo never even looked nice. But today as I began the process of disassembling it (almost with ease at this point), it went from an annoyance to a treasure. I've given the swing, the clothes, the gear- all of it away and not looked back for a second. We don't plan on having more kiddos, and honestly even if we did, a lot of our equipment just needs to be replaced. 3 kids seemed to be the limit on baby gear for those wondering. But then, to take down the biggest piece, and have it get to me! Ugh! Who am I? 

The truth is that, yes, in my most sentimental moments, babies growing older is a sad sad thing. But, whether I have 3 kids, or 8 kids- babies growing older will be sad. We feel that Violet completed our family, and are overall ready to move to the next stages in life. 

I will just miss that chewed up crib; and those teething babies. 

For those of you without kids- you're not misunderstanding my words. Babies will actually gnaw on the wood; much like what I imagine a teething infant woodchuck would need to do. They make protectors for them, but kids eventually figure out how to work around it- and if your crib goes through 3 sets of gums- it won't be available for much else but the garbage when they're done. 

Jack's Uncle Vio gave him a baseball bat yesterday.

He hasn't stopped asking to play soccer since. 

By soccer he does actually mean baseball. 

How he'll survive in society without his mother I do not know. 

With all of that said- he hit the stinkin ball every single time! 

What the heck?! 

This is so unlike me! I truly am not sure that I have ever made contact between a bat and a ball- my Tee-Ball years included. I am a pitiful example of any sport involving much hand eye coordination. 

Just in case you're all concerned he's losing touch with his intellectual side- Lucy asked me how to spell phone, and Jack followed that up with asking how to spell "the purple martian from despicable me". 

.......

Later on I was trying to remember this conversation and asked Jack what Lucy needed me to spell earlier. "I don't remember. What was I wearing when you asked me?" Ummm. your pajamas? "I still don't remember."

Thanks. 

Lucy expressed her love for elephants-

or elaphets...

I'm wondering if she's seen star wars with Daddio one too many times...

We also found this in her backpack- 

Let's all be thankful she has yet to express the desire to be a professional artist as an adult.

After school she had a girl scout outing to the fire station. Each girl was supposed to make the firefighters a thank you card- thanking them for their service, and everything they do for the community. 

Thanks for all the rescuing. 

Also a topic today was April Fools Day. I thought it'd be fun to tell the kids what it was in hopes that we can play around a bit tomorrow. So I gave examples of "nice tricks" you could do. Like- if I put fake food on your plate for breakfast "APRIL FOOLS!!" or told you you had to stay home all day and sit on the couch "APRIL FOOLS!!" 

This is where they started giggling and fully embracing this odd but awesome day. Jack excitedly shouted his example of "hey look! There's an old banana!...APRIL FOOLS!!" Cue hysterical laughing from all humans between the ages of 4-6. 

Lucy chimes in with hers, "Hey!! You're a dog!" BAHAHAHA.

....stop. 

Needless to say- tomorrow may be far more annoying than hilarious. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to share. Looking forward to the annual attempt at tricking my husband into thinking I'm pregnant. It's always a good one. 

"Bah"

Well. I'm out of my hole and back to the real world that is in fact still spinning despite a sick mother. Fevers of 103 should just not be allowed in any mama body. 

I'll share the few pictures I do have of the past 4 days, and just get things rolling again before the new week! Unfortunately, I spent very little time with kiddos this week as I was totally knocked out Thursday afternoon by some sudden virus. But, I'm hoping the fact that I spent so little time with them will keep them from getting it themselves :). 

Last week was a little crazier than I'd like but some great job news (nothing officially signed or I'd be squealing and posting pics of some sort of celebration) and some encouraging words from Pediatric Eval "people" and I'm feeling worlds better. 

Wednesday Violet finally had the line drawn in the sand on her vocab, and we set the date for an evaluation for the tiny nugget. She has one word at 18 months. It's not a crisis, but just something that is better to be looked into early vs late- or so I've been told. 

The one word is "boo" which is actually said like bah- she only says it when she wants to play peek-a-boo. 

It's not exactly the one word I would choose to solely express myself through but, hey, to each their own. 

Thursday morning was the hearing test- she did well with that as far as the speech frequencies go. We actually learned her right ear has some frequencies she didn't seem to pick up so we have to go back. Basically it determined she is not being held back in speech because of hearing but there is another thing to add to the list of "Violet quirks". So- we'll check that out. I'm not worried. 

That afternoon I was supposed to do birthday festivities with my mama, and instead took a nap at her house with my free hours. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Sigh- but by 5 that night I was down for the count and more sick than I have been since I had pneumonia in high school. Just so so achy and tired. Tired like where taking a shower requires breaks because standing that long is too much to ask. 

Of course you know this means I just didn't shower for 3 days. 

I honestly cannot tell you much that happened in between Thursday afternoon and sometime yesterday/today. If you called me and I seemed weird- I was. 

I was heavily medicated and probably sleep talking. I hope you recorded the conversations- I'd like to know what was said myself. 

When I would emerge from the bedroom for the occasional meal of "one bite of egg" I noticed that kids have no limit to how messy they allow themselves or their surroundings to become.

I didn't even care. 

If any of you follow me on facebook or instagram you may have noticed my kids have been in the same clothes since Thursday. 

I noticed that this morning. 

Yesterday started with me overhearing this as Dan walked into the kid's room, "why is Violet out of her crib? And is that poop on the ground?" She wanted to, and I'm not sure. "Well, that doesn't make me feel comfortable." 

Poor Dad.

Yesterday I had been fever free for a majority of the day, and actually felt like seeing people so I joined my husband and kids who had been at my mom's house all day without me. We decided to take Big and Middle nuggets to a park. We went to one that allowed mama to remain in the car and watch as kiddos got some much needed fresh air. 

Lucy mastered the monkey bars. 

This is a huge deal. And it only took "wait Mom, let me try one more time" to be said 1093583034 times! 

I probably screamed louder than her when she finally got all the way across. 

Jack spent the better part of the first 2 minutes at the park trying to put his jacket on. 

Nailed it.

Jack is so dorky and he so doesn't care at all. It makes my mama heart want to hug him. 

"Bud, your coat is on upside down let's fix it." "No, it's fine mom, I'm playing."

You know that darn upside down coat bugged me the whole time I watched them play. 

Later on we got back to Daddio and I enthusiastically told Lucy to tell dad about the park! 

"There was a boy there." 

Hmpf. 

I just buzzed through that comment and told Dan myself. She did the monkey baaarrrs!! 

At this point Lucy clicked back into normal 6 year life and excitedly told her dad all about it.

Today was spent recouping a bit further. Dad and the kiddos had fun in the living room, while I gave the house a little attention.

I was fever free still today, and only took medicine first thing this morning. Dare I say it's over?! 

Went out a bit with my mom this afternoon in efforts of mending my lameness on Thursday, and can say I'm somehow ready for the new week. 

This was just taken before I sat down to write. Kiddos are obviously not in their own rooms. But, how can I interrupt when I overhear, "Introducing Prince Jackson and Princess Luciana on the thrown of Arendelle!!!!" 

Tomorrow's great mental debate will be to switch Violet to the big girl bed or not to.

  

Humdrum Reports

Back to the good ol' Northwest rain today- a few breaks of sun, but after being outside lots the past few days- it was kind of a welcome day in.

Rock painting is apparently a thing we do now. 

Ignore her face- she was being rude...usually is when the patch is on. 

She later went upstairs and cleaned her room...in hopes of her friend coming over. 

It totally worked. I am a true believer that sometimes additional children make your life easier as they entertain the regulars.

Jack needed something to do so, as I do every few months, I remembered about the downstairs closet. 

Or "lego room" if you're a resident here. 

It's baby proof, it has it's own lighting, and when it gets messy- I simply close the door. It's kind of great. 

While Jack did that, Lucy and her friend played "fashion show" (which BTW seems to just be walking around with your hands on your hips singing "fashion girrrrrrrls" over and over), and Violet and I got to actually hang out. 

A rare occurrence for the tiny nugget to get one on one time.

Some wild caterpillar play went on, followed by intense couch pillow peek-a-boo.

Next she took things too far, and decided to try to climb everything. 

We all get carried away sometimes but...no.

Worked together and cleaned out the freezer; at which point Jack decided to let us know that everything in it is harder than a head bone.

Side note- can we all take a moment and think about how impossible it seems that this dainty little paw supports that mammoth thunder thigh? 

She could feed a family for weeks in the wild. 

V-money also has learned how to open the back door. 

So far I've only found her out back twice. Thank God for a fenced in yard, I guess?

I'm just rollin' in the mom points. 

In the sun's brief appearance Boba got to take a stroll into school to pick up his sister.

Blank-blank also took part. 

Jack has started planning his birthday party. He will be five in a short 8 months. 

Can never be too prepared. 

The birthday list as of today:

1. A toilet that blows bubbles out the top when you flush

2. A hot tub

Right. 

I thought making cookies together would be fun as I've been attempting to teach them some basic kitchen skills and channel Lucy's passion. 

I announced that everyone needs to clean up the downstairs and we will get to it. Lucy burst into action, and Jack remained still. 

"Jack I'm talking to you buddy! Clean up the house if you want some cookies"

His response was quick and cruel- 

"Mom, we all know you're talking to yourself. You want the house clean and you want cookies"

No truer statement has ever been made. 

Of course I told him I wouldn't make them unless he helped, and he jumped into action. 

Next I realized something based on this afternoon's cleaning session, and Lucy's room this morning. My kids have turned a glorious corner. They actually have skill. 

Gone are the days where cleaning means piles of wrong things being put into wrong containers. They get it. My living room pillows were all lined up how I require them to be, toys in the toy closet, dishes in the dishwasher- upstairs things brought upstairs. 

CAN YOU HEAR THE ANGELS SINGING?!

Of course, it's not the level of clean that I'd want anybody I respected to see my home in but still- it was impressively decent, and gave me an entire new perspective on the possibilities of those dirty little hands. 

Over dinner we discussed how I could not get things ready fast enough and Jack would rather just have 5 moms. 

Believe me kiddo, this is not the first time I've thought of the benefits of sister wives. 

Showers, stories, and 1,000 occurrences of "I have to tell you one more thing" and bed time was a wrap. 

Big, Middle & Tiny thoroughly enjoy getting clean.

Tomorrow is "Wacky Wednesday" at school and Jack plans on wearing his shoes backwards.

And no I don't mean on the wrong feet, I clarified. He indeed means actually backwards. "My toes might be a little squished but it will be ok"

He can't put his shoes on the correct way- I can't wait to watch him try to put them on backwards.

Maybe I'll record it.

Share away if you'd like! I'm glad to be back on my regular schedule in the blog world! 

I'll catch ya on the flip side!! 

Wink wink

Slowfolks and Poorheads

Well, Mondays are always wonderful aren't they?? 

Ours was actually decent if you could take out the hours from about 4 on. 

The kids spent the morning outside "playing football". 

    

These are both Jack attempting to catch the ball. I particularly like the dolphin tale move on the left. 

Let's try kicking- 

This was far better than the catching. And Lucy gets an A for switching the helmet over to her head for this one. 

We moved on to a different leisure activity...

Of course Jack found it far too much work and chose this time to ask his important questions of the day..

Why is water soft?? ....it just is.

 Were you punched in the head when you were a baby?....no.

He also kept calling his forehead his poor-head, and told us all we were "a bunch of slowfolks" 

Not sure if I should have his hearing tested, or just roll with these incorrect ideas of common words/phrases. 

I think we'll roll with it for now. 

Both Jack's preschool and Lucy's public school are learning all about Dr Seuss lately. In honor of that, Lucy dug out the copy of Waterville Central School's "Seussical the Musical" a few days ago, and has watched at least parts of it every single day.

God help me. 

Jack did however make a cool hat. 

And Lucy drew a picture..

May it haunt your dreams. 

Lucy had a particularly dramatic day, and greeted me after school saying she "can't wait to die so she never has to get a shot again"

Glad to see we're not going to extremes here. I mean, death?? Really??

After school on a 65 degree day you better believe we hit up the park! 

Push me, push me, push me!! 

Downside of having your kids close in age is definitely getting your cardio in by the swingset. Or the upside- guess it depends on your perspective.

You all know where I stand on physical exercise...I lay. 

Cute Mae Mae loving the park. 

Can you hear her skin sizzling? 

I felt like she was the whitest thing we'd seen all winter. Sunscreen was a must. Thanks to my friend for actually being a mother who is prepared, and letting me borrow. 

Next it was time to leave. We only got to stay for an hour and a half, and the world surely was ending when I announced to load up the van. 

20 minutes after arriving home. 

In the midst of that I discovered the worst possible thing I could have imagined on my staircase.

Scorpio-spider. 

May it also haunt your dreams. 

This threw Jack into hysterics as well, and only grabbed Violet's attention. Let the moment that seems to happen every Monday begin. 

My brain loses most ability to think due to screaming. And of course the dog for whatever reason chooses this moment to be sure someone is at the door, and begin barking like a fool. 

Add in the 85 pound lab we're babysitting who emerges from her elderly slumber for one quick round of puppy like play at this. exact. moment. 

I stuff my face with chocolate, break my diet, and in one 10 minute session of life have become unraveled. 

Oh well. Tomorrow is another day, right?

Things calmed down, and Lucy shared the story of her friend at school who went to the desert to see a genie with his mom. 

Seattle parents are actually insane. 

Next she casually mentioned that something "so weird happened when she pooped" There was blood in the potty, but her nose wasn't bleeding!! 

What. 

Guess I'll be checking poop for a while. 

I leave you hoping you all enjoyed your Monday, and let's all hope to sleep as good as Bird this evening.