Today

 egg decorating

 a birthday party for A's friend Lilly

 A runny nosed C who enjoys being outdoors almost as much as her siblings

 A husband who stopped at Walgreens on his way home from golfing in Indiana.  Happy me!

B who thought it was definitely warm enough for shorts and a short sleeved t-shirt

E who entertained her sister for quite a while and didn't want to give her up to anyone else.

Frustrated I can't get this picture facing the right directions even though it shows up correctly in Picasa and in 'my pictures' file. 

Eliza

...came prancing out of the playroom in tap shoes, a crown and a diaper and proclaimed, "I am princess Liza, but I forgot my telescope so I can sing."


She was clearly meaning microphone and she has called it a microphone before.  But today what she pulled from her quickly growing pool of new words was not quite right.  And when she said it, she knew it.  I love being able to actually see the thought processes in children as they practice vocabulary and sentence structure.  Super cute.  One of my favorite stages.  It's amazing to me what children learn in such a short amount of time.  I wish we could do that as adults!

I should have snapped a picture of her in her getup this evening but here is another one of our saucy girl who makes us smile every.single.day.

Today

Got excited children off to school.  They were gong to be having an Easter egg hunt.

Talked to my dad a long while.

Thought about my grandma a great deal then started making a card for her through cardstore.com.  It's a great site.  Didn't get the card sent yet because I placed pictures into an "I'm Turning One" card.  Whoops.  That would completely confuse her.  I was sick of being by the computer at that point and needed to be done.

Wrote some checks to pay bills.

Got 2 magazines in the mail.  I got a free Shape subscription thanks to hip2save and I really enjoy looking over that one. 

Took a walk to the church with Savannah and her boys and let the kids run in the yard there.

The 3 oldest are with Darrin at the high school watching a group called the Conquerers.  The babe is sleeping in her swing.

Signed up to receive a free trial of a product today to add to a stocking stash I've started.

Bennett was called to the office today and told he was chosen as student of the month.  They have to fill out a questionnaire about themselves.  When asked what his favorite food is, he told the principal chicken drumsticks.  They happened to be having that for hot lunch so the principal said he'd make sure the lunch staff made drumsticks just for him.  I think he really believed that's why they had chicken for lunch.

Wished I could have taken a nap.  I don't very often feel the need for a nap but today it would have been nice.

Dwelled on the fact that I was in Sturgis yesterday and didn't stop at Walgreens to get the buy 1 get 2 free deal on the Arm and Hammer laundry detergent.  And I have coupons.  It's only a 4 day sale but don't want to make the drive just for that.  My homemade laundry soap is great for stains but I think it occasionally has been leaving white patches on things.  So once I use it up, I'm going back to the liquid kind and am trying to stock up now.  

The kids took a break from dinner when Jenny and the girls stopped by to drop something off.  They ran around in the yard in their socks having the best time.  I think everyone's ready for nicer weather!

It's the start of spring break!!  So exciting!  Hope to do a few spontaneous, fun things as a family. 

Today

Our Annabelle couldn't be more excited.  Her recital dress came in today and she's in love.  She thinks the big tutu is fabulous!  And the bright colors are so her. We don't have her tights and not everything's adjusted properly but you get the gist of it. 

A joke for you...

from our boy, who told it at dinner. 

Why did the superhero flush the toilet?

Because it was his duty/doody. 

I hope it gave you a laugh!!  It did us!

Random thoughts

I have them all the time.  Sometimes I wonder if I told anyone the things I think about, they would think I was crazy.  Actually I'm certain they would.  Anyway I don't really have anything too crazy to share today but this post will be as random as my thoughts are on some days.

Often people will ask me, "what's new"  I am honestly so grateful when all I have to offer is "not much," or "can't think of anything"

Okay, I hear sirens and my boys are walking the dog.  I'm certain not everyone worries like I do.  I hate sirens (especially in this small town) when my whole family isn't home.

Anyway, back to "what's new"  I figure if I can't think of something "new" to share it must mean things are going fine.  I'm just so content.  I'm grateful every day for the mundane.  For the sameness in my days.  There is a sweet family we know who would love the mundane right now.  I don't know them well but I know their family members well and unfortunately they are dealing with a scary cancer diagnosis.  I wish I had a lot of money to give them to at least take away that concern but I don't.  There is going to be a benefit for the family which includes a silent auction.  I was able to gather things from my home to make this gift bag for the auction.  It's a picnic pack.

Ahhhh, my boys are home.  Time for dinner.  I'll come back to this blog when the kids are in bed.

I'm back...  sometimes when you feel helpless, you just have to come up with something to make it feel like you're making even the slightest of a difference.  We plan to attend the event as a family.  It will likely bring up some tough questions from the kids.  It's just hard.  That's all there is to it. 

Here's a link to the benefit FB page if you're interested...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benefit-for-Tonya-Hofmeister-Swanwick/365792403535614?ref=ts&fref=ts

Moving on.  The baby has a runny nose, drools a lot because she's constantly sucking her hands and spits up.  She never looks or smells clean even when freshly bathed.  Nor do I for that matter.  I usually smell of soured milk.

I have to plan a preschool for tomorrow yet.  Likely going to be an easter or spring theme but no ideas beyond that.

We will officially be gaining a nephew on Wednesday by way of adoption.  So cool!

We have the sweetest dog ever!  Our Palmer could not be any more gentle or passive with our kids (as well as other kids who visit our home.)  I'm so thankful to have him as a part of our family.

I'm slowly but surely working on ways to make every day tasks run more smoothly in a small home with 4 kiddos.  Some day...SOME DAY...that just might include a family closet.  At least for the kids.  For right now my project to get done is painting the side of 2 pieces of furniture with chalkboard paint in order to write schedules/messages and such.  For right now I need to stick to small projects.

Part of this includes continually getting rid of stuff.  I made $50.00 at Once Upon a Child this past weekend.

And CallaMae just did a major spit up all over her brand new clean jams.  And me. 

Orvin Bontrager is talking to Darrin right now.  I'm hoping our window has arrived.

Alright.  Enough randomness for right now.  I must go change some pajamas.








 

today today

I'm going to try and remember 1 or 2 events from the last two days...

Okay,

Preschool at Jenny's. So thankful for amazing friends right in my neighborhood.

20 fingers painted by Savannah at preschool (Annabelle stayed home as a precaution and was able to go to preschool with us.)  I had 2 happy little girls.  And it's not my favorite thing to do, but they love it, so I was a happy mom!

Listening to Eliza say, "Daddy's going to pick up ORVIN BONTRAGER. He's going to fix the window." (Darrin had to pick up an Amish man whose going to put a new window in our bedroom.).  And then have her yell, "The Amish man is here!" when he arrived.

A baby who tried cereal for the first time.  Not a huge hit but it kept her entertained and she maybe got a little in her.  I usually wait a little longer for this milestone but there are a few things I'd like to take the big girls to (a Fancy Nancy event at the library) and would like to leave her with Darrin.  Darrin gets nervous she'll get hungry while I'm gone.  So we're practicing.

Eliza was concerned CallaMae was wearing "her" bib because when we got it in the mail I told her it was for her (even though she doesn't wear bibs) and she told me she wanted to "call MESSA to say thank you for my new bib." 

Watching my big kids teach Eliza how to stop, look and listen when crossing the street when they went to get the mail.  

Coloring in new Easter coloring books that arrived in the mail from Great Grandma.

A 10.00 Starbucks gift card for 5.00 thanks to Groupon and hip2save.  I will be saving it for someones Christmas present.

A Walmart trip on Friday morning to use up some soon to expire coupons.  I'm already saving up things for Christmas.  My big purchase this trip for my nieces or my girls was nail polish.  

Running in to Savannah at Walmart then ending up at McDonald's playland before the lunch crowd arrived.

About an hour and a half to myself as Savannah wanted to have Eliza over for a bit and the baby was asleep.  I worked as quickly as I could to get in a shower and get the house picked up.  

Going to the Sharps for dinner to celebrate Marks birthday.  

Coming home with a dozen farm fresh eggs.  Three of which the kids collected.  Eliza got a green egg and Bennett and Annabelle got brown eggs.

A Dad who is playing basketball outside with B, A and E, and a sleeping C which gave me a little time to get this blog typed up.  

We are going to the high school play today at 2:00.  Alice in Wonderland.  Should be fun.  Just hoping we can make it through most of it (we...as in CallaMae and I).

today

a cold, snowy and windy day.

an early trip to Aldi with Jenny and Taylie.

happy to find an equivalent to Mio there as that was the only thing Darrin requested for this shopping trip

friendly people at Goodwill who really took joy in getting CallaMae to smile.

a pile of stuff in my Goodwill cart to purchase but the exchange card I had from the Sturgis GW wouldn't work in Coldwater so I deemed it all not worthy of purchasing with cash.

a 1.00 Latte from Burger King

bummed when I found out I could've gotten a 1.00 drink from Bigby today which is also in Coldwater.  I've never had a Bigby drink before.

a girl who comes up with some of the best lines that I continually think, "i've got to remember this!" and then I never do.

a call from school saying Bennett bumped his nose and face at school and got a bloody nose.

a big girl who got off the bus with a fever.

therefore no dance tonight.

a call from my  laughing mom about something she was watching on Ellen.  I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that show can be completely hysterical.  

a take and bake pizza and blackberries from Aldi.  We often do those on dance nights.

a run for Palmer with Darrin at the farm.

a few coupons printed and clipped.  I'm trying to do better about clipping coupons I'll use when I print them/get the insert, so I don't have to search and search when I come across a good deal.

kids getting ready for bed.  slowly but surely.

Today

an after dinner walk...

Today

is mostly about CallaMae...

She had her 4 month checkup today.  She is 15 lbs 1 ounce and 25 inches.  She was so smiley for Amy and did decent for her shots.  Amy said she is right on track and looks great.

CallaMae...

can blow bubbles/raspberries and really enjoys practicing this skill.

loves to be talked to by anyone who will take the time for her.

still wakes to nurse and sleeps either in a swing or her rock and play sleeper.  I've gotten more laid back with this with each consecutive child.

likes sitting in her exersaucer or bumbo seat or better yet, propped on the couch next to a sibling.

she has only rolled a few times.

she's quite smiley especially in the morning.

she still sleeps a lot during the day.

she does not like the grocery store.  she prefers I carry her car seat as opposed to it being in the cart.  Fun times.

she sucks on her hands (or anything else that's in reach) all the time.

she loves grabbing at the toys on her bouncy seat.

she hasn't started rice cereal but might give it a try soon so her daddy has an option for feeding her if I need to go away.  she won't take a bottle.

She is perfect for our family and we all adore her!

Signs of Spring

Or at least signs that we are SO READY for Spring!

Dazzler

Not sure I can think of much for a "Today" post but here are a few randoms...

At bedtime Eliza was looking amongst the blankets in her bed.  She kept repeating, "Where's my black thing?  Where's my black thing?"  Eventually she pulls out a black magnifying glass and says, "I found it!  Now I can razzle dazzle."  Eliza Arrin, you razzle dazzle us every day!  What a joy you are!  And always good for a laugh. 

Boy got Student of the Week.  Way to go Buddy!

The Village Market apparently had beer sampling this afternoon from 3:00-6:00.  I was there at 6:30.  Bummer. 

They knocked down Curly's this afternoon.

Darrin's grading papers.

I got a bucket of Mint Chip ice-cream and plan to make shakes with it as a St. Patrick's Day treat.

Glad it's the weekend!

Palmtastic (nickname for Palmer) and I went for a short walk at the farm.  I love the farm.  Thanks Mark and Carol for "sharing" it with us :)!

My hair is falling out like crazy (thanks to after pregnancy hormones) but it's also longer than it's been in a while.  I like it longer but don't know how to do anything but some sort of ponytail.  I need to watch some youtube videos for new ideas. 

Still can't find the garage door opener.  Frustrating!

I think the Ellen show is hilarious.  I laugh so hard when one of Ellen's employees goes into a home improvement store and starts saying the lyrics of a song to someone innocently browsing the store.  The look of confusion on the peoples' faces is so stinking funny!

Okay can't keep baby content any longer.   I'm bouncing her in my lap as I type but she is very ready for bed.  Goodnight.

Today I,

Had to bring Annabelle to school because she was having an issue regarding her sweatshirt when the bus arrived.  That girl and her clothes :).

Picked up my new contacts.

Found this activity on Pinterest for Eliza to do since preschool was cancelled.  Poor Macey was sick.

A spray bottle of water, foam letters and a window.

Watched a youtube video on how to make a good omelet.  Made my first one ever for Darrin's dinner tonight.  I'm great at scrambled eggs and only mediocre on the omelets. Apparently it tasted good but it wasn't too pretty.

Also made, from scratch, buttermilk pancakes.  Yum!

Ordered new checks when I realized I used my last 2 today to pay some bills.

Took an online survey about a recent shopping trip to Kroger.  I'm hoping to win a gift card!

Was happy to find alternatives to pullups using weights.  It made today's session of P90X so much nicer for me. 

Rocked a baby to sleep.

Took chipped and already half gone nail polish off of me and Annabelle.

Read a stack of books to the girls.

Listened to a book about birds read by Bennett.

Found some cute clothes I had tucked away for Eliza. 

Started another Goodwill bag.

Lost the garage door opener that's in the van.  Had it when I left for Coldwater.  Didn't when I got home. 

Packed some cold lunches. 

And oh so much ,more.  The list could go on and on.  But I need to get to bed.  The baby will be up in a few hours for a snack.

My Family, My Heart!

Today

The two year old yelling "this is bad" was intended to let me know she had gone potty on my mattress pad/mattress.  Sheets were already off for washing.

The two year old went all day without a diaper.  Went potty once on my bed.  She made it clear she needed to go number 2 but wouldn't.  Put her bedtime diaper on at 6:30.  Said diaper needed to be changed at 6:35.

I'm thankful for Candice Swanick cheesecakes and friends who share. 

Boy Wonder was caught reading to his 2 littlest sisters without being asked to do so. 
(fun fact... I often call Bennett, Norman T. Norman T. Norman T. Jones.  Yes, that many times.  The kids laugh at me.)

CallaMae Elise used her exersaucer for the first time today. 

Annie Miss Annie saved the M&M's in her trail mix for last and then sorted them by color.

P90X.  Let it be known that I'm sick of having to do pullups with chairs because I'm weak like that.  I DON'T like pullups...PERIOD!

Darrin taught Bennett the 9 times-table trick using ones fingers.  Not sure he'll remember it tomorrow. 

Annabelle practiced long addition with her dad.

Eliza took 2 baths today because when big sister takes a bath, she wants to be right in there with her.  And Annabelle is usually thrilled to have the company.

I made pork stir fry for dinner that was pretty good if I do say so myself.  I'm excited about our new Sam's Club membership and the food we got there on Sunday.  The frozen fruits and veggies have been great!

Annabelle really enjoyed her field trip to the play "Click Clack Moo." 

Bennett decided to take the book he was reading this evening for show and tell tomorrow.  It's called, "Amazing Animals."

And now I'm going to bed.

Today

Early morning with the baby.

Baby rolled over today.  Belly to back.  Don't put her on her belly as often as I should so therefore not much time to practice such skills.  Daddy is the one who encouraged her to do it :).

Mom/Son morning out thanks to Colon Elementary School.  Bennett and I enjoyed a morning at the school running around in the gym, playing Connect 4 and Jenga, cup stacking and making ourselves a snack.  Many of Bennett's buddies were there so that was fun for him.

Took a walk in town as a family to look at the fire damage again.

Watched Cupcake Wars with Annabelle

Did p90x as a family.

Bennett read A TON for him.  He would time himself using his new watch.

Fed the family Gnocchi for dinner for the first time.  Annabelle said "yum" and then found out it was made of potato then decided she didn't like it.

The kids used Mr. Clean magic Erasers to scrub anything white in the kitchen.  White is not the best color for our family.  Yup, I'd rather not see the dirt than to see it ALL the time knowing I should somehow get it cleaned up. White never looks clean.

Eliza is being a stinker right now but it's making me laugh.  She's in the big kids' room and instead of sleeping, they are totally yucking it up.  Out of the mouths of babes.  B and A are laughing so hard at her right now.  It's hard not to laugh.

Today

eyes dilated and new contacts ordered

keeping 4 little girls entertained for the duration of two eye appointments

trying to keep my composure when they told me I wasn't scheduled for that day...oh yes I was and thank you very much for "fitting me in"

a busy aldi's with dilated eyes

climbing into the play structure at a McDonald's playland to rescue Eliza who always seems to make it to the top but is too chicken...I mean frightened :) to go down the slide.

my very first shamrock shake (that I can remember).  I prefer chocolate or strawberry.

roadblock when coming back into Colon

fire at Curly's, then Prudential, then Five Star.  Super sad.

 kids and husband out of school early due to water shortage

i sat and watched most of Ellen while feeding and playing with the baby.  so rare that I sit that long for a show.  fun fun.  husband and big kids walked to check out the fire scene.

big kid 1 and 2 excited about March is Reading month.  They want to see their principal in the dunk tank.  They read a lot tonight.

Said principal walking down the road to his house.  All kids hollering out the window at him.  Eliza very upset when Bennett closes the door.  She doesn't think she said "hi" enough.  VERY upset!

p90x day 2

Today

We laughed this evening when Eliza showed us all how she can spread peanut butter and jelly on her feet, "smoosh" them together and then take a bite thanks to Jenny's sports/fitness themed preschool.

I thoroughly enjoyed trying 3 (yes 3) different kinds of cheesecake at our preschool lunch thanks to Cakes by Candice.  AMAZING!  And thanks to Jenny for sharing.  My food weaknesses are ice cream shakes, really good cheesecake and those mini junior mints from Miller's Discount Amish store.

I will be doing P90X for the first time tonight.  I will certainly be sore in the morning.

Annabelle sat on the counter and read her AR book to me while I unloaded the dishwasher.  She did great and has improved a lot!

I made a taco bake for dinner that everyone liked.  That doesn't happen often with casserole type things.

Bennett took a turn reading on the counter too.  He's a kid who stops while reading to laugh about something and point things out.  It cracks me up.  

Annabelle and Eliza played with their dishes and a bucket of water at the table.  They had fun.  The water ended up all over.  But again, they had fun.

The outfit Annabelle picked for school is very creative.

CallaMae still loves to nap, likes being held, enjoys her bouncy seat and being talked to.  Her excitement for the day was sitting in the high chair at preschool and watching all the kids run back and forth. 

We were all excited when Darrin arrived home at 4:30!!!!!  The final day of wrestling season was Tuesday.  I made it :).  We will now be able to start eating dinner together and there will not likely be a night the kids go to bed without seeing their dad as is the case during wrestling season. 

Today

This girl rocked her part of the Three Piggy Opera!!!

And because ALL 4 of our cuties were wearing something other than a sweatshirt, we decided to attempt a picture of them.  NOT easy.

Here's our little performer in action...

Today and more.

Oh my goodness we love this girl!  She loves her hands.  Drools a little and spits up a little more.  Doesn't like being on her belly for too long.  Likes being amidst the action of the house  Wakes up to nurse in the night.  Loves grabbing at the toys on her bouncy seat.  Is still swaddled while asleep.  Can giggle.  And definitely sleeps best in the comfort of her own home.  We can't wait to see even more personality in the coming months!  But we are enjoying and cherishing every minute with her because we know how quickly it goes!

So, Darrin left Wednesday at 5:00 pm for the state wrestling tournament at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  He returned Sunday.  I tried to have at least one thing each day for the kids and I to do to keep us busy.  Wednesday we went to the Sharps for dinner.  Thursday we went to the library for cupcake decorating.  Friday Macey and Jenny came over after school so the kids could give Macey her birthday present.  I also let the big kids stay up as long as they wanted to, with me in my bed.  They eventually realize they prefer sleeping in the comfort of their own beds.  Saturday Bennett had a birthday party to go to so Annabelle had a friend over. And the 3 big kids had a slumber party together.  Eliza thought that was so cool.  Sunday morning I took the kids to Meijer to spend some birthday money they still had.  We stopped at McDonald's on the way home for lunch.  Darrin was home when we got back.  It's good to have us all home safe and sound!  It feels better that way :)!

Today:

blt's for dinner

. darrin stopped at the store for tomatoes before coming home.

black olives on fingers are much more fun to eat.

painted my fingernails hot pink.  Annabelle loves them!

went through a tub of keepsakes from high school.  hilarious!

started compiling a tub of stuff for Once Upon a Child

kids stayed up late.  no school tomorrow.

girls wore bathing suits in the bathtub tonight.  that's pretty common.  somehow bath time is more fun that way.

preschool kiddos used Annabelle's new window crayons.  pretty cool.

eliza continues to be quite concerned about darrin's black eye (wrestling wound).  she tries to wipe it off.

bennett's thrilled with his Big Cats AR book and the new game Darrin downloaded for him called "Where's My Water."

kiddos are having a "slumber party" again tonight.  

Annabelle is my little organizer and was awesome at helping me choose books to sell/donate. 

tomorrow is the LAST DAY of wrestling season!!! YAHOO!

 

Today

Things I loved about today...

CallaMae using her voice to experiment with new and different sounds.

Annabelle leaving the note I wrote her in her lunch box because she didn't want to throw it away.

Me chasing Bennett around the house (all in good fun) after finding out the book I looked long and hard for last night was in his desk at school.

Eliza "reading" me books.  She comes up with some great stories. 

When asking Eliza if she'd like to color while I unloaded the dishwasher, she said, "How about if we play a game?  That be fun?"  I of course said, "yes, that would be lots of fun!"

Cereal and fruit for dinner.

Hot coffee from McDonald's and an iced coffee from Burger King on the way home from Walmart (the total was 27 cents.)  If you don't already know, a cup of coffee at McDonalds is free this weekend and to the end of the month, Burger King is offering 25 cent hot and iced coffee drinks.

No one behind me in line at Walmart until the very end of my transaction.

2 sleeping little girls.

2 big kids waiting in my bed for me to join them.  We're watching a little Disney Channel.