Sprinkler time...

Tonight marked the start of the season for sprinkler dancing - aka... young naked children running through the backyard sprinklers.

One might argue that it is not yet warm enough, but it was a glorious day outside. We worked outside most of the day. The kids skipped naps, and were eager to run through the sprinklers. Kyle and I looked at each other, shrugged, and said why not. So...let the wild rumpus begin. They laughed and had a grand time. Underwear also was removed so that the truly naked part could start.

Then, it was on to the outside "shower" time. Kyle "showered" them outside. Molly was the first done, and walked over to me for drying and said "my head, my head...it hurts!" The water was too cold and had given both of them a head freeze. We survived it all and are now enjoying a great family dinner this holiday weekend.

I hope that you too are enjoying time with friends and/or family. And let your smiles come forward as you picture our children running around naked in the backyard - we did!

Born to run...

Yesterday, I ran the Born to Run race in Eugene. It is a 15k, and I did it last year as well. When I woke up, it was very rainy and I did not have much heart to run it. However just as the race began, it quit raining. It turned out to be a great day. I ran the 9.2 miles in 1 hour 10 minutes and 22 seconds, which is better than last year and hit my goal for the race! Kyle and the kids were at the finish line to surprise me, which was great!

Today's checklist...

1. wake up

2. do the morning routine and out the door for jack to get to school on time

3. take recycling so that i can get my coffee money - mind you today it took TWO stops

4. do some laundry before the school run and in between the recycling

5. pick up jack from school

6. go to church to help organize for the youth yard sale tomorrow

7. quick lunch with the kids and kyle

8. naps for the kids - a little rest for me

9. bake peanut butter cookies for church potluck

10. bake banana bread - one loaf without nuts, 12 muffins with nuts - for sunday school snack

11. bake molasses cookies for church potluck

12. throw dinner in there for the kids while baking

13. oh yeah, and some more laundry

14. one could also throw some random house cleaning items in there as well

15. neglect the children today - one could argue in that direction. however, i look at it as a day of self entertainment or "sibling play day!" they did great and did not seem to notice my lack of attention. they did want to help with the baking a little, which i did let them do. only at the end of everything as i was finishing up the molasses cookies did i turn the tv on for them to watch one show (30 minutes).

16. oh yeah, do a blog entry and then off to bed to get a good night's rest before a race tomorrow. i may not have prepare well the day before - i know that i will finish but i might not have the time i was hoping/striving for (of course, i can blame that on the weather as well. we have had another crazy day of rain/sun and it looks like tomorrow will follow the same pattern)

i hope that you have had a wonderful friday, and enjoy your weekend

Spring weather...

I wish I had counted the times that our weather went from clouds with rain, to hail, to windy, to sunny back again to clouds and rain. It has happened so much today - and the last couple of days - that I would not be able to keep up with it! I always forget the spring weather here in Eugene and just how quickly it can change. I love it, because one can always look outside and know that in about a minute it will change to something else.

However, it does reek a bit of havoc on the plants the flowers.

Ortho treatment...

Well, today was the entrance into a new era. Jack had his pallet expanded "installed" today. It was a simple process, and he did wonderful. However, he is not so sure that he likes it. While there he asked if they could put it closer up in his pallet so that it did not interfere with his tongue so much. We have to turn it with a key every night for 32 days, and hopefully that will correct much of his problem - if not, on to plan B.

After we left the office, we ate some lunch. Jack is king of shoving food into his mouth too quickly and with too much in each bite. He is not going to be able to do that with this appliance in his mouth because food gets caught on top of it. It will be interesting to watch. He will have to slow down, and take smaller bites. He also has a hard time swallowing so there is much slurping going on in our house. I look forward to him finding out how to do things better in the next couple of days.

Uncle Kyle, the hero...

Friday was a warm sunny day. We had run around all day with the kids. The older kids woke up before the young ones, Kyle came home early from work, and wanted to take them on an errand with him. He was heading to the nursery for some plants for the church. They went along happily! When they returned, they were bearing gifts for the two young ones. Slurpees! The kids enjoyed eating them outside, and Grammy and I were left with the knowledge that Kyle was the one that was going to have to deal with the sugar high that night, as we were leaving for a church fellowship with the ladies!

Grammy and Eleanor...

All the other kids were still napping, and Grammy and I were knitting when Eleanor woke up. She and Grammy had started a knitting project in Portland, and she wanted to continue. She concentrated so hard, and did not want to stop. I was really impressed with her being able to do it. Way to go, Eleanor!

New matching pjs...

Grammy came to town this past week, and brought the cousins down for a visit. She made a stop at Target before she came, and bought the girls these wonderful new nightgowns. They all loved them, and loved wearing them all together. I must admit that they looked pretty darn cute. I was able to capture a picture of them together. They will love this one in years to come! Thanks Grammy!

Jack, the butcher...

Everyone watching Jack perform

Jack - the butcher - along with the baker, and candlestick maker

Jack - the butcher - with his hat

This past week Jack performed in his Mother Goose "play." It was made up of only the two kindergarten classes. They recited MANY rhymes with each child being part of one so they had a special speaking part. It was really cute, and the kids did a great job. I was so surprised at how well Jack participated. He does not love being in front of people. Who knows - maybe he will surprise us and being an actor.

The first popsicle of the season...

Grammy, Rynn, and Eleanor came down for a few days tonight. They arrived around dinnertime. We ate something, and then let the kids run around wild in the backyard. I mentioned that we had some popsicles, and the kids' ears perked right up. They enjoyed one outside, and I had to capture a few pictures. The young ones sat in the middle of the grass and ate theirs together. The older ones got some outdoor chairs and moved away from the adults to the garage to sit and eat and be mighty silly. I cherish these moments and only hope that they remember times with their cousins in the years to come.

I am sure that there will be more pictures to share with you all in the next day or two. A little travel log for you, Caroline and Jason, as you are away from home!

Sometimes I am a little slow...

I just found out the joy of eating greek style yogurt. I know that it is has been a popular thing for some time, but I just discovered it and love it. This morning I had some apricot mango from Trader Joe's. I mixed a little granola in it, and had a yummy breakfast.

So if you haven't tried it...you should. It is really good.

Mother's Day 2010...

We had to take the photos in front of the beautiful yellow azalea!

I am not so sure about the face Molly is making, and I am not sure why Kyle did not catch it to try and have her make a real smile. When we were looking at the pictures, I asked what she was doing, and she responded with..."Mommy, I don't know how to smile!"

Jack is never one for a picture, but he did cooperate today. I can't believe he is so old looking.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers who read this blog!

Miracles really do happen (again)...

My son now knows the pleasure of tomatoes. The other night we had some company over, and the kids were sitting at the kitchen counter because there was not room at the table. They both decided that they wanted some salad - which is unusual for them - but of course I said great go ahead. In the mix that Jack took were some tomatoes, and he said with pleasure that he loves them! He has eaten them since, and I will only encourage him to continue in his quest to eat them!