After having both boys home for a week over Thanksgiving, it was time to send them back to school.
I love having them home, it's so nice having the whole family together all day. Prior to the vacation, I'm always skeptical, wondering if they'll get along, wondering if we'll run out of fun things to do, wondering if the weather will cooperate to allow us lots of play-time outside, wondering if I can handle the whining... But, all of that goes by the wayside when I prepare them to go back to school. The vacation time always goes by sooo fast, probably because we're so busy.
They're gone so long during the school day, especially my second-grader. He's gone 8 hours, and then he's here a mere 3 hours before he heads to bed. I really miss him, and his intelligent conversations. My preschooler, is gone only the morning, but doesn't remember much of what he does during the day. So, I try asking different questions to try to jog his memory. Sometimes it works...
I've often thought of homeschooling them, then I could have them all to myself all day. I'd definitely do it, if I could be more disciplined and organized. So, I guess I'll just leave that to the professional teachers, and miss them while they're gone. Absence makes the heart grow fonder...so they say. Although, I think I'm as fond of them as I could possibly be.
A day by day account of my life with 3 young boys.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is done. But thankfully we still have lots of leftovers!
We usually drive down and spend our Thanksgiving in Indiana, with our extended family. Both Chris and I are from Northwest Indiana so we have lots of family there. It's nice to see almost everyone at one time, but it can get hectic with the kids needing their sleep, and not getting it because of our altered schedule. So, as a result, we decided to spend Thanksgiving here at home this year.
It was a very relaxing day, which made it even more enjoyable. We didn't have any guests, so we were on our own schedule. The older boys helped me make the pumpkin pie. Mostly, the OS (older son) helped with that and the MS (middle son) helped with the stuffing. They wanted to help more, but got distracted and ended up playing outside.
We had a small lunch in preparation for a big dinner! And, there was some extra time in the afternoon, I was able to sit down while the baby napped and close my eyes myself!
Our dinner was simple: turkey breast, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables (brussels sprouts, asparagus, butternut squash), stuffing, gravy. I thought everything was delicious, except the turkey. :) But, Chris assured me it was delicious...he raved about it a lot!
We usually also spend time in Chicago around this time of year, and didn't do that either. I missed not going to a museum (we've gone to the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry the past few years). I especially missed eating at my favorite restaurant...Frontera Grill. Maybe we'll get there yet this year.
Another part of this Thanksgiving holiday that I missed doing this year was shopping with my family on Black Friday. I usually go with my Aunts, cousins, and Mom and for me it's more for the company than the shopping.
Every year is different and we haven't spent that many Thanksgivings at our home, so it was nice to do that for a change.
We usually drive down and spend our Thanksgiving in Indiana, with our extended family. Both Chris and I are from Northwest Indiana so we have lots of family there. It's nice to see almost everyone at one time, but it can get hectic with the kids needing their sleep, and not getting it because of our altered schedule. So, as a result, we decided to spend Thanksgiving here at home this year.
It was a very relaxing day, which made it even more enjoyable. We didn't have any guests, so we were on our own schedule. The older boys helped me make the pumpkin pie. Mostly, the OS (older son) helped with that and the MS (middle son) helped with the stuffing. They wanted to help more, but got distracted and ended up playing outside.
We had a small lunch in preparation for a big dinner! And, there was some extra time in the afternoon, I was able to sit down while the baby napped and close my eyes myself!
Our dinner was simple: turkey breast, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables (brussels sprouts, asparagus, butternut squash), stuffing, gravy. I thought everything was delicious, except the turkey. :) But, Chris assured me it was delicious...he raved about it a lot!
We usually also spend time in Chicago around this time of year, and didn't do that either. I missed not going to a museum (we've gone to the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry the past few years). I especially missed eating at my favorite restaurant...Frontera Grill. Maybe we'll get there yet this year.
Another part of this Thanksgiving holiday that I missed doing this year was shopping with my family on Black Friday. I usually go with my Aunts, cousins, and Mom and for me it's more for the company than the shopping.
Every year is different and we haven't spent that many Thanksgivings at our home, so it was nice to do that for a change.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Busy weekend
Is it really Sunday?
How do these weekends go by so fast? Probably because we're so busy! We had great weather on top of it.
Saturday started off with going out to our favorite place for breakfast. We usually eat a late breakfast, when we go out. Mainly because I can't get myself and everyone ready in a timely manner. I tend to drag my feet a bit on the weekends, because most of the time we aren't on as much of a time table as we are during the week...and I take advantage of that!
So, eating a late breakfast happened in part because the baby woke up early, and took his time going back to sleep, which meant he woke up at the time he would have normally been heading down for his morning nap. (Does this make sense??) Anyway, it all worked out good and we had a HUGE and delicious breakfast. We then went to Target to get some necessities and to browse. Then, it was time to head to soccer. The middle boy didn't play again this week. But, I think we'll revisit the subject with him and try to persuade him to give it another try. Our OS (oldest son) played and did a great job. He loves to play soccer. In 2 years, he's scored one goal. But, his heart is completely in the game and you can tell by his sideways gallop across the field. :)
We had an open house (we're in the process of trying to sell our home) on Sunday, so Saturday afternoon, while the baby napped, was spent removing school paperwork and newspapers, cleaning the stove and stainless, and putting miscellaneous toys and oddities away. The bigger boys spent fun time outside with Daddy.
One of my favorite times of the day is just before bedtime. Not only is our day coming to an end, and it'll soon be time for me to have my time to myself, but that's when I have some nice conversations with my boys. My MS (middle son) loves to tell me about his dreams. He often has scary dreams, which don't seem to bother him. He tells me about a ghost or monster that picked him up and carried him upstairs, or maybe it met him in the backyard. Sounds scary to me! But, he's not bothered by it at all. The dream he told me of last night was "not a scary dream, Mom!" he said. He loves birds, and this dream was about how a bird flew right into his hand and he held it. He had a wonderful expression of amazement on his face as he told me this story. I could tell he really enjoyed his dream. It was a sweet moment with a boy who has his not-so-sweet moments. But, don't we all?? :)
My OS likes to tell me of his adventures at recess. Currently, he's chasing/being chased by a girl in kindergarten. He's always enjoyed playing with girls, his two best friends are girls. And, he loves telling me about how he hides (he thinks that when he wears his camouflaged coat, no one can see him...like he's invisible or something) and when she spots him, he jumps out of hiding and scares her.
Now, the baby can't tell me about his dreams or his adventures on the playground, but we have our special time at night too. There are 2 lullabies that we listen to every night while I nurse him just before bed. They are so relaxing and it's a wonderful way for us to end our day together.
I guess I got a little sidetracked.
Sunday started as a typical day: breakfast, getting dressed, and the boys were out as soon as they could be. Daddy picked up the garage and the boys did whatever they could while being outside. They ride their bikes on our driveway, blow leaves out of the garage, play in the sandbox, take the dog for a walk. Lots to do while I tidied up before the open house. Luckily, it was scheduled during the time we normally go to church, so we didn't have to find someplace special to go. After church was lunch and nap for the baby. The OS worked on math homework and the bigger boys were off to the park with Daddy. The baby awoke and he and I headed out for a little Christmas shopping! It was nice spending time with just the baby. I think it was our first time out together, just he and I. Another great thing about being out with the baby, was I had put dinner in the over before I left, so once I came home, dinner was practically ready! I love those dinners!
Tonight was another nice night of hearing of what might happen on the playground tomorrow at school and the MS telling me what HE was going to name HIS frogs (because the OS has 2 frogs and the MS is looking forward to having his own frogs someday). The baby nursed nicely and went right to sleep.
Who could ask for a better weekend?
Now if I could get on the ball and take pictures of our happenings and post them too. Maybe next time.
How do these weekends go by so fast? Probably because we're so busy! We had great weather on top of it.
Saturday started off with going out to our favorite place for breakfast. We usually eat a late breakfast, when we go out. Mainly because I can't get myself and everyone ready in a timely manner. I tend to drag my feet a bit on the weekends, because most of the time we aren't on as much of a time table as we are during the week...and I take advantage of that!
So, eating a late breakfast happened in part because the baby woke up early, and took his time going back to sleep, which meant he woke up at the time he would have normally been heading down for his morning nap. (Does this make sense??) Anyway, it all worked out good and we had a HUGE and delicious breakfast. We then went to Target to get some necessities and to browse. Then, it was time to head to soccer. The middle boy didn't play again this week. But, I think we'll revisit the subject with him and try to persuade him to give it another try. Our OS (oldest son) played and did a great job. He loves to play soccer. In 2 years, he's scored one goal. But, his heart is completely in the game and you can tell by his sideways gallop across the field. :)
We had an open house (we're in the process of trying to sell our home) on Sunday, so Saturday afternoon, while the baby napped, was spent removing school paperwork and newspapers, cleaning the stove and stainless, and putting miscellaneous toys and oddities away. The bigger boys spent fun time outside with Daddy.
One of my favorite times of the day is just before bedtime. Not only is our day coming to an end, and it'll soon be time for me to have my time to myself, but that's when I have some nice conversations with my boys. My MS (middle son) loves to tell me about his dreams. He often has scary dreams, which don't seem to bother him. He tells me about a ghost or monster that picked him up and carried him upstairs, or maybe it met him in the backyard. Sounds scary to me! But, he's not bothered by it at all. The dream he told me of last night was "not a scary dream, Mom!" he said. He loves birds, and this dream was about how a bird flew right into his hand and he held it. He had a wonderful expression of amazement on his face as he told me this story. I could tell he really enjoyed his dream. It was a sweet moment with a boy who has his not-so-sweet moments. But, don't we all?? :)
My OS likes to tell me of his adventures at recess. Currently, he's chasing/being chased by a girl in kindergarten. He's always enjoyed playing with girls, his two best friends are girls. And, he loves telling me about how he hides (he thinks that when he wears his camouflaged coat, no one can see him...like he's invisible or something) and when she spots him, he jumps out of hiding and scares her.
Now, the baby can't tell me about his dreams or his adventures on the playground, but we have our special time at night too. There are 2 lullabies that we listen to every night while I nurse him just before bed. They are so relaxing and it's a wonderful way for us to end our day together.
I guess I got a little sidetracked.
Sunday started as a typical day: breakfast, getting dressed, and the boys were out as soon as they could be. Daddy picked up the garage and the boys did whatever they could while being outside. They ride their bikes on our driveway, blow leaves out of the garage, play in the sandbox, take the dog for a walk. Lots to do while I tidied up before the open house. Luckily, it was scheduled during the time we normally go to church, so we didn't have to find someplace special to go. After church was lunch and nap for the baby. The OS worked on math homework and the bigger boys were off to the park with Daddy. The baby awoke and he and I headed out for a little Christmas shopping! It was nice spending time with just the baby. I think it was our first time out together, just he and I. Another great thing about being out with the baby, was I had put dinner in the over before I left, so once I came home, dinner was practically ready! I love those dinners!
Tonight was another nice night of hearing of what might happen on the playground tomorrow at school and the MS telling me what HE was going to name HIS frogs (because the OS has 2 frogs and the MS is looking forward to having his own frogs someday). The baby nursed nicely and went right to sleep.
Who could ask for a better weekend?
Now if I could get on the ball and take pictures of our happenings and post them too. Maybe next time.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Long Days
My days are long...
Today started at 5:15am, which could have been earlier. And, I didn't get up during the night, which is a huge deal seeing as it's only been a handful of times since I slept through the night since the baby was born in February.
But, after taking my MS (middle son) to school this morning, and picking him up before lunch (the commute is 20 miles each way) and picking up my OS (oldest son) after school (another 25 miles one way) the day was starting to come to an end...maybe for the kids, but not quite yet for me.
After some much-needed playtime outside and dinner, all 3 boys needed baths and the OS had some homework to do. After massaging the baby, nursing and putting him to bed, there were 2 boys left to get tucked in. Daddy made it home in time to read to the MS and OS so I could clean up from dinner. They enjoyed this time as he was out of town last night.
After tucking in the last 2 boys, it was time to do the dishes and head to the grocery store. It's the last thing I want to do after a long day, but it needs to get done, and there's not much time to do it during the day when there's commuting 2 boys to 2 different schools and a baby who needs regular naps. Plus, this way I can go by myself and somewhat stay on task. And hopefully remember everything from my list.
After spending 45 minutes shopping, it's time to check out and head home. I unload the groceries, and finally call it a day. I made myself a small cup of something warm to drink and watch a little TV while catching up on my Facebook. Something to do so I can unwind.
Soon, I'll head upstairs and see what the night will bring. Will someone get up to go potty? Will the baby need me? Will the dog need attention? Will my husband go on a call? Whatever the night brings, I can be assured that my precious boys will wake up ready to go in the morning. They'll want something yummy for breakfast and need to be out the door by 8am.
And, so will begin another day...
Today started at 5:15am, which could have been earlier. And, I didn't get up during the night, which is a huge deal seeing as it's only been a handful of times since I slept through the night since the baby was born in February.
But, after taking my MS (middle son) to school this morning, and picking him up before lunch (the commute is 20 miles each way) and picking up my OS (oldest son) after school (another 25 miles one way) the day was starting to come to an end...maybe for the kids, but not quite yet for me.
After some much-needed playtime outside and dinner, all 3 boys needed baths and the OS had some homework to do. After massaging the baby, nursing and putting him to bed, there were 2 boys left to get tucked in. Daddy made it home in time to read to the MS and OS so I could clean up from dinner. They enjoyed this time as he was out of town last night.
After tucking in the last 2 boys, it was time to do the dishes and head to the grocery store. It's the last thing I want to do after a long day, but it needs to get done, and there's not much time to do it during the day when there's commuting 2 boys to 2 different schools and a baby who needs regular naps. Plus, this way I can go by myself and somewhat stay on task. And hopefully remember everything from my list.
After spending 45 minutes shopping, it's time to check out and head home. I unload the groceries, and finally call it a day. I made myself a small cup of something warm to drink and watch a little TV while catching up on my Facebook. Something to do so I can unwind.
Soon, I'll head upstairs and see what the night will bring. Will someone get up to go potty? Will the baby need me? Will the dog need attention? Will my husband go on a call? Whatever the night brings, I can be assured that my precious boys will wake up ready to go in the morning. They'll want something yummy for breakfast and need to be out the door by 8am.
And, so will begin another day...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
What? Did I just create a blog?
So, I don't think I've ever read a blog before a few months ago and here I am writing my first installment of my new blog. Amazing! Please, bear with me as I'm sure I'll make many mistakes and say silly things but I'll get the hang of it.
My goal for this blog is mostly selfish. I would love to journal every night, but find myself on the computer instead. So, I'm hoping this will be my way to journal about the day's happenings (quirky or sad, of which there are one or the other, or sometimes both) for me to remember when I'm 80 years old, sitting alone in the living room remembering the "good old days".
And so, let's begin with today's happenings...
Today was Saturday and soccer is in full swing. The middle boy signed up for soccer but seems to have changed his mind. He wasn't so interested a couple of weeks ago when we had the first session. Everything with this child rides on whether he's had enough sleep, food, and is comfortable with the situation (none of the three was happening) so I knew before hand the outcome that day wouldn't be good. And, I was right. Last week, we were battling the flu in our house so we didn't attend soccer. This week, I didn't have high hopes either, so the 2 older boys got haircuts (more important than watching the middle boy NOT play soccer). The oldest boy DID play today, as he very much likes to play.
Okay, I'm starting to realize that maybe not everyone wants to hear about every detail of our day. So, I think I'll stop right there.
So, that's it for tonight. I'll try to add some pictures next time and maybe I can think of something witty to say.
Good night!
My goal for this blog is mostly selfish. I would love to journal every night, but find myself on the computer instead. So, I'm hoping this will be my way to journal about the day's happenings (quirky or sad, of which there are one or the other, or sometimes both) for me to remember when I'm 80 years old, sitting alone in the living room remembering the "good old days".
And so, let's begin with today's happenings...
Today was Saturday and soccer is in full swing. The middle boy signed up for soccer but seems to have changed his mind. He wasn't so interested a couple of weeks ago when we had the first session. Everything with this child rides on whether he's had enough sleep, food, and is comfortable with the situation (none of the three was happening) so I knew before hand the outcome that day wouldn't be good. And, I was right. Last week, we were battling the flu in our house so we didn't attend soccer. This week, I didn't have high hopes either, so the 2 older boys got haircuts (more important than watching the middle boy NOT play soccer). The oldest boy DID play today, as he very much likes to play.
Okay, I'm starting to realize that maybe not everyone wants to hear about every detail of our day. So, I think I'll stop right there.
So, that's it for tonight. I'll try to add some pictures next time and maybe I can think of something witty to say.
Good night!
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