Dino

It has been awhile since my last post and though not much but the normal chaos has happened it was hard to write this week.  On Tuesday afternoon the Amy Beverland Principal was struck by a bus and killed.  I was at work when I first heard the reports and though they were just saying, "one adult and multiple children," I knew that either the principal or vice principal were involved.  I know how our buses load and figured that all schools in the district were the same.  My heart was heavy and breaking for all of those involved.  I cried before I went to bed that night and again, first thing in the morning.  I later heard more details including from the parents of kids who witnessed the accident and those on the bus...their lives forever changed.  I didn't want to say much this week because the family & friends of Susan Jordan have been constantly on my mind.  I didn't and still don't have the words to accurately articulate my heart. 

That being said... I guess I will start with the FIVE....in no particular order.

1. Alcohol in the house

We finally purchased alcohol for the house.  We always buy six bottles so we can get the discount.  We have been out for a bit (yes--that is the only descriptive word you get to determine the length of time).  Regardless....grateful for an update to the supply.

This is Jack flirting with the woman behind us while we were in line.

2. I finally met Dino!!!
Cameron has been talking about bringing home Dino for weeks.  Weeks and weeks.  Dino is the class dinosaur.  When I was volunteering a few weeks back Sra Lopez told me a story about how Cameron insisted Dino come outside during the fire drill -- just to explain his level of obsession.  Well this weekend was his weekend.  We took pictures of all of our activities and then wrote out in the journal.

Even after Cameron obsessed with this small creature he forgot him EVERYWHERE....true to Cameron's form.  He left him outside in the tire swing on Saturday night and then Dino slept in almost all day on Sunday.  Here are just a few of our many adventures this weekend.

 3. Grandpa Dennis came into town
We haven't see Mike's dad since October.  This weekend he came into visit for Jack's first birthday AND we semi-celebrated Christmas.  This year instead of getting the boys new toys he took us all to Chuck-E-Cheese.  We had a blast.

Three bald Rouzer men playing Bingo.

4. We did CHORES

Ok Ok -- maybe this isn't something that I should cheer about but holy moly does it make me excited.  I have no idea how all of these parents keep up.  We fail.  A lot.  This weekend we had a win.  We kicked ass on Saturday morning.  Mike cleaned the bathrooms, we did all the floors and the washing machine was running non-stop.  We got a ton accomplished and we even all made it to the gym!  I would not say that I finally felt on TOP of the To-Do list...but at least we got a lot of stuff done!

5.  Cleaned out the Toys

This past week the twins cleaned out some of their toys to donate/sell.  I was super impressed with how much they were able to purge.  On Saturday afternoon I started to post some stuff on Facebook to see if I could sell anything (which is one of the most frustrating things ever).  Over the weekend we made $32.  Small and still exciting.  Don't worry we are still donating a huge pile of toys.  Now I have to work on Jack's.

Inclined Planes

1. Tuesday at East

Today I am working at East AND my dad is coming in for an infusion.  It will be fun to have my dad here this afternoon while I am at work.

2. Reading with the twins

It needs to make the list again. Last night we read another BOB book which took a looonnnng time but it is still pretty amazing to watch them read.  After the book we pulled out Owen's new library pick and read that book together.  This was his book......it was about inclined planes.  You can imagine how fun that book was to read.  He made sure to point out to me that there were websites listed in the back that I could explore to learn more about inclined planes...twice.  He cracks me up.

3. Probiotics
I started Jack AND Mike on probiotics yesterday.  I think that it is something that might make some significant changes in our home.  Keep your fingers crossed.

4. Parking in the garage
Mike cleaned out a space for me in the garage. I must say -- I feel pretty wonderful in my nice warm car in the morning.

5. My husband
I am grateful every day my Mike.  Even the rare days that I want to punch him in the face.  I am especially grateful for those days because he just keeps plugging along beside me and helps to keep me in line.  Happy that I get to hang out with him every day.

Time Out

1. Less then 24 hour trip to Columbus

Saturday afternoon Mike and I dropped off all three kids with Josh and Laurie and headed to Columbus.  Jared is moving to Texas so we wanted to make sure to attend his going away party.  It was a blast.  I was finally able to meet almost everyone in one place and put faces to names of people that I have heard so many stories about.  That night we stayed with Bdale and instantly our air mattress got a hole.  Needless to say, it was a short few hours of sleep and we are exhausted.  The boys did great and Laurie and Josh said that everyone was well behaved.  Grateful that we were able to take this time out with each other.

2. Twins helping with Jack

It is absolutely great to be able to count on the boys to entertain Jack for a few minutes.  It can only be for a few minutes because usually they get distracted but at least I know that SBJ is ok.  Jack also absolutely LOVES being with the twins.  LOVES.  He can be crabby and in the worst mood and then if you put him with the big boys he sits, plays, laughs and smiles.  

3. No cavities
If the boys have cavities in their young lives I might need to take a xanax.  Owen got a perfect report but Cameron on the other hand is struggling to keep up.  He gets completely distracted while brushing his teeth.  And though the tooth brush is in his mouth for the entire 2 minutes, I don't think that it moves around much.  Not only am I grateful for no cavities but I am also grateful for this dentist office.  These ladies and doctors are absolutely amazing with the kids.  The kids love going there AND the staff seem to enjoy having us.

 4. Reading Party
On Friday night we wanted to have a reading party.  We cut up pears and popped popcorn in the popper.  I was hoping we could get a lot of books in because we had been slacking earlier in the week.  The boys each ended up reading one BOB book each and then I finished with two more books.    Watching them learn to read (though painstakingly slow) is really cool.  We are going to keep practicing and soon these boys will be reading on their own.  Insane.

5. The next two weeks will FLY by
This evening I started to get stressed about the next two weeks.  We are going to be packing our days to the BRIM.  We were talking about it briefly tonight and concluded that we will bust these next two weeks out, they will go super fast, and we will be in the Bahamas in no time

Sippy Cups

1. I only worked 3 days this week

I have been picking up extra hours at North so that I can pay off the Honda.  This week I decided to NOT pick up and I am so happy that I took a break.  I have been at North a LOT lately.  Though I have a great job....right now I am very bored at work.  Very bored.  It has been refreshing to only work a few days and I am looking forward to another day off tomorrow.

2. Change in plans

I am still trying to figure out my New Years Resolutions.  I know...I am way far behind.  I decided to scratch the 70.3.  I would end up doing 5 hour training days in the end and though I wouldn't mind the challenge--this is just not the time to be away from the house all morning on the weekends PLUS work all week.  I am still trying to figure out if I have any big goals for this year but right now I think that I am still in survival mode with three boys and that is alright with me.

3. Jack is feeling better

This weekend was rough for SBJ.  He was puking everywhere and pooping through multiple outfits.  It was so gross.  I personally had to change sweaters twice.  I kept him home daycare on Tuesday (we ran errands together) and I think that he is FINALLY through the worst of it.  He is a lot like Cameron.....when he is sick he keeps playing.  He stops to puke and then just keeping plugging along.  So gross.

4. Asleep before 7pm

Last night the twins went to a movie with my parents, Bruce, Sawyer and Eloise.  When they got back they changed and went immediately bed.  They were both asleep before 7.  Since Jack was with me all day he only napped for an hour (I know--I suck)....he was in bed by 545!! So last night at 7pm all the kids were in bed.  It was amazing.  Mike and I watched a documentary and we were not far behind them.   Tonight the boys were all in bed by 715.  The kids are absolutely exhausted and we have an EARLY 610am wake up time so this sleep is much needed.

5.  One day SBJ will hold his own sippy cup

One day -- but not yet.  He absolutely refuses and gets pretty pissed off when you even suggest that he hold his own cup.  Not only that but he drinks (I can see him swallowing) but he also spits the water back out of his mouth around the sippy cup.  I know that one day he will be a fully functioning sippy cup toddler.  And I am grateful for that day.

Lunch

1. Swim lesson success

Last night I left work, picked up Jack, grabbed the boys and headed to the Y.  Overall the first swim class was successful.  The only thing that I don't love is the locker room situation but overall I think that it will be fantastic.  This week my phone was dead and so I just sat and people watched (my absolute favorite pastime).  There is even a water aerobics class going on during swim lessons so music is getting pumped into the pool area.  As the weeks continue to progress I think that I will be doing laps in the adjacent pool.

2. Team Erin
I just put the link out on Facebook for team Erin.  My hope is that every year the team will grow.  I know that is a tall order....but that is my hope.

3. Cameron ate lunch
Last night after we got home from swim lessons Owen came to eat a snack and said, "Cameron doesn't want me to tell you this."  Usually-- I don't let Owen tell me.  BUT for some strange reason I was intrigued and said, "what?"

He proceeded to tell me that Cameron left his book bag on the bus.  I started questioning Cameron and figured out the story.

He DID leave it on the bus.  At school, before lunch, he started crying because he wouldn't have anything to eat. Sra. Cannon told him to buy lunch and he knew he didn't have any money but she said it would be ok.  He ate. (Obviously the school would feed him--plus he DOES have money in his account)  Then Sra. Cannon gave him a grocery bag to carry all of his belongings that should of been in his folder.  When the boys got back on the bus that afternoon Owen found Cameron's bag and  Cameron started to work some magic..... he divided out his lunch box between his friends and decided to throw his bagel away.  He put all the appropriate papers into his folder and threw away the bag that Sra. Cannon gave him.  He told Owen not to say a word and then he acted like it never happened.

What??!!!!  Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!  So, regardless, glad Cameron ate lunch.

4.  Jack handing stuff back
Many times when you sit and play with Jack he hands toys to you and thinks it is hilarious.  The act of handing over the ball cracks him up.

5. Thursday
It is Thursday today -- which means tomorrow is Friday -- which means that soon it is the weekend.  I love my weekends.  LOVE.  Also, tonight we don't have anything particular going on.  The plan is to have spaghetti for dinner, read some BOB books on the Kindle and just hang out.  I have a feeling it is going to be pretty awesome.

2 days

1. Owen

This child is so so so sweet.  Every day I am amazed with his awesomeness.  I know... I am completely biased but still -- he is so cool.  This evening after school, snack, and puzzle making with Mike he headed out into the FREEZING cold.  He was all by himself.  He decided to pick up the snow shovel and create a walk way for Skip (our elderly neighbor), cleared our sidewalk, and then went over to Luke & Mandy's.  He just wanted to be helpful.  Mike offered him quarters for his work but really it's about helping other people.  Another example is that right now he is making crafts for EVERYONE.  He usually works on them in the morning when he has a few minutes before school but he was also making pearlers for his friends all weekend.  I love this little dude.

2. Jack fell asleep on the way home from ballet.
So clearly this is why Jack was crying half way home.  Eventually he must of given up, shut is eyes, and fell asleep.  It was pretty fabulous to come home and hand him over to Mike who put him to bed. Keep your fingers crossed he doesn't wake up super early.

3. Our health

4. Cameron

This picture of Cameron cracks me up.  I eventually asked him to leave the picture because he was angry and he easily left the picture but then continued to say, "I am not angry."  He is such a stinker and within seconds I had him laughing.  This afternoon he sat with me and colored while I folded laundry.  And then after I folded we both sat.  We laughed and talked.  Though it was only a few minutes of alone time with Cameron it was absolutely the best.  

5. Two days in a row
I worked out 2 days in a ROW.  What??!! I think that the part that makes me most happy is that I am actually MAKING time to work out.  These are short sessions that I am trying to get in while I can but regardless...it happened.

6. Dinner with AMY
I am pretty stoked to see Amy on Saturday night.  It has been sooooo long since we have hung out and I feel like we could sit around all night and catch up.  Yay!

7.  Mike is feeling better
Mike has had a terrible stomach bug.  He is finally starting to feel better and even ate an entire bagel without throwing up.  Looking forward to him continuing to eat and getting back to his normal self.

re-read

I was just briefly re-reading some old posts....because I am lame....and I read that the twins ALSO had stranger danger.  I completely forgot.  That's it.  That and the fact that I am so so so grateful that I wrote it down. I am so grateful that I can write out all of this stuff.  All of this random, useless information.  It's absolutely insane in our house. It's loud, busy and crazy.  It's fun and it's hard.  And I know that most of it is just the simple day to day that will be soon forgotten.  Grateful that I am documenting some of those things down to remember later.  That's all.  Good night.

Sunday Silence

1. Silence

The house has been extremely loud in the past few hours.  Right now all my boys are asleep and I am just sitting and enjoying the silence of the living room.  It's a wonderful thing.

2.  Maggie and Henry stayed over

Last night we had the Abel kids spend the night.  They were SUPER good and we had a ton of fun.  It was wild to have four kids playing all night.  They all did well together and I was even able to get stuff done around the house.  

3. Food is prepped for the week
I am not one of those meal prep people who are on top of it for the week and do meals on Sunday.  That is not only waaaayyy too much for me but I usually change my mind and by Tuesday have absolutely no interest in the food that was pre-made.  This weekend I worked on meals for Mike.  He has been having a problem with burning through THOUSANDS of calories and on Saturday I went a tad overboard and started shoving food down his throat.  I made chili, chicken ginger soup, and brownies for him for lunches.  We also ordered hamburgers for Saturday night while the kids had pizza.  He also purchased a TUB of ice cream and more snacks and goodies.  If this man loses more weight I don't know what I will do!!!

4. Pearlers
The worst present of Christmas (the girl, cheap version of qixels) has turned out to be the best.  We have done this craft ALL weekend long.

5. Swimming Laps
I finally, finally got into the pool yesterday.  Getting into the pool and swimming laps makes me nervous.  And honestly, I just want to be able to swim 1.2 miles....I don't need to swim it fast...I just want to be able to make it to the end and not be completely beat for the rest of the event.  So anyways, I got into the pool.  I impressed myself BUT holy hell I have to swim a ton.  A TON.  Not looking forward to the next dip in the pool but glad I finally got started.

6. Subway & Bingo
Tonight my parents brought Subway over for dinner and we played two rounds of bingo.  The boys LOVE this game.  We were all cracking up and having fun.  It was an easy night with no dishes.  Yay!

Friday Night

It has been a week.  We have officially been back into the swing of things.  I am laying in bed, exhausted from the week, looking forward to reading my book and not having to work in the morning.  I have been trying to post all week but the time has gotten away from me PLUS I have been working at North most days so it never got accomplished.  Tonight I had a huge list of items to accomplish but instead reading my Kindle and going to bed early are getting done.  YAY!!

1. Slumber Party at the Harris house

This is the FIRST slumber party since Erin has passed away that has been at the Harris house.  Mike is staying over so I have the whole bed to myself tonight.  (No more drenching night sweats for me..wink wink).  Anyways -- the boys are pumped.  I am grateful that they get to spend this time with their cousins and I feel super lucky to have Mike to help Jess wrangle the masses.

2. Cycle Spin at the Y

On Monday night Mike and I joined Heidi and Jordan for class at the new Y downtown.  It was a LOT of riding in the car to get there but I was super impressed with the whole thing.  Wish that I lived closer to that gym AND wish that we got to spend more time working out with Heidi and Jordan.  

3. ..."If I had a wish..."

A few nights ago Cameron turned to me while playing in his room and said, "Mom, if I had I wish, guess what it would be.  You will never guess." 

Owen chimed in, "I know."

I tried guessing...and gave it three shots until finally I said, "tell me."

Owen asked if he could say the answer and Cameron agreed.  

Cameron's wish would be that all of his stuffed animals would become alive.  Then I turned to Owen and asked what he would wish for.  He said, "To do whatever I wanted."

It was perfect and made me chuckle.

4.  Test Scores
Today the boys were sent home with the gifted and talented test scores.  If they scored high enough then they would be tested again and after that test possibly be asked to join the program.  We don't want to leave Forest Glen but they are testing in the next session so it will be interesting to see what happens.  ANYWAYS-- the point of the story is that the boys scored the exact same!!  They had one slight difference but overall their test scores were identical.  After reading #3 it is pretty obvious how DIFFERENT the twins are so it was crazy how these results were the same.

5. Swim lessons
I finally signed the boys up for lessons.  Now the task will be getting them there.

6. Dinner with Friends
Have I mentioned this yet?  Last week I went to dinner at Dani's BEAUTIFUL home.  It was nice to sit down with ladies from work, drink wine, and play cards against humanity.  Ezra and Jack were also able to hang out and they played great together.  Looking forward to them being friends for life.

7. Running outside

Yesterday I FINALLY went on a run.  It was beautiful out and I was able to leave work early.  I went for a run and it killed me.  I am completely out of shape but boy did it make me happy.

8. Mike doesn't have cancer

....And he was the maddest that he has ever been at me...... 

I think that I am just going to leave it at that.  Glad that day is over.  :)

9.  Only 33 days until the Bahamas!!

My parents brought over our vacation packet.  I wanted to take a picture of it and put it all over social media like people do with those damn Disney bracelets.  But I decided against it -- I know that NO ONE cares.  So I am just going to write it here in my own little journal.

10. I fold laundry every morning.  Well almost.

Yup -- almost every single morning I fold a load of laundry.  I know moms out there are all doing the same thing but when I get a shit ton done every morning before I head into a full day of work I even impress myself.  NOW I need to figure out how to add the gym into my day.

It has started

I am feeling compelled to write tonight.  I don't have any pictures to add but for me, the year has officially started.

A few hours ago the boys came home and holy moly it is great to have them back.  It's loud and fun and lots of talking, laughing, and loudness BUT it makes me feel much better to have them back.

The past few days I have been frantically finishing the 2015 year book.  Approximately 3 minutes ago I finally ordered it from Shutterfly.  This book takes HOURS.  HOURS.  My guess is that I have spent a solid 40 hours on the book.  I wouldn't guess I bit higher because it feels like a 100 hour but 40 is a safe, solid bet.

1. The year book is FINISHED.

2. Quick trip to Valpo
On Christmas when I talked to my grandma she didn't sound good.  I decided that as I was picking up the boys I would make a quick detour and visit my grandparents in valpo.  I haven't been up in a long time and it was really nice to see both of them.  They are so so sweet and that is not an exaggeration.  So Jack and I were there for a short 2 hours before we picked up the twins.  It was short, sweet, and made my soul happy.

3. The house is clean
While I was gone for the day Mike stayed and did some deep cleaning to the house.  We pushed it to the last, possible minute but needed to get at least the toilets done before the boys showed up to pee on the side of them again.  He also ran lots of errands and got "stuff" done around the house.

4. Jack's cheery disposition
This baby is so chill.  Don't get me wrong he also has a voice, a loud one at times....but usually he just wants to be with his brothers and playing with their toys.  In Valpo he just crawled, explored, and smiled.

5. HUGS. HUGS. AND MORE HUGS.
I can't get enough from the twins.  They give the absolute best hugs and then they usually let me do some serious tickles.

the first 5 of 16

1. My date last night

My hot husband was an awesome date last night.  After getting Jack to bed we made dinner.  It was pork schnitzel and red caraway cabbage.  I was stuffed.  After we cleaned up we started to paint.  We had new table easels from Christmas and smaller canvases.  After our paintings were finished we started a movie.  

Mike ALWAYS picks the movie so after putting my foot down he let me have full choice over this pick.  It was a bad idea.   We couldn't even get 20 minutes into the movie before we both fully agreed it was terrible.  After much laughter we decided to pick something on Netflix to wait the 90 minutes until midnight.  I have not stayed up for 3 years so this year I was going to try.  Around 1115 I noticed Mike fell asleep and by 1130 we were in bed.  Ironically I was up at 12 and gave Mike lots of kisses in his sleep.  

I hope that 2016 goes as smooth as last night.  It was great!

2. A few more days 

Only 2 more sleeps and I get to hold Cameron and Owen.  Again our house will fill with movement, craziness, and nonstop talking.  I am really really looking forward to seeing these two soon.

3.  Warm, morning coffee

Jack slept terribly last night.  He hasn't done that in awhile.  I even gave him a bottle at 130am.  We think he has been teething, one of his lymph nodes is huge AND he all of a sudden has a pretty rough cough.  At 6 when we got up for the morning he had peed through his outfit and was still pretty crabby.  

Right now I am watching him crawl around and try to get into all of the arts and crafts, shoes, and explore.  I am thrilled that I have a warm coffee here to help keep my eyes open.  I can see a nap in my future.  That is pretty exciting.

4.  Possibilities

One thing that I love about the New Year is that it is a time that many people sit down, evaluate and readjust.  I have been trying to figure out how I am going to readjust.  How to change things up and adjust.  It's been difficult.  To be honest -- I love where I am at right now.  I think that we have found a small formula for success these past few months. Of course that will change because life is always changing.....but for now, it is pretty wonderful.  I am trying to get every ounce of life out of these moments with the boys.  Some things that I do want to change include: getting rid of STUFF, play outside more, eat better food, and read more books.  

The last post that I wrote I tried to write out some goals for 2016 but I think that even those will be changed and adjusted.  

Regardless -- I am grateful for this time to evaluate.  To realize that there is a LOT out there to do.  To know that we can change this life any way that we want.

5. SBJ actually is really stinking S

This baby of mine is non stop.  He giggles or talks ALL. DAY. LONG.  He thinks that I am absolutely hilarious and he is never far from my side.  For the last 15 minutes he has been trying to figure out the space heater that is sitting one foot away.  He tests but usually follows the rules in place.  He makes my heart full.