Bath time

1. Iphone pictures

One of the best thing about smart phones is being able to take pictures.  Lots of them.  Yesterday morning I snapped this picture of Cameron while we waited for the bus and then on my timehop this sweet picture of him when he was a baby popped up. 

First, I can't believe how time has moved sooooo quickly.  It's like I blinked (a few times) and now he is huge.  He can actually reach the faucet in the sink -- soon I will have to teach him to do the dishes.

These pictures always make me want to hold Jack just a little bit longer.  

 2. Jack's morning routine
Every morning we throw some probiotic in Jack's bottle and set him in front of the TV.  It's terrible I know -- but somehow it makes our mornings go so much smoother.  Yesterday Cameron was all ready for school so he set up some viewing chairs and they watched Mickey together.  It didn't last long....as you can see in the picture Jack was trying to wiggle his way out.  Regardless, it still makes my heart melt to see the brotherly love.

3. Bath time
Bath time/shower time does not happen often enough for any of our three kids. It's actually a tad embarrassing and huge parent fail.  Next week we will all be using the same bathroom so that will make things even more interesting.  On Sunday night I needed to throw Jack in the bath and of course the twins wanted to play.  With three of them in the bath it is SUPER, insanely crowded and they have an absolute blast. I could not get a good picture of all three boys but here are some of the best I could capture.

4. My husband it pretty wonderful

He is the absolute best.  He is kind, he makes me laugh, and he busts his butt so we are happy.  So. In. Love.

5. Sleep

This morning my alarm went off at 415.  I felt 100%.  That is rare.  I felt rested, happy.  So instead of ruining the feeling by being tired and hungry the rest of the day.  I just laid in bed. I never fell back asleep but I also didn't get up and do chores, work out or drink coffee.  At 545 I got up and had a normal morning.  It was pretty great.

6. Pearlers

My kids are currently obsessed with pearlers.  We worked on them all weekend since it was rainy and cold out.  Soon I will try and post our huge collection. 

Ikea

It has been a long day.  To quote Shelby, "To quote Mitchell, the hours are long and the days are short."  Today I agree --- the hours are really freaking long.  And the day seemed so much longer.   It wasn't a bad day....it actually wasn't a bad day at all....it just seemed to drag on forever.  Mike and Owen went to Ikea to pick up our new vanity so Cameron and Jack stayed behind with me.  Around 430 my parents dropped by with Sawyer and Eloise and we ended up doing dinner. Now -- the house is silent and I don't want to do anything except enjoy.  AND I am really really full from dinner.

1. Cameron plays like a BEAST

This dude (he has started saying dude ALOT) is the best.  He is able to sit and entertain himself for hours.  Literally HOURS.  That is exactly what he did today and it was amazing.  I think that he would prefer to play with friends if he had a choice but he also enjoys his alone time.  His imagination goes wild.  He never says that he is bored and he always finds something to do.  

 2. Jack took a nap
I need to be grateful for something...right?  SBJ was a complete mess this morning when I got home from spin.  Around 1030 we decided to try a nap.   He is now only on 1 nap a day at Amber's so I think he was just exhausted from this week.  He went down easy and slept for about an hour.  That's all he got -- but at least he got something -- right?

This was a quick shot I got of doing bed time tonight.  He had absolutely no interest in sleeping BUT he would smile at the camera.

 3. The dishes
It has been a week of dishes for me BUT my wonderful husband has been helping.  Yup -- you read that correctly -- Mike has been helping with the dishes.  So. Grateful.

4. Diet Coke -- the original reason.
I actually need to change the title of this to "my dad."  This afternoon when I was stuck at home with the boys I was craving a diet coke.  I called my dad to see if they were going out and about tonight.  I quickly realized -- they weren't.  BUT he still offered to bring over a few.  I RARELY drink a diet coke anymore but today it just sounded amazing.  Shout out to the greatest dad around.

5.  Good kids
I know that I am biased and obsessed -- like all parents -- BUT I am super grateful that I have good kids.  Don't get me wrong, they are not perfect...not even close.  Regardless, they are pretty good and they are pretty easy.  We still have lots to work on and lots to teach but I am insanely grateful that I have good kids.

And please...don't take #5 the wrong way...I still think this whole parenting gig is really, really hard.

Last but not least. I saw this quote on instagram and did a quick screen shot.  I really like this quote and I completely agree.

I have been really missing Erin this past week. It weird how all of a sudden you get stuck in the mud again and can't seem to take another step.  It's scary.  And hard.  If I allowed myself I could cry and cry just wishing that I had my best friend back.  It's strange to catch yourself wanting to text.  I feel like it has been so long since I have talked to her yet randomly I will start to actually think she is just on the other end of the phone.  I don't know.  It's hard to put into words.  

What I do know is that it has made me hold onto my 4 boys really tight.  It has made me become diligent about spending quality time together and creating a life that we feel is good, comforting, and happy.  Not just following the status quo.  

I also know that I am constantly waiting for the next call.  For the next shoe to drop.  I am waiting for the next big tragedy and holding on for dear life when it hits.  It's like I am in a constant state of ready.  I am bracing for impact.  It's not a great place to live -- but this state of being makes sure that you LIVE.  I am always thinking that life will change quickly and abruptly at any moment so I try more purposefully to enjoy RIGHT NOW.

Sorry for the ramblings.  Yikes.

Consistent

1.  Lifetime Fitness

what?! Yes.  that is for real....it made the list again.  This has been on my mind for awhile.  I have MISSED my days at Lifetime.  I don't think that I can even express how much I enjoyed dropping the boys off at childcare, going to spin, and then jumping into a shower without the worry of little ones at my feet.  I was in the best shape of my life.  I did yoga on Thursday nights, was able to pound out a TON of adult push ups and I ate whatever I wanted.  It was fabulous.  I know that I will not be in that place again --- at least for awhile.  But for now I can hit up the gym early and I can do something....which is better than nothing.

Side note--I registered Jack too.  Mike and I decided that on the weekends if I took him to the gym with me in the morning that things might go a bit smoother AND I wouldn't feel guilty for leaving.

Therefore, since I took the plunge and now own TWO gym memberships....I got my ass out of bed this morning at 415.  

2. Making choices

Strange thing to put on the list but I have a really hard time making really small decisions.  It is the small decisions that sort of freak me out.  It's the huge life decisions that I make quickly and don't second guess -- it's sort of backwards.  

Anyways, I have been trying to work on making the small decisions quickly and not freak out.  Our new master bathroom has put me to the test.  We are doing everything over in the bathroom and the only thing that we don't have to pick out is a new toilet since we purchased one last year.  We are almost done with choices....only a few more left.

3. Brotherly love

These three boys are obsessed with each other.  Don't get me wrong....Cameron and Owen are starting to bicker back and forth BUT they are still completely obsessed.  One of my favorite things is being able to see the love between these boys.  

Here are some pictures this morning.  Owen always tries to pick up Jack.  Overall it works out pretty well and we have had no major injuries (so far).  Jack was posing for the camera.  

4. Productive morning
I always enjoy going into work at 9am.  I am usually able to bust out a few extra things before I go in and it makes me feel like I actually have my shit together.  This morning since I was up super early AND I don't have to be at work until 9 I have been able to get a lot done.  Here is just a few of the things that we accomplished....a few of the extra things..... I worked out, folded two loads of laundry, did two more loads of sheets, and cleaned a toilet. (yes, just one)  Mike went to Menards to order a window and is now at Lowes picking stuff up for a project tonight.  I also wrote this blog post, the dishes are running.....AND I will have time to sit here and finish Southern Charm....because yes--they have a new season.  And for the ass holes who worry about my grammar and sentence structure.  Get over it.

5.  Mike is a winner
...at least he is consistent.  Make that WE are consistent.  He wins. I lose.

Last week Mike said, "I will make you a deal.  Since your bracket is completely ruined -- if NC wins (which is who I had winning the tournament), then you will win the bet."  Now at this point NC had to still make it to the championship game.  And they did.  BUT they lost last night in a last second shot.  Boooooo.  So I lost again.  And now I have to do the dishes for a full week.  Hence why I am proud that the dishes are running this morning.

Old life stories

Starting from the end....

A lot of wonderful has happened in the past few days.  Once again our home is FULL.  The boys finally came home from Chicago since Spring Break is over and though we were only home for a few hours it felt great.  Mike and I both looked at each other and said, "goodness--it is great to have the boys back -- the house feels complete again."  (Mike used a different set of words but overall it was the same).  

1. Trip to Chesterton

My grandfather has been pretty sick and for awhile there I didn't think that he would pull through.  During my short morning visit we figured out that he is 89!  Yes -- almost 90 years old!!  

So for the past few weeks he was in the hospital and with much guilt on my grandma's heart he is now in rehab in Chesterton. This morning I left first thing and drove straight up to his rehab and made a short visit.  I will admit -- it is super sad to see my grandpa slowly getting older and reaching the end of his life.  Though he still looks good at 89....he is 89.  My grandma is an absolute mess being overwhelmed in grief and worry.  

One thing that I hope stays in my mind forever (which I am sure that it will) is the actual love and tenderness that I can see between my grandparents.  For the past few years my grandpa's short term memory has started to fade.  Today he did pretty well but numerous times he asked for, "my Joycie" or asked where she was or was telling me when she would show up.  He just absolutely adores her.  My grandma...holy moly...she just takes care of that man and dotes on him.  It is so stinking cute.    

I had to leave in the early afternoon so I could grab the twins and head home.  Here are some pictures of my short visit.  And yes -- I think that my grandpa looks like President Bush.

 2. The boys are home
We did not have long to play outside but for the few hours that they were home we had a great time enjoying the sunshine.  The boys LOVE the updates to the playhouse.  They were able to climb up the back and go down the slide over and over and over.  I eventually took Jack into the front to play and was able to clean up some of the mulch beds.  All three boys passed out quickly tonight.  Oh my gosh I am so freaking happy that these boys are home.

 3. MORE CLOTHES
This weekend Kelly dropped off a HUGE bag of clothes for Jack.  Huge. Huge.  I have waaayyy more clothes than I would ever need.  This huge supply also came with a ton of shoes and I am happy to say that he is now wearing his shoes, walking in them, and not taking them off his feet.  It is like he is a real boy.

 4. Hiking at Ft. Ben
Friday afternoon I decided to leave work early so we could go hiking at the Fort.  It was a perfect end to the work week.  SBJ did great.

**My husband just requested that I put something nice about him in the blog soooo I think that I will add it here**

My absolutely amazing husband volunteered to cart Jack around on his back the entire time up and down all of those trails. A few weeks ago we purchased a used backpack off of Facebook and though it works -- it is not one of the fancy ones that have tons of padding.  ANYWAYS -- he didn't complain a bit.  Jack also didn't make a peep...therefore, I was able to have a nice, leisurely stroll.  This is ONE of the wonderful thing about Mike.  He loves to explore, get out of the house, and have fun with me.  We are looking forward to many more hikes as the weather gets warmer and I am super stoked to be spending my days with him.  ....oh....and he looks pretty fabulous.  Some nice looking eye candy.

5. CycleBar -- Santos
On Saturday morning I FINALLY worked out.  It has been waaaayy to long since my last work out and hopefully it has put a fire under my butt to actually get into shape.

Stephanie Santos is now teaching at the new CycleBar at Traders Point and I was able to attend her friends and family class.  I have not seen her for a few years and I wish that we actually had time to catch up.  She would listen to all of my shit show life stories and help me deal with them in the most appropriate way -- going to the bar and getting wasted.

Grateful to be on a bike again and grateful to see my old friend.

Therapy at it's finest.

Louisville Tile

1.  The "say cheese" smile

When the twins are at Greg's I get an overwhelming urge to go out to dinner.  When they here the thought never even crosses my mind...it is just an impossible thing.  BUT when the kids are away -- I could go out every single night.  Last night I brought a salad home from work and we had smoked chicken from the day before -- we still decided to go out to dinner.  For Christmas, Mike received a Red Lobster gift card from one of his clients so last night we decided to check it out.  I have never been to Red Lobster and though the meal was ok - I was not too impressed.  ALSO--Jack did not enjoy himself like he did the past two times at Scotty's. 

Anyways, to the point, last night we were both working hard to keep Jack entertained while we ate as quickly as possible.  I said to him, "Jack, I want to take your picture, say cheese" ....and this what he did.  It was so stinking cute.  I have no idea who taught him this but I am pretty happy that they did.  Sorry for the blurry ass pictures...my Iphone camera blows.

And since last night sort of was a let down...I have a feeling most nights out in the future will be without children. **quick note -- being on a date with my husband was not a let down....just all surrounding shenanigans**

2.  A few extra hours this morning

On Tuesday and Thursday I don't usually need to be at work until 9am.  At the last minute I decided to go look at tile.  The tile shops that I needed to visit are only open M-F so these few hours gave me a perfect opportunity.  

I am pretty sure that I found the tile that we will purchase AND I feel in love with Louisville Tile.  Now I have the urge to not only do my entire house top to bottom -- in tile.

Oh, and I must note...Luke was at our house at 7 am measuring my bathroom since I decided to go at the last minute.

3. Some of things I grew up on....
A few weeks ago my parents brought over boxes and boxes of memories.  This was one of the items that I found.  I think these principles from cross country were pretty awesome to grow up with, be surrounded by, and taught daily.

4. The playhouse
Here is another update from a few days ago.  This playhouse is insane. Hours upon hours upon hours. Like I said, this picture is a few days old and now it is even better.

5. Funny Conversation boys had with Greg...

So here is a funny conversation that Greg text to me the other day.

Greg: Owen you must be growing
Cameron: no! Mommy will be so angry.
Owen: Yes I definitely am not growing.
Greg: why
Owen: Because if I do mommy will have another baby
Greg: haha what?
Owen: that's what she did last time

Yes....these things are real.... and no.... no more babies.  But Owen -- please stop growing.

Easter Sunday

1. Sunday Evening -- and the boys are in bed.

I am not sure WHICH boys you were thinking of...but it is 7:33 as I type and both Jack and Mike are in bed.  I am watching a bit of HGTV and 60 minutes.  I am exploring on the internet for a new bathroom vanity and I am dreaming about winning the lottery.  Overall it has been a good weekend.  I probably gained another 5 lbs but there is always Monday...right?

2. The dipping
On Thursday night we decided to hit up Scotty's for dinner.  We have lots of gift cards so per usually -- the trip didn't hit our wallet.  Anyways, the best part of the trip was Jack dipping his quesadilla into his empty orange container.  You see, we are fatties and both adults ordered cheese dipping sauce for our fries.  Jack watched us and then he just followed suit.  He ate his entire meal dipping into nothing.  Don't worry.  We got it on video.  And I proceeded to show all of my coworkers on Friday.

3. Friday night at Shelby's
On Friday night after work SBJ and I headed to Shelby's house to play with Ezra and catch up with Kara.  It was extremely relaxing to sit and talk, watch the boys play, and have a glass of champaign.

 4. Naps were successful.  overall
We always struggle on the weekends to have successful naps.  This weekend was generally the same BUT he did have naps.  And in my book, at least today, is successful.

 4. The twins
How wonderful are these pictures of the twins.  Ironically Mike wore his pink dress shirt today too.  They haven't been to Greg's for 6 weeks and the last time that they were in Chicago, Mike and I were in the Bahamas.  I will admit that this time it is strange to have them gone.  Jack keeps us busy but the hole that they leave is insanely large.  I think that it will be a long week.  Good thing I have work to keep me busy and LOTS of things on my To Do list.

 5. Easter Sunday
Last but not least ...Easter Sunday.  It was beautiful out this morning.  We were able to get stuff done on the play house, I collected one bag of leaves, and we even made it to Kroger this morning.  Around 230 we headed to my parents' house for Easter.  It was an insane 2 hours and we both left feeling full and exhausted.  (hence Mike being in bed at 7pm).  Once we got back I gave Jack a MUCH NEEDED bath and then we decided to take a short walk around the block to help with the full bellies.  At exactly half way through we started to feel rain drops.  We picked up the pace but since Mike had flip flops on it was hard for him to run.  Since I had my tennis shoes on I ended up running Jack home with Mike & Nash closely behind.  The skies were opening and it was starting to pour.  We made it into the garage just in time and within few short seconds it was hailing out.

And now....as I have mentioned....the house is still, silent, and completely wonderful.

We were trying to get a picture of his shoes before we left the house.   These are still a little too big...clearly we are obsessed. 

three...not five

I am too lazy to get up and get the pictures off of my iPhone so today I pulled pictures that are already on the blog.  These first few pictures are the ones that I see every time I try and add pictures to the post.  So every few days I am instantly brought back to these first few memories.  I have a very fond memory of these days.  I am sure that they were painstakingly hard BUT my memory has them blissful and wonderful.  My memories of routine -- playgrounds, visits to the gym, nap time, and playdates.  I don't think that I could go back into the rigorous day in and day out of my littles.  Don't get me wrong -- I miss it --- but watching them grow (and being fully potty trained) is pretty wonderful.

 I wanted to add all of these pictures because it just reminds me that they have ALWAYS been close.  They like to be side by side and they like to be together.  It hasn't changed.  Also, the blue blankets, pacifers AND the outdoor toys that we played with inside the house.

This was a trip to the zoo.

I actually made paints for them to play in the bath.  I have a video of one of these paint days and the boys were speaking in  their own language. 

Corn on the cob -- feet on the table -- not a care in the world

How could I not add this picture in to the mix.

One of my favorites of Owen and Jonny.

I thought that these Easter pictures would be appropriate since Easter is tomorrow.

He is actually on the potty -- crying -- this was his norm.

Mother's Day with Erin in town.  Oh the damn red Target dress that was actually a cover up that I ALWAYS wore.

Baby Eloise.  

We had dinner with the family out in Broad Ripple that night.  We could not stop laughing.  ...completely normal when we were all together.

I love this picture of Erin -- sorry -- had to add it in.

Since you were able to enjoy those old gems....I will now do a quick 5 since I know you are anxious.

1. Day with Jack
This morning Mike had to work and this afternoon he did the playhouse and helped Luke.  I was able to spend the entire day with SBJ.  It was incredibly strange to have a full day with just one child.  It is a rare occurrence and though it was nice to spend time playing on the floor with just him ....I also missed the crazy of his brothers.

2. Gutters
I forgot to mention that on my Birthday we had our gutters done.  .....so....our gutters...... holy hell.  Our gutters were an absolute mess.  For example, in multiple areas we would have water pouring though holes in the bottom.  In other areas we had weeds growing.  Yup. Weeds growing in our gutters.  I actually got two quotes last year but this spring I decided to go ahead and pull the trigger.  I am so grateful that they are in.

3. Bathroom
More updates to the house -- we actually had a real meeting with Luke to figure out our master bath.  He quickly and nicely struck down all my grand ideas.  When he left I felt a tad clueless about the design plan and what would be best for the master bath.  Within 30 minutes I found a bathroom on pinterest that would work -- that I loved -- and that Mike agreed on.  This is HUGE for me -- I actually have a workable plan for the master bath.

yikes...it is only going to be 3 tonight.  Have to get going.....guess it is time to get up.