Things we are doing to beat the heat!!!

It is HOT around here!  It seems like just the past two weeks have been so hot, and of course the worst is not here yet! 

To beat the heat, we have bought a kiddie pool.  I debated about getting one of the "nicer" temporary pools from Walmart with a filter/pump, etc. but ended up just getting the same inflatable pool we've had before for a couple of reasons.  First of all, I have had my kids fully clothed and ready to go somewhere, and had them jump in the pool!  So, I want to be able to dump it if necessary.  Yes, I want to be in control of their swim time-call me crazy!!!  Actually, they are a full year older, so I think it will be easier this year to manage-we'll see!  For $20, we'll get lots of cheap entertainment! 

We have been making snow cones like crazy!  I recently got a BlendTec blender, which I LOVE!!!  It is awesome!  If you aren't familiar, they are commercial grade, really nice blenders.  It can cook soup, make ice cream, grind wheat, and do all sorts of cool stuff.  They are normally $400, but Dustin's friend got ours from his work's salvage place for $75!  A real steal!  (He works at a freight co.)  On a side note- I just got 25 lb. of wheat berries today and have ground some fresh flour already.  You cannot beat fresh flour!  Just saying....
Back to snow cones- the blender makes the ice exactly like snow consistency in 10 seconds.  The kids help me scoop out their "cone" and add the flavoring.  I am looking online for some all-natural flavoring because what they had at Walmart is most definitely filled with dyes I don't want my kids to have. 

We haven't been to the lake yet, but my mom and I went yesterday to check it out.  We only had to pay $2 for parking, and swimming will cost me $7 for all of us.  Quite a bargain I think!  They had a nice kiddie area, some shade and picnic tables for picnics, and a huge playground with super-nice equipment.  I must say, we were impressed!  I will say, my sister always gives me a hard time about asking for credentials from people.  I learned yesterday where I get that from- MOM!  She had two park rangers cornered and was asking all about the water and if they test it.  They DO test it and gave her all the info on the tests they did yesterday!  I still hope my kids don't drink too much lake water- eek!  I have let go of many of my germophobias.....lake water NOT being one of them!  I think we are going next week when it's cooler with my mom and sister- plus nephews!  It should be fun!!!  I think we will have to check out even more State Parks near us!  This is only 10 minutes away! 

We have been trying to stay indoors during the heat of the day- I am trying to make a concerted effort to do more indoors-ey things with the kids.  We painted sun catchers one day and also make bead necklaces- great for working on those fine motor skills!  I already have a lot of craft supplies on hand from teaching vacation Bible school over the years, and just different projects I've done.  I always keep an eye out for clearance stuff and Dollar Tree has some supplies too.  I think we'll be doing quite a few crafts this summer.  Pinterest- here I come! 

Since our beach trip is approaching, we are going to use some of our indoor time to learn about the ocean.  I decided instead of just "going", we'd try to learn a little about it first.  They already know a lot of what lives in the ocean, but I am going to reinforce that with letting them color pictures of those things.  Also, I have a few crafts planned- like making an octopus out of a toilet paper roll, paint, and googly eyes.  I am also going to mix up some salt water for them to taste.  I have to say, I really am excited about how excited the kids are getting about learning new things.  It is so fun to see their enthusiasm, it is contagious!  It will be good to do a few things in kind of a relaxed fashion before we start their pre-school work in the fall (at home). 

Some other summer things we can do on super-hot days (that aren't too pricey) are- the Children's Museum which is indoors, Monkey Joe's, the $1 movies at the theatre (we are probably going to meet some dance friends for this), pool time at the Y (it's indoors so you don't have to worry about sunscreen or burns), riding on our RTV through the woods (it's cooler and shady doing that), library, visiting great-grandparents (a change of scenery is always nice), and much more!  I will have to post ideas as we think of them and do them!  We are going to a live play in July based on a children's book- Richard Scarry's BusyTown.  I am excited for the kids to experience that-and it's not super-expensive.  They've never been to anything like that before. 

I love summer because my Mom always has lots of free time to hang out with us, and my sisters are all out of school for babysitting purposes if I need them- or to go with me to do fun things with the kids.  And of course my oldest sister, Amanda, has a pool with a fun slide for the kids.  My dad also has a pool- so we have no shortage of swimming options to beat the heat!!! 

May Musings....random updates

• Henry had his 15 month check up this morning.  He weighed 26 lb. 12 oz.  I can't remember the rest and I forgot his shot record booklet, so I have to get that filled out next time.  That was a first-I've never forgotten it before.  He got 2 shots in his arms.  He only cried for one of them and that was just for a second.  He's such a happy boy.  He has another ear infection though.  We are starting meds for that.  He was showing no signs of it, but that is typical for Henry.  As for the "charts", he is only like 50th for weight, so apparently there are a lot of boys bigger than him, believe it or not.  He was tall for his age though, which seems weird because he seems short, he has really short legs.  Anyway, he checked out fine.  We just need to work on eating more solids, I explained the trouble we were having and she wants us to work on it and doesn't think we need the feeding clinic right now.  Thank goodness, I don't know anyone who's been there, but I honestly don't feel like he needs something drastic.  He just doesn't like textures and prefers his baby food or bread.  We'll get through it. 
• Emilynn's recital went great.  She danced really well and I can't wait to see her video!  What a difference a year makes.  She loved the stage this year.  She even told me she was going to do a flip on stage.  Luckily that didn't happen.  Especially since it wasn't part of the routine!  Dustin and I took her to one of our favorite Mexican resturants afterwards and it was so nice to spend time with just her.  I am glad we had a babysitter for the boys! 
• My sister Abbey graduated from high school Saturday.  I feel so old, I remember the day she was born....I think I was about 15......not to date myself or anything!  We had a cookout Sunday for her and it was so nice and relaxing.  I don't know if everyone thought so, but I did!  We stayed 5 hours which is a record for us to be somewhere with the kids-they were having so much fun and really well behaved.  I feel kind of guilty I didn't do much to help prepare for it.  I will try to do better at the next event!! 
• My sister Tori's appendix ruptured early last week.  She's still in the hospital from that, and missed all the graduation festivities.  I knew that was a serious thing, but wow has it really put her down.  Poor thing!  We visited her once, just me and the kids.  Wasn't I brave?   They didn't go too bad, but once they got comfortable at the hospital ( meaning more rambunctious), we had to leave!!!  I hope she is on the mend soon!
• We got a garden planted, complete with fence around it.  I sure hope we grow something, the kids are so excited about it.  We have corn, yellow squash, green beans, cantaloupe, green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and radishes planted.  The kids each chose a vegetable THEY wanted to plant.  Carson chose carrots.  Emilynn chose the radishes.  I don't think she's ever eaten a radish, so I'm not sure what that's about!!!!  We put them in there though and will see if they grow.  It has been fun so far seeing the little seedlings sprout out from the ground, and the plants grow.   Watering has also been fun, yet challenging with the kids!  The twins and I were all soaked after last night's watering. 
• Henry and I went to a couple of stores after his appt. today and got a few good deals on clothes for Carson.  I was so excited!   I had a $10 Kohl's coupon with no restrictions (you didn't have to use your Kohl's Charge).  I got Carson an outfit for $2.08 out of pocket-yay!  I also found a few clearance things at Target, but I really hit it big at the new Goodwill!  I got a huge bag of clothes for $21.  It was all name brand, in good shape.  I got Henry a pair of snow bibs for next winter for $1.  For Carson I found a John Deere sweatshirt for $2, a Tommy Hilfiger collared short sleeve shirt for $3, and lots of shorts and tees for Carson for $1 per pair.  They were all Children's Place, Gap, Cars (he loves the movie), Old Navy, and a few random ones with frogs or things I knew he'd love.  I think he's now set for summer except for his seasonal John Deere t-shirt purchases.  I may even wait till the beach to get those because there is a John Deere store there.  I was so happy to find some nice things for him.  He was wearing his clothes from last summer, but it was like overnight he gained a few pounds and can now actually wear a bigger size!  He can now wear 3s, and some 4s even!  Emilynn of course is set for summer from the dress factory sale, consignment sale, and all her grandmas who love buying girls clothes, and Aunt Alyssa.  She is the roughest on her clothes though, so it's good to have variety with her!!!
• Our beach trip is just about a month away now.  I am so excited!!!!  The kids ask everyday if they can go to the beach.  I hope they aren't disappointed!!!   I just need to finish getting our beach envelope fully funded (we use the Dave Ramsey envelope system-most of the time).  I actually looked online and found out exactly what everything we wanted to do costs, added it all up, and figured out how much money we need to have on hand.  I think this will be much easier than taking a random amount with us, as we've done in the past, and then wonder where it went.   I figured right down to the toll on the way down and back!  I have to say- I love Dave Ramsey (I should post about that one day!). 
• Swim classes finished up Friday.  They got report cards on their progress.  Emilynn accomplished everything in class except there were maybe two things she was very close on.  The teacher said she could move up, but we may keep her down one more round of lessons because she is very excited and energetic and needs to slow down when doing the kicks, etc. to be more effective.  We'll see.  Carson's report didn't have much on it.  He really did not participate in many classes.   He has always been very cautious near the water-even in the bath tub.  He has gotten a lot better and even gets his face wet voluntarily now.  He did join the swim class for a few activities but not many.  He will remain a "pike" for a while.  We are thinking about doing private lessons for him, to see if that helps.  I certainly won't push him, we'll let him go at his own pace. 

I think that's all that's been going on around here.  It's been a lot!  I am honestly enjoying a break this week from everything, even though we did have an appointment today.  Yesterday was a nice, calm, relaxing Memorial Day.  We didn't do a whole lot, Dustin worked part of the day and we got Applebee's Carside to go for dinner.  It was nice and low-key.  It's tempting not to do swim lessons for a session to get a break, we'll see!  It is peak pool season though, so we probably should so the kids will have lots of practice time at everyone's pools.   I think we COULD wait till mid-July though, and we may do that for a teeny break.   Dance is over until September, as we aren't doing summer classes.  Maybe I can finally get the laundry and dishes caught up once and for all!!!   I'm sure something will come up to save me from that!!!!  Haha! 

Catching Up

We've been so busy, I think May is insanely busy this year for some reason.  I finally had a couple minutes to sit at the computer and take a breather! 
My new nephew was born last week, on Tuesday at 10:40 pm.  They didn't induce my sister until late afternoon, so everyone's day was switched around, but he was worth the wait!  I've seen him a bunch of times since then (any excuse to get a newborn fix!), and he's just a doll!   Carson calls him "our Cousin Baby". 
This is the last week of dance class, so it's also crazy!  We had recital run-through last night.  The recital is a good 45 minutes from our house.  I guess I was having a super-mom moment because I thought it would be a great idea to take the whole family and watch the recital.  I really thought Carson and Henry would enjoy watching the show.  We aren't taking them Saturday, so it would be their only chance to see it until we get our DVD.  Well, what in the world was I thinking?   Everything was okay to begin with, then it all fell apart.  I'm sure if anyone was paying attention to us, they thought we were nuts.  I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  We dropped Emilynn with her class, then Dustin found a seat with the baby.  Carson wanted to sit at the very top, so I figured why not.  All was well till I had to take him to the bathroom.  Henry saw me go by and was upset.  Then we went to change Emmy's shoes.  She then started crying for me to sit with her.  Carson cried to go back to the top.  Then Emmy had to potty.  It just all fell apart.  For a bit, I had the boys up top and Dustin was with Emmy.  Anyway, Dustin took the boys out.  We finished up and left after Emilynn's last dance.  She was upset that she couldn't dance on the stage anymore.  It should be an interesting show because she's very excited about it this year!  Tomorrow night we go back for dress rehearsal.  She and I will do that alone.  Dustin and I will take her to recital together, it is our special time with just her.  I really feel like individual time is SO important, especially with multiples. 
We have two more swim lessons to go, so that finishes up next week.  I am not sure when the next session starts, but it's pretty soon.  I will sign the twins up again, and possibly Henry this time. 
My sister Abbey graduated from community college Saturday, so I went to that.  She has a bunch of activities this month that I'm trying to get to, including her high school graduation which is after the college one.  I always think that's weird how it works! 
For some reason, my kids aren't sleeping as good as they used to, and I am tired.  Someone always ends up in the bed with us before morning, or they come get me and insist I get in their bed.  Either is fine because I get a bit more sleep.  It is hard with choppy sleep though.  They definitely slept more as infants than now!  Some mornings they are raring to go and insist we get up and start the day super early.  Those are my least favorite days!  Then, there are days we all sleep till 10 am.  It just depends and isn't consistent unfortunately.  Maybe it will get better.  I wish I liked coffee but I don't!  I really need it some days! 
Well, I'm off to clean, cook, or do something domestic!  Haha! 
Tomorrow is busy with swim lessons, then recital dress rehearsal.  I also found out about a music class for the kids on Fridays, but we haven't made it to that yet!  It's before swimming and close by there, so maybe one week we'll get ourselves together and go! 
All for now, more soon. 

What's been going on around these parts... :-)

• I thought we needed a spring look around the blog- picnic anyone?  The new pic is from last spring.  We love that picnic table that was a 2nd birthday gift to the twins from Meme & Poppy.  Carson chose the green background, naturally.  It was John Deere colored.  I will say, it is ridiculous how long it took me to change pictures.  I am so electronically challenged sometimes, it is frustrating!!!
• Strawberries are in!  Yay!  We got some Friday after swim lessons, and my sister and Meme dropped more off yesterday.  I am eating strawberries to my heart's content!  Love them and can't wait to go pick some with the kiddos.  Maybe one day this week.  Jam is in my future for sure, we are on the last jar from last year.  I plan to do a double batch this year.  We'll also freeze plenty for smoothies and homemade popsicles. 
• Swim classes went good this week.  Carson participates more each week.  I think we'll just continue on with lessons for the duration.  It is a great skill to learn and I don't want them to have to start over if we take a break.  I may even sign Henry up next session!
• Dance is winding down for the year, and we are SO busy with that!  We had pictures Saturday, which went really smoothely.  We had a playdate with some dance friends Thursday after class.  It was a lot of fun.  We have a recital run-through, dress rehearsal, and the recital next week.  It will be busy but fun.  I think we are taking a dance break for the summer.  Emilynn hasn't mentioned it, but unless she starts asking about "going to dance", I think we'll just take a couple months breather.  She changes teachers in the fall, so that will be exciting.  We'll miss Ms. Robin though, she's had her the whole 2 years so far.   I think we are going to give Ms. Robin a pedicure certificate to treat those dancing toes!  :-)  I really appreciate all of her hard work with Emilynn.  She's taken so much time (and patience) with her! 
• My sister is being induced tomorrow to have my newest nephew!  I'm super-excited and trying to get everything ready for tomorrow.  My cousin Brandy graciously took a vacation day off of work to watch the kids so I could be there.  My dad and I will head out tomorrow about 8 a.m.  I can't wait to see baby Landon Chase! 
• We had a shower for my sister and her husband Saturday night.  We had a restaurant to ourselves which was awesome.  The kids could play and run around without disturbing a soul.  It was good food and family time.  I finally got to give them the quilt I had made for Landon and personalized with his name.  I was so excited!!! 
•  For today, I'm making lunches and attempting to clean the house.  The house always suffers when we are on the go, and we were very busy for the weekend. 
• We took the kids to a mud bog Friday night.  It was a lot of fun, they thoroughly enjoyed it!!!  Carson loves "mudslingers".  It was fun family time with our little family of 5! 
• Saturday was my nephew Hunter's May Day at his school.  He had a little dance to do with his class and it was adorable.  I went by myself and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the kids dancing, it was really cute. 

Well, that's all we've been up to- it's a lot!  The next couple of weeks promise to be super-busy. 
For today, I'm praying for a safe delivery of our newest family member tomorrow! 

Too much-I need balance!

Why do I think I can do it all?  I really don't know.  I also don't know many people who don't, like me, try to do it all.  I feel so many times like we rush from thing to thing to thing.  Sometimes I think we get signs to slow down, which at times we ignore and plow on through.   Last week was one of those weeks.  Monday we went to watch a helicopter land with my mom, then to dinner.  Tuesday we went to get our milk.  Wednesday I went to get a pedicure with my mom, sister, aunt Debbie, and friend Melanie.  Then we had dinner, I ran to the store, then back home.  Thursday we went swimming at the Y, then to dance that night.  After dance we rode to Target so I could get Henry a swimvest that the lifeguard at the Y recommended.  Friday we went to swimming lessons, then that night I loaded up the kids and took them to my dad to babysit while I went to a Perfectly Posh party for more pampering.  I did get pampered last week!  I'm sure we even did more than I'm listing, it's just all that I can remember.  Saturday I went to see my sister Abbey in all of her prom attire.  Literally, as I was driving home my throat starting getting scratchy and I started feeling bad.  I plowed through making dinner and bedtime routines.  I got myself in bed as quickly as I could and proceeded to cough all night.  Sunday, my chest was so sore from coughing.  I felt bad all day, but luckily Dustin was home and I got a 4 hour nap.  I didn't do much Sunday or Monday.  I finally started feeling better Tuesday, and today I feel even better.  I think sometimes we need to get sick as a wakeup call to slow down.  I know I need to slow down, I've always needed to slow down.  By nature, I like to go-go-go.  I'm starting to realize that this doesn't work for my body.  I need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.  Luckily, my job as a stay-at-home mom normally allows for this.  My kids are homebodies like Dustin, so that also slows me down.  We will literally leave to go somewhere, and they beg me to go back home.  They are just comfortable being at home, which is a good thing.  I just need to learn myself to slow down and not take on so much.  It's a blessing if I can get the dishes done, laundry washed, and some of those things put away!  Our closet has been in a state of being half-way done for months....I keep thinking I'll feel like working on it when the kids are asleep, but I fall right into bed myself!  I know the house isn't as important as my health, so I go with the sleep.  I think it's natural for moms to put themselves last, but I am going to try really hard to take better care of me, so I won't get sick.  I also want to be able to feel great and take good care of them.  It's very hard to take care of my family when I'm not 100 % myself.  I'm guessing what I have now is allergies, but maybe I should take an allergy medication if allergies are a problem for me.  I have taken the first steps by starting exercising again and getting good sleep.  It is hard not to stay up late reading!  I also like having a couple days a week to just stay home all day long.  I get more done at home if I actually stay there!  (Imagine that!)  There are some events I do like to go to- ball games, graduations coming up, etc.  A lot of these I will attend without the kiddos, which allows them to stay home (their preference), and me some time out to myself (important).  Dustin prefers to stay home with them, so it all works out.  I'm wondering how they'll do on vacation.  They are excited about it, but I don't know if they'll want to bail after a few days.  I hope not.  I want a change of scenery for the week!  Anyway, I really hope to find some balance and stop some of the insanity of running all over creation all the time!!  :- )  That's my ramblings for today.  I hope to keep this in mind as May is here- a very busy month indeed!