One of those days

Some days just don't go the way you imagine (or entire weeks, SIGH). Life feels complicated, overwhelming and just plain lifey. You know? I know, you know. It happens to all of us. Well I was eyebrow deep in life and everyone was grumpy and picking fights. I was faced with a decision - spank everyone and send them to bed (myself included) or shake things up and leave the house for something unexpected to "reset" our household. I'm not going to lie, bedtime sounded awfully good, but I chose to do the unexpected. 

We finished up our dinner time stuff and then instead of herding everyone upstairs for showers, I announced they needed to put their shoes on and line up at the door. 

Whhhaaaaaaat?!?!

Their faces were equal parts shocked and excited. It was priceless. We loaded up into the car and I had to endure a  barrage of questions about what we were doing and where we were going. I answered them all with, "You'll have to wait and see..." {L} couldn't take it after about 3.4 minutes and told me that his stomach was telling him that we need to hurry because he's really excited. {P} kept throwing out suggestions and her current favorite is the movie theater. Ugh, maybe another time, doll. 

After a short drive we made it to our destination. And they realized we were getting some froyo. Happiness ensued and they could barely get out of the car because of all the celebratory dancing. {P} found the closest human being (an unsuspecting adult sitting on a bench) to share the amazing news. She had a full length conversation about where we were going and what she was about to consume in the most animated way possible. It definitely reflected her emotions. 

They were enthralled with the whole process of choosing a yogurt flavor and then picking their toppings of choice.  It was just what we needed we sat, chatted, nibbled on froyo, and made friends. 

When we got home, daddy surprised us by coming home early. So the natural thing to do was to give him a doctor check up. {P} would find makeshift doctor tools and inspect his eyes, ears and other possible problems. She would mutter to herself, "That's good, that's good." When her brother would ask to borrow something she would say, "Oh, no, sorry buddy, too dangerous." Then go about her business. {L} kept finding maladies and would inform daddy that he had a couple problems. It was hilarious. And we even found a bandage to help him feel better. 

It was just what the doctor ordered for our family. Consider us reset and ready for a better day tomorrow. 

Easter 2015

Don't you just love the magic of childhood? I believe in magic, because I can see it through my children's eyes. 

Friday night we dyed eggs. The kids thought it was the coolest. It was an exercise in patience. We did pretty good until we started to sticker our dried eggs. Peyton picked one up and gave it a big ole lick like it was a sucker. And then with utter frustration and sassy hands she exclaimed, "Where is all the chocolate? And the peanut butter?" Apparently I am supposed to have channelled some Willy Wonka skills and make these plain eggs into candy eggs! Note taken. 

We like to enjoy our Easter bunny activities on the Saturday before Easter so that on Sunday we can focus on Jesus Christ and the Atonement. We keep it pretty low key, nothing too extravagant. Saturday morning came and we had breakfast and then decided to go upstairs to watch a movie. While they were distracted, the "Easter bunny" hid some eggs in the backyard. I ran upstairs and told them what I had discovered while cleaning up breakfast. Their little eyes lit up! And outside they raced as fast as you can imagine. {L} was naturally faster and collected most of the eggs. {P} was really only interested in picking the pink and purple eggs. Daddy helped them open a few eggs, while the "Easter bunny" dropped off their baskets at the front door and rang the doorbell. They were totally impressed. {L} explained to his sister that the Easter bunny had lots of kids to visit so he had to ring the bell and hurry off. So magical. They spent the rest of the morning running around sneaking candy and enjoying the wonder of childhood. 

Hey there,

I should be doing a dozen practical and productive activities right now. But, I'm not.

Obviously.

You're here reading the proof of my procrastination. Thanks by the way, I appreciate the validation of my choice.

I've had a few friends and family members who have asked me if I am writing down all my silly anecdotes. But sadly, posting on Facebook and Instagram is usually as far as it gets. I use the excuse of living in the trenches with my 5 and 2 1/2 year old to spend much time documenting all their shenanigans.

So here is my solution. I now have a space all my own to muse about the little life I lead with as much honesty as possible.

Strangely enough, my children are usually spewing out quotable phrases and moments I don't want to forget. But this week, it's been a bit of a struggle...to exist in peace. We have been making some changes at home to prepare for baby #3. This has translated into Lucas and Peyton becoming roommates (cue ridiculousness), finding out the gender of the bean, and moving baby land back into the house. There has been squealing, running, crying, and exhaustion - and I'm not just talking about me. The kids take after their parents resistance to change and I have been working on being super patient and supportive of their transition.

For example: a few nights ago the kids went through their typical bedtime routine and were tucked sweetly into bed. But as any mother can tell you, I sensed an energy in the air and a mischievous twinkle in their eyes that reeked of potential disaster. I politely ignored the chatting, I tend to lean towards dictatorship and I am trying to find a balance. When the uncontrolled giggles started I peaked in on them. Lucas was snuggled up to his sister in her bed. When questioned, Lucas insisted that Peyton was scared and he was fulfilling his older brother duties. It was cute. Dang cute. But I know my daughter is a bit of a tornado, and things can get interesting. Sure enough, the giggles eventually turned into crying and I walked into Peyton giving a punch to Lucas. After addressing the obvious rule breaking and wiping tears, Luke and I decided it might be better if everyone stays in their own bed.

Transition is tough. And that particular bedtime exchange typifies what it's been like for us lately. Lots of excitement and fun...until it's not. Working through feelings while maintaining family dynamics is a fluid situation. But the kids are champs and have been getting much better at their bedtime routine.

Cars vs. Dinosaurs.