Sometimes I want to tell the boys that they can run naked for awhile- just so I can actually have ALL the laundry done at once. I am pretty sure they would take me up on it.
Which is why I haven't offered.
My oldest son likes to wear "sport guy" shorts and a variety of Tee shirts. He prefers Tees with dangerous animals or sports themes.
Roman will only wear pajamas or longsleeved shirts and longsleeved pants.
Lincoln freaks out if he has a drop of water on him and well, he is 2 and he goes through a lot of outfits- even with my greater than average tolerance for my children wearing stained/dirty clothes.
Why did I tell you all that?
I just basically want to make it clear that what we wear around here is decidedly in the "play clothes" category. Decidedly. Also, 95% of the boys clothes have been given to me and passed down through my troops as well.
So here is my secret: I am not a thorough laundry sorter.
I just don't care.
I MOSTLY try to get all the darks generally together.
But if a pair of socks sneak in, oh well.
And I mostly keep the whites together.
But sometimes a red tee ball shirt gets tossed in.
And sometimes I will just do a combination load of lights, darks and bath towels.
Just because I am the mom.
And I am in charge.
And I have bigger and better things to do than freak out about my laundry.
I am sure some of you are wincing right now (just so you know, I have only turned something white pink 1 time and that was years ago).
How do you do your laundry? Do you tolerate combo loads, or is everything separated down to the littlest baby sock?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Challenges with 3 Kids
I will get some pictures up at some point...but I am too lazy to go use the other computer!
2 years ago during labor with Lincoln I had a panic attack. And it wasn't really about the labor. It was about how in the world I was going to take care of 3 kids the oldest of which was not quite 3 1/2. And it was a logistical nightmare.
At the store if there were no 3 little person carts left, I would just about leave. I used a combination of baby carriers, strollers, and helpers to get my little people where we all needed to go. Oh, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
But over the last 2 years it has gotten easier. They all walk along with me when we go somewhere. I don't have to push anyone in a stroller unless I deem it easier nor do I have to carry anyone on my hip. Well, unless they are being noncomplient. Which does happen.
The logistics have been easier. Until yesterday.
May I introduce to you: 3 little bikes + 3 little boys + very little steering knowledge + cars + hot + tired + hated helmets + inappropriate bikes = 1 crazy mother of 3
Deacon is riding a 2 wheeler now and with the bigger wheels and no training wheels, he goes really fast. He is pretty cautious about cars and knows to stay by the curb. But yesterday on our ride his pedal fell off. There is always something.
Roman insists on riding his Big Wheels. He has no control over his big wheels, and has no concept and/or ability to stay near the curb. Not good. The baby would like to ride that one and actually seems to be in more control over it, mostly because he pedals with his feet and not the pedals. Roman has a small training wheel bike which he does well with. He just prefers his big wheels. Oh, and helmets make him claustrophobic.
Lincoln tries to handle his cup of water while riding on the inappropriatly sized training wheel bike (because Roman has the big wheels) which is pushed by mom.
Now, I know all you hardcore parents are saying, "just don't let them. Tell them that they aren't going if they don't get with the program and comply." And I do insist on helmets. But it is a whole compromise. If I told Roman he had to ride the other bike to go, he would just say, "I would rather not go then." And then Deacon wouldn't be able to go. Because, remember they are too close in age and too young for additional independence.
But next time I may try to think of a good way to convince the 2 younger ones that a stroller ride is truly in everyone's best interest.
I know it is in mine.
2 years ago during labor with Lincoln I had a panic attack. And it wasn't really about the labor. It was about how in the world I was going to take care of 3 kids the oldest of which was not quite 3 1/2. And it was a logistical nightmare.
At the store if there were no 3 little person carts left, I would just about leave. I used a combination of baby carriers, strollers, and helpers to get my little people where we all needed to go. Oh, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
But over the last 2 years it has gotten easier. They all walk along with me when we go somewhere. I don't have to push anyone in a stroller unless I deem it easier nor do I have to carry anyone on my hip. Well, unless they are being noncomplient. Which does happen.
The logistics have been easier. Until yesterday.
May I introduce to you: 3 little bikes + 3 little boys + very little steering knowledge + cars + hot + tired + hated helmets + inappropriate bikes = 1 crazy mother of 3
Deacon is riding a 2 wheeler now and with the bigger wheels and no training wheels, he goes really fast. He is pretty cautious about cars and knows to stay by the curb. But yesterday on our ride his pedal fell off. There is always something.
Roman insists on riding his Big Wheels. He has no control over his big wheels, and has no concept and/or ability to stay near the curb. Not good. The baby would like to ride that one and actually seems to be in more control over it, mostly because he pedals with his feet and not the pedals. Roman has a small training wheel bike which he does well with. He just prefers his big wheels. Oh, and helmets make him claustrophobic.
Lincoln tries to handle his cup of water while riding on the inappropriatly sized training wheel bike (because Roman has the big wheels) which is pushed by mom.
Now, I know all you hardcore parents are saying, "just don't let them. Tell them that they aren't going if they don't get with the program and comply." And I do insist on helmets. But it is a whole compromise. If I told Roman he had to ride the other bike to go, he would just say, "I would rather not go then." And then Deacon wouldn't be able to go. Because, remember they are too close in age and too young for additional independence.
But next time I may try to think of a good way to convince the 2 younger ones that a stroller ride is truly in everyone's best interest.
I know it is in mine.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Knowing Big Families
I like to know all kinds of people, and to have friends from all areas and stages of life.
My single friends are awesome because they are usually more willing to go do stuff whenever, and they actually WANT to do stuff and go places.
Our couple friends without kids are fun because we don't have the "double babysitter dilemma". They can come over after our kids go to bed.
My mom friends are fun because we can get together while our kids play, but we can still have a good time without our kids.
But knowing familes with older kids and grown up kids has other benefits. Parenting advice, hand-me-down clothes etc.
Last Friday we were invited to a small, private beach by some friends. This friend, Brigetta, has 5 kids ranging in age from 17 down to 5. Her kids are used to having a 5 year old around, so they included my kids, and Brigetta and I were actually able to talk because I was the only one monitoring little babies and so we both weren't running in different directions.
And then the big thing: Roman had to go to the bathroom, and so I was going to have to take him to the porta potty. I went to pick Lincoln up to take him along (for safety) and Brigetta said, "I can watch him". And so she did. That, my friends, is huge. And awesome. When you are with another mom who also has 3 little kids- and there is water involved- you can't just leave them with an extra one. But a mom whose own kids are self sufficient...well, that is a whole 'nother thing!
I love big families.
And I love moms who remember what it is like to be in the preshool/baby trenches.
I am going to be one of those moms someday.
My single friends are awesome because they are usually more willing to go do stuff whenever, and they actually WANT to do stuff and go places.
Our couple friends without kids are fun because we don't have the "double babysitter dilemma". They can come over after our kids go to bed.
My mom friends are fun because we can get together while our kids play, but we can still have a good time without our kids.
But knowing familes with older kids and grown up kids has other benefits. Parenting advice, hand-me-down clothes etc.
Last Friday we were invited to a small, private beach by some friends. This friend, Brigetta, has 5 kids ranging in age from 17 down to 5. Her kids are used to having a 5 year old around, so they included my kids, and Brigetta and I were actually able to talk because I was the only one monitoring little babies and so we both weren't running in different directions.
And then the big thing: Roman had to go to the bathroom, and so I was going to have to take him to the porta potty. I went to pick Lincoln up to take him along (for safety) and Brigetta said, "I can watch him". And so she did. That, my friends, is huge. And awesome. When you are with another mom who also has 3 little kids- and there is water involved- you can't just leave them with an extra one. But a mom whose own kids are self sufficient...well, that is a whole 'nother thing!
I love big families.
And I love moms who remember what it is like to be in the preshool/baby trenches.
I am going to be one of those moms someday.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The 3 year old's Mental Health Day
Roman has always been our homebody.
He likes his toys.
He likes to imagine.
He likes free play.
After we looked at the "faces" at Mt. Rushmore he turned to me and said, "let's go home, Mom!" I said, "back to the cabin, right?" "No" he said, "back to our green house."
So I have always had to balance Deacon's enthusiasm for going places, my agenda and Roman's desire to stay home.
But lately Roman has wanted to go more places. "Let's go, go, go" he says.
So we have.
But he apparently doesn't exactly know what he needs.
Last Sunday morning (after a full week at VBS) he was done. I could see that he really needed a mental health day. So as much as I hated to do it, he and I stayed home from church and cuddled and read books. It was good.
But it has gotten worse. And I am pretty sure now that it is less the going places and more the sleep factor.
I have been putting them to bed at 7:30, but they haven't been falling asleep until 9:00. And Roman really needs that extra sleep. Basically the baby keeps everyone awake at night and wakes everyone up in the morning.
I really need them to have 12 hours of sleep a night.
They really need to have 12 hours of sleep a night.
So I am not sure what to do yet.
We really need an extra bedroom.
I am sure I will come up with a great plan.
He likes his toys.
He likes to imagine.
He likes free play.
After we looked at the "faces" at Mt. Rushmore he turned to me and said, "let's go home, Mom!" I said, "back to the cabin, right?" "No" he said, "back to our green house."
So I have always had to balance Deacon's enthusiasm for going places, my agenda and Roman's desire to stay home.
But lately Roman has wanted to go more places. "Let's go, go, go" he says.
So we have.
But he apparently doesn't exactly know what he needs.
Last Sunday morning (after a full week at VBS) he was done. I could see that he really needed a mental health day. So as much as I hated to do it, he and I stayed home from church and cuddled and read books. It was good.
But it has gotten worse. And I am pretty sure now that it is less the going places and more the sleep factor.
I have been putting them to bed at 7:30, but they haven't been falling asleep until 9:00. And Roman really needs that extra sleep. Basically the baby keeps everyone awake at night and wakes everyone up in the morning.
I really need them to have 12 hours of sleep a night.
They really need to have 12 hours of sleep a night.
So I am not sure what to do yet.
We really need an extra bedroom.
I am sure I will come up with a great plan.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Here I am
I love the summer. Even when it is 97 degrees out.
I chose to do my 8 mile run at the Y today. (by the way, I hit the 500 mile mark of the 500 mile challenge today! Yahoo! Also Congrats to Erica, Billi and Matt who also are done! Oh and Billi just completed Grandma's marathon this weekend too!)
Anyway, even though it was inside in the airconditioning I was still a sweaty mess when I was done. It was so bad I developed a welt on my arm from rubbing on my tank top. I had been considering a 1/2 marathon, but honestly, having to worry about arm chaffing seems slightly high maintanance for me.
What I didn't tell you last week (mostly because I am under strict orders from my husband not to divulge such information on online sources) was that Noah was out of town for 6 solid days. Which just about killed me. Especially since it was VBS week. He was in Seattle dining on clam chowder and sushi and I was home eating the leftover Easy Mac and managing his 4 year old Tee ball team. Nice trade.
But we are very grateful that he has a job, and of course we are ultra grateful to all of our wonderful family that always assists in the childcare realm.
One of my VBS assistants was an older woman named Carolyn. It is awesome that she helps with preschoolers. Anyway, we were chatting and she knew that Noah was gone. She mentioned that when her kids were little her husband traveled for work and would be gone 2 weeks at a time. Of course there were no cell phones, and she said that he would call 1 time a week. She chuckled and than said, "I am surprised he even called. Everytime he called some crisis would have just occured and I would just cry the whole phone conversation. Those single parenting times are not one of the high points of most marriages."
And I laughed and thanked her for sharing.
Because the phone conversations we shared last week were not highlights of our marriage either.
There was a message left: "where are your drill bits?"
And another: "I locked myself out of the house...but don't worry I climbed through a window"
And another: "do you think I could pull the stump in the front yard out with our minivan?"
And then the converations: N: "What are you doing?"
J: "I am sitting in the hallway outside the boys rooms keeping Lincoln in one room and the other boys in the other. And I just brushed 3 sets of gnashing teeth. What are you doing?"
N: "Well, we just got back from the Falls and I think we are going to grab something to eat."
J: "I really need you to come home now. I am going to have a nervous breakdown."
N: "I can't come home now."
J: "But I want you to."
I won't go on.
Needless to say, I am glad he is home.
And yes, I missed more than just his mad teethbrushing skills.
I chose to do my 8 mile run at the Y today. (by the way, I hit the 500 mile mark of the 500 mile challenge today! Yahoo! Also Congrats to Erica, Billi and Matt who also are done! Oh and Billi just completed Grandma's marathon this weekend too!)
Anyway, even though it was inside in the airconditioning I was still a sweaty mess when I was done. It was so bad I developed a welt on my arm from rubbing on my tank top. I had been considering a 1/2 marathon, but honestly, having to worry about arm chaffing seems slightly high maintanance for me.
What I didn't tell you last week (mostly because I am under strict orders from my husband not to divulge such information on online sources) was that Noah was out of town for 6 solid days. Which just about killed me. Especially since it was VBS week. He was in Seattle dining on clam chowder and sushi and I was home eating the leftover Easy Mac and managing his 4 year old Tee ball team. Nice trade.
But we are very grateful that he has a job, and of course we are ultra grateful to all of our wonderful family that always assists in the childcare realm.
One of my VBS assistants was an older woman named Carolyn. It is awesome that she helps with preschoolers. Anyway, we were chatting and she knew that Noah was gone. She mentioned that when her kids were little her husband traveled for work and would be gone 2 weeks at a time. Of course there were no cell phones, and she said that he would call 1 time a week. She chuckled and than said, "I am surprised he even called. Everytime he called some crisis would have just occured and I would just cry the whole phone conversation. Those single parenting times are not one of the high points of most marriages."
And I laughed and thanked her for sharing.
Because the phone conversations we shared last week were not highlights of our marriage either.
There was a message left: "where are your drill bits?"
And another: "I locked myself out of the house...but don't worry I climbed through a window"
And another: "do you think I could pull the stump in the front yard out with our minivan?"
And then the converations: N: "What are you doing?"
J: "I am sitting in the hallway outside the boys rooms keeping Lincoln in one room and the other boys in the other. And I just brushed 3 sets of gnashing teeth. What are you doing?"
N: "Well, we just got back from the Falls and I think we are going to grab something to eat."
J: "I really need you to come home now. I am going to have a nervous breakdown."
N: "I can't come home now."
J: "But I want you to."
I won't go on.
Needless to say, I am glad he is home.
And yes, I missed more than just his mad teethbrushing skills.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
When, exactly, is Friday night?
VBS.
Work stuff.
Coaching TeeBall.
Lincoln learning how to open doors.
Lincoln becoming nap free.
Plus a couple other things.
All are making for a very long week.
I am claiming Saturday.
Work stuff.
Coaching TeeBall.
Lincoln learning how to open doors.
Lincoln becoming nap free.
Plus a couple other things.
All are making for a very long week.
I am claiming Saturday.
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