Just another Day at the park...

On Tuesdays and Thursdays when Andrew and Sam are at school I've been taking Luke and Isaac to the park. Sometimes I think about when I had only one boy, or only two, or only three, and my mind sometimes draws a blank. It was such a short period in between kids that I didn't have much time getting used to being a family of 3, 4, and 5. Now we are a family of six and this is the longest stretch since we've been married that I haven't been pregnant. Seems strange. But I am certainly feeling blessed and enjoying us being a family of 6.

The kids are changing so much everyday and growing and experiencing new things. It is definitely nice being mostly in control of their little world's. They need us for so much each day and sometimes I have to admit I get annoyed with this when I should be savouring it.

Today for example as I made 3 different kinds of sandwiches, poured three drinks, and listened to them argue over who got what cup, and listened to them challenge me on whether or not they had to finish their crust, then onto me cutting the seeds out of their grapes and slicing their apples, only to hear them complain that I didn't cut the peel off, to not wanting to eat baby carrots because...get this...they were too cold, to a scoop of icecream with banana on top and chocolate chips to arguing over who got what bowl again....do you sense my frustration? So I left in the middle of this and said you know what..."I don't care, I'm not arguing anymore....and you are making mommy very grumpy." I left them speechless in the kitchen to check on Isaac who at this point needed a bottle and had a poopy diaper.

Just another typical mealtime for me and yes I have brought a lot of it on myself. I recall having read somewhere that if you give kids too many choices this can happen. If I would just make their lunches and say eat what's on your plate this would not likely be occurring. So, like them learning and growing each day, I too am growing and learning as a mom. Okay enough with the self pity act. This was supposed to be a post about the park and how much fun we had.

The park has a paved trail that is 2.8km and loops around a man made lake(quite common out west here). So I've been pushing these two heavy boys in the bike cart for two loops. 62 pounds of boys. Great workout...then we stop at the playground for some fun. This particular day there was still a lot of snow on the ground but we were bound and determined to enjoy the sunshine so off we went. I really enjoy this time together. Otherwise I usually would do housework at home while Isaac napped and Luke played with cars, or I would talk on the phone, or check blogs, facebook etc. Much better use of time and all three of us are usually smiling the whole way home.

Sorry that I often post pictures of the same places and actvities but these are some of our favorite places and favorite things to do. Lunch time was frustrating but my wonderful husband came home and ordered me to have a nap which made mommy a lot less grumpy. It's amazing how a quick nap can change everything.

Speaking of talent...check out our creative painters!

I picked up a cheap egg decorating kit on the weekend and this is the results. You are supposed to stamp designs onto the egg but Andrew and Sam felt more like painting then stamping.
Luke looks like such a bad boy with his hat on backwards.

Sunday morning we ate our colored boiled eggs.

Today we drew and painted an ocean and ocean animals.

This just makes me laugh and I can't think of anything witty to write about it. I think it's adorable that Luke is painting in his underwear while standing on a stool with a Home Depot apron on.

We are having so much fun lately and I'm feeling extremely blessed by friends and by our family of boys. They are all at fun ages right now and we get to do lots of fun things together. I love hanging out with these boys everyday. Never a dull moment.

RiverDance

Tracy took me out Saturday night to see RiverDance. I kinda took Paul's place as Tracy's date. He wasn't real excited to watch men dancing in tights.

I didn't really know what to expect, a story? a ballet? Let me tell you, we were not disappointed in any way. What a bunch of talented, gifted people. The music was as amazing as the dancing. It was Celtic type music and dancing which really reminds me of my roots back home. I just wanted to jump up and attempt the twirls and kicks and dance moves myself. I'm sure Paul would've felt the same way despite the men in tights. Tracy and I decide to go all out and dress up and do our hair fancy and all. Quite a change. I think both of our husbands were taking second glances as we headed out together without them. Thankfully they both stayed home and took care of the kids while we were out. Thanks hubby's! and thanks Tracy for such a great time and a new experience!

Enjoying the Little Things

I made a little fort/tent for Andrew and Sam tonight and they wanted to sleep together in it. This is a school night but they are both sleeping soundly so far. Luke and I baked Saturday while Daddy took Andrew and Sam swimming and Isaac slept. These mini egg cookies are already gone. I don't recommend you make them if you are trying to avoid sweets.
My little helper.

Blowing bubbles was a little tricky for this determined boy.

Watching tv together. Don't they all look alike?

Little Luke crashing. I've been cutting his nap out for the last few weeks and he often starts to crash on the couch or in the truck.

I love Saturdays!

Me and my BFF

PJ time which usually means movie time.

Happy happy happy.

Andrew.

Sam looking pretty serious. He was mesmerised by the fire.

This little boy is getting around like no other 9 month old that I've ever seen. He's going to teach Isaac how to walk.

Our yard full of boys. Can you count how many, a few are missing still.

Spring has Sprung!

Isaac is getting ready for hockey too. He loves holding the hockey stick and watching his big brothers play hockey in the yard. This is a usual sight in our front yard. Boys = hockey. Daddy trying out Sam's bike, I'm surprised it didn't break!

Isaac has started doing the famous Leffers nose scrunch. Not sure why but each of our kids went through a phase of doing this.

Mommy and her big baby.

It is lots of fun going for walks now. I don't usually have to wait for anyone. Luke is pretty quick on the trike and loves biking.

Andrew doing what he loves to do lately. Drawing. He's getting to be quite the artist.

Mommy's System

This little boy is allowed to play in the front room as long as he is by himself and has a few cars. He will play with his cars gently on the couches for at least an hour. A key component is: As long as he is by himself. Isaac can get up the stairs but not down so I try to confine him to the kitchen area with a few toys. Andrew and Sam had built a huge train track in this room and were playing ever so nicely, while Luke "left alone" in the good living room played independently with his cars. I did forget at one point to move Isaac to the kitchen area and this is what happened. A destroyed train track with two upset little boys. So Isaac, once moved back to the kitchen area after causing havoc with the train track, peeks over the gate so longingly to play with Luke who prefers to be left alone. Notice Luke in the far right hand corner happily playing.

Such a cutey standing by the gate trying to fit in where he can. Andrew and Sam have moved on to color at the kitchen table.(see background) A high area that is safe from Isaac's hands.

Poor little Isaac just wanting someone to play with him and to not be confined to a baby proofed area. It must be rough being the youngest sometimes. That's okay the baby gets lots of cuddles and snuggles from Mommy and Daddy and a lot less discipline.

Our two little snowmen out front after another dump of snow. Is Spring ever coming? Daddy is gone for 4 days on a boys roadtrip to a hockey tournament and Mommy sure misses him. When all four boys were in one room together there was lots of "not so nice" playing going on and Mommy couldn't get a thing done. At one point I had to send Luke to his room because he was giving spankings to Isaac for messing with "his cars." Dividing them up has become a good system for Mommy at this stage of their lives. 1 more sleep until Daddy comes home. Yippee!