Houdini

It was nap time at my mom's. So, I put EG in her pack and play to take a nap. She cried for a little bit, unfamiliar surroundings. Then there was quiet. I quickly went to check my email and then I was going to hop in the shower. As I am closing up the computer I hear "Hi. Out of crib." And, my little Houdini is standing next to me with a big ol' grin on her face. After I got over the initial shock, I had to laugh.

We went back in the bedroom and I checked the position of the pack and play. It was near nothing. I put her back in and told her very sternly "not to get out." I shut the door and less than 10 seconds later she was out again.

After some stern scolding and placing her back in, she cried herself to sleep. About 30 minutes later I hear her call for me. I go into the guestroom and there she is, next to the guest bed, kind of crying and scared. I don't think she ever went to sleep (or stayed in the pack and play.)

That night I thought I would probably sleep with her in the guestroom. I had been sleeping on the fold out couch with Boop. But, I fell asleep on the fold out couch while the kids were watching a movie. So, I figured I would just stay there. EG had gone to sleep with no problem.

I did not hear from her through the night. At about 7:50 AM, I thought it strange that she was not up yet. I got up and opened the guest bedroom door, there she was snuggled up on top of the guest bed, wide awake. I asked her if she had slept in the crib or the bed. She smiled and told me the crib. Later on I asked her again, she smiled and said the bed.

I have no idea where she slept that night. I do know two things: 1) she cannot be left alone to sleep and 2) I was kind of glad to be home because she cannot get out of her crib. At least for the moment . . .

Purposeful Acts of Kindness

Going to and coming from my mom's we travel on a toll highway. We thought it would be fun to pay for the car behind us at each toll.

The first time, the attendant ask us who was behind us. I said I had no idea but to tell them to have a nice day. One time, the attendant was a little taken aback. A little slow to respond. But, then she smiled and said "O.K."

When we would get close to a toll booth, Boop would yell at me to slow down so a car could get behind us.

The kids, would then look behind, to see what the driver would do after the attendant told them the toll was paid. They had questions like "Will they drive up to us and thank us?" or "Will they then pay for the car behind them?"

We, I, have been thinking a lot about how my actions affect/effect others. I have been taking time to help the kids understand about choices and consequences. So, I thought this would be a fun way to kind of put thoughts and words into action.

As a added bonus, it kind of made the trip go a little faster . . .

Visitors

We have had my aunt and uncle here, from Wisconsin, since Sunday. They have come down to visit and do some really great fishing. Yesterday hubby and uncle had a successful trip. Today they are going out again, to a different place. For different fish.

Me, the kids and my aunt have just been hanging out at the house. And, tomorrow, we leave to go to my mom's. (My aunt is her sister.) We will stay for a couple days and come back before the weekend. It has been very relaxing and enjoyable. The kids and I don't see them very often, so this has been a real treat.

More in a couple of days . . .

Birthday Boy

Before we went camping we had Boop's family birthday party. This is him talking with his best friend, who called to wish him a happy birthday. So darn cute!

What would a birthday be with out an adorable outfit from Sissy. She also got him a really cool 3-D Star Wars puzzle.

The girls got him his coveted skateboard. He loved it!

We got him a soccer ball. Daddy takes him to soccer every other Thursday. He seems to like the game. Now he has his own ball to practise.

His cousins got him a remote control Jeep car. As you can see, he enjoyed it right away!

And a birthday party is complete without a cake. A priceless picture of my two favorite boys.

How can my little guys be five already? So sweet, thoughtful and helpful. Such a blessing . . .

Clarification

Last night my girls were with a friend and his dad. The friend expressed an interest in being homeschooled. I am sure the child thought all the girls do is play all day, and that obviously isn't the case. Well, isn't suppose to be the case. ;)

So, the dad tried to explain that my girls don't have access to their toys all day. And that they don't hang out with a lot of friends or have a lot of friends or something along those lines. Now, I know, he was just trying to dissuade his son from wanting to be homeschooled. It just isn't possible for them right now. And, honestly, I don't think they would even consider it. And that is totally fine with me. We love the family and the kids. No biggie.

But, Nature Girl wanted to correct the dad. She didn't, thank goodness. She wanted to tell him that they do get to play during the day. And, that they have a lot of friends. Like I said, I am glad she didn't. That wasn't her place. And, I think I understand what the dad was trying to do.

But, I wanted a chance to clarify it myself. Yes, my kids do get to play, a lot. We have periods of school through out the day and periods of play through out the day. Our school day officially ends around 1:30ish. Some days it is a little longer if the kids don't get their work done during the allotted time.

They have quite a few friends. A couple of really good ones. And, if we aren't careful, we could socialize ourselves right through the entire school year. There is so much to do with other groups, all the time. It takes real self control to stay at home and "do school."

Those were all my thoughts last night. A mama bear protecting her cubs I guess. I have kind of pushed it by the wayside today. But, I did want to take a minute to clarify some things. I just kind of had to. Even if no one is reading . . .

May I Rest In Peace

It was either last night, or the night before. I can't honestly remember. Anyway, I walked into our master bathroom, where we keep the dirty laundry, and I said to hubby:

"When I die, don't bother to throw dirt on my grave. Just cover me with laundry."

Life HAS to be lived with a sense of purpose AND a sense of humor . . .

The Last Day

This is actually a picture of our first day. And, it is a picture that my friend took. But, I like it because we were just beginning our camping adventure.

Of course, the kids didn't want to leave. And we had to spend most of our time packing up. But, we started the day with "The Breakfast of Champions." Yes, the kids had roasted marshmallows and s'mores for breakfast. It was a promise AND what is a camping trip with out marshmallows. Even if they are for breakfast.

EG enjoyed her very first marshmallow. What's not to love.

NG and Boop only wanted marshmallows. No graham crackers and chocolate for them. (Not something I personally understand. To each his own, I guess.)

Little Mama enjoyed the whole s'mores experience. And, I am very glad of that!

My friend also took this picture on our hike down from the waterfalls. I had to include it in my post, because if is one of my favorites. All of us tired, but happy.

If I have one regret, it is that we didn't stay longer. I know we will have other camping adventures in the future, but this trip will always hold a special place in my heart. A wonderful, wonderful time with family, friends and nature. Oh, how God has blessed us . . .