SpRiNg BrEaK!

We don't always vacation during spring break, so it wasn't much different this year. Some years, I will travel with the kids to visit friends and/or cousins. Other times, we might have a visitor or two in our home.


This time, it was about being at home.


I tried to offer the big kids plenty of opportunities to earn some money with my daily activity/to-do list. While I don't think they maxed out their earning potential, I think they will still come out with a little extra dough in their wallets. I tried not to be the too-mean mommy and include fun activities as well as a few household and learning expectations. This allowed my house to not get too overwhelmed and my kids to enjoy science experiments and a family game every day.


I usually spend 3 hours a week at the kids' school providing therapy services, so I took advantage of that break in my schedule to cram most of my home health kids on one work day this week.


The weather has been crazy cooperative this week. Thank goodness! Cool mornings. Warm afternoons. Cool evenings. A breeze even when it was warm. Perfect. On Friday afternoon, I sat on my front sidewalk watching Brax play in the sand pit-his home away from home-while the sun hid behind a cloud and the breeze was just right.

I was worried how this week would go. Brax had his adnoids removed last year and we really felt that it was not really an option to let the tonsils hang around any longer. I would concur with our ENT when he described his tonsils as "ginormous". He fell into the same herditary trap as Anysa and Luke. My kids never experienced an abundance of sickness, just poor breathing and sleep. I actually have to say that we have been super blessed that our kids are rarely, rarely sick. Well, unless you count Luke who just happened to get a short-lived virus/croup thing 2 days before Brax had his tonsils removed. Fun!


Brax had his tonsils removed Monday morning and the benefits are already very evident. The last two nights he has had excellent sleep and I can barely hear him breathing. I really didn't expect that so soon knowing that there would be some swelling from the surgery, but WOW what a difference. As we thought, he mostly slept, took meds, and a few sips of liquid the first day and a half. He perked up more after that, although I could tell that he tired easily. He had no argument for me when I suggested we take a nap! Wednesday afternoon found him playing quietly in the sand pit during the cool morning hours. Thursday and beyond? Well, he has been pretty active. He hasn't even had any pain meds since Wednesday morning. That was the last time I forced it down him as he fought me all the way. We decided to see how he did with just taking the antibiotic. Little dude has been pushing the med in himself and we are all happier when the med cart comes around! I'm hoping the pain stays away, but we still have scabbing and scab sloughing to take place, so we will see! For now, he is enjoying his soft foods and I am enjoying his sweet little gargly voice when he talks to me.


I guess I thought having his tonsils out wasn't enough excitement. This month, we have played around with potty training. I didn't want to get too serious knowing surgery was coming up, but he has had some success when I offer the opportunity. He has actually volunteered a few times this week and enjoys sharing his accomplishments! Last weekend, we transitioned his crib to a toddler day bed. Of course, he loved the novelty of it at first! He slept with us a few nights post surgery, but has actually gone to sleep in his bed the rest of the week. AFTER, lots of books, a few tears, and mommy resting beside him until he drifted off. I don't mind because I get those sweet moments all to myself! ;)


The kids and I escaped the house on Friday afternoon to go see the Lorax. Although it was true to the original story/intent of Dr. Seuss (yes, I went home and looked it up!), I felt myself rolling my eyes several times at the propaganda feel of it. It was cute, had a message, and entertained 3 young children for 1.5 hours. I'll take it!


Friday evening, my husband and his dad and friend started work on our mini-barn raising. I had to make a massive grocery run to include our regular needs along with meals for the barn boys and family every night. It will mostly be my husband and his friend the whole week, but I imagine that his dad will stop in to help a few days as well. Should be interesting! Anysa will soon be the proud owner of a goat she will raise for the county fair, so the plan is to accomodate animals and all the manly equipment that is currently stealing my garage space from me! Anysa is hoping this a jumping board for her horse one day soon! :)


Saturday included a green breakfast in honor of St. Patrick's day, a trip to the store for some new flowers and gardening supplies, and me finally getting some items spray painted that have been hanging around waaaay too long. We spent lots of time outside as the weather continued to be just right and enjoyed a big lasagna meal at the end of the day.


Today, the boys got more done on the barn while the big kids started back with swim team practice. The weather was incredible again. Yes, I feel like a broken record but, oh so true!


The kids head back to school tomorrow. I have enjoyed having them home this week and feel fueled with a few ideas on how to plan our summer. It's just around the corner, so I better get busy!


Sorry no pictures. The ones of Brax are on my new phone and I don't know how to get them off. The rest I am just too lazy to download then upload from my camera right now!


Have a great week!

Stacey

February 2012

Sadly, I have no snow pictures this year!  We have pretty much had fall/spring weather through the winter with a few cold days scattered around the months.

Brax is trying to tie the shoe in an activity book.

Beau sleeping on our backporch one day.  Apparently, he feels at home!

Brax had a cold over the weekend and I wanted to make sure it was completely gone before sending him to the gym nursery again.  Mothers everywhere are thanking me!  ;)  He was so good the entire time.  He either watched us, ate a snack, read his books, or played on my phone.  Near the end, he got a little more brave and decided to work up a small sweat!  I must say that he put a few of us to shame!  :)

Howdy, Farmer Brax!

The little girl who used to wear princess dresses, cute clunky dress up shoes, and lots of party jewels is this same young lady!  She had offered me clear instructions that she wanted to be with me when I looked for her dress and she wanted it to be sparkly.  I love that we found this dress at a discount store for about $8 and then only spent another $5 over at Payless for these pumps that were on sale!  Letting her wear heels seems a bit much, but they were simple, cheap, and for a fun event.  I couldn't think of a reason to say no!  My hoop earrings and a sweet pearl bracelet finished off the outfit.  Oh, and of course, a corsage from Daddy!

Anysa and her Daddy.

Just one year ago!

January 2012

In wrapping up January, I didn't want to forget all these good things.

Luke received a Scholarship award during Principal's Pride.  He is hugging the principal, Mrs. Walley, and that is his teacher, Mrs. Walker, next to them.  She is a jewel!

This is really exciting!  Anysa and I had been growing our hair since I was pregnant with Brax which means almost 3 years!  At some point, we just decided to get it long enough for Locks of Love.  I couldn't donate because my hair is highlighted, but she was all ready to go!

Look at that hair!

We love us some Ms. Gretchen!  She is a tall glass of Southern charm and so sweet.  Love her expression!  Here we go....

And there it goes!!!!

Her new do!!

She loves it!  I love it!!  Everybody loves it!  :)

Oops, someone else wanted a picture of his hair. 

Anysa had her friend over one night.  They are sweet but crazy girls!

Brax showing me one of his many "tool" tricks!

More cookie decorating fun.

Luke at one of his UpWard basketball games.  It has been fun to watch how much progress he has made this year!

Brax thought he would give Daddy a little extra help killing the gophers.

Luke got a ripstick for Christmas, but has not had much success until recently after some intense practice sessions with his sister.  They really have it down now!  Those things are hard!!  Yes, I tried.

Brax swimming.

The painted toenail legacy carries on!

Just a little box fun!

I love seeing how much he resembles Luke at this age.

Anysa at a Girl Scout activity getting her groove on!

"Toffee" with Gigi and Papa.

Her birthday lunch at El Chico!

Practicing his stomp rocket.

One of Micki's puppies, Beau, decided to visit us.  Micki is not so sure about him.  He likes to roam the woods from his home to ours.  Is that crazy, or what?!

My Girl Scout troop picked up 7 bags of trash from the school playground areas!  Way to go girls!

Love those hands!

This goofy kid!  He left a bowl of meatballs at school for an extended period of time and I made him dump the dish.  Paying for his crime!

Stacey