Vacation is coming to an end...

I am sad to say that February vacation is coming to an end. We have had such a great week! The boys fought a little and annoyed each other a lot. But overall it was really fun. The big boys and I went skating a couple of times. They skated at stick and puck and had their regular hockey practices. We went to Playland and played outside with the dog. Jonny got out of work early one day and we went out to lunch all together. For the first time in months going to a restaurant was really great. All three boys behaved and ate really well. Then on Friday, thanks to Courtney being here to watch Zachy, Jonny, Ryan, Griffin and I went to a Castleton College hockey game. What a blast that was! Not only the game but watching the boys, especially Ryan, enjoying the game. Ryan had his nose glued to the glass most of the game and was so excited to be there. Griffin...well he was just Griffin. In his own little world some of the time and really watching the game other times. Although, Griffin did get a little annoying about wanting a big green foam finger. Sometimes that kid just blows my mind. He wouldn't give up begging for the foam finger. Of course I would have just given in but Jonny doesn't, so we listened to Griffin whine about it for a good share of the game. We also cleaned the house this week and today we did a little shopping.
Overall it was a really good week...makes me look forward to another school vacation!

Sweet Griffin

My middle child, Griffin, can be such a sweet and thoughtful little guy. Just when I think that my talking to the boys are just to hear my own voice...Last week during our bedtime prayers, Griffin says to me "Mommy, I really like saying prayers." Oh how that did my heart good! All the nights of saying prayers and not knowing if they are "getting" anything from it, and not knowing if I am having them say prayers just to make myself feel good. He gives me a little ray of hope...my words and feelings do get through.

Then just the other night as we are saying our prayers (which I lead and they usually just repeat what I say), Griffin stops me and says "Mommy, can we thank God for the army men?" I just about burst into tears and say "of course! Go ahead Griff you say it". So Griffin in his little boy way says "Thank you God for the army men, and please keep them safe". Oh Man! I just can't believe how sweet and thoughtful he can be. I hugged him extra tight that night and covered him with more kisses just so he didn't see the tears in my eyes. Tears of happiness, love and hope.

A Great Sunday

I am the first to admit that Sundays are not my favorite day of the week. For some reason (that we can not figure out and would love your input) my family has a very hard time getting along on Sunday. We are all a little grumpy, lazy, tired and maybe just a little sick of each other. Sundays in this house are know for being a day of disagreements and just generally annoying each other. Today was different and nice. The big boys and I went to Church. It was my turn to teach Church school. The class was a little rambunctious but we made it though what we needed to do. After Church we met some friends at play place for lunch and playing. It is always nice to spend time with other moms and dear friends. While the big boys and I were at play place my wonderful husband did some laundry and put the Zachy to bed. I think Jonny took a little nap also. The boys and I came home while Zachy was sleeping and we were sure treading lightly (knowing it was Sunday and anything can set us off). They wanted to go sledding but as I said I was treading lightly and did not want to upset Jonny by leaving him again with Zachy. But he was very agreeable. Ryan, Griffin and I packed up the car and headed to Church hill. Of course I sat in the car and knitted while watching them sled. We all got what we wanted today...I love relaxing with my knitting needles. Ryan and Griffin love to play with their friends and sled. Jonny got a break from us and some quality time with Zachy. As much as we love each other maybe our family was not made to spend the day at home with each other.

A little this and that

My super cute baby!

Our day started out great. Griffy, Zachy, Becca, and I went to the park. We met our friends and their children there. It was so nice to be out on such a beautiful day and spending time with wonderful friends. I have started getting to know the mom of Griffy's preschool friend O. I really like her, we have a lot in common. O is the cutest little guy and he is extremely funny. Both Ryan and Griffin love him. Not only does he go to school with Griffy they also attend our church. His mom, Shar, is on a lot of the same boards/committees that I am on. I find her very easy to talk to and very easy to be around. You know how some people just make you uncomfortable by their presence alone. Shar is so not like that. Right away we hit it off, and because of Church (and school) we have really hit it off. I really feel blessed to have new people in my life.

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Why do four year olds think they can demand help? But not really even say they need help and then get mad because you didn't help them? Which you didn't even know they needed help, because they never really asked?

My four year old, Griffin, is really pushing my buttons. Has you may have read here, I am not a big fan of the four year mark. Griffin today just proved how much I don't like it. After we had a great day, we went to pick up dinner (I know I should have made something) and pick up our dog from my sisters house. We all have our shoes on, I pick up Zachy and put his shoes on as Griffin lays on the floor in front of me. He kind of whines, but I can't make out any real words, so I say to him "get your shoes on we are leaving". Again, some whines and thrashing on the floor but no real words. I have no idea what is up so I calmly say "do you need something?" And then I notice he can't get one shoe on because the heel part of the shoe is bent way down into the shoe. Again, no words just whining and thrashing on the floor. So, trying to stay calm, but realize I am nearing the point where I can't stay calm I say to him "I would love to help you but I need to hear you ask for help nicely with some manners". To which he says "Mooooommmmm!!!" So I tell him "Pick up your shoe and get in the car because I am leaving, with or without you". He is not happy that I wouldn't just put his shoe on for him, but I stand firm and tell him to ask me politely and I would help. But of course he couldn't or wouldn't so he storms down to the car with his shoe in his hand, crying that I am mean. Whatever! Boy I can't wait until he grows out of the fearsome fours. In the car his brother Ryan helps him put his shoe on. So lesson not learned...he did not need to ask anyone politely for help, because Ryan just did it for him. Oh well...

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I swear I have pneumonia (my husband thinks I am crazy). I have been coughing for a few days and my chest is killing me. Even when I breath my chest hurts. The coughing won't let up and I am so tired. You would think I would go to bed rather than blog. But oh no, I am not smart enough for that. I should probably call the Dr tomorrow. We will see. I probably have the swine flu (just kidding).

Long Busy week

We have had a long very busy week. On Sunday night I received a call from Griffins preschool teacher Mrs. H. The parent helper for this week cancelled and they needed a sub for Monday morning. Of course I said I could help all week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), forgetting we had the teacher appreciation lunch and I was already volunteering at Ryan's school Tuesday morning and I had the Women's Group meeting on Friday. But that is alright, I can do it all (except the Women's Group). Then to make everything even harder, Zachy got an awful diaper rash Sunday night. With his super sensitive skin that means back to homemade wipes (which I just stopped making last month) and wash clothes instead of the very convenient store bought wipes. I would use cloth diapers on him which would help keep his rashes down, but Jonny won't have any of that.
So, Monday morning Griffin and I had to stop at the Grocery store on our way to school to pick up snack and then we went off to our morning at Preschool. Of course I had a blast, I just love working with the kids. Then Tuesday morning we got up and brought Griffin to his friends Austin's house, pick up Courtney (my niece who watches the kids for me) and I went off to Ryan's school to help with Kindergarten screening. That doesn't seem to bad, other than I am not home as much as the kids are used to. Which makes for a very clingy Zachy.
That brings up to Wednesday which was the busiest day. Again, I was the parent helper for Preschool. Followed by the teachers lunch, which I had made a veggie casserole the night before and just had to be heated. I was in charged of the kids on the playground while the parents and teachers had a nice lunch in the church parlor. Courtney, Rev Tracy, and another mother helped with the playground duty and we all rotated eating lunch with the adults. We did not finish that until after 1:30. We made it home in one piece and washed up then everyone (kids) were put down for a nap. Griffin does not take naps anymore, but this was him on Wednesday:



Griffin was sitting with me and the next thing I know he is snoring in my ear. I guess a morning of school and 2 hours on the playground tired him out. But that was not the end of the day for me. I had a preschool board meeting that night at 7:00pm. Thankfully my hubby decided it would be ok to have take out that night so at least I didn't have to cook. Not that I could, our oven is broke. But that is another post.
Thursday we did not do much. It was our only day that was not straight out. We took a ride with out friend Stacey and her daughter Brianna to a yarn shoppe in Poultney (which is about 25 minutes away). Then just the day as usual. Jonny came home and offered to take us out to dinner. Which we haven't been out to a restaurant in a while. But the boys were very good. Then I was suppose to go to knitting, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I decided to go to bed at 8:30.
Today is finally Friday. Everyone had a hard time sleeping last night. Ryan was up crying because I think he is coming down with a cold. And Zachy was up every three hours. I am not sure why, I think he was just missing me. So, very reluctantly I got out of bed showered, ran to pick up Courtney, went to the grocery store to get snack for the preschool class and back to the house to get Griffin. Off we went to preschool. Of course I had a great time as the parent helper, this is a really great group of kids. After school Griffin and I went out on the playground with his friend Owen from some special play time. Not I am sitting here with my eyes barely open enough to type. I think I will take a little snooze.
Maybe the weekend will be nice and quiet!

Fearsome Fours

Anyone have a four year old out there? I can't tell you how hard a four year old can be. I rather have 10 two year olds. Griffin is in the prime of 4. He talks back constantly, has a really snotty attitude, and cries/whines at a drop of a hat. He is endlessly pushing my buttons and testing his limits. I am at the end of my hope with him. Yesterday, he pushed me over the edge. I didn't spank him or yell and time outs stopped working, so I soaped him. Yes I put soap in his mouth. And before anyone gets mad and thinks that it is cruel and unusually punishment. I have to tell you it was all natural, organic soap. So yes it taste bad, but no it did not hurt him. He hasn't talked back or spoke rudely to me today. It must have worked some. Now I don't think this is something I would do on a regular basis, but in a pinch when nothing else works then I think it is fine to use. Yes, I do use some positive discipline and I really try to make natural consequences teach the lesson, but when it comes to talking back, being down right rude, and plain disrespecting people there has to be a punishment. Kids are entitled to speak their opinions and feelings but no one has a right to be rude to another person. That is something I try to practice in my own life and want my kids to realize and practice in theirs.
Tell me, how can a kid this cute be so annoying?I still love you my little man!

Zachy's 1st Birthday!!

I can't believe my Angel Baby is now ONE! He is more a little monster than an angel baby now. He is endlessly into everything. It is funny to see how birth order shows up in the personality of the children. At the age of one, Ryan would only be told once or twice not to touch or do something and he wouldn't do it again. Griffin would get into to things but was easily distracted. But Zachy, he is into everything he isn't suppose to be and laugh as he is hearing you say no or try to distract him. Oh well, he keeps me on my toes.
Every 1st birthday of my boys I have cried. I really expected myself to be a sobbing mess with Zachy, but I was just a little weepy. He is such a character, which makes it hard to be sad even if he is growing up. We only have a couple of pictures of Zachy's birthday. Being the 3rd born, things like this happen. Ryan's 1st birthday (along with everything else) has a ton of pictures. Griffin had less pictures and Zachy has very little. But here is what we have. Oh, I forget to mention, the morning of his birthday, he fell into the banister in our upstairs hallway. He has a cut and a couple of good bruises. There are more pictures of that than of his birthday party.

I can't believe all my little guys are growing up so fast. Ryan having his first school concert, Griffin having play dates at a friends house all day, and Zachy turning 1. I am so sad that I don't have a little baby anymore. I would love to have another baby, but my husband won't allow it (not to mention he has had a vasectomy). Adoption would be great, if our house wasn't so small and my husband agreed. Although, the cost of adoption might just be a little more than we could afford (more like a lot more). Maybe some day we could adopt a little girl.

We are truly blessed...

What a wonderful weekend we had. I truly feel blessed. It all started Saturday morning...
I decided to join Grace Congregational Church a while back, and Saturday morning was the new member class. Over the week I had talked to Jonny about joining with me. He was really unsure of his beliefs and had a lot of questions regarding faith, church and God in general. I asked him to do the new member class just because it was important to me and would love to have him there with me. On top of making me very happy I told him it might answer some of the questions he has. Jonny did come with me on Saturday morning and had a really good time. He hit off with Rev Jon (who couldn't, he is one of the most wonderful guys I know. Not to mention very funny) and enjoyed talking with the other new members. We learned a lot about Grace Church and the UCC. Grace has a wonderful history, it really blew my mind just how rich Grace's history is. The class confirmed my decision to join the Church and gave Jonny the little push to making his decision to join.
After the class we had a wonderful time with my sister Gia, who lives in Maine. She made the trip down to be here for the Baptism of me and my boys. I can't tell you how much that meant to me.
Sunday was the induction of new members to the Church and our Baptism. It was such a nice service. The boys behaved beautifully and the Baptism was so moving. I was the first one Baptized. While Rev. Tracy was placing the water on my head, Zachy was watching every move she made. When she was done he started wiping my head to get the water. It was just so cute. Griffin and Ryan were next and the answered Tracy's questions about wanting to be Baptized and marked as children of Christ very well. I am so proud of them. Rev. Tracy took Zachy out of my arms and held him while she Baptized him. I was a little nervous that he would cry and scream, but it was just as calm and relaxed. As she placed the water on his head he put his little hand up to feel the water. It was just a perfect ceremony. After all that Jonny and I, along with his sister Jodi and about 11 others were announced as members of the Church. Yes, Jonny joined the Churh with me and the boys. Rev. Tracy and Rev Jon and the whole congregation is just so welcoming. After the service we had a receiving line in fellowship hall and every member came up and welcomed us, introduced themselves and congratulated us. It was such a special morning. I will never forget it.

After having such a nice morning, the afternoon and evening could have went down the drain in comparison. But it was just as nice. We had family over for Ted's pizza (which is hands down the best pizza). Then off to an early bed time.

You would think that I should be grumpy from the lack of sleep. Zachy has been waking up all night long for weeks. It is getting old, but even without the sleep I need this weekend was just amazing. Thank you everyone that was part of it.

***Please Pray for Stellan***

Ended up being a good day.

Yesterday ended up being a good day. We were off to a rough start but things did get better. The kids and I played outside for most of the afternoon. It was really a gorgeous day.

The Kids loved playing on the swings. It was a warm day, but not warm enough for bare feet. Ryan on the other hand couldn't wait to have socks and shoes off. The boy never feels cold.

Zachy loved the swing too. He almost fell asleep.

And then there is my STUD Muffin. Sometimes a working man is so sexy. Plus the carharts...what a nice ass butt.

How cute are the two of them. Daddy and his baby. A nice ending to a beautiful day.

****Remember to Pray for Stellan today. According to MckMamma's tweet this morning he is was in SVT all last night and this morning, but did get some sleep***

Spring in Vermont

It is spring! But here in Vermont sometimes it isn't much different than winter. The days are longer but not necessarily warmer. When it is warmer there is nothing but mud. So we do have a 5th season here...Mud Season. Last week we saw a glimpse of mud season. The temperature was up into the 50's and we were out without jackets, raking the brown dried crap lawn. The next day the snow was flying and everything was covered in white. Underneath that white is still the mud, but the last couple of days have been so cold it is a little frozen. With a little sun and warmth the mud will be back, but in the mean time...

I sent the kids out in their winter jackets and mud boots to play in the sand table. Forgetting to put their gloves on so they came in after a few minutes. But it was a few minutes I was able to make lunch without three little ones under my feet.

****Please continue to Pray for baby Stellan. Things are not looking any better.***

The weekend is over

As our weekend comes to an end, I am thankful for all that I have. My family is healthy, happy and safe. My boys are growing by leaps and bounds, as healthy children do. My husband and I are "finding" each other again. I thoroughly enjoy my friends company (bloggy friends included). My spiritual life is expanding. I just feel so fulfilled right now. It was only yesterday I prayed to the Lord for some guidance because I could feel the gray of depression sneaking in. I haven't had any symptoms of depression since before Zachy was born. And as the darkness was slowly creeping in I sat down and prayed. I needed some help to overcome this, I knew I couldn't do it myself. It has been many years of trying to conquer it alone, never being able to beat it. Since I have found myself in the Grace of God, I feel I can conquer anything. So, yesterday I prayed and spoke with God about my feelings, and low and behold I am feeling much better. There is a new light in my life. I know it may sound silly, but this is the real deal. I have never in my life prayed like this and never in my life felt so good about everything. I realize my life is not "perfect" but I am seeing all the good that is in it. Believe me when I say there is a lot of "bad" things in my life, hard things, sad things. But with God on my side they do not seem so overwhelming. I pray that all of you can find this feeling in your lives. Like my blog friend CC says "a place called peace".

Well now that I said my piece on faith I just want to fill you in on our weekend. Yesterday, Ryan had a birthday party for his friend from school, Skylar. This was very hard on Griffin. It was the first party or event that Ryan was invited to and was not asked to bring Griffin. I knew it was coming, as Ryan goes to the "big" school, he is going to have a life of his own. Griffin really had a hard time with this. I tried my best to make him feel like he wasn't missing out. We played wii together, and tried to play a few games. But his feelings were hurt and he just wanted to watch a movie. What movie did he pick...."Back to the Future". It is just sooo crazy, he loves these movies just like his father. I can't believe it. So, being the nice mommy I am (even though I can't stand those movies) I put it in the DVD player. Thankfully he fell asleep a few minutes into the movie. So much for having special time with just me and Griffin.
Today we went to church. This was the first time they both went to Church School without giving me a hard time. Griffin has gone a couple of times, but not Ryan. Well today was his day, off he went without looking back. I must admit he went into the preschool class room because he wanted to stay with Griffin, even though he should have been in the upstairs kindergarten room. But we didn't push it, as long as he was going that was all we could ask for. After church we had lunch and a little clean up time, then I packed them up to go to the indoor pool (sorry Jodi, we would have called so you could join us, I just didn't want to wake you. I knew you were going to try to nap). They had a blast, but I got a huge headache from the smell of the chemicals and the heat/humidity in there. I was able to start Ryan's scarf even will the headache. After swimming we picked up dinner at KFC and headed home.

As the evening wore on the boys were bathed and in bed by 7:00pm. WoooHooo. 3 boys clean and asleep. What a great ending to a great weekend.

I just had to share this picture. Griffin is just so cute...even from behind.

Croup

Zachy has Croup again. We went to the dr yesterday after not getting any sleep on Monday night. He had that horrible cough and couldn't breath. That is just so scary to me. The dr gave us oral steroids. Which I hate having to give the kids stuff like that but he felt so much better. I put him to bed at 6:30 last night. He got up 5 or 6 times until 11:00, and then slept until 7:00 this morning. The steroid must be doing its job. We all needed the sleep, it was so nice.

Then this morning Griffin was coughing. He is my little asthma boy. Every time he gets sick it ends up in his lungs. We started his inhaler in hopes that we don't end up on liquid steroids. He really is a baby when he is sick. Whiny and sensitive on good days. Sick days leave me pulling my hair out.

Poor Ryan, he coughs and has a running nose but I never really notice because he just goes about his day. Doesn't really complain about being sick. On the other hand, he drives me nuts with his know it all attitude. I really didn't think I would be dealing with that until they were teens, but at 6, he knows everything (a little like his Dad, hmmmm).

Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that Griffin won't get any worse. That his inhaler does its job and we aren't up all night with him.

Poor Babies

As today progressed the day became a little hard to deal with.

Becca was here, her first day back in two weeks. She has been home with her mom ever since her Dad passed away unexpectedly. It was hard with her today, she just wanted to go home. I understand why she was difficult. Her whole world has been turned upside down. Poor little thing.

Then Zachy has come down with another cold. He is a little grumpy, snotty and drooling.



See the drool all over my ottoman:



The poor baby didn't sleep at all last night, and only took two 20 minute naps today. Normal he naps for 2 hours twice a day. So, as you can probably image he was a gem (Yeah right). It is still a little scary when he gets sick. He had (or still has) a floppy airway. I can't remember how to spell the medical term, but when he gets all congested he can't breath. I thought he had out grown it but the last time he was sick the Dr. could hear it. Although it is much better than when he was little.

Ryan then can home after school. He had a band aid on his thumb. From what he said he cut his finger on some ice on the playground. It was a pretty good cut. Then he went out to sled with Griffin, and he slipped on the ice, which ripped the skin off his pinkie finger. I am starting to think that Ryan and ice really don't mix. But he really wants to play hockey. ummmm.
To be perfectly honest, I am really surprised that something didn't happen to Griffin. He is usually my klutz.
Hopefully we all get so sleep tonight. Tomorrow is another day.

Odds and ends

I have nothing really important to write about (not that my blog ever has really important stuff). I just wanted to gush a little about my wonderful kids and post a few pictures that I took over the last couple of weeks.
My little Zachy is being the wonderful baby we all know and love. Today at the grocery store he was sure to smile and giggle and baby talk to everyone in the store. I love getting the comments about how cute and happy his is. Usually when I go the store I have 3 or 4 kids and all I hear is "wow, you have your hands full" even when the kids are being very good and quiet. I don't think having 3 kids is a lot and when I have Becca that makes 4. Did everyone forget not that long ago it wasn't unusual to have 5 or 6 kids. I have a mere 3, really its not that hard (well, sometimes it is).
Griffin is being extra lovable and huggy. He just wants to cuddle and love us. In between the whining and tantrums that 4 year old have.
That leaves my oldest Ryan. He is such a sensitive guy. He does really think of others a lot. With Brads death he has been really concerned about Abby, Becca and Lynn. He made a wonderful card for them. We are told that Ryan has befriended a little Autistic boy in his class. Ryan tells us how A is his best friend. Ryan takes good care of A. He also helps this little girl L. She has had a very hard life and Ryan helps her with hew tray at lunch, her coat, her backpack and all the little things this girl needs. He is the first one to offer to help with A. When we pick Ryan up from school every child walking by makes sure to say good-bye to him. He is well liked and very nice to all the kids at school. Yesterday I noticed the new little girl was seated next to Ryan. I wonder if it is best he is such a nice boy.
Last but not least. My husband Jonny. I am extremely luck to have him (for the most part). He does a lot of the house work, laundry, and yard care. He does really well taking care of the boys (maybe a little improvement with Zachy). He loves taking Griffin to school and picking both boys up if he can. He tries to include the boys in the work around the house.
I guess by writing this post I am really saying how thankful I am for having such a wonderful family, and I wouldn't be able to carry on without any of them. I am truly blessed.

Seriously!

***Correction*** Our Tuesday morning. That is what happens to moms, their brains turn to mush....

We are off to a great start to our Thursday morning...Baby Zachy did not sleep well last night, Griffin came into our bed at 2 ish and Ryan can in around 5am. Apparently I was not meant to get any sleep last night. And I should have known better but I stayed up past 11pm waiting for Jonny to come home.
When my alarm went off this morning I was not happy. The snooze button is too handy, Jonny ended up having to drag me out of bed. I showered and made it down stairs before Becca (the little girl I take care of) arrived. After Jonny left to bring Ryan to the bus stop, I went to the potty. Apparently it was bad timing. Griffin yells to me "Mommy, I need you!", my heart almost stops, I jump up and run out of the bathroom with my pants down around my knees. As I am trying to pull my pants up, I can't find Griffin. "Where are you?" I yell. "In Daddy's room" (which is our computer room). I stumble in the computer room, thinking the computer will be on the floor, or Griffin has cut his finger with my craft scissors, but nope. Griffin is sitting at Jonny's desk with a marker and paper, he looks up at me with his professor look though his glasses and says "I need your help drawing a man jumping into the pool I made". What! Seriously! All I could do is laugh and draw his man jumping into the pool. Shaking my head and laughing to myself I go back into the bathroom.