Wednesday, November 28, 2012

We make the zoo look clean

Though the title "Poop Happens" might be more appropriate for this blog entry, for the sake of decency, I chose a different one (you are welcome, Aunt O). After spending a lovely morning at the zoo this morning with my three incredible little men and two dear friends (Sophia and Melanie), we came home to prepare lunch and get our naps on. Then, I suddenly and not so enthusiastically realized that there was a full blown conspiracy in the works and I was the unlucky target (or so it seemed). All critters and small humans alike contributed to the effort and I spent a full 21 minutes picking up "crap" in places it was supposed to be and not supposed to be. The 3 small humans and the 3 canines in my charge created enough mass chaos (and nastiness) to make me frantic. As I began to feel I was finally making progress, Lochlan finished the group project with a thorough blow out. Wow. I really did start laughing at that point... it all seemed so surreal and absurd that there really wasn't much else I could do.

Now... I love them all again. :-)

In other news... we are filling our days with Christmas projects... they are slow going with these little helping hands so eager to learn and to participate in every step of the process, but they are coming along! We are making all of our gifts this year and Bundle and Pauge are putting so much heart into everything they are doing. It's inspiring to see! Pauge studies every move I make, watches how everything comes together and mimics every action/word carefully. Any offered assistance from Mommy is strictly forbidden! Bundle runs from project to project. He is such an action man and he will be the man to get it done, though sometimes he "fudges over" details to reach the goal more efficiently. He is happy to receive assistance, as long as it means the end goal will be reached sooner!

As I have observed them this week, something has stood out to me about each of them:
  • Bundle helped Grandpa build a gate for the steps leading from our deck to the carport. Grandpa placed the latch to the gate on the outside so that the boys would have more difficulty getting out. Madigan studied that latch yesterday as we were going up the stairs onto the deck and later that afternoon, successfully opened the gate from the inside. Unbelievable! I guess we'll have to padlock it! 
  • Pauge watches. He watches to see how something is done/said, then he tries it over and over with dogged determination until he feels he's mastered it. If he gets thwarted in his efforts or someone tries to redirect him to something else, he gets very resentful and frustrated and doesn't hesitate to express those feelings.
  • Lochlan the Lion is a lover! He is most content when he is surrounded by his people. When he's upset, he can be immediately calmed by a whisper into his ear from Mommy and being able to feel Mommy's face up against his own. He follows us around the room with his eyes, and if we leave the room, even for a moment he gets restless. He is quick to smile and he loves it when we say, "Beautiful boy, I love you!". 
Precious people! 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

My largest baby...


My beautiful Devany at 1.5 years old. She's a stinky teenager, but so wonderfully full of life and potential. I love being around her. Her mind is sharp and active and she is a treat to train!


Jealous of my wheels?


House elves hard at work

We recently bought our FIRST HOUSE... a little 1950's special with some aesthetic needs. During this phase of our lives, we are thankful for all the useful hands around here.



Painter in action






Man Cave



The wall we turned into a magnetized chalkboard

Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Oh

Yesterday was a particularly challenging day in taming the Tiger. We discussed the virtues of obedience a time or two, but alas to little avail. That two and a half year old body was in full roar all day long and his mind was clearly the instigator. He was TRYING to obey, but everything I asked him to do or not to do was simply unreasonable (obviously). :-)





 So as we were going through our bedtime routine, we rehearsed his memory verse for this week.

Mommy: "Children obey your parents..."
Tiger: "Tchildwen obey your pawents..."
Mommy: "In the Lord..."
Tiger: "In the Lord..."
Mommy: "For this is right."
Tiger: long pause... "Ohhhh."

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The fun around here

Favorite Tiger phrases from this week: 
"You're fine, boys." Trying to comfort his screaming little brothers, on our way home from the barn.
"You did a great job, Honey!" Complimenting me after we made cookies together.
"Mom, I went poop! And it's really big!" Announcement made as we exited restroom at Starbucks.
"I might do the yaundry while you are out." Informing me of his work plans while I was outside letting the dogs do their business.
"I would like baby walnuts. And maybe some raisins too." Response when I asked what he would like for a snack. I clarified: "Walnuts and raisins?" "No, BABY walnuts and raisins." Not sure what those are, but I guess I'm about to find out.
  
Other things too:
 And, what's with all the nakedness around here lately? Every time I go in to get the boys from their naps, I find beds stripped of their sheets and little boys with naked bums. They always look so proud of themselves and seem to expect the same reaction from me.

Between Madigan's curiosity for how anything mechanical works and Declan's fascination for all things electronic there is never a dull moment around here.

Sabina, the barn-dog-turned-house-dog and Declan, the mischievous brown bear, have found many excellent uses for the toilet bowl. It's great if you're thirsty or just plain bored!

Recipe for the week: Handfull of fall leaves, a dash of dirt and the dog water. Makes for a great after-naptime soup!

Baby Lochlan has mastered his smile and it's a winning one! I will try to capture it on photo soon!