Playdates

I recently watched videos of our family from 3-4 years ago and was surprised to see how much more active I was as a Mom. We had a busy schedule of playdates, playgroup, storytime, etc.

Jane's birth, coupled with last year's move, forced me to retreat to "basic parenting/just-keep-kids-alive" mode in order to hang on to my last shred of sanity.

After watching the video, I decided it's time to start being a better mom again, giving my children more social opportunities. And I found I actually get more done when friends come (why did I forget that!?) We had an entire family of kids come and play at 8 a.m. one Saturday. Several of our kids have had individual playdates. It's been fun. And, of course, the kids are adorable together. Here are some cute photos from recent playdates.

This one cracks me up!

Yes, I'm advertising! We would be happy for friends to come play any time! This is our social season. Need a break, Moms? Bring 'em by! :)

The Deer Chronicles

Our neighborhood has 10 houses. It's fairly wooded around her, which means we have some deer. One day our neighbor Marge (wife of "Gene the Norwegian") called excited to say, "Look out your window! The deer are headed to your yard!" And so it has continued all winter. Every morning the deer walk up the hill by our house, cross the road to Marge & Gene's house and snack out of their bird feeder. Then they head through the woods to Kurt & Julie's house (who may or may not be feeding the deer apples and grain - don't tell the DNR).

This week, several deer "hung out" in our backyard all afternoon, basking in the sunshine for 3-4 hours. They are quite tame and allowed me to step out on the deck and photograph them.

lone deer

group of 3 deer (50 yards to the west of "lone deer")

5 p.m. the group of 3 is heading up the dry creek bed. The lone deer left our yard earlier in the afternoon.


Do you think they'll have babies... wouldn't that be cute!

Happy & Crabby

Moms shouldn't label their children. But this week 2 labels apply at our house.

This is my friend, "Happy"

This week, Lorelai has been content, bubbling with excitement. She prances instead of walks. She is THRILLED to see anybody come through the door. She is at a great age.

This is my friend, "Crabby"

(aka: Crabby Patty Pants, SpongeBob Crabby Pants, Jane)

(check out that vein...)

Jane isn't always crabby.

She is happy as long as she can be held, breastfed, hugged, etc. She LOVES her mommy and daddy. There's no question we're needed when Jane's around. We joke that she'll live with us forever and care for us in our old age.

I also joke that I'll be breastfeeding in my old age.

I'm trying to wean her. It's a slow go.

Jane doesn't take a pacifier.

She'll hardly use a tippy cup (she's up to 8 ounces of cow's milk a day now).

But we do have one piece of non-nipple magic around here: A toothbrush.

Jane can be happy with a toothbrush in her mouth.

Soon I hope to have a new blog post entitled "Happy" and "Happy". Crossing fingers!

BLIZZARD of 11

The Blizzard of '11 (or one of the blizzards of '11) was pretty exciting!

We had drifts 3 feet high in front of our house.

The furious winds had left snow stuck all over the house and my wreath.

The boys had a blast exploring; however, they could hardly walk through the deep snow!

We attempted to sled, but it was too deep.

Silas struggles to move through the yard...

Azael moving through the snow... it is literally up to his waist!

Ephraim scales the giant snowman they built the previous week at Silas' birthday party.

Mystery Man has enjoyed our mighty snowblower this year. Ephraim and Silas enjoyed it this time too, taking a "snow shower" while MM worked to clear a path in front of the garage.

We loved this blizzard. Fantastic Fun!

Let's Play Music

Silas has always had a musical sensitivity. Whenever music is performed in church, for example, I noticed he would STOP EVERYTHING and listen intently while Azael and Ephraim could care less. I'm a Mom who believes each child's unique talents should be developed, so we enrolled Silas in Let's Play Music Class, which is group music theory and piano instruction. Silas can sing a middle C on pitch now (perfect pitch), read and play music, read rhythms, and is starting to learn sharps and flats. Here he is at music class:

You can learn more about Let's Play Music here. We love it!

Robot and Ninja Movie

Welcome to the Premier of

Robot and Ninja

Written and Performed by....

Azael

Snowy Birthday for Silas

Silas celebrated a birthday and it was FANTASTIC. I was really nervous about it, but it couldn't have been better. The kids played outside for about 1.5 hours, sledding and building a gigantic snowman. They didn't want to come in and we barely had time to eat lunch & cake and open the presents before the guests needed to go home again. I love winter birthdays now!

Happy Birthday Silas! Our favorite things about you:

• Your laugh is the best laugh EVER.
• You are a sweet big brother (you always help take care of Jane and play with Lorelai).
• You are a tough little brother (you try very hard to keep up with Azael and Ephraim. You like to make them laugh).
• You are responsible and great at getting ready for the bus early every morning (6:58 a.m.... HELLOOO!)
• You love to play boardgames and have initiated many a night of family fun by inviting someone to play a game with you.
• You are a great friend. Your best friends are still Simon and Ethan from church.

And on and on, and on..... The point is: you are wonderful and we love you!