Whatever works...

Sophie and Grace went to the dentist yesterday for  fillings and sealants. (I feel like such a lousy parent when my kids have cavities!) Our dentist uses sedation, which I am grateful for, because it took about an hour each in the chair. All told, we did not have a spectacular experience. Grace threw up and when they brought her out to me she was crying. Her medication wore off pretty quickly though and then she was just a little grouchy.  Sophie was a different story. She was still so loopy when they were finished that she could not stand or walk. Getting her into her car seat was a little comical.

Because we live out in the boon docks and going to town is like hitching up the buckboard for the day, I had to go to Costco before we picked the boys up from preschool. Grace did fine. Poor Sophie did not. She was whimpering and crying the entire time. I was trying to shop in a hurry and comfort her at the same time. Nothing seemed to be working. Finally as I was putting the big ol' bag of chocolate chips into the cart she reached for it. I handed them to her and she snuggled them like they were her blankie, and calmed down. Definitely a new definition of comfort food.

What comes around goes around

I went running this morning with Luke and Noah in the stroller. A super-runner-lady passing by gave me a thumbs up and said "Awesome!" It made my day! Is that silly? Wouldn't our world be a better place if we encouraged each other more? This week I am going to focus on being encouraging, especially to my children.

I just couldn't walk by

I was seduced today by the dollar aisle at Target. Who gets by that thing without stopping? Genius marketing.

What I was thinking buying foam gladiator toys, I just don't know. Maybe that playing at fighting would stop the actual fighting for a while?  Big sigh...   Sophie's sword fighting stance cracks me up and freaks me out a little. It is weird when your kids start learning things and you have no idea where they came from.

I also just have to ask myself...if I don't want my kids to have play guns, why am I fine with swords, shields and swinging maces? Hmmm....

First Day of Preschool

Luke and Noah were SOOOOO excited about starting preschool today! Noah had his clothes laid out on the floor of his bedroom for the past 4 days...really. No tears at all, but Luke did pack his blanket in his backpack "just in case!". When I picked them up and asked what they did at school today Luke replied all blase, "Just school stuff Mom." Made me laugh.

I had to send in a picture of each boy for the class bulletin board. Last night I searched through our last few months of pictures and I couldn't find a single one of Noah by himself where he wasn't doing, or wearing, something crazy! The 2 I did find that would work were not ideal for a school setting.  I found a cute picture with Noah holding a burning stick from camping and another riding his bike with no helmet. So I took a picture this morning. He kept moving so it was a little blurry. At least there was no evidence of questionable parenting in it.

If you are wondering what I did this morning? I swam laps all by myself, ran an errand all by myself and got a much needed pedicure as a splurge. Yeah for preschool!

What a surprise

We went to the zoo today. The weather was gorgeous! Sunny but not hot, and no humidity to speak of.  For the first time in months we were outside for several hours comfortably without being in a swimming pool. The zoo was packed of course, but we were brave and went without a stroller.  Maneuvering through crowds with just my own two feet was a revelation! Even with keeping track of 4 excited kids, not lugging a stroller around was wonderful. The whole day was pleasant and even relaxing. This is new for us. I think I could get very used to it.

PS - does anyone know why my background is not showing up? I have looked at blogspot help and got no where.

We are so ready for Fall

When we got up for church this morning it was 53 degrees outside. Grace and Sophie were positively giddy about the prospect of wearing tights to church. (This is a huge surprise coming from Grace. For the past few years she has abhorred tights or leggings of any sort. She says that she hates the way they feel. So she has bare legs all winter long here for church. Today she had found a pair of zebra printed tights that are her one exception. They totally did not match her outfit, but I didn't care. Last week to church she wore her pioneer dress and sunbonnet from the dress up box. )

The girls had a whole discussion about if it rained today that there would be snow. I thought it was hilarious! I explained to them that it has been hot here for quite a few months, that 50 + degrees is not cold enough to snow and that they were just used to it being incredibly hot each time they went outside. All said, It was wonderful to have to wear a sweater to church. We were glad we did because the air conditioning was still on in the chapel...surprise, surprise. I have to admit, I just sat there and enjoyed being cold. Once my toes were blocks of ice I did wish I hadn't worn sandals though.