Give me a Break... Give me a Break

I needed a break from the every day routine of preschool, feedings, more feedings, and more feedings.  So naturally (like every good daughter), I called my mom and let her know we were barging in on them for the weekend.

And like every good Grandma does, she began to plan every activity under the sun that could in any way entertain the kids and keep them from whining to their tired mom for two whole days.  It worked.  We went bumper bowling, shopping, pumpkin patching, and finished it off with Grandma and Grandpa teaching their Sunday school class.  Really, it can't get much better than that. 

Wait, yes it can.  Added to the above, they gave baths, read books, did my laundry, and even allowed for Kevin and I to sneak out and have some dinner; ALONE.  I endulged myself in fajitas and a giant margarita.  I loved it, but by the increase of puke from Harry, I don't think he was too fond of my dinner out.  Sorry buddy.

We had a fabulous time, and I was left wondering why I ever moved out of my parents house.  It's cushy there.  But my guess is that it wouldn't be that way if I moved in permantely with four kids.  Things could get cramped and cranky in a hurry:).  So I will grow up and go home, and look forward to Thanksgiving when I can once again eat my mom's dinner and enjoy regressing for a few days. 
Here are some picks for good smiles.

Eli was a kind competitor.  Comforting everyone during their turns

Our Little Bowlers. 

Pumpkin patch slides



Jumping on a huge inflated "pumpkin"



Hay Barn.. and slides. And Norah. 

Charlie was having a moment

Total Kim face.  It's like looking in a mirror.

Kids Zip line. 

Sing it Sister

As my little sister mentioned Here on her blog, songs can have some serious impact in ones life.  So as a self proclaimed music nerd, who knew nothing but contemporary Christian music until around age 16, I can sing out the old hymns like no one's business.  Except for maybe my Dad.

One of my favorite memories of my dad growing up was hearing him belt out "Holy, Holy, Holy" every time he took a shower.  We would all get a good laugh at how the words seemed to alter with every shower... but admittedly, the man did hit every note, even the high ones. 

When we started having song time before bed, and I thought about what song to teach the kids,  that song was on the top of my priority list.  If my boys remember anything from their childhood, I would be happy if one of those things was a good old hymn that speaks no matter what generation is singing it.  To my surprise, the boys have become obsessed with Holy, Holy, Holy.  Often breaking out into spontaneous duets while playing cars. 

So now every preschool morning as I drive heavy eyed and messed up hair (thanks to Mr. Harry)..  the kids and I also blast the Men's Promise Keepers version of the oldie but goodie hymn.  I'm not sure if my kids have any talent in hearing the tune of a song yet, but it's the effort that counts.  It's not as great as shower singing... but like a good hot shower, it wakes us up and gets us ready for the day.  And I'm pretty sure this song will be staple in heaven, so we are just getting in all the practice we can until our tune will really matter.

Scrub a Dub

The amount of baby gear that has been invented from the time that I started having kids to now, is simply amazing.  For example, when Callie was born, we were excited to have a pack n' play that came with a pre-set device filled with lullaby songs.  Fast forward a few years, and they now come with hook ups for your iPod.   

So it was no surprise to me, that along with everything else, the baby bath tub has been much improved upon.  Welcome the Europeans and their super cool Wash Pod.  Note: this does not mean that it also includes a hook up for an Apple device. - we can disconnect the baby from technologoy, at least for bath time:).  No, when the Europeans say "Pod".. they actually mean the word: A vessel, or enclosure. 

I bought it because it looked cool, and we keep it because Harry LOVES it.  It's supposed to remind the baby of thier yester-years back in the womb.  And if it does, then Harry apparently thoroughly enjoyed himself for the past 9 months.  Because he will go from crazy hungry baby to America's calmest 3 week old in a matter of seconds.  Just dip in the water, and all is peaceful in baby bath land.

So until he can fend for himself in the larger bathtub world filled with wild brothers and tons of plastic toys, he will remain safe in his Pod, dreaming of the easy life of yesterday.  And looking like the cutest clean baby in all of Indiana. 

Birthday Boys

Their own number "3's."  I'm adamant about them being individuals:)

It's been three years now since Kevin and I were thrown into the world of multiples... and today we celebrated the cute little boys who have forever made this house loud (and fun).  We went low key this year, opting out of a big birthday bash splurge, since we did just have a lot of excitement with having a baby.  But the boys didn't seem to care.  They got a visit from cool uncle Andy, Kevin bought them a wall mounted car track, and I made them smile for pictures until they were so confused they started begging for a "cheese cookie." 

But the biggest excitement of the week actually happens tomorrow.  We re-enrolled the boys in preschool, once I realized that I am indeed, no supermom.  And I would like some time for myself on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 8:20 to 11:20.  Harry and I need some more snuggle time since the 3am feedings just aren't enough.  They have a 2 week trial run, to see if they mesh well with the class, and if they pass, they can stay the rest of the year.  So I have been busy lecturing Jack that he shouldn't hit the teacher, and helping Charlie understand that if he picks his nose, he may not have friends who share toys with him. Here's hoping they pass, because the thought of walking around Target with only one baby is almost too good to be true.

Looking back, it's been 3 very busy, but great years. Twins are double the trouble, but double the fun.  They really are best buds, and I even think that in their more "mature" age, there is now more laughing than tears.  So I will say again what I will say every year for the rest of my life;   We survived another year...  Praise the Lord.   We love you boys, Happy Birthday!

My annual "let's see how many years I will be able to hold them" picture



Even Harry got a party hat, but sadly, no cake