#ScriptureDoodle

My 6 year old loves to color and draw.  She's always asking me to sit down and color with her.  As a working mother with three children, sitting and coloring is a luxury I rarely afford myself.

There's laundry and supper and essays to grade and diapers to change and an entire house to pick up.

And naps to be had.  I have to be honest.  I often choose napping over coloring with my oldest, as I'm just so tired from the week and need some rest.  Naps are the "me time" I give myself after nearly 6 solid years of no sleep and needy children.

In this new year I have decided to actually sit and color with my oldest.  How much longer do I have when she wants me to color with her?  It seems like a cruel joke that my kids all want and need me now when I have no time, but later in their lives when they're more independent and I actually have time, they won't want me to be with them at all.

They all want me to play with them, but they also need me to take care of 100% of their food, hygiene, cleaning, school work, laundry, lunches and everything else.  I just need someone, anyone, to be independent.  In my dreams, I could just say "Go color something beautiful" to my children and they (or maybe one of them?) would head independently to the table to color without complaining or whining.

That's just not how it works though.  If I tell any one of them to go color, they (or some of them) will demolish the arts station (5 minutes of Mama clean up work), accidentally drop all the crayons on the floor and under the couch (5 more minutes of clean up and crawling on the ground), and then begin to fight with each other (5 more minutes of refereeing), and then run with markers and sharpened pencils down the hallway attempting to shank each other (10 minutes of timeout).

My kids can find a way to ruin everything.  Seriously.  I tried to do the hokey-pokey with them the other day, and it turned into a gang fight between the three of them.

We are slowly reaching a better point, but it is taking a century.  Everyone who tells me that this time goes by so fast must not have been nearly as overwhelmed with life as I am.

Anyway, the new, more energetic and loving me of 2015 has decided to start all sorts of new things.  I'm going to play with my children more.  I'm going to color with my daughter.  I'm going to start sewing and blogging again.  Big plans, people.  I'm going to take the overwhelmed me and immerse myself in more efficiently overwhelming activities.  I will overcome these monster children and make them normal.

So task one is to color with my daughter.  To combine multiple of my dozens of resolutions this year, I bought a Scripture Doodle pack for kids.

This package contains colored pencils, Bible verse ideas, erasers, and a notebook to color in.  

 Ainsley and I immediately got to work.  We chose the Bible verse that was used for her Christian basketball program this week.  We talked about what it meant and which word within the verse was the most important.  It was so sweet.

Wrenn screamed the whole time because Mama was paying attention to someone else. 

We spent some time talking about capital and lowercase letters, spacing in sentences, and the intricacies of Bible verse notation.  It was just educational enough to make this multitasking Mama feel great about the fact that I wasn't finishing the giant pile of laundry or the 130 student essays waiting to be graded.  

I decided I had to do one as well even though I am not an artist.  I love crafts, but art and drawing are utterly out of my range.  We discussed what type of pictures would best show the sentiment of the verse and got going.  

Jesus knows if you just judged my artistic talent.  It's about the devotional, not the art people!  

 Durham did well playing on his own while this was happening.  Wrenn?  Not so much.

She thought her art supplies were substandard as was the level of attention being paid her.   

Here's her final project.  "Strength" was the most important word.  We covered the words in red to represent the blood of the cross and the strength Jesus must have had to die for us.  She added a person flexing muscles, a fist, and the Bible.  

Both final papers.  

 Our goal this year is to do one a week.  I look forward to discussing the verses and spending quality time with my artsy girl.

And don't worry about Wrenn.  She got quality time with Mama later.  Stinker.

Wedding Weekend [Or, a flower girl needs a nap]

Our babysitter got married this weekend!  As a teacher, I can usually snag the best babysitters in the area to come to my house on a daily basis to watch my kids while I work.  One fall, one of the girls I had hired to babysit told me on a Friday that she wouldn't be able to work on the coming Monday...or any day in the future as she had just made a dance team at her college.  

Holy headache!  I had the weekend to find someone to replace her.  I turned to my colleagues as work for recommendations for someone who was staying at home, available on Mondays and Wednesdays and good with kids.  A fellow teacher recommended Allie to us and luckily she was everything we could have ever wanted!  Tim and I have joked that she's probably do a better job raising our kids than we are presently doing.  Now that she is married and moving to another state, it is probably in the kids' best interest to send them with her.  I am so grateful to her for the loving she gave to my kiddies.  She started when Durham was a baby and stayed with us for three years.  She came to my house to watch the kids when I was in labor for Wrenn, she's done laundry and dishes for me when she knew I was stressed, and did all of this while going to school and working another job.

She is Super Woman.  Her new husband is luckier than he can ever imagine.  If and when they ever decide to have children, she will be the world's greatest mother.  

She even asked Ainsley to be the flower girl in her gorgeous, country-rustic wedding this weekend.  Ainsley has been seriously excited about the event.  If you ask her, she'll tell you she's not excited, doesn't care, and doesn't even like cowgirl boots, but she's lying.  

It's just her intention to infuriate me, so she negates EVERY. THING. I. SAY.  

Whatevs, little child.  I am the queen of infuriating people, so sit back and watch how it's done, sister.  

I digress. 

We started with the rehearsal dinner.  It was a lovely little affair at the church.  Ainsley informed me that she would only eat pickles and strawberries.  We had a nice little discussion about eating healthy, all the while trying our best to appear civil to each other.  

Why is it so hard to get along with a five year old?  

She received the nicest little present from Allie, a bear and a robe to match the robes given to all the bridesmaids.  I asked Ainsley to try on the robe.  She refused.  We negotiated until she tried on the robe while eating a chocolate-covered strawberry.  

This child.  Ugh. 

Afterward we all went into the sanctuary to practice.  Ainsley wanted me to be near her, but didn't want me to talk.  No advice, no talking from Mama.  Her first time through, she fairly sailed down the aisle and proceeded to sit in the most unladylike fashion possible on the step near the bridesmaids.  It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut and turn off the critical voice in my head.  

Thankfully, someone else took the lead and gave her the advice she needed about walking more slowly.  The second time through, she completely nailed it.  You'd think she's some sort of flower girl pro, with the step-stop-scatter, step-stop-scatter.  She rocked it.  

And she really did love the boots.  Strut, strut.  

She even let me snap a picture with the bear.  

And then it was Saturday.  Ainsley and I used Pinterest to find some ideas for flower girl hair.  Of course, everything I suggested was "yucky."  Once at the salon, she confidently told her hair dresser (a mother of another one of our fabulous babysitters) that she wanted a side pony, a braid that wrapped around the side, and curls in the bottom.  She then proceeded to stare very seriously at the mirror as her hair dresser worked, because getting your hair did is big girl stuff.     

Tone it down a notch there.

 We stopped by the house to pack and annoy the rest of our family before heading up to the church to change.  

I even did her make-up, because I am apparently a little more "Toddlers and Tiaras" than I should let on.  But isn't she just a complete DOLL?  She's just radiant.   

We spent the next couple of hours alternating between getting pictures taken and going potty.  Soon Tim was there with the rest of our crew and my mother, who wasn't going to miss Ainsley's big event and was necessary for man-to-man church defense.  Logistically speaking, if Ainsley got scared and needed a parent or another potty break at the exact moment that Wrenn was having a meltdown at the exact moment that Durham needed a potty break, we'd be screwed without a third.  Thank you to my mother for being my third man!  

The time came for Ainsley to do her thang, and she rocked!  Step-stop-scatter.  Meticulously dropping petals so that they evenly covered the floor.  It was almost too good.  I should rent this child out as a flower girl.  I could make money.  

And then she had the best view in the house.  

 And if you've ever been in a wedding, you know what comes next...pictures!  I mostly stayed away from this and hoped Ainsley was cooperating.  We sent Wrenn with my Mom for the night, let Durham play in the church nursery, and soon it was time to pack up for the reception.  

She even let me snap one more picture before we left.  

The reception was at the cutest little barn out in the middle of nowhere.  It was laid back and perfect for our little man, who just so happened to be looking a little country in his plaid.  We found our seats, stuffed ourselves with crackers and cheese, Tim and I got enough to drink to ease the pain of being at a wedding with a three year old, and the party went on.  

Durham was wiggly.  Ainsley was in desperate need of a nap in order to improve her listening skills, but you know what?  We only had two kids to watch!  It was like a vacation!  No diapers, no sippy cups.  Lots of walking around the parking lot to get their wiggles out.  It's so hard for little ones to wait for food, wait for cake, wait for dancing, but they did great.  

Handsomest boy ever. 

 And after supper?  Dancing!  Turns out I have a boy who likes to dance.  It's pretty obvious that Ainsley likes to twirl and shake her thang, but Durham loved the dance floor as well.  He and Ainsley danced fast and slow, attempted line dances, did the YMCA, the chicken dance, you name it.  

They danced for at least an hour and a half, only stopping for a few potty breaks and one cake break.  

Dancing boy.  

Another of our former babysitters was sweet enough to dance a few songs with Durham.  From then on out, Durham only had eyes for her.  Even Mama was told, when trying to dance a slow song with Durham to take a hike.  "No, Mama.  I want THAT ONE."  He pointed to his choice, and clung to her like a spider monkey for a good three songs. 

As it got closer to ten, we decided to cut out before an epic meltdown could ensue.  The kids got a photobooth picture with Allie, I got super emotional about leaving and saying goodbye, and then we packed the kids up to go home.   

We have been outrageously blessed to have Allie in our lives.  She made being a working mama so much easier.  We love you, Allie.  Good luck in California and best wishes on your marriage!  

Disco Dancer

This was Ainsley's first year in dance.  She took a tap and ballet class that practiced on Wednesdays for 30 minutes each.  It's amazing how busy we seemed having only one child in one activity.  What will we ever do when three kids are in more activities?  I can't even imagine.  

Getting ready for her first practice. 

We were delighted by several living room shows throughout the year.  

Finally it was time for dress rehearsal.  Make-up, costumes, the big stage.  

Ready to go on stage for the first time!

I had volunteered to be a room mother, which meant lots of snacks, coloring and potty trips.  

Coloring to pass the time.  Four hours worth of time.  

Costume change and ready to go on stage!  

Grammy and Papa bought her some flowers for after the big performance.  

We ended the year with a performance downtown as a part of a community event.  She loved being able to show off her dance skills to friends and family who happened to be walking by.  

Super serious.  

Third Child Tribulations

Wrenn's a girl on the go.  She gets to tag along as we take family adventures to parks, zoos, ball games, parades, and parties.  Unfortunately I mean it when I say "tag along" as her presence at all of these events only happens if we are too lazy or unable to find a babysitter.  We typically choose to leave her behind whenever possible just to lighten the load.  

Poor thing.

She'll have her chance someday, but right now, she's just safer in the prison-like confines of our home.  I'm sure there are other parents out there with more kids who leave the house all the time, safely providing exciting experiences for their children.  

Not us.  We'll get her a babysitter just so we can preserve some sanity.    

However, there are times when we do take her with us to family outings.  The rule is generally that she must stay in the stroller.  We can barely manage the big two, so letting Wrenn out of the stroller is just plain dangerous.  

Here are a few shots of Wrenn having a super fun time while leaving the house.  

Here's Wrenn having a picnic at the park right next to a playground where her siblings were allowed to play.  

Enjoying the hot air balloons.  It was a good two hours of hot air balloon fun.  She stayed in the stroller the whole time.  

While at her sister's T-ball game.  I'm not exaggerating when I say only her grandparents ever get her out and let her walk around.    

 I know better than to let her out of that stroller.  The picture below captures her strut when given an inch of freedom.  She will confidently walk off into the sunset, never looking back to see if anyone is coming with her.  If she comes to a gate, she'll attempt to scale it.  If there's a curb, she'll hurtle herself over it.  She is my most determined, assertive, independent spirit so far.

Back off, Mom.  Danger is my middle name.  I got this.

Their Sayings [Post 4]

Ainsley
Did you reschedule your game?  [Seriously.  Reschedule?]
I smell something.  Do you want me to look in Durham's butt? [Um...sure?]
Are you reading a non-fiction book?  I like those.  [Now she's just showing off.]
I wish we were a family again.  [She means before Wrenn was born and her life was ruined.]
I want to go home.  [Home = Grammy's house, not our house.]
I can't wear fancy shoes to school.  How will I beat the boys when we run if I wear fancy shoes?
It was a catastrophe!  [Referring to an event at school.  All drama, this one.]

Durham

Are we going that way? [Our late talker is just starting to ask questions.  This one sent my heart soaring.  Finally, a question!]
Everybody calm down.  [as we were trying to get ready for church on Easter Sunday.]
I a handsome boy.  [Every time I comb his hair.]
Introducing Mama Glen Roberts! [It's so sweet that he thinks everyone's middle name is Glen.]
I want to brush my teeth, too!  [Exciting to see them switch to saying "I" as opposed to his name.  Also exciting when they begin to say "too".]
I go to school and play with my girls. [His "girls" are actually the playhouse people.  It sounds like he's got serious swagger though.]

Wrenn
Ba-bye. [Usually the exiting person waits awkwardly for three minutes or so, waiting to hear the treasured word.  We all give up, the person leaves, and Wrenn will start chanting loudly her farewell after the door closes]
Go!  [Because we watch Frozen way too often.]
Mom!  [This is the universal cry for many things.  It is a command and plea at the same time.]
Uh-oh.  [Especially fun when she shouts this from the back of the car when I hit a curb.]
Map!  [Just as I was typing this blog.  Apparently she likes Dora now.]

Wrenn is 11 Months Old!

Feeding:  For the most part, Wrenn is now eating the same foods as the rest of the family.  She loves pancakes, rice, pasta, Cheerios, peaches, bananas, and chocolate chip cookies.  She has one bottle a day, at night before she goes to bed, but that won't be for long!  She won't always finish the bottle she has at night anymore, preferring to play with it once it is half gone.  One more month of formula, and then we are done with formula...FOREVER!  Whoop!  She's a master at the sippy cup, so I'm not envisioning there to be much of a problem transitioning to milk.  

Sleeping:  Since we've been back from Florida, our terrible sleeper has been sleeping through the night!  It really helped to buy the earplugs, because I don't hear the occasional wake-up and then don't have to fight the urge to go snuggle.  We also moved the rocker-recliner out of her room to stop me from snuggling for too long.  She's turning into a great little sleeper!  Now we are entering into a sweet spot between baby fussing and transitioning to a real bed when another period of sleeplessness will start.  Good thing that won't happen for another year.  Here's to a year-long sweet spot!  I haven't had a year long sweet spot since 2007.  Imagine what I can accomplish having gotten a full night's sleep?  I can conquer the world!

Diapers:  She's a size 4, but we still have another box of size 3, so we're squishing her into them to save money.  This is all the more difficult as she's the wiggliest child this side of the Mississippi.  She'll kick you approximately 42 times while you change her diaper.  16 of those kicks will be her foot into the poopy diaper.  

Clothes:  This child is the hand-me-down queen.  She has clothes from cousins who are 13 years old and have traveled through four different kids.  I sometimes see friends and acquaintances posting pictures of their baby girls in cute clothes and feel bad.  I even attempted to put her in a cute, brand new outfit for a trip to a basketball game this week.  Wrenn threw up on it before we left the house.      

Disposition:  Feisty, wiggly, fighter-girl.  She will challenge any child or adult to a game of tug-of-war.  I'm pretty sure she's stronger than me.    

Places:  We've been to basketball games all over Mid-Michigan!  Wrenn has five older cousins involved in basketball and one in poms.  Basketball games with our brood isn't always easy, but I find that it's pretty simple to just pass Wrenn off to any family member or friend in the crowd and walk away.  Third child thing? Wrenn went to Florida for Christmas and so has traveled to six states this month.

Fun Facts:  She loves to give kisses and climb on the kitchen table.  She can take 2 steps on her own, but not very often.  She loves building towers with her blocks from Christmas.  She points to things that interest her.  She's obsessed with her pacifier.  I'll find her in the crib in the morning with a pacifier in her mouth and one in each hand.  She likes to look out the windows and climb right into the lazy Susan.  She's not very patient when preparing her food.  And she loves to be held, but holding her is pretty much wrestling a bag of live, angry snakes, which makes for frustrating snuggle sessions.  She now has five teeth and has hated the arrival of each one.  

Wrenn is 10 months old

Feeding:  We've all but emiminated baby food from Wrenn's diet. She mostly eats soft and small bites of the food the rest if the family is eating. It makes for super messes, but it is nice not having to purchase jarred food...ever again!  We are also slowly eliminating bottles. Many days she'll have only one bottle at night before she goes to bed. We no longer feed her at night when she wakes up. 

Sleeping:  Let's just say that Ferberizing has gotten easier since I bought the ear plugs. This girl has stamina. With two new teeth, nights have been especially...loud. I've even moved the lazy boy chair out of her room to stop all the rocking and snuggling we seem to do for hours on end. 

Diapers:  Still in size 3, although we are almost into 4s. It takes two people to hold this child down to change her diaper. 

Clothes:  Anywhere between 9 months and 18 months.  Not much change in size from the last month. She's in size three shoes.   

Disposition:  This child is the feistiest street fighter you've ever seen.  She also loves to squawk like a hurt pterodactyl.   

Fun Facts:  She's interested in walking already! She walks along furniture, tries to stand up next to everything, and can walk while holding one hand. She knows that socks go on her feet, hats go on her head, and loves to give kisses. Mwah!  She fights with her brother over control of toys. I catch the two of them having a tug of war in which Wrenn can hold her own against her 2 year old brother. Sometimes Durham will swipe her legs out from under her, and she'll stand back up and swat him with all her 10 month old strength. Screaming ensues by all. Her favorite toys are Durham's potty seat, Durham's toys, her socks, Durham's kitchen chair, and cellphones. She also loves her pacifier so much, she will put it back in her mouth in between bites of food.  Her favorite activity is climbing to ridiculously high, mother-terrifying heights.  

My baby?  A feisty one, for sure.