Why Breakfast takes so long at our house...

When we sit down to eat in the morning it goes something like this:

1. Sit down (ok, this sounds easy, but it's not!! Remember, I have THREE little boys!)

2. Decide WHAT to eat. This process is made easier if I choose for them. Unless, of course, that decision prompts someone to ask for something else. In that case, my attempt to be speedy only causes more delay as we discuss why we must eat what is put in front of us, even if the desired cookie is sitting on the counter RIGHT THERE!

3. Say our prayers- this usually goes off without a hitch. Unless whoever is praying forgets to stop in time for Hunter to say "In Jesus' name, Amen". Then we have a little discussion again.

4. Boys seem to be eating well, so I go in the next room to change the laundry loads around. I come back to see some very creative minds at work. The mixing bowl I was getting ready to make bread in has become an astronaut helmet.

5. Then said bowl becomes a drum.

6. Finally I say, "EAT"!!! Two chastised looking boys take a few nibbles and then ask for chocolate milk. I get the chocolate milk while they chew a few more bites.

7. I remind them that they want to play with their new train table before it is time for school, and they hurry up and eat (most) of their food. About this time, I turn around to get the chocolate milk out of the microwave(because it must be warm!) and they blurt "scuzemethanksmom" and bolt...leaving the milk on the counter.

SO, the next time we are a little late getting somewhere in the morning, remember this, and you won't wonder why! :-) Side note: I in no way want to rush them through their childhood. I do realize that these times that are sometimes a bit difficult now will someday be my best memories. It is, however quite funny to step back and look at the silliness that goes on around here at times!

Amazing deal on Photocards!

I just got a really amazing deal on our family's holiday photocards, and I thought it was too good not to share! I got 30 cards for $3.48! SO, if anyone is interested, read on. If not, ignore this post! Here's how to get your cards for next to nothing:
1. Visit kodakgallery.com and create a photo card.
2. You must put at least 3 sets of cards in your shopping cart (10 in a set, usually) That comes to around $27.00.
3. At checkout when it asks for promotion codes, type in tryus3 . Click on validate.
4. Type in code 20freecards . Click on validate.
5. Proceed as usual.

You now have a huge discount on your cards! You do still have to pay for shipping, which was around $4 for me. Or, you can choose to pick up locally at a CVS or Target for free. :-)

Have Fun!!

ETA: These codes do NOT work on Martha Stewert designs!!!

Kendan is 8 Weeks Old!

My sweet little baby is no longer a newborn, but a cuddly bundle who can coo, smile, and reach for his toys. He's still not very good at eye hand coordination, but he usually succeeds in getting a hold of whatever it is he is grabbing at. He loves his big brothers, and they are both able to bring a gummy grin to his face by babbling silly baby talk at him. Of course, it melts our hearts to see him give one of what we call his "whole body smiles". He lights up- his mouth opens wide in a grin, his eyes crinkle up (alot like Ken's!), he waves his little fists furiously and his legs get going like a little windmill . I had forgotten some of these little milestones in a tiny baby's development, and it's amazing all over again. We can't help but wonder who he will be as he continues to grow and change. I'm just beginning to see his little personality emerge. As distinctly different as his two older brothers are, I know he will be an individual as well. Anyways, I am enjoying the "ride".

Mantequilla

We have been doing a unit study on Thanksgiving. So, we spent a couple of days learning about the customs of the early american settlers vs. our modern day conveniences. To illustrate the difference, our little "pilgrim" boy got to make butter in jar.

First you pour the cream in a jar, screw the lid on and start shaking...this is kinda' fun, right?

Then you KEEP shaking...and shaking...and shaking...til you almost fall over. :-)

You shake for a looong time, and you end up with something like this...There's real butter in there!

Drain off the milk, put it on a plate...
...and enjoy your hard work on a slice of homemade bread. All that work for boring ol' butter?? Yup. Aren't you glad yours comes in neatly wrapped quarters from the local supermarket?

Counting Down, Hunter style

When there is something to be counted down, Hunty is more than willing to do it for us. Regardless of if it is the oven timer, the microwave, or time to go somewhere, he loudly chants "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1....COMMISION!!" I can only assume this is Hunter-speak for "ignition" and that he is "blasting off" in his rocket to some great place in childhood imagination.

A Picture is worth a thousand words...

I am completely outnumbered!! These silly guys sure do keep me busy! The older 2 kiddos are really good with Kendan, and love to help me out if he cries. Bradyn will run and get the binky and Hunter will either try to rock his bouncer or hide and plug his ears. :-)Anyways, just wanted to show you this pic...of our not very calm bedtime routine.

Bradyn's Birthday Party

Our little boy is growing up so quickly. He's not 6 for another couple of weeks, but we had his birthday party this past weekend. Since Bradyn's birthday is the day before Thanksgiving, we didn't think anyone would be around to celebrate on the actual day and so we went ahead and had a little party a bit early. He decided to have a "pirate party" and wanted to hunt for treasure. We did the best we could with limited space due to some pretty chilly weather. It was alot of fun for me, and I think the kids had fun as well. I racked my brain for weeks trying to come up with some pirate-like games, and finally settled on a few. Actually, my favorite idea came from my aunt 2 days before party time. It was refrigerator box "boats" and a cannonball fight. We also did the traditional pin the tail on the donkey type game with a map and treasure chest. That went well until Ken realized they were peeking under the blindfold. :-) The kids dug for plastic jewels in sand, "walked the plank", made a pirate hat and sword, and hit a pinata. It's always amazing to me how so much work boils down to something that is over so quickly. All said and done, it was all worth it when Bradyn said "This is the best party in 5 years, mama!"He had missed out on the whole part experience too often because of Thanksgiving, so I really wanted this to be special for him. Thanks to all of you who helped make his day happen! :-)