Snuggle In

Would you believe we are gearing up for another round of snow?  Honestly, a move to Florida sounds glorious right now.  

This week has been busy.  We have been up and around early, had two school delays, dealt with painters being here and errands too numerous to count.  We are all tired.  But perhaps no one more than Miss Kinley.  This morning while I was attempting to pay bills she was having a mini meltdown.   Now I know why.  I gathered all 30+ pounds of her on my lap in an attempt to finish the task at hand.  Pretty soon I began to think she was really quiet.  Sure enough, she had fallen asleep and she stayed asleep in my arms for more than an hour. 

I was able to finish the bills and then I held her for the better part of the next hour and a half.  I texted with some friends, caught up on a favorite tv show and just relished the quiet, sweet snuggles with my baby.  Who knows if and when this will happen again. I have to soak in every single second with this girl. 

Let's Play

We had our first big snow of the season last night but that didn't stop our fun.  Today was the first Upward game of the 2015 season.    We were excited when they called to say the games would go on as scheduled. 

Cooper and Earl were super excited to get out on the court and test our their team.   The kids did a great job and all of them had big smiles the entire time.  

When we got home we headed straight out to enjoy some time in the snow.  The sun was shining so brightly and it felt so good!   Kinley, Earl and I built s snowman using the snowman kit that Cady and Kyle got Kinley for Christmas.  

Then we took all of the kids and the neighborhood kids over to sled ride at the school.   It was such fun but dare I say we need some more snow!

Kinley and Earl had a great time.  Until they had a spill and then Kinley was done!

Our little snow panda!  That is McKenna under there!

It's now 7pm and everyone is in their pajamas and watching Box Trolls.  I'd say it was a pretty good day and leaps and bounds better than the last two weekends when someone or another was sick!  

Back to Work

We had another snow day on Monday.  It wasn't a pretty snow day like Saturday. It was cloudy and windy and cold.  We made the best out of it though.  PJ's til lunch,  a pancake breakfast, sledding with friends after lunch, followed closely by hot chocolate and donuts.   Then right back into clean pj's.   That, my friends, is my kind of day!

Tuesday morning was downright crazy.  The kids had a two hour delay but we had to be up and ready for painters to come at 7:30 to get started on our bathrooms.  By 7:35 there were three kids, two painters, one husband and a visiting nurse in our house.   I didn't know what way to turn.   Things had calmed down by about 8:30, giving me just enough time to knit a scarf to match my work outfit.   We even managed to make it to the bus stop a few minutes early which explains the picture of us bundled up in the car!

As soon as the big kids were on the bus and Kinley was safely at daycare I headed to campus.  It was a good thing I made that scarf because I had to park faaarrrr away and hike it to my office.     On Monday I was feeling a little ambivalent about heading back.  I love, love, love my job and the fact that I have so much time off over the holidays.  But it kind of makes it hard to get back into a routine again.  

By the time I got settled back in my office Tuesday morning I was feeling so glad to be back.   The people I work with are amazing and working in academia is so different (in a good way) than working for a hospital.   

My PDE document is due at the end of the month and so I went to pick up my student evals from the last two semesters.   

I had to take a picture of this particular one so that when I get discouraged I can remember why I spend so much time with college students.   Comments like this pretty much make it all worth it.  

Monday starts the real work with real patients and lots of "patience".  I hate that it means that I'm not here with the kids and Earl two nights a week.  However,  they always seem to manage just fine and it's nice for them to have one on one time with Earl in the evenings.  Kinley is already excited that Mimi will be picking her up at school on Monday's.  I get kind of sad that the next time I'll be the one to get that big hug at the end of school it will be April.   But I digress.  It will be nice to get back to a routine.  Plus I get to hang out with my friends at the hospital a couple days a week!

More snow is in the forcast tomorrow evening and this weekend.  Looks like we will be staying indoors trying to keep warm for a little while longer. 

Mommy and Me

Kinley and I were back on the road today.  This time to the booming city of Bloomsburg.   I had to get my parking pass for the semester.  I figured it was a good excuse to take Kinley for a special treat ahead of clinical which starts Tuesday.   Being off for the summer and for a few weeks at Christmas is nice.  But it always means a period of transition when work begins again.  It's hard for me to be away from the kids in the evenings.  

After our quick trip to campus, during which no less than 20 students gushed over her cuteness, we headed to Bloom Bounce.  It seems to be somewhat of a yearly tradition as we were there this time last year.  

She jumped and bounced and ran and even made a couple of friends.  It's sweet to get the chance to watch her interact with other kids her age.  She's starting to embrace the idea of playing with other kids her age.   Daycare has been going better in this department too.  

An hour and a half into our adventure I told Kinley to take one more bounce brier we left for lunch.  She turned around and then turned back, declaring she was tired and ready to leave.   Success!   Well, sort of.  The problem with that place is its 45 minutes from home.  Just enough time for a nap.  

We had a great day, though.   Love you Kinley!

Playing Around

We never made it outside to play in the snow yesterday.   The kids honestly weren't interested.  Can't say that I was too torn up about that.   I'm happy to hang out indoors when the temperature is below 40 degrees.  

Kinley made a train while I made dinner.  I don't think she got too far.  She was still around when the food was served. 

After dinner the kids and I played a few hands of UNO.   It's one of only a handful of games that we can all play together.  Kinley often proclaims "UNO" with a fistful of cards, but that just gives us a little chuckle. 

Cooper borrowed a princess book from the library that he read to Kinley before bed.  I think it's sweet that he thinks about her when he's at school.  

This morning I found Kinley playing in McKenna's room.  She had brought all this "stuff" from her own room.   McKenna should surely be up for sainthood soon.  She just laughed and allowed her little sister to continue playing. 

This afternoon I found said little sister with nail polish.  It's of the washable sort and so I decided to let her paint her own nails.  It's good for developing fine motor skills, right!  

On the Mend

I know a couple of cute kids who are finally feeling better!   Last evening they were running around my bedroom and crawling under the covers.  I think my mom said it best when she said, "It's good to see those smiling faces."  

Kinley and I got our hair done this morning.  Good thing I took her along because I had actually made an appointment for her to have her hair also.  I don't know where my head is lately!  At any rate, we are all trimmed up. Kinley's was a champ the entire time.  There wee quite a few snacks involved!

We grabbed some lunch at Panera and headed straight home.  The big kids are getting out of school early due to the snow. 

It doesn't look like much right now but the forecast says 3-4 inches.  The kids are really hoping it's enough to play in.  For this afternoon we plan to tuck in with some comfy clothes and some movies and get some baking done while the flakes fall!

Sick, sick, sick

We've been a little, and a lot, under the weather around here lately. During the past two weeks each of the kids has been through some type of illness. 

Kinley seemed to get off kind of easy and was only down for a couple of days.  Mckenna spent the better part of four days in bed and Cooper is just starting to come around after a bout of strep throat. 
When not nursing sick kids I've been searching for paint colors because I'm sick of our stucco color walls.  Plus, the bathrooms are in need of a fresh coat of paint.  

I wish I could say it's been an easy process.  It hasn't been.  I'm afraid of color.  

Speaking of things I'm not fond of, j had a dentist appointment on Friday.  After enduring 2+ hours with three kids at the orthodontist on Thursday afternoon, I was not keen on being at the dentist with Kinley in tow.  However, she was on her best behavior and the entire appointment went off without a hitch.  Let's hope the same holds true tomorrow when she accompanies me for a haircut and highlights.  I'm sure it's not high on her list of things to do but with Mimi now under the weather, it's her only option.  

So there you have it.  A not so glamour it or terribly exciting blog post.  But that pretty much sums up our household lately.  Nothing much going on besides fighting germs.  That has kept us busy but it's not really much to read about.  Until next time - Stay healthy!

Back In Business

Today was dance. I was nervous.  The past few weeks of tears and uncooperative behavior still fresh in my mind.  Lots of people had lots of ideas on how to handle this situation.   Let her quit, make her go. You name it.   After some discussion with her sweet teacher we had a plan.  Ms. Lauren suggested that we just continue to be consistent and work through whatever Kinley was going through.   Have I mentioned that Ms. Lauren, 35 weeks pregnant with her third baby and still teaching dance to toddlers, is a saint?  She has been wonderful with Kinley, encouraging her and pushing her just enough,  all while wrangling 7 other three year olds.  

Last night we had the idea to dress kinley's new American Girl doll in her own ballet outfit and invite her to dance.   That little trick, along with a sticker chart some candy hearts (don't judge, I'm desperate) apparently made all the difference.  Kinley marched right into the dance studio with her baby by her side.  On various occasions I heard Ms. Lauren praise Kinley's doll.  It was all fairly adorable. 

At the end of class the doll had her own sticker and was invited back whenever she wanted.  We all left happy and this mama was thankful the perhaps we have made it over this little bump in the road - all thanks to our various friends.  

A Proper Christmas Post

I've finally been able to upload the Christmas pictures that for some strange reason were giving me difficulty.   I had a few brief moments of panic, thinking that I wouldn't ever get them onto the computer. 

We had a nice Christmas.  I thought it was going to be low key but does it ever really turn out that way?  Christmas Eve was different this year.  The weather was yucky, Earl was working and we had no plans until 7pm.  The kids and I declared pj day and cuddled under blankets until late afternoon watching movies.   That evening we enjoyed Christmas Eve service with my mom and our wonderful friends.   

 After church it was back into pajamas and off to bed.  But not until we put out our cookies for Santa and some well deserved carrots for the reindeer.

 I was able to get a quick picture after Santa made his drop and before the kids descended on the loot.

 Kinley had a blast opening every single one of her gifts.  The year they are three years old is one of my my most favorite Christmas's.   It is so magical for them.

 McKenna and Cooper both received ipad mini's which came as a huge surprise.   McKenna has been making lots of stop motion movies using hers and Cooper loves the games he was able to get with the bazillion itunes cards people got him for Christmas! 

 We always open stockings last and I always torture them with a few pictures.  This one is a little dark but its the best one of the bunch!

After breakfast with Mimi and Pappy, we put toys together (not many this year), talked to the lovely people at Apple, talked to Grammy Musial, and rested a little in preparation for the rest of the days events with Mimi, Pappy, Shane, Tighe, Kyle, Cady and Blake!   We were blessed with a wonderful Christmas filled to the brim with family and friends.  
So there you have it, better late than never, a proper Christmas post!

    

Dear Kinley

Dear Kinley,

As I write this you are asleep in your bed.  It's noon but you and I are both having a time out.  We've had s rough morning; a battle of the wills in the form of dance class that started before Christmas.  This morning you wanted so badly to go to ballet.  After a bunch of rearranging and scurrying to get ready at the last minute, while finding someone take the kids school, all you talked about was dance.  "I'm not gonna cry," you said.  "Ms Lauren is so fun," you exclaimed.  And on and on.  Even until the minute it was time to go out and "shake your sillies out" you were all in.   Then suddenly you weren't and the tears and sad face started.  This is not the first time for this but I was hoping the worst was behind us.  For months you danced your heart out and you still do at home with Mckenna.  But for some reason when that music comes on at the studio you clam up.  In the past we have waited it out and cajoled you to participate.  There may even have been a bribe at one time.   Today I had had enough and so I scooped you up and brought you home.  Yet still you cried that you wanted to dance.   There were tears on your end and mine, because even though you're my third kiddo, you make me feel like a complete rookie some days.  I have absolutely no idea what this is that you're going through or how to handle it.  At three you're kind of hard to read and you change your mind.  A lot.  One thing was clear to both of us once we got home.  We needed some space. You were probably tired of me raising my voice and I was quite tired of your antics by then too.  I sent you to your room and you went willingly.  But not before turning to me on the steps with your red, swollen eyes and that sad look that I can't forget.  I wish I knew how to parent you.  I wish that what worked for your siblings worked for you too.  It doesn't seem that it's going to be that way.  So you're going to have to forgive me as I try to figure you out.  Learn to push you without breaking you.  Learn when to go head to head with you and when it's just not worth it.   I feel like there is a lesson in this whole dance stand off. Maybe it's your lesson and maybe it's mine.  I haven't figure that out yet.  What I do know is that I love you so much. Always.  No matter how many times we go around and around, I will always love you. 

Love, Mommy 

Christmas vacation iPhone photo dump

Well, here we are, the last night of our long Christmas break.  The one we thought might drag on forever; the one I feared would leave me in some sort of straight jacket.  Turns out, it went pretty fast and fairly well.  We had A LOT of fun.  Here's a short recap iPhone style.  

Christmas morning brought lots of presents and surprises.  Including the miracle of one more Christmas of matching Jammie's.  Cooper will hate me for this picture someday and hate McKenna even more for her choice in snowman pajamas.

We had a laid back Christmas morning that included breakfast with Mimi and pappy.  Stay tuned for pictures during my proper Christmas post.

I put Kinley's new tent together and the kids promptly made use of this fun space.  

We had a surprise FaceTime from Afghanistan during which Cooper showed Jon ALL of his presents.  

Later in the afternoon we headed to Mom and Dad's for Christmas dinner.  How cute is this little man!  

And look, a picture of me with my "little" brothers. 

We made a very last minute decision to travel to New York City for the Pinstripe

Bowl.  It was a gorgeous day and we had a blast sharing in this special day with family. 

Sunday it was off to Lewistown to continue the Christmas celebrations with mom-mom and pappy Landis. We ended the night with an epic sleepover that filled their house to the gills!

Kinley and I did a little shopping with Pap. 

Oh, and throw in a quick case of 5th's disease.  Just for fun. 

Mimi brought over special pictures that she made and had framed for each of the kids.  

New Year's Eve was spent with the Brazier's.  We had dinner at Vic's, probably the first time we have been out on 12/31 in years.  Then we headed back to their house for dessert and fun.  The young girls made it til Midnight.  The rest of us were in bed long before. 

Oh, and I learned to knit.  On my arm! From a YouTube video.  Ha! 

There were many other activities that I don't have iPhone pictures of including a trip to the movies to see Annie, a day out shopping with McKenna and Kinley, movie nights, painting at the Art Studio, a couple of play dates and a birthday party. My house is a wreck.  I gave up on it a few days into the break.  My calendar is even more of a mess and my to do list seems somewhat insurmountable.  But I accomplished what I set out for starting on December 19th and that was an awesome two weeks with my kids. I can say that I was present with them, enjoyed them (mostly, lol) and made a ton of memories.