Slow Down, but Don't Stop

I was really sad to be done with my ponytail Sunday night.  I only curl my hair once a week, so I took a long last look.

I followed a prompting and bought Molly a pack of 100 3x5 cards, a box of envelopes and Easter stickers.  She makes cards and notes for hours by the hundreds everyday.  This was just the morning collection.  

I found this picture on my phone -- just a glimpse of the morning.

Nick went to MUHS for his ninth grade day of tours and orientation.  He's going to high school.

Our home school group played dodgeball.  Look at this group of fun kids.  We are blessed to have such wonderful friends.

We are practicing a song for church on Sunday.  I was surprised that they could sing their part without help.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/T5KqSCnKnZmfn3Pd6

Maddie has a new trick!  Watch this!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gStFWDs7RZSWKLvv5

Wednesday we spent the afternoon cooking.  Molly moved her "workshop" to the middle of the kitchen floor -- no problem.

The youth competed in minute-to-win-it games.  Delightful!

I found these boomers on their devices later that evening.

He was pretending to do homework on the bed opposite.

We have 100 pages left in the 3rd Potter book.  Eddie fits perfectly recumbantly on my back.

Morning reader.

The trees of our community are in full bloom!  The rebirth of spring breaths new life into my soul.

Andy competed at sectionals.  He worked so hard this year -- trying a new sport and learning that wins fall along side losses.  I love my very big newborn baby boy.

Austin's best comment, "Wrestling tournaments are way more entertaining than track meets." AHAHAH.  We were there five hours.  Three matches were simultaneously going.  It really was enjoyable.

Saturday night the garage became a bike shop.  Maisie and I worked together in the kitchen.  Maddie bathed Molly.  Eddie and Ryan were hooligans per usual.

To remember (but not pictoral documentaion): I ate $15 in Easter candy by myself.  Whoops.  Eddie spent hours talking of serpentine powers and their games of snakes.  Ryan calmly announced at breakfast, "Maisie has the cheese touch; I gave it to her last night."  I laughed so hard.  Grandma delivered fresh cookies to our home this evening.  I heart her so much.  Elijah proposed to MEG!  They are engaged!!!  Pictures are deep within my phone.  Please bless I remember to add some.....remind me.   

March Madness

I didn't blog last week.  Whoops.  I'll make up for it here.

This is the aftermath of our lessons -- the children ran for hills, because they recognize that their instructor was through.

Our new coucn arrived, after waiting for four months.  I love that the children gather and pile onto two cushions.

I made Mel's Asian meatballs.  Make them. https://www.melskitchencafe.com/asian-meatballs-with-chili-sauce/

Here is the progress on our new flooring after the first four nights of working together.

I spend four hours watching football on Saturdays, plus four hours traveling and pretending that I get stuff done for the ten minutes I'm home between each game.  Grandma and Grandpa come, and I love watching Ryan hike the ball, and Eddie pulling lots of flags.

Tuesday this week was grout time.

Nick and Maddie were really lovely helpers.

This is what my family room looked like mid-afternoon on Wednesday.  Once again the children ran for the hills.

Now that I serve in YW, Wednesday nights are spent ministering the lovely young women of the ward.  

Austin is home with the three littles.  He took them to Sonic for their first "combined" activity.  They are all so lucky.

This girl is reading.  I can't get enough.  Clearly, I put aside all the world and just read.  My soul feels so good.

They impromptu play games often throughout the day.  I try not to referee too often; they know how to play fairly and show mercy.

Here is the room progress on Thursday night.  It needed a sealant, and we did it wrong.  We spent Friday morning scrubbing it off.  

Andy, Maisie, Nick and Maddie all have practice in the afternoon.   I use the time to do chores and prep dinner.  They use their time guilting me into treats and playing devices.  But 4pm everyday, I do need a bit a space, and that's okay.

Golden Dragon for dinner Friday nigth.  It was so good.  

Saturday finished our last round of FF games this season.

These boys improved.  Nick's team cancelled their last game.

Saturday was all about baseboards and crown moldings.  LOOK!  Nick has been the best helper during this process.  Shout out to him!

Sunday Andy took the three boys to church early -- Nick prepares the sacrament each week as a a teacher.  Austin and I walked in with these three.  They were holding hands, and I wish I had captured that, but they turned around.  They are still cute friends.

Sunday we fasted and feasted, prayed and played.

It's permit time for Maisie!  There she goes on her first adventure with Austin.  I potty train, he drive trains.

I found Molly and Andy having the most darling conversation, but it turned sour fast.  Here is the link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uxt4YYB1i6ugBe819

We went to Grandma's for chicken, checker and cheap conversation.

Grandma listens and enjoys.

We love them.  Austin and Grandpa spend many conversations figuring a way to build garden boxes that keep the pests out.

This week I feel better prepared to continue to do it all.

Feeling Feeble

I did not document this week with my phone -- I remember laughing, crying, yelling, praying and pleading.

Andy serves himself all the carrots.  PSA: Make sure you've served yourself before it's his turn.

FHE torture.  Yes, there was peace. No, it was not in this moment.

The master bedroom reno is well underway.  Austin gets his crew together every night, and they work.

And then Saturday came.  Four games of football.  Eddie managed a pick six.  Nick's team actually scored.  Ryan hiked the ball like a champ.

The adult session of stake conference was a broadcast.

We all watched Grandma testify of the new norm including Jesus Christ.  She's a WOW factor!

Maisie helped Austin hang a new chandelier -- it's product name is Maisie.

Sunday we watched conference, sang lots of family choir songs, and played games.  The peace of this restful sabbath day was heaven sent.  I actually recharged (I went to bed last night and checked my watch healthy body battery.  It told me that I had used 64 and only rechared 6.  That was the first time I checked that app, but it summed up how I felt.  What a blessed miracle that I was able to sleep in, pray earnestly and love wholly.  I should check the app again tonight.)

I baked and ate millions of cookies with helpers. https://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-swig-sugar-cookies/

In the evening we went to our grandparents' house to collect eggs, chase chickens (I will train them not to do that next time), eat popcorn, and be loved.

This week was hard because my bedroom is still out of commission.  Maisie explains it as being homeless in my own home; she feels the strain because we kicked her out of her bed.  The meals and laundry still went as planned, but life seemed more painful.  Piano lessons, reading and learning happened, but I was too out of sorts to enjoy.  I will try better to embrace the chaos and just jump on the tramp with the zest and zeal for life like they do.  Oh, I love jumping -- I need to remember that.