Oh the w0nderful shrieks that cold sprinkler water brings on!

Sometimes we can wish our back yard was finished but everytime I see these kids using huge amounts of imagination plus a few implements, ie. plastic shovels, pails and rocks I'm so glad they have a place to dig and I'm not screaming about holes made into a beautiful lawn. Aunty Mary, you can see it didn't take Leah long to find all the "girlish" things in that bag, thank you very much! Yesterday morning I had to convince her that it really was too hot to wear the pink cord skirt and tights :)

Four 'o clock

I got around to pouring this bottle down the sink. As you can see, he didn't get too much of it down.

Final round. Different bottle. Four oz. gone just like that.

Ever used Gentian Violet to get rid of thrush?

What to do when there are no toys close by. Thankfully for him she still hasn't got any teeth!

A thought for the Morning

Calves are ten times easier to pail train than babies are to bottle train. Thanks to my brother in law Les I've pail trained enough calves to have formed a knowlegable opinion on this matter. Bottle training bites - I wish they would suck! (I don't think Les could have said it much better himself :) )

Let the Games Begin

Entered a new stage here, yet again. Cody is no longer randomly moving himself around the living room. He has gained the skill of hauling himself across the floor and heading determinedly to numerous troublesome spots. For example, Cam and I were building a great house out of lincoln logs when Cody came visiting and tumbled the whole business with one big swat. I also saw Cam get mad at Cody when he came and took a car out of his line up of 5 cars. I know, I know, I need to get them into the play pen more.

Other things I love

Cam pursing his lips to give a sweet kiss
Cam yelling "buggy" everytime he sees a VW bug
Samuel and Cam making their hair wet with the spray bottle, rubbing "jello" in and declaring themselves "hampsom"
Leah's love for all things girlish from clomping around in my high heels to her "garage sale necklace" speaking of which...

Saturday I came home with a small tub of foam stickers. Leah found them and came to me with the most disgusted, grown up face on, "Mama, you paid fifty for this!!? That's expensive, did you waste your money?" And all I can figure is that she was working with one dollar and maybe our sweet daughter doesn't have a full grasp on the difference between a $ and a cents sign.

I've gone very light on the picture taking the last few days. In fact, last Friday we had a picnic supper at the park and I decided to not even take the camera along. Amazing what that did for my participation in a game of up-the-ladder-down-the-slide-chase with Cameron!

Otherwise, I am trying to work on ordering pictures, back up pictures on CD and continue to love my grouchy, teething babies. I don't seem to get too much done, not even blogging :)

Today was a stunningly gorgeous day in which the kids were outside from 8:30 - 5:00. Not all moments of vitamin D collection were by choice but if they would have listened to me in the first place they would have waited a bit longer before heading out.

This afternoon I packed up the "big caboose" with an assortment of goodies and we went via caboose, scooter, bike and crocs to the park for a couple of hours.

There he...

They...

Were surprise visited by... (Krista and Tyler, sorry I "fixed" the picture but obviously I don't know how to upload it properly after completing the process)

Who brought with them...

And a skipping rope so she...

While they...

Then we ate supper, scrambled about and headed to church to hear an Ascension Day message about Jesus being "carried" into heaven. (Luke 24:51) I am so glad we made the effort.

And that is the abbreviated version.

A Special Holiday

Last night was not a great night. My 3 youngest babies were up WAY too often. So, when Leah came tromping down the stairs at 6:00 this morning I groaned a bit. She laid beside me for a couple minutes before bounding out of bed and, thoughtfully!, closed the door behind her. I was a bit short with her when she came back in at 6:37 to tell me something about coloring I didn't think I needed to know until after 7:30. Then, at 7:00 this sweet little girl came back with a "good morning, Mama." I didn't really want to open my eyes, I wanted to tell her to go away, but when I saw what she was so carefully balancing on a pizza tray, I sat up and invited her to come sit beside me. My (growing up WAY too fast) daughter had made me breakfast and proceeded to serve me in bed!!! She shyly mentioned that since she had surprised me I should surprise her by sharing the waffles and egg with her :) She also had colored some pictures. Some of the ideas, like placing the plate and pictures on a tray) she copied directly off a computer program called Starfall that she uses some times. Some of the other ideas she came up with herself (like using a pizza tray since I don't really have any other serving tray!) Do you know, this was my first ever breakfast in bed and what a special breakfast it was.

After my special, I should mention belated mother's day, breakfast we cleaned up the house and headed to Gramp's and Gramma's house. Les & Krista, Brian & Leanne, Opa, Dad & Mom, Steve & I and all our respective children worked for the morning getting some outside work done. What a job! My parents have a beautiful place, Mom's done a lot of work putting in flower beds but what a lot of work to keep out. It was fun working all together and the kids had a wonderful time putting in some playing hours. One quotable moment was when Steve couldn't get the chain saw started. Sam, who was watching very intently helpfully suggested, "maybe it has a dead battery, Papa."

I was very spoiled and didn't have to make supper when we got home. (I took a short nap instead :) ) We all enjoyed Oma's supper but after Cara and Cody finished their mashed potatoes and applesauce they devoured some chocolate pudding. A real hit.

A couple of Twin Series

It's fun and games when your brother uses you for his foot rest...

Because then you usually get a chance to play with his feet. (Cara's hand, Cody's feet)

But when he starts getting wiggly...

it becomes another matter altogether!

It's also fun to share a single toy.

But when one forgets to share the other has to remind where the toy belongs... in the middle of course.
Much better!
Today was a good day. A little bit of garage sale-ing, a little bit of errands, a little bit of painting, a little bit of odds and ends jobs, a little bit of biking, a little bit of baseball in the back patch of weeds. Sam and Leah started practicing batting today, minus the t-ball stand. A lot of fun, a bunch of pictures and a little bit of video; maybe we can share them another day.

Today's find was a second booster for the twins. My Mom found it and Cody and Cara were very thankful to her as they enjoyed having their own seats at the supper table tonight. Our first complete family supper time. Sorry it's a bit dark but I forgot the flash. It was fun to record this moment but not fun enough to try over! :)

First post supper load of wash is done, maybe time for another load yet tonight!

This is what happens at our house on a crazy busy day. "Can we go play outside, Mama?" And I agree so quickly thinking about all the work I can get done to ready the house for a showing without two little boys underfoot.

I'm not sure why I didn't anticipate this disaster but they were quite proud of their "water fight" totally unaware I didn't think I really had time for the necessary extra bath and wash! Sam probably felt as miserable as he looks as the water in his boots went right up to the top. Cam was even wetter but was more sad about the scratch he got on his hand when he fell.

This is Cam's favorite way to share a spot beside Cara, with his arm wrapped around her neck. I quake in my bare feet when I look at this picture. I'm in for some trouble/mischief/great fun yet, me thinks! They are two peas in a pod and sweet, mild Cody will probably be caught in the middle many times. And then, maybe I'm wrong and he'll be the chief planner and Cam and Cara will just be executors. Time will tell.

Speaking of the sweetie. Can anyone say "Uncle Brian" or am I the only one that sees it?

The promised picture of the walk from the other day. The boys had a wonderful time and Nana too! Sam's liking his "new" bike.

Yesterday morning was a rainy wait for the bus and Leah and Sam marched back and forth to the road, sharing an umbrella. What cheerfulness for such a dark day! (I wish I had as casual an attitude to going outside in my pyjamas! He does it more days than not and never given it a second thought)

And while Cody moves all over the floor (not actually crawling yet but travelling just the same) today Cara started sitting up to play. It is so wonderful to observe their differences.

Ps. You like Cara's socks? She is always hauling on them for something to chew on when she lays on her back. Probably a really common thing and some of my other kids probably did it as well but I especially notice this time around because Cody does not do it.

A few special people to shout out to today.

For the wonderful lady who has spent almost every Monday morning here (working hard to help maintain or regain order) since October 6 and probably before then also; who has not left it to Monday mornings only but has stopped by many Wednesday or Thursday mornings also; who, if not coming over to our house often had at least some of us at her house; who calls nearly every morning to find out, "how did every one sleep last night?;" who taught me about flexibility and how it can ease stress in a busy household; who since I was young taught me MUCH about sacrificing our own needs/desires; who has taught me all this and so, SO much more... my dear Mom. Happy Mother's Day. I and we LOVE you and are very thankful for who you have been for us this past year. We pray God will bless you and repay you with eternal reward for all He has allowed you to do for us.

For the wonderful lady who calls every Tuesday and Friday morning to find out, "what are your
plans for today?;" who has come by many days to either help around the house or to give the kids some love and attention; who, if it isn't help or company I need, comes to stay with the kids so I don't have to run around town with 4 or 5 little ones trying to get errands done; who has on more than one occasion cheerfully agreed to have little ones dropped off at her house for the same reason just mentioned (even if the request comes at the last minute because I haven't been organized enough to ask even one day ahead!); who has taught me about organization and how it can ease stress in a busy household (I'm still learning :) ); who, since my husband was young, instructed him in the ways of the Lord and prayed for him and continues to pray for us as family; who has shown me so much love as daughter-in-law. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I and we love you VERYmuch and thank God for who He has made you to be for us. May He give you blessing upon blessing until the day you step into His presence.

To my dear husband who makes being a Mom of our 5 children a joy. I couldn't do it without all the love you show and all the help you give. I love you, Steve, lots!

I am blessed.

A wonderful way to end the week. Starting a few days back. I mean, Thursday is more the end of the week than Wednesday and I never did share what happened after the ironing board disaster.
Clearly the kids needed a bit of help in the creative department. I wasn't about to donate anymore of my household goods just because they were feeling the cold weather doldrums. So, we had a scavenger hunt, DELICIOUS "Old McDonald" lunch from Aunty Wieska and hours worth of dressing the accordian dolls with scrap paper and glue. A word about the lunch. You do realize the most delicious part of the lunch (yes, take out from Micky D's) was the adult company? A bit of sanity to salve my aching head. Thanks for the visit, Wiesk, it was wonderful!
Friday was as normal a day as we get here...up until 3:00 that is. Sam and Cam had a wonderful walk with Nana after lunch (picture coming soon) and I enjoyed a few moments of what-should-I-do-next-as-soon-as-I-can-make-Cody-happy-without-having-to-be-held.
And then the house had to be showed. Scramble, scramble. Thanks to Krista, Kayla and Tyler who stopped by and with some major effort and hard work (like starting an obstinate lawn mower) on Krista's part we did whip the ol' house into order on time for us to leave for the supper hour. Steve and kids had "Old McDonald's" with Opa and Uncle Jeff and I got to go with Mom and babies to a special ladies supper/speech(?) at the church. A wonderful end to Friday for all of us.
My dear loving husband gave me an early Mother's Day gift this morning and stayed home with all 5 children while I went and explored the driveways of the residents of the city participating in the city wide garage sale. I had so much fun. Thanks to wonderful Trichelle who introduced me to the idea of bartering at garage sales. I got some great deals. A(nother) booster seat for at the kitchen table, couple of ride on toys, neat books etc. "Are you open to offers? I'm willing to pay ...(1/2 price) for that item. Will you take it?" It's great. I'll never pay full price for over priced garage sale stuff again. That was great advice, Trichelle, and I don't mind telling you it took a bit to get my nerve up the first couple of times. One time I even drove around the block before I convinced myself it was worth a try and saved myself $8!
Steve's turn at the computer. Some pictures next week.

Not your traditional design

What think ye?

I'm not a good enough writer to describe a day like today... where to start?

The ironing board is as good a place as any, I suppose. You see, I had just finished telling Leah and Sam that my ironing board was not for general play when I turned around to see Cameron IN the bumbo chair, ON the ironing board, 3 feet UP in the air. They thought they were being nice giving him a ride! So, I grab Cam, still in the chair and safely deposit him on ground level. Only to turn around and this time see Leah and Sam both on the ironing board, cheerfully riding it as it sunk lower and lower. As you can imagine, my cheap Walmart ironing board legs had buckled under the increased burden. Hey, you can't blame it for wimping out. My weekly ironing load consists of Steve's Sunday shirt, my skirt, possibly Leah's dress, Sam's shirt, maybe his pants depending on how long they lay crumpled in the wash basket and possibly a little jumper from Cara. It is an extreme policy here that any item of clothing purchased has to pass a stress test first. I stand in the middle of the store, grab a handful of material and mash it in my fist. If after a minute I open my hand and the article of clothing still looks wearable, I'll consider it. If it has the slightest wrinkle retain, not a chance. So, my ironing board is not buff. Now I don't know what to do with my ironing board because it doesn't collapse all the way any more.
I have been wanting a coffee table.
The rest of this amazing day will have to wait for another time. I need to fortify myself in case tomorrow is another of the same.

Ingrid and Hen were right, there are a few more "hats" I could have added but of all the ones I forgot to mention, I believe the one labelled PLUMBER was the biggest overlooking on my part. Ah yes, how did I ever forget the 1/2 package of wipes I dug out of the toilet courtesy of Cammers? I am VERY thankful he didn't flush as has become a delight of his! Too bad he doesn't have any monetary concepts, I would have removed half of his piggy bank stash to make my point (on wipe waste AND real plumber labor bills)

Sam gets these moments when he loves to work. He vaccumed the entire stair way. My "babies" are 7 months old today. I know bottle holding may not be a huge accomplishment to many but she's had so few bottles and so to see her like this...

reminds me that every day she is getting less and less dependant on me, aka growing up, and it goes SO fast. When I get teary eyed about this I remind myself what a great blessing it is that our children are so healthy. It is not a guarantee. I've said it before but sometimes I am overwhelmed how good the Lord is to us, it is not because we are deserving and the more I think about it, the more amazed I get!

Sitting up in the corner of the playpen, it's amazing how fast that growing up process moves along!

Today I was invited to Leah's classroom to share a Mother's Day lunch with her. Some of the high lights

Listening to her read all the memory verses she's learned this year

Watching her sing (whisper) the songs with her class

Having her so desperate to serve me..."finish your juice so I can go get you more, as soon as you are done you're plate I'll go get you dessert..."

Seeing the playground through her eyes (I even got a push on the swing)

Thank you, Leah, Mrs. G and Mrs. M, it was a special time!

This morning

I am
1) a supreme pep talker - I talked myself out of bed after one of THOSE nights
2) successful negotiater - I convinced Leah to get out of bed
3) not so stellar nutritionist - instant brown sugar porrige for Cam, brown sugar toasts for Sam and I, rice crispies for Leah, rice cereal and the same old, same old milk for Cara and Cody. (not all bad but not really great either)
4)health care provider - changed a whole ream (seems like) of diapers, washed faces, brushed teeth and even I got a shower!
5) fashion consultant - I got clothes out of the drawer AND dressed the kids and myself
6) psychologist - put Cara and Cody to bed and let them wail themselves to sleep as I knew they were tired and they just needed to figure it out for themselves. This is when I went in the shower because with the water running I didn't have to keep track of their session on the "couch"
7)dish washer - well, they're sitting in hot, soapy water if their not quite in the dish rack yet
8) laundry worker - only did some clean up this morning because I'm only willing to run the washing machine so many days a week!
9)receptionist - answered a few phone calls and even checked email.
10) sanitation engineer - moved a bag of stinky diapers outside

And the day is only 3.5 hours old, no wonder I'm already exhausted!

Apparently Cody wasn't convinced because he's starting up again. I better get going if I'm going to wash those dishes, straighten up the house a bit, do my hair and get everyone (and everything) into the van on time to make a 11:30 appointment at the school for Mother's Day lunch.

Few Selections

From+200 to 85 - I think I'm doing alright.

Starting with Cody wearing Papa's hat before work, right past a bout with bubbles and some helping Papa mow the lawn, with a quick picture of a teething girl about to lose her fingers all the way down to some special times at THE park.

Please do not be too alarmed, Cody and Cara were not in any real danger, I was shooting up from the ground!