Weekend Fun

We all slept in on Saturday morning. I woke up on my own at 8:00. I let myself stay in bed until 8:15, but then I got up since I knew I would be needed. The girls and I went and got donuts, and we ate breakfast at 9:30. We were so slow in getting anything accomplished all morning. I finally told Brandon I needed to run a couple of errands. He caught on that I wanted to run them by myself. :) I went and exchanged a shirt and then got a few groceries.
Saturday afternoon Brandon washed the van, and we all took part in helping wax it, too. It was a cloudy, cool day, so it worked out well. While we did the van, Sadie found Analise's hat and baseball mit and put it all on. Doesn't she look cute? :)


Saturday evening we wanted to eat dinner out and then go fishing, but we ran behind in getting the van finished, and I visited with our new neighbor for quite awhile. So we decided to just go out. We landed at Q'Doba, and we all enjoyed it.
Sunday evening we went out to the fishing club for the first time this season with all of us. I helped Maisie fish for the first time, and Brandon assisted Analise when she needed it. What a great, special family time! Sadie hung out in the stroller and watched. She would touch a fish when one was caught.
After Analise's first catch, she reeled it in and pulled it out of the water. As she did that, the fish came swinging around towards her. She squealed and sort of tossed the entire rod and reel into the nearby pine tree. Brandon caught it as it went by, but I think I split a gut laughing so hard.


I love this picture. Analise and Maisie both caught fish on their first casts. Analise ended up with seven, and Maisie caught five. We don't keep them. :) I just love seeing Brandon passing along his love of fishing onto his girls. He is so patient with them and sacrifices his time of casting to teach and help the girls. He knows someday he'll get that time back; right now it's more important in investing with the girls. Our hope is that someday when the girls are older they will still go fishing with dad, and that will be a time of sharing with each other.

The girls helping with the "wax off."

Picture Memories

Sadie Loved the Pudding. Can you tell?

Our Little Swimmer

Fun at the CM

Last Week Highlights

For my memory's sake:
Monday was a fun day! The girls and I bought groceries (not the fun part), and in the afternoon I made strawberry/rhubarb pie with the berries from my garden! After swim lessons we came home and ate a quick supper before our company came over. Yesterday at church our college sitter, T, told me she would be in town and asked if she could come over. Absolutely! I was so honored that she had taken me up on the offer of coming over whenever. So at 7:00 she came over with her friend J. They ate dinner, and then her twin sister, T, came over as well. I was glad I had enough food. :) After they were finished eating, they went out to play with the girls. Obviously, the girls loved it! They went to bed late because they were having so much fun. The pie was a hit, and Brandon and I loved hanging out with fun, Christian college kids. My hope is to encourage and bless them while they are here. However, they bless me, too. Sometime during the night I realized I am 12 years older than they are. Wow...I felt old. Has it really been that long since I was in college? Yikes!
Tuesday morning we went to the library, and all the girls turned in their reading sheets. Maisie picked a sucker, Sadie got some new sunglasses, and I was so proud of Analise. She picked a coupon for free mini golf! She's excited, too.
We were very blessed by my BIL who came over and was able to unlock our shed. Thanks, D!
Swim lessons went well, and I love watching Analise improve each week. We rushed home to finish supper, and Grandma came to join us. After she left we had a mini t-ball lesson so Analise had an idea what she will be doing at softball starting this week. It was a lot of fun playing with all the girls outside. Analise is catching on quick, and I am making it my goal that she doesn't throw like a girl! (It's a huge pet peeve of mine. Sorry. :))
Weds. morning was tball practice. I am very impressed with the program; it was very organized and run in a very positive way. Analise is on the purple team. Later that morning we went and watched our cousin, A, play tball. Fun times!
Weds. afternoon after naps we ran to Target and then to the Farmer's Market. I love that place! We got a Bob and Larry. We ran home, changed and got ready for a birthday celebration of a family friend who turned the big 4-0. It was a nice evening at their house with other friends. The girls loved playing with fellow friends, and I enjoy feeling like part of the family with friends like that. Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Thursday morning was supposed to be park time, but since it was pouring rain, we met up at the CM. The kids didn't mind; they still had a blast!
Thursday after lunch, Brandon came home for a late lunch so I could go to a quick meeting at church. I got home at 2:30, and wouldn't you know it - both girls were already up! Analise came home from the library craft time with her friend, B, and at 3:15 I decided to mow the yard. Rain was predicted for the evening, and since Brandon had been my "social trooper" the last couple of nights, I thought I could help him by mowing. Now the time frame was nuts. The girls snacked and played outside. I had Sadie in the stroller while mowing the front. It was super humid, and I sweat like crazy! I finished a little after 4:00 and had 30 minutes to change, make dinner and get the girls ready for swim lessons. We did it! The casserole was in the oven, and we were on time. I looked terrible, but we were there.
After dinner were showers and an "early" bedtime of 8:15. I think Brandon and I both crashed for the night.
Friday the girls and I got some things done around the house. Analise enjoyed cleaning, and I liked having the help. We took a morning stroll around the neighborhood and found a cute Dauschund puppy that we pet through the fence. After naps we went to the library so I could check out a book for myself. I felt like a mother duck with my three little duckys walking through the aisles. I got a book, but I still haven't started it. We got together with family for pizza, and then the kids played outside. It was a fun, relaxing evening!

Short but fun week

Warning...long post.
Last week went fast due to the holiday. Tuesday was "catch up from the weekend" with laundry and grocery shopping. The girls are doing well on those trips to the store. Tuesday evening Analise started her swimming lessons. We are trying another place that came with recommendations. Day 1, I was very pleased! There wasn't much of the "blow bubbles in the water" but instead "let's practice our strokes and learn to swim." She did great! She wore her goggles, wasn't afraid to put her face in the water, and she actually can stay afloat for a short period of time. Finally! The other two played with friends while we hung out. I talked with my friend.
Weds. Brandon went on a day trip for work. He left before we were all up. The girls and I headed to the library to check out more books, and Analise turned in her first finished form. Have I mentioned that I'm not thrilled with the reading program this year? :) Besides that, Analise was given the choice to pick a toy or coupon. Inside I was cheering for the coupon, but naturally she chose a toy. And what did she pick as a reward for all the activities she had done? A sucker! As if we don't have gobs of those at home already! :) I bit my tongue and let her enjoy her sucker. Maisie was very upset she didn't get to pick a prize. We eventually left on better terms.
Weds. afternoon the girls played outside and helped me make banana bread. We then picked up Papa Murphy's and went to my sis in law, S, house to eat with her and the boys. While the men are away, the women get together and play. We enjoyed dinner, and I just love seeing all six kids together at the dinner table. It's so natural for all of them to be together. It dawned on me that a lot of kids don't have this, so I was reminded how special it is. After dinner we went up to the school track and walked/ rode bikes for awhile. What a great way to burn energy! We got home right after Brandon did. He told the girls he had something special he brought home for them...a turtle! They were so excited and loved following it around the grass. Way to go dad! Then mom opened up her big mouth and mentioned that we were a temporary home for this turtle. Once Analise knew what I meant, she was in tears. I knew that being tired was the culprit for the tears, but it was still heartbreaking. We found a container to put him in for the night, along with some grass and lettuce.
The next morning went much better. We played with the turtle, took him over to some friends to share the excitement with them, and then we took him to the fishing club to give him a happier home. I was so proud of both girls. Analise let him out next to the water, and we watched him crawl in and float. He looked so happy. :) The girls saw how happy he was, told him goodbye, and then we left. Simple as that!
Friday turned out to be another busy but fun day. We met up with friends at the park in the morning for a great time of playing and eating lunch there. Analise got to stay longer with her cousins while my oldest nephew joined me. He went with me and the other two to Walmart to get a few things. He such a helpful young man! Analise ended up staying at her cousins to swim in their pool, and it was her perfect afternoon come true! I took my first attempt of making homemade strawberry jam with the strawberries I've been picking from my garden. Despite not following all the "helpful hints," it turned out super yummy! We enjoyed it at dinner with homemade biscuits. After dinner we scrambled to get things done around here. The girls played, Brandon changed the oil in the van, and I got things ready for tomorrow. We then finally took down the crib and set up the new "big girl bed" for Sadie. She was SO excited! She stayed in bed when we put her down. However, at 1 am, I heard her whimpering, and I found her on the floor. Poor girl!
Saturday was date day! Brandon had a coworker getting married ~5 hours away. We dropped off the girls at grandma/pa's for the day. Thank you, thank you! Brandon and I headed out. I drove the first leg so he could get some thing done. We stopped in one of the cities to look for an item we've been looking for for months. It's a whole lot easier doing this kind of shopping without girls. We continued east and got to the wedding with a little time to spare. The ceremony was really nice and Christ focused. Despite the distractions in front of us, we enjoyed it. We left the wedding and went for our own dinner at PF Chang's. Mmmm. Then we made the 5 hour trip home. Left at 9 am and got home 11:30 pm. It was a special time together with my hubby. It was also nice for me to just get away. Sometimes as a mom I get so focused on my family, that I forget life goes on elsewhere. I don't mean that to sound selfish; I just think sometimes I feel like I live in a bubble in my community with my family. It's good to get away, open my eyes to bigger things and come refreshed and ready to see my girls again.
Sunday we went to church, rested in the afternoon, ate an early dinner and then headed to a park to celebrate another full glass of fancy stones. The girls are so excited when we celebrate their good behavior.

Sadie was all about the slides!

Analise's favorite was this seat where she could spin in circles.

Maisie loved it all.

The girls on their duck/goose/swan ride.

Just a sampling of what we've been picking.

Maisie and our turtle friend.

The first thing we did at the park was go for a paddle boat ride...a paddle boat that looked like a swan. The girls enjoyed it, and it was a great set up where I felt all the girls were safe. Brandon and I paddled around the small lake for 3o minutes, and our time was up. The girls were ready to be finished so they could play at the park. One of the highlights was hearing Sadie say her longest sentence yet. She saw the swan boats and said, "Ducky go quack quack."

The new playground was a big hit! It's shaped like a pirate ship, and all the girls enjoyed their time. Sadie took one fall on the cement that earned her a band aid, but that didn't stop her any!

Thank you Lord for another good week!

Summer of Responsibility

Analise with her Chart

I knew going into summer vacation that I wanted to start a responsibility chart for Analise. There were things that I felt like she should be doing everyday without me having to always ask her to do it. I looked around for ideas; I read books; I talked with friends. In the end, I feel like I found what works best for us. I created a chart in a printing program by using a calendar and importing pictures. It's far from perfect looking, but it does the job. I had taken pictures of Analise doing each of these activities, so there is no doubt on her part of what she should be doing. If she completes a task without any reminders, she puts a sticker in the box. I chose seven things for her to work on:
1. Picking up after herself.
2. Making her bed.
3. Putting her clothes down the laundry chute.
4. Reading her Kid's Day by Day Bible.
5. Putting her shoes where the belong. (not in the middle of the room or hallway!)
6. Taking her plate and cup to the counter after meals.
7. Chores to help around the house. (They vary when the needs arise for mom. :))

Before she began we talked about this, and I showed her a contract I had put together. If she can complete her chart without reminders, no whining or complaining and maintain a positive attitude, then she can choose a reward. This too was something I did "research" on. I listed a few things she could choose from:
1. An extra 20 minutes of screen time.
2. Play the Wii with dad.
3. Bake something fun with mom.
4. Play at the park.
5. Stay up an extra 20 minutes later at bedtime.
6. A little spending money for the dollar section.
At the bottom of the contract is a verse reminding her she is working for the Lord and not for men.

I didn't want all the rewards to be money driven. Honestly, Analise is a quality time kind of girl, and money doesn't have a lot of value yet. Week one went well. As you can tell from her chart, she didn't get every task accomplished. Most of that was under "reading the Bible" and that's partially my fault. On a side note, I highly recommend that Bible! She and I read it together, and I love hearing her read with me. Good reading practice with lifetime benefits of God's Word.

Knowing that Maisie would want to earn stickers, too, we also implemented a method of promoting good behavior. Once again I got ideas from friends and books. I wanted the girls to work towards a common goal, to achieve it as a team, have instant rewards and rewards worth waiting for. It's pretty simple and nothing fancy, but it seems to be working. I bought some pretty little stones (that Maisie reminds me looks like candy) and I used a small glass. Each time I catch the girls doing something good, they get to put a stone in the glass. Once the glass reaches a certain point full of stones, we celebrate as a family. I am looking/rewarding for several things:
First time obedience
Using manners at the dinner table
Please and thank you
Not whining
Helping each other out
Maisie likes to pick up things to earn stones while Analise earns her sticker
Sharing
Helping
Those are just a few...the first week, I probably went over the top in handing out stones, but I wanted them to catch on to the idea. Now we are working on 'being caught" doing something that would make Jesus happy, and not always asking for a stone. :) Even little Sadie gets excited when she can put a stone in the cup. Our first celebration was our picnic at the park, and it looks like we will soon be celebrating again.
It's a commitment on our part to be consistent, but I am finding it's worth it. I feel better as a mom by encouraging the positive, and there is less nagging in the house.
Hopefully come the end of the summer, we will all look back and remember what has been accomplished in a positive environment. I want to be an intentional mother, and this is one way God revealed to me a method to use in investing in my girlies.

Memorial Day

Monday was finally a nice day! After days of heat, wind and some storms, we woke up to sunshine and no humidity on Monday. We got all packed up and left the house at 8:45. I'm still amazed. We stopped for donuts, and overall, we enjoyed the hour trip down. It was nice to visit with Brandon about some things that I've wanted to talk about. We got to the cabin and while Brandon got the boat ready, I made lunch and got the girls in their suits...and sunscreen, and hats, and sunglasses. It's never easy!
We were glad mom went with us; we always enjoy having her around. We got on the water about 11:40 and off the water 1:30ish. It was cool enough we didn't need the canopy. We ate lunch on the boat, and Brandon and mom trolled. The girls enjoyed it and did a nice job.
We came back to the cabin so the younger ones could take much needed naps. We said goodbye to S and D who had to leave, and Analise went back out on the boat with her cousins. We were both thrilled. Brandon worked on the boat, and I layed on the deck and read. Believe it or not, I don't remember the last time I sat in a lounge chair outside to simply read. It was lovely! I tried to come in before I looked like a lobster. I was able to read some more inside before family came back from boating. We all ate a yummy dinner, packed up and headed home. We got home at 8:00, and I quickly gave the girls much needed showers. After the girls were in bed, I went outside and picked my first bowlful of strawberries! You just can't beat a fresh strawberry. Mmm! A great day and weekend had come to an end.

Brandon getting the boat ready.

Sweet Sadie boating style

She was excited to wear her new gear!

Maisie is in there somewhere.

Sadie in her new monkey suit.

Weekend!

I caught Sadie looking cute in this hat.

The girls playing with Sadie's birthday toy.

All snuggled in for movie night.

I knew this weekend would go fast, but it still went faster than I wanted it to! Brandon got home a little after 5:00, so that was nice. In fact, he actually helped me finish supper. I was trying two new recipes, and I needed extra hands. It turned out yummy! We then had a movie night. Analise had picked out "The Love Bug." It was the restored version, so it was really clear. Analise loved it; she laughed a lot (amidst all the talking and question asking...) Maisie was tired since she hadn't napped. Sadie hung out and we snuggled and played. We kept the girls up later than I had wanted, but we finished the movie.

Saturday morning we were all dressed before 9:00 so we decided to eat the donuts at the donut shop. The girls were thrilled. We hung out at home rest of the morning. I was in the kitchen getting supper things ready. After naps, we went up to the Children's Museum to meet up with a dear friend of mine who moved to NY a few years ago. She was passing through, so we got to see each other for over an hour. The kids all played so well, and I enjoyed hanging out with S.B. and a couple of other friends that I don't get to see very often.

We got home a little after 5:00 and scurried to get a few more things done around here. A little after 5:30, our Sis in law and friend came over for dinner and to play. They played with the girls outside, enjoyed a "show" put on by the girls, read them a bedtime story, and the girls loved every minute of it! After the girls were in bed, the 4 of us played Wii Resort and then talked until about 11:00. Thanks for spending the evening with us, S and D!

Sunday morning we all went to church, and I helped in the 3 y.o. room. I think Maisie enjoyed having me in there. :) Thankfully I know most of the kids, and they know me. After church we went with the family to lunch. The girls did great, and I can tell eating out is getting easier! Yeah! Sunday afternoon everyone but Analise managed to take a nap. After I was up from my nap, Brandon and Analise went to the fishing club since it just opened this weekend. Analise caught 10 fish! Brandon caught one, but I'm pretty sure he helped catch 10 others. :) A great way to start the fishing season!

For dinner the family got together for lasagna at the parent's house. We spent a lot of time talking and laughing while the kids enjoyed themselves outside. We again got the girls to bed late. It's beginning to become more of a norm around here. :(