It was a very good day

Two happy things.

First of all, Mommy got out!  We went to Target.  See that coffee in my hand?  See that crazy hair?  I'm not sure when I showered last but that is not the point.  EJ won my heart when he said, "Why don't we go to Target?"  He hates Target but he loves me.

By the way, we have officially hit freak show status.

We got a whole lot of looks while we were out and about.

Secondly, Baby D rode in the front of the cart for the first time!  Look how proud he is!  I can't believe he is such a big boy these days.

the snuggle schedule

I am only sort of kidding when I say I need a snuggle schedule.  Babies need plenty of snuggle time and I am going to be sure they get it.  On my first day flying solo I snapped these pictures of me with my baby boys.  I imagine that baby wearing is going to be a very important part of my day.  It leaves my hands free to meet the needs of the other kids while keeping a baby close.

I have not forgotten that Lil' Ruthie is still a baby herself and will need some time with Momma too.  She climbed into her baby brother's car seat this morning and I had to snap a picture.

The big fellas are always so busy that I have to grab a quick hug when they run by.  I have noticed that they will snuggle up to me if I am reading them a book or offer to scratch their backs.  Watching them be so independent reminds me that this time passes quickly and I better enjoy it while it is here!

(They are into Lego bricks big time.  It is so much fun to watch them use their imaginations to build all kinds of things.  Also, those things are super expensive.  I need to buy a big 'ol tub of them from someone whose children have outgrown them.)

School time with Daddy

Our children have a Daddy who takes great joy in teaching them.  His favorite thing to teach them about is the Word of God.  He loves sharing scripture and singing songs of praise with them.  In addition to that, he is willing to step in and do whatever I need help with.  I am so grateful for his support!

Baby Blow Out

I am an over planner and over packer.

My diaper bag always has everything a mom could need or want.

Most of the time these items go unused.

Somehow, I neglected to restock the diaper bag with an extra outfit for baby D.

We went to breakfast as a family. 

The temperature during this time was approximately 10 degrees.

Baby D had a blow out. 

A BIG ONE.

Not a single item of his clothing could be left on his body.

POOP was EVERYWHERE.

I had to wrap his naked little body in a blanket and put him in his car seat.

Off to Target we went...I bought two sleepers so I would have an extra one in my diaper bag.

Geez.

This is why I am an over packer.

My 4-step plan for shopping with children

 

Shopping with children can be difficult. 

 

There must be a plan.

 

(Important note: this plan only works if you have lovingly disciplined children.  If you have decided that your kids are in charge then this plan will not work.  Good luck to you and all those around you.)

 

Step One: Caffeinate

It is best if you are at Target where you can immediately access Starbucks.

Who am I kidding?  It is always best to be at Target no matter what.

 

Step Two: Contain

That means anyone age three or under is securely strapped somewhere; the cart or a baby wrap for an itty bitty.  This rule is important even when your three year old is the size of a 5 year old.  What are you people looking at???

 

Step Three: Conquer

Have your list ready to go and make it happen. 

Mess around too long and everyone will lose it (including you).

 

Step Four: Congratulate

Once your children and purchases are safe and secure in the car, look at that gorgeous woman in the mirror and tell her..."Way to go Sister!"

 

"Look Mom! We made your bed!"

While I was in the shower this morning, the older two cowboys got an idea.  (The little one was still asleep)They found flashlights and took up residence in our bed.  They were having such a good time shinning the light under the blankets.  Our bed was a mess but I didn't mind.  They were having fun and I was getting that much needed shower.

When I came out of the bathroom they proudly presented their hard work.

They had made the bed.

Never mind that the sheets were all scrunched up somewhere at the bottom.

Never mind that the bedspread is on sideways.

I kissed them and thanked them for making my bed.

There will be plenty of time for learning about proper bed making techniques.

This isn't that time.