School

My posts seem to be around every 2 weeks.  And with each one I tell myself "now I'm back on track, 2 posts a week, that shouldn't be hard".  But it is hard, and I find myself using my spare time for other things.  Sometimes reading, other times remembering what it was like to colour as I pick between broken crayons and brighten up my allotted spot in Kaylin's colouring book.  I've helped in giving dump-trucks their baths and have found myself simply following Maddie as she rips my house apart.  Yesterday she dumped all of the bathroom garbage into the toilet and when I caught her she brushed off her hands and piped "all done mommy", I know thats what she said, although it sounded more like "llll ooonn Mommmmeeee".  This one is non-stop, I keep saying the busiest one, although Drew is quick to tell me that I have just forgotten and it just feels like that because she's the third.  I dunno....

Today was a busy day.  Extra kids day.  I love my house to busy, bursting, music playing and stickers and paper scattered around the floor.  My Mom came to my rescue today and brought Kaylin to school, an open house that allowed her to bring some of her school stuff and re-meet her teacher. GULP!  

She starts kindergarten next week, 2 days a week and while my momma heart is happy and excited for her to spread her wings, at the same time I'm struggling.  I like things the way they are and a small part wants them to stay like this.  I know there is beauty in the next stage, fun in the backpacks and school programs but it is a change, and as I get older I discover more and more that I don't really like change. And suddenly those 5 years I had with her at home are gone, far quicker than I could have imagined and I can't help but feel a bit sad by that.  She's going to be attending a private Christian school and while I'm thankful for this I know that within a Christian school there will still be many challenges to face, obstacles to overcome. 

I'm glad that we decided to not start school any earlier, it was quite simply the right choice for our family.  This past year has been wonderful, but now she's excited, ready to spread her wings.  I see it in her eyes when we talk about school, there's an eagerness to stand on the edge of the world and embrace it. School for her is a step to growing up, a chance to branch out and meet new friends, learn under new teachers and home, home will always be the base, the support, the comfort, the love and guidance that she needs.

Jacob's going to miss her, but I also feel he'll quite enjoy being the "oldest" for a few days a week, and I am looking forward to spending some more time with him while Maddie naps.

And while I may not love change I know that things can't always stay the same.  Life moves on and we grow, we stretch and we learn new things, and after I shed a few tears when she leaves on her first day I know it will be good!

Together

Saturday found my house filled, kids everywhere, crumbs and sippy cups littering the floors.  A simple bbq, 4 families, 10 kids and 8 adults, and the families are growing, the presence of 3 more beginning to show in the rounded bellies of my friends.

And yet, despite the chaos, the noise, the rain that kept us from being able to spill outdoors there was something beautiful.  Being in this together.  Watching other moms and dads wipe faces and clean up spills and stop another head from getting banged by some toy.  Conversations that stopped and started depending on kids needs.

Building memories.  During the loading of dishwasher I escaped to see what was happening in the girls room.   Sprawled on the floor were the oldest 4 girls, breaking from their princess play to colour.

Watching them giggle, talk, form friendships.

Having a bursting house that was rather small for all these people, making the most despite the rain.

And finally, when the coffee pot was on and the dinner plates tucked back away, bowls filled with popcorn and movie put on, we hoped for a bit of uninterrupted adult conversation.

Which, by the way worked only for the oldest 4 who watched Horton Hears a Who rather intently, the 4 oldest ones who would have kept themselves busy regardless of a movie.  The little ones found sitting for a movie rather boring and so our conversations remained scattered.  There is chaos when there is a gathering of more kids than adults.  This stage, it is fleeting and these kids will grow, and when we look back on pictures like this we'll laugh and remember what it was like being all together.

Back to Reality

Reality is here. Drew's back at work, the kids are back to their normal routine, though somewhat grumpy for it.  We made the trek across the border to enjoy the wilderness of Allegany State Park, a week with no indoor plumbing, no computers, no phones, no tv, no noise.  Actually there was noise, but a different noise.  A noise of kids running and playing, and crying, the noise of parents calling to their kids, a restful noise of wind and trees and the smell of fresh air.  I love spending time in the woods, its a time for me to take a break and step back.  It shifts my perspective.  The home that we left was beginning to feel cramped, the parts that were still undone were bothering me.  I came home to a home that felt cozy and comfortable.  A home that offered all the comforts that I did miss when we gone and I was thankful. Content. Thankful for what I had after a week of doing without. 

 A week away is a blessing.  Time spent with family, cousins playing and finding toads beside the cabins.

Catching a ride in the back of Opa's truck.

Trying to get a brother/sister pose,  they were in no mood for hugging, or standing close.

Rides on Daddy's shoulders.

An attempt of a mother/children picture.  Jacob's face kills me!

Seeing creation through the eyes of kids.

Time to run and catch bubbles.

Attempt no. 1 at riding a big girl bike (training wheels are back on, she was rather mad that she couldn't do it after the first day and we decided to just let her have fun on the bike).

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It was fun.  I feel refreshed and motivated to simplify life.  I'm in the midst of attacking closets and kids toys, and when I came back I discovered that I won coconut oil from LeAnna.  I'm quite passionate about the uses of coconut oil so I'm excited to replenish my cupboard.  LeAnna is the blogger of Thoughts and Whatnots and wrote some great tips about some benefits/uses, you should check it out!  

Adios!