Dan's doing great

I had a conversation with Dan the other day about how he's feeling about the state of our day to day life these days. I thought maybe he was suffering on the inside, but hiding it rather well. He brought to my attention that nothing has changed for him. He goes to work. He comes home. He goes to Home Depot to get project materials. Then he works in the backyard. And that's it. That was his life before Covid and that's his life now. He doesn't like going to the grocery store. He doesn't like going to social gatherings. He'd prefer not to leave the house. He loves watching church on the couch and he loves our empty calendar. So in case you are wondering, Dan is doing just fine.

 

I married my opposite in all the ways possible. So, I'm finding any way I can to get out of the house. I have a new hunger to explore the great outdoors. The accidental 90 minute bike ride last week didn't go well but that didn't stop me. 

I decided to take the kids to a place Mari took us years ago. It's just 15 minutes up the road and very outdoorsy. There's a stream, a small hiking trail and lots of dirt, sticks and rocks.  

In hindsight I should have mentally prepared the kids. Winter loved it when she was about 4 years old which is the last time we went so I thought she'd be over the moon excited when I surprised her with an exploration adventure again. She was not. 

Me: Guys, we're going to a place in Glendora where we can be outside and explore and there's a stream and stuff!

Winter: I'm staying home.

Me: You can't stay home. Everyone is going. 

Winter: Fine I'll stay in the car. 

Me: You can't stay in the car. I'll be too far away and I can't leave you there.

Winter: I'm wearing my PJ's. 

Me: Oh my gosh, get dressed! Everybody get dressed! Wear crocs so you can walk in the stream.

Winter: I don't have crocs. 

Me: Fine, wear tennis shoes.

There was so much more back and forth about shoes and socks and her wearing a shirt that showed her tummy but I won't bore you with it. Winter was in tears by the time she got in the car and she was grounded by the time we got to our destination. She came around when she saw the cool bridge and stream and rocks to jump around on. Everyone had fun for about 5 whole minutes. Then Winter tripped and fell and scratched up her arms and legs, but the worst part was that she dropped her precious pet jaguar (pictured below) into the stream and he got all wet and she had a break down I knew she wouldn't recover from any time soon. I wasn't ready to leave so I made her go on a little hike, still in tears, complaining about the flies and her scratches and the rocks and dirt in her shoes and her wet JaJa (that's his name), and the other three kids were worried that we were going to see a bear like the sign warned. Dumb sign. I eventually had enough and called it quits and we all got back into the car and drove home.

I posted a couple of stories on Instagram that I laughed at later because it looked like we were having the best time ever. Cute pictures and 10 second videos rarely communicate the whole truth do they. Now you know.

On the way home, Winter apologized to everyone for ruining their fun exploring adventure which I thought was very big of her. She admitted later that day that it was a really cool place that she would love to go back to. So maybe I'll take them again next week after the giant heatwave coming to town.

A few days ago, I hiked up to the highest street near my house then hiked up a fire road. It was probably illegal but what a view. I tried to take a panoramic pic but I couldn't see very well and there was a helicopter circling above and I thought they might tell me to get off the fire road on their loudspeaker or something so I quickly walked back down to the legal sidewalk below.

I've been struggling with purchasing things in the correct size online. It's hard because you can't see it in person. I thought this was a regular-sized journal. Turns out it's giant. I still love it. This looks like a yearbook photo. Like when high school seniors pose with a football. Do they still do that?

And I bought 10 rolls of this toilet paper back when you couldn't find any at the stores. It arrived several weeks later. It did NOT say anything about being miniature on Amazon. I put it in the kids' bathroom.

And I purchased a t-shirt online for a 4-year-old friend's birthday and it looks like a nightgown on him instead. Small is relative I guess. 

On to recommendations!

I bought a pack of these at Trader Joe's. The check out clerk told me I should mix them with Tequila and fresh mint. And so I did. It was amazing. Dan suggested I add lime. Even better.

This stuff is crazy addicting. You're going to want to put it in a bowl. Don't eat it out of the bag or you'll never stop. I don't even know what it tastes like because there are so many flavors in one bite. It's pretty fantastic.

Most of my TV recommendations come from a couple of podcasts I listen to. Most of the time, I love them. The show I'm watching these days is Timeless on Hulu. It was on NBC so it's pretty clean compared to some of the shows on Hulu these days. It's about a team of time travelers going back in time to stop another team of time travelers that are trying to mess with history. Normally this wouldn't ever be something I'd be into but I love it. It's more drama than suspense or violence. And there's a romantic element in it as well. It's only 2 seasons and I'm at the beginning of the 2nd one and I've had trouble turning it off and going to bed. 

Another one I love is Never Have I Ever on Netflix. It's a teen drama but it's so well done. It's probably not suitable for children younger than high school.

And one more is Kim's Convenience on Netflix. It's about a Korean family that owns a convenience store in an Urban area. I want to say it's in Canada? Not sure. They are short 30-minute episodes so it's good if you want a quick fun show to watch.

Well, it's going to be in the 90's all next week and our community pool is locked up for the foreseeable future despite my email to the association manager pleading with her to open it up. She probably doesn't have kids. Pray for me.

Happy Saturday!

unboring life

When a mom with one kid sees a mom of four she thinks to herself, how is she not going insane? Her hands are full with one kid. Same with the mom of two or three. They just can't imagine adding another little person on their already full plate. But once you add that person onto your already full plate, the plate stretches and becomes a little bigger. You get used to the added stress and it becomes doable and you stop stressing and being overwhelmed like you did those first few months when you added that new family member. 

I think these last two months have been like that. We couldn't have imagined adding something as unthinkable as social distancing, quarantine, mask-wearing, working from home with kids, and all the other ways we've been stretched. But we did and now look at us. I think I'm okay these days. I'm 1000% looking forward to the day when we can hang out and go out and my little blessings can be away from me in school for a few hours each day. But I think the growing pains have stopped and we've adjusted. 

Kids are non stop. NON STOP. They are constant question askers, mess creators, noisemakers and energy zappers. There's so much in my day that I cannot predict. So many fires to put out. A few days ago Addie was curious to see what would happen if she covered the faucet while the water was running. She found out and the faucet sprayed the entire bathroom. But this is why I am able to keep writing. If I knew what was going to happen every day, life would get pretty boring I think. So, every day, I get in the seat in my rollercoaster of motherhood, buckle up tight and enjoy the wild ride. 

Dan worked on Mother's Day. It was just me and the kids. I wanted to document the day with pictures. I promised the kids cookies if they dressed up and smiled for some living room pics with me. I didn't need to bribe anyone but Angus really. The middle girls got to wear lipstick (Mya wasn't interested) so they were sold on the idea and Mya is always down to dress up and smile for pictures.

Angus: Why you making yo haya bumpy mom?

I received lots of cards and flowers from the girls and Dan brought me flowers and a Starbucks latte on his way home from work yesterday. 

I even received a Happy Grandma's Day card from Addie's baby doll the girls have named "Baby Angus." Winter knows I hate it when they call me Grandma so of course she encourages it as much as possible.

This was my favorite thing I received though.

He was learning to wipe his butt earlier this year but the TP shortage of 2020 set us back a bit.

Winter loves catching lizards. Fortunately for this one, it escaped. So far lizards have a 0% survival rate in Winters care.

She drew this pic of Dan. He's working on a pizza oven in the backyard. It's a pretty accurate picture actually. It has been pretty hot.

Winter always dresses appropriately for construction.

I've noticed that Mya is ALWAYS singing. It doesn't matter if there is music on or off. It doesn't matter if she knows that song or not. If it's instrumental, she will hum along. Unfortunately, we have to put a stop to it some days. It's just too much singing. I know, it sounds like we're monsters telling a child to not sing happily. BUT she's been singing nonstop since March 16th when school was shut down for the year along with everything else. Love her.

Dan and I taught Mya and Winter how to play Mexican Train dominoes. It brings me a TON of joy. My grandma taught me to play so it always brings back great memories, especially when I say things the way she used to say them and no one knows why I'm talking like a sassy old lady.

Everyone around here is pretty used to this temporary weird life.

(Playing construction workers in deep voices)

Addie - We gotta get this wall built.

Angus - Hurry up. I gotta get into a zoom meeting.

Angus: Mom thanks for letting Addie play again! (she was in trouble for not cleaning up her toys before the timer rang)

Angus to Addie: (putting his arm on her shoulder and smiling) - Addie make sure you don’t do everything wrong again ok?

I wish I had a recording device on at all times. These two have the best conversations.

Angus: Addie I have some bad news. I knocked over the trash can. And the second bad news is I fell off the toilet and peed on the floor. And the third bad news is my underwear got all wet and I don’t even know how that happened. (This all happened in 2 seconds)

Addie - Wow Angus

We've been only doing Walmart pick up for the last two months to be safe and to avoid crazy grocery store lines and social distance rules etc. It all sounded a little overwhelming. BUT last week I had a very strong urge to bust out of the house and hug strangers. I was just so sick of being home and not going anywhere and not doing the normal things I didn't realize I loved like grocery shopping. I didn't go hug strangers but I did go to Costco. It was lovely. I was so happy. There was a big smile under my mask while I was walking up and down the aisles. I felt a little bit more like me again. I was on a bit of a high from Costco so the next day I went to Trader Joe's and Vons. Our two fridges and freezers (we have one in the garage) are fully stocked without any space so I had to stop. But I'm really looking forward to running out of milk.

Addie loves it when she's the last one at the table. That way she doesn't have to leave the room to fart. It's the little things.

The girls have recently been doing these latch kits. They are basically mini rugs and super easy to make. And they take forever which is awesome these days. I highly recommend for kids ages 8 and up. They are available on Amazon for $10 or so.

Angus took this pic and Winter didn't know he was taking pictures so her expression is pure. And I love it.

Twitch is getting in on the puzzle action.

Angus ALWAYS cries when he plays "Sorry." He was a part of this game but someone sent him back home and he just couldn't take the disappointment and had to lie down in my bed for a while. I get it. I hate that game.

Angus was getting a little shaggy.

So Dan cut his hair. And now I'm thinking we don't need to go to the little kids' haircut place anymore because they charge $20 and Dan did great. 

And I'm always wondering how he got so handsome. I mean really. I hope he stays cute as he grows up. You never know how guys are going to turn out. They change so much. But he has a pretty good start.

The nearby recreational area opened back up recently. I took the kids for so many reasons. Mostly I was just craving some new scenery. There's a loop that goes around the park that's maybe 2 miles. 20 minutes on bikes with littles. Somehow I took us on a wrong turn and we went on an accidental 90 minute bike ride. Directions aren't my thing. The kids were not happy. But we saw some lovely scenery! When we got home, Angus's tire was flat and Addie got a bloody nose. I thanked Jesus for protecting us on our bike adventure and waiting 'till we got home to bring on the usual crises. 

My recommendation this week is Brene Brown. She has a Netflix special, some Ted talks, an audible series, a podcast and several books. She's a researcher who has dedicated her life's work to vulnerability and shame. It doesn't sound fun to listen to but I promise you will love anything you listen to or read by her. I feel like my life has been changed after listening to her series, "The Power of Vulnerability." I signed up for the free trial on Audible and listened for free. She speaks to men and women of all ages so it's not just for the ladies. She has a big male following as well. Check her out. You won't be sorry. That's all folks. 

Happy Wednesday Eve!

Angus is 5 now

Wow I thought we'd never make it to May. Just a few weeks left of "school" now. Friday was Angus's 5th birthday. My baby is 5. It seems like a big deal for some reason. We celebrated pretty big too for us. We like to keep it low key around here but Angus has been talking about his birthday literally all year, since his last birthday.

I ordered a helium balloon kit on Walmart pickup along with a bunch of paw patrol decorations. I set my alarm to wake up at 5AM and blow up 50 balloons. One popped around 5:30 but no one woke up surprisingly. Angus woke up around 6 as usual and was super excited to see his birthday celebration was already underway.

Mya decorated the table.

Mya made him a Chase mask. She's amazing.

And a card.

Everyone was super excited about his birthday.

Dan was not excited to put together his present the night before.

But it was totally worth the blood sweat and tears. 

Power Wheels Dune Racer. He's in love. And his sisters are jealous. Winter says she's always dreamed of having a car like that. New information to me. She can ride in it so she's okay. It was cheaper than a big birthday party so it's a win for everyone, mostly Angus. No time like a pandemic to buy a dune racer.

He helped me make his own birthday cake as it has become a tradition here.

And decorate it.

Mya made paw patrol cake decorations of course.

The day included lots of drama that usually comes with birthdays. There was jealousy crying by 9:00AM and another kid had a full-blown screaming meltdown before 10:00AM. But at the end of the day, everyone said it was the best birthday ever. Winter said, "Aawww I want a quarantine birthday!" 

Here are some videos of the most excited gift receiver you will ever see. Ever.

Happy super hot Monday!