Things That Make Me Happy Lately . . .

Here are a few of the things that make me happy lately:

• Caleb learning to say "duck."  He still hasn't had a language explosion or anything yet.  (And he's still definitely delayed in the speech department.)  But, it's as if he's finally realized it, and I can tell he's trying harder, and gets very proud of himself when he acquires a new word.  It's pretty adorable.
• Going on a field trip with Benjamin on Thursday.  We went to the fire station with his whole preschool, and it was fun to help out with his class.  And man, preschool kids are so affectionate . . . even with perfect strangers.  I could tell that Ben-Ben was happy I was there - he kept peeking over at me and giving me little smiles.  But he mostly kept his distance and stayed by his friends.  Oh, and he LOVED riding the school bus, probably his favorite part.  (I made him sit by me on the way home. :)  It made me so happy to see Ben in his classroom.  He didn't even know I was there yet for about 5 min. because he was so wrapped up in snack time and chatting with his friends.  Yay!  And Caleb had a super fun morning with his Gramma and Grampa.   
• The kiddos had lots of grandparent time this week, and I just so appreciate it.  I am grateful we live here in Marquette.  It's not just being grateful when it's the "babysitting" variety of grandparent time.  I like it when family members pop in, or when I occasionally babysit for nieces/nephews and my kids get so excited to see them, or Grampa Chuck coming over with a container of ice cream, or my dad stopping over to look for a snack and take a nap on my couch.  It all makes me happy.  And although we have plenty of extended family time, Ethan and I were recently talking about it and we feel like our own family unit too.  We're not feeling "bombarded" with family.  :)  There's a good balance for where we are in our life, with the kiddos being so young.  I'm assuming they aren't going to want to spend so much time with their grandparents and family when they're older and teenagers, so I'm glad they're getting it in now. 
• The fall weather is making me happy.  So happy.  It's a beautiful autumn this year in the U.P., which isn't always the case.  We're still enjoying weather in the 50's even up to 60's, some rainy some sunny.  And of course we've had some super chilly days here and there too, which I also love.  Hm, why do I often comment on the weather?  It seems like such a lame topic, but occasionally comes up in my journal entries.  I guess it's because the weather and season directly affects the types of activities my little family does.  And that's what I spend the majority of my time doing - raising up my sweet familia.  And this time of year, with the beautiful fall weather, includes my most favorite family activities, especially outdoor ones.  Ok, enough. 
• I had a little "get away" weekend with a long time friend last weekend.  That made me very happy.  Girl time, kid free time . . . what's not to like?  I hadn't seen this friend, Elizabeth, since 2009 I think.  We had a lot to catch up on in person!  We met about half way between the two of us which was Frankenmuth, MI.  We shopped, ate some yummy food, laughed, walked around the town, and lounged a lot at the hotel (had to get our money's worth - Frankenmuth hotels are so expensive!).  Oh, and we did face masks just like the good ol' days getting ready for a Stake dance.  Ahhh, so fun.  So rejuvenating. 
• We rented Kung Fu Panda 2 a few days ago.  We decided that Caleb reminds us of Po as a baby.  Maybe it's his wise demeanor, or his chubby belly/cheeks, or the way he walks, but can't you see him as a baby panda?!  Seriously, you should rent the movie just to check out the similarities.  Too bad he's already going to be a pirate for Halloween.  hehe.
• Anna cried while watching a movie because the ending was so happy and touching.  She cried out of happiness, people!  It makes me happy that Anna Belle's is such a sensitive sweetie.   Oh, one more funny thing about Anna - she is starting to get her first crushes on boys.  It's pretty cute (Ethan doesn't think so, hehe).  She gets a little embarrassed when I ask her about it, but she still tells her momma everything.  I hope that lasts!  
• Ethan carved pumpkins with the kids yesterday because I wasn't feeling up to it, and it needed to be done. (We got them over a week before, and kept putting it off when something else came up.)  I actually went grocery shopping and ran a few errands while Eth did pumpkin carving, baths and bedtime. That makes me happy. Ethan always makes me happy.  Oh, AND he folded some kid laundry and put it away that same day . . . which is awesome because he usually says he doesn't know where the kid's laundry goes. :)
• Anna and Ben filled up their last sticker charts that we used to reward and recognize good behavior, however randomly.  (See pictures below.)  It was good incentive.  We'd been doing charts for a few years now, on and off, but mostly on.  Sometimes stickers, sometimes drawing a star on the square.  Well, now we're doing a slightly simpler version, just because.  I call it the family "Kindness Jar."  We put puff balls in when someone does or says something kind, or is being especially helpful or is well behaved.  I like the family unity of it all, instead of individual charts, and that there will be a family reward at the end, again, instead of individual rewards.  (The kids usually choose a fun activity they want to do, instead of treats, which I love.  But we did go out for ice cream once.)  I love that it's random, and that getting one puff ball really encourages them to try to "earn" others (if they ask for one, they automatically don't get one though).  This is a really common idea in an elementary classroom.  Fill a jar with beads or something, and have a class pizza party or other reward when it's full.  Sometimes teachers take out items for bad behavior, but we decided not to do that.  Neither of the kids have teachers who are doing this in their classrooms, but they sure love the idea at home.  Well, Ben is a little less motivated since it's not such an individual reward - a sticker on his chart - but it's still working ok.  Anyway, yay for new ideas!    
  
  
  

Cousin time!  (Lily in the first two, Charlotte in the middle and Hudson in the last two.)

Ben's Preschool Field Trip to the Fire Hall!

Anna and Ben's last sticker chart . . . and on to our family "Kindness Jar."

Girls weekend with my friend Elizabeth!  So much fun; for sure a new tradition!  (It was a beautiful drive downstate on Friday morning, as you can see from the last picture.  Unfortunately it was raining and blowing the whole way home on Sunday - talk about white knuckles and maybe even some screaming while driving over the Mackinaw Bridge!  A stormy Lake Superior is beautiful too . . . just not great driving weather. :)

Caleb is obsessed with these Mr. Potato Head glasses, and he always wants me to wear them too.  They aren't very comfortable either, as you may assume.  :)  The glasses make him look so wise, though.  Ha. 

My dad came over on his birthday to open his presents, and have some roast, and eat a cupcake, and be sung to by three of his grandkids.  (And he was on his way to a Boy Scouting thing after . . . hence the uniform.)  He is using the "Bear Claw" backscratcher to comb his moustache.  Classic. 

I know I already had some pics of cousins on here, but I had to include these too.  This is Lily, my sister Beth and Stuart's foster daughter who they are in the process of adopting.  I babysat her a week or so ago, and I loved how her colorful outfit and hair and bright blue eyes popped against my white bedding and rug.  Oh, and Lils loved my fluffy rug . . . she's a crawler now, and she didn't want to crawl off of it.  hehe.  Cutie!

Autumn fire in the backyard.  Thanks, babe.

And finally a beautiful walk around Presque Isle with the kiddos.  We were even pleasantly surprised to run in to some old friends at the start of the hike.  The kids loved exploring and being little scientists.  I enjoyed the beauty, family and friendship around me. 

So, there are some of the things that have made me happy lately, including some pictures that make me happy to look at.  Maybe next entry will be things that don't make me happy lately?  hehe.  Probably not. 

Simplicity . . .

It seems like we're always striving for a balance of simplicity mixed with worthwhile activities in our family.  Sometimes I think, "We're too busy; there's too much going on."  And then other times I think, "I participated in more activities by this age than Anna has. . . is she doing enough?"   Are other families out there worried about the balance?  Am I the only one who doesn't want the kiddos very busy with extras (now or in the future)?  A lot of Anna's friends are already involved in SO much . . . they have some activity/practice/event every night.  Some kids and families thrive on that, I'm sure, but I'm not one of those people.  I love the relaxed downtime at home.  I think it's been on my mind alot because last weekend we had NOTHING on our schedule.  Which is rare.  And I loved it.  (We did have our regular 3 hours of church on Sunday.)   It was a great, low key weekend. 

There are so many good things to participate in; how do you choose?  We want our kids to be involved and develop their interests, but we also want to keep life simple with plenty of time that isn't completely structured or planned out with activities.  Anna just started first grade and so far she's done a year of ballet, a handful of "College for Kids" (science based awesomeness on Saturday mornings at NMU . . . love that she's so in to science stuff!), and swim lessons.  Last school year she didn't really do any official extras and that was mainly my fault because Caleb was so complicated, and also because of the whole house buying/fixing/moving thing.  Although I think if it was up to Anna, she'd want to join and try out everything.  Such a social butterfly.  This school year for Anna, we're considering a session of gymnastics at the YMCA (they're usually 6-8 once a week lessons), one more round of swim lessons in the spring, perhaps soccer next summer?, and Anna really wants to try out for the youth musical The Little Mermaid.  We'll see.  We're just going to let Ben do the preschool thing since that's going great for him, plus he's little and we don't want to overwhelm him.  Maybe next summer he'll choose a summer session for a sport at the YMCA or maybe he'll try out swim lessons? 

I know it's going to get more complicated the older everyone gets, which is why I want to always be aware and consider.  Anyway, enough rambling about what's been on my mind lately.  Speaking of down time, here are a few fun things we've been up to as a family at home.  Enjoy the randomness:

We had a dance party one night before bed with some glow stick glasses.  The videos Ethan took turned out cool and dark with little glowing figures moving all around.  Glowing or not, the kids love Ethan's dance parties!  :)  (And Caleb is a pretty cute little dancer . . . or more of a bobber, really.) 

This past Wednesday Anna had a half day, and we wanted to make it special since she isn't usually home with us in the afternoon.  During Caleb's nap, we got out our Fall/Halloween decorations and put them up, did a little sticker/paper plate craft, had some yummy hot chocolate, and snuggled up and watched a movie.  When Caleb woke up, we played out side in the brisk, sunny weather and collected fall nature stuff for a future project.  I LOVE fun, simple days with all my kiddos home. 

Anna sometimes gets to stay up a little later than her brothers.  We usually put them all in bed at 8pm, and tell Anna she can read for a little bit - til 8:30 or 9pm.  This night she talked Ethan in to having some Frosted Flakes with her, and looking through one of their favorite books - People by Peter Spier.  (Awesome book, totally recommend it.)  We love working in little moments of alone time with the kids.  They're so much more enjoyable when they're all split up.  :) 

So, speaking of alone time, Benjamin came into our room around midnight a few nights ago.  He never ever gets up in the middle of the night - he's usually the first to fall asleep and the first to get up (around 7:30am) and he's out like a light in between.  So we were surprised to see him, and enjoyed the snuggles, but were a little curious what the story was.  Well, earlier before bed, Ethan had shown Anna and Ben a small part of The Avengers movie we'd rented because Ben is obsessed with super heroes.  Well, apparently it was too much for little Ben-Ben.  He needed to hold his momma's hand and talk about how the movie was just pretend.  Sweetness.  Then he went right back to bed 15 minutes later. 

These pictures of Caleb J. are on here because my  last post had many photos of the older two on their first day of school.  So, it's his turn, and I love how they captured my sweet potato's personality.  I've really been enjoying my alone time with the chubbs, although it does seem to go quickly.  (Ben goes three mornings a week for three hours.)  And it doesn't seem to be quite as much of a break as I was picturing, since my almost 2 year old is always moving from one thing to the next and is still in the pretty time consuming phase - diapers, snacks, messes, active . . . you know, typical toddler stuff.  But like I mentioned in the last post, Cabers usually watches a movie for about an hour of that time, so I have a little bit of time to get stuff done.  And as for the rest of the morning - it's fun going on various outings with Caleb (although a little painful lugging him around :), but my favorite mornings are just hanging out at home, playing in his room or down in the basement family room, and trying to get him to TALK. 

Final pics - these kind of go along with what I've written about in this post - loving family time at home.  I think the only picture I've put on the blog of the entire outside of the house was last winter when we moved in . . . and I think the house looks even cuter surrounded by green of the leaves and grass and plants instead of snow.  hehe.  I didn't get any pictures this summer when everything was blooming in the front.  Next year.  These pictures show that one of our trees in the back is already changing color . . . and the photo doesn't come close to capturing the beautiful, vibrant red!  I see it out both of my kitchen windows whether I'm sitting at the table or doing dishes at the sink.  We see the beautiful colors from our big bedroom windows too, since they overlook the backyard.  Oh my gosh, it makes me so happy. 

I've said it in multiple journal entries before, but I'll say it again - I LOVE our house's location.  It's right in town and so close (walking distance) to so many things, but surrounded by beautiful woods in the back.  Perfection.  This is our first Autumn in the new house, and I am loving it. 

Back to School . . .

The beginning of September, Anna started 1st Grade, and a week later Benjamin started preschool.  Oh my babies!  It has been such a smooth transition for both of them, and I am SO grateful.  I had worries that going all day, every day (instead of half time for kind-y-garten) for Anna would be a hard adjustment . . . and just too much.  And you may recall that Ben tried preschool last year, and it just didn't click . . . so I was concerned about this second go for him.  Well, we're in to week 3 with Anna, and she recently said out of the blue, "Now that I go to school all day, it goes by quicker."  Yay!  I was concerned the days would drag by for Anna, but no.  And Ben-Ben was so excited to go to preschool today for "sharing day" (like show-and-tell).  I was concerned that he would just not enjoy preschool again this year, and that's not the case.  So happy for my little munchkins.   

Anna likes her teacher, likes that she gets homework sheets sometimes in 1st grade, is making new friends, and gets to walk home from the bus stop all by herself.  (It's a block away . . . and I watch from the front yard still, even though she doesn't want me to.  hehe.)  I feel like Anna is gone at school so much, but the boys must still be time consuming enough because I don't have too much time to dwell on missing her.  Which is a good thing.  Oh my, she's growing up!

Benjamin did not have any crying moments, asking me not to leave, or hard transitions for preschool this year.  Whew!  One year older must make a big difference, and I think it's also going well because he is attending a fantastic preschool, and has great teachers!  His main teacher said that he's warming up, shares during circle time, and plays with the other kids, but that he's one of her quieter boys.  Ha - not at home!  Ben hasn't said he doesn't want to go (a good sign!), and almost seems like he looks forward to the three mornings a week he has preschool.  And he's already telling me about lots of things he's learned at school.  Woo hoo!

And then there was one (Caleb).  The older kid's school schedule leaves me with alone time with the babe for 3 hours, 3 mornings a week.  What do we do with all that one-on-one time?  I talk to him.  A lot.  I didn't realize how overpowering Anna and Ben's noise, questions, and conversations were until they were both gone.  Ah, the quiet.  And it seems like Cabers is becoming more communicative now that his noisy older siblings are gone.  Good for Caleb.  We also go to MOMs group things, the library, walks or park, run errands, or just hang out at home together.  Sweetness.

I have loved how the kid's school schedule has made me more scheduled in general.  I get up at about 7:30 because I don't want the mornings rushed.  We initiated "no TV before school" and the kids don't mind a bit.  (We don't have cable or any channels, so really it's "no movie time" before school.)  It makes for leisurely breakfasts with good conversation, and sometimes there's even time for coloring or books after Anna and Ben are all ready.  I've just been feeling more productive since I have to get up and get going.  Anna and Ben go to school at 9am (Ben only goes three days a week, and I pick him up at 12pm). 
After they're gone, I let Caleb watch one movie in the morning (the ones he likes are about 45 min - to an hour) so I have some time to get stuff done - laundry, computer, clean, whatever.  (If it's a morning Ben's home too, he chooses something to play with, since it's not his "TV time")  After that, we do something fun together for a few hours until lunch (either we have something to go to, or we do our own thing).  Lunch, chatting and nap time for Caleb around 1pm.  During Caleb's 2+ hour nap I have Benjamin entertain himself for half the time (he usually chooses this to be his TV time), and then I do a game or craft or something with Ben the other half.  So I have another hour to myself.  Yay!  I usually prep for dinner during that time, or clean up lunch, or eat my own lunch (I don't typically have time to feed myself during the boy's lunch), or fold, or if I haven't used the computer in the morning, I'll typically do it then.  And, if I'm being honest, sometimes I just relax some too. 
Then Anna comes home at 4pm, and I spend some time with her while the boys play; help her with her homework, get her a snack, chat with her about her day.  And she gets a little TV time before dinner, or time just to unwind.  Then it's dinner around 5:30, family time, and bedtime at 8pm.  Then Ethan and I have 3 hours to ourself.  Ahhh.  I know it seems simple, but this little schedule makes me happy.  I love it.  AND I don't feel completely exhausted in the evenings now . . . so I'm actually starting to work on my endless list of projects again.  Oh, and I've been going to bed at a decent hour too.  Having a regular sleep schedule is something I've always struggled with (I always want to stay up later to enjoy my kid-free time a little longer), but it's been working well so far this school year.  I typically do 11:30 ish - 7:30 ish.  And do I dare admit that during the summer I had gotten in the habit of letting the older two watch TV every morning when they woke up (around 7:30), and I'd sleep/lounge until Caleb woke up around 9am.  This new schedule feels so much better, I hope I keep it next summer too!  Ok, enough with the specifics . . . it's just new and exciting for me, and for such small changes, it makes a world of difference.  I hope we keep it up.  :) 

Well, starting school was a biggie for us for September, but I should mention we had a fun Labor Day weekend as a last hoorah before school started.  The kids slept in a tent in the backyard with Grampa Dew, then we all made a big, yummy breakfast together the next morning.  We hiked Sugar Loaf Mountain later in the day.  And we went out to the Johnson's Beach for a Labor Day picnic and swimming.  Another big event of the month has been our niece Charlotte's baby blessing.  It was a sweet, touching day.  (But I don't have any pics of it. :(  Oh, and another biggie - Ethan took a week off of work, and it was awesome!  It's just so nice to have him around, helping out.  It made the first week of school an easier transition, and he got to be more a part of all the excitement.  And he loves extra time with the kiddos.  Ethan was determined to become Caleb's favorite during his week off, but it didn't quite happen.  :)  However, Eth's back started hurting that week as he mainly took care of Caleb, and my back/shoulders felt better than they had for awhile.  Hm, curious.  (Um, Caber McChubby Pants would be to blame.  hehe.)  Anyway, such a fun week.  Can't wait for his next vacation time.  (So far in his first year, we've only taken vacation days to work at the house, move in to the house, and a few for out of town long weekends, oh and a couple for Eth to go to Scout Camp.  It was so great having a week with Eth just hanging out at home!)   

The rest of the month has mainly been random activities we try to work in in the evenings.  We've had a lot of rainy weather this September, so we've been reminded of our typical "winter activities" (indoor activities) lately:  running around at the Dome, walking around the mall, library, playlands, etc.  We've worked in a couple walks and parks too, in between the rain, but it's definitely evident that winter is a'coming.   Which is fine.  I love the fall.  Love the cool, brisk weather.  Love the smells and the colors.  Love the clothes I can start wearing again now that I'm not so hot all the time.  Love the coziness.  Love taking the kids to watch the home football games down the street.  Love snuggling in the morning because we're actually cold.  Love the kids getting excited for Halloween.  Love it all.  So, happy fall to you all!  

Anna's first day of First Grade.  It was a beautiful, sunny morning, and Sweet Pea was excited to go.  AND she saw her cutie friend, Kate, at the school.  Adorableness.   (Side note:  This is Anna's favorite outfit right now, that she picked our herself.  Her style icons are currently Eloise, Madeline and Fancy Nancy . . . from the kid's books.  So, fanciness, knee highs, and prep school are Anna's thing right now. :)  

Ben's first day of Preschool.  Another beautiful, sunny morning, and Ben-Ben was excited to go too.  (Side note - My dad called on the first day of both and said, "Where do I need to be?"  I think Grampa Dew got used to helping send off the kids the last  two years.  It was nice to have him and my mom share in the excitement though.)

Cabers had to wear these OshKosh overalls that are Ben hand-me-downs before he outgrew them.  They baaaarely fit.  Cute, little farmer. 

I don't typically take pics of the kiddos when we're walking around the mall, but wanted to photo document one of our go-to activities for when the weather isn't nice.  We walk around, they climb around on the rides, we window shop, and Eth always buys a little bag of Jelly Bellies from Sakley's.  But this time, Benjamin actually got something - a Mario lunch box!  He doesn't take a lunch or anything with him to preschool, but this will be for next year.  Since we were a few weeks into the school year, this $20 lunch box was on sale for $5.  Love a good deal!  

Labor Day weekend, my dad had a tent sleepover with the kiddos in the back yard.  They loved it.  And the second pic is bright and early Saturday morning snuggles with Grampa Dew.  Cute.  Then we all made a big, yummy breakfast together.   

Sugar Loaf Mountain!  We hiked this on Saturday morning, Labor Day weekend.  I took lots of pictures, and couldn't narrow them down.  I love this picture - Caleb is pointing to the water and complaining.  It just looked close to him, he didn't understand why we didn't just walk over and go swimming.  hehe.

At the top!  Grampa Dew with the grandkids on the hike, and Anna and Ben celebrating making it to the summit.  (And every doggie they saw, they had to ask if they could pet, of course.) 

Taking in the views.  It was a little stressful making sure none of the kids fell off the mountain, but we all survived. 

We had a picnic lunch at the top, and this was the only tiny piece of shade the kiddos could find, so they huddled together. 

Caleb, finishing up his lunch after everyone else was done.  Such a good eater.  hehe.

We all took turn carrying the toddlers.  We did try to let them walk some, but they kept trying to explore.   Cutie cousins. 

We made it!

Ending with some randomness.  Benjamin still loves dress up - knight/pirate/koala combination above.  (All the kids love the dress up box, really.)  And the final pic is Anna looking through a Where's Waldo before she goes to school.  I had to throw in a pic to document the new schedule.  :)  Also, I think that Anna and Ben knowing that they get to color or look at books once they're all ready for school helps them get ready quickly.  Nice bonus.  I may not post quite as often these days, but the posts sure are looooong.  hehe.  Ok. Done.