Sundays

Today my children amazed me... in a good way.  Sundays usually run like this:  early mornings (as usual) , getting breakfast - feed the crazy now whining children, locate clothing for self and children (may be in several different places)/eat breakfast myself , chase children around the house attempting to put on clothing/get ready myself - while I was doing all this my husband Mark was also getting ready and packing (snacks/lunch/diapers) the diaper bag , then we both put on shoes and coats/finish dressing children and get the kids in the van strapping them down in their car seats.  On the way to church we catch our breath.

When we get to church we follow our energetic children around until "singing time" starts.  Then we attempt to herd them in the general area/ enjoy the praise and worship songs.  Normally they cannot sit or stand still for longer then 3 seconds.  I look at other families that have children around the same ages as ours sitting quietly or standing watching the adults sing.  I see those kids and I think " what on earth happened to ours???" .  Our children dance/run/look for trouble to get into while the praise and worship goes on, then they impatiently "wait" (meaning us holding them back from running to the front) while announcements are being made.  Finally it is "Pray to Jesus time" (pastor prays with the kids before sending them off to classes/nursery) and we can finally sit down to relax and listen to the teaching (assuming our children have settled down in the nursery without to much screaming).  

After church we visit Mark's mom and step-father for a few hours.  By this time our children have missed their lunch and nap (Sarah and Abby still nap) and are barely functional for a good visit.  We feed them and then take them home when they start crying ... about everything. All of this is exhausting and I look forward to the day when Sundays can be a little more normal.  The funny thing is - they love church aka "singing time"  and even the tiring visit to "grandma with Angel" (Angel is the name of her dog).

Today Mark lead praise and worship.  I was not looking forward to getting them ready myself while Mark looked for songs to sing in the morning, leaving earlier so Mark can practice with the other members of the team, chasing them/herding them around myself while praise and worship is going on.  I was feeling very tired and sore (Hannah growing again).  But all that changed to "amazing" - Mark finished his prep work on time to help get the kids ready.  Nathan and Sarah actually listened to me while I was monitoring them before the service started.  Abby fell asleep for the entire service and Nathan and Sarah stayed in one spot during praise and worship!  What ever else happened after that was dulled in comparison (except for having friends over and wearing out our kids)- not having to chase them around was just so amazing... until Nathan got out of the tub and promptly put the kid potty lid on the big toilet , sat down and did a poop!  I've talking to him about toilet training , read books and tried a few times (with big messes as a result) and now he just up and does it , no prompting  required :) .  I had a feeling it would be like that with him- he does things in his own time.    I hope I can get him to continue this - not quite sure how yet.

Here is my big boy , and that was my Sunday.

March 20 2013

I finally have my own computer at home now- so now hopefully I can keep up to date on this thing.  The days have been fairly typical and busy.  I am now about 5-6 months along in my forth pregnancy.  The baby will be a girl (as far as we know)  and we have picked out the name Hannah Grace Hawkins.  I would have liked another boy but either sex is welcome in our home. I think this pregnancy will go quickly as I am too busy most of the time to even remember that I am pregnant - excluding the times where I accidently  turn on the washing/drying machine with my growing belly, or find some food stuck there.

Today was full of kids spilling food/juice all over the floor.  I don't know why but the cups never ever end up in  a standing position like they are supposed to be.  Most of our spill proof cups are no longer spill proof.  Those cups are expensive!  This morning Sarah slipped on some juice that had leaked out of a cup.  I quickly mopped it up (Abby helped using her hands) and Sarah promptly slipped again. I made her sit on a chair with a blanket until I had swept and mopped the floor.  Nathan and Sarah (mostly Sarah) also trip on the blankets and pillows from the couch that they are forever throwing on the floor.  Abby mostly gets stuck on the blankets as she crawls now.

I'm trying to think of crafts/projects to do with the kids to break up the TV watching a bit.  Its hard to find things to do with 3 kids under 3 without resulting in a giant mess after about 5 minutes.  I smile at the suggestions I find on the internet that claim to keep your toddler entertained for "hours" - the longest they can pay attention to something is about 15 minutes (usually less).  I was happy to finally have cleared off the counter enough so I could wipe it this morning (its been a few days)- I didn't want to clean up a craft mess....so no craft today.

Abby has just celebrated her first birthday.  Its hard to believe a whole year has gone by already, and yet its not.  Abby can do so many things now - she can feed herself , is starting to talk, climbs stairs and is starting to be her own person.   She is so darn cute :)

Nathan , Sarah and Abby

I've decided to start writing a blog for you three or perhaps for me ... So much happens during the day that I don't want to forget. Writing on here is easier then hand writing for me at this time and I can add pictures :)
I also realize that having three children under three is not something most people do so I have a unique experience to share. 

Dec. 02, 2012

The past few days have been filled with coughing, snotty noses, some vomit, fevers and sleepless nights.  I don't know why but when you all get sick it just happens to be the time Abby is teething and so EVERYONE is miserable.  Yesterday we hired Elizabeth your babysitter to come with us to cut down our Christmas tree.  We went to Coppola's Tree farm for the first time.  They seemed to have the experience we wanted.  Nathan you loved the tractor ride - bouncing up and down in your seat.  Abby I was completely unprepared for you - I should have brought something warmer for you to wear. The weather was so nice and sunny - but there was a cool breeze while riding behind the tractor.  We looked for our tree and didn't take too long as you Nathan were running around falling flat on your face as you tripped over stumps.  Elizabeth was holding Sarah so Dad had to run across the field to get you when you decided to go a-wall.  It was a good day :)  I saw a fire pit with stumps around it to sit on that will be fun when you three get a little older.  It was very nice to get outside. 

Today we made it to church without any hassle - Nathan and Sarah - you were excited for "singing time" and enjoyed it mostly staying in the auditorium where the service was held. As soon as it was nursery time Nathan decided he was not feeling so well.  We ended up going home and you all got your nap that you miss every Sunday.  Earlier this morning I was trying to get you three to eat something as you have not eaten well for the past three days. I made some smoothies  - Sarah you really liked it and walked around holding your cup.  When you went upstairs with your dad you put your cup (still half filled with smoothie) on the floor.  I guess that seemed like a good enough place for you , but you forgot about your army crawling sister Abby.  Abby you literately rolled in that stuff you may have even got some in your mouth  :)  Needless to say I did not skip your bath tonight Abby