afternoon

Life today has been grand. Started off thinking I'd treat the kids to a full morning of television, but shortly after my post this morning, I had to turn it off. The Boy really gets cranky and emotional when there's too much TV.

SO, the idiot box got turned off, and there was widespread panic and chaos. Then, Wonder Mom came to the rescue. Paint was mixed, shapes cut out, brushes appeared, and there was a solid half hour or more of red and green paint all over the kitchen.

When they were done, Wonder Mom again flew to save the day (and the kitchen table). While clean up occurred, trains and books were brought out, apples cut, with the promise of a trip to the library after nap time (I was hoping to catch a little shuteye too, but no luck).

Daddy came home (he was going to be home for lunch but lost track of time, so he pushed through and is now home for the evening), bringing gifts from the office. When he put them under the tree, the Boy heard "To infinity, and beyond!" The look on his face was priceless! Hubby and I just looked at each other and laughed. Four more sleeps, buddy boy!

So now, once I'm done nursing the Girl, here, we're going to pile into the van for a little trip to the library. The Boy told me at lunch that we couldn't go without Dad, so I guess it's a good thing he came home when he did!

this morning

The best sounds in the world are happy baby sounds. This morning I was greeted by an incredibly happy baby. She was all smiles and giggles, playing with her brothers, ate some cereal, and now she's talking up a storm at the TV from her exer-saucer.

The Boy, on the other hand, woke up happy, but now he's pouting because the program that is on (a usual favorite) has a plot that is upsetting him. The plot? Someone is running late, so they are missing what they had planned and looked forward to. This is the little boy who really doesn't like conflict of any kind. (unless he's conflicting with his brother. All's fair in play and rubbing things in his face)

Boy2 is enthralled. I think we'll be doing capes and super heroes later. I also want to get out and over to the library today. Plus I need to make some phone calls and set up visiting next week. I can't really believe the Christmas is really less than a week away!

Happy winter solstice!

random thoughts

There have been a few thoughts swirling around in my head this evening. First: the Commercial for Jack in the Box really bugs me. (The one where his wife buys groceries to save money instead of eating out but he says it's better to eat out)

Second: I wish my boys would have gone to sleep better tonight. (They both napped because they've had super busy days, but it took them an hour and a half to go to sleep)

Third: Hubby brought to my attention the theory that I can't seem to nap when all the kids sleep because I'm chugging back a bit too much coffee in the morning. (Ask him about rule #1)

I wish more people would attempt to eat at home. In the long run it does save money and it's far better for you. I make our waffles now and freeze them for mornings when I don't have time to heat up the waffle iron. I enjoy making buns, and pizza, and soup, and sauces. I even made my own meatballs for the first time a few weeks ago! They were very tasty, and I even used my own bread crumbs from bread I had made.

It really is wonderful that the boys are as good friends as they are. I went up to check on them when I put the Girl down, and I found Boy2 in the Boy's bed. There was a lot of giggling going on. I can remember having uncontrollable laughing fits with my sisters when we shared rooms. It is wonderful to see the bond between siblings, but I wish they'd sleep so they won't be as tired tomorrow.

I probably do drink a little too much coffee (sacrilege, I know). A couple of years ago I gave it up for Lent, and I'm thinking of doing it again this year, although I should probably ease myself into it this year. I don't look forward to the withdrawal migraines. (Rule #1 is that Hubby's always right, by the way) Cut down now and supplement lots of water and teas. I hope it won't affect the Girl the way it affected Boy2 last time. He went through withdrawal too since he was still nursing then.

Pics of the Boy's concert

Here are a few updated pictures of the kids. The Boy got to wear his suit for his preschool concert, and doesn't he look handsome! The first picture is of Daddy prepping the ornaments for the boys to put on the tree.

Boy2 was excited to go out and see people. He's started to put up a righteous fuss whenever it's time to go home from anywhere. Where the Boy starts saying that he wants to go home when he's tired, Boy2 will break down yelling that he doesn't want to go home. Sunday we had left the house at nine and didn't get back until almost eight because of visiting, we went to a Christmas party (with Santa! Best party EVER!), and then we were at friends for supper. Boy2 didn't settle down from yelling that he didn't want to go home until we'd been home a half hour!

I tried the Girl with solids yesterday afternoon. Wow! She's such a dream baby! No problems with it at all! Got out the exer-saucer on Friday, and it was the best thing in the world! Took a video of it. Check out Hubby's blog for it. He posted it the other day.

concerts and applesauce

Last night was the Boy's first Christmas concert. It was so cute! Our little boys who was so excited and bouncing off the walls all afternoon and evening was suddenly so shy and didn't want to do anything except sit with Momma.

We arrived super early to get parking and seats. The boys were so excited, the Boy was showing off his suit, they were flirting with a few little girls (and a couple of grown ones too!). Then Hubby took him to the classroom to wait for their turn. The boy wouldn't let him go! There was both the morning class and the afternoon class, so it was noisy and very crowded. Plus it was bedtime and not in the normal routine, ad we know our little boy doesn't like change all that much.

But he went up there. As soon as he walked by us on the way up to the stage, he ran and wanted to stay with us. He has really good teachers and one took his hand and held it the whole time.

Listening to the bands, though, brought back huge memories! The beginner band reminded me of my first concert (appropriately called "Squeak Night"). Looking at me, Hubby asked "So, do you want to be a band teacher?" All I could do was smile.

Before we left the house, we opened up a jar of applesauce. Very tasty. Kinda tasted like apple pie but without the pastry. The Boy smelled it and said he didn't like it. Boy2 said he liked it, so Hubby put some on a spoon. Taste, taste,....then his face went all funny and he wiped his tongue on hid hand. Oh! The look on his face! Hubby and I could not stop laughing!

A friend has this posted on Facebook this morning, and I thought it was neat. How many can you get?

1. Move hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief.

2. Listen, the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds.

3. An emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good given to the terrestrial sphere.

4. Embellish the interior passageways.

5. Exalted heavenly beings to whom hearked.

6. Twelve o’clock on a clement night witnessed its arrival.

7. The Christmas preceding all others.

8. Small municipality in Judea southeast of Jerusalem.

9. Diminutive masculine master of skin-covered percussionist.

10. Omnipotent Supreme Being who elicits respite to ecstatic distinguished males.

11. Obese personification fabricated of compressed mounds of minute crystals.

12. Expectation of arrival to populated area by mythical, masculine perennial gift-giver.

13. Natal celebration devoid of color.

14. In awe of the nocturnal time span characterized by religiosity.

15. Geographic state of fantasy during the season of Mother Nature’s dormancy.

16. The first person nominative plural of a triumvirate of far eastern heads of state.

17. Tintinnabulation of vacillating pendulums in inverted metallic resonant cups.

18. In a distant location the existence of an improvised unit of newborn children’s slumber furniture.

19. Proceed forth upon a specific geological alpine formation.

20. Jovial yuletide desired for the second person singular or plural by us.

gingerbread

Poor Boy2! He's been feeling a bit out of sorts lately, but this evening he has a fever. Plus he's not been eating all that much. He said his diaper was too tight before it was fastened, then he said his tummy was too tight. Lots of snuggles with Mom and Dad, he was in bed asleep by just after six tonight. Hope the Tylenol works!

The Boy has a Christmas concert coming up on Thursday night. I am so excited! This is the first year in what will likely be a LONG string of years with concerts. He has been "jingle bell"-ing and "gloria"-ing for the last week. The only hitch is that he woke up a bit croaky this morning and this evening. He may not have much of a voice tomorrow, but hopefully honey will help (it's his favorite part of having a sore throat!)

My little Girl has been telling so many stories today! Bubbles and kicking, laughing and burbling. It really is amazing watching babies grow. This is my third baby I've watched as they've slept and grown. It never fails to amaze and wonder. I look at the small nose, chubby cheeks, and tiny fingers and I think, "I made this?" No doubt about it, Hubby and I make adorable babies!

The kitchen has been a very busy place. We did the shortbread and sugar cookies last week, and yesterday we did gingerbread. Hubby has been bugging me about my lazy icing (just making coloured butter icing and spreading it on the cookies). I thought it was pretty good! (When I was growing up we just sprinkled them. No icing) But this time I made the special icing (green, because that's what the Boy wanted) and Hubby picked up some candy. Wow, did the Boy ever have fun! They have to be the most "interesting" looking gingerbread, though. Reeses pieces and gummy bears on gingerbread with green royal icing. Next time, I choose the candy!

Christmas Music

We picked up a new CD the other day when we were at WEM (or the big mall with the pirate ship). It is the one Christmas album that was played and played ad infinitum. My mother played it so much that she literally wore through the cassette and then had to buy it in CD.

Every Christmas when I dig out the music, these songs play in my head and repeat. Every year I say that I should pick up this album, and I never do. So when we were meandering through the mall and I saw it. I didn't think twice, I just picked it up.

You may be guessing what the album is. I'll give you a hint: "Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day. And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day!" Did you get it? It's the Boney M Christmas CD. Wow, do the memories ever hit me like a ton of bricks when the songs start playing!

There are a few musical staples in our holiday collection. Roger Whittaker, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, I think we even have Spike Jones singing "Rudolf"! Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, the list goes on. Last night, when the boys were singing and drumming along, I was so happy! Only 18 more sleeps!

Swinging to the Christmas Rock

One thing I absolutely love about being a stay at home parent is that I see and take part more first hand on the development and growth of the kids. I see the words and understanding come. I see the (sometimes illogical) child logic come together.

Today I really needed a nap. The Boy really needed a nap. Everyone needed a nap. Who got a nap? Boy2 and the Girl. I tried to get the Boy to sleep by saying I was going to sleep on his bunk bed. He called my bluff and said he was going to sleep on my bed. I thought, "Okay, it's been a while, but we can all sleep on the big bed."

Boy2 fell asleep really fast (he always does). The Girl ate, talked and laughed a bit, then fell asleep pretty quickly too. I thought, "Well, the Boy has been very tired all morning. This shouldn't take long." Boy, was I wrong!

An hour and a half later, he's still awake, playing with my hair, playing with his toes, his fingers, everything but being still. He knows and I know that if he gets warm and sits still for two minutes, he'll fall asleep. So he doesn't sit still, doesn't close his eyes, and doesn't keep his blanket on. Oh, well.

I do enjoy watching them play, though. We put together the train set this afternoon, they got out the plastic bowls and wooden spoons and were drumming away to "The Christmas Rock" ( a moose on a Santa train singing the song), and then the Boy decided he was going to make chocolate cake and he needed butter and salt. (I managed to talk him into waiting till tomorrow and we'd make one then.)

They do love their sister, though. She's sitting on the floor right now, propped up with pillows and they just aren't leaving them alone. Boy2 is playing the guitar (a wooden spoon) and bouncing up and down. The boy is jumping from the coffee table to the sofa (again). It really doesn't matter how many times you repeat yourself.

But, despite the frustrations I have surrounding nap time, the days are wonderful.

plans

It's been another busy week in the Macintyre home. Tuesday we made shortbread cookies, Wednesday was sugar cookies for preschool and soup for the soup and bun supper at the church before vespers, and yesterday I decided to whip up a batch of buns to go with supper. Busy kitchen and lots of dishes. Then, yesterday I promised the Boy that we'd do waffles for breakfast this morning, so now I have the waffle iron to wash. Tasty, though.

Part of the plan for today is to spend lots of money. We're going to attempt to do most of our Christmas shopping today. We were hoping to get going early, but the malls don't open until ten. The boys are prepped, telling them the plan for the day, so I hope the day will go smoothly. Looking forward to having lunch in the city with a Great Aunt and Uncle.

I can't seem to get the kids to leave the Christmas tree alone. I find four or five ornaments on the same branch, hooks on the floor, ornaments on the floor, the window stickers all over the house! I know it's normal, but every time I come back into the living room, the mess is back!