Windy with a Chance of Indoor Play

We had quite the windy spring here and it has carried into the early part of June. Even if it's warm, we really can't go out some days because of the extreme wind. (Our neighbors entire roof blew off one day!) So, for the first few days of summer break I felt like we were on Christmas break, because we were baking a lot and doing other indoor activities.

A few Saturdays ago, the girls made some energy bars and granola, while the boys had a massive lego party!

Childhood Memories

A couple of weeks ago, Isaac and I hopped in the car quickly, as the dinner was simmering on the stove, to find out who is teacher is for Kindergarten next year. I don't think most schools do this anymore, but Broadmoor Elementary posts the class lists for the next school year, the week after school ends. It was so much fun to go up there together, because I remember running my finger down the list with great anticipation at that same school 20-25 years ago! Truth be told, I think I was much more excited than Isaac, but it was still a fun "moment" for the two of us.

We don't really have any background with either of the Kindergarten teachers, but in my two introductions to the both of them, I was immediately more drawn to one, because she reminded me of my sister, Lisa, with her enthusiasm and energy. I tried not to really hope for her over the other one, but I couldn't help it. Thankfully, Isaac ended up in her class, so I'm excited about that.

It's fun to think that some of the memories that will be created for the kids at their elementary school will bring up memories I have from my time there.

The Thunderbirds!

There are infinite reasons why we love living here in Colorado - the crazy weather, the access to great outdoor activities, the laid back lifestyle, the mountains, and on and on. But, about three weeks ago, we were reminded of another "great" in Colorado Springs - the Air Force Academy.
We enjoy the sporting events there and have become big Falcon fans, but most of all, I think we enjoy the fly overs at games and on practice days when we hear the jets overhead in our backyard.

Graduation was in late May, so I planned a picnic lunch up north with the kids, so we could be "up close and personal" for the Thunderbirds fly over. Well, it was much more than a "fly over." It was a half hour show, if not more! The boys were in heaven! Elyse thought it was cool, but you'll see by the photos, it may have been a little loud for her!

Some of the Thunderbird photos are somewhat decent, when enlarged...

Favorite smells

Yesterday afternoon we were (finally) blessed with a nice little afternoon rainstorm. Beyond the moisture we needed, it brought with it that fabulous fresh rain aroma. I said to the boys, "isn't that the best smell? Fresh Rain?" They both took a HUGE whiff...the kind that lets you know who needs a tissue, and then agreed that it was a great smell.

Then Isaac said, "My favorite smell is Florida."

"Florida? that's not really a smell."

"You know, the smell of the beach, the salty air, the waves..."

I love that he's already associating smells with memories and places.

The Day that Was...just a glimpse

Came home at 4:50 a.m. from a friend's house, where I slept last night to help her in her final days of her pregnancy while her hubby is gone.

Entered the house to find the burning candle that I had reminded my hubby about as I left the house the night before, still burning 10 hours later.

Headed up to my bathroom to quickly put my hair up before my work-out, to find the dog had vomited in two places on the carpet.

Let my hubby know, so he could take care of it while I went off to climb the incline.

Had a great morning hike and jog with two girlfriends.

Returned home to find the stench of the dog vomit had not subsided.

Reheated pancakes from this weekend's "pancake day," got each kid fruit and drinks, and managed to get myself some sort of nourishment while going back and forth between the table and refrigerator to meet all of their requests.

Pulled off E's diaper and clothes, and hopped in the shower with her (after nearly stepping on the gross wet towel covering the aforementioned dog vomit.)

Showered (with at least one child).

Pulled on clothes for myself and Elyse.

"Strongly encouraged" the boys to get a move on with their sandals and swim gear.

Printed up a check for the boys' swim lessons.

Left the house with wet hair and no make-up.

Answered a myriad of questions, from curious boys, in the 10 minute car ride to swim lessons.

Proudly watched the boys in their lessons.

Drove home to change and head to Costco.

Received many cute comments about my two-year-old's tantrum that occurred in Costco due to the dropping of her sample of almonds.

Let the kids sample every item Costco was sampling.

Spent over $60 on a trip planned for "just bread and Splenda."

Agreed to treat the kids to lunch at Costco.

Dropped off lunch to Daddy at work.

Saw a plumber's truck that said, "We're number 1 in the number 2 business" and shared it with the kids.

Joined in the hysterical laughter of three kids who LOVE potty humor.

Drove home for rest time.

Did the "potty dance" with all three of the kids because Elyse went poop in the potty!!

Read two books - one for the boys and one for Ms. E.

Told Elyse she could sleep with her "favorite" book, as long as she didn't tear it.

Left the boys in their room for quiet Lego time.

Folded laundry.

Helped a friend look for housing.

Edited some marketing material for my dad.

Dinked on Facebook.

Did more laundry.

Played with the boys.

Noticed a huge tear in the rear of Austin's shorts.

Discussed lying vs. telling the truth for what seemed like decades after that.

Went to get Elyse from her nap and heard her say, "Don't look at the book, Mom...don't look at the book!" Which meant clearly she had ruined it.

Kept my cool, but disciplined her for being destructive.

Discovered another, previously undiscovered pile of dog vomit "hidden" under the dirty clothes pile in the closet.

Cleaned closet floor.

Did another load of laundry.

Got dinner prepared.

Vacuumed family and living rooms.

Cleaned kitchen.

Picked up family room.

Fed kids, while I waited for Kurt, since he had late meetings.

Finished vacuuming as Kurt read to kids.

Prayed as a family.

Ate with Kurt and played a game of scrabble, which I won, by the way.

Slept like a baby...I hope!!

Some days seem more ORDERLY than others...some days seem more CHAOTIC. Either way, if I can step back and watch, rather than be completely consumed, it's a great chaordic life.