That Time Of Year

I'm not sure if it's the many times I've been let down, the disappointment of one thing, and receiving another, but when the weatherperson predicts a snow storm I half heartedly listen.  I don't really believe them. I listen but have so much built up doubt from so many let downs of big snowfall projections and waking up to dustings on the ground.  So, when I heard the weekend predictions of 5: to 8" and 1" to 3", I went with the smaller measurements, inwardly hoping for the large dumping of snow.

It was so lovely to see the snow start Friday evening and continue on during most of the day Saturday.  She  (mother nature) was beautiful as she opened up and continued to release her clouds of plump and fast falling snow tendrils. It coated the branches, wrapping them up and beautifying the newly naked trees. The sight out of the windows had us all captivated, we couldn't stop staring at her beautiful self.

Soon just watching the snow was not enough.  They all had to be in it.  They wanted to run, jump, fall, eat, and play in the this forgotten wonderfulness that is snow.  Can the first snowfall and accumulation, be anything but magic?  Nope.  Not when you are 5, 6, 7, and 9 years old.  White falling powder is magic, it's gorgeous and wondrous, and everything, falling gently to the ground.

The temperature hoovered around freezing.  Wet and heavy, but perfectly packable was the snow.  That meant it was just right for snowman time.  Violette, unknown to me, had a fever and was still outside, skillfully forming a large ball as she worked it around the yard.  Rolling and rolling and it grew bigger and bigger.  That little feverish one, was determined and quietly worked.

Hours went by, the wet snow soaking into their gear, it was time to come in.  Homemade hot cocoa bubbled away on the stove (instant is not allowed) waiting to be consumed.  Sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, brought to a simmer makes just the right drink to warm up and fuel yourself after hours in the newly fallen snow. Despite a blanket and cocoa, Violette still shivered and as I lay my hand on her forehead the heat radiated off.  Yep, she was sick.  I shook my head and smiled to myself.  Amused that my little trooper never let on that she wasn't feeling well

The snow continued to fall until we received right around 7 inches.  With Thanksgiving coming this week, the snow ushered us into the Holiday season perfectly.  Yeah, it will probably all melt this week, but regardless, the season is upon us.  We hauled the crates of decorations out and even bought a small fake tree to set up for the children.  It's nothing special, but they made it theirs. They adorned the tree with all their homemade ornaments made over the years.  Last night I even found Max laying under the small tree, observing the twinkling colorful lights as he look toward the top.  He was alone and he was in the zone, peaceful and unaware of me spying on him.  

Sunday brought sunshine and more eaager children to get outside and just play in the snow.  My yard looks like a confusing game of follow the leader with footprints going and leading nowhere yet you can imagine the fun that was had.  It's a sign of a good time.  Snow Angels a plopped here and there, some easy to make out, others taking on more of a interpretative form.  

The children could not contain their joy as they had forgotten how the sun makes the snow sparkler like millions of diamonds dancing on the branches, ground, and houses.  Their happiness was adorable, and I must admit that the sparkling snow was a pretty majestic sight and that turned everything gorgeous. 

 The snow is still here today and the new ritual of packing up all their snow gear for school has started.  Home will be brought sopping boots and snowpants, missing gloves, and lopsided hats.  Max will most likely lose about five pairs over the course of the next few months, and Noelle will keep everything neat and tidy.  Violette will probably lose at least one pair and insist it wasn't her fault.  I can only chuckle and deal!

Thanksgiving happens Thursday, which means Tom will be home Wednesday night and that means this week will be a nice and easy one!

Oh, I forgot to mention that last week Tom and I met with all the children's teachers for conferences.  As to be expected, they are doing very well.  Max's teacher was seriously in shock when we mentioned that he is our most difficult child at home.  He is constantly being caught going above and beyond in class (for example putting away all the books that another students took off the shelf, without being asked) and will be getting another leadership award for the year.  I guess he gets all the naughty out at home!  Violette has greatly improved with her reading, like we are talking more than doubled her sight word knowledge since September.  Noelle had glowing reviews from her teacher as well.  

It is so lovely to hear such nice things about your children from teachers.  Evenings are very tough for us now that Tom is gone most nights.  I struggle with appreciating them.  I struggle with finding the good through all the screaming and crying and business.  Hearing kind words and praise from the teachers forces me to take a deep breath and smile and give them all hugs.  

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Halloween 2015

Another successful Halloween in the books!  Snake Eyes, a peacock, a witch, and Captain America all went out and came home with bags full of candy and smiles galore!

How Did It Happen?

I'm not sure how it happened, but it did.  My baby boy, Zane Michael, has turned 5 years old! October 19th, has come and went, and now I'm left with a little boy that I once thought would never grow up.  A little boy who melts my heart daily.  A little boy that is everything I could ever want and more.

 

He is kind, imaginative, feisty, hilarious, and unique.  He is a lover of action figures, Legos, and bad guys.  He adores his siblings, and constantly tells me that I'm his favorite.  He loves to cuddle, sleep in just his underwear, and dress up in costumes.  He can do a flip on the trampoline, build complex Lego creations, but refuses to wipe his butt.  He has a sweet tooth and loves chocolate.  He also loves pizza, salami sandwiches with mustard, hamburgers, and tries to sneak sips of not allowed pop at every chance he gets.  He hates to sit and do school work, but will play for hours with his legos.  He pretends not to know his letters, but will surprise me when I least expect it by reading words.  He enjoys watching watching Curious George, Word World, and superhero shows.  He gives huge "squeeze hugs" and we have our own special nightly kiss.  He is so many things, but above all he is amazing.

I always second guess our choice to not put our children into more preschool, but this year I am so thankful he is home with me so much.  Every day, even if we don't leave the house, Zane turns it into and adventure.  I chase him around, wrestle, snuggle, read, cook, clean all with my sidekick close by.  He will go off and play by himself but frequently calls out to make sure I haven't wandered off too far.  I love being with him day after day.  In 11 months, he will attend kindergarten and my time with children at home will be gone, the finality of Zane being my baby hits the hardest when I think of next year.  For now I push the terrifying thoughts aside and stare at my baby and try to soak his awesomeness up as much as possible.

Grandpa Roehrig, Grandma Goodhue, and Grandpa Goodhue came in for a Saturday celebration of Zane's birthday.  Due to sickness, we stayed home and enjoyed cake and Zane's pick of ribs and pizza from a local restaurant.  He opened presents and enjoyed being around family.

  

I attempted to challenge my baking skills again for Zane's requested Captain America cake.  He loved it and I loved making him happy!

And now my days are spent with a magical five year that captivates my heart each and every day over and over again.  

Happy Birthday Zane Michael!! 

First Day of School

Tuesday, September 8th was our first day of the 2015/2016 school year!

Noelle is in 4th grade this year!  She is growing gracefully into a kind young lady.  Tween attitude is just beginning to creep in, but her kindness is her strongest trait.  She is also a very responsible child.  Over the summer I began to leave her home alone (no siblings stayed with her) for longer stretches of time.  She loves it!  I leave her a small list of things to do to keep her busy.  Noelle helps around the house with every chore and goes above and beyond what I ask her to do almost every time.

This year she will be in Mrs. Ayre's 4th grade class.  Already, after two weeks of school she is enjoying a good portion of school, and has a great attitude about going each day.  She does still ask to be home schooled, but that topic is something we are not touching...yet.  She needs the interaction of friends!  She is a bit of a loner, but I see her breaking out of her shell a lot over the past year.  Taking initiative is starting to come easier.

She is amazing.

Max has entered 2nd grade this year.  His teacher is Mrs. McCallum.  Noelle had a different second grade teacher, so we're all in for some changes this year!  Max is, well, Max.  He will always be my child that pushes each and every button available, yet has the biggest heart and can be sweet beyond words.  Mornings have been his strongest period of the day.  He is getting up and completing all his morning tasks with very minimal complaints and helping out Violette without me asking.  He will jump on my lap and ask to be snuggled before heading out to the bus.  After school has been a bit of a battle.  Max wants to just play, play, and play.  The evening tasks, such a chores, homework, and reading are rarely completed without a scream fest.  He'll get back into the grove, it's just taking him a little longer.  

I do miss him though.  I miss the way he always wants to be outside playing hardcore.  Hitting balls, playing basketball, hitting jumps on his bike, and basically doing every "boy" thing that their is to do. 

He is amazing. 

Sweet little Violette is now in 1st grade.  She does not have the same teacher that Noelle and Max had, but a new one, Mrs. Piper.  She was very apprehensive the days leading up to school.  Frequently, she would come up to me and ask to go snuggle in bed together.  Once curled up together, her arms gripping my neck, she would start to cry.  I hugged her closely and she would tell me how she didn't want to go to school because she would miss me too much.  Yep, a complete heart melting moment.  School has been great for her though, she goes in with a smile and comes home with that angelic smile still planted on her face! 

She is amazing.  

We had plenty of time that first day of school to play outside before the bus came:

Zane had fun waiting outside too:

So far it's been a good beginning to the school year.

Zane also started Thursday School on September 10th.  He was very excited and loves going! There were no nerves present, in fact, he wanted to leave so early, we had time to grab breakfast and visit the park!  

The days are much different with the three older ones gone.  This is it for me.  This year is the last one that I will have one of my babies home.  Zane and I will be taking advantage of that.  Going on adventures, lots of snuggles, lots of just me and him.  It's too hard to imagine him at Kindergarten next year, so I am not.  Noelle will attend the middle school as well.  Yep, those forward thinking thoughts are being shoved way down.  Suppression is going to be the theme of this year, ha!  

They are all pretty amazing children.  I yell.  They yell. We disagree.  They push boundaries and buttons.  I push back.  Nothing is perfect, but everyday is a blessing.  

It's funny I just typed that.  It kind of came out of nowhere.  The days have actually been very difficult lately.  I cry.  A lot.  I miss them, then once they are home they drive me up the wall.  My house is constantly a disaster and I can't find the motivation to get it cleaned.  I have this inner desire to do so much decorating and crafting, but I can't find the drive. 

Once I finally sit down to blog about the first day of school I end up finding myself typing the aforementioned comment that everyday is a blessing.  I guess it's a sign.  I need to let go of the little things, focus on the good, and appreciate what I have, daily.