Six.... A a 1/2K marathon

Six is the number of children i had in my home today.  Not with there mother there but by myself.  They ranged in age from 1 to 7.  5 boys 1 girls, thank heaven for that sweet girl...even if she didn't know it i felt like i had someone on my team.  When their dad dropped them off so he could be with his wife for an appointment i thought... i've got this... 

Then the youngest had to be peeled from his fathers arms screaming and crying.  I thought... think Mary Beth think you've done this before and you're pretty darn good with kids.  I then decided a distraction was in need, i tried toys, food then dad came back through the door... Really dad, GET OUT!  Finally after some quick thinking i had everyone calm and playing peacefully.  As i sat on the floor playing with the kids singing songs, building blocks i felt completely in my element.  I had one sweet girl draped over my shoulders singing her own song and boys riding  plasma cars all around me.  We even had a dance party, and everyone participated even the reluctant 7 year old.  These are the moments i love about being a mom and spending time with young children.

Emmy was tired from helping me with all the boys :)

 

Yesterday Josiah had his 1/2K.  Yes just a 1/2K, they're 3,4 and 5 what do you expect?  Each class came up with a team name and created a poster.  They stretched before and even said the pledge.  Josiah did amazing and he even received a ribbon.  Its a tad bitter sweet because this is his last run at pre-school.  Next year he's off to Kindergarten.  My sweet boys are growing so fast.

Moms New Helper...yes lotion

The day is coming to an end as usual.  We follow pretty much the same routine ever night.  With that being said i try to throw in a curve ball every once in awhile.  I know, i'm totally wild with the once in awhile bubble bath (i normally shower them).  In my defense let me just describe the state of the bathroom after bath time.  Imagine three boys in one tub, now this is not your average tub but a nice big tub (still not enough for three boys)  The boys swim, jump in over the edge and splash beyond imagination.  When they are finished there is more water on the floor, ceiling and door than is left in the tub. I actually sit in the doorway to avoid getting wet myself.  I'm close enough that if they need me i'm there but prefer to stay dry. The boys are completely wrinkled and have no desire to get out. Once i finally convince them to get out comes the tricky task.  Applying lotion to three boys who have no desire to stand still long enough for me to rub the lotion in.  A few months ago while i was visiting my sister i saw she had some spray lotion i asked how she liked it.  She said she loved it, i didn't really think about it again until today.  I was wondering the aisles of target... what women doesn't LOVE target? I saw the lotion sitting there on the shelf and thought to myself... i'm sure the boys would love to be 'laser sprayed' with lotion.  So tonight after the boys finished their bath (yes i let them have a bubble bath tonight) I tried the new spray lotion.  It was a huge hit... i totally recommend it.  I do wish a few other brands would come out with a similar product. 

 Before bed the boys and i enjoy playing games and puzzles.  Their new love is chess.  Now, I'm going to be honest i have no clue what I'm doing and learning as i go.  Micah always offers tips but the reality is that hes just setting it up so he can win...  In time I'm going to remember all the rules and know what I'm really doing :)  Watch out boys!

Mystery Reader

Today i had the pleasure of being the Mystery reader in Micah's class.  I borrowed a book from a neighbor so it would be a new book to Micah too.  When Micah came to the office to pick up the mystery reader he was very surprised to see me waiting for him.  He said, hey mom why didn't you tell me that you were going to be the mystery reader in my class today?  Silly boy then it wouldn't be a mystery :)
The kids loved the book and had lots of questions to ask and even shared their own opinions. 

Drop Off and Pick Ups

Drop off and Pick up's are some of the funniest moments in my day.  It all begins at 7:50 when i start to pile three small people into the car.  Everyone have their school bag, coat, hat, gloves...check, check, check, check.  I check everyone's buckles (Josiah usually has to give me a kiss before i climb into the drivers seat) We start to pull out of the garage only to discover we forgot something.  Eventually we are on our way and demands are being made about which song should be played, and how loud. 
We arrive at our first stop about 8:15.  We get into the drop off line.  I get out of the car and help Josiah and Noah into their coats.  Almost everyday Josiah has to suddenly go to the bathroom, so the resourceful mother that i am i grab a bag and yes you guessed it he pees in the bag.  I get everyone set and get back into the driver seat. This is usually when the real monkey business starts.  The boys are throwing things at one another laughing and joking the whole time. Most morning we pull up and Josiah joyfully goes... Noah on the other hand has to be pulled from the car kicking and screaming. I start to pull away as the door is still open, Micah of course is asking me if it is legal to drive with the door open.  No son i had to move it, we've held up the line long enough.
We arrive at our second stop about 8:40.  I rush Micah as quickly as he'll move to get his coat and gear together.  We usually get out with just a minute or two before the bus arrives.  When it was warmed i would stand and gab with the other moms, now with the cold i wave and quickly return to my car.  I sit in the drivers seat in a relief that once again out morning was a success without to much drama.
Usually Pre-school pick up is pretty uneventful except for the darn button the open the door.  Everyone needs a change to push it before we can leave.  (I've actually decided we're exiting out the back door to avoid this drama)
Then you have Bus pick-up.  I usually stop by my neighbor Sarah's house to give her a ride.  We shake it off the whole 5 house drive :)  We wait in the car these days until the bus stops because its so cold.  Thats when the real crazy begins.  Kids start to unload left and right.  I thankfully have just one to wrangle... My neighbor has 4.  Kids are crossing Skylane (which can be busy with high school drivers at this time) i think probably 16 kids get off at this stop.  it's pure kayos.  I just laugh the whole time. 
I'm ready for some warm weather so we can walk to the bus stop again... a little over 6 months and ill be putting Josiah on the bus too.

It's just how we roll

Girls Night Out

So last night a few friends and i decided it was time for a night out.  Our nights out really aren't that exciting, since were all mothers to young children.  We're always in before 10 usually spend our time talking about our children.  Last night we decided to go see a movie... yes you know the movie i'm talking about.  Lets just say you would not have liked sitting in the theater with the 4 of us.  We had a great time laughing and cracking jokes.  The leader of this of course was none other than Cassie (also known as the mother to the child who 'saw' my bottom)  Some how we had a sort of telephone game going the entire movie.  Cassie would have something to say and tell me to pass it on and so on.  It was really very entertaining, at least for us.  I feel so blessed to have these women in my life to call friends, they have really brought me through some dark times and loved me in spite of it all.  Each friendship is a little different but are all so important to me.  As moms we need women around us that understand what it is we are living each day.  Thank you girls for loving me and allowing me to be a part of your journey. xoxo

P.s we all thought the movie was pretty good... its worth a watch :)

A Day in My Life...

My days are filled with a lot of fun, laughter and even tears.  Here are just a few moments from our day so far... (i swear they could air this stuff and people would watch)

 

You maybe asking yourself what the heck is this a picture of... Well, the boys quickly pointed out that we had a dead squirrel in our yard.  So whats a mother to do?  Bundle up... grab a trash bag and shovel of course.  Now, for most people this maybe an easy task but, for me and my skirmish ways it was very difficult.  The boys cheered and laughed at me the whole time i tried to complete the job.  My neighbors dogs barked every time i left out a disgusted scream. I'm happy to report i did it the squirrel is disposed of :)

 

Why is this boy in the box? Well, because he wanted to sit on it but missed and landed inside.  While doing the morning dishes i heard a screaming, came running to find him stuck in the box.  And of course Noah had to repeat his brothers silly choice.  Boys will be boys!

 My sweet Josiah payed me a compliment after today's run... What was it you ask... 'Mom, you're as pretty as your running shoes'  Only out of the mouth of a babe

 I'm so proud of myself, i actually got my bulletin board up early this time... Not a week before hand like usually.

 This is how they crash hard after a long day :)  My heart feels happy because i know they had a full busy day with lots of laughter.

These last three pictures were from Sunday at the water park with friends.  Micah was a tad proud and nervous about trying to water slide.  As my friends said... Take one for the team mom and show him how its done.  So after a few goes he finally followed.  After trying 2 times he said mom...'I'm really glad i did it and it was fun but i don't think i want to do it again and lets never talk about it again.. ok... ok

Tonight the mommies and i are headed to see 50 Shades of Grey, more on that tomorrow :)

My Loves

My boys are my loves, they are truly amazing and so sweet.  I've been very busy preparing for their Valentines day parties at school.  Today was the big day and they had an amazing time.  The giggles that came out of the kids let me know that they were having and fun.  I have set up for the boys tomorrow...Our regular tradition.... balloons candy and lovie cards from Mom... we'll enjoy heart shaped waffles for breakfast tomorrow.

 I even dressed for the occasion, i only wear red once a year... to the boys Valentines day party!

 My amazing big sister sent me a special Valentines gift, she is such a blessing and knew just what i needed

 Josiah's craft from his party... i didn't come up with this i provided the snack.

 The craft i did with Micah's class, they turned out so cute

Micah's class at the end of their party

 

It made my heart happy to wrap this super girly gift for my friends daughter for her 3rd Birthday!