Radio Silence

We have been doing nothing in particular, but have been so busy all at the same time.  Actually, my excuse is that my computer has been out on loan at night for a few weeks because of a project I've been working on.  But now it's back, and I guess gone are my excuses for not blogging.

Nat started back in gymnastics since the weather turned cooler.  She is just as enthusiastic as ever, and the summer months off have really made a difference in her ability to follow directions and listen to the instructor.  And they finally wised up and got two instructors to handle eight 2-4 year olds.  That was a chaotic class with only one instructor!  (Have I already written about this?   It's all sounding vaguely familiar as I type it, but I have no real memory anymore and don't feel like going back to look....)

bedtime snack

We continue to battle sleep demons around here.  My newest effort is to employ a bedtime snack.  Ben is an awful eater most days, very picky.  And I feel like he doesn't ever eat enough to feel full.  I think when he wakes up at night he realizes he's hungry and can't go back to sleep.  I also think that's partly to blame for his crankiness lately.  That, and his lack of good sleep.  I mean how much can a kid take, really?!  So instead of "treats" for good eaters, we have a healthy bedtime snack.  So far results are mixed.

It's been cold lately, but not too cold to be out.  We've been having more of an issue with it being too windy to go out!  And Ben is like the Christmas Story kid in his giant coat ("I can't put my arms down!"  Can you hear the whiny voice?), and pretends to be unable to walk or stand.  oy.

three silly cousins not cooperating for a picture

I like to run a fairly tight ship around here.  Don't get me wrong, I like to do fun things too, but I have a real problem with OCD/dirt/clutter.  So most days I do not allow this to go on.  But, as mentioned above, I had been working on a project and was so close to it being finished (and had a deadline!), so last week, I had to give in and just let the kids do their thing.  And this is what happened.  In like 7 minutes.  I could not believe it.  Every toy out and scattered, cushions off chairs, clothes off, food in the living room.  It was total chaos.  I was stressing, but we got it all cleaned up with a quick contest to see who could pick up the most toys the fastest.

We've also been busy Christmas shopping!  I've had two helpers, and it must be the key because we are done (DONE!!) with our shopping.  Except for two names Eric and I will draw in a family name draw, and then Eric and I shop for the kids together.  But otherwise, totally finished and not even Thanksgiving yet.  Pretty impressed with myself.  Determined to make December full of fun kids' Christmas activities.  And, we plan to kick off the holidays with a tree lighting and holiday festival tonight...if the rain holds off!