Seven for Sunday (third edition)

1

Sorry I missed two weeks. I'm sure there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when you checked in on Sunday and found nothing to read. Sometimes, life is just too busy to even write about and sometimes I am just too tired to even type on the keyboard (I'd rather rest on my couch like a lump). I do find myself thinking I need to blog about this and I sit down at the computer to blog, but then I find myself checking facebook or email or other blogs and then someone needs me and I never quite get to writing. Anyway, I will do my best to keep up the Sunday updates but if I miss one (or two), you can guess I am 1. too busy 2. too tired or 3. reading your blog (so keep it updated! Ha)

2

 Friday was Marcus's last day of school. I can hardly believe that he is done with first grade and headed for second in just a few short summer months. Some moms told me that they had cried and were emotional about this next big step. I didn't cry or really feel any sort of tender pangs at all. I told Tim that I think having four little boys may be beating the sentimentality out of me. Marcus finally got to bring home his reading buddy whom he has lovingly named Scruffy. Scruffy was part of a special reading program this past year. The kids had to read books 3-4 times and then take a test about the book (reading comprehension check). Throughout this process they earned shirts, pants, and shoes for their little reading buddies. All told, Marcus read 15 books to earn Scruffy and all his accessories. I'm so proud of him.

3

 My boys still take naps and it is a sacred time for me. Honestly, I would probably be residing in some sort of institution for the motherly insane if I didn't have those 2 hours of quiet every afternoon. (now if I can just get Zach to cooperate. . .) The other day I went to check on Owen and discovered him cradling Marcus's crane. Wow, who needs stuffed animals?

4

I'm posting this tender picture more as a reminder to myself that Eli is really quite a wonderful child because sometimes I forget. You see this is because he is so incredibly STUBBORN. We just finished a month long weekly music class with some other preschool age kids. It was a fun way for the boys to learn about music and a few instruments. Also it was free--hooray! Well, early on I could tell that Eli was going to be difficult and he never decided to change. We'd go each week and Owen would participate but Eli would just sit and watch. The teacher was really sweet and did her best to try to include him but he would have none of it. It wasn't like he would throw a tantrum or anything like that--just that he didn't want to do anything except observe. One time she put a little triangle instrument in front of him and I watched excitedly as he picked it up to give it a try, but then it was like he realized what he was doing because he quickly put it back down and then refused to touch it again. I know he was still learning and enjoying the class though because we'd go home and he would chatter on all about it and sing all the songs we'd learned that day. In a few weeks he and Owen will have their very first swim class. I REALLY hope Eli participates (because that class ain't free).

 5

These two are hilarious. They do or say something that makes me laugh every single day. My current loves are when Owen says the prayer all by himself and basically gives a long narration on everything we did that day or how when he wants something to eat he says, "Mom, I hungy." and how whenever you answer one of Eli's questions he says, "OH," like what you just said is both profound and groundbreaking (because of course it is). This particular picture was taken when they were getting dressed and discovered how awesome shirts can be when worn as hats.

6

My mom came up for Memorial Day weekend. I love it when she comes to visit. My boys love it, too. We have good chats, go shopping, eat yummy food, and she cleans my kitchen and folds my laundry. In a few weeks she's moving to an apartment near my sister. Lucky Emma. I guess if I can't have her close than you are the one I'd choose to enjoy that blessing :)

7

I recently saw this art collection on another blog and it seemed to speak perfectly to my current stage in life so I am sharing the link with you here.My favorites are the Breastfeeding Advent Calendars, Postpartum Provocation, Suckle Show, and Night Waking. I really like the idea of art representing the stage of life we are in right NOW. At another time, I might not like or "get" this particular collection, but right now--I really enjoy it.

Have a good week, everyone!