One Week Update!

We have made it a whole week with NO screen time!  Has it been easy? No way!  Am I tired? You betcha!  Is it worth it?  I don't know yet.  
First off we have been so busy.  The Calendar has been key to sticking to it.  The kids are so excited every morning to wake up and see what's on the agenda.  Charlie has especially loved this time.  He says that he prefers no electronics because we do so much more together.  I think it's been hardest on me.  It's embarrassing to admit how much I relied on that down time, but I did.  

 A few highlights from our week: 

Two visits to the children's museum

Fun at the skating rink/ Fun Center

Lego Time at the library

The girls had their dance recital

Charlie gave us an oral report on two bugs he made up.

STEAM night at the library

Another hands on museum

Making bracelets

Bounce house fun center

Stuffy School

I'm not sure I have seen major changes in the kids yet but there have been a few minor things.  The biggest change is they don't complain about leaving the house.  This wasn't even one of the behaviors that I was thinking would change.  It was a nightmare to convince them to go anywhere.  Even if it was something fun for them.  Honestly we had started to give up on going places.  This week though, they have even gone to the grocery store with me, TWICE.  No complaining!  What?! So unexpected and so nice.  
I do think that the defiance and the anger has been less frequent.  The other thing I was curious about improving was a few tics in one of my children.  I'm not sure they are less or not.  They are pretty subtle anyway so it's sort of hard to measure.  I was hoping that their sleep habits would improve a bit.  They aren't terrible but they all take quite awhile to fall asleep and they still wake up in the night about half the time.  I don't think this has changed at all.  I'm still waking up with a kid next to me on most mornings.  
We are only on week one so I know that we still have time for more improvements.  Either way, I know it's better for all of our relationships.  Even if it means I'm exhausted.  Part of the problem is it has rained here almost nonstop.  No outside play is so hard! Also Brian has been gone all week working on remodeling one of our rental properties.  So I have been on my own.  I'm feeling good though and am excited for nicer weather next week.  Looking forward to lots of bike riding and swimming in the pool.

Miles of Love,
Stacey

Hiking Misadventures

We have been enjoying the nice weather and have started taking the kids out on hikes and biking adventures.  Last week we decided to head up to the mountains for a little hike.  We headed up to one of our favorite spots and started down an old closed down road.  We started at the top and headed down hill.  After walking for a short while the kids decided they had had enough.  So we started to turn around.  Brian felt like we were about half way down and decided he could run up and get the car and drive it to the lower lot.  The kids and I could simply head down hill and meet him at the bottom.  Way easier than getting three tired kids to the top.  

We took off, enjoying our walk with songs and stories.  We searched the area for bugs and found pretty little waterfalls.  Soon I realized we were far from where we needed to be.  The girls were getting whiny and I was having to take turns carrying them.  I was pulling all my tricks of motivation to get them to the bottom.  It turns out we had 3 more miles to go when we left Brian.  The road was about 4 miles in all.  Our short little walk was not so short for short little legs.  The kids did great in the end.  Lily was asleep in about 2 minutes after getting in the car.  Oh and if you're wondering, Brian did come up the trail and met us about a half mile from the bottom.  So he was able to help with the carrying from then on.  I'll tell you what though, my calves are so sore.  Who knew downhill was so rough on the body.  Probably a lot of people.  Not me though.  

I think next week we will research our hike a little better.  And bring water with us. And I will probably not let the girls bring their purses.  Lily packed a jar of rocks in her purse and then was kind enough to let me carry it.  Kids! I tell ya!

We had to take a lot of breaks

I overheard Charlie encouraging Lily to keep walking and then I looked over to see him holding her hand.  He really is the best big brother these girls could ask for

The kids thought it was so fun finding snow on a hot sunny day.

We are sure loving this nice weather and can't wait for more adventures.

Miles of Love,

Stacey

Finally Spring!

We made it!  Through winter I mean.  We always seem to go into hibernation in the winter.  We socialize less, we do fewer activities, we stay indoors mostly.  But this winter felt especially bad.  We didn't spend much time with friends, we rarely played outside and we definitely spent way too much time on electronics.  Finally, we are getting some warmer days and starting to play outside again.  It's amazing how much the weather can effect how you feel.  It's so nice to open the windows and enjoy the longer days.  I think this year I was the one who felt the winter blues the most.  I had a hard time staying motivated to get anything done and I really just didn't want to do much of anything.  It's time to get back out there and put friendships back into the forefront.

We are counting the days down till summer.  We can't wait to swim.  There is a pool directly across from us at the park we are staying at.  They are prepping it now and we are all obsessed with watching the progress.  We can't wait for lazy days at the pool. 

We are also getting more serious about finding land to build on.  We are doing on our research for a couple of plots and hoping to make an offer on something soon.  We are all getting excited to build something of our own. 

Recently to get out of the house more, we have taken up roller skating.  I didn't think I would remember how.  Turns out it all comes back to you.  The kids are picking it up rather well and we all love it.  So for now I will leave you with this little video of our last outing to the fun center.  There are also bouncy house stuff there. 
Roller Skating Video

Oh and the kids have been learning to ski.  Kya and Charlie spend most of their time on the big hill with Brian.  Lily is learning to ski with me on the small hill.  She loves it and begs to go all the time.  And I think she is the cutest thing ever when she skis down the hill. 
Lily Learning to ski

Big Kids Learn to Ski

Miles of Love,
Stacey

Valentines Day

Oh boy was there excitement for Valentines day this year.  The kids were able to do an actual class Valentines party, which they had a blast at.  On Valentines day we started out waking up to our presents that the Valentines Chicken brought.  That's right we have a Valentine Chicken visit us every year.  It's so much fun.  He always does a scavenger hunt and the kids had been wondering for weeks if he could pull it off in such a small space.  The answer is of course yes.  The Chicken is not one to disappoint.  

After we found our surprise we were off to the dentist.  We were visiting a new dentist and the kids loved it there.  It was Lily's first time and I was pretty sure she would freak out so of course I told them this when we got there.  She of course proved me totally wrong and did unbelievably well.  You know kids, totally unpredictable.  

That afternoon they all received money from Nana in the mail so we had to head to Target to spend it right away.  No sense in letting that money sit around in a piggy bank.  I like to try and make a special dinner, so it was heart shaped pancakes and sausage. With a little box of candies.  

This kid fell asleep well before bedtime, she partied too hard I guess

The kids had a fun day and they always tell me Valentines is one of their favorite holidays.  We like making it a family day and not necessarily a romantic holiday.  We think it's really meant to show all the people you love how special they are.  My mom made it that way for my family when we were growing up so I hope that is what we are doing for our kids.  

Lots of Love,

Stacey

Dance Surprise

My girls wear dance leotards on a daily basis.  It doesn't matter the weather, you can usually find them twirling around in a tutu.  So you can imagine the excitement when Lily took her first dance class.  Kya has been in this dance class for the last three years.  We go to the community center and they do a little performance in the spring.  It is the perfect balance for us.  Not a ton of pressure, just some fun dance time. It's all Lily has talked about since seeing Kya perform in June.  She was finally old enough to be signed up.
Well the morning started with some excitement.  The girls were up bright and early and ready to go.  Class didn't start until noon.  Trying to get school work done was torturous.  They just wanted to go.  Lily asked me a dozen times if her class was starting. 

Finally the time came, we piled into the car and headed off.  We got there and Lily was bouncing off the walls.  We had to wait a few minutes for the class before us to let out.  Then the door opened and can you guess what Lily said?
"I do NOT want to dance!" She dug in her heals and I had to push her through the door.  She wanted no part of it.  What?! I was seriously at a loss.  It never even crossed my mind that she would freeze up at the last minute.  Lesson learned...Never trust a three year old. 

Kya offered to sit next to her, nope not happening.  I offered to hula hoop with her, no way.  Finally once the class started we scooted over to the circle and she cowered in my lap while I tried doing the moves.  Great, I'm going to be dancing every week.  Doesn't she know this is my time to check my phone, text people back, look up stuff on the internet.  It's why I sign them up for things. I mean come on.  Okay, so I wasn't really upset, but I did want her to join in because I knew later she would regret it.  Honestly, I don't know how it happened. One minute she was hiding in my lap and the next she was up following along.  She tentatively followed the teacher around the room and then let me go back to my seat.  And then this happened...

It turned out to be so much fun.  The girls can't wait for next week.  Kya was such a good big sister.  She is so motherly and helped Lily and was so excited to see her doing a good job.  She takes the class after Lily.  She also did great and was excited to be back in dance class.

A few photos of the dancers.

Miles of Love,

Stacey

Christmas

There is nothing better in the world than Christmas with little kids.  This year, it was just what we needed after all the sickness we had the previous week.  On Christmas eve we like to do a small gift exchange with just the five of us.  The kids could hardly wait to get to it.  They each received Christmas PJ's and a small toy.  This year we also drew names for each other and exchanged those gifts.

  
Brian's sister hosted Christmas eve and we enjoyed a delicious dinner and a really fun version of a white elephant exchange.  We also read the Christmas story from The Bible and sang carols.  Lily was so happy we sang Jingle Bells.  She talked about it for days after.  The kids kept track of Santa on the phone and when he started to get close we set off for bed.  
We spend the night at my sisters house every year.  So we hurried to bed so we could get up bright and early for Santa.  This is my favorite moment of the entire year.  Anyone who knows me, knows I am a believer in all things Christmas.  Parenting is hard but I feel this one moment was made to make it all worth it.  Listening to the kids quietly chatter about where Santa is and what he will be bringing.  Their excitement for the morning making it hard to fall asleep.  It takes me right back to those moments with my siblings when we were small.  It makes my heart so full I can hardly stand it.  
We all finally did make it to sleep and the kids actually slept to a somewhat decent hour in the morning.  
Side note: My family is a bit freakishly close.  We don't like to miss even one second of anything that any of the children do.  So you can imagine the paparazzi frenzy of Christmas morning.
So of course when the kids wake up, we stop them on the stairs and make them wait until all adults are up and cameras are at the ready.  It's a little like torture for the kids but totally worth it for the grown ups. 
Santa had left their presents in a bag this year.  This worked nicely to keep them at a steady pace in seeing their presents.  They were beyond excited and there was a lot of squealing and laughter, even from the kids.

This is my favorite picture from all of Christmas. It has my cute niece in the back smiling so big about her cute bracelet she now shares with her puppy, and Lily sticking her head all the way into her sack to see what Santa brought.  Charlie is happy here.  I just caught him mid explanation about his Pokemon cards.

  After the excitement of Santa we took a breather and my dad and I headed out to get my best friend from Florida.  More about her in my next post.  
This year instead of a big dinner, we opted for a fancy brunch.  I liked this way better since breakfast foods are my favorite. We did our family gift exchange and there were more delightful sounds of joy.  I love Christmas day so much.  I love that everyone lounges around in PJ's all day and that the kids happily play and share their toys with excitement. 
A few favorite things the kids got this year:  
Charlie got Cozmo the robot.  When he saw it he said "I got a new friend for Christmas!"  Charlie asked for him last year too.  Since he didn't get it, this year it was the only thing he asked for from Santa.
Kya got lots of L.O.L. dolls.  Pretty much all she asked for also.  Another favorite was her makeup kits.  She is obsessed.  She got one from both her Nana and her aunt Stephanie.  
Lily also got lots of L.O.L. dolls but her favorite toys she got were her new Anna and Elsa barbies with matching little Anna and Elsa's.  She is obsessed with barbies.
Now back to real life.  

Miles of Love,
Stacey

Worst Day Ever!

Today was by far the hardest day in the trailer to date.  First of all, we have been passing a stomach virus around for the last couple of weeks.  This thing has been the worst.  I think Lily picked up a virus at the pool and then passed it to each of us one at a time.  So everyday for the last 12 days I have had at least one bed to change.  Usually more than one though.  Taking care of 3 little sick people while being sick myself has not been the easiest.  Still, I felt like we were surviving and I was holding it together.  Not today though...

I woke up in the early morning hours to a child throwing up in their bed.  So I got her showered and put her in bed with me and slept for a couple of more hours.  Then I was woken up to another child who had an accident in bed and wouldn't you know it, a 3rd kid then yelled out they had wet the bed.  So looked like all three kids beds had to be changed.  Then that first kid woke up in my bed and oops, looks like an accident in my bed.  Awesome.  Let's just say at this point I was feeling a little overwhelmed.  After stripping all the beds and throwing the laundry onto the porch, it was way too big of a pile to keep inside, I walked in the bathroom to find someone had peed on the floor!  I was losing it fast. I burst into tears and sat down on the toilet to hide.  I decided it was too smelly in there and the place is so small that those littles out there would eventually find me.  So off I went to get ready for the day and start cleaning up the place. 

This is what it looks like when we are disinfecting the bunk house.

Sick kids everywhere, at least they sleep a lot.

Oh yeah and remember the kid that threw up.  Well she mainly hit the carpet right next to her bed. So that was on the clean up list too.  It was really top priority since it was stinking the whole house up.  Luckily, I have a good friend who brought over a carpet cleaner and lunch.  That lifted my spirits for sure.  We headed off to the laundromat, got our car washed and headed back home.  Things were going better but I could still feel that I was teetering on insanity.  So I decided we were going to go get dinner, I couldn't take washing dishes tonight, and go see Christmas lights.  

Dinner was fine, remember we are all sick so no one really ate much and then we headed to see the lights.  Wouldn't you know it, all the kids were fighting in the car and tattle telling on each other.  All I could think was, maybe we should just go home and go to bed.  Lucky I didn't, because when we reached the city park and started driving through the display, listening to Christmas music, everyone started talking excitedly and squealing with joy.  I love Christmas.  It really is so magical.  

After the lights everyone was much happier.  As I write this the kids are all playing with their baby dolls and all 3 are playing happily together.  I really needed this day to end on a happy note.  I'm sure glad it has.  The thing is, that messes of this magnitude seem so much more intense in a smaller space.  It's harder to clean up when you don't have the room to make piles of laundry and you have to leave the house to do laundry.  Days like these make us miss our stationary home, but we also have big dreams and have to keep perspective to get through.  Tomorrow already looks better.  Now here's hoping for a good night sleep.

Miles of Love,

Stacey

2nd Snow Day & Giveaway

We had our second snow day and I am happy to report that it was much more successful.  First of all, we had electricity.  Brian added plastic to the sides of our porch so the snow at the entryway was not quite as bad. 

We felt nice and cozy in the trailer.  So of course a snowy morning called for hot chocolate and pancakes.  Charlie wanted his with sprinkles.  So, why not. 

We ate and watched the snow fall outside. It was actually quite magical. 

We hustled through our school work that morning so that we could get out and play.  The kids refused to get bundled properly and by the time I was done shoveling, they decided that they were too cold, so our snow play was short lived. 

 Charlie took this photo and when I saw it on my phone I couldn't help but smile.  This perfectly encompasses my days.  Kya is always right under foot, following my every step.  Some days, being a mom gets tiring.  I crave the days when I could sit down to eat a meal or go to the bathroom in peace, but I know someday I will wish there was a little one behind me, asking questions incessantly. I really am so thankful for this time I get with my littles. I love that Charlie captured this moment of my little shadow perfectly in step with mine.  Oh how I love her. 

 So while we didn't make it long in the snow, we had a very nice cozy snow day.  Maybe next time I will convince them to wear their snow clothes and we can make it to the sledding hill.

On a side note.... While I sit here typing this, Charlie and his friend are sitting at the table, playing chess and drinking hot cocoa.  The small quarters makes moments like this feel so cozy and perfect.  It's in these moments, that I am so happy we are here.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

O.K. people, now for some fun!  Charlie is dying to do a giveaway. Remember how he is obsessed with You Tube.  Well, they do giveaways and he really wants me to do one.  I told him when we get to 50 followers we will do it.  So your mission? Share, Share and Share! Oh and hit the follow button if you haven't already.  We aren't sharing what the giveaway will be yet, but Charlie came up with it and it is the cutest ever!  So you won't want to miss out!  

Miles of Love,

Stacey