Out of Hand: April 2016

Mr. Stinker

Friday, April 29, 2016

This one has been the source of missing shoes, missing food, missing clothing, etc.

The other day, DH asked where his running shoes were. I said, "probably in the minivan where the Engineer hides everything these days, which he also finds hilarious." I spent a long time looking for my shoes and ended up running late for preschool because of them. This child laughed and laughed. It is much less funny to me. But the fact that he thinks it's so funny is actually pretty hilarious -- you know, now that I am on to him!

This morning I called DH to inquire about the location of the massive box of bars from Costco -- the one we bought to save money. He didn't know. While picking up later in the day, I noticed a funny shaped object zipped up in the Mega Bloks box. You can guess the culprit. He is now sleeping. Coming up with all of this amazing and hilarious mischief is exhausting.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

The morning after the genitalia-referencing Republican front-runner swept five states' primaries:

I often wonder what type of world our children will be handed as adults. Right now, we try to provide them with a peaceful space and inspiring activities. I love these little people!

We accidentally ended up at IHOP on Senior Night. BINGO was being called. The Eldest announced that had to pee "right now!" and carried a blue balloon tied around his wrist into and out of the bathroom with him. It got stuck in the door twice while the Engineer's orange balloon bounced up and down over the booth and Sweet Pea waved at me like a crazy lady from her high chair. I stood in the only place where my eyes could be on all 3 at the same time. An older woman said to me, "You have your hands full!" I thought it was nicely meant until she added, "No thank you!" I guess we know why the Lord has kept her around. She still needs to reconcile a few things!

More azaleas for the baby girl:

Fun with the reversible camera. I'm not sure if it was the skin-to-skin contact we shared immediately after her birth or her being a girl, but this child is particularly attached to me. Thankfully, she has been sleeping through the night for a couple of months! But in order to fall asleep, she needs me to sit next to her for 10-15 minutes after her 10-15 minutes of rocking and drinking a bottle and being cleaned. Heaven help the person who puts her in the crib and walks away! She will scream for well over an hour if anything less is done at bed time. So, I guess we know who the high-maintenance one is! :) We do love her, though. She is the lifter of spirits, even those of her brothers and complete strangers. She charms people with her smiles, waves, and chattiness.

Monday, April 18, 2016

This is an accurate snapshot of our days. DH gets smothered when he is home. Thankfully, we only have one month left before his trial! People were not made to sleep only four hours a night for days on end. Prayers for a successful result are much appreciated.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Sis #4 was in town for a DECA conference. We gathered the crews and met her somewhat near the conference. Here's a photo medley:

Friday, April 15, 2016

They did this on their own.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Part of the Easter Feast by Aunt Theresa:

We clearly underestimated our kids' ability to find baskets. This is where the middle child looked first:

DH had to "help" him look in more obvious places:

The Eldest found most of them:

Both boys were thrilled with their chocolate bunnies.

They quickly discovered they could bite off the ears and bottom and laugh hysterically about it. We are really all the same deep down, haha!

We spent a lot of time together during the Triduum. DH had a short break in his workload; though he is working between now and June as a big case prepares to go to trial. We just try to enjoy these moments when we have them:

I made colored eggs, which was pretty therapeutic (without the kids, obviously). We eventually made deviled eggs with them and were surprised to discover that both boys like them! In fact, today Isaac asked if I could make deviled eggs every day.

DH began a home-brew project with a brew set I gave him for his last birthday. His first brew turned out delicious!

We used a gift card (thanks, Grandma!) to take everyone to brunch on Holy Saturday. IHOP was not busy; everyone enjoyed his food. Morning is a good time for the kids, whom we seldom take out to eat anymore.

The boys were totally shocked that they liked IHOP better than McDonald's. "Hey, Mom! I really like this French toast!" And this is why children cannot give consent legally before the age of 18.

DH and I switched between watching the children and attending the Triduum liturgies. I took the kids to Mass Monday - Wednesday. By the third day, they were pretty well-behaved in church. I even let them sit outside the cry room. They surprised me!

DH loves the Mass of the Lord's Supper. So, he participated on Thursday. Friday, we went into the city at noon. DH took the kids to lunch while I went to liturgy. The Lord gave us such a beautiful, warm day. DH also was able to leave work early. So, we made an afternoon of it with the kids and saw the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin. It was an unexpected and joy-filled Good Friday!