Monday Musings

I'll bet you all thought I really had run away from home! Thanks so much for all the concern about my crazy last couple of weeks. I truly realize that all of this goofy stuff pales in comparison to what so many are going through. It was just the accumulation of stuff that made it seem blog worthy. Our favorite handyman came over and fixed the dishwasher - he's so good and leaves everything in such good condition.

Friday I had the 6 stitches removed from my wrist. The doctor was pleased with the low amount of swelling. He told me the story of the artery - suffice it to say I am very thankful I had asked to be put to sleep rather than just have my arm numbed, as originally planned.




I am wearing a brace for the times when I am carrying kids - which is quite often, of course.




It has been a really busy week. Kristen now has pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) and has been in a great deal of pain - again. She is so discouraged, wondering if she'll ever feel good and healthy again. So we've had the girls since Friday. They've been great, but again I'm pretty tired. The big girls have had so much fun this week-end playing with their old neighborhood friends and making new friends with the kids that live in their former house. Seems strange.

Wednesday was Care Bear's field day at school - the day they get to do outdoor games all morning. It is always fun to watch her interact with her friends and other classmates. If I may rant for just a moment - when our kids were in elementary school, field day was a day of competition. There were ribbons to be won. They chose 3 events to compete in and practiced for those 3 events. Everyone knew that some would win and some would not. Somehow it has become important to keep anyone's feelings from being hurt - not allowing real competition to take place. They go from station to station, playing each game over and over again until the bell rings and then they move to a new game. There are no prizes any more. I just think it's sad that they've taken this opportunity to excel away from those who could or would, or those who really care to work hard and do their very best. In the real world, there is always going to be competition, winning, and not winning. I wish they still prepared for real life in that way.

But, as I said, it was fun to watch Care Bear. First - the relay race.

Then into the gym for a bit of jumping rope (4 kids at a time?!), and wall climbing.

A very strange game - let me say that this one definitely tested their listening skills and ability to follow directions. Care Bear's team had a little girl who was not good at either, and it caused some bit of frustration - I was watching CB trying to get her to do the right thing. I felt for her. The first person in line ran to a bucket, filled a sponge with water, ran to the end of their team's line, the sponge was relayed, sopping wet, from back to front. When it reached the first person in line, that person then squeezed the remaining water into a bowl at the front of their line. Then the new front person repeated the process. The winning team was decided when the bowl overflowed with water.

I didn't get to stay for the whole event, but had to leave and pick up Feisty from preschool. Speaking of which, Thursday was her last day, and I found it to be very sad. Preschool has been very good for Feisty. She's much more prepared for kindergarten than she would have been without this social and learning experience. Kristen, the littles, and I went for the ice cream party and little ceremony.

The babies enjoyed themselves very much. Fortunately, I noticed my keys in one of the bins of blocks before I panicked when it was time to leave!




They got in their circle around the teacher and shared their favorite songs with us. Here's the end of "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."

Then they were given their little "graduation" certificate - Oops - upside down!




Feisty and her two teachers.

Friday evening we decided to get the big girls some new sneakers. Easier said than done. We headed for Wal Mart. They had an amazing selection at this time, which was good and bad. We were there well over an hour - a grueling experience. Too many choices. Too many desires. Feisty is very, very tactilely (??) challenged - everything has to feel "just right." Oh, my, what a mess we left for the poor people who work there - we did try to get things put back, but I know we didn't get everything in the right place.







When they were hunting and trying on and hunting some more, we let the babes out of their carts, because they were not the only ones getting impatient and tired --



When we went to pay for what was finally chosen, we discovered that the littles had wiped up most of the dirt in that aisle - on their knees, feet, hands, and consequently on their faces. What a mess! It was good to get home, take baths, and get them to bed!

Miss Feisty loves to wear the things that she really likes - all.the.time. She got this little pair of denim shoes a year ago and has worn them literally every day since - no matter how many other pairs of shoes she has been given, she loves these denim shoes.

They are totally worn out and I have been so tempted to make them disappear. Anyone would think she is just so deprived to only have this pair of pathetic shoes.




This is the pair she finally found that fit her and she approved of (not sneakers!). I was talking to her about them and mentioned how cool it was to have Dora and Boots on the inside of her shoes, but that it is kinda sad to have to walk on them when she's wearing them. She said she preferred to think of it as her feet being the blanket for Dora and Boots.

DC caught these pictures of Kate and Emma truly enjoying their mashed potatoes and gravy. Double click if you want to see the really big mess on the faces - and arms and hands and, and, and!

These two little girls have become so close - they can't be too far from each other.

I just can't resist sharing the flowers as they develop - what a wonderful time of the year for beauty. Here are the latest arrivals of iris.












The columbine in the front has really increased. So beautiful.




Here is the official Colorado columbine.

Have a wonderful week!