My kids locked me in the garage today. Let’s just start with that. This afternoon, we were playing inside, and I decided to take everyone out for some fresh air and fun in the sun. They were a bunch of cranky, over-tired beasts, so I figured it could do us all some good. I stepped into the garage to grab a container of bubbles before we headed out. The kids came into the garage twice, and both times, I told them to go back in and put their shoes on. When I went to open the door to get back into the house, it was locked. I obviously didn’t have keys with me. I nicely asked the boys to let me back in, and I heard them giggling on the other side of the door. They refused. I demanded that they let me in or they would end up in time out, and they still refused. I then heard them laughing and playing around with the dehumidifier. I called Todd at work as I was in there and told him what happened, and naturally, he laughed hysterically. Finally, Taylor begrudgingly agreed to unlock the door and let me back in. We eventually made it outside to play for a while and had some fun before all three kids had meltdowns.

I cautiously stepped into the garage for a few moments this evening to empty the garbage, and then just sat on a futon we have stored in there. I needed a moment of peace and quiet before I re-entered the kid chaos. As I was sitting there, two birds came flying inside the garage, squalling at each other and flew right at my head. I screamed so loudly and was epically disgusted. I hate birds. Todd had just pulled in the driveway at that moment, and got to hear my screaming, and saw birds fly back out of the garage. What a welcome home! Todd could tell that I needed a break, so he stayed with the kids and I went to take Ranger for a nice walk. We live toward the end part of a dead end, but the opposite end of our street is connected to a pretty busy road. We got to that road and turned back toward home, and I noticed we were being followed by a small dog. It was one of those half dog, half gerbil type dogs. It nicely greeted Ranger, but I was still hesitant because I didn’t know him. He didn’t have a collar. I scooped him up since I didn’t want him to go near the main road and set about to find his owner. I figured I would bring him home and call animal control so they could get him somewhere safe if I couldn’t figure out where he belonged. I ended up asking around and carried him down the street to his house. It was quite the site, I’m sure; one dog under my arm as I walked Ranger on his leash. I handed the little guy over to his owners who were so appreciative, but didn’t even know he was gone. They immediately put him back down and told him not to wander off again. I sure hope he listens.

Taylor was so tired today because she had field day at school. Her class was the green team, so she proudly wore a Ninja Turtle shirt my parents found for her. Parents were not invited to this, but she told me all about it when I picked her up. She was so exited about all of the events they did, but her favorite part was playing with water balloons and eating “delicious purple popsicles that tasted just like medicine!” The little things in life… I can’t wait to fill up a bunch of water balloons this summer and just let the kids have at it! I will be sure to toss a few their way.

We were lucky enough to be invited to observe Taylor’s gymnastics class earlier this week. The kids are so adorable at this age and it was so much fun to watch them do all of their crazy moves! The boys patiently watched from the sidelines, and then T’s coach invited them in at the end so they could run around and play too. It was very sweet. All of the kids were given medals for the completion of their gymnastics course. Taylor has been wearing hers often and she is so proud of herself! This school year has been so amazing for her. She’s developed new skills, she’s become much more assertive, and she’s just as sweet and kind as ever. I’m so glad we made the decision to have her complete a pre-kindergarten class next year since she is still on the young / small side in her grade level. She’s a little peanut who packs a big punch! I can’t even imagine what she will be like in another year. It will be fun to see!

The boys have kept me entertained and busy all week. After folding a basket of laundry, I ran upstairs to grab lunch for the kids and came back down to an unfolded basket. This is something they hadn’t done in quite some time, so it didn’t even cross my mind as a possibility. After blaming the poor sweet dog, I told them that I knew it wasn’t Ranger who made the mess. Jackson owned up to it and said “See my mess mama! See my mess?” At least he was proud of himself. During what should have been nap time, the boys were taking turns smacking each other on the face, for fun. Both of their little faces were so red and bruised. I kept going in and separating them by putting them in their own beds and telling them to go to sleep, but that didn’t stop them. As I was putting away laundry in the next room I heard “Open your eyes, Joseph! I want to smack you face!” Joseph apparently obliged and then said “I want to be done now!” I guess he even knows his limit.

Last night, we found an adorable little cafe that had the best ice cream. The kids had such a good time. Not going to lie, Todd and I had a wonderful time too. It’s so nice to be able to go out and do family stuff like that once in a while now that the boys are more independent. They thought they were big shots sitting at the table like big sister. Taylor can’t wait to go back again!

 

Since my youngest babes are two and a half, I had nearly forgotten what it was like for them to be teething. The boys have molars coming in, and it has been torture. Their little mouths are swollen, they are drooling and getting marks on their faces, and they are in pain. We have been getting up through the night to console Jacks (who just had a molar pop through). Waking up to a tiny whimpering sound sure does break your heart, even when you are exhausted. Jackson has been not eating much today because his mouth hurts. I have given him lots of soft / cold foods to help, but he still wanted cereal like his siblings. He really couldn’t handle the pain of eating it though. At 10:45, when it was still sitting in front of him, his little twin came up to him and said “Here brother. You need to eat this!” As he spoke, he put one piece of cereal at a time in Jackson’s mouth, until the bowl was empty. He knew his brother was in pain, but also knew he needed to fill his belly. I am so impressed with their bond.

One of my best friends, Kirsten, knew that I was having a particularly stressful week. Being the incredible person she is, she sent me an awesome package to lift my spirits and give me some much needed comedic relief. Not only did she send me a mug (I might be a coffee addict) filled with goodies, but she sent me an adult coloring book and colored pencils! The coloring book is all swear words and gave me the biggest laugh. I seriously can not wait to have some inappropriate Mommy coloring time. Thank you so much, Kiki. I love you!

Speaking of comedic relief, last night, I asked the kids to pick out a book for us to read at bedtime, and this is the book they came out with. Taylor said she chose it so she can practice for when she’s a big sister again. She’s really not letting this one go!