Bits and Pieces of the Craziness!

After my mom's not so subtle hint today of "Well, I keep checking your blog to see if there is anything new yet", I figured I should just sit down and try to put all the random thoughts floating through my head down. I often wonder how time seems to slip by so quickly, especially when I look back on the day and feel as if nothing was accomplished. Maybe I picked up some toys, I know I did some driving from here to there, I think I did a load of dishes, maybe a load of laundry. But, then I look around at the house after the kids are all in bed, and the mess that is left in their wake, and wonder, "Did I really do those things, or was I just imagining it all?" Either way, it starts again the next day, and maybe tomorrow will be the day when I actually will accomplish something!
A couple weeks ago, the kids had their Spring Break. I wish I could report something fun and exciting, but instead Mike had to work quite a bit so we weren't able to pull off a fun trip anywhere. We stayed home and had a pretty relaxing time, which was pretty nice to have some down time. For the first week, while all the kids were home, it was so great to actually leisurely get up without worrying about having to get everyone off to school. Well, for the past few months I have been doing the Parker Boot Camp at 5:30 in the morning. Yes, I know, 5:30 is very early and a little insane, but with Mike's schedule, it is pretty much the only time that I am able to get a work out in. Actually, I really don't mind the early hour, and actually really love it! I love the amazing workout, I love having a certified trainer there organizing the workout for me and pushing me to test myself, and I love that I am actually doing something for me! I especially love the feeling of satisfaction I get each morning, knowing that no matter what happens throughout the day, at least I have accomplished something! I highly recommend it for anyone looking for that little kick to get yourself going.
Anyway, during that first week of Spring Break, I would actually come home and climb right back into bed, just because I could! When I would wake up around 8:00 am each day, Sam had already gotten the babies out of their cribs and changed their diapers. Is that not the best thing ever, or what?! Each morning I would tell her how awesome it was that she did that and how grateful I was to her for doing it. One morning she said, "Well mom, I just know that you are tired and needed to sleep. You work really hard."
Can I just tell you how much I love this little girl! She has most definitely been my saving grace, and such a blessing! She loves those little babies to death and is so sweet with them. She is always concerned for others, her family, friends, etc., and such a little peace maker. She is bright and intelligent, fun, and definitely a tender heart. I think the Lord definitely knew I needed her first, because she is half the reason I am able to make it through each day sane. I just look at her and see the amazing girl she is growing up to be, and although I hate to see her grow up so quickly, I am excited to see where her enthusiasm and thirst for life will take her.
Since Sam is pretty much a second mother around here, Gavin and Kaden are probably best labeled as the comic relief. These two, for as much as they constantly try my patience, are truly hilarious. I have no idea where they get some of the things they come up with. They are smart little stinkers too, which is a pretty deadly combination.
We have been having issues at night staying dry in their beds, so once they figured out that we would get upset when they kept wetting their beds, they started telling us that they got "sweaty" at night, and that is why they had changed their jammies.
We don't have "big toes" around here, we have "thumb toes".
One of their favorite things to do is to take a bath in Mike and I's tub since it is bigger. They love this because they get to do their "duties" in there. No, it's not what you are thinking! I have no idea where that term came from but it means they just put their goggles on and swim around our tub holding their breath. I don't think I have ever seen them take a bath without goggles on, come to think of it.
We will be in the car on our way to school, when one of them will say "Mom, I forgot my shoes!" Who forgets their shoes when they are going to school?
During Spring Break, Mike's parents were sweet enough to take the 3 older kids to Disney on Ice. They were all super excited, but when the boys heard it was going to be the "Princess Classics" show, they got a little concerned. "But mom, there won't be any boys in it! It will be too girly!" Of course there will be boys in it! "Will Shrek be in it? Buzz? Will there be any Jedi?" I think I was able to ease their concerns a bit when I told them the beast would be there, but it took them actually going and seeing the show to see that it was ok, and not too totally girly. And, they loved it of course!
Or tonight, while we were talking about Jesus and the meaning of Easter for Family Home Evening, when I mentioned that Jesus was buried in a tomb, they both said, "Tomb? Oh, like where the zombies live!" No, Easter is not about Zombies! Sometimes, I really wonder what I am teaching those two!
I have to admit though, these two really do love each other and look after one another. They get sad for the other if they are hurt or in trouble, and they stick up for each other when something happens at school. This summer is their trip to Disneyland with my parents and we have been trying to figure out if they should go separately or together. When I asked them what they wanted to do, they both immediately said "Together!" Why? "Because we will be scared without each other!" I don't know if that is a good thing, or a bad thing, but for now it's kind of cute.
And for the little ones. Still adorable, still cute, and getting bigger despite my protests! I knew it would happen one of these days, but I think we are finally there with Carter:

He is walking more and more every day and is going to be running around the house with Taylor pretty soon I can tell. One thing I know for sure though, this little guy is going to be our little ham! He already loves to tease all the other kids just to get a reaction out of them and has the best facial expressions! He loves to get into everything, and is pretty much my trouble maker, while Tay on the other hand, is content to calmly wander around the house with either a block or a light saber in his hand. These two are already starting to develop such different personalities, the next few years are going to be pretty fun trying to figure it all out! One thing is for sure though, they definitely have this whole family wrapped around their sweet little fingers!