This last week was stressful. I was extremely busy with a big project while still adjusting to our new schedule with Lily being a first-grader. Calvin did not get the cuddles he needed, Violet did not ge the cuddles she needed, and I did not get the sleep I needed to function at 100%. I did get caught up on sleep a little this weekend, and tons of cuddles did happen, for which I am incredibly thankful!
What else happened this week (aka: the 10 things I'm especially thankful for):
1. Fall officially started, so Calvin took me out on a mommy-son-date to Starbucks to have a Pumpkin Spice Latte, yum!!
2. Lily enjoying school so much. Tonight, she read her first full sentence. I can't wait for her to read her first book :-)
3. My hubby for being the partner by my side, my foundation to ground me, my rock to steady me. It's been stressful those last weeks, but it has been good tackling everything hand in hand with him.
4. The smell of freshly-baked pumpkin bread and apple pie in our home, and sharing this goodness with wonderful friends.
5. Getting to celebrate my dad's birthday with the entire family. I have to admit, I never even realized how much I did miss my sister until we were re-united again earlier this year. I'm so looking forward to meeting her every time!
6. Learning that this pushy guy who kind of pleaded himself into the position of parents' speaker in Lily's class is also an atheist like we are, fighting to improve the situation for our atheist children (ethics class in the morning instead of the afternoon, no forced school prayer for them, etc.)
7. Everyone is recovering well from their cold, and Calvin was spared completely so far. Loving the boost for his immune system from nursing :-)
8. The time with my grandparents. I was talking to my mom about how, when I was a child, the best chocolate in the world was the small piece our grandpa snuck us after dinner.. Wonderful memories!
9. Violet being such a big help taking care of her little brother. For all the times she doesn't accept personal space and - driven by her curiosity - stands more in the way than anything else, I'm thankful for her compassion and love for her little brother that at any time I need someone to have an eye on the little guy or to entertain him while I cook, she's here to sing for him, play with him, rub his tummie, etc.
10. Wonderful neighbors to move in towards the end of the year. I can't wait :-)
Have a great new week, everyone!
Sometimes it is the simple moments that make the most memorable memories--things like your Grandpa sneaking you chocolate. I've heard of parents making story books out of family memories like that, and having their children provide the illustrations. Then those memories are preserved and passed down to future generations.
ReplyDeleteWe should totally do that, Kristi :-) Thanks so much for the idea! Have a wonderful week!
Delete…I know there are a ton of infant/Starbucks jokes there…. I know it! visuals as well as finny quips…but my fever is taking me away from the rational zone.
ReplyDeleteHowever I am listening to a Poco Album… the first or the second, not sure…very excellent for relaxing definitely recommend it.
Are there?? Totally unaware and naive here ;-) But we had fun, it was comfortable, and the PSL was totally awesome! Enjoy your week, Clark!
DeleteI hate those days that I don't get to cuddle and have good, relaxing, peaceful times with each of the kids. I don't know what I'm going to do when all of my kids are too big for cuddles. I shudder to think. Good thing my youngest is on the small side! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to see older siblings helping and loving on little siblings?
It is so wonderful to see the girls with their little brother. It almost hurts me having to interfere all the time when Violet loves too much on Calvin. But she definitely should not carry around a baby that's about a third of her own weight :-) It'll be some years until your kids are too old, and they may never be too old for some cuddles with their mom! But seriously, I have no idea how you do it, giving all 6 of them the attention they need. I barely manage with our three! Hope you 're having the best week, Christine!
Deletesounds like wonderful memories were created this week. :)
ReplyDeleteMost certainly, Mary! Have a wonderful week!
DeleteHow sweet of Calvin to take you on a date! I hope he let you drive :)
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding is so awesome for those immunities! Glad Calvin was spared the crud!
It's so exciting when your child learns to read, for both of you! It opens such a world to them. Lily will be reading books before you know it.
I love how Violet is such a good helper. I'm sure she's in the way more than she's actually helpful sometimes, but she means well!
Honestly, Dyanne, she is a help a lot of times, because she entertains the little guy while I cook, get some cleaning done, or simply take a shower. And when she's being too invasive, Calvin finds his ways to get him some space (he peed on Violet during diaper change this week). I can't wait until Lily reads the first books to me!! Have a great week!
DeleteWhat an amazing memories that are being made! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Jen! It was a really good week :-) Hope you get to enjoy your week somewhat, despite the hotel situation!
DeleteOooohhh I think I love number six the most! But Pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin bread are a close second. I have thus far resisted the pumpkin bread but I have already had way too much pumpkin spice latte
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a relief having someone who shares our views in a position like that. I make my own PSL by putting some pumpkin spice in my espresso grounds. It's not nearly as sweet as the Starbucks version, but the flavor is still there :-) Enjoy your week!
DeleteThat Calvin is an emerging ladies' man, isn't he?
ReplyDeletePumpkin anything is awesome. And hooray for helpful siblings!
Calvin has no chance but to become the perfect gentleman. His two sisters are spoiling him rotten, but I'm sure they will not accept any attitudes from him :-) Pumpkin is so awesome, more pumpkin bread will be baked tomorrow!!!
DeleteMom & son dates are the best!
ReplyDeleteThey are awesome, Steph :-) Have a great week!
DeleteHe's a totally sweet guy :-) But he got some milk there as well, so there were a happy mommy and a happy Calvin! Have a great week, Lizzi!
ReplyDelete