It's on the blog - so now it's official!

Well, my observant readers, I certainly did not mean to be secretive or sneaky! Word is out in real life, and most of social media, but I can't believe I forgot the good ol' blog!

Yes, we are happy to announce we are looking forward to welcoming baby #6 in September!

And in true Buffalo fashion, we are expecting another BOY. :)

BLUE silly string gender reveal with the kiddos.

Pregnancy #6 has been very kind to me thus far. I have gained more weight with this one than any other. But that couldn't have anything to do with my husband keeping me well stocked in burgers, cookies, ice cream and donuts. I promise, I eat healthy stuff, too. :P

We are admittedly nervous every once in a while about adding another human to this merry-go-round, but are truly convinced he is God's will for our family.  

Plus, who wouldn't want to welcome a sweet little person who will grow up to do things like this:

and this:

Or regale us with thoughts such as these:
"There are two kinds of chickens: dead ones, and live ones." (Tyler, inspecting the meat in his supper bowl tonight.)

Yes, this house gets messy, and it gets loud, but it is full of fun and creativity, joy and hugs, love and laughter. We are truly blessed!

School Update and Some Random Pics

It seemed to me that it would be a good time to catch up on how school is going around here, so, without further ado, an update on our 2013-2014 school year:

We are absolutely loving Easy Peasy (allinonehomeschool.com). Dale is on track to finish year 5 by the end of May. Which is pretty impressive, considering we didn't really get going on it full swing until January. Among other novels he has read Alice in Wonderland, and is currently working on Little Men. He's developing his writing skills, learning how to write a five-paragraph essay and be aware of creative language and complex sentences. He already  has a whopping vocabulary, so it's nice to start to see that come out in his writing now and then. The biggest hurdle we have with school is quality control. He is able to do most of his work independently, but I have to stay on my toes checking it or things get a little less than his best.

Accidently matching for church a few weeks ago.

Pretty much since the beginning of his "official" school career, Alan has been on a January to December calendar instead of August to May. Which is one of the beauties of homeschooling, really. He has never been behind or ahead, but right on schedule. That hopefully explains the fact that he began his 2nd grade work in January. He will not finish Easy Peasy level two in May, but will be able to complete the work with flying colors in November/December. He is learning a lot of grammar (nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, subjects, predicates). He gets frustrated with me for making him write exclusively in cursive, but his cursive is steadily improving and is already better than his print. 

The look on his face when I asked him Easter Sunday if he wanted go hunt eggs.

After letting Khan Academy fall by the wayside for several months due to web layout frustrations, I decided to check it out again recently, and I'm so glad I did! It's all different, and I love the changes. It's so much easier for me - and the boys- to see what they have done and what they need to do next. Also, lots of lower elementary concepts and exercises have been added, so Alan can do it too. Very, very pleased with that.

We are doing our usual read-through-the-Bible again this year, pretty much the same way we have done all but one of the last 5 years or so. We are currently mid-way through  II Kings, pausing a bit there to cover the prophets. Not sure at what pace I want to proceed through the rest of the Bible, whether to start the New Testament in August and take two years, or pack it all in to finish by early summer. Dale and Alan notebook most of the Bible lessons. They also (Alan particularly) like worksheets printed from Calvary Chapel Curriculum. 

We have covered a few science/history/social studies topics together this year, including animal habitats, Russia / the Olympics (which has made the boys interested in all of the news in Ukraine this spring), and currently, earthquakes.

For Tyler and Brooklyn we have been loosely following Hubbard's Cupboard's Bible and Rhyme curriculum - working our way through major stories of  the Bible and the Alphabet, along with appropriate matching crafts and occasional nursery rhymes. We sometimes sing songs, do hand rhymes, play with playdough, or get out special puzzles and games. We spend about 30 minutes of each day devoted to "Preschool Time." Tyler is ripe for learning to read. Not sure yet when I'll start official "lessons" with him. Meanwhile, Brooklyn has picked up on most of the letter sounds herself.

(I don't think she found any letter sounds in these giant eggs, though.)

I make it a point almost every day to read to Daniel and Brooklyn individually (and often Tyler, too), and then Tyler, Alan, Dale and I spend half an hour in a chapter book. We've read a couple of "Little House" books recently, and currently, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. It's one of my favorite times of day, and I think everyone else's, too!

When all else fails, blame the monkey

Sometimes random items become the "it" item of the day at our house. Yesterday it was one of those little ink stampers...the kind you can order from those prize magazines for 9.99/gross. Tyler was enamored and covered himself with blue smilies. He and Alan both decorated their bellies with smiley "eyes" and a smiley dots smile, with their own belly buttons for noses. By the time I discovered what had happened, it was time for supper and church. There wasn't time for a bath, and we don't usually take one after church on Wednesdays. I was just glad all smilies were concealed by their clothes, and no one at church was any the wiser. We put everyone to bed, late, as usual for Wednesdays, and thus ended another day.

Decided to do today's preschool activity outside since it's been so beautiful out!
T-Toothbrush painted T's! :)

Most nights I sleep all night without a peep from any children. Most of the times if a child is "peeping", it's Tyler. Sometimes he's telling me he's thirsty ("Your water glass is on the table"), or that he has to pee ("Use my bathroom"). Last night, as usual, it was Tyler standing by my bedside in the wee hours.
Tyler: Mama?
Me: What sweetie? (I don't always answer so nicely.)
Tyler: Will these blue smilies come off me?
Me: (Laughing inside in spite of the wee hour) Yes, sweetie, they will.
And off he went, back to bed.

Don't let those GREEN stamp marks on Tyler's forehead confuse you. They are, in fact, different from the blue ones on his belly. From a new stamper they found this morning. Where are these things coming from!?

Daniel was up before 7 again this morning. This time Greg was already gone and it was Alan that sprung him from his crib. Which was just as well, because that meant Alan was up before 7. I really like it when the big boys are up and showered before I have to tell them to. Or at least one of them. Daniel wasn't as impressed with the shaving cream trick today, but I still managed to get showered without him playing in the toilet or digging out all the feminine items from under the counter (it wouldn't be the first time - for either).

Daniel participates more all the time. He really liked this one! (And check out the one-legged photo-bomb in the background)

Even though we mostly follow a schedule on weekdays, I've been cheating it for weeks now by skipping the morning walk. I tell myself I like having that half hour to catch up if we've gotten behind already, but the truth is, I think I've been letting us fall behind because I don't want to take the walk. My midwife's office recommends walking two miles a day. Two miles!? Seriously? Who has time for that? And frankly, the 3/4 mile route we take for our 25 minute venture wears me out.  But, the kids like that half hour and I suppose it's good for all of us, so I put it back in today. And I guess tomorrow as well. And all next week. We'll see. If I do it long enough it will get easier, right? ....right?

This afternoon after school and naptime I was sorting through a stack of papers in our bedroom. Brooklyn, (who has a nasty habit of having an f.i.t. when she doesn't get her way (we're really, really working on that) ) asked for some play time on my phone. When I said 'no', she turned her head away from me towards a stack of greeting cards I had set aside to save. This one happened to be on top:

And so, mama said, "no phone games" and Brooklyn burst out, slapping in anger, "I hate that monkey!!!"

Because of course, it was all the monkey's fault.

Everybody always blames the monkey.

Sticky Situation

By the time bedtime rolls around, I am done. Done.

We make it through pjs and prayers, and hugs and kisses, and 9 times out of 10 I'll tuck everyone in nice and snug.  But after that I consider myself off duty. Any child reappearing after the last 'goodnights' are said most likely isn't going to get much.

Even so, some child or another is often popping back in.  One night last week it was Alan.

"There is something gooey under my pillow."

Greg and I looked at him blankly. "Get a towel from the cabinet and put it under your pillow and we'll take care of it tomorrow," his daddy instructed him.

Alan went off obediently, only to show back up several minutes later.

He held out a small red plastic cup, one of the ones the kids use for orange juice at breakfast. "I just found another clue to the gooey mystery", he announced, stretching out the cup for me to see.

It had - at some point in recent history - been half-full of school glue. Now just the white wet gooey residue remained.

Oh dear.

This would be a good time to mention that Alan and Tyler share the full-sized bottom bunk.

The next morning involved a questioning of the primary suspect: the boy who naps (and sometimes just hangs out - ahem) in that bed in the afternoons; a stripping of the sheets - that were now stuck to the mattress pad in several dry crusty spots; and a search of the area for more evidence or damage. None was immediately found.

Later in the afternoon, Alan triumphantly produced the tell-tale orange screw-top lid of a glue bottle. I returned to the scene for a more thorough search and found a rather large glue puddle waaaaay back in the back corner, on Alan's side, thankfully mostly contained on an extra board stored under the bed.

We finally obtained a confession from the non-napping 4 year old napper. At the time of this writing, the (I assume) empty bottle is still missing.

Glue projects are on hold until further notice.

Tyler Tales

Driving home Saturday from a weekend trip we passed through the city just after dark.  All of the boys were enthralled with the brightness and colors of all the neon lights and traffic.  Much to our amusement, Tyler was inspired to burst into a song that went something like this:
"The lights are bright in the city!
Big rigs drive in the city!
Big rigs don't honk at night!"
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Every night after supper we pack leftovers up for Daddy's lunch the next day.  Last night Tyler took things upon himself to pack up Daddy's lunch and he was so proud of himself!  A Brussels sprout in each cup and a sweet potato on top:

He was a little concerned that he couldn't find any chicken, but we assured him there was more in the fridge. 
Before we even knew he had loaded the tray, he had taken it and put in Daddy's car.
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A few weeks ago Daddy took advantage of being home alone with the boys (and their art gear) to make Mother's Day cards.  My little creators all made more than one.  Along with all of the hearts, flowers, hand-holding stick people and Angry Birds (everything these days must. include. Angry Birds.  Even Mother's Day cards, apparently), Tyler had his own ideas for a picture.  "I'm drawing a rocket.  And it says 'No grownups allowed.' "  
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My favorite recent Tyler Tale came from bedtime prayers last night.  With the whole family lined up on the couch, Tyler cuddled up next to me and began his "thank-yous".  
"Thank you God that Brooklyn is so cute.  And thank you that Mama is so lovely."
For the mama that doesn't always feel so lovely, that sweet little prayer was good for my heart!

Graduation Day

We knew the day was coming soon, we just didn't know when.  

On a whim, it turned out to be today.

Tyler graduated from his booster seat at the supper table...

Brooklyn graduated from the high chair to the booster...

And Daniel joined us at the table!

I had forgotten how much happier a fussy suppertime baby can be when they are simply up high with everyone else!  

Daniel wasn't the only one that was happy.  Brooklyn was Miss Big Stuff sitting at the table!  She was in a silly mood, showing out for everyone, but still ate her supper like a big girl.

And speaking of eating.... somebody had his first solid food tonight!

Mashed avocado.  Went down like he's been doing it all his life.  Welcome to the table, Daniel!  Happy graduation day to our babies! :)

All Ty'd up

Daddy went for a run this weekend and, as occasionally happens, the 2 bike riding boys went with him.

And, as occasionally happens, the non-bike riding boy was sad.  But only for a minute.

Then he came running in with Candy Land and an open invitation.

Who was I to turn down such an offer?

But I'll let you in on a little secret.

I'm a Candy Land cheater.

How does one cheat at Candy Land?

I stack the deck so the picture cards come up in the same order they are on the board.

Have you ever played Candy Land without stacking the deck?

A game can go on forevvvverrrrrr.  Not good for me or 3-year-old attention spans.

Stack the deck, nobody gets sent back to the gingerbread guy when they were theeees close to winning, and you might even have time to play another game before everybody gets bored.

It's a win-win!

Fun & Games

Today was the first day back to school for us after Christmas break. 

It was also the fullest day since before Daniel was born; we are 100% back at it.

I am pleased with how it all went and feel optimistic that by the end of the week we'll really be hitting our groove with school and routine again. Yay!

After supper tonight we gathered 'round for a game of Jenga.  Tyler helped me with my first few turns.  Greg kept pausing from bouncing a fussing Daniel for his turns, and Brooklyn kept herself entertained nearby.

If you have ever played Jenga you probably remember the quiet moments of suspense and concentration.  Near the end of the game everyone is holding their breath each turn for the tower to crash down.

I found the stark contrast of playing Jenga at our house tonight amusing.  Imagine performing intricate balancing acts among a babbling toddler, crying baby, and wallering 3 year old.

And I still managed to win a round! :)

The boys loved all playing a game together, though, so it's all good.

After game time the 3 littlest all got a bath.  I was still in the bathroom with Daniel all wrapped in a towel while Tyler swished back and forth in the tub, singing.

First was, "Frosty the big snowman..."

Followed by, "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer), had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it (saw it), you could even say it blows."

Well that's what noses do, isn't it?

Best Birthday Present Ever!

Or at least in the Top 10. :)

Gramps made Tyler the coolest gizmo for his birthday, and it was a huge hit with the whole herd!  Buttons, knobs, switches, whoozits, magnets, locks, and more!

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

Random pictures from Mimi's camera

Because they are fun pics.  
And because I'm feeling too lazy to think up an actual blog post.
But mostly because I like the pics. :)

Did you really even have to ask?

Daddy and the big boys have had a couple of big days out this week, going and doing.  One thing they planned was a night of fireworks.

This afternoon the guys all headed out for some other fun with plans for fireworks after dark.  Tyler was pretty upset at being left behind, and the guys tried to help by telling him they were going on out to get a show ready and he could come watch it later.

Tyler accepted that bargain and settled in a little reluctantly at home with Mama and the babies.

A few hours later we bundled up and ventured out in the cold night and leftover snow to see the show, picking up Mimi along the way.

Mom and I enjoyed our visit on the drive out, but really couldn't believe we were out of our warm cozy homes and into dark and cold.

I finally asked "For whose benefit are we doing this, anyway?"

The answer to that, of course, was "Tyler's".  

As we turned into the driveway for the show, I teasingly called to the back of the van, "Tyler, you better enjoy this!  Are you ready for the show?"

.....

From the darkness all we could hear was....

.....silence.

"Tyler?  Are you awake?"

"No," came the tiny reply from the back.

Parked by now, we turned on the light and turned to see our little buddy:

I asked again, "Tyler? Are you awake?"

Without moving a muscle, or opening his eyes, my little boy, 95% O.U.T. responds:

"I said, 'no'."

Snow Day!

Tyler and I enjoyed a walk together today in our rare Christmas snow.

 We had so much fun, just the two of us!

 Walking together, I learned snow is good for one thing to Tyler...

 ...eating!

 We would walk a few steps...

 ...stop...

 ...reach way in..

 ....and eat!

 We repeated this process over and over again.  He'd say, "I want to go somewhere else."

 Or, "I want some different snow." 

 And we'd tromp a few more feet to sample a new patch of white stuff.

 Fun -even if a bit chilly- times with my sweet Tyler!