No Sleep for the Weary and other Sunday Happenings

Ugh! I just left Charlotte's room. She had a horrible time falling asleep tonight. She was stressed over not being able to sleep which just makes it that much harder. She kept falling asleep, snoring or talking, then waking and swearing she had not been to sleep at all, yet. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! We've got to find a better solution.

In the morning I have to decide whether to wake her at her regular time or let her sleep and then freak out when she wakes and realizes she is late for school.

This morning I left everyone the same message in their hearts. I hid them in their seats at the table knowing that everyone doesn't usually sit down to eat breakfast together on Sundays.



Ruby had breakfast first. She came back upstairs with a twinkle in her eye. She snuggled up to me and asked if she really was my favorite. I assured her that she was. She gave me the biggest smile and hug. It was adorable.

All went well until we came home from church and Charlotte found her heart. Everyone just happened to be in the kitchen, Charlotte read hers aloud, to herself. Immediately there were multiple exclamations about each person having that message. Eliza Claire declared that she found hers first so clearly she was the favorite. Ruby informed her that she had found hers before Eliza Claire and was therefore the favorite. I assured them all that they are all my favorites. Luckily, they all took it in good humor and today's message did not backfire.

Ruby's head is looking better today and is bandage free. Still a bit bruised but healing, I just realized that I forgot to put any Rawleighs on it before I sent her to bed. My Granny swore by this salve for everything, but especially bruises. Mom even reminded me today when I talked to her and I still didn't do it.



It was such a nice day that Ruby asked if we could eat dinner outside. She offered to clean and set the table. It was a lovely evening for dining outside. It's a good thing we got that end before the next arctic blast this week.



Eliza Claire has decided that since I am hiding surprises for her that she should hide surprises for me. Being seven she can not wait for me to find them. She always comes to give me a nudge in the right direction. Tonight, she left these treasures for me.



Her note says, "You're my star." She really knows how to make a mom feel special. Maybe, I'm her favorite!

Jenn - the favorite mom

For My Dad

Eliza Claire did this at school for Veteran's Day. It just came home this week.



It says, "Veteran's Day is important to me because my Papa was in the military. I think he fought in World War II. I really love him."

He actually fought in Vietnam. World War II was over before he was born. I guess the good news is she knew he fought in a war, even if she didn't know which one.


Jenn

I'm Lucky

I have an awesome husband. He did the grocery shopping for me tonight. This is after taking Eliza Claire to basketball practice and, of course, working a full day. He didn't get home from grocery shopping until after 10:00 pm. Not only did he bring all the groceries in, he also put them all away.

Grocery shopping is right up there with laundry on chores I dislike. It was a lovely gift to not have to deal with this week.

Now if I could just get him to come around on the "lovely" 70s hamburger chair I would like for my sewing room. You know, the sewing room that doesn't exist...yet. Maybe this grocery store trip was just bribe. Maybe I should have done the shopping after all.




Jenn

Blessings

In transcribing the kids' answers to their end of the year survey last night I was struck by how many people have been a blessing to them.  I am so grateful  for all the people in my parenting village.  Below is a list of the people that showed up on my kids surveys:

The other families that we celebrate New Year's Eve with.  Each family in attendance has at least one baby in heaven.  The hosts lost their baby on New Year's Eve.  More than anything on New Year's Eve were are celebrating their son and all the children we have in heaven and that we have learned to have a meaningful life after such a profound loss.  Not only do the adults support each other, but the kids also enjoy knowing there are other kids like them that have a sibling (or more) in heaven.

Boy Scouts.  Rehm is not an outdoorsy or sporty kid by nature.  He loves scouts and all the skills he learns there, including shooting.  I am so thankful for the adults and other teens that spend their time encouraging and teaching each other.

Band.  Being part of band at the middle school has be amazing.  Rehm loves his band director and his band director from last year, whom he helps out during his lunch with the 6th grade double reeds.  Band is definitely his most challenging class at school. His directors encourage him to do his best even when it means working hard.  

The girl who has made my son realize that girls are not horrible creatures.  Having three younger sisters he does not always think highly of girls as they tend to annoy him. I am grateful that he is learning that girls are funny, smart and kind, even if he still does not recognize these traits in his sisters. 

Johnny Football (Manziel).  Rehm is not hugely into any sport but he loves watching Johnny.  Who can blame him?  Johnny is a wonder to watch.  I love seeing Rehm developing an appreciation for sports, even if he still has no desire to play them.

All of the teachers who continue to inspire and encourage my children to love learning.  I am in awe of teachers.  It truly takes a gifted person to teach.  We have been blessed with many wonderful teachers this year and honestly, every year we have been in school.  A special shout out to Ruby's teacher who made her list as the best thing in 2013.  

All of my kids coaches.  Especially Eliza Claire's softball coaches.  They have done a great job of teaching and motivating her.  She loves playing softball and that is most certainly due to her coaches. 

These are by no means the only people who have blessed us in the past year.  However, I was overwhlemed with gratitude when I realized just how many people outside of our family bless us on a daily basis.

We are truly blessed.  Thank you all for being part of our journey.  We couldn't do it without you.

Jenn