Slowing Down

The kids are almost 4 years old. For most of that time it seems like we were going full speed. As summer approaches this year, things have taken a different turn. We're not sure why, but we seem to be able to slow down more. Not all of the time, but definitely more than we were.

We've bought a smoker to use. If you're not familiar with smokers, you cook foods at a low temperature for a long time. Usually a minimum of 3-4 hours for cooking. This means we don't rush into a meal. It takes time to plan and cook.

We've been using the homemade ice cream maker more. Again more planning and patience.

So what's the point? It's nice to slow down. It reminds us of things we did as kids. Hopefully it's making some nice memories for the kids. It allows us more time at home together. Most importantly, maybe it's teaching the kids that things take time and it's important to wait patiently on what you want. A lesson that seems to be lost in today's hurried world.

Our Own James Brown

Photos added. Click to view them.

Hey Little Minivan

A song for the parents of multiples. And other parents with minivans.

Watch the Video

And if you can't understand the lyrics, read them here.

Oh The Stories!

All three are very imaginative. They can weave some incredible stories.

Squeaky's adventures usually involve her baby and Grandma ChiChi. They are always going somewhere and getting into different situations.

Blondie usually tells about her house in the woods and the adventures there. She recently had some bears move into it, but they're gone now.

Little Man usually tells about the things he does with his puppy.

Diaper Use - Then vs Now

It just occurred to me how many diapers we used to use. We were making our monthly trip to Sam's Club and didn't need to buy diapers. We used to buy the largest box they have every week. Now we buy the large box maybe once a month. That's because the kids are only wearing diapers/Pullups at nap time and bedtime. What a big change.

Spring Planting

This weekend the kids helped plant our vegetables. Maybe it's safer to say Daddy planted the vegetables and the kids ran around in the yard. Anyway, the kids love watering the plants and watching them grow.

Photos Added

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Easter

We survived Easter. Three egg hunts. Two episodes of dying eggs. One Sunday morning of trying to get everyone dressed smartly and keeping them that way until we arrived at church. We'll be posting photos soon.

Photos Added

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Should We Try Again?

It's been over 1 year since we added anything here. Should we try ago? I think we're going to have another go at it. It got to the point that adding something was more of a burden than it was fun. Hopefully that won't be the case this time.

Peanuts

Squeaky passed her peanut challenge test. Now we move to tree nut testing and peanut/tree nut testing for Blondie.

Another Challenge Test

Squeaky goes tomorrow for another challenge test. This time for peanuts. On the last skin test results, she had a weaker response to peanuts than eggs. That would indicate that she isn't allergic to peanuts anymore because she passed the egg test. It still makes us nervous to think about sitting there with her while she eats small amounts of peanut butter to see her response. Even though it's in a controlled environment with lots of nurses and doctors ready, we're still uneasy about the test. Of course, there's no other way to see if the allergy still exists. If she passes this one, we'll still need to find out about tree nuts.

My How They've Grown

Making Cinnamon Toast

We let the kids help make their own cinnamon toast for breakfast. This is one of those mornings. The silly hats are optional.

Eggs

In the past, we've blogged about the allergies the kids have. Yesterday Squeaky had her egg challenge test. She passed. That means we can now have eggs in the house, cook with them and eat them. We celebrated last night by fixing some (peanut/tree nut free) brownies with egss and eating them.

We Love VeggieTales

I'm The Baby

The kids play this game where someone pretends to be the baby and the other two are the mommy and daddy. Sometimes there are two babies and then sometimes three. They crawl around and pretend to talk like a baby. It was cute the first few times. We're over that now.

Battles in the Yard

The kids love playing in the yard. Until recently, we never thought anything about it. We would play out there with them and have a good time. This changed recently with the father's discovery of a yellow jacket nest. Actually he's just found nest number 5. One of the nests was accidentally found while mowing. After that episode and the 5 stings, we're now reluctant to let the kids out in the yard.

The father is spraying the nests, but when each nest is sprayed, they seem to move to another location in the yard. We're now very reluctant to let the kids in the yard to play. At least it's easier to stay inside because it's so hot. We only hope we get rid of these nasty things soon.

Won't You Be His Neighbor?

In June 2008, Public Broadcasting Service announced that it intends to soon change the way Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the beloved children’s television program, is distributed to member stations.

PBS will cease transmitting the program as part of their daily syndicated lineup beginning in September. Instead, PBS will provide member stations with a single Neighborhood episode on weekends. This unfortunate decision essentially silences the special nurturing voice of Mister Rogers in the daily lives of today’s children.

Please help today by contacting PBS.

Check this site for more information.