Lazy Afternoon Chalk Fun

Spent most of the day inside today getting stuff done and taking naps (the kids, not I unfortunately).  Took them out this afternoon for some fresh air and side walk chalk fun.








Getting My Act Together

A few weeks ago I pinned a house cleaning schedule I came across while surfing the internet instead of doing house work.  Ironic huh?  But it really got me on a house cleaning/ getting my act together kick.  For a long time now, I've been neglecting my cleaning and general up keep in my house, either because I was just too exhausted from being pregnant or too exhausted from chasing 3 or 4 kids around or just not knowing where to start.  Since printing out this little one page schedule I've completely regained my enthusiasm for having a clean (as straight a house with 4 kids can be) home.

Here is the schedule I found Link to printable version


I printed out the schedule and taped it up inside a cabinet in the kitchen.  I kept up pretty well the first week, giving myself some slack considering I hadn't done 1/2 the stuff in a long time and allowing myself an adjustment period so I wouldn't get overwhelmed and give up.  

Next I felt like I needed something cute and interactive to help me keep track of chores and meal planning, so I found this super fun free printable weekly planner online.  



Could it be any cuter!  Printed it out and framed it behind glass to turn it into a dry erase planner or sorts.  Fill in all my to do's and meals with a fine tip sharpie, then wipe off and repeat the next week.  



 Hanging in the kitchen







Sick

The only time I drink hot tea


Friday Fun?

Not really all that fun, but we've spent them morning organizing and picking up the kids room.  Well, mostly I've spent the morning doing this.  The kids colored and tried taking everything out of the boxes while I attempted to clean up.  I love these comic boxes for storing and organizing toys.  At $4 and change they are a sturdy, cheap option for organizing, and I printed labels on adhesive paper.  The kids are good at putting things in the correct bin when they are nagged enough to pick up and put things away. 




That blank one is for misc stuff that I couldn't figure out how to categorize or stuff that there wasn't enough to fill it's own box. 

Hopefully the day will get more exciting.  Abby & Zoey have been sick for the better part of the week, and they are just starting to feel better.  We may zone out in front of the TV a bit this afternoon in hopes of making it out of the house later or at least by tomorrow.


Stay At Home Mom Slippers

I find my self barefoot most days, all day being a stay at home mom.  These cute retro tie on slippers are perfect to slide on in the morning and wear around the house!  Found this great free pattern through Pintrest Elle Tie on Slipers.

Here are hers


And here are mine


Super easy pattern and it only takes a little bit of fabric (I just used some scraps of barkcloth and left over cotton from some jammies I'm making)

Things I'm missing right now

The house has been pretty hectic with the new baby.  I don't mean to complain..... well maybe I do, but there are a few things that I've been missing lately.

My waist.  It's slowly coming back.  I can fit into my regular clothes now, but it ain't too pretty.

Sleep.  Oh sweet sleep how I miss you.

Having time to put on a bit of make up in the mornings.  Now I don't typically wear much make up.  A bit of mascara with a little cat eye liquid eyeliner and some blush if I'm feeling pale (which is all the time).  I just haven't found the time to get it done.  I'm lucky if I get everyone dressed and fed and out the door.  I look forward to getting back to this routine sometime soon.

Having time to run a curling iron through my hair.  I love experimenting and playing with my hair.  Another thing I look forward to getting back to.

My husband. Things have been such a whirl wind around here, I feel like we haven't been able to talk and hang out with each other in ages.  What I'd give to be able to go out on a date with him..

Sewing.  I have so many projects waiting for me.  So many pieces I want to make for my summer wardrobe and the kids.  And so many ideas for hats.  I usually do my sewing in the evening after everyone has gone to bed, but lately I've been working out on the Kinect or just zoning out on the couch and enjoying the quiet.

All of these things I miss are totally worth missing.  My little man has been smiling a lot the past few days and getting a little better about hanging out by himself when I'm trying to get things done.  But I still need to vent. 

Weekend Magic

My weekends usually start Friday afternoons because Josh gets out of work around lunch time.  This past Friday morning I packed the kids up and headed to the zoo to meet some of our great friends and their kids.  It was ridiculously humid, I was covered in sweat by the time I got everyone strapped in their car seats.  We strolled through a bit of the zoo then headed to the snack area so the kids could have an early lunch.  After lots of sharing and trading snacks, we headed out to explore the rest of the zoo and we were met with a crazy rain storm.  The kids (and my self) all ended up soaked between playing in the rain and attempting to get to the car.
I can't express how thankful I am for my fellow mommy friends.  It is difficult to bring the 4 kids under the age of 4  out and about on play dates, but the other moms in our awesome little group always help out more than I could ever expect.  Weather it's helping out by taking them on the carousel, or running one or two of them to the bathroom for me, I really don't think I could do it with out them.  Thank you.  I feel like I don't say it enough!





Saturday was filled with errands and must dos.  Josh took the girls to the splash park while Cherry napped at home and I attempted to work out with the Kinect and Jasper interrupted me the whole time.  Saturday night I had a wonderful girls night (with Jasper) and Lorna.  We stuffed our faces at Mellow Mushroom, then walked around Down Town Delray talking and laughing.  I need more nights like that.

Sunday Josh was at a trunk sale at Tate's Comic Store trying to get rid of some of his old toys and such most of the day.  His dad came up to help me keep the girl busy.  We got some breakfast at Panera, spent a good chunk of time at our newly renovated neighborhood playground, got Publix fried chicken, watermellon and lemonade for lunch, then did some finger painting and ice pop eating at home. 







6 Weeks Old

Time flies and babies get chunky




Jasper is growing like a weed, no wonder, he eats non stop.  It can be tough when he wants to nurse ever 45 minutes when the three other kids are wanting/ needing something or just wanting attention, but I just keep telling my self "this phase will end" and then it'll be something else, hah.  I've found it increasingly difficult to get everyone out of the house and get somewhere on time, which I'm having a very difficult time with because I'm the person who always shows up early to places.

So as with most internet/ technology things, I'm a little late to the game, but I just got an Instagram account.  I'm not really sure why, because I don't have a phone to take photos with.  Yes that's right,  no cell phone.  But now I really want one, to capture those quick moments when I'm out with the kids and getting my big camera out just isn't feasible.  Things that I'd love to document her on my blog so my parents can keep up with what the grandkids are up to.  Oh well, on my wish list.  But for now, I just have to get better at using my regular camera while not missing out on being involved in the moment at the same time.   

Cardboard Box House

Cardboard Box House, need I say more.





National Donut Day!

Yesterday we spoiled the girls dinner (and our own) by visiting our local Dunkin Donuts and taking advantage of their National Donut Day offer!  I had an iced coffee and blueberry cake donut.  What's your favorite??

Zoey / Chocolate frosted with Sprinkels

Abby / Chocolate Glazed

Cherry / Chocolate Frosted with Sprinkels

The donut won

Rainy Friday

There is a 100% chance of rain today, needless to say, gotta keep the kids busy inside.  Making oatmeal walnut cookies and listening to Dashboard Confessional circa 2001.  Feelin' nostalgic.



Jasper is 5 weeks old today, time sure does fly.  He has been nursing nonstop, it's really taking a toll on me.  Might try to start supplementing with some formula to see if it helps keep him full longer. 
I've been trying to exercising to get back in shape so I got a jogging stroller off Craig's List.  The past two days however, I've ended up having to carry Jasper about 1/2 my route due to his hysterical crying.  I must look crazy sitting on the side of the road nursing a baby, he seriously can't go 30 minutes without wanting to eat.

Just a few more hours until Josh gets home and we can start our weekend.  The weather is supposed to clear up so hopefully we'll have some serious fun!