Trash-talk, Public Brawls, and Meatloaf

After a long five day weekend, Monday was a welcome change.

I feel like I have really fallen behind the last month, and yesterday I felt like I started to finally catch up! 

This was William yesterday morning:

He just kept walking around like he was SO cool. It cracked me up. At one point he pushed over Matthew and I walked in on Matthew crying on the floor, and William leaning against the wall with  a mug face and his arms and legs crossed like, "Wasn't me."

I also want to include a little snippet about William's trash talking these days. Right now, it is "princess."  

"Try and beat me princ-ess."

"Come and get me, PRINC-ESS!" "Let's wrestle Princess!" "Who's da boss, Princess??"

The other one he uses on his big brother is, "Let's fight Johnny-Appleseed Princess!"

There are always giggles after and it makes me laugh. I think he got it from John who calls Spencer "princess" on the basketball court.

Now, if William does anything. Most suredly, Matthew will absolutely have to do it as well! 

Those two boys keep me on my toes! 

I had some things I needed to pick up at Michael's for a church activity, and I was dreading the errand. I knew it would be overwhelming for William and Matthew and in turn, overwhelming for me. 

Sure enough, I found myself at the check out line with two screaming/bickering/micromanaging/fighting little boys that I just couldn't get to calm down and be nice to each other. It was a combination of late naps, older siblings being in school again, new store, tired mom, and well- William and Matthew.  But. What can you do in those situations but smile and hold your head high? Oh, I know- look down and avoid eye contact and get the heck out of that place as soon as possible. Yes, that is how I handled it. 

When we got home I wrestled those boys to bed (one successfully, one not so successfully.)

As I sat outside their doors playing nap-monitor, I reflected how embarrassing and frustrating the whole ordeal was. It was then, the still small voice reminded me, "...but they actually did really well until that last part." Instantly flashes of the good things came through my mind like a movie sequence. I had images of them pointing out their favorite stickers, and how they stayed close to the cart with me the entire time, and their big eyes and little fingers pointing out all the Christmas decorations (namely, Fanta Caus!) I thought about William saying, "Wow, mom- I really wike your paper you choose-ed." and seeing the life size Santa Clause and saying, "So, do you think he comes alive on Christmas Eve to come to our house with toys?" Then Matthew giving that creepy Santa statue a great big hug. I remembered us laughing at a couple of pictures we saw, and William choosing out coloring books for each kid in our family.

It is interesting how I sometimes let a really bad moment poison some really beautiful memories. Yet, as I focused on those good moments, the shadow of the bad slowly faded. I determined then and there that was going to be my story- the good stuff. And we'll keep working the kinks out of the rest. 

When the kids got home from school and finished their chores and homework, we decided it was a perfect day (or at least a not rainy day) to go to the park.

What is it with Johnny and sticks?? With ALL my boys and sticks? Someone always gets hurt.

Yesterday for his snack, Johnny asked for leftover meatloaf. He thinks I am the best cook in the world, namely because of my meatloaf. I know it is so random, but I feel like it's some badge of motherhood I should get framed or something. I officially have a "Mom's Meatloaf." I mean, sure- I wish it was something a little more classy like "Mom's Lasagna" or something...but Meatloaf it is, apparently.

Caity was racing William to keep him excited. 

We met up with friends at the park and it was just such a great evening to get fresh air, despite the chill!

 We got home and cleaned up the house, got in baths, had dinner and then had family night. We talked about Thanksgiving and how wonderful it is that we can particularly worship God how we feel is right, since that isn't the case in all countries. 

We played Thanksgiving charades and it was so funny. Gosh, those kids are awesome!

These pictures are from this morning getting ready. They are blurry, but I just want to remember how Caity and Johnny talk to each other.

Watching my kids connect always brings me so much satisfaction as a mom.

Also note, if Matthew ever sees any two people talking/playing/reading/cuddling....he weasles his way right in the middle like it's his rightful place. It cracks me up! I mean....look at that face!