Very strange and very wonderful

My guys. One makes me weak in the knees…the other three melt me with their cuteness. Boys my joys.

Chris’ sister lives in Colorado and he has been itching to introduce the boys to skiing. So, last week all my guys piled in the car, drove north and hit the slopes. They got to learn how to ski during the day and spend time with family in the evenings. I love that Chris  is totally at ease with taking three boys skiing by himself. Not only was he at ease with it, he relished the time with his sons. As much as I would have loved to be there with them, I am so thankful they had last week together. No doubt the boys will always remember this special trip with their dad. Chris will always remember it too.

I took advantage of the week to tackle the ‘kitchen’ area of the studio. It really needed a back splash and I’ve never gotten around to it before last week. My mom and dad came over several times to help me…and, of course, I had two little ‘helpers’.

It was a very productive week. I still have some more things to finish up on it; later I’ll post more pictures of the finished area.

The guys were supposed to be home on Friday night, but an ice storm made them pull over for the night just two hours from home. Once Saturday arrived, FireCracker waited by the window. It was the saddest & cutest thing all at once.

I remember vividly the first day I was able to take a shower AND do a load of laundry all in one day after my second son was born. I had two kids and it felt like the biggest accomplishment. I stood at the dryer in our garage and was so proud that not only did we have clean clothes, but my hair was actually fixed. That moment is still so clear to me. I don’t remember walking across the stage when I graduated from college. I do remember that day 6 years ago – doing laundry with a 2 year old and a newborn. I still feel pride when I think of that day. I got a lot down this week with two kids, but my normal now is five. I only mention that to encourage those of you reading that might feel like clean hair is more than you can manage. I’ve been there. I’m in a different phase now, but I sure remember those days. Thank goodness for hats & Febreeze!

It is strange to be out of that newborn phase…to have kids old enough to ski and little girls mixing grout and helping lay tile. Very strange and very wonderful.