Busy Birthday

I already went to bed tonight, and couldn't sleep! I kept thinking about everything we did today! It was a really great day, and I thought I would write about it really quick. Maybe it will clear my mind so I can sleep.

First of all, the boys wanted their hair cut, so I cut it. I don't do anything fancy, so don't think too highly of me. Not to be left out, B had to have a haircut too, so I trimmed the back for her.

After haircuts, we made a huge pitcher of fresh-picked, fresh-squeezed homemade lemonade at C's request. It is delicious. It was quite a tedious chore to clean up after 3 kids squeezed enough lemons for that huge pitcher full! But the kitchen got nearly an entire mop job of the floors, and complete wipe-down of all the counters.

We started our school work late because of all the haircuts, and lemonade making, but got reading our read-aloud, and got very absorbed in it. I am so glad to see the kids listening to me read more. They are quite used to listening to tons of audio books and audio dramas in the car, but have never remained as quiet for me when I try to read. Most of the trouble is probably my fault because I can become quite distracted by the sounds of legos shuffling in the lego bin, innumerable trips to the restroom, and them needing to go to another room to find something "real quick" as if it's an emergency. It's also neat to see how adjusted B is to listening to our read-alouds. She's just now 4 1/2, but her listening abilities are so much more than what they boys' were at the same age. Certainly it's two-fold, with her massive exposure to audio stories, and I am sure partly due to her gender.

We finished some other pressing school work, and then headed to the kitchen to make lunch. All 3 kids helped me make lunch today. We then played an educational game, and made a gluten-free chocolate zucchini cake together. This was not a simple box-mix kind of cake either, but a full "from scratch" cake because of the required gluten-free diet C is on. (Gone are the days of quick and easy baking for me, I am afraid. I kind of miss the simplicity of mixes.) I had all 3 of the kids helping in the kitchen at once. Some of you know how big a feat this can be. I did feel like the manager of a 3 ring circus for a time, but the cake was actually a success.

I am on a mission of sorts. Our kids are quite used to helping out around the house, especially with all the family projects and jobs we seem to keep busy with. I am often very amazed at how hard they work, and how valuable their help is when hubby needs a few extra hands. But I fight with my tendency to prefer to do things myself inside the house like laundry, major house cleaning, etc. because I am particular about how I want things to be done. It has come to my attention that I am working too much, and they are playing when I am working! This is no way to teach my kids how to run a house, I know. It's not like they never help inside, but they could surely be doing more of what needs done around here. So, today marks the beginning of changes to come. Today they helped me with 2 loads of laundry, dishes, sweeping floors, etc. I believe I will see real progress if I can keep up my determination to teach them and include them more. B even told me that I could go put my feet up and watch TV if I wanted to, but I didn't. I don't have any bon-bons in the house. Actually, I've never tasted a bon-bon. Are they good?

After a little more school, it was time to make supper! We had a nice dinner of portabello mushroom gluten-free pasta, brussel sprouts (of which the kids each ate several brussel sprouts without complaint, even though it is not their favorite vege!), and yellow zucchini. We cracked open a special bottle of sparkling pear cider that we purchased from a local orchard/vendor in GA when we were there on our vacation. Chocolate zucchini cake followed. Yum!

C blew out his candles after we sang to him, and hubby took the boys out scouting for rabbits. They had better keep away from the blueberry bushes, or else!! B and I read a few books together. We watched some political debate/commentary, and Michigan polls results, then it was off to bed for the kids.

Phew!! It doesn't sound like much when it's down on paper, but it was a busy, full day. The best part of all? It was so much fun hanging out with my kids! During supper making, we put some music on and everybody was dancing around a bit having a grand time. You should have seen C teaching his sister how to dance! Like he even knows how to ballroom dance (not!!), but it was so sweet! It wasn't his usual funky "jiggy" dance, but full spins of the little lady. Anyway, it was fun. I love that our kids are each other's best friends. If I could only get them to act that way 24/7. Hey, no body's perfect, right?