Florida Snapshot

We've been here *almost* six months! We've been creating and reworking so many of our old routines into every day life here, and we're feeling a good flow again in this chapter. Which had me thinking about past chapters, and how that was always an evolving thing too. I want to remember the "every day" and am beginning a tradition of "snapshot" posts to remember a recap in one spot. Like a little glimpse into the daily routines. I think I'll aim to do these at the first of each year, but this one begins in April as our "Florida snapshot."

Max is growing. A couple weeks ago he walked into the kitchen with this shirt that didn't even cover his torso and his shoulders occupying the part where the arm sleeve should be. I couldn't help but laugh. It was one of his back-to-school shirts we'd purchased at the beginning of the school year! We took a trip to the Nike outlet (probably his favorite store). He was a little hesitant to hand over his % of paying for new clothes, and was quick to find the bargains, but is now happily wearing shirts that fit.

Alexis tidies up her room every night before going to bed. I love watching her scurry around, give everything a place, and then brush off her hands with a little clapping sound once she's done. 

Sometimes I have to slam on my brakes when driving so that an iguana can cross the road safely. 

Tayler is a bookworm. It's the first thing she does when she comes home from school. She jumps for joy when it's time to go to the library. She takes books EVERYWHERE. She has so much animation to her voice in every story. Abigail LOVES it.

Our car is a disaster of books. 

"That's awkward" and "so disgusting" are two of the funniest phrases I hear from Abby throughout the day.

Socks full of sand end up all over the floor. Never in the laundry.

The girls and I ride bikes to/from school every day. Mike surprised me with a cruiser bike for Christmas and I smile every time I'm on it. My heart is so grateful. In our one day of house hunting and purchasing a home, we didn't know what the to/from school routine would look like, and I say a little prayer of thanks every day to God for being so mindful of little routines that matter so much and that bring so much joy.

I give as many hugs as they let me.

Max's school starts and ends about 2 hours later than the girls. The mornings he doesn't have bball practice, he uses that time to get ahead in homework, or we chat about current events or watch a Studio C clip. It's been awesome. 

I probably say "no thumb" or "take your thumb out of your mouth" to Abby at least 50 times a day. I figure at some point it will sink in. Work in progress.

Mike travels around a week out of every month, although it's broken up into smaller trips throughout. Initially, he was traveling a lot more, but things have settled into more of a consistent routine. I'm so grateful for how he just jumps into life with us as soon as he's home. And cleans the floors. It means the world.

Max received a basketball hoop for Christmas and we knew he would use it like crazy, but had no idea he'd utilize any moment. Anytime we pull into the garage, or get ready to leave, he grabs a basketball and gets a couple quick shots in. He practices every day after school, and his shooting and ball handling have really improved.

Max, Alexis and Tayler are all taking golf lessons. We started the older two in January and Tayler just started last week. They are all in the same hour, and Abigail and I hang out on this grass spot while they have their lesson. We read Elephant and Piggy books, she eats loads of snacks and plays under the trees. We look forward to it every week.

I don't remember the last time I unloaded the dishwasher. Or set the table. Or cleared the table. Or emptied the bathroom garbage cans. Or replaced toilet paper in the bathroom. So grateful to be in a chapter of hands helping and contributing in a variety of ways.

I also don't remember the last time I walked into the little girls room and it hasn't been covered with clothes, dress ups, books, dollhouse toys and all other things. I try to take a big breath as we tackle it each day.

I teach Alexis piano. She's diligent with her practice, and I feel so grateful to be able to do that with her. She wants to learn how to play the violin, and I feel like sometime over the next year we might find a teacher and add that in.

Our car now holds just two car seats. And technically it's one seat and one booster. 

Max builds PowerPoint presentations in his spare time. On all kinds of topics.

I am so grateful for the many different "hats" I've been able to wear during this journey of motherhood, and how much of a team of support Mike has been through it all. From working from home part-time, to teaching group fitness, to starting my own business, to volunteering on PTA boards, my heart is full with the variety of experiences and people I've met and learned so much from. And while I have many thoughts on this, and the flexibility we seem to embrace as women, I will say that I am continually discovering and finding peace with letting go of "hats" from other chapters, and wholeheartedly focusing on life here and now, and the "hats" I am currently wearing. I am hoping to take some time to piece these thoughts together in a way that makes a little more sense for a later post.

The girls play on the playset in our backyard every day. I'm soaking in the time I push Abby on the swings and find that more and more she prefers to be with her older sisters, immersed in whatever creative game they've come up with for the day. And it's absolutely okay.

Our backyard always has a football or soccer ball laying around. 

Max cracks his knuckles relentlessly.

Mike and I wake up around 5:30 for early morning workouts and scripture study, although we've done the same workout videos so many times he and I were just screaming with boredom. This last week we shook up the routine a bit and are both pretty excited about it. 

The girls are always humming or singing something.

One of our favorite moments in the day is to walk into the kitchen in the morning and see the kiddos up and reading their scriptures. It's been a two-year goal-setting work-in-progress in our family, and it still is far from perfect, but it's feeling consistent. We really wanted to create space for them to study on their own and to feel that personal connection first thing. 

Our family Scripture study still happens at night. For now that seems to be working.

We eat out once a week as a family. Usually it's Saturday night. I remember this tradition with my own family growing up and it has been so fun to continue. 

Our "morning devotional" is going strong while the kids eat breakfast. I most often alternate between the Friend and the New Era Magazines. 

I'm making and packing lunch for all three kiddos in the morning. That's a routine that needs to change with ownership handed to them, but we haven't quite gotten there yet. Work in progress.

We are so grateful for the opportunities we have to serve in our church no matter where we live. We think fondly of the time Mike was able to serve as a Bishop for our church congregation in Utah. Currently, he is the Young Men's President (he leads the boys 12-18) and they are in the middle of planning a fundraiser for summer camps. I'm currently serving as a Service Leader. It's been fun to connect with folks in an out-of-the-box way. We're in the midst of a fleece-blanket-making project.

We do our Family Home Evening lessons on Sunday nights. 

Monday nights are "game night." We love it. Transamerica is the game we play most right now.

Max loves scouts. He's set a goal to earn his Eagle.

I can't believe how quickly food disappears. 

Alexis loves attending activity days (girls 8-12 from our church congregation meet together a couple times a month). She's learning all kinds of fun things and loves that time with other girls.

Family movie nights are something we really look forward to. And it feels like we’ve finally entered a chapter where we can all sit and enjoy a movie together.

I look forward to reading parts of a chapter book each night with the kids. Some nights are getting trickier to squeeze it in, but I'm still trying.

Since the girls and I have around a 2-hour window before Max comes home from school, we usually use that time for homework, and do things like tea parties, a weekly "art time" and playing outside. Love the endless summer!

Friday cleaning day is going strong. Grateful for hands that help with cleaning, and while sometimes it happens begrudgingly, it sure is nice to have things clean. At least for a few minutes. 

We started up the jobs and boxes thing we do for money and personal management up again in January. And overall, it's going well and is building consistency. 

We're all making friends with neighbors, folks in the community and in our church congregation. There are good people everywhere.

Max has started babysitting for us and we go out about 2 times a month. He has created a "camp fun" where he's the "coach", Alexis is his "assistant coach" and Tayler and Abigail are the campers. The girls jump with excitement when they hear he's in charge. And we are so, so grateful to be entering the chapter of having an in-home sitter. And we head out on a weekly walk once the girls are down.

This is the first house we live in that doesn't have baby items throughout. I have a lot of thoughts on this that I hope to write more on, but in short I am so grateful for those years, and so grateful for the current chapter.

Saturday afternoons are still our set "family activity" time. We started that tradition years ago, and it has stuck! In Florida, we seem to almost always head to the pool. We love it.

Mike is still doing his monthly 1:1 chats with each kiddo the first Sunday of each month. 

For the first time in my adult (and teenage life), I'm experiencing more consistent clear acne-free skin. Sounds a bit silly to even write about, but it's been a huge confidence killer for me for many, many years. I didn't think I would ever actually see clear skin in my life. I was told about a gal that focuses not only on skin care, but nutrition and better understanding the source of acne. I went to her, learned a ton and started implementing her tools. It's taken nine months, but I'm starting to see more consistently clear skin. And I'm hopeful it will continue! So grateful for folks who see problems, and find true solutions rather than quick-fixes and that we can learn from their wisdom! 

Abigail is swimming on her own, as long as she can hold her breath. Still working on the swimming and breathing part. 

Family dinner is a constant. Alexis helps regularly with the prep and actual cooking. I'm hopeful that one day Abigail will actually eat dinner. Until then, I'll continue taking big breaths.

The kiddos all bring down and put away their own laundry. I'm still washing/drying the loads for everyone, but feeling a nudge that Max is ready to take full ownership of his. Work in progress.

I've found a yoga class at the gym that I love to go to.

Mike and I are trying to learn Spanish. But gosh it's hard to set time aside for it. We try to text one another in Spanish only. Which is fun. But the study in general feels really sporadic. Definitely a work in progress.

We talk about nature all the time. The sunset. The clouds. The trees. The flowers. Bugs. Animals.

While we haven't made it to an allergist, I'm 99% sure that some of us have a tree pollen allergy. It's been a beast these last two months with higher pollen counts, and I need to learn tools in the long-term to navigate and prepare better for it next year. Gratefully, the season seems to be changing. Work in progress.

I read/listen to multiple books at a time. I try to squeeze in bits and pieces whenever I can. I have a long list of ones to get to - but most books center on personal growth, learning tools to teach to the family, messages on resilience and the value of work, and spiritual growth. My nightstand is an explosion of books. So much goodness.

Whew, and I guess that's the everyday life in a nutshell!

Baking Soda x 2

Two times in two days, baking soda has been a lifesaver.

Yesterday, Max had a new friend over for a playdate.  Things were great for about the first 45 minutes as the two had their imaginary fights and battles with Hero guys in Max's room.  Then they meandered their way into the kitchen, where his new friend had a question for Max's mom (at least, that's what I heard as they were walking down the stairs).

They made it over, and the conversation went a little like this:

New friend:  "Can we play video games now?"
Me:  "sorry, bud.  We don't have any." (yes, folks, we might be old fashioned these days, but that's just how it is around here.)
New friend:  "Seriously?  Not even a Wii?"
Me:  I kinda laugh.  "Nope, not even a Wii.  You guys will just have to find something else to do."
Of course Max is standing there watching this whole thing.  I'm a little hopeful that he'll suggest something.  But, he stands silent.  A little thrown that this guy wants to play with something we don't have.  I'm guessing he'd already had this conversation upstairs, and the new friend didn't believe him or something.
New friend:  "Man, our Wii at home has like 56 games or something.  That's what I always play."
(Sigh.)  Looking at this guy, I realize that he's lost the idea of what "something else" means.  And, he's not going to let this go.  And, he's probably just trying to push some buttons to see if we really don't have video games.

I do what any mom would do when she has a big bag of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar sitting underneath her kitchen sink.

And suggest a volcano.

What boy wouldn't want to make some exploding bubbles?
They had a great time.  Counting down the explosions.  Picking what color of lava they'd go for next.
Before long, they were off to the basement, jumping and building obstacle courses.  A great way to get out that endless energy.  Check that one off as a success.

Baking soda saved me again this morning.  As we opened Tayler's room to get her up, we were literally blown away from the fumes.  So bad that Mike turned right around and walked out.  The kind of smell that you mentally remind yourself where the nearest toilet is, just in case.  I made my way over to the crib to find she'd manage to throw-up all over.  And not recently.  As if she'd done it right around bedtime, then was so tired that she slept and rolled in it ALL-NIGHT-LONG.  The poor thing was covered in it.  The sheet was crusty, her jammies were crusty, the blanket was crusty and her hair, well, just imagine.  As I'm typing this I still can't believe that she didn't wake up and cry at some point during the night.  Folks, this stuff was not recent.

Operation fumigation was in order.  Another love, is the sanitize setting on our washer.  Literally life changing.

Two baths, an open window, fan blowing, complete crib wipe down, a finger nail trim, and I could still smell it.  Like that annoying fly that you can't kill in your house in the summertime.  It just wouldn't go away.

How could something so small make such a big mess?  (And how many times have I asked myself that question over the past 6.5 years?)

I'd wiped the mattress earlier, but then decided to just stick my nose on it - and immediately had another mental reminder for the nearest toilet.  Whew.  I still don't understand how a plastic baby mattress could smell so bad.

Mentally kicking myself for leaving the mattress pad off of the crib last night.  Of course, our current mattress pad is a big, fleece blanket.  Our original one wore out, and I can't seem to ever remember to just pick up a new one.  Or, maybe I'm cheap.  Whatever.  The blanket worked great, and was flat.  But, it didn't matter anyway, as it was sitting inside my dryer.

Which brings me back to the mattress.  And baking soda.  I dumped a big load of the stuff all over the mattress (wet it a little to make it more like a paste).  Closed the door, opened the window (again), ran the fan, and left.  A couple hours later, I came back, cleaned the whole thing off.  Voila!

Added a few squirts of febreze for good measure, and ahhh...room is back to normal.  At least for now.

If you don't have a big bag of this stuff (yes, mom, I'm still using that big bag you gave me ages ago!), add it to the list.

How's Tayler? You might wonder.  Fine.  As if it had never happened.  She ate a little more than usual before bedtime.  Clearly she didn't need it.

Alexis

My self-designated cleaner hard at work. This time she found her baby wipes and made the chest shine.

And, showing off her cute coat I found for a steal. The outfit, combined with the seahorse, officially makes her more in fashion than me.

Jobs by Alexis

Alexis proves to be more and more of a helper as she continues to grow. Here are a few of her latest self-designated jobs, usually accomplished while I'm cooking a meal, or cleaning in the kitchen:

1. Request to wear apron (so clothes don't get messy during work).

2. Unlatch dog food container, pull out dog treat, put treat in kermit's crate (with kermit in crate), shut crate door. Right after giving the treat, go back to dog food container, unlatch, scoop out some dog food and put in his bowl (or the surrounding floor).

3. Open pantry door, pull out recycle bin, get box of fruit snacks. Pull out two. Give both to Max (to open), take one back.

4. Climb on bar stool, reach onto counter top for hand soap to wash hands. Just squirt soap on hands, since sink is still too far away.

5. Redecorate by moving all two photos within reach to opposite end tables.

6. Put on mom's shoes and walk around.

7. Open drawer of placemats and proceed to put all placemats onto table.

8. Find paper towel, regular towel, or napkin, and begin scrubbing floor.

9. If dishwasher is open, take all kid cups and plates, and place them onto the kitchen table (obviously these are needed at the kitchen table at some point, why put them away in the cupboard?)

10. Take all pillows off of couch and chairs. They should be on the floor anyway.

For some, this list of tasks would probably take half of a day or so. Alexis has proven to be very efficient, and completes it all in under 10 minutes.

Lemon Juice

From day one, Alexis has been a baby that spits up often. No, a lot. No, frequently. No, ALL. THE. TIME. My dad even nicknamed her Bounty (because he feels like he needs a paper towel anytime he picks her up).

And, while I sometimes wonder if her body will ever really figure out how to keep the food in, or if she'll be this toddler running around with mom right behind still wiping up all of the spit up (which, by then, I'm sure you'd have to start referring to it as throw up, gross), I have to say, it hasn't really bothered me that much.

Until recently.

Now that she's a full fledged baby-food-eating machine, her spit up is no longer just a quick wipe of mom's milk. Now, it's usually some random color combination of her latest meal. And, because of this, I now spend WAY too much time trying to get out those stains (anything that takes longer than a quick squirt, soak and rinse is too much time in my book). Squirt, soak, rinse, squirt, soak, rinse, over and over and I still can't get these blasted stains out of her clothes! It's made me so frustrated that I have this pink onesie-turned-orange-down-the-entire-front (thank you carrots) that I've considered throwing it away. No donation, no save the environment and try to reuse it some how, but throw it away.

Until now.

I've been so bothered about this ridiculous amount of time I've been spending, I mentioned it to my neighbor, Rachel. And, voila! She told me to try a squirt (or a capful) of lemon juice on the stain and to let it soak in the sun. She said, while she didn't know to trust it on anything, she did know it'd work on color or white clothing.

So, I took my cute pink onesie-turned-orange-down-the-entire-front stain for a lemon juice soak and sunshine and poof! Pink onesie is cute and pink again! No bleach marks, no stain!

Next step, a bulk purchase of lemon juice.

Any other good stain removing tricks you know about?