Bye Bye Naptime

Clara Jane is losing her nap. I've seen the warning signs- increases difficulty going to sleep at night- for a good while now. But we've finally reached the tipping point: a midnight bedtime is way too late for a toddler (or her mother), even with a 2 to 4 hour afternoon nap. Mama and Dad want their evenings back, and I want my happy morning toddler back. 

Interestingly, during her recent late-night excursions (tonight, after lying in bed quietly for 2 hours) to the living room our bedroom, and the kitchen, Clara has been at her most cheerful. She clearly doesn't want her two-on-one time with Mama and  Daddy to end, even though we make a point of continuing in our evening rituals as if she was in bed. She is welcome to join us, but there isn't any playtime - she watched Arch play Clash of Clans, she sat next to me and read a book to herself while I texted and checked Facebook, Pinterest, and my blog roll on my phone, and she played in the tub while I took a shower. Just before getting "re-tucked", she got half of my cheese sandwich while Archer read her "Bread and Jam for Frances". But she ate up just being with us as we wound down from the day.

Similarly, Lily wanted me to help her make cookies today, and when I finally put down my work to help her she was thrilled beyond expression, dancing around the kitchen. 

I love structure, routine, and I love "getting things done", but I really think I attempt to accomplish too much in my days. What is really more important- planning menus and grocery lists? Or showing my daughters that I enjoy just being with them, not to do "school" and accomplish anything, but just for the joy of it, because they are special and worthy of love, time, and my attention?

Pray for me to slow down and enjoy these precious gifts: my flower child, my daily Christmas party, and my sugar-lump of God's grace. 

Soo Chocolatey

In a house full of girls, even little girls, there is a great appreciation for the glories of chocolate. Today we were all a bit cranky (did I mention I have disallowed naps?), so I suggested a tea party to finish up our school day. Tea, smoothies, and chocolate chip cookies were requested, while the partygoers dressed up in their fabulous finery.

The smoothies were largely ignored, but the cookies were a hit. I decided I needed more than the occasional chocolate chip, so made "Chewy Chocolate Cookies", and may have just dumped the remaining extra cocoa powder in to finish up the carton. (Don't worry I have another one.)

Oh the delight. I really do thank The Lord for such delicious goodness. 

Lily said, "How did you make these so chocolatey?!"

Clara cried when the first plate was emptied.

 Each girl under 30 had at least 3 cookies. Mama had just enough to stay within WW points. So worth it!

"Mom! Take a picture of the empty plate!"

Now for the tea and books. 

Noelle's Two Front Teeth

While running outside with her sisters this morning, Noelle tripped and face-planted the sidewalk. Lots of screaming, blood, and a quick look inside sent us to the nearest pediatric dentist's office for an emergency visit.

We spent quite a while in the waiting room, as expected, but the dentist and staff were very friendly and made Noelle as comfortable as possible.

It helped that there was a movie on everywhere to distract her, but Noelle preferred the ones we brought on the iPad. The dentist and his assistant were tickled that she preferred to watch science experiments while having her teeth pulled.

Noelle was a big brave girl and continued watching experiments during the whole procedure (I held the iPad above her head while she was lying back). For a while she was THRILLED to have wiggly teeth like Lily.

As a consolation prize we all headed out to get frozen yogurt as soon as it was all over. (Still blood-stained but smiling with her cotton-candy and marshmallows!)

And despite some continuing discomfort from her wound and weirdness as the anesthetic is wearing off, now she has two teeth for the Tooth Fairy!!!

Baby Efficiency

Like her mother, she values efficiency with all her babies. It's an engineering challenge: how many babies can you get in your stroller?

Oh! That looks "Ah-dohr-able!"

This is what they were saying to each other while perched on the couch like birds on a highline.

Hilarious. These people crack me up.

Reading Pinkalicious

Home Schooling is...

The freedom to ditch the schedule when after a long night everyone just wants to go outside and "draw nature".

Loud!

We are trying to recite our memory verses above a whisper. Noelle excels at top-volume, so she gives her sisters pointers on being loud. Amid the discussion, I said, 

"Noelle, you are the loudest."

She turns to me very matter-of-factly and  says, "I know."

Then she screams - a demonstration.

First Day of First Grade

My Lily. 

End of Summer Ice Cream

Swimming lessons are over, and we "started school" today, so in celebration last night we went out for dip cones at McD's. here's what happened. 

And THEN:

http://youtu.be/VI_DGHGhG-o

Swimming Lessons