Forgot to tell about my accomplishment

Last Wed I took the kids to the Doc for Simon's 2 week check-up. After that we went to eat at Pizza Ranch and Walmart in Montevideo about 45 minutes away. Not only were we successful with all our errands, but a very kind couple complimented me on the kids' behavior at Pizza Ranch. That compliment was worth the whole trip! I assume most people groan when they see our family sit next to them at a restaurant.

I have a rare quick minute

to tell a little story. We took little Simon in for his 2 week check-up (where he measured in at 11 lbs), and the doc was going through all the annoying, invasive questions like, "Does your husband abuse you?" and "Do you do drugs?" and "Have you thought about harming your children?" I was answering all of them with the appropriate answers - no, no, and no. Then he got to "Do you have firearms in the house?" I took a deep breath and answered honestly, "Yes, we have three guns." And then I waited......and my doc told me that he RECOMMENDED to moms that they not only have a gun but that they know how to shoot it. He said he wants his moms to be able to kill wild animals. Wow. I was shocked. He is definitely a small-town, rural doc. He understands my life. I should know how to use our guns, because I will need to kill wildlife. Since we moved in we have been welcomed by an opposum, skunk, raccoon, bats, deer, rabbits, weasel, and woodchuck. Some of them have met an untimely demise by either a bat or a gun. Other than that, Simon is fitting into our family nicely. We haven't resumed school yet, but I have managed to take care of all the kids, feed them, and keep the house fairly clean without going insane. My hands are rarely empty or still, so blog updates will be few and far between for the next few weeks. I was scared to have five kids, but it really isn't any more difficult or more work than four. That doesn't mean that we need to have #6, however!!!!

More Love....

This dude loves the little guy. Eli was 9lbs, 4 oz and Simon was 9lbs, 3 oz. Wonder if Simon will keep up with Eli all the way through? This little girl is obsessed with her baby. Poor Simon! Grandma!

Grandpa!

Everyone Loves Simon!

The most doted upon baby in all of Minnesota........ He certainly has Anna's coloring. We have come full circle.

Yikes. This looks like a big family.

The proud biggest sister. Anna told me that she could spend hours just looking at Simon.

Biggest big brother who is in LOVE with having another little brother. He doesn't yet see the negative of sharing one room with two little bros.

How Disfunctional is Your Family?

We were eating dinner the other night, and I realized that we could certainly be considered dysfunctional. Sit back and listen in on our conversation about Anna stepping on a nail. Mark: Where was the nail? Anna: In the back shed with all the extra wood. Mark: How did you get in there? Jonah: I held on with my hands on one side and pushed the other side with my feet. I used all my strength to open the doors. Mark: I had the doors closed for a reason - so you wouldn't go in there and step on a nail. What should we do to keep you guys out of there? Anna: I know! Put a padlock on the door. Mark: Do you think we could just tell you to not go in? Jonah: I have a better idea. Maybe you could break my legs so I can't open the doors. Geez. Should I worry about his future now?

Sarah Stories

Sarah is old enough to have her own "hall of fame" stories. Geez. I took the younger three to get their haircut at the neighbor's. In the country neighbors aren't just neighbors. They are the people who cut your hair, deliver your mail, snow blow your driveway, and attend your church. Everyone is very inter-related. Eli & Sarah were outside playing while Jonah was getting his haircut and I was chatting with the neighbor. Eli burst through the door and excitedly reported, "Mom! Sarah pooped on the grass!!" We are the neighbors who fertilize yards. Then, yesterday Sarah proudly reported from the bathroom, "Mom! I went potty in the cup!" I checked on her, and she was right. She managed to go in a plastic cup, just like she sees me do at the doctor office. What a great skill to master at 2yo.

A delightful fall afternoon at our house

Sarah is taking a nap. Big Mark is working on the ceiling in the winter room. Yippee!

Little Mark is sliding down the stairs on left-over thermal barrier.

I am making cookies.

Anna & Jonah are making domino creations in the garage. They charge $0.10/person per show. Do you think they are budding businessmen or scammers?