Happy Belated Earth Day!

I like the planet. I am very glad it is here.

I can conserve. I turn off the water when I am brushing my teeth and my kids frequently follow the 'if it's yellow let it mellow...' philosophy. Unfortunately, they sometimes forget the second part (if it' s brown, flush it down). We routinely dig through the dirty clothes for something to wear and thereby saving BOTH energy and water. We recycle.

However, the most important way I contribute to 'saving the earth' is in the area of battery conservation. You see, lots of things rely on battery power these days. Lots of annoying, lousd kids things. Our policy has always been that if the battery on a toy runs out ... oh well!

After several years of this policy implementation, I have decided to go even further and expand the concept. The toy I bought Sara yesterday has this little lightup keyboard section and when I put the whole thing together, I didn't put any batteries in it at all!

I realize this is decision is quite radical, but I think we will all adjust. I know that it in is the small sacrifices we make, that big things are accomplished.

I went out this afternoon to run a few errands. Lee was extra busy today so it was me + 6 vs. Old Navy, Target, Costco, Michael's and the library. You do the math.

I was optimistic as we pulled out of the driveway. Everyone had on clean clothes, the girls had their hair brushed and tamed into pigtails (so cute!) and I even had on make-up and some hip giant hoop earrings.

We hit Old Navy and I made the needed returns, got my money back and we were out of there in record time. Next on to Target and some more returns. I was waylaid by the damn dollar spot, but still we left Target in under an hour and with a bill under 100.00. Beat that!

We make it to Costco and it is slammed! Still, I get in and get my stuff. Same for the rest of the stores. I am a mom on a mission; to complete my quest and make it home for nap time.

Throughout the day we receive our normal number of amazed stares and typical comments. "Are they all yours?" etc... Some nice comments too like "You are so lucky!" I even see an old college friend at Costco and instead of avoiding eye contact and hiding behind a tower of paper towels, I engage and chat for minute.

This evening, my mission accomplished successfully, I relaxed on the couch nursing Sara. Luke, Lainey and MaryClare were playing nicely. I had just put together this bouncy jumper thing for Sara I had gotten at Target earlier today. (She is so strong and loves to stand!) I was enjoying watching them play with the box the toy was in.

Ah, they are so imaginative my children, look how sweet they are and playing so nicely together! I am such a great mom that they play and love so creatively!

I was not too surprised then when Luke jumped up on the couch with me and asked when we could have another baby.

Ah yes, siblings are wonderful aren't they? No jealous whiners in my house!

Smiling, I quizzed him some more about his request. Another girl? Or a baby brother next time? Heck, what about some more twins?

Giggling madly he replied. "Oh it doesn't matter, as long as we can get more boxes to play with!"

So apparently, new siblings are only worth the boxes they bring with them.

My mommy ego is now back to it's normal size, thankyouverymuch.

Small Successes

1. Sent out new family pictures to friends and family. I am terrible at this for some reason. I know it is fairly easy to upload pictures and then send them out to people via Kodak, but still, I rarely do it.

2. We have had a great two weeks of homeschooling and lots of efficient planning by moi, thanks to great new organization system called workboxing. We have learned a lot and done some fun and creative things too.

3. Almost finished decorating the big girls' room. We bought a new chest and lamps from IKEA and I finished putting up the border which is made from sweet alphabet fairy cards. There are a couple of more things I need to do, but overall it is coming together and looks like a real cozy bedroom, not just a room with two twin beds!