Monday, November 12, 2012

Letters to Santa

The kids and I worked on writing letters to Santa so that he (and their parents) would have some idea of what they would really like for Christmas.  They really surprised me at how realistic their lists were for the most part.  Aubrey did not surprise me by wanting almost all things Princess...she really is a girlie girl!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

I have to say how proud I am of Brady for writing his own name!  He really works hard at it and I am sure soon enough it will even be in the right order!  Great job buddy!

Photobucket

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Love and Logic

If you read the post about me going a little crazy with the threes then you will be happy to read the follow up that is helping me stay a little more sane.  Several of my moms of multiples friends suggested a book called "Love and Logic for Early Childhood" so I figured it was worth a shot!  Upon reading the book I thought there was no way that these simple ideas could make for a calmer, happier household for all six of us but we put them into use and they have helped so much.

The kids love being in control by making their own choices.  Some of the choices they make really crack me up like:
Kid: I don't want to eat supper!
Mom: Do you want to eat 5 bites or 6 bites?
Kid: SIX!
Mom: OK!  Let's keep count together.

Seriously...they almost always choose the higher number!  This works for so many things!  When they want to watch more TV and I say you can either watch another show when Daddy gets home or in the morning? They will choose one and go about their merry way 99% of the time.  The other 1% of the time we have to choose for them because they do not choose or choose a choice that was not available to them.

It definitely is not fool-proof but it is helping.  Cameron is the one not responding to it nearly all of the times that it is failing but I got another book recommendation from a fellow quad momma and I am reading that now too.  I think they will always be keeping us on our toes!

A humorous Love and Logic story came about last week when Aubrey came running into the kitchen crying because Brady had hit her with a bat.  I turned the corner to see Brady standing there, bat in hand, looking at me with a "WHAT?!?!" kind of look on his face.  So I asked him why he hit his sister and his response..."Well I asked her if she wanted me to hit her with my bat or with my hand.  She didn't choose so I choosed!"  I guess we need to work on the part where the choices need to be ACCEPTABLE choices!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Fall Leaves

What is the most fun thing to do in Autumn?  Why jump in the leaves of course!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Crazy kids!
Photobucket

045-16

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Professor Matthew

Matthew loves to try on Bumpa's glasses everytime he comes over then walk around with them like he really needs them!  I am sure with family history at least one of them will need to wear them at one point in their lives...at least he is a cute little professor!

Photobucket

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Trick or Treat!

This year was by far the BEST year of trick or treating yet.  The kids were able to walk the entire time, say "Trick or Treat!" and "Thank you!" for their treats.  They enjoyed seeing the other kids all dressed up and going house to house.  The weather being in the 60's definitely helped.  We didn't need to layer all the clothing or wear jackets even...just long sleeved shirts and their costumes were plenty.  The kids had enough about half way through our second block so Ben went back to grab the van while the kids, Kate and I finished up the block.  It started to sprinkle just in time to hop in the van to go visit some family then grab a quick dinner before heading to the high school for the Halloween Costume Contest...last year for us to participate as a theme but the kids are already picking out what they want to be next year!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Trick or Treating at Bill's

The kids love going to see Bill and they were very excited to get to go Trick or Treating a few days early.  They dressed up and went and did a practice run!

Photobucket
Photobucket

We've been FLOCKED!

Nine years ago this summer there was so much uncertainty, would Ben make it through his treatments?  Would I be able to carry all four babi...