The Old Western

Here is just a taste of the Old Western Dance this year.  Carter danced with Joslyn and John Paul was with his cousin, Gentry.  There is nothing better than watching these little ones perform after a week of hard work.  They are all just precious and so proud!

They learned the Hokey Pokey, Two-Step, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Schottish, Bunny Hop and Chicken Dance!

Carter didn't place this year, but John Paul and Gentry got second in costume.  You should have seen his face!

Togetherness

When Jeremy and I were driving home from the hospital with Henry (and for a couple of the drives to and from appointments right before he came), we had a long talk about life...our life with these kiddos and how things were going.  

Some days it seems like we are all just a bit off, and things don't always go as planned.  But, a lot of "right" things happen, too.  

Jeremy and I are both very much planners - we like to have an idea of what we're doing ahead of time.  Yes, spontaneity can be fun, but we err more on the side of something planned.  So, we talked of ways our evenings might be put to better use.  Sometimes it just felt that we'd eat, clean, try to keep the kids from getting too crazy (it seems like they get the most riled up when Jeremy has just gotten home and dinner has been eaten), and then have a bedtime routine and they'd be asleep.  It worked, but it didn't seem like we were always having quality time.

So, Jeremy came up with a plan for each day of the week.  Some days it happens.  Some days it doesn't, and we have other things going.  But, so far, it's worked well.  We will have an activity/craft one night, a game another, Church school on one, and sometimes a movie.  It all just depends.

I often struggle with knowing just how much directed play is good and needed.  But, I feel they get to do their own thing most of the day - in terms of making up their own games, playing outside, etc.  I never want them to depend on us for their entertainment.  But, I also don't want to never play with them either.  So, this is what we're doing for now, and we've had some great moments of togetherness.  I feel it works especially well during winter with the shorter/colder days!

I know I say it over and over, but I'm so blessed with a husband who is so involved.  These kids have no idea how good they have it when it comes to their dad.  Our days/weeks don't always look like this.  In fact, there are moments of fighting and more raised voices than I'd like to admit.  Even the activities and games can get a little crazy.  But, we are trying.  And, that's about as good as we can do!

Our Love for Kiwi Crate

This isn't a sponsored post.  It's just what we've been doing a lot of lately.  MiMi got the boys a subscription to Kiwi Crate for Christmas, and they have loved it. 

Every month it comes with two special crafts (and enough supplies for two boys - but it easily accommodates three), complete with everything needed to put together the craft (even if that means scissors)!  It also gives you other ideas of fun games to play with the kids.  Honestly, we haven't gotten that far yet, but the boys (especially Carter) are loving the crafts.

A couple of months ago, they built a snowman, and then played Snowman Bowling Ball.

This week, Carter built his own mini golf course.

And, yesterday, everyone helped make a growth chart.  

Sometimes I wash their hands, promise.

Carter is the one who typically sticks it out until the end while the other two have gone their own ways.

Another thing I love about it is that each craft comes with this little card.  On it you can gauge how much of a mess it will make and what level of supervision is needed - perfect for determining when it the best time to start said craft! 

All in all, my boys like to be busy, and crafting is a big change of pace for them (it's not something I do a lot of on my own).  This provides a way for them to be a bit creative without a ton of preparation and mess.  It's my kind of activity!  Plus who doesn't like getting things in the mail?!

I hear there are also monthly subscriptions for baking/cooking.  I think we might try one of those next :)