Season of Field Trips

This post really should be accompanied by pictures. However that would require a level of organization that I only dream about these days. With the three older kids in school, we have had many adventures this spring. We opened with a Kindergarten trip to the Montana Fish and Parks and Giant Springs Fish Hatchery. Apparently, Ella even tried on a bear skin. Mac, Fara, and I only joined for the hatchery portion. Do you have any idea how any times a five year old will comment on the smell of their surroundings? Let me tell ya! And I must admit the hatchery reeked. Next up, Ella, Mac, Fara and I joined Wyeth's class on a trip to Mrs. Henning's farm. Again, seven year olds will do quite a bit of commenting on the conditions. It also smelled to high heaven. Mrs. Henning showed us how to care for a horse but, brushing and saddling it. She also mounted the beast. It's difficult to make that look easy if you aren't in pretty good shape. There was giggling by some of the kiddos. Next we got to meet the pigs. Babe, the boar, weighs in at 1000 lbs. That is a lot of pig. We also met four piglets that were so cute. The first graders got a chance to offer the pigs a snack of donuts or cantaloupe rinds. My non-pork eating friend was horrified I would eat an animal that eats glazed donuts. I say she doesn't know what she is missing. Mr. Workin’ stepped in and attended the next 1st grade field trip to the Dinosaur museum in Bynum. I am so relieved he did too. I wasn’t excited to figure out what to do with the other three children. Bynum is a hour and a half away. Mr. Workin’ seemed to enjoy the experience. Maybe he can take it with all the other children as well. And lastly, Mac and I walked to the Fire Station with Fara and her class. It was short and sweet. The fire fighters where great with the kiddos. They got all suited up and reminded the students they should crawl on the floor and say, “I am here” when in a fire. Also not to be afraid! I love having so many children and so many fun opportunities with them. I also love being able to not have a job, so I am able to join the fun.

Mac

I haven't written much about Mac at all. As it turns out four kids is a lot, and I have fallen out of the habit of blogging with the management of all these little people. Mac has been the easiest baby. Either I figured out what I am doing, boys truly are easier, or (like I most suspect) God had a serious talk with him about how strung out this mama Mac has chosen really is. No matter the case, I can count on one hand the times he as cried and I didn't know immediately why because I was late with a necessity, like a fresh diaper, or meal. He has been a champion nurser and that keeps us crazy close. I have always by far been his favorite person. I have known all along he is the baby and my last chance at parenting an infant, so I have created a bit of a monster in some regards. He nurses on demand 24 hours a day. AND he sleeps with me. Two naps a day, and through the night, all depend on me being right there to nurse if Mac should stir. But he is a happy, friendly little guy that loves to explore and let even strangers hold him. He thinks he is a friend of all that attend Holy Spirit Catholic School and enjoys free rein of the ground floor when we are there. He knows that you can find a ball in the gym teacher’s office, a cookie in the kitchen, and a snuggle from the front office. His light shines bright. I hope you can all meet him someday.

Giving my power away...

This has become something I am pretty good at in my adult life. I feel like I let people dictated way too much. Mr. Workin' can wreck me with a look. The moms at school, the kiddos, and my family can also say next to nothing and it causes me to unravel. I ALLOW this to happen by not believing in myself enough. If I am questioned by my spouse it cuts me. Are there things you tell yourself that help you ward off these hurts? How do you make the voice in your head be the loudest one you hear?