Our lazy break

I'm doing my best to enjoy these two weeks of break from kindergarten with these three adorable munchkins and to be present in each moment.  Three kiddos at home all day long.  It keeps a gal busy.

Although the house is a mess and Darrin's been sick and we cancelled our plans for a daytrip to Omaha and we're not going on our typical NYE jaunt to see the Luther gang, we're still having a good time.

We're making some memories.  Baking one more batch of cookies, weaving new potholders, learning new board games, building Lego houses, and more.

We're also having our fair share of sibling arguments {why is it that we have an entire house full of toys, but the only one that anyone wants to play with is that one that someone else currently has?} and a few tantrums, but we're attempting to have fun while doing so.

I have a slight beef to make with the makers of Sorry.  The rules seem watered down in the latest version.  I'm used to the 1960s edition that we have at my parents's house.  I tried to teach Madeline the rules...but they've changed!  First off, in the new edition, you only get three playing pieces.  In the 1960s edition, you get four.  In the new edition, you can leave start by drawing any forward-moving card.  In the 1960s edition, you can only leave start with a one or a two card.  I'm flustered by this.  And there are these new "fire" and "ice" pieces.  What?  Don't go changing a perfectly perfect game, people.

Perhaps this is a sign that I'm just not that good with change.

I plan to use my gift card for some non-fat vanilla lattes at the local coffee shop.  And Audrey plans to drink milk spiked with vanilla creamer in her coffee cup.

Madeline and I bought new 2014 calendars today.  And then got all excited at nap time when we spent time filling in birthdays and important dates for the year to come!  The apple didn't fall far.

James has successfully graduated from the swaddle blanket.  He's sleeping with his arms free and doing a good job.  We've been letting him to do some crying it out -- and like his sisters did at this age -- he's been playing me.  He puts himself back to sleep in just a few minutes.  And even sleeping through the night (until about 5am) about half of the time.  MUCH APPRECIATED.

He's also enjoyed a few afternoons outside and has moved on up to umbrella stroller.  Hey, Granny, my snuggly snow suit looks big enough to last all winter!

There are a few more days of nice weather in the forecast.  So we're hoping to be outside more.  Today we had a rare wintery chance to chat with neighbors and even meet the new family that moved in down the street.

And now leftover pie is calling my name before doing some bedtime reading and hopefully lots of sleeping.

Cheers!