Five Minute Ramble...

--School starts again for Caleb in one week. Hallelujah! Wait, really?

--Since returning from Florida back in early June, we've tried to enjoy summer as best we can. It's not always been pretty (we can't just play all day every day) and it's definitely had some low moments, but I think we've had a good time.

We have:

• gone bowling
• visited Blue Bell
• gone to the Houston Museum of Natural Science
• jumped at Sky High Sports
• tubed and splashed at Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels
• swam at the neighborhood pool and the YMCA pool, several times
• watched movies
• painted ceramics
• lunched with Daddy in downtown Houston
• there's more...just not on my brain right now

--We've also had our fair share of tantrums, frustrations, fights, and general sibling annoyances. I suppose that's just the nature of being in close proximity for days on end. The older two, although they squabble off and on, are definitely good buddies. They ask to "sleep over" in each other's bedroom a few times a week, and play well with each other more often than not. The littlest one still isn't the best at playing with someone else, and often annoys his big brothers. Though he's the smallest one (for now), Toben definitely makes his presence known and would love nothing more than to wrestle, chase someone, climb, and jump off of furniture all day. Oh, that child...

--Potty training has also happened recently this summer. I'd venture to guess that Toben is about 80% trained. This one may very well be my toughest one yet... I have to constantly remind myself that it won't always be like this. Between potty training, sibling issues, and the very nature of boys being boys it's been a trying summer for my patience and nerves. I wish I could say I've handled all of it well.

--Our study is reorganized. It's refreshing to walk in there and see so much space!

--I've had trouble thinking of things to post on the blog. It's hard to be on Pinterest, Facebook, or even look at others' blogs and not play the comparison game... The saying "Comparison is the thief of joy" is SO true for me. I often feel like the worst mom ever for not having some sort of educational and/or fun activity planned for each of the boys every day. I often let them make them just go to town with their own imaginations using the toys they already have while I try to get things done (or take a mental break while perusing Pinterest or Facebook). Shoot, right now the older two are playing Wii bowling while I take this blogging break. Toben is asleep for probably 20 more minutes.

--The times that I have organized an activity or craft for us to do together, it's backfired. I end up completing the project basically on my own after my three bail about 3 minutes into the activity. That probably contributes to my lack of motivation in seeking out new things to do.

--Five minutes is up.