thanks mom

Matthew left Monday and flew to California and won't be home until late tonight. Mom showed up and saved my sanity and physical ability to take care of my children. This baby boy currently residing in my belly sure isn't getting any smaller or taking any less energy from my body, Neither are the other two who are not residing in my belly...I needed help :)

Thanks to mom we had a very successful week of playing, sprucing up, cleaning out, cooking, and keeping everyone alive and happy. In her nature is quite the willingness to help with anything and everything. 36-37 weeks pregnant is no joke on these feet so I was more than delighted to have her to help out in every area.

She worked her buns off making the details of the nursery come together. She had already made the crib skirt and bumper and while she was here she made some roman shades for the windows. I will post pictures soon when I can get things in their places. 

She and Grey Bear attempted to fly a kite as we had quite a few windy days around here. They were unsuccessful. I guess that's what you get when you spend 50 cents on a kite.

She played her heart out with two very busy boys. I witnessed lots of piggy back rides, stories in their tent, playground time, and she ventured out this morning and took them to the 3 story playground.  I'm certain she'll sleep well this upcoming week. 

She also cooked for us including two meals to freeze for when baby boy arrives. Some of the only pictures I got this week included she and the boys cooking together. We had pizza night Wednesday night and Grey and Tuck got their hands in on the action. 

and it was delicious as evidenced here...

We had the opportunity to shop together on Tuesday sans kiddos. I have the fondest memories of shopping with my mom while growing up. It's how we spent good time together. It hasn't really changed and I was thankful to have that this week. I did go to bed at 9:30 that night if that tells you anything about the way we shop. It's hardcore.

She bathed the boys every night for me, encouraged Grey to actually sit in his chair while he eats, did the dishes, laughed at Tucker being Tucker, and helped me clean out some of my kitchen cabinets. THAT was a blessing. She took the boys two different times and allowed me to clean the entire house. Though she offered to do this for me, I actually really enjoy cleaning when I have some uninterrupted time. Uninterrupted time is the key. That sure doesn't happen very often. Usually I end up with a half vacuumed room and one clean sink in the entire house. It feels good to complete something even when my very pregnant body pays for it later. 

She and the boys made blueberry muffins tonight for dinner. It always makes me laugh to see the boys' different personalities show up in pictures. 

{notice Tucker found the junk drawer immediately and completely lost interest in the muffins}

jackpot!

I could squeeze and kiss those cheeks all day...even with the enormous amount of chapstick he likes to apply to his entire face.

{notice Grey Bear listening and eagerly performing every instruction Marmie gives him}

 also with an enormous amount of pink chapstick on his "lips"

Meanwhile, Tucker very adamantly tells me something that I cannot understand and proceeds to push his chair to a different counter in the kitchen to open and explore all the other drawers. 

as Grey perfectly fills the muffin cups

It sure is fun to have Marmie around to witness and enjoy their differences. Though it's extremely frustrating at times, I just have to laugh when I can reflect on it. It's eye opening when you realize that someone is actually listening to you 24 hours a day say, "Grey, you have got to share." "Tucker, get off of the counter. We do not stand in the middle of the counter." "Grey, please change your attitude or you're going to bed." "Tucker, please don't rub your food in your hair." "Could you please just hold on a second. Let me completely at least ONE thing today." "Tucker, do not tackle Grey right now...or hit him...or scream in his face." "Please oh please quit making that awful noise. I have asked you everyday for the past 27 days not to do that. Please stop." 

Wow, from an outsider's point of view I might just crack up all day long. 

I loved more than anything watching my mother play with her grandsons and love them in only a way that she can. She sings, dances, reads to, cuddles, and nurtures them in her Marmie ways and I am so thankful for that. She also has loved me this week in all her efforts and successes in taking care of all of us. Thank you thank you thank you Mom! We are glad your car finally started but were secretly hoping it wouldn't :)