"Things to do with Erica."

Rilyn, our 8 year old, was anticipating a day to play with her friend Erica. She wanted to be sure they were never bored so she typed out a list of ideas titled, "What to do with Erica."

I thought I'd post them here in case any of you find yourselves in a similar situation.

• Watch a Movie
• Do a tap-dance routine
• Jump up! Start running! Race!
• Bird watching
• Write a screen play about a boy, who can not swim.
• Ride a bicycle
• Draw
• Staring contest
• Breath contest
• Makeovers
• Play super heroes
  
• Pool
• School
  

The Boys

Just so you know, these are our boys. There are nineteen years and four sisters between them, but they are buddies none the less. When big brother got back from the mission he noticed little bro. wasn't real street wise when it came to defending himself against the sisters "attacks". So he taught him the dishtowel beat-down. Now, instead of looking bewildered and defeated, Super J runs and grabs a dishtowel and swats with great energy, giant strokes of little brother beat-down. The sisters cower and retreat for cover. -

"Don't mess wit the brudders!"

Here are the Super Seven piled on Grandma's and Grandpa's couch.

(l-r) Caitlin, Kamden, Weston, Rilyn (fr.) Jaren (b) Brittan & Teagan

First try.

So I love looking through the family's blogs, and I finally decided to add ours to the mix. I think I have arrived at sort of an unique place in life. Our first born was just married last December and our youngest is 2. If I were more on top of things, I could have been preparing for a wedding and potting training at the same time. But mostly what I get out of having a wide range of children, is I can see so clearly how fast time goes by. Being in this place, I think has really taught me to soak up and appreciate the time I have everyday with them. I'm not as good as I'd like to be, but I am a lot better than I used to be.
Things that used to really bother me, I can get by now. When I look at my kids I see them young, and at still at home. They are so magical to me. It is really a sweet time to have them here. To have their busy schedules, backpacks, hot wheels, soccer socks and softball mitts around. I love their questions, jokes, concerns, laughter all manifesting themselves in their varied personalities and unique energies. But the best part is at the end of the day when everyone is at home and it all gets mixed up together. It sounds like...home...my home.