Trampoline Surfing

Or as Merrick keeps incorrectly calling it: "Sorefing". Whatever. It keeps them entertained, so call it what you will. (Possibly call it another one of my activities that should have a 'don't try this at home' label? We love those around here. But promise, this one wasn't my idea.)

They only came away with a little "rug burn". Not sure what you call it when it's not inflicted by an actual rug. Either way, they do have a good time. I am so grateful for their ability to make a ridiculous (ok, and often dangerous) game out of anything and everything. And also the aunties that will stand guard by the trampoline so I can wander around with my iPhone taking pictures of my sister's sunflowers. These things are huge...way taller than me, and that's saying something.

Weirdo Baby

We always call Jericho a "weirdo baby". Just one of those terms of endearment that probably sound mean if you aren't us. Another example...we used to call Merrick "Merrick the Terrible", and we totally meant it as a compliment. And don't even get us started on "Tizzy". If the shoe fits...;)

Anyway, Jericho IS a little weirdo. He's a goofball who keeps us all laughing with his silliness. He loves to do things just on the edge of "you're in big trouble" to make his siblings laugh. Like throwing food, or spitting everywhere, or running away from me as fast as his little stumpy legs will carry him. He's a real comedian to hear Merrick and Tirzah tell it.

The weirdo baby likes to pretend he's big and tough, throwing food and running from his Ma, but he doesn't go anywhere without his blankie. We call it "dawgezz", or "dogdog". Kinda like weirdo baby...all things need a nickname.

He tries to pretend he knows no limits...living life on the wild side running from the law, or his Ma...but he's pretty good about listening when I tell him to do something. (Here he is after I told him to go lay down so I could change his diaper.) He may be on the wrong side, but don't tell the kids. They'll just laugh and it'll take me 3 days to get everyone calmed down and flipped over and in a clean diaper.

iDontCare

So much of our life gets documented with my iPhone. So a lot of it gets left off the blog. I always used to hate doing a blog post with pictures from my phone, all grainy and not all the same shape...you know, not up to my extremely picky photog's standard. (I'm not sure if the quality is increasing or I just decided I really didn't care that much anymore. If a blog was going to get done, it might need a grainy, mismatched set of pictures.) So that's just what we have here.

This was when the kiddos came back from Nanny and Pop's last week. I missed them, but NOT the sticky crummy mess. I don't care what the blogs say. I don't miss messes.

Here is Sir Jericho Hawk on his noble steed. He is the yummiest chunk of baby.

Here is Jericho in his own personal wind tunnel, that he set up himself. I know I know, don't let your kid play with plugs. He is really good at not electrocuting himself though. ;)

The kiddos sending Billy off on a run...clothing is always optional around here.

Three sun-baked babies playing in the porch pool. Too bad this summer has been the rainiest summer possibly since Noah walked the earth and we all are a little sun-starved.

IronBaby. He's a force to be reckoned with.

I JUST WANT TO BRUSH MY TEETH, PLEASE.

Hi, Mommy! How was your run? Did you find us anything? That's why I run, of course, so that I can find random scraps of junk from all parts of the city for my hoarder children. ;)

I'm not sure if turtles climb trees, but apparently Ninja Turtles do.

Yes, he's nearly 6 years old. And yes, I will still carry him whenever he asks...cuz one day he won't. But lets not think about that right now.

So there you have it. A little bit of our life the past week or so, the messy mismatched parts included. :)

Paleo Part Time

So anyone who follows me on any manner of social media has probably noticed by now, because I've probably mentioned it an annoying amount of times, that we are attempting a more paleo-based diet around here. I think it's all so new to me...the cooking things from scratch and not just dumping cereal in a bowl. So give me a bit and I'm sure you won't be subjected to constant posting about me trying to figure out what in the world I'm doing, and if I'm ever going to find a paleo "bread" based recipe that doesn't taste like sawdust. Although I'm totally blaming my cooking skills for that, not the cavemen who didn't bake to begin with I don't believe. ;)

I've realized, as I've started this attempt to encourage good eating habits in my family, just how much processed food we were eating. And while we are semi following the paleo diet, which cuts out grains, dairy, all processed foods and added sugars, even legumes, I don't plan on becoming a food snob. (And still plan on eating some grains and dairy...our family has never had a bad reaction as of yet.) Cuz really...eat what you want. There's nothing more annoying than that person. You know the one...the one who insists they have the entirety of life figured out and you are, well, a moron. I think there are a couple things in life that are non-negotioables, but your diet really isn't one of them.

So far, I'm the biggest fan of this "diet". (I hate calling it that because I want it to be a permanent change for the good. I've done detoxes, cleanses, and all that mess, they never last and rarely have any lasting benefit on my health.) I think Billy is convinced solely because bacon is allowed and he isn't counting anything like calories or sugar grams or carbs. The kids are so far not fans of this change. I made them muffins and pancakes with coconut flour (a paleo staple, since your typical flour is a no-no.)  and they choked them down. Jericho has probably been the easiest of the 3, and he devoured the pancakes and the muffins. I knew he was a barbarian. ;)

In pinning and googling recipes and finding blogs and info, I've realized a couple of things. 1) Cavemen loved coconut, 2) They always carried a spear and a food processor on their person. 3) They all died out because they had a chocolate deficiency. Ok, while that may just be the sarcastic observations of a girl who'd like a candy bar, I am enjoying this new endeavor, and am hoping that, if nothing else, I stop craving candy bars and my kiddos grow up to appreciate real food and the benefits of eating it.

Monsoon Season

I honestly can't remember a Summer in my past where there has been so much rain. I am sure there have been some, but I always recall hearing about droughts and how much we need rain in the summer,  not people complaining about the lack of pool worthy days we've had this time around.

I know plenty of people will probably want to smack me for this, but I also don't think it's even been that hot this summer. Global warming is totally a disappointment if you ask me. ;) I love hot weather, and gotta get my fix while I can...since I shiver for the other 9 months of the year.

On the positive note, it's made us to be more creative with our summer activities. Yesterday, it was literally a downpour off and on all day. Pouring. So finally, after hours in the house and the kids trying to watch yet another episode of Caillou, I had them put on their swimsuits and go outside to jump in puddles.

They had a great time, after they got over the shock of being told to jump in a puddle. It's always good to keep them on their toes, less chance of them getting bored and setting something on fire. ;)