Because Walgreens Is Never Lacking In Entertainment Value with Quads

We thought we could kick this nasty virus once and for all, but the boys were up coughing most of the night and Isaac woke up complaining about his ear hurting. So we paid our favorite doctor, Dr. Kersteff (Brooks refers to him affectionately as  Dr. Curse, which Isaac likes to correct him and says “No Buddy, it’s Ker-STEFF!”) and Nurse Kim a visit this morning.  The boys LOVED going to the doctor today and put on a comedy act while they were there.  They really are growing up sooooo quickly.

I’m so glad we had them looked at because the boys have some serious deep wheezing going on that we weren’t aware of…

So now they are all on steroid treatments to boost their lungs. Can you imagine what our house is going to be like with four 3 year olds on ‘roid rage? Yeah, me neither.

We decided to take all the boys in to get their meds at Walgreens.  I don’t think they’ve all been in a drug store at the same time before – such deprived little dudes.

We embraced the reactions, one liners, and comments for the pure entertainment of taking 4 curious, energetic, noisy BOYS into Walgreens. (Although we got quite the chuckle from another customer who just HAD to call someone on her cell phone one aisle over and tell them all about these 4 boys in the store who all look exactly alike. “No, I aint kiddin’ you. They were right next to me.” And the guy who asked if they were “Cooplets” was pretty priceless too.)

We even thought about buying one of these to add to the commotion, but we refrained. 

After waiting for our meds, and practicing the “One Finger Touch Rule” over and over and OVER, and of course taking a bathroom pit stop, we were on our way.

Just another ordinary adventure in our not so ordinary lives with “Cooplets”.

Prehistoric Rabbit Repellant for Gardens

Somehow Peter Rabbit snuck into our garden a few nights ago, even though we have a raised bed surrounded by chicken wire.  The little furry pest ate one entire row and a half of green beans, all of the cucumber plants but one, and trampled the peas. 

I looked up a natural deterrent for rabbits while Brad and I were out the other night and found out that rabbits are skittish and can be temporarily scared off by a rubber snake. 

We were lacking in the rubber snake department, but we had plenty of dinosaurs to spare, and believe it or not, they’ve done the trick!  They’ve guarded our garden quite nicely until Brad had an opportunity to put another layer of tinier holed chicken wire up.  They might have just earned their way out of the toy box for the summer. 

 

Take THAT, Rabbit.

A Taste of Absence Does The Heart Good

This weekend Brad and I were able to get a short little breather.  It’s amazing what some comfort food (while it’s still warm) and a couple hours away with some good reads will do to recharge your spirit.  Uninterrupted conversation and riding in the car, rather than a van filled with car seats, was a welcomed retreat. Funny how holding hands can feel a little more like high school again. And how you could care less about traffic or waiting in a line, because you’re not rushed for once. And although the time passed too quickly, and responsibilities awaited us at home, we feel more empowered and energized to make it through the week.

It always amazes me how even a little taste of absence can make the heart grow fonder.

It does the heart good, doesn’t it?

 

(Special thanks to Brad’s parents for giving us a much needed recharge.)

Before You Hit the Road, Jack

I came across some of our Walt Disney World Videos last night.  Ahhhh, the memories.  Several of you asked for Trip Planning, Packing, and Executing ideas after we came home,and at the time I was overwhelmed with this endless load. So now that we’ve conquered potty training (insert angels singing) I might get around to sharing a little of how we survived a 32 hour road trip with quadruplets.

A special thanks to Purolator Cabin Air Filters who allowed me to team up with them for this post. They are hosting a sweepstakes at Parents where you as readers can enter to win a trip for 4 to Walt Disney World in the Purolator BreathEasy Sweepstakes!

Go enter so you can have your own picture like this, (minus the quad stroller, of course):

So Before You “Hit the Road, Jack”, Here Are A Few Safety Tips We’ve Learned:

* Check Your Carseats – Make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age/height/weight.  Rear facing until your child has reached the stated limits. Your local fire department is a great place to check with to make sure you are “good to go”.  (Shout out to Barb Carrier who has been our AAA car seat guru from the beginning.)

* Get a Tune-Up for Your Vehicle – Have you local mechanic make sure your vehicle is running well or you might end up like us on our first road trip.

* Sleep the Night Before – A good nights sleep will get you further down the road the next day, and your be easier to get along with on the trip too!

* Keep Your Little Travelers Occupied – This helps cut down on driver distractions. Things that worked for us: dollar toys, CDs, DVDs (A portable DVD player is worth every penny!), talking about the scenery, counting down each state, and lots of snacks!

* Know Your Driving Limits – Take a break every few hours and always stop before you hit your driving wall, even though it may be tempting to keep driving to meet your destination

* Check in with Family Members Along The Way – Let them know your progress and where you’re staying along the route, along with numbers where they can reach you. (Trust me, your mom will sleep better hearing that you are safe. Right, mom?)

And don’t forget to make memories along the way that you’ll laugh at later.

Fresh Catch of the Day

Too bad Brad didn’t get a picture of the bass scaring the little lives out of them when it flopped right beside them! 

Can you imagine the fishing stories these boys will tell one day?

Me. The Cows. And Haiti.

So I entered this essay contest that Stonyfield is holding for bloggers…

… Cuz I’m really interested in learning more about eating natural foods, finding out where our foods come from, passing the goodness along to my boys, and all.

… I’ve been even more inspired after watching this movie   and while growing our garden.

… Well, just so happens that I was chosen as a TOP TEN FINALIST!

If I’m voted into the Final 3, I’ll be invited to tour the farms and facilities of Stonyfield to learn more about the farmers dedicated to organic food production.

(Wish I could take these handsome little farmers along for the ride. Goodness, they’ve grown up since this picture!)

Here’s the real kicker…

If I make the Final 3 cut, I’ll receive $5,000 to give to Three Angels Children’s Relief in Haiti.  An organization that has impacted me personally, our church has supported, and my brother recently visited. In such a time of devastation and destruction in this country, $5,000 of American money can make a HUGE impact.  (They also have a great FB Page if you’d like to see more of how they are impacting through their medical clinic, school, and orphanage in Haiti.)

Voting is simple.  Like 30 seconds - Tops. (Your Name, Email, And Vote – Easy Cheesy!) And you can vote 1x a day with a valid email address up until May 25th.

So mosey on over HERE (www.stonyfield.com/barnstorming/) to vote, and I will be super grateful (and so will Three Angels Haiti)!

 Thanks in Advance, Sweet Friends!

 

 

Let It Slide…

 

They love to play this game on the slide that they invented. Each of them slides down and slams into the last one in line. 

No cries.  Just laughter.

A game only BROTHERS could make up and love.

(Linked to 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday)

Yes, We Can! (Bob the Builder Said It First)

Mother’s of preschoolers, regardless of party affiliation, know that President Obama was borrowing his famous “Yes We Can” campaign line from Bob the Builder.

In which Bob asks,

Can We Fix It?

To which the machinery responds:

Yes, We Can!

We were inspired by Bob’s “Yes We Can'” spirit in our potty training endeavors.  And to celebrate our “Yes We Did!!!!!”, we went diaperless AND strollerless to The Children’s Museum to visit the Bob the Builder Exhibit. 

Bob and his friends did not disappoint. We had a grand time and checked out most of the museum before heading home. 

    

The Sky’s The Limit…

I think there’s a great summer in store for these boys…

Life without diapers.

How sweet it is!

Mother’s Day Agenda

Feeling blessed beyond what I could have asked or imagined.

Giving thanks for my own mother’s example, love, humility, strength, and sacrifice.

Being grateful for a mother-in-law who embraces our family, gives from her heart, and who raised a son who loves us unconditionally.

Celebrating other godly examples of mothers in my life who I admire greatly and who teach me much through their own display of grace.

Treasuring memories .

and

Striving to become a better mother and wife to my precious 5 boys. 

What are you doing this Mother’s Day?

Advantage #67 of Having a Wombmate…

 

…Never having to sleep alone during a thunderstorm.

This post is linked to 5 Minutes for Mom’s Wordless Wednesday

Fun for a Buck : Painter’s Tape Roadways

 

Looking for some frugal entertainment for your little one(s)? We’re always looking for creative ways to play without breaking the bank. We like to pass those ideas onto you through our Fun for a Buck Series.

A new activity that has been a hit with our four boys is Painter’s Tape Roadways.  The idea is simple, cheap, and fabulous! (Especially for transportation loving boys!) All you need is a roll of painter’s tape and some matchbox sized vehicles.  Tape the painter’s tape into a big enough road to navigate around the room. We made stops along the way with our Fisher-Price Airport, Barn, and School. Add some cars and let the traffic games begin!

    

Do you need more Fun for a Buck ideas?  Check out this one and this one.

Have an idea to share or think you’ll try this one out?  Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

This year we are trying out gardening. It’s been the perfect age to get the boys involved.  They’ve loved the opportunity to help Daddy build, plant seeds, get dirty, and watch the veggies begin to grow.  So far we’ve planted peas in the raised bed and have tomatoes and peppers growing inside. We’ll be planting green beans and cucumbers in the next week or two.  

Hopefully their excitement about GROWING the veggies transfers to EATING the veggies! =)

I’m excited to have fresh produce right outside our door. How’s that for knowing where your food comes from?

If this goes well, we’ll hopefully expand and grown more fresh options next spring!

 

What’s your favorite garden fresh produce?

Have you had any success with gardening?

Tips to share?