City Summers....and Country Summers!

Growing up in a small town and then raising a family in the city can be very difficult at times.  I look back at my youth and although there wasn't a lot to do I still have fond memories.  Will my kids have fond memories of their childhood?  Am I doing all that I can to make them all that they can be and have fun too? 

I grew up in a small town and my parents owned the local "diner".  When we hit middle school my father decided to get into the tree business as well.  My mom worked full time at the Intermediate School District in Education.  My father says that he decided to plant blue spruce pine trees to put Heidi and me through college.  It turned out to be a huge undertaking and my sister and I were the helpers on the tree farm.  At his peak he had nearly 60,000 trees and our summers were spent working together in the fields doing various things.  The drought in the 80's forced us to hand water as many trees as we could to keep them alive.  Every summer the trees needed to be pruned, fertilized and trimmed.  It was always my Dad, Heidi and me.  Dad would take the middle row so he could watch us and make sure we were doing our job correctly.  I remember July being the month when the 6am wake up calls would come and we would head out to get the pruning done before the sun got too hot.  We were usually finished by 9 and we would take a jump into the lake to cool off before heading into the drive-in for lunch hour.  We referred to the diner as the Drive In.  The official name was Jerry's Drive-In and it was the local place to eat.  The lunch hours were busy and needed the extra hands to make it go smooth.  It was usually 2pm and we were done for the day.  We were not paid to work in the trees as it was part of our college education but we were paid for our work at the restaurant.  I hated working in the trees at the time but I look back and know that it was a great learning experience and good for us.  Now don't get me wrong.....we had lots of things to have fun with when the work was done.  We had 4 wheelers, a speed boat and plenty of time to knee board, water ski and tube all summer.  My mom and dad always worked very hard but always made sure there was fun in the end. 

I would always attend some sort of sports camp in the summer.  It was usually basketball  or volleyball camp and one year it was Space Camp.  I took a bus to Huntsville, Alabama for a week at Space Camp.  It was a very fun experience and remember it well.  Our family would also take out the pop up camper and do some camping.  Living in a small town it really made the city look cool so our Aunt Myrna would let my sister and me come down to Farmington Hills and stay with her for a week every summer.  This was the highlight of the summer because Myrna would let us do whatever we wanted to do.  She would sit down with us when we arrived and we would do a schedule of everything we wanted to do.  We would go to Boblo Island, Water Parks, The Mall, Lots of movies and anywhere else our wildest dreams wanted to experience.  It must have cost her a fortune to entertain us the way she did.  We could stay up as late as we wanted to and she had cable TV too.  Aunt Myrna still lives in the city as I always referred to it as and now I live just 15 minutes away from her in the "city".

My kids are having a very different summer experience.  I try to make sure they have jobs to do such as picking weeds, cleaning, vacuuming and various other things that need doing around the house. They have to read everyday and do some writing for me but that is about all that is required of them.   Our days are full of visits to the beach, zoo,parks and various pools owned by friends.   There are a couple camps that they all attend and we are busy going to swim practices and hockey.  We spend time up north, where I grew up, and they think that is just the best place ever.  We take them to Friday night at the beach where we eat and play and we try to fit in some play dates along the way.  I am constantly looking for a new activity to do with them but often if there is water than all is good (at least for now...it won't be long before the older ones will require different activities and that is when I will probably lose my mind).  The city does provide for a different kind of summer than the country. 

Check It Off The List...It Happened

The triplets have now all been successfully stung by a bee.  Declan got stung this past week while running in a neighbors yard.  We watched it carefully and no allergic reaction..woo hoo!.  Tonight we were at our friends house when all of a sudden a group of happy little 3 year old toddlers became confused and scared.  It was quite clear what happened because they were all looking at different parts of their bodies wondering what just happened.  The tears and brief screams followed instantly.  Colin got it on his nose and butt, Finn got it on his hand, our friend Kennedy got it on her finger and as they were running inside a bee was in Finn's hair and one of the adults got it.  You may think I am kind of crazy that I consider this a milestone but when you have 6 kids and you are often alone with them you are happy when the first sting comes when there are several doctors in the house, a nurse and many others to be able to watch and observe.  You never know what will happen to little ones on their first sting.  We had epi pens ready, children's Advil and lots of ice.  We have officially all been stung and all is well. 

We had a spectacular evening with lots of our neighborhood friends.  The boys and Mairin got lots of tubing this afternoon and the evening didn't end until Liam challenged one of the neighbors to a game of ping pong.  He didn't win but he is determined to be a force.  I am barely keeping my eyes open as I write this and go back over our marathon weekend.  I am thinking that I need some recovery time from this fast paced weekends. 

Summer with Twins, Trips and A Single

This summer is taking a toll on our entire family...except for the triplets.  Everyone is staying up late and sleeping in late...except for the triplets.  I am beginning to really realize the demands that are ahead of me as far as summer entertainment.  The triplets don't want to be home all day and the older kids don't always want to do what the triplets are able to do.  I find this balancing act to be the most challenging. 

Play dates are exceptionally difficult.  Eamon and Liam are always asking to have friends over and I have to sit them down and explain why we don't have quite as many as others do.  Our car only fits 6 kids so I can't drive them anywhere if we have friends.  The weather we have had lately limits the amount of time the kids want to spend outside in the backyard.   The triplets nap and quite frankly sometimes you just are not prepared for an additional 3 kids in the house no matter how good they are.  I hate that I have to limit play dates but hopefully someday the kids will understand why. Last week I did have 3 friends over and we headed to the beach for a 5 hour beach evening with pizza, swimming, water balloons and ice cream.  I dropped everyone off around 8pm and by the time I got home I was wiped out.  The worst part is that I really don't do anything.  I find a place to sit where I can see everyone and I seem to be home base for everyone.  I am in charge of keeping towels available, fights at bay, tummies full and manners in check. 

I don't have time to get much done this summer.  I can't seem to fit in a coffee with a girlfriend even if I really tried.  I haven't done much entertaining because there are not enough days in the week.  Golf league and swim meets take up several nights a week so I am rarely home kicking back in the evenings.  I crave some lounging time and look forward to the days when we have no activities and it is raining outside. 

I have various bags packed around the house that never get fully unpacked.  I keep coming across different bags and hanging up towels, dumping out sand, throwing away empty snack wrappers.  I am staying up too late just so that I can chill in peace.  I am not cooking like I normally do and we are living on sandwiches and anything easy.

All in all I guess I am thankful for the fun we are having but by August I should cooked and ready for school to begin.

Grandma Days

One of the things that my mom loves to do is pick berries.  She grew up picking berries and several years ago my mom and dad planted a bunch of raspberry and blueberry plants.  I am so lucky because she loves to share.  There is nothing better than a blueberry or raspberry pie in the dead of winter.  She took the kids back to her patch while we were up north and let them help her pick them.  They kept picking the white ones and green ones and she kept saying....no no pick the dark red ones. 

Deals, Steals and Discounts

People always ask me where I shop and where I get things.  I am a bargain shopper when I can be and I have come across some sites that I visit on a regular basis.  I shop ahead for clothes and other various items and am always excited for the end of the season clearance.  I enjoy the Sunday paper and clipping my coupons.  I shop at both Sams and Costco and then at Kroger for the little stuff. 

www.woot.com ... 1 item per day for sale and I can often find great birthday gifts on this site.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/invite~2692560/heather~mott/ ...Sierra Trading Post...I get most of my outdoor wear for the kids here.  When you set up an acct you will get emails with amazing deals.  Just ordered triplets their Columbia winter coats for 22.00 each.  I also get most of the winter boots from here

http://www.zulily.com/invite/hmott994 .. Zulily..I always check this site out because there are so many things to look at that I often run across some good steals

www.dealcatcher.com ..If you ever lose your coupon for an Old Navy or Kohls this site will have it.  New deals everyday and you never know what you will find.

www.landend.com ...never ever pay full price. Sign up for an account and you will get all kinds of email deals.

Of course there are many sites out there but these are the ones that I frequent often so shop on everyone.

Return On Our Investment

The storm hit us hard the other day but not hard enough to knock out any of our power so we were happy.  David wanted everything picked up so he enlisted his crew to help with clean up.  I love being the mom because I am NOT part of the pick up crew.  He got them all outside and had them line up across the yard and then had them walk in a line and pick up everything in their path.  They cleaned up the front yard in a matter of minutes and then he lined them up the same way for the side and back yards.  It is actually kind of a brilliant idea.  They all worked together and filled up 4 bags of debris.  David was excited when he came inside because he was calculating how many years before our kids could handle our fall cleanup.  We are looking forward to our return on our investment. 

Dentist

Up at 6:15am and after getting myself all ready I gather the clothes for the triplets and I quietly head into their room.  They are all sleeping and as they slowly wake up I get each one dressed and remind them that we are going to the dentist.  The rest of the house is sleeping so I show them how to tip toe like a mouse and we make it down the stairs and directly out the door to the car.  I packed their milks and breakfast to eat while en route to our 7:30am dentist appointment.  I do the first appointment of the day so that the doctors are on time and we can get in and out quickly and with no fits.  They were so excited to go and although they normally do not let parents back in the working area I asked for a quick picture.  I guess this is a regular request.  We love our Pediatric Dentist and the fact that they love going tells me they are doing something right. 

We were back in the car by 8:15am.  They were good and there were no embarrassing moments.  I only got heads turning when they kept bringing them out one by one when they were done.  I bet the people were thinking...how many more Mott's are back there.  Just wait until I set up an appointment for all 6 of them back to back.  Hah now that will be funny.

I Am Not As Important As I Thought I Was

We started hockey camp today for Eamon and Liam so we all had to get up early again.  I had to pack lunches, swim suits, hockey equipment for their fun filled day.  I was unable to grab a shower before the triplets got up so after I got the first batch out the door I was left with Mairin and the trips.  I asked Mairin if she would keep an eye on the trips while I jumped in the shower.  She kindly agreed and off I went.  I disappeared and while upstairs I heard nothing and no one came in to visit me.  I came downstairs and Mairin was wiping off their trays and putting their breakfast bowls in the sink.  This little darling dressed them and fed them breakfast.  They were happy as can be and it was like I was there the entire time.  I squeezed Mairin and gave her a big thank you for handling everything while I was upstairs.  Mairin picked out their clothes so of course I could not hurt her feelings by changing them so we are wearing what she picked out.  Lots of stripes, plaids and clashing of colors but I surely don't mind.  I wonder how many people noticed their outfits when we went out to Sam's Club?  LOL

David called a little later in the morning and I stepped outside to answer his call.  He gave me the details about hockey drop off and when I came back inside Declan was sitting in the bathroom while Mairin was putting a band aid on his leg where Finn had scratched him.  Declan says, "Mairin are you the doctor".  I asked where Finn was and Mairin said, "Mom I put him in timeout".  Finn was sitting in time out all because his 7 year old sister told him to.  I think I am taking the day off since I am clearly not needed here. 

Running..Running...No Stop In Sight

Wham...Bam...Hit Me Upside The Head..We got ourselves lots of kids and lots of activities.  We are ending the first week of July and I didn't think I would say this but.....life is getting a bit easier.  The summer is going by rather fast and the triplets are adapting to our schedule pretty well.  There will always be mishaps of course but for the most part I can honestly say that I am pleased. 

We go to the beach and they play with me sitting and watching.  They can handle the pool with no issues and are really honing their swimming skills.  The heat has really taken a toll on our outside activities.  We have been hitting the beach in the mornings and a pool in the evenings.  They have all been up late and sleeping in very nicely.  The laundry right now consists of beach towels and swim suits.  We get up and put on our suits.  We put on a pull up for naps and then back into our suits after naps.  I am living out of my beach bag.  I carry 2 bottles of sunblock with me at all times, lots of goggles, towels, water balloons, snacks, water bottles and we can pretty much be gone all day. 

They stayed up for the fireworks and seemed to enjoy them.  I explained to them that they were a party in the sky.  We put glow sticks around their ankles and necks so we could identify them in a sea of people but they stayed pretty close.  Colin tried a sparkler for the first time.  They were handing out sparklers and Colin said, "look mom a fire stick, I want one".  Humm..fire stick..yep that is pretty much what it is. 

You should see David and I though after a full day of kid activities.  We can't wait to get them all tucked into bed and then we basically fall on the couch as if we are just as exhausted.  This week David keeps saying, "man these kids have no idea just how lucky they are, I didn't get to do any of this stuff".  I asked him what he did on the 4th of July and he laughed and said, "sat on the front porch and watched the steam lift up from the pavement on a scorching hot day...and we had no air either".  Sounds like he probably also walked 2 miles to school up hill in the rain too.....

Operation "Follow Through" with Triplets

I had forgotten about the 3 year old stage of "no's", time outs and whining. Operation "Follow Through" is the mission at the Mott house. The triplets are managing to strip every ounce of patience from me and they test me regularly. I find that it takes much longer to correct and punish than it does to let things go but in the end I do know that it is worth the time spent.

Colin has a tendancy to get into a mode where he whines and it escalates until I put him in timeout to reset. You may laugh at the concept of "reset" but when you witness it you completely understand. He gets himself all upset and he just cannot seem to calm himself down and hear what you are saying. I put him into timeout and after a couple minutes of screaming he stops. I go in there and request an apology for his actions. (we review what he did wrong) and when he gives me a "I'm sorry mom" than he is free to go. He usually is smiling while he wipes off his face and he is off on another adventure. Colin also will throw things when he is angry and they also gets him a time out.

Finn probably gets the most time outs right now. He is strong willed, wants to do it his way and he believes it is his right to tell me "no" regularly. I can accept "no" if it is something that he is answering but when that snotty "no" comes out of his mouth and he is starring at me, waiting for me to react than he also gets a time out. I calmly grab his hand and we walk into the dining room where the time out chair is. He is often mad but I let him know that I will not allow him to speak to me that way and he will have to sit. I tell them that they cannot get out of the chair and he is the one who will lean out and just put his tip toe on the floor. All the while he is having a stare off with me. What he really is thinking is, "ha ha I am going to touch the floor and what are you going to do about it". Now I tell him, "Finn don't you dare get out of that seat or touch the floor, if you do than I will come out here and spank your butt and you will sit here even longer". So far that seems to work. Once his time is up I ask for an apology. He will often say, "no" so I say, "ok well than you can stay there". We go back and forth until he is ready and then he is done with his time out. It kind of cracks me up because somedays he will be so stubborn and not say he is sorry and stay in there for a long time.

Declan gets the fewest time outs of the 3. He is the spaz of the family but he usually isn't talking back or whining. He is the one that probably knows my limits the best and I usually don't have to worry about his behavior when we are out in public or at home. He does get his timeouts but for random reasons. I am also a big counter. I start counting and Declan always comes by 3. It is like he knows.

We went for ice cream the other day and I told all of them in the car that we need to be patient, quiet, hold hands and all the good stuff. They all agreed and were very happy to go. Sometimes I will ask them what the rules are of going out and they are so funny because they will all say, "no hitting, no biting, no screaming and we have to hold hands" We get our scoops of ice cream and get seated when Colin immediately starts whining and walking around saying he wants something to drink. (he sees a cooler full of fun colored juice boxes. The 3 scoops of ice cream cost over 10.00 and I was not going to fulfull the fleeting moment of having to have a juice box x3) I say no and he slides his ice cream over to me and begins a louder whine. I get up and go over to him and get really close to him and whisper in his ear, "If you do not sit in your seat and stop whining Iwill pick you up, take you to the car and spank your little butt". He looks at me and kind of slides back in his seat. I know we are on a slippery slope at this point so I quickly assess the amount of ice cream left in the others bowls. He has no idea that in my head I am in the ramp up stage of panick mode. If he throws a fit I can only threaten what I can follow thru on. That can be scary in a quiet little ice cream shop where there are people all over with their coffee, ipads, and books.

Another situation was when we were at the beach. One of my big rules is, "when mommy says it is time to go than it is time to go". (I do not have enough hands to handle 3 so I need to make sure that where ever we are..we can exit in a civilized manner.) We were going to leave and they all needed a quick shower so that I could change them and get them to the car. Colin refused and ran away from me. I got him and gave him a chance to follow directions and he chose not to so I wrapped a towel around him and put him in his carseat in the car. He was kicking and screaming the whole way. I turned on the car and left him while I got the other 2 all ready. (please note that the car is literally 20 steps from the shower so I was not leaving him unattended). I showed lots of happiness to the other 2 and showed Colin sadness. By the time we got home Colin wanted to be a good boy and change his clothes.

David came home from work that night and he had to run out for a couple of quick errands so I wanted to reinforce the behavior thing that I am working one. I talk it over with David and then I wink at him and say...go with it.. I ask the trips to come into the kitchen and I say, "Daddy is going out and he is going to take Declan today because Declan was a good listener, held my hand and was very nice today". Declan was so excited and thrilled. I explained the reasons again to the other 2 as to why they were unable to go and that maybe next time they could go. They were sad but once they got over the fact that they were not going I immediately heard from them both, "we be good boys and Daddy take us next time". That is when you know they finally get it.