Fab buttons and hand knit socks.

I just finished socks I have been knitting for Jonathan since June! These are very special socks. Anyway how many husbands get hand-knit socks in 2009? I feel like I am a throw back to the 19th century. Take a look - well the full effect is in wearing them you will have to take my word for that.
I just finished the BSJ for Zoë and found the most amazing buttons for it in "This is Knit" in Blackrock each one is a different animal so cute.

Dressing up.

Playing dress up is the favorite game in our house at the moment. This is them getting ready for the show. Lex is count dracula and Maxim humm not sure but I love to eaves drop on their game and here the story. Maxim told Liam the vampires don't go to tiny school much to his relief!

Lex's 4th Birthday

Dana made a lovely cake for Lex and we had four blue candles. It has been a lovely day with visits from Grandma Marie and Grandpa Jim and Uncle Richard. Dana brought a big dragon castle. Silly Susan sent the best Spiderman umbrella and a tool kit (the ideal gift if you know our Lex!) Here he is flanked by his brothers Maxim 5 years and Liam 2 years making a wish.

Getting things done!

I find with 5 kids in the house even with two adults it is near impossible to get even the simplist task completed. Booking flights on-line should be so painless -right?
Today I had to go down stairs to get my credit card. An operation which should take at most 30 seconds but 20 min later I am cutting a peanutbutter and banana sandwich (after checking homework, changing a diaper and settling minor power struggle). Then when I return to my computer to book flights I find it has "timed-out"!
Due to some unavoidable interruptions (oh and some avoidable ones) it has taken me two days to book 2 flights.
Here is said sandwich emergency and oh yeah I had to critic the current art project as there is now a competition in the house for Christmas art! I didn't like to suggest it might be a bit early to start that collection. Artists are a bit sensitive to a negative vibe especially if it is coming from mom.
I know I am doing all day long but as for getting things done it can be a little difficult.

Back Home

Here we have tiny school back in action. Lex, Liam and Eoin doing sand-paper letters. I am so lucky to be able to join in learning with these little ones everyday. I love that I usually am the one who has to say that is enough learning for today "let's have our raisin box" and a cup of tea for me of course.

Switzerland

We just spent a couple of days in Davos near Zurich. It was amazing. The most picturesque place I have ever been. Jonathan got the ski challenge he needed after 10 years away from the slopes. And I got so much peace and quiet only having one baby (little Zoë ) that I really feel rested.
The mountain air and great food where just what the doctor ordered.
I would recommend the train ride up there - magic!

Bedtime Blues

Does every mother have the bedtime blues? For about an hour after I have put them in bed (and read at least 3 stories) I have my 3 boys popping up with - I am thirsty, I am hungry, I need to pee, he hit me, my head hurts...and the list goes on. This is the door way and they just appear with one sad story after an other. Oh what to do? Anybody got a magic wand for me to fix my problem and have a nice quiet bedtime on time?

Playdate

The best part of being back at school is seeing your friends. Maxim had two friends over on Friday. They came directly from school and played first in the park, hide and seek, chasing then a quick snack and on to Lego and other toys. We had six boys in the house and one baby girl. It was a really fun afternoon. We all loved having a full house.

OK back to my knitting

I love to knit. Not that I really know why but who cares the reason for something as benign as knitting. Hum my husband might as he wonders why my stash is growing and planning to insulate the house by next winter. I am now competing with his electrical wires around the house to entangle any unsuspecting person or child who wants to walk from A to B.
Anyway this is Liam modeling my latest knit. I am lucky the boys love to have new stuff and strut around!

Last day of Christmas Hols.

It is back to school tomorrow for my lot and you know they are so happy. Yes they have been asking to go back - as they miss their friends. I am delighted of course it will mean less video games and more early nights (although that might be a battle at first).
It is getting really cold here even in the house. Lex has taken to wearing his new big heavy jacket in the house I think he just knows how good he looks in it.

New Year

Well we are all better thankfully. And Dad made fantastic pancakes early new years morning - here are the boys enjoying them. Our little princess is sitting watching them at three months she just loves to be in on the action.
Now that everyone has recovered it is back to the usual mayhem. One five year old who is practicing for his teenage years by asking me to play video games every five seconds.

Mom, Dad, Maxim and Lex went to see a play yesterday in our local theater. It was super. The cast of five did a fabulous job of Peter Pan and the boys just loved the audience participation. Maxim was literally on the edge of his seat the whole time. Here is to more plays and less video games in 2009. (hey, I am mom, I can dream!)