Trio

Looking for the latest Trio blog post? You’ll have to go to the new Trio! 

 http://fcdtrio2.blogspot.com/

Today marks the final day of National Blog Posting Month.  I never formally accepted the challenge, and even didn’t think that I would try.  But, I was slightly intrigued and decided to attempt what seemed initially inconceivable.  In the end, there will be 43 Trio posts for the month of November, including at least one every day.  I am glad that it is over, but I am also very glad I did it.  As I reflected on each day, I realized how special each day really is.  I am still struggling to find balance with three children.  Some days are good, others not so good.  And, while some are more of a learning experience than others, each is a gift.  My Trio is amazing.  They make me smile, cry, and laugh out loud.  When the house is quiet, and I begin to reflect and blog, it becomes so apparent how blessed I am.  What a wonderful way to end each day!

Franny and Cole are outside every chance they can get.  And if Daddy is outside, that is the best combination and they will definitely be with him if at all possible.  Throw in a leaf blower and things really can’t get much better.  Franny and Cole joined Rick outside this morning as he cleared the enormous drifts of leaves from our yard.  They held on as long as they could, but wet shoes, socks, feet, and clothing finally drove them inside.  They wanted to be outside, but the elements just proved too much for them.   Once dry and warm, they took a birds eye view at the kitchen window to watch the ongoing progress.  It wasn’t where they wanted to be, but it was their closest alternative.

5:45 pm: we arrive at Uncle Lyman and Auntie M’s for dinner; there are yummy hors d’oeuvres—baked oysters, veggies, chips, salsa, dips. Cole eats a few chips, but is more interested in running around and causing trouble.

6:45 pm: we have a delicious dinner of pork loin and mushrooms, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. Cole has a few bites of pork, but is soon on his way running around, again.

7:15 pm: we have dessert—a choice of cookies, ice cream, or chocolate cake. Cole opts out on the entire selection. More running around ensues.

7:45 pm: I give the kids the heads up that we are leaving in five minutes.

7:50 pm: Cole decides that dinner is too good to pass up and starts eating several helpings of pork.

8:20 pm: Cole finishes and we finally depart for home.

We are probably too accommodating when it comes to Cole’s eating habits. If he didn’t eat with us at the appropriate time, the kitchen should have ‘closed’ and he should have had the chance to learn that he needs to eat at dinner time or be hungry later. For us, however, it’s difficult to impose that lesson on Cole, when he really could use to gain a few additional pounds. It’s definitely something that we need to learn to manage better in the future. But for tonight, it was so great to see him eat so much…

I am sure that it isn’t easy for Franny being the eldest of three young kids. Although she is only four years old, sometimes I think we treat her as if she is much older, expecting her to always behave in a model way, help out with her siblings, and always be the one who has to wait. She is growing up so fast and becomes more and more capable every day. Too frequently we get stuck in ‘survival mode’ where we just try to get through the day with everyone happy and stress-free, where I don’t introduce her to as many new things as I could. And, I definitely don’t spend as much one-on-one time with her as I would like. Fortunately, she has a Grandma that can recognize when she needs a little time special for just her. Today, Franny and Grandma made a special snack together for everyone to enjoy. It was very simple—dried fruits and nuts, but set up so she could measure and stir, and have fun doing something different that she could share with everyone. It was obvious she was so pleased with it all. Very simple but very special. It’s so wonderful that she has a Grandma that just knows. There is no question that Thanksgiving is a special day, but for Franny, I think the day after was just as special. Unquestionably, it was full of all the thoughtfulness and spirit the holiday represents.

Swings from T on Vimeo.

Franny and Cole always have a great time when they visit Grandma and Grandpa’s house, and they never have any shortage of things to do.  But, with Grandpa always thinking of them and trying to make things even more fun (if this is possible), the result is this wonderful swing set, complete with three swings, including a bucket seat that I know Delaney will love next Spring.  Construction didn’t finish until the weather had already turned cooler, but it has still has provided some fun times during some of the warmer days we’ve had, as well as some not-so-warm days, like today, where it just couldn’t be resisted.  And, of course, Grandpa is out there enjoying it with them, which makes it so much more fun.  Is it any wonder they adore their Grandpa? You know it’s special when you can see and feel memories in the making.  I love times like these.

I know it’s chilly outside when Cole moves from his standard bare feet to fuzzy Elmo slippers. I can’t think of anything cozier to warm cold toes.

It’s not easy for Franny and Cole to understand what it really means to give thanks. They have everything they need, and always have. Someday I know they will be thankful for our wonderful family. Having always had these relationships, however, they really can’t conceptualize what it would be like not to have them. We’ve talked about what being thankful means, but without that perspective, some of the meaning is inevitably lost. Their understanding will come with experience, I know. And, while it is important to recognize the blessings in our lives, right now I am thankful they don’t understand what it means not to have love, family, a home, or food. No child should. One of the difficult things about children getting older, is that you can begin to foresee that someday they will be hurt, lonely, and go through challenging times. And, those experiences will shape them as much as the positive forces that we try to provide for them. But, for now, I am thankful that they are innocent and carefree and don’t have to understand all that yet.

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time

--Paul Simon

One night a week we all have ice cream for dessert. Well, everyone but Cole. He prefers to have just a cone. Silly boy.

At Delaney’s age, Franny wore these cute little jeans. With Delaney quickly outgrowing many of her clothes, I pulled these out thinking they would be a perfect fit. The length was just right, but the waist was inches too big for her teeny middle. Like Cole, she is very lean, but rather than a long torso she has long legs. This combination makes for a tough fit when it comes to baby pants. Too bad, since we have so many great hand-me-downs from Franny. I think Delaney is going to be in leggings for many months to come.

Pants’ real waist and  Delaney’s waist

Cole and I started to do puzzles together a couple of months ago. He has always been intrigued when Franny does hers, and I wanted to add another activity for us to do together when we have our one-on-one time. It was a little slow at first—he wanted to do Franny’s harder puzzles, and with those appropriate for him, he didn’t seem to really understand what he should be doing. He’d get a few pieces together, while I did most of it. But, he enjoyed it, so we continued. After a couple of weeks, it was like a light went on. He started putting together more and more pieces, and now he can complete a 24-38 piece puzzle almost by himself. Now, when Franny is gone, that is what he wants to do. I love to watch him and listen to him as he talks himself through it: I need to turn it…this matches this…that doesn’t go there! And, my favorite—I did it!