Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Very Full Tuesday

I began my morning by throwing chicken and a few ingredients into the instant pot. It would slow cook all day and be ready whenever we were ready for dinner. 

Next up was a run by my favorite coffee hut on the way to CoRielle's home. I purchased a drink and scone and got a surprise drink for Arielle. Benny ran outside as soon as he saw the van, "Baachan, did you buy Mama a surprise?" 

What a sweet boy. I had debated and was glad I had. We snuck it onto the hood of her car and waited (somewhat patiently) for her to discover her surprise. "Honey, I got you a surprise. Baachan brought it." ::wink::  Benny loves to give gifts, and it's a joy to help him bless the people in his life. 

While Arielle attended the weekly staff meeting at Farm Loop Christian Center and worked on Children's Ministry things afterwards...the boys and I had a blast together at home. Hey, we're proud of Arielle for making her first church announcement in front of 400 people on Sunday. 

The "ham" gene is very strong

We cuddled inside while everyone finished a snack and Benny watched the end of a movie he "loves."  He gave his mom a bit of a start when he told her he and Baachan watched a movie with a "big axe." We watched Moana - it's a big fish hook. ::snort:: 

With cuddling and the movie done, we headed outside for adventure. I thought they may want to go on a walk, but they wanted to ride bikes. Their driveway was the place to be as the road is gravel. We tried riding around the block before and it ends up with Baachan carrying bikes, and chasing kids. LOL 
Danny loves his bike - "but he doesn't pedal!" 


Working on directional control LOL 



We cleared the back of some twigs and branches from "the big wind storm," and Danny LOVED playing soccer. 


Benny hiding behind a Birch tree.

We did NOT get Danny's nap in or lunchtime done this week, but we had FUN OUTSIDE. 

Arielle got home and I had enough time to drive to the other side of Wasilla for Wholesome Food Co-op.  I spent four hours supervising the sorting and such of produce. I picked up a Click List order and Dad's meds on the way home. 

At home the girls helped unload a very packed van. We made a salad, and pasta to go with dinner. CoRielle showed up to pick up Josiah's old BBQ grill. We discovered Danny is quite the climber and doesn't seem to be a bit afraid of new things. He climbed up the ladder on the play structure. He slid through on about the 3rd rung and was holding on for dear life. Arielle ran across the yard, but he dropped to the ground before she reached him. He landed upright, to our cheers, and went on about his play. It's a blast to have the yard melting. I believe we'll have the trampoline up soon.  We still have snow in the garden and along the back edges of our property....
The face of spring - ignore last year's leaves

It's about time to move the picnic tables and toys out into the yard...and Wibbly Wobbly Park will be in business for the 2022 season. 

Benny gave myself and the Aunties our first dandelions of the season. Oh, it really IS spring! CoRielle went home to their dinner. We came inside and had our diner. 

An idea HIT me. I have been trying to find a way to work walks back into our routine since Dad's surgery. I wanted to do this in a way which wouldn't inconvenience the whole family. I've tried early mornings, but Gradpa seems to wake up the minute I get my shoes on - regardless of the time. This means Michael has to rise at sunrise so I can go for a walk. Not a great plan. I can't go out with the girls in the afternoon, because to do so would mean Michael needs to break from projects and come inside to be with Grandpa. Honestly, Michael breaks a LOT to help out with the schedule and we each try to be considerate of the projects each of us are trying to accomplish. 

I don't feel right saying, "Would you come inside so I can go for a walk?"  Arielle posted photos of their family walking after dinner yesterday and I have been fondly remembering our after-dinner family walks when we had a house of young ones.  It was just a small step to realize a solution to the morning walk situation.  

After dinner, while the kids cleaned up and Michael talked with a friend on the phone, I left for a walk. Grandpa talked on the phone in the living room. Everyone was in the general area and could watch him without breaking from their activities. I got 1.67 miles in rather than 5 miles, but it was heavenly!  I focused on establishing a habit of walking and not the distance.  I did not apologize for prioritizing my goal. I will continue my morning work out routine, but I am excited to add the habit of walking back into the mix - even if it's only enough for mental health and not fitness goals. 

We ended the night watching the first episode of The Chosen. We are going to enjoy this.