Easter Weekend

This has been a FAB-U-LOUS weekend! It started Thursday afternoon on a not-so-great note: the school nurse called because Will had a headache all day, so I went to get him. His headache turned to fever as the day went on, and I spent a bunch of time praying he wouldn't be sick for the weekend. Thankfully, a few rounds of Tylenol helped the fever and headache.

Friday was a holiday for Allen and Will -- okay, a holiday for all of us since it was Good Friday, but they got to stay home with us. Maddie and I went out that morning to get a few more garden supplies to plant some herbs. When we got home, Allen started working on the lawn, and I did my best to stay patient with all four kids who were helping me move all the herbs into pots. It went well for the most part, but I stepped backward off the porch, fell into one of the holes when they are trying to find China, and flew backwards landing dangerously close to a pile of dog turds. The fall knocked the wind out of me, and with that came all the words that stay back when I bite my tongue. Oops #1 (after I started counting, anyway.) After the oops, we got a bunch planted -- strawberry plants, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, sage, lemon balm, cilantro, basil seeds (to add to our current crop,) and a couple of thyme (I told Will we never seemed to have enough "time" and he laughed with me. That's my boy with a similar sense of humor, and its fun that he dishes it out, too.) We spent the rest of the day getting ready for the weekend -- making chili and soup, making icing for the cake, and boiling eggs (....or attempting to.)

Saturday, Allen's parents came. That morning I ironed -- A LOT! -- but the kids asked what that tall table was... and what is that thing you are moving on the clothes? "Children, this is an ironing board and an iron. I use it to get wrinkles out of clothes. Haven't you ever seen one?" The answer was "no." Oops #2.

We all went to the grocery store for a tasty taco or sandwich lunch. There was a costumed Easter Bunny greeting kids at the store, and the kids kept calling him SuperBunny. He comvinced them that they needed to leave some carrots out for him, but Will was skeptical because, as he put it, "If I looked deep into the bunny's eyes, I am pretty sure I could see man-eyes in there." That afternoon, we dyed eggs with the kids for the first time. The kids were old enough that I wasn't afraid of the colorful chaos, plus we had grandparents to help. It went well, once the kids understood they couldn't drop the eggs into the bowls or squeeze the eggs to get them to cooperate.

Several eggs were broken, but it wasn't till one of Will's hit the floor that we realized, that some were soft-boiled instead of hard-boiled. Oops #3. That night we celebrated Nana's birthday a week early with hand-made cards and carrot cake. All four kids had fun with the cake and the egg colors, but I think they all loved the flash light Easter egg hunt with all the neighborhood kids. They got to stay up late, play with flashlights, run and play with other kids, AND eat candy.

Sunday, we woke up and headed for church. When I started searching for Easter outfits a few weeks ago, the boys asked for ties, so they were all really excited to get to wear a tie to church. In all my ironing and clothing-prep, I forgot to make sure that the new clothes actually fit the kids -- Will had to change out of his suit pants because they were way too big around the waist and kept falling off. Ben's 4Ts are too big now that he's in underpants instead of a pull-up so we were pulling his up often, too. Oops #4 and #5. Maddie was thrilled that I curled her hair, and we actually got out the door on time to get to Sunday school at 8:15. The kids all went to Sunday school, then we got all of them to take to "big church." Usually, Will comes with Allen and me to the regular service, but this time we wanted to bring the little ones, too. Partly because I enjoy having them there with me even though it can be distracting, partly because I got an email asking for volunteers in the preschool building. The church was expecting 500 more preschoolers than normal and wanted help. I thought my best way to help would be to take my kids out as the crowds arrived. I just don't have it in me to be a preschool teacher or helper at this stage of life. We were home around 11:30 and the Easter Bunny had come while we were gone. The kids excitedly found eggs in our yard, then we had a tasty lunch. Nana and Papa headed out that afternoon, and we didn't do much the rest of the day.

It was a wonderful weekend full of happy family time and good food. I still haven't found much in my life that beats the joy of having all my kids with me in church as we worship together, and that was definitely my favorite part of the weekend. Maddie's favorite part was the flashlight egg hunt. Jon enjoyed hearing the Easter story -- the most-repeated part being "the bad soldiers played a game. Whoever won the game got to keep Jesus's clothes after he died." Ben enjoyed the candy. When I asked Will what his favorite part of the weekend was, he put on the charm trying to earn some extra jellybeans, "Mama, your hugs were the best part of the whole weekend!" What a great way to wrap up the weekend. :)

Keep it shut!

Today was bittersweet with the bluebirds. Ever since the little ones hatched, if the weather is nice, I peek into the birdhouse several times a day. I take at least one picture of those four each day, but sometimes I take lots just so I can choose my favorite to share. Today, the wee-ones are twelve days old, so it is not a good idea to open the box anymore. As I understand, they are close to being ready to fledge, and seeing the open top may cause them to try to fly sooner than they are ready to do so. So, though it is still such a sweet sight to see them, it is my last day until they are hopping through the garden.

April 20 -  I had a nice "conversation" with Silas last night. He sat in the tree watching MY kids playing in the yard. He had a merry little tune of cheeps that I repeated back to him. He repeated it after I did and it went back and forth a bunch.

April 21 - These four are starting to look like birds. I am not sure if the egg is still in there -- if it is, they are hiding it well. I am hoping I don't have to decide what to do about it, though. Most of the eyes still look like they haven't opened, but I think I saw one eye peek at me yesterday. I put the penny in when Allen's cousin asked how big the birds are. I have been trying to take the photos so that printed on a 4x6 photo, they are "actual size," but the penny should give you a good idea of their size.

April 22 - These four are still pretty sleepy. I don't ever see them moving or ever hear them peeping. I promise they are all still breathing, though -- I check each time I open the lid.

April 23 - The little ones are filling this nest fast! Now a couple of them have blue feathers on the tips of their wings. The nest is a bit too dark to see, but the blue at the tips is just as vibrant as their daddy. I wonder if those two are males... time will tell.

April 24 - The first is my morning picture of the silent quartet. Someday they will charm us with their sweet songs. Part of me wonders if they sing the "blues," but I've heard a few of Silas's tunes and they are definitely cheerful! :)

I couldn't resist getting just one more picture. Now we have a few answers about #5 (the egg that didn't hatch.) It looks like it IS still in there,  AND it looks like it was actually #3 (third egg laid) with the white mark on the top. I remember back when that was laid wondering if it was going to be okay.

Here are a few of my favorites from this yesterday and today. In the first photo, Silas is the blue blue between the birdbath and the lizard on the fence. He is busy chasing the squirrel away -- you can see him just behind the birdbath heading for the little tree. I know the picture isn't great, but it was quite amazing to watch. Unfortunately, it happened in a split second, and I didn't have enough time to focus the camera before it was over.

Sialia isn't as vibrant as Silas, but she IS beautiful. I can sit for hours just watching her sit. It is calming, it is joyful and humbling that she is letting me feel like a friend. It may sound crazy, but she and her family have become part of our family.

Sometimes, in all that time I spend watching her, I actually have my camera with me at the right time. Sometimes, I can get the window open without startling her. Sometimes, she gives me a perfect view of her life as a bird and I can see how similar and different she and I are.

Last month, I made a grasshopper cake. Though it was actually a mint and chocolate treat, I needed some quiet so I sent the boys out to search for grasshoppers for the cake. They searched long enough that I got the batter mixed and put in the oven without interruption, but they came back a bit bummed that they didn't find grasshoppers for the cake. I convinced them it might not taste quite the same, but it would be good anyway. So, as I saw this huge grasshopper still wiggling in her beak, I thought about how excited Will and Ben would be that there really are grasshoppers somewhere nearby. This tasty treat was a snack for the little ones!

Overnight

I took this photo of the little birdies yesterday morning around 8:00 am (4/18).

I took another photo this morning around the same time. I am amazed at the changes that seem to have happened overnight. No more pink. No more see-through skin. They are getting big fast, and look at the little feathers sprouting on their wings.

We have also chosen names for the other adult birds who are becoming part of our family. The mockingbirds are Tex (male) and Polly (female). We aren't able to tell them apart usually, but Polly is the one who sits on the nest. The scientific name for the Northern Mockingbird is Mimus Polyglottos, hence the name Polly. Because the mockingbird is the state bird of Texas, we chose Tex.

We learned that house finches used to be called Hollywood Finches, and they were sold as caged pets because they had such a pretty song. The female is named Holly. Their scientific name is Carpodacus mexicanus, so we call the male Carpo. So far, I am not nearly as attached to Polly, Tex, Holly, or Carpo as I am to Sialia and Silas and their family. It will be interesting to see if I grow fonder as I get to know them or if there is just something more magical about the bluebirds of happiness.

Celebrating March for Babies

Sometimes I just have so many things running through my head that its hard to separate them. Today has been one of those days. Now, I'm laying in bed typing on my laptop propped up on my legs. I'm sure it is awful posture, but I just don't have enough energy to sit up, and I want to get some of my thoughts down while they are fresh.

Friday night, Allen's brother's family came just before dinner, and my parents arrived soon after. Everyone came to celebrate the March of Dimes walk with us. WHAT A DAY!!! We got up bright and early and were out the door before 8:00 am. The day started off cold -- we got to the park and desparately searched for sunshine since we didn't think to bring jackets. The opening "ceremony" started, and Allen and I spoke just a few minutes. We were told to share our preemie story but keep it to around 3 minutes. We talked quickly and even had time to pass the mic around so Ben and Jon could shout, "Thank you for saving babies!" and Will could add a bit, too. Maddie just smiled.

Our family started the walk holding the March of Dimes banner, but it was a bit comical watching the little kids try to hold it up and walk since it was as tall as they were. I didn't think starting the walk would be a big deal, but I was overwhelmed with emotions as I grasped the sign and walked through the park surrounded by my family, lots of friends, and a couple hundred strangers who share our passion. It was mostly joyful to bask in the sunshine and laughter, but a little sad as I could tell by t-shirts that some families lost their preemies.  

Several people were out there for a workout and we were soon being passed. Ben, insisted on staying at the front of the parade, and his little legs worked pretty hard as he chugged his arms and looked over his shoulder to make sure the runners weren't going to pass him. Poor little guy used all his energy in the first three blocks trying to stay ahead of the others. Lucky for him, his Uncle Jason loves him enough to give him the shoulder-seat for awhile. Through the two miles, our family ended up very spread out. Somehow we all found each other at the end and could stop and smile for the team picture.

I started out as captain of the Rose City Mothers of Multiples team, but I gladly let my friends on the Tyler Toddlers team adopt us. I've been leading the multiples team for three years now, and as all the multiples get older, the moms get busier and our team dwindles. It isn't a bad thing that many have moved on, but it isn't quite as fun being captain of a team of two, either. I started out a bit disappointed that we didn't have more involvement from the friends who have walked in the past, but I am thrilled to have gotten to know Natalie and Jessica as they've built the Toddlers team with several of our MOPS friends. I think we will walk as Tyler Toddlers next year because it is SO much fun to have a team of passionate participants! A few other friends joined us, too -- Emerson (who works with Allen) and Cassandra (his wife who is in bookclub with me), Misty (a mom of multiples) and her son, and all our family who came Friday.

We have so many people to thank for donations of funds, time, and encouragement. Two ladies who work with Allen, Dewana and Jennifer, couldn't make it to the walk, but they helped raise a lot of money through two fund-raisers at the office. They collected money for Blue Jeans for Babies (the office staff could make a donation and get to wear jeans for the day) and they both made a LOT of breakfast burritos to sell to all the employees. Thanks to Dewana, Jennifer, and the employees of Delek, Allen's team raised $912 -- almost double their goal of $500!! My team raised $2325 through donations from our family and friends! Maybe next year Allen and I can be on the same team and try to beat $3000. ;) Thank you all so much for your financial support and encouragment!

The March for Babies wrapped up most of our March of Dimes activities for the spring, but we are still the Ambassador Family through the end of the year. I look forward to helping with a few more events through the year if they need us to. The kids have enjoyed participating, and Allen and I have walked a fine-line between involving them and exploiting them. They've been in the newspaper. They've been in a television show. They've made the news. They've shaken hands at meetings. I'd like to think they've gained something from the experience other than camera time. Maybe, just maybe, they've gotten enough of a taste of public speaking to not be terrified for life. Maybe they've learned what it means to help others or to step-up and participate in things that can make a difference. Maybe... Hopefully.

From left to right, our family: Will, Allen, Kathy & Steve (back, my parents), Maddie, Jon, Ben, me, nephew Beckham, Jason, and Jenn.

Avian Adventures

So much has happened since I posted the last bluebird stories. I think I will let the pictures tell most of the story. The egg-pictures were taken April 7th through 12th. 

On Tuesday, April 12th, two of the eggs started showing signs that babies were coming! There were protrusions and small cracks showing, but I didn't see any birdies when I checked at dinnertime. I went out with some friends that evening, and I didn't check them until breakfast the next morning.

On Wednesday, April 13th, just after sunrise, I could peek in and I saw two squirmy little birds and three eggs. Unfortunately, it was too dark for a photo and I didn't want to use the flash. By 8:30, the third little one joined the family.

  And the fourth hatched sometime before 9:30am.

The part that was really fun for me is that one of my dear friends was having her baby boy at 9:30 that morning, too. The fifth egg did not hatch... a bit sad, but the other four seem to be growing quickly. I am not a bird expert, but they seem to be doing well -- they are all breathing, moving, cuddling, sleeping, and their skin is thin enough I can see their pulses are all strong.

Thursday, April 14th

Friday, April 15th, held a great surprise. When I went to the nest box, Sialia was still in it. I probably started her and she was playing dead, but I was amazed that she didn't move at all. You can see the fifth egg in the photo, but the rest of the babes are underneath her. It is hard not to wonder what she is thinking or feeling about what I've started calling #5.

Later, that day, I was hanging out the window snapping pictures of Silas when Sialia joined him on the branch. She had been out getting food for the wee ones... I know this because I saw the bug wiggling in her beak.

Saturday, April 16th, was a busy day for the Kaiser family, but I made time to peek in on the little birdies. It is amazing how quickly they are growing, getting darker gray skin, and sprouting gray fuzzy feathers. 

Sunday, April 17th, I thought the fifth egg may have been removed, but when the little ones started squirming I spotted it underneath them. Now I have a dilemma -- I've read on bluebird sites that it is best to remove unhatched eggs so they get broken by the birds. They can breed bacteria that are lethal to the babies. Just when I was prepared to do that, I discovered that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act says it's illegal for me to mess with an active bird nest. For now, I'm not doing anything... I really hope Sialia will take care of it so I don't have to decide.

They are starting to get a little bit cute, and each day they look more like birds. I have about another week to take pictures of the nest, but then I have to stop. After they are 12 days old, I am not supposed to open the box or they may try to fly before they are ready to do so.  

I have been noticing two mockingbirds in the garden lately. They keep taking coconut fibers from the liners of my hanging baskets, so I suspected they were working on a nest. I started snooping Friday because I kept seeing them near our front porch. I was surprised and thrilled to find a house finch nest with four little blue eggs. It is in the evergreen tree next to our front porch. It has been three days, and there are still four eggs. I plan to watch it and take pictures daily.

Saturday, Allen dragged me outside to show me another surprise. He found a nest in another tree at the front of our house; this time, in the tree next to the garage. The mockingbird nest had two eggs in it yesterday, but we already have a third egg. I am excited to have these two families to watch grow, too!

Dad & Lad

This was Will's first chance to go to Cub Scout camp. He and Allen went Saturday morning for a Dad & Lad overnight, and I think they both had a great time! Will excitedly told me all they did, and I just sat amazed that they could get so much done in just 24 hours!

Played soccer and flag-football

Built a toolbox

Learned about "Leave no trace" and first-aid

Shot a BB gun

Completed belt loops - archery, geography, astronomy

Went on a few hikes and collected rocks and a fossil