Several pounds of apples from our apple tree — score!
Something interesting happened over the past 4 days. I had a complete zen-parent moment. I mean, it was a moment that changed my entire weekend. The first two days of Andrew’s absence was really rough. I was exhausted after two nights in a row of all three boys waking up at staggered times, only to wake up for good at 5:30am. So, while they endured maybe 2 wake-ups apiece, I had been up 6 or 7 times (no exaggeration) between the hours of 10pm and 5am and knowing that there would be no naps from the big boys made me dread those two days. I know, it’s so horrible to wake up dreading anything, especially spending the day with three awesome little people. But that’s where my mindset was, and I don’t want to paint the picture on here that everything is all lollipops and cupcakes all the time. It’s not. I’m not. Frankly, I think I’ve always been one to need a decent amount of sleep, and when it’s cut down to 5 or 6 crappy, interrupted hours, it wears me down really fast. Especially on the attitude front.
The difference happened on Saturday. Day three of all kids, all by myself, all the time. Friday night was another rough sleep night, but on Saturday morning, I just came to expect it, and I decided to pretend that I was well-rested! I made a pact with myself that included the treat of a coffee, then to not attempt to sit down or lie down for the rest of the day until it was bedtime. Crazy, right? My reasoning was that when I do sit down or try to take a nap (which never happens unless someone takes my kids), the exhaustion hits me like a ton of bricks. If I kept going, I would not have the chance to feel depleted until I collapsed in a heap at the end of the day. And… it worked!
The other interesting thing about this plan? I had a really, really good time with my kids, kept my attitude positive, encouraged curiosity and teaching moments, and didn’t feel disappointment about missing sleep. It’s kind of a big revelation for me because lately I’ve been kind of snarky and not as upbeat as I would like to be. So here’s to revelations!
What we did this weekend: 
Grabbed a cup of coffee and a cookie at Winslow’s Home (and yes, Emil always wears these pants because I love them so much and frankly, he doesn’t own a lot of clothing that isn’t stained or beat up!)
Added to Milo’s insect collection (it’s in a drawer on our front porch with two dead cicadas and a smashed honeybee, if you must know)
Talked to Papa about Milo getting stung by a bee! And Oliver being a good boy!
Picked a whole bushel of apples from our apple tree (Milo took this picture!)
Baked chocolate chip pumpkin bread (and froze two loaves)
Made homemade salsa from our garden tomatoes and jalapeños (and cleaned up after it all! Whew, what a mess!) — recipe to follow tomorrow.
Made homemade applesauce from all the apples we picked (I know, it doesn’t feel like apple season yet, but it sure is around here!)
We stayed really busy — including trips to the playground, the grocery store, the zoo, a playdate with water fun in our backyard, a pizza picnic at the playground, and a trip to an incredible pool with some friends. Andrew will come home mid-week, but I’m glad I’m not just counting down the days until he returns. I think I would miss out on a lot of fun mama-boy bonding if I did that.
P.s.- I can’t wait for DIY Fun Thursday this week– we have a really good one for you!
Love that photo of you on the ladder! Way to go Milo!!! A 3rd generation photog in the making! (your dad is beaming w/pride)
Whew! You know how to pack in the productive day… I should take a clue from you. Winslow’s (yellow, tin?) ceiling is great!
Website for you to check out when you get free time:
elvafields.com A Kentucky artist who combines vintage jewelry parts w/new beads.
You are amazing. Seriously! Love the apple sauce, salsa, and The Revelation. 🙂 Hope these next few days fly by with lots of fun and extra sleep!!
So true that sometimes you just have to turn your mindset around and it makes all the difference (other times is takes a good nap!). You had a super productive week-end. Love those apples and the pic of you picking them. I refuse to acknowlege that it’s time for apples though!
I am completely the same way with feeling tired. If I allow myself even a minute to sit down and feel it, I really feel it and need to end the day immediately. But if I just power through it, I can fool myself into thinking I’m not really that tired.
I love that Milo has an insect collection. The smashed honeybee is especially funny.
Your domesticity knows no bounds, lady. I am hella impressed that you found the time to make all that stuff from scratch, while caring for three boys. And at the risk of sounding like a complete creeper, I am totally jealous of how muscular and slender your legs appear in shorts.
Hahaha! Allison, thank you for the compliment, but be assured that my legs don’t look muscular and slender in real life! I think Milo just got a good angle. Hm… maybe I should ask him to take more pictures?
Phew, just reading this made me feel exhausted … but also very envious that your tiredness was due to caring for three delightful looking little boys (each with excellent names, I might add)!
I laughed at the description of the insect collection 🙂
Loulou
Boy attitude is everything, isn’t it? I’m the one who manages on little sleep, but then I get the headaches, right? I’m so glad you “tricked” yourself into such a lovely day and here’s to better sleep in your future! Good job, mama!
You aren’t kidding – boy, did you stay busy! Great job, Milo (with the pic he took of you)
Lauren, I love you for your honesty – It seems you were speaking the words in my own heart. It is SO not cupcakes and lollipops when you’re in the middle of motherhood but attitude really is the key. I know this to be true.
p.s. Milo is a natural photographer!
p.p.s. Love your apple picking style and yes, your legs look amazing. 🙂
xo
cortnie