Lifesavers

Compared to many families I know (including the one I grew up in) 3 kids really isn't that many children. I keep on observing in absolute awe the mothers who can handle more than three. How does everyone get fed, clothed, cleaned, played with, and loved? How is the mom actually smiling and at ease?  How come the children are actually behaving instead of acting like a bunch of monkeys set loose at a candy store?

Three kids has been a huge challenge for me- I'm not complaining, I LOVE having them in my life. It's just hard to find time to accomplish anything besides making meals, eating meals, and cleaning up meals.

It's always crazy and chaotic at our house, but I have found a few things that have made my life a little easier these past months. 

Here's a few:

This is our trusty squeezy spoon.  It's so nice for semi-liquid food that's tricky to successfully make the journey from container to mouth without spilling.  Delia is devouring her green smoothie (half spinach, half frozen fruit blended together with a little liquid) in this picture. 

This is our "monster spray".  Due to the horde of monsters in our house, the kids have a hard time being alone, especially at bedtime.  The best tool to deter these pests is a nice, relaxing fragrance (apparently monsters hate the smell of lavender).

Delia is into EVERYTHING these days.  I remember having the time to follow Hyrum and Ivy around the house at this stage- cleaning after them and making sure they were safe.  That's just not possible nowadays... so it's nice to have safe, not too messy diversions scattered around the house for just a few more minutes of kid-free time.  Delia loves these magnets on the fridge.

In an effort to keep things positive around here we have our little behavior charts.  It's nice because it helps us focus on good behavior instead of just punishment.  When Bryan or I notice the kids being extra good, they get to move one space (the figures are attached with Velcro).  When they reach the end they can pick a prize from our prize bucket.  It's so exciting for the kids and really helps them understand the kind of behavior that's expected in our home.

When I ABSOLUTELY have to get something done and can't have a little screaming baby at my feet, I use the play pen.  Delia complains at first, but usually ends up content for a few minutes.  Hyrum and Ivy like to join the pacn'play party too.

We use this floatie so everyone can play with mommy in the pool... and mommy's back can relax for a little while.



In a post about lifesavers, how could I NOT include this dude?  He's such an amazing support and friend.  His patience with the kids (and me) is amazing.  I'm so grateful for my darling husband!

I also need to include both parents, my mother-in-law and all my siblings (including in-laws), my friends in throughout the US, my ward members and fellow bloggers.  So many times I've gained strength from these wonderful people, just like angels here on Earth.

AND, last but not least- my Savior and Father in Heaven.  Their comfort and strength are never ending and generous.