outdoor fun

I'm sitting outside typing this on my laptop while the kids play with the neighbors. I'm not sure I should confess to allowing that on a Sunday evening, but there it is. F. is inside reading, of course. What else would she be doing? But E. and A. and the twins are having a great time. I love, love, love this time of year here in Texas. It's warm tonight, but with a cool breeze, and it's just so peaceful out here after a hectic day at church. I'm working in nursery now, which is great for I. and T., but exhausting for me.

Wednesday we had a huge rainstorm, which led to some fun on Thursday. But I guess the story really begins about a month ago when our septic service company came to empy our septic tank--and their truck ended up stuck in the mud in our backyard. After the guy spent a while spinning wheels, rocking back and forth, etc., he ended up having to call a tow truck. Needless to say, we had a couple of big holes in our back yard. After the rain, we had two little swimming pools in our back yard. Two very muddy little swimming pools. I'm sure you can imagine what happens next...I. and T. are let out to play on Thursday and end up completely saturated in mud, mud and more mud. By the time I had gotten them cleaned up, I thought I would go crazy, but the whole thing was really funny...once. Hopefully never again. Anyway, after I bathed them, I put their clothes and E. and A.'s clothes into the laundry room sink to soak. I turned on the water and went to check on the kids. And forgot about the water. When I remembered it, the water was just beginning to creep under the laundry room door, so it could have been much worse. And hey, at least the laundry room floor is very clean now. :) And my darling husband used the tiller yesterday to turn the two swimming pools into a new garden plot. Now I just need to get some plants. Those of you in Utah can now be jealous that I'm ready to plant my garden already. :)

I'm sure everyone is waiting with baited breath to hear if "helpful day" happened again. The answer is no because we all (including Mommy) forgot about it. But when I remembered in the evening and mentioned it, E was all for having helpful day be a different day this week. Yeah! Maybe my bathrooms will get cleaned after all. :) I have spent my extra time the last two days sewing three night caps for F and E and the other girl in their dance class for the recital. They turned out really cute. When we get the rest of the costume, I'll take some pictures and post them. I was pretty worried because I didn't have a pattern and was just winging it, so I am glad to have it done.

T. and I. have been enjoying the great weather here lately. They are so much happier when they get to go outside. We had a huge rainstorm this evening though, so tomorrow may be to muddy to let them out. I. said "shoe" very clearly a few days ago, which made me happy because he chatters a lot, but I don't understand much. When I do understand something, it's always something that makes me think, "no way did he just say 'I want that.'" I think he tries to say T's name, too, but it's a little hard to tell. T. has reached the point where she tries to copy almost anything we say to her.

who are they and what did they do with my children?

All of a sudden today E. and A. were in the most helpful mood. They declared it "helpful day" and cleaned two bathrooms (actually begged to do it), took out all the garbages, helped me clean the pantry and helped with I. and T. I was in total shock. If I had asked them to do those things, I can only imagine the whining, but since they decided to do it, it was fun. According to them, every Tuesday will now be helpful day. I'm interested to see how next Tuesday goes. Pardon my skepticism. :)