poo-l day

• We went to the poo-l today.  I have major issues with public poo-ls, but I have mastered the art of compartmentalization when it comes to this because you guys just love to swim so much.  George and Lila, you've been super excited and got dressed in your bathing suits yesterday in preparation
• We met Auntie Georgia and Uncle Ben there.  Our whole family was supposed to go, but Katie is a sickie-poo today and Jane was well...14...or something like that :)
• Lila, you're doing so well with your swimming.  You can swim underwater for quite a ways now, and you jump off the diving board with absolutely no fear.  A real water baby.  Katie let you wear her goggles today and you were completely delighted
• George, you were challenging today.  You are most definite with your opinions and wants.  I'm doing my best to remind myself that this is a phase and every kid goes through it, but in the moment, it's pretty demoralizing.  You had a complete and total meltdown when we had to leave the pool.  I think you were hungry and tired, so I take responsibility for not providing you with what you needed in that regard.  You're passionate and enthusiastic about everything you do...including tantrums.  You really give it your all.  Good thing you're my fourth baby, or I might not be quite as immune to the stares and glares and comments we get
• I can be pretty hard on myself when things aren't perfect.  I'm trying not to do that, but it feels like I'm floundering around and don't have a clue what I'm doing.  Making it up as I go.  I love you guys desperately, so I hope somehow, we'll journey together through life.  I hope grace and love and forgiveness will be extended to everybody by everybody.  Goodness knows, we all need it
• Katie, you had to miss Marian's birthday party today because you were sick.  You were so sad.  Friends are really important to you.  I felt really bad for you.  You seem to be on the mend though, so that's great.  I always make congee for you guys when you've been sick.  It's a tradition.   It's tasty and easy on the tummy.  I put ginger in it to help soothe your stomach and ease the nausea.  I usually keep chicken bones in the freezer to use for the broth.  Auntie Claire taught me how to make it many years ago and I'm so grateful.  I hope to teach you how to make it one day so you can make it for your babies
• Jane, after dinner you and I went to Superstore to get the Easter treats.  We shopped the Easter candy aisle and looked for the bunnies I usually buy for you guys, but there weren't any.  I assumed it was because I had left the shopping until too late.  We picked out some other Easter treats for everyone, but when we went through the till it was $70.00!!!!!!  Whoa.  Too much for chocolate.  Holy smokes.  As we were leaving, we spotted the Mr. Solid chocolate bunnies, that were on sale for $1.49.  I made the very adult decision to return the shiny, highly branded, commercialized Easter treats and get the little plain bunnies instead.  In the end, I was glad we took them back because it was good for you to see me being responsible and wise with my spending.  We ended up having quite an interesting conversation about budgets and spending and money
• I'm feeling much better today.  Starting to get my mojo back.  What a relief :)