Winter's monotony of clouds and rain has given me little inspiration to blog lately. We have a bad case of cabin fever. The kids perpetually push each others buttons, which often results in physical harm, and I feel like a referee, not a parent most days. My saving grace have been the visits from my in-laws who so graciously give me a chance to reconnect with myself once a week--which have been taking the form of weekly chiropractic adjustments, massages and long runs with a good friend. I have also thanked myself a million times over for making a playspace out of the basement, which previously served as a workshop and general catch-all for stuff we weren't using. Now it is a mostly open space with swings, a slide, circus tent, gym rings and plasma cars. The change of scenery is immensely helpful in changing the pace of the day.

The kids (and now hubs) have also been sick with a bad cold for a week. Thankfully my neti-pot prevented me from getting anything for more than 2 days. Sickness throws a wrench in the routine and flow in our lives, and generally makes me feel "off." I've realized since having three kids, that I thrive in a routine. I am a spontaneous person by nature, but there are too many balls to juggle to live a completely spontaneous life right now. Everyone is happier here when we know what to expect. One thing that is throwing me off this morning is that my espresso machine broke. I didn't expect that, and I'm not happy about it. Silver lining, Mark is home today with his cold and has taken the whole machine apart and is dutifully fixing it with his mechanical engineering brain. He knows what's best for him :-)

Another random bit I would be totally remiss not to share, have you hear of a Tangle Teezer??? If you or your child(ren) have curly hair, you must go, no RUN to the nearest Sally's Beauty Supply and pick up one of these $10 brushes. Thanks to my good friend Chandra's enthusiastic nudging, I ran out and got one. And for the first time in nearly four years, Ashen said, "Mom, this doesn't hurt!!" as I brushed his hair. What would normally taken 10 minutes, took all of 30 seconds to detangle. He's even brushing his hair by himself. Something totally unheard of! Since we're in the process of growing his hair out again, this little tool will make it so much easier. Honestly, I had to cut his hair last spring because I couldn't handle the time it took to care for his hair being the length it was. If I had a Tangle Teezer, his hair would still be long (sniff, sniff).

Oh my, Mark just shouted "VICTORY" and the steam wand is working again...so I am rushing to go make my cup-o-goodness.

Have a good weekend, everyone!