Providence List 2:Some Things I Learned

-When in doubt, lie on the floor with the kids.
-We no longer need a stroller.
-They really don't need tv.
-Track with them on their obsessive quests: Yes, the DS costs this much. You won't always want a Wii this much. What is it offering you that other things you have can't offer you? OR Honey, I'm not certain if things become alive at night at museums, but my gut tells me that they don't.
-Taking individual children out for a bike ride or for coffee is mood-altering for all involved.
-Maybe invest in a GPS.
-No matter how bored or hot, NEVER take all four of them into Target. Unless you want to feel soul-sucked.
-Go to the closest beach every day, no matter the weather. In the end, it will feel like its theirs.
-Thank you to the inventor of Cat's Cradle, which made daily Mass possible.
-Plan meals and bring all the groceries. Only buy produce snacks there.
-Do less daily bribing. Levity and distraction work better.
-Leave them to their play. It's way messier but after a certain point, they all get into it.
-Going to a car wash can give you a new lease on life.
-It's okay to get involved with play with one or two of the kids. It is magnetic and will either amuse the others from afar or draw them in.
-If you are going to build a house, have the kitchen sink look out onto a sweet little garden.
-We are grateful for this gig, that Geoff has work and that in this case, it has offered us a chance to travel. I think we could do it again.