Our Five Ring Circus: A Week in the Life of a Big Family + Life with Down syndrome {Week 3}

Thursday, January 30, 2020

A Week in the Life of a Big Family + Life with Down syndrome {Week 3}

Big Family Blog

Can you believe it's already the last week of January? January used to go by so slowly, but that just isn't the case anymore. Perhaps it's because I learned how to embrace Winter, or the fact that this month has been very Spring-like, but January hasn't been bad this year!


Week 3 of January was our "boring week." We only had a few extra things to do for once. Plus, we had a much needed day off from school and work! It was so nice to have that break after the harsh return to reality after the holidays!

My goal for blogging in 2020 was to get back to posting regularly at least two times a week, then increase it from there. So far, I'm on track with my goal, and I have dozens of partially written posts to finish. In February, I have a lofty goal to post THREE times a week! I'm trying to get my blogging groove back, and share everyday life with five kids and an extra chromosome again!


Week 3: January 15th - January 21st


January 15th


On Wednesday, I drove Lily and Liam to school, then headed to the park for a run. Later that morning, I picked up my mom and took her on her big monthly shopping trip, followed by lunch at Applebee's. It's our new tradition now that my dad's knees are so bad, and I love spending time with just her (and Coen) again. Meanwhile, Dylan finished his live cyber school sessions at my parents' house, and spent some time with my dad.

Parenting Blog


That afternoon, we picked up Lexie's best friend, Lexi, from the bus stop so she could spend the evening with us while her mom worked. We then picked up Liam from school and headed back to our house. That evening, I gave Dylan a perm. Apparently, they're back in style?!?

Pittsburgh Blog

Hairstyles for boys


Also, worth noting is that Lexie received a letter of acknowledgement for making high honor roll during the first nine weeks of 7th grade! The second nine weeks is over on Thursday. I'm not sure if she will make high honor roll again, because she missed so much school due to having the flu for a week, then getting sick twice more, but she'll definitely make honor roll!

High Honor Roll


January 16th


That morning, Dylan had an appointment, so after dropping off Liam and Lily at school, we drove to the doctor's office. Coen and I had breakfast in the car during his appointment, then we spent the rest of the day at home, only leaving to pick up Liam after school. We had a family night at home that evening, and watched a movie while we ate dinner.

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Siblings


January 17th


Friday was my extra busy day! I went for a run after driving the littles to school, did a ton of laundry, read to Liam's class, picked Lily up from school, dropped Dylan off at his friend's house for a sleepover, then we went to my mom and dad's house for dinner. It was Lexie's turn for a sleepover at their house, so the rest of us headed home and had a relaxing Friday night.

weekly baby photo ideas

weekly baby photo ideas

Down syndrome blog


January 18th


We had a busy Saturday of driving kids around! Grant and Lily went for a drive and went shopping, while I spent the morning with Liam and Coen. Later that afternoon, our friend came over, and they picked up Dylan, drove him to his girlfriend's house, and dropped Lily off at her best friend's house for a sleepover. That evening, when Dylan got home, we had dinner together, and watched movies. Lexie ended up spending another night with her grandparents, and Dylan headed to bed early, so it was just us and our WILD little boys! I'm not going to lie - I fell into bed completely exhausted!

best friends

Family Blog


January 19th


Sunday was almost like a second Saturday, and it was so nice! Grant actually ended up going into the office for a few hours so he could take the day off with us on Monday. He technically didn't have to work, but he had a file he wanted to finish. Lily stopped by to pick up some stuff for another sleepover at her best friend's house, and her best friend's brother stayed at our house for a sleepover with Dylan. Lexie came home, and our friends came over for dinner and a few movies. It was so much fun having another weekend night! (Could we make that a regular thing?!?)

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Baby Photography

How To Capture Baby Pictures

Down syndrome


January 20th


We had a quiet Monday. We stayed home all afternoon until I ran out to get gas, drop Logan off at his house, and pick up Lily. We came home, ate dinner, and got ready for the school/work week ahead. It was so nice having Grant and all of the kids at home!

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special needs blog

The Lucky Few

big family

 {Reusable Pouches - Squeasy Gear}

January 21st


On Tuesday, I drove Liam and Lily to school, dropped off a shirt for Lexie because she was helping with a police luncheon at school, went to the park for a run, stopped at Aldi for a few groceries, and ran to the bank. Back at home, I got as much done as I possibly could before the kids came home from school. Lexie, Coen, and I ran to pick up Liam, then Lexie and Liam played outside for a bit. We had our usual work/school night, then headed to bed early.

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Pittsburgh Family Blog

Down syndrome blogs

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Down syndrome

What life is really like with Down syndrome


CURRENTLY


Reading


I'm finally more than halfway through Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness. One book per month is going to be it for me this year! I do really enjoy it, but I just don't have much time to read these days.

Watching


We're currently watching This Is Us and How To Get Away With Murder. We're enjoying both seasons so far! We also started the second season of I'm Sorry, and we only have one episode left. It's inappropriate, but so funny!

Listening To


Liam loves the soundtrack from The Greatest Showman, so I've been playing it for him on Spotify on the way to school to get him pumped. He has a really hard time getting moving in the mornings, so this helps a bit!

Wearing


I wear three different things each day: Running clothes, long sleeve shirts with leggings or jeggings, and pajamas! With all the rain we've been getting, my Hunter boots are getting a lot of use, too.

Organizing


I'm currently making my way through the mountains of hand me down clothing in the attic, and sorting it into storage bins and donate bags. Somehow, I lost a bag of brand new 12 months pants that I bought for Coen last Spring, but it's somewhere in the outgrown clothing mountain!

I also tackled Coen's drawers, we cleaned out under our huge bed, and we put up shelves in the bathroom. I'm trying to repurpose unused items in our home. I think I'm going to paint the shelves white when I paint the bathroom!

home decor


Eating


I mentioned going vegetarian last week, and I have. I haven't eaten any meat for two weeks! I'm not forcing my family to go vegetarian, though. Liam is gluten-free, too, so our meals take a bit of planning, but it really isn't too hard. I can share the gluten free and vegetarian alternatives in my weekly meal plan! Week three was all about testing out the new plan, and this week it's much easier. (I'll share that one over the weekend.)

Here's our meal plan for week three:


15th - Baked Potatoes with butter and sour cream, Green Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, and Chicken

(Liam ate everything but the macaroni and cheese, and I ate everything but the chicken, and added a salad.)

16th - Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken and Black Bean Burritos, and Refried Beans

(Liam ate his chicken and black beans over a crushed gluten-free taco shell, and I ate black bean and cheese enchiladas.)

17th - Spaghetti, Potato Pancakes, and Apple Sauce

(Liam skipped the pasta and had a side of cottage cheese. The spaghetti was already meatless.)

18th - Veggie Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza

(Liam ate melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and vegetables, and I ate the veggie pizza.)

19th - Spaghetti with meat sauce and salad

(Liam had gluten-free pasta with the meat sauce, and I topped my spaghetti with olive oil and parmesan cheese.)

20th - Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

(Liam had cut up cheese, tomato soup, and a turkey hot dog.)

21st - Fish, Rice, Butter Beans, and Salad

(Liam ate everything, and I had everything but the fish.)

Coming up this week...


The upcoming week is actually really busy! I have an appointment tomorrow, Dylan has an appointment on Thursday, the kids are off school on Friday, Dylan has another appointment on Friday, Lexie is going out of town with her best friend's family over the weekend, and Lily has two tumbling classes. I'm already tired!

A Week in the Life of a Big Family + Life with Down syndrome {Week 3}


There you have it - a simple week in the life of our family! I always look forward to quiet(er) weeks like this one, because they don't happen often. When they do, I fully embrace the (more) relaxing days! 

Large Family


Tell me: What are you currently watching, listening to, reading, or eating?

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4 comments:

  1. Busy, busy mama! I think it's so funny that perms are back in style. I had a horrible one during high school! Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. I'm so glad you're getting back into the blogging groove! I've missed your posts!

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  3. Even your slower weeks are busy! lol I love Dylan's hair - it looks really good. That's awesome of Lexie being on the high honor role. Loving all the photos of Coen - he's getting so big!

    As for me, I'm watching A Million Little Things again as it finally came back and I love it. I'm a big fan of James Roday - he plays Gary, if you've seen teh show. Love the soundtrack for The Greatest Showman. I actually have the remix one though with other singers doing the songs.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  4. You're amazing! I don't know how you do it all! You're my hero!!! I feel like I'm barely holding it together with three kids!

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