Lots of catch up

September is always the start of crazy for us, like it is for most people--but now it's even more crazy because we added yet another baby to the mix of fall birthdays. But before I introduce our new little prince (that'll be a whole different post), here is some catch up I've been needing to play. Peach went to a cheer camp and absolutely loved it. She is now enrolled in a "cheernastics" class starting next month. She is so excited, which of course means I'm super stoked. I love seeing her so happy about starting a new activity.

And my middle girls started preschool right at the end of August. Aren't they adorable in their "first-day-of-school" outfits. The start of a new school year has so many promises--we can't help but be all smiles!

Here is sweet Boushka getting her book bag put up. And her teacher, Ms. D.

Boushka had so much fun on her first day. She loves her teachers, and I sure hope she's making new friends. She's just as friendly as can be, but I'm not sure how shy she is at school. I'll be checking on that at PTC next month.

This little cutie also started school the same day. Of course we snacked in between--that was the most important part, after all (SMILE). Bug didn't let me get many pictures of her in her classroom, but the snack one suits her.

 

My tower-building girl.

 

Also at the end of August, Matt's work threw a baby shower for us. How sweet is that? I thought it was very kind--but not surprising since he works with some very sweet ladies.

Not only did our little man make out with some great treasures, our girls did too. These sweet ladies really did think of it all.

This is all the presents packed away. You can't tell here just how much we received, but boy oh boy did we receive some super cute toys and clothes. And of course, the ever awesome and helpful diapers. I love receiving diapers.

The younger three girls and I grabbed Chipotle on the way to Daddy's work that day. It was a brown-bag, lunch-hour shower since the employees all had a ton of meetings that day. And the cake was huge!

There may have been cake coming out of our ears.

And the next week was Peach's seventh birthday. Her teacher had her as the Star of the Week during this time. So she got to bring some special pictures, I told a story about her changing Brownie's diaper when she was 2 and Brownie was 1, and I got to eat lunch and see her play a little at recess. I also dropped off some special treats for her class.

Next up, Peach's birthday post. And eventually I'll get to the newest little guy's birthday!!

Blessed Birthday

I have  been blessed with some very sweet friends. Friend who listen and friends who care. I really can't imagine going through life isolated from other women--women I call friends.

Here is the cake ( I didn't get the picture quite in time) my friend, Lynette made me. She's really very talented. I wish I had her patience and creativity!

I turned 30 at the end of July. For years, I'd been dreaming up great get-aways to go on upon turning 30 (you know, to make it seem like less of a catastrophic event). I planned to definitely NOT be pregnant. I wanted to just have fun so that I wouldn't dwell on how old I was turning. Well, as you all know--I am pregnant--as I was on my 30th birthday.

But leave it to my sweet friends with a little help from my husband to plan an awesome night to celebrate me completing my 30th year.

A couple of my friends and I participate in a babysitting co-op. Every third month I watch their kids. The other months they watch mine. Well, July happened to be Caroline's month to watch the kids. So there was a plan set up--unbeknownst to me at the time--to get me out on a "date" with Matt. But I had to stop off at this new "paint your own artwork" place to pick something up. It was a last minute favor I was going to do for Caroline--who happens to be quite crafty. Plus, the great woman who owns it is Caroline's former boss--so nothing really seemed weird to me.

Well, Matt and I were headed out of the house to go on our "date," but when I walked in to the studio to pick up that thing for Caroline, I was surprised-- and my husband and kids were gone!

I had some very sweet friends surprise me for my birthday. We had some yummy snacks and drinks, fellowship, and instruction on painting. When you go to Uncorked (the name of the place where my party was), you can  see a variety of pretty pictures--all painted by Margie--the owner. You are to pick one out that you would like to create on your own, and she will instruct you how to do it. Well, I had a tough time deciding, but I finally picked one. So each of my friends and I sat down with our blank canvas and created our own version of Margie's picture.

I had so much fun trying something new with my friends. And I felt so blessed that they took the time to celebrate with me. And they all did a good job of keeping a secret!

 Listening intently!

 I'm thinking I can do this!

 My trees without their leaves.

 And the finished product!

 Lynette's creation.

Me saying "Cheeeeese!"

 Tiffiny did a wintery scene. So peaceful!

 Sweet Amy. She's a talented friend of mine who also happens to be quite sweet and giving!

 My SIL, Nancy, who I also call friend. Just wish she didn't live so far away :(

 The lady who is so creative it makes me jealous (but in a good way), Caroline!

 Miss Mandy! She's spunky like me--we have some very serious similarities--our distaste for Toby Keith tops the list!

Oh Winter! She's always smiling--even when she thinks she's not--she just shines!

 And I didn't get a "single" picture of Erin, but she's in this group shot in the back. I got to know her last year, and she's honest, kind and creative.

 Once the party was over, a few of the girls and I hit up a bar. I really did get water, but I wanted to be silly and post my status on FB as "a whole new meaning to 'belly up to the bar.'" So I stole the girls' drinks and took a belly shot with them. I just didn't want to go home yet-- I was out celebrating my new decade, after all. After a one drink, we were all succumbing to our tiredness.

 A few days later, my actual birthday came. And as many of you know, it's also Matt's birthday. But he let me have most of the glory since it was a big one for me. He said he's done having birthdays--but I never want to be done. Life is certainly worth celebrating.

These balloons are from my sister. She lives out of state, so my sweet mama brought them over. She also made a fantastic dinner for us and brought over Matt's favorite pie--lemon meringue--and my favorite--turtle cheesecake. Oh my! Now I'm totally craving those noodles, broccoli with Hollandaise sauce, and potatoes. It's a stick to your ribs kind of meal--perfect for a preggo on her birthday (and her husband)!

The girls also made the day very special just by being them. They are always trying to sneak around and buy us gifts, or make us gifts--none of which goes unappreciated. Just seeing how kind their hearts are is enough of a gift to Matt and me.


I have such a great life thanks to all those who love me--and I hope they know how much I love them all.

Elementary School Girls' First Day

My big girls have been in school for a few weeks now. And they are loving it. I love it when they come home full of stories to tell me. And I love the way they light up when speaking of school. I hope they never lose that!

 So I've started this tradition of taking some special time with the new kindergartner. We buy a "back to school" outfit, have a little lunch--and do generally whatever else interests us that day. Regardless of what we do, it's just about spending time together--one on one.  Brownie found this dress for her first day outfit--we skipped the hat (even though it was cute) and opted for some bracelets and tights instead. She was happy!

The big girl then chose where we ate. She loves nuggets at CFL, so that's where we stopped.

 We then did a few errands at Target and the like before we ended up at our fav Fro-Yo establishment!

 She puts the craziest toppings on her treat, but she loved every bite.

That night was supply drop-off night. So we did that with the two biggies.

First was the Brownie. She unloaded everything in her new classroom. She has the same teacher that Peach had last year--which is a good thing! We love Mrs. J!

 Then it was time for our first-grader to drop off her supplies. Peach is loving first grade and her new teacher Ms. M.

 Loads of supplies!

 My big girls.

 

I thought the outfit display, complete with shoes and accessories was too cute!

 These were taken right before the bus came.

Saying goodbye can  be tough.

But we all survived.

Even though some certain little people really missed sissies--they were so excited when they got off that bus though!

Our family of seven (and a half)!

 Getting on the bus--Brownie for the first time!

 Peach had no idea I took this picture--or the fact that I was at her school.

 But this one did bust me. She saw me take pictures.

And I got this after her first day of school. My sweet Brownie's hand print with a "kiss" on it.

I'm so proud of my babies--ahem, big girls. They have grown right before my eyes--and that is a truly magical thing for a mommy to experience. And as much as I'd love to be a part of their learning every day (well, I do still teach them quite a bit actually, but I'm speaking of school-learning), I'm glad that they can find other authorities (that I approve of) to trust. It expands their little minds and tests their boundaries--and as much as I'd love to keep them home with me, I'm so glad they can experience this--public education. I tip my hat to their teachers. They seem so genuine and sweet, and I've never had one bad experience with either child/teacher/classroom/etc.

And as for my sweet Brownie--I cried for you a lot this summer and even on that first day. I thought it'd be easier sending you off on that yellow bus than it was last year when I was a "first-timer," but it was equally as hard. Almost harder in a way. Because now I was turning over another one of my hearts to the world. And when I sent you on that bus, I prayed that I could trust the world enough to let you grow and learn in ways I can't foster as well by keeping you with me 24/7. You (and all your siblings) are the most precious gifts I'll ever receive, and not a day goes by that I don't question everything I say and do. So I have to learn to trust. Trust others. Trust my gut. And trust that your life is in capable hands.

I'm proud of you both! I love you both with all my hearts. And I'm so excited to see you change and mature every day. I love hearing your school stories--nothing about it is mundane or old to me. I love hearing what the world is like as told from your point of view. So promise to always tell me about your school day, your friends, what you ate for lunch, how many crayons you used today, what kid forgot gym shoes, who you sat by at lunch, and that funny story your teacher told. I promise it will always interest me because you interest me. All my love!