Fun Weekend

So we'd really like it if every week could have a three-day weekend! It was so nice having the extra day. We didn't really have a lot of plans, but that's what made it even better. Friday night I worked. Saturday, we grilled and did some house work. Sunday we went to Mass and then I got a new car! Well, not really, but it looks like it! I spent about 4 hours cleaning my car - all the car seats came out and even got the actual seats of the car moved to clean under them. That hasn't been done in a LONG time! I cleaned leather, used lots of Armor All, and the kids actually vacuumed it. They each wanted a turn & I wouldn't turn that down! They did a great job. I even got my Little Green carpet cleaner out there & shampooed the carpet. We'll see how long it can stay clean. The Lees came over for a little visit & brought cupcakes - they were a hit! Thanks, guys! We ended the day with bike riding and visiting.

This morning, Anne & I were the first ones up so we went for a nice long walk this morning while everyone else slept in a bit. We spent a couple hours this afternoon with me shopping with the kids: a bit of clothes & each bought a small toy. Amazing how much time you can spend in one store with four kids trying to choose something. Tonight we went to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes and then had sort of a family game night. We played Trouble and the War card game.

Tonight Patrick is enoying seeing football back on TV and I'm trying to plan out the week we'll dive into in the morning. Back to the routine!

Confidence is Building

Well, for a while, Anne had seemed afraid to stand on her own. She's been pulling up plenty, but never wanting to let go. If you'd hold her up & then let go of her, she'd have this frantic look on her face wondering what on Earth we were doing. But, in the last couple weeks, she's been getting more confident. She's let go a few times and those brief moments led to PLENTY of applause from all of us. I'm sure the next few weeks she'll be working on it more & more & getting more and more confident. It's neat to see her working on a milestone, but at the same time, it will make her seem like less of a little baby when she takes off walking. Hmm. Yes, being the fifth vs. the first, I see myself enjoying the moments of still having her be my Sweet Pea that moves like a baby.

Jacob's 1st Day of School (08/20/10)

He's ready to go!

Looking might grown up in this one!

Jacob and his first day at 4-year-old preschool...wow. He's a load of fun. He wasn't sure he wanted to switch schools this year, but we thought it would be good for him to settle in to where he'll be for the next several years. Now he gets to see his big brothers on occasion and is meeting some children he may know for a long time. One of the things that really got him excited, though, was seeing the toys that are in the new classroom. So far, the pirate ship and an army plane are at the top of the list. He's once again making friends easily and having a lot of fun. He says he would like to go every day! Now that's got to mean something because typically, Jacob is my guy who pretty much doesn't want to leave the house for much of anything. He really likes being at home and just playing. He's had stages where we call him "passionate," (i.e. very vocal when he's upset to say the least). But, he's mellowed a lot in my opinion and he is probably the most content of the children as far as occupying himself and having fun with individual play. He makes friends easily and is very kind and thoughtful to others. It's really neat to see him off playing with Playmobil or Legos and hearing the conversations and creative imagination he has in his pretend world. I love it. I really think he reminds me of his Uncle Ben as child in that he's very happy at home with Mom, he likes how Mom cooks things for him, and he wants things done a certain way. Some favorite foods: chocolate chip cookies, bacon, sausage, apples, broccoli, "butter sandwiches" (aka plain old buttered bread, folded in half, NO CRUST). His love for his family is very obvious and he DEFINITELY has a special place in his heart for his Sweet Pea, Anne. One on one conversation with Jacob is hard to beat. I love hearing his thoughts, and he has plenty of them. I know I've said it before, but I do think he's in a tough spot in our family - two big brothers that pretty much get to do all the same things, and then two little sisters who obviously have a different dynamic with being girls; and he's right in the middle. I think he handles it pretty well!

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A great article. Very true. I hope I don't need a "shaking" like this EVER! I also read a quote today that is somewhat related to keeping priorities in order and understanding who's in charge:
‎'Hold everything in your hands lightly. Otherwise it hurts when God pries them open.'
-Corrie Ten Boom

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Super Ladybug!

Today Leah has on her ladybug costume that she wore for Halloween. She came into the room and said, "Mom, can a ladybug be a superhero?" I knew for sure, a ladybug can definitely be a superhero!

Little Blue Eyes

I love getting a few of Anne now and then since she's often the easiest one to "convince" to let me take her pictures. I sure love her eyes! The first and last are probably my favorites.

First Day Pics 2010

Ok, so these are kind of in reverse order since I uploaded them in order - they get flipped. Oh well...

The start of a good day for Nathaniel.

Leyton is ready!

These handsome boys sure are growing!

And a near perfect one. So many great smiles. Anne just didn't want to be moved around by anyone any more.