First Day of School

 

Today was the first day of school.  I have mixed feelings about that.  I miss my kids.  I like having them all home with me.  I like the noise and craziness, even though sometimes it can be stressful.  I love being a mom.  But, as time marches on, I find that they're slipping through my fingers and they are growing.  They just keep growing.  It makes me feel blue.  I'm happy, too.  I guess that's why the term "bittersweet" was coined. 

 

Mercedes was so nervous and excited.  She was tired of waiting all morning and kept asking me when she would get to go to school.  She was sad that I didn't let her wear the outfit that she wanted to wear.  It looked so grungy though.  We finally settled on this one.  She wanted an Elsa braid.  I gave her one.  She looks so grown up.

 

Joshua tried to wear his Storm Trooper outfit.  I made him change.  He's such a responsible and happy kid.  He told Mercedes not to worry, that she would love school, and that he was just a hallway away.

 

Joshua took this picture of me and Mer.

 

Mercedes took this picture of me.

 

Joshua rode the bus with our new neighbor, Hailey.

 

These two are goofy.

 

I don't think I have officially announced it on this blog, but I am expecting our fifth child in March.  You can kind of see me emerging belly in this picture.

 

Luke was sad.  He'll have his turn to go to school soon enough.  I am going to enjoy having him home with me as long as possible.

House Progress

 

The dust has settled somewhat and we are all moved in (for the most part).  We still have a full garage, but we have moved all of the essential items, and of course I have decorated the downstairs quite a bit. 

 

I told Jon Mark that I feel like we are living in a 5 star hotel.  I feel so lucky and fortunate to have found this home.

 

I couldn't really get a great picture because of lighting, but here is the kitchen.

 

 

A week ago, I decided to set up the trampoline upstairs.  The kids had too much energy and I needed them to have a high energy activity.  It made sense.  It took forever to set up.  As I assembled the final pieces, I realized that we were missing 3 bars that held the net safely.  The net cannot be used without those bars.  Bummer.  So, the next logical step was to roll the trampoline down the stairs, by myself, while being pregnant.  Yeah... that was difficult and stupid.  I realized I was in trouble about half way down.  I couldn't go up and I couldn't go down.  Nick wasn't home.  Jon Mark wouldn't be home for a few hours.  I was stuck.  I waited like that (holding the trampoline on a decline) for about ten minutes.  Finally, a little twist and some heft and I did it.  After I was done, and patting myself on the back, Joshua said, "Mom, do you know why you were able to do that?" I said, "because your mom is amazing and strong." He said, "no, because I said a prayer for you when you said you were stuck and you didn't know what to do." Okay... I was humbled, and thankful.

 

Someday, I'd like to upgrade the TV console and put some big wrought iron things on either side.  That wall is very long and I think that would look nice.

 

The kids LOVE jumping on the trampoline.

 

Hannah is growing so fast.  Yesterday she said, "I want some more." She loves carrying a cup of ice around to eat.  It was gone so she brought the cup to Jon Mark and said the above sentence.  She also told me, "I poopy." She was indeed poopy. 

 

Lukey is always falling asleep around 4:00 in the afternoon and then he has *the* hardest time waking up.  It's frustrating.  He also sleeps with his eyes partially open as you can see in the picture. 

 

Joshua is so big.  Looking at this picture makes me feel so, so something... I can't put my finger on it.  He's just so grown-up looking.

 

They were playing monster with Jon Mark.  It's a family favorite.

 

Mercedes was having a sleepover with Elena while this was happening, so she isn't in the monster pictures. 

 

We're all well and happy.  I am starting to feel the fatigue of pregnancy.  It'll only get worse, and I know that.  That's a daunting thought.  But, I am well and healthy.  I can't wait to find out if it will be a boy or a girl.  I think it's a girl, but I am wrong every single time, so it is probably a boy.  Either way, I am excited and happy.  I told Jon Mark he could name this baby.  I am not sure what I was thinking.  He likes Teancum Jon, and Eve Dana.  I like the girl name, I'm not so sure on the boy name.  I kind of like it, but is it too different??? I might choose to call him Tean.  Like TEA UN.  I don't know.  It's all still in the works.  Well, gotta go. 

Pictures from the Partay!!

 

Well, before I post some pictures from Mercedes birthday, here are some older pictures from when the kids made homemade smoothie pops with Grandma. 

 

This fun, "simple" activity proved to require two adult hands.  It was super messy and sticky, but the kids really enjoyed the process. 

 

Lukey is especially into helping recently.  He loves visiting great grandparents, and he loves helping me unload the groceries.  He loves helping me cook and set the table.  And... he sticks around until the task is done.  If only I could harness this desire and save it up for a later date when his help is actually helpful.  :) Sometimes it is.  His great grandmas really enjoy his visits. 

 

Here is the finished product. 

 

Here is Hannah at about 13 months or so.

 

Now, on to the party.  Here is the cake I made.  Mercedes wanted a mermaid party.  So, we made a beach cake and a sandcastle cake.  We played Mermaid freeze dance, and they pinned a bow on Ariel.

 

This is Ariel.  I was pretty happy about this water color painting I did.  But, kids can be tough critics.

 

All of the kids love watching her open her presents.

 

Joshua particularly loved the butterfly net.  He thought he was hilarious when he caught himself.

 

Jon Mark took a picture of me sleeping the other night.  Yeah, I think I look ridiculous too.