A Month Later...

Do you remember me saying that Elizabeth made her own birthday cake?  This is it:

I think she did a FABULOUS job!

She did this on her own, while I was at work.  Really.

 Elizabeth

July 22, 2010

Eleven Years

No longer in the single digits...

Oh my...

Here Comes the Bride...

She unrolled the paper towel all the way around the island,

stripped down to her underwear, made a "flowing gown" with a red towel,

said: "Mom, you say: dant dant ta da"

and walked down the aisle.

(She hooked arms with Jackson, and tried to get him to walk with her, but he would not have any of it!)

First Day of School

Today was the day!

Elizabeth didn't want her picture taken.

She was all worried about her hair.  "It's all bumpy and stuff" She said. 

She is now in the fifth grade. (hard to imagine) The 5th & 6th grades are together at the little Catholic school they attend.  She was very excited to be in with the big kids finally.  A place she thought she belonged from the first day of Kindergarten.  She still had a smile at the end of the day when I picked her up, we are anticipating a FABULOUS year!!

Besides a little shoe drama and being very tired, William was all smiles for his picture!

He is in the third grade, and joins his sister on the second floor.  A true "Big Kid" in his own mind.  He enjoyed having recess and lunch with the other "Big Kids".  I already got a message from his teacher telling me he had a great day, and she's looking forward to a great year!

I love small schools. 

And this is as close as they would get for a photo...

Mommy bonus?

Breakfast at Bob Evans with the other moms!

I'm Ready.

The supplies are bought, the bags are packed.  After the last few days, I am MORE than ready for school to start tomorrow.

Why?  Besides the constant arguing?   The back talk?   The whining?  The staying up all hours, cutting into my me time?

I'm ready to have coffee with my girls!

Helping Daddy

Ran across this post in my archives...

The beginning of June, Fabian, one of our two employees broke his foot while working.  Poor guy was in a bit of pain and had a hard time getting his pain medication.  Good thing I have a decent supply...

For Ryan, that meant he and the other hired hand needed to step up and get those cows milked!  Fortunately, we have lots of free labor:

Elizabeth, William, Isabelle and Jackson were more than happy to help. 

And I was more than happy for the break.

Sunday Afternoon Home Decor Project

As excited as I am about decorating this house, my obsessive compulsion to stay organized  (the losing battle that it is) has had me crushing on this system from Pottery Barn:

Isn't fabulous?  Organized chaos.

It comes in a black finish that would fit into my kitchen beautifully. 

Unfortunately, the $500.+ price tag does not.

Shopping Wednesday at Target, look what I found:  

The $84. price tag fit perfectly in my budget!

And since I have the power drill out..

Our Weekend Review

I'll start with Wednesday because that is when the fun REALLY began.

Wednesday morning after the alarm went off, but before I got up, Jackson threw up his entire milk bottle. On me, him, the sheets.  In to the shower we went.  After he threw up two more times, I decided it was NOT a fluke thing, and worked from home.  You may think it a bit irresponsible of me to leave him with a babysitter on Wednesday night and take the other kids school shopping, but, the young man acted fine the entire day.  Maybe it was something he ate?  No fever, no nap, played like a champ.
Thursday, off to work I went.  At about 4 pm, the babysitter called.  Isabelle just threw up EVERYWHERE. No big deal right?  I should have expected this right?  I can hear my mom now... "honey, what were you thinking?"   What I was expecting, was my friend with her four children arriving at any minute for a couple of days.  When my friend R. arrived, Isabelle was sleeping soundly on my bed.  Completely frustrated at the situation, I apologized, and said: "hopefully no one else gets it".  Thursday night, Ryan and I both got it.
Friday, we were off to the zoo.  Never mind the heat and humidity, we had a fabulous time.  Highlight of the day?  No one got sick...
Saturday, after filing our eight children into a local resturant for lunch, the waitress asked:  "So... what group do we have here?"  to which I replied:  "Uh... these are our children."  And by the look on her face, you could tell what she was thinking- "These women smoke crack".

A few photos from the weekend: 

Feeding the penguins

A train ride

 A mama peacock and her babies

The kids (all 40 of them)

checking out the zebras & wildebeest

I just got a note from R.- They are laying low today... feeling a bit under the weather.

I guess, the moral of this story is: If you are coming to visit us, call first and inquire about our health... 

Back-to-School Shopping

Before I tell you this conversation, you should know that I absolutely hate it when I hear other mothers yell at their children in public.  It always makes me wonder how they talk to them in private.  And the few times I've witnessed spanking in public? yeah.  THAT makes me wonder even more.

I decided that tonight was the night we were going to get all of our school supplies and needed clothing items.  Not being to much on the list, I thought for sure we could get it done after work today.  Not so much.  At ten pm, after we had closed down the Target store, this is the conversation we had on the way to the car:

William:  "Are we going anywhere else?"  "I didn't get any shoes."  "Where are we going now?"

Me: "No, we are not going anywhere else."  "We are going home."

William:  (whining) "But why?"  "I didn't get any shoes." "I don't want to go home."

Me: (normal tone) "Because Elizabeth is tired, Isabelle is cranky, and you are not listening."

Isabelle:  "And Mom is yelling...Like - SOLID."

Our Garden..

Was planted very late.  Thanks to the local Farmer's Market and our friends, we have been enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables this summer.

I made cherry and blueberry pie filling earlier this summer.

The only thing we've gotten out of our garden so far.

Zucchini.  And lots of it!

Last night T. and I froze sweet corn.

From our neighbors garden of course. 

20 dozen made about 32 quarts.

My green beans are blooming... and I think I'll have just gobs since Ryan planted them all over the place.  Need some?

As for the tomatoes, I do believe there are 36 plants.  They have started blooming as well.

I'm sure I'll have extra of those too!

They're Back!

Elizabeth and William have spent time with both sets of Grandparents this summer.

Separately of course.  I don't think Grandparents do sibling rivalry.

These photos are from their visit with Ryan's parents in Michigan.  They live right near Lake Michigan and our children took full advantage.  There are stories of sun, sand, waves, water, campfires, fish cousin Jazlyn and movies...they had a fabulous time, and are back home to their regular selves.  Bickering.

They were more than happy to go through their uniforms this evening.  Ha ha ha ah.  And bedtime? yeah.  They loved that too.

I think this picture makes him look so grown up.

And this one? made me giggle.

Did you read yesterdays post? I was feeling all discombobulated.  Well, today a decision was made. Isabelle will be attending Preschool locally, and she couldn't be more excited!

The dominoes have started to fall!

Sunday Nights

I am a FIRM believer that Sunday is a day of rest.  A regular Sunday usually goes like this:  Church.  Pastor Kurt had a great message today, I'll be thinking about it for awhile. Lunch with friends either at home or out.  (out is my preference)  REALLY good Sunday?  Nap, then dinner. And I flat out refuse to cook on Sunday nights, so it's usually left overs or popcorn.

On Sunday nights after Ryan heads off to work, my mind goes crazy.  Tonight is no exception.  Do you ever have weeks where it seems your whole life is in turmoil?  That's me, and it has lasted more than a few weeks. All summer pretty much.  Every decision it seems is dependent on another, and I have no idea when or what thing is going to happen first to put the rest in motion.  I feel like a giant domino design waiting to be pushed.

My work schedule is back to 20 hours a week, and I am excited to have more time for my extra-curricular activities.  Since I am working less, I have to be more creative with child care, in turn that makes scheduling my work hours tricky.  Along with the carpool schedule, whether or not Isabelle goes to preschool... blah, blah, blah.

Not only has my head been full of stuff, we have been busy!  Ryan and I went to the movies with friends, We saw "Grown Ups".  I laughed.  a lot.  Then we had Ice Cream at Cold Stone Creamery and enjoyed a pleasant evening chatting outside.  My Bunco girls and I had a yard sale, fun time hanging out and getting rid of stuff.  Elizabeth spent more money than I made, but now has some cute things in her closet.  We had a FABULOUS time with friends in their backyard surrounded by corn.  Relaxing with those girls really soothes my soul.  The wine helps too.  Ryan and I have surveyed the lawn and are thinking we should start the landscaping project. The laundry is done, but not all folded, the house is picked up, but by no means clean.  The school uniforms are stacked on the dining room table and I am on the hunt for our school supply list so we can go shopping this week.  I also started a grocery list so I can get some food in this house.  I have not got "real" groceries since June.... and thus begins my week.  What are YOU doing?

Let Sleeping Babies Lie

I snapped this photo of Jackson a few weeks ago when he was sick.  He looked so peaceful sleeping off his fever on the couch.  This sweet little boy is so spoiled.  Every night I rock him to sleep with a bottle, gently lay him in his crib, turn on soothing music and sneak downstairs to have him wake up within 30 minutes.  Really.  It's like clockwork.  He will sleep longer on the couch, but 99% of the time, wakes in our bed.

Usually right next to his sister.

Window On My World

Going Home

County Fair 2010

Friday Night Pizza

Our neighbors and friends host "Friday Night Pizza" at their farm.

From 5-8 pm every Friday, they make pizza in a brick oven they built just for that purpose.

You order your pizza at the picnic table covered with a red-checked cloth.

Find a spot on the lawn to set up your lawn chairs or blankets, open up your cooler and break out the beverages you brought.

Watch your kids play, enjoy delicious pizza, chill with your friends.

Ingredients for a perfect Friday night.

Check it out for yourself at: hawkinsfamilyfarm.com

oh, and get a little angry about the white spot on your camera.

Diva

"Hey guys, turn around so I can take your picture."

"Smile! look at Mommy! Smile!"

"I don't want to *smile* I want to do this."

"Please, I want to send a picture to Uncle Reuben."

"I DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT YOU."

"I'm NOT going to be your little sweetheart ANYMORE."

Thanks for the chairs Uncle Reuben~ they love them!

A Weekend Full of Emotions

Some sad, some sweet.

The end of an era. 

A resolve to tell the ones we love how much we care.

My New Favorite Thing

This spring, while shopping alone, I saw this:

Kate Spade Wellie Magee

And fell in love.  I knew I had to have it, but the price tag said I didn't.

After stalking the Kate Spade web site, it went on clearance.  WOO HOO!

My new favorite bag  arrived last Monday, and I put it to immediate use at the fair.  It's absolutely perfect!
It's gone with me almost every day since, and it's already packed for tomorrow.

*I refuse to wear rubber shoes...but I'll carry a rubber bag!

Redemption?

Last night, Elizabeth had her friend Emily sleep over, and today, Our little group of girls (minus 2) went to lunch and a movie.  A big deal not having any little brother tagging along!

The movie was really sweet, and we all enjoyed it.  (Mommy bonus:  John Corbett)  I do believe she had a fabulous time.  I will post pictures of the day, and the cake she made herself as soon as I figure out how to get them off of her new camera.  I left mine in Ohio Wednesday... grr.

Grandma Great

November 5, 1928

July 24, 2010

Elizabeth

Today is her Eleventh birthday.
Unfortunately, her mother dropped the ball today.  She's been very gracious.
I hope the things I have planned for the weekend make up for it.

Fair Fun

I think I mentioned that my nephews were here all last week?  My original thought of having them here over fair week was
maybe not such a good idea.  It turns out that when you are at the fair the majority of everyday, it's only fun if you know people there.  Which we were, and they didn't.  That being said, they were WONDERFUL.  Very polite, understanding and HELPFUL.  I was so proud of them. I'll say it again.  They were Amazing.  Our fair was over on Friday night, and Ryan thought it would be fun to take them to the truck pull at a neighboring county fair.  Wesley and Logan (my nephews) had been several times, but our children never had.  Ryan and I knew that William would love it, and boy did he!!

One of the few times he wasn't talking.

 

The whole gang - except Jackson? Where is Jackson?

It's been interesting keeping track of 6 kids!

Here he is! Eating popcorn.  He was not a big fan of the noise.

Flames? yes. Smoke? yes. Loud noise? not so much.

I loved this one of Wes.

 

About half way through, William said to me: "Hey Mom"

"Yes?"  "When they take off, I scream as loud as I can, and I STILL cannot hear it!"

How much fun is THAT??

On a side note: You would think that after eating fair food all week we would have been tired of it.  But we weren't.  This fair had better food wagons.  Healthy options to boot.  Whole wheat pretzels, fruit smoothies, strawberry shortcakes and deep fried vegetables!