My Big 3rd Grader

Can't believe he is in 3rd grade and almost 9 years old!

He told me the other day, "Just think Mom, only 8 more years until I can drive you around." 

or this one, "Hey, since you won't let me have a cell phone, can I have the house phone?" 

Um, sure, buddy....have the house phone. It's all yours!! Ha!

Another School Year

We had a great first day back to school. Jake went on in to his class while I walked Cara in. She did great and had a wonderful day!!! Praise the Lord!

Jake and Cara's classes are literally across the hall from each other. So fun! They see each other throughout the day some and she told me in a very happy voice, "Jake gave me a hug at school today!" She was thrilled. I had talked to him about being an encouragement to her because she gets nervous and he totally came through for me :). Love him.

On the way home I didn't bug anyone by asking too many questions. I just waited for anyone to offer up some information. Jeremy says I drive them nuts by bombarding them with questions! Ha! I probably do, but I just want to know everything. It is very exciting to have Cara there because she will keep me posted :)!

B pretty much drove Abby crazy all day since he had no one else to occupy his time. I didn't realize how much Jake plays with him. He followed her around all day long and tried to play with her stuff. If you know abby.....she's a tad territorial. So, we have some things to work on! I am excited about spending some good time with A and B.

Little B had tubes put in his ears yesterday and did great. We are hoping his speech will come along more quickly now. I did notice that he is definitely hearing better. Everytime I walked up behind him and said his name I startled him. It was pretty funny!

Here are some pictures from this morning.

I can't tell you how good it is to see this girl HAPPY about going to school!! We are so thankful and sure do hope it last.

Don't tell anybody, but I think Jake is happy to have Cara at school with him :). There is something comforting about having each other. I love it! 

American Girl Trip

The girls and I made a very quick trip to American Girl in Chicago with my Mom last week. We literally took the train there, got off, shopped, had lunch and got back on and came home. It was a BLAST! So much fun!!! I loved doing this with the girls. They were so much fun. It was a great day all around.

Sometimes it is nice to get away from all the stress of daily life. This was perfect trip!

Thanks so much Mom!!!

Bike Race (Father Son Bonding)

Jake watching for Jeremy while he races.

Jeremy and Jake riding together in Jake's first race. Very fun for them. I did hear that there might have been a stop to check out a bird :). 

Visit to Tennessee

We made a quick trip to Tennessee to visit family. In our short amount of time we were able to enjoy two delicious meals made by Jeremy's Grandma. The kids ate really well and I would like to say that we are making progress in the food department :)!

We also got to stop in for a quick trip to see Jeremy's Aunt and Uncle. They have a beautiful home and property and the kids enjoyed exploring in the woods and painting rocks.

I wish I could show you sweet B's happy face being a big boy with Jake!! 

Such a great trip even if it was cut short. Jake has been sick for almost 2 weeks and was needing to get home. Praying that he returns to his happier self soon!!! 

Our Big Blue Van

Last month we loaded up the kids to go to an amusement park. Jake's buddy Collin has a pass, as well as our neighbor kids.We couldn't fit all of them in the van and we had to send a couple home.  Jeremy had been a wee bit grumpy when he got home from work. He said something like....."just send them home" and may have called me a sucker.


We filled the mini-van with our 4, Jake's buddy Collin and the neighbor boy their age and as we drove by their house the other two were standing outside just looking pitiful. Jeremy rolled the window down and yelled to the oldest boy who we never get to take anywhere, "Hey, I"m gonna get a bigger van and then we can all go." For real......now who's the sucker??!!

I had wanted a big van, but I didn't think I could sell the Odyssey because I unfortunately had backed up into a mailbox. I have never hit a darn thing or had a ticket and go figure when I wanted to sell the van I hit a mailbox.Then, God sent a hailstorm and we replaced our expensive Odyssey with this -

 

 

 

Here we are on a trip to get snowcones with the neighbor kids....so fun to be able to all go!

The oldest boy said, "This is the farthest I've ever gotten to ride with you guys."

I know that it is not the coolest car in the world, but I love it!! I feel so much more calm without all these little voices crammed in a small space. I crank up my KLOVE and sing. My biggest worry now that I am easier to spot around town is that someone might see me singing!!

Excited for Cara....

To our surprise, Cara is a really great little swimmer! I know it sounds bad to say that I am surprised, but I really didn't think she'd ever make it off the block (based on her school anxiety issues)! However, my sweet little girl did in fact make it off the block and has had a great swim season this summer! She swam great tonight and is heading to finals on Saturday. We are super excited!!!

Jake didn't make it this time around and it was a bummer, but a good life lesson on winning/losing and being happy when others do a little better :).

She has also really enjoyed the social aspect of swim team !!