Letting go...

I'm going to risk sounding completely crazy, but I really, really miss those days when I could dress my kids. It's been adjustment for me to "let go" and let them dress themselves. I'm writing this after sending Malia off to school this morning, grimacing as I blew her a kiss and sent her on her way. Should I really care what she wears??? I know I shouldn't, but I do. She loves to wear capri's...so this morning she had on this cute yellow outfit, capri's and a short sleeved yellow jacket to complete the outfit. But she insisted on wearing yellow socks, pulled all the way up past the bottom of her capri's, her black dress shoes and her t-shirt underneath the jacket coming down past the sleeve of the jacket. I don't know if you can visualize it...but it was just one of those moments when I had to take a deep breath and remember, "it's really not important." She is enjoying her new found freedom.

CLAIRE....

My Mom got gave me the cutest dress for Claire and I just had to snap some photos of her.


I really did try to iron it mom!

Jacob turns 5!

Not officially until Tuesday, but we spent the day celebrating his birthday. Brent and I share our anniversary with Jacob's birthday, so this weekend we celebrated his birthday and next weekend we'll celebrate our anniversary. He started out the celebration by attending our ward campout friday night. Brent took the three older kids, while I stayed home with Claire. They had a great time and even got to ride a zip line that someone had rigged up. We spent saturday afternoon at Chuck-e-cheese. Jacob was given the option of having a party at home with friends, or going to chuck-e-cheese with just his family. Chuck-e-cheese on a Saturday afternoon is CRAZINESS! But the kids had a great time. We came home and had cake and ice cream. Jacob requested a batman cake...so I tried my best, although decorating cakes is not my forte. Luckily, he's not too picky! He had a great day and loves that he's 5! (almost) Malia LOVED the zip line, she went over and over again This is a picture of the "Mater" cake I made for Cole's birthday a while back. I didn't have much time, so I was throwing frosting on a warm cake (you know how that goes) so it was pretty scary looking, but the kids loved it.

On another note, I went grocery shopping on Friday. I had three of the kids with me. Not my idea of a good time, but needed to be done. I think Friday mornings at Winco they must give a senior citizen discount, because I think I was the only one in the store under the age of 70. It turned out to be a pretty good trip, as I'm learning that the outcome of my shopping trips is mostly determined by MY behavior. Anyway, I had about 4 elderly folks comment on my "cute, lovely, adorable, well-behaved, handsome kids." I even chatted with one lady who told me "don't ever let anyone tell you, you have too many kids...it's rubbish. What a blessing they are." All of these comments definately made me think about these precious kids and what a blessing they are to me...even though some days are really hard. Sometimes I think I need to step back and see these cute kids through someone elses eyes for a minute. I really do feel blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends.


I Loved this picture! Cole got a black eye after he and Jacob collided. But I love the black eye combined with the princess necklace! I told him to make a sad face and this is what I got. Too cute!

Things I am learning as a mother......

- When referring to children,The old saying, "Once you have three, it's all the same" is not true!

-There is no such thing as an easy baby.

-When you have four kids, it's not worth it to try to leave the house...just stay home.

-When you do decide to leave the house just plan on at least three trips to a public restroom.

-DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT try to take three kids to wal-mart on a Friday afternoon. Thinking it would be easier than taking 4 on a saturday afternoon. It's all the same.

-The four loads of laundry laying on my bed will not fold themselves....dang!

-The pile of toys on the stairs...waiting to be taken up the stairs....will not be picked up until I do it.

-Leave all thoughts of becoming a "master gardener" for when you are retired.

Next week, after Brent returns from his fun hike with his brothers (and no kids) after I have recovered from being a single mom for a few days. I will try to write something more positive about motherhood, as I know there many things....just give me a few days.........

First day of school!

We sent Malia off for her first day of 1st grade. When she woke up she said "I just feel like screaming, i'm so excited!" She loved her teacher and her favorite thing about her day was P.E. It was strange having her gone ALL day.

Jacob's preschool doesn't start until October, so I still have the three younger ones home all day. During the day Jacob found several things to keep himself busy. I was impressed when I gave the boys pretzels for snack and Jacob managed to spell his name (all by himself)with his pretzels. Now that's talent. :)

Brent is gearing up for his annual all-brothers hike. This year he and his brothers are going to Mt. Jefferson. Which leaves me all alone with 4 kids for 3 days....at least one of us is having fun! In all seriousness, he looks forward to this hike more than anything, so i'm sure there will be some pics posted soon.