Okay, I lied

I didn't hit the hay...

Here's some photos of Little J I had to add. Plus, I'm staying up late editing photos from my SIL's maternity shoot the other day. She's such a beautiful soon-to-be mama.

Some random things

Just some random thoughts I have tonight.

Last night Josh got into "Mr. Clean" mode and totally cleared out our bedroom of all the "extra stuff" that had been accumulating in there. It looks so nice now and organized. MJ walked into today and said, "Wow, your room looks so nice and big. Just like it should if you were trying to sell it. It's staged so nicely." Can you tell this kid watches HGTV?! :)

Yesterday we filled the pool--aka plastic water tank--(can you tell we live in the country?) with about 8 inches of water. I don't fill it up all the way because no matter how many times I tell Emma that we don't put dirt in the pool, I still find dirt in the pool. I didn't want to have to dump out an entire pool full of water again and clean it again. Since there wasn't much water and the weather is hot hot hot, it was nice and warm today, so I decided to take J Man for his first swim. He seemed to like it too until his sisters started splashing.

After he and I got out of the pool, the girls proceeded to throw all of the miscellaneous toys (some filled with sand) into the pool. Therefore, 8 inches of nice warm pool water turned into 8 inches of muddy water. They still had a blast. They used the plastic slide as a boat and were paddling around. Oh, yeah and E took off her bathing suit and swam naked. That's our Little E!

Another conversation with E:

Me: Emma, we don't put dirt in the pool. What goes it the pool?

E: Wawee (still working on the "ter")

Me: Do we put dirt in the pool?

E: No

Me: Do you understand?

E: Yes

Me: Will she ever understand? :)

Oh well, they had fun, so I can't really stress over this.

Oxi-Clean Laundry Stain remover does remove ink pen from microfiber couches. Just in case you were wondering.

We watched Madagascar 2 as a family tonight. That is a cute movie. E got up and danced any time music came on. It was really funny.

Josh's cleaning binge got me motivated too. Today we worked on the girls' rooms. (more to follow)

Tomorrow gets busy. We have preschool, eye check-ups and hair appointments. I think we'll pack a picnic lunch because we'll be in town all day.

It's late; gotta hit the hay.

Snowman in June

Just a few pics of our fun evening playing Playdoh. Even Josh got in the action that night. MJ and I built this little guy together.

It might as well be snowing in June; it's been cold and raining all month. But, I really didn't complain because I knew once it stopped it would get hot. And it did. This week, record highs. Summer is here now!

Little J's quilt

Little J loves his new baby quilt. It's a tradition for my mom's sister, my Aunt Patty, to make a quilt for all the nieces and nephews and now great nieces and nephews. She always does a beautiful job. We have the quilt she made as our wedding gift on the bed in our guest room. I still love the colors. Each quilt is so unique. MJ's is purple and Emma's has bears on it. I just told her what colors I wanted and she found this really cute fabric. It's flannel and so soft. He's been sleeping on it every night in his crib.

These photos don't totally do it justice, but it is beautiful.

Thanks P and J, and P, J, A, K, L & D!

MJ's dress

Several weeks ago MJ and I were in JoAnn's fabrics and I spotted this fabric. I thought; okay, I can do this. All we have to do is measure around, cut and sew a seam up the back and hem. No problem. MJ was very excited with the prospect of making her own dress. We also got a different pattern for Emma.

The biggest surprise was it was only one day before we actually got to the project. I'm usually one for having great ambitions, but finding time to follow through doesn't always happen. As you can see, MJ did sew it. Of course, I helped her a little, but she really did most of it. She had her foot on the pedal and guiding it under the needle.

I attached some ribbons that we tie at the shoulders to keep it on. She loves it!

Now, if I can just get to Emma's...

VBS photos

Just some photos from VBS a couple weeks ago. I did a terrible job taking them; sorry.

MJ loved performing the songs. Emma danced and sang some, but she also sat with some girls in the front row and watched too. Both the girls really loved the week. They are still listening to the CD and singing the songs.

Weekend happenings

Update: Well, I started writing this post on Monday and here it is Thursday already!

Last Friday and Saturday I had a garage sale here at the house. I had been storing stuff since our move last summer and finally felt I had time to get things organized. I had most of it already out in the garage from the previous weekend, so the main thing I had to do was price stuff. I stayed up late Thursday night getting everything set. Josh had been giving me a hard time about it, but I told him I was going to put forth as much effort as I could and if it didn't work out I wouldn't do another one. I put out signs and even ran an ad in the paper. We live about six miles from town and I knew some folks would think it was too far out. Why is it that people think it is farther and takes longer to drive out here than it does for me to have to drive into town?

Anyway, I got up early Friday morning. I felt well prepared and even opened early. The first customers showed up and things were moving along. I checked them out and in the meantime a few others had stopped by. A short while later the first ladies came back. I had overcharged them! Oh my, I was so embarrassed. That did little for my confidence in being able to handle a garage sale on my own. I think there is something pressuring about having to do simple math while someone is standing there staring at you. Luckily, they were understanding and we exchanged the right amount and they were on their way. I was also feeling a little harried as my girls were running around in their pjs still, Josh was on a tractor and couldn't help me and people were giving me $20 bills! Who brings a $20 to a garage sale? I was running out of change. After the first bit of craziness things slowed down (they never were really busy), I felt better. The girls were going to go to a sitter, but instead J took E to town with him and I decided I could in fact handle kids and strangers rummaging through my garage at the same time. At one point Josh was asking if anyone had bought anything and when he found out that in fact, yes, people had purchased our stuff, he went back in the house and brought me more stuff! It was great; he went through all his clothes, books and closets. Not all of it sold, but it's out of the house and sorted into trash, donate, recycle and a few of the really nice clothes are going to another garage sale in town that my friend is having. Overall it was a successful weekend.

Katrina came over Friday night and took the girls with her, then Zeke came back Saturday to help Josh with the yard. When he did MJ wanted to come home, so she and I ran to Wal-mart to get stuff for Father's Day. She spent a lot of time hanging out with Zeke too and we all played the Wii.

For Father's Day, I made Josh an omelet (something I don't do very often) and we had picked up donuts for breakfast. We had ultimate nachos for dinner and I made him a strawberry shortcut cake. Both his requests. I think he enjoyed his Father's Day. He watched the race and just got to hang out most of the day.

He had heard about a book on the radio, Championship Fathering, and mentioned it to me. I thought I was being all sneaky and ordered it for him. Well, it said it wouldn't mail for two days so I didn't think about it. Then, one day at lunch he came holding a package and asked, "Is this for me?" with this sheepish grin on his face. I was so bummed I didn't get to surprise him, but he was pleased.

This week we've just been hanging out and running around. E had school and MJ enjoyed a second day of Art Camp. She went last week too. They learned different techniques and came home with lots of different paintings. This weekend I am hosting a baby shower for my SIL, so I've been getting ready for that. Looking forward to it.

Still have more stories and photos to get up soon. Next week should be much slower.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Josh! Almost six years ago you became a father for the first time. I know it isn't always easy or fun, but you are a great dad and the kids adore you.

We all love you so very much!

Finally! A Four-month update!

Update:

Just wanted to add a few more things about Baby J.

-He has another tooth that popped through. So, two bottom teeth are coming in right now.

-When he's waking up in the mornings, he moans and groans and grunts and makes all sorts of whiny noises. That's when I pick him up and change his diaper. Then is totally awake and very happy. He gives us the best coos and laughs and smiles. The girls come upstairs and we all snuggle in bed for awhile and have our family time. It's something we've always done since MJ was a baby. I'll miss these days when we're all up early and heading off to school. But, for now I'm just going to enjoy it.

-He's wearing size three diapers. They are a little big, but figured it was time to move up another size.

So, I've been meaning to write this post for three weeks now. Little J is four months old! Yesterday was his check-up. He weighed 15 lbs., 11 oz. We weighed him on our bathroom scale on the 3rd and he weighed 14 lbs., 6 oz. He's sure growing! I don't think the girls hit 15 pounds until they were at least 6, maybe 8, months old. :) He was 25 3/4 inches long. Everything checked out great. He's had another little runny nose, but nothing more. He did get his shots, but only cried until I picked him up. Today I noticed he was warm. His temp ran between 99.8 and 100.4, which after looking it up is normal for a baby his age. And this evening I felt that his first tooth had popped through on his bottom gums. Both the girls got their teeth early. It still saddens me a little as it's just going by so fast.

What else is Little J up to?

-Starting to sit up better with help and being propped up with pillows

-Very close to rolling from back to tummy. He goes to his side, but gets stuck (MJ confessed to helping him rollover previously.)

-Smiling and laughing all the time, especially at his sisters. Will smile at anyone though.

-Loves diaper changes and smiles and coos through them-even if he's been cranky

-Making lots of coos and starting to squeal some

-Loves his exersaucer, spinning around and bouncing in it

-Loves the bouncy seat. He lies there and kicks his right leg in and out, making the chair bounce up and down. Some days he gets to kicking both feet and making all sorts of noise. It's so funny when he gets excited.

-Sleeping at least 5-6 hours a night, from 9 pm to 2 am. Some nights he makes it until around 4 or so. His pediatrician said this counts as sleeping through the night for a baby his age. I was so spoiled with the girls; I don't think either of them woke until around 6 am, but thinking back they might not have gone to bed quite that early.

-went for his first ride in the Kubota with mommy and daddy. I went out to photograph some cattle and Josh took us around the pasture.

-stayed with Aunt Michelle for about 3 hours and sucked down two bottles with no problem.

-still being smothered by his adoring big sisters and tolerates it for the most part

-falls asleep in the car-yeah! Love that all my kids are good car sleepers.

-continues to make us feel so blessed to have him in our family

Now for some pics...

VBS, preschool and some totally random things

It's been a busy beginning to June. Last week was Vacation Bible School for the girls. This was MJ's third year and she was so excited to attend again. At the end of the week the kids perform all the songs they learned and present a slideshow with the lessons from each day. Then we enjoy a potluck dinner afterward.

Since E turned three she got to go as well. They were in separate classes too. MJ got to be in a group that rotated around to different stations and E was in the preschool room with my friend Dawn as her teacher. Dawn said E did really well. She said sometimes she had to ask her to repeat what she was saying, so E would say it slower and Dawn could then understand. Her speech is really getting a lot clearer. Although when she gets excited she talks fast and it's all a blur. But we are really proud of her.

She is enjoying summer preschool very much and doing well. Last week she just walked right into the craft room and sat down with her teacher and started coloring. Didn't even think twice when I kissed her and told her goodbye. It's neat seeing her do her own thing separate from MJ and do well at it. It's also nice to have some extra time with MJ. We've run errands together and also enjoyed some time at the park while E has been in school. She is continuing ballet this summer and they have already learned two routines. She has a great memory and has been practicing all the steps at home.

We had some really hot days in May, but June has been a little cooler and quite rainy. I think it has rained every day for almost a week. The rain is great for the crops and I'm glad I don't have to water the grass, but Josh had hay down so that has been frustrating. Rained on hay deteriorates quite quickly as you can probably imagine. I think tomorrow's forecast calls for clear skies all day.

Last weekend my SIL came over to help me get ready for a garage sale. She's a great organizer and motivator. Thanks Stephanie! After I get this issue sent to the printer this week, I'll finish working on sale items. It is such a good feeling to go through and purge. I've been wanting to get rid of the clutter for quite some time. I feel a real sense of freedom when I go through another closet and decide to part with something I probably won't be able to fit into again or didn't need in the first place. Why do we think we need so much stuff? I'm hoping that my "extra stuff" can be someone else's treasures this weekend and we can take another step toward decluttering our life. :)

J's well baby check was today so I'll try to finish his 4-month post tonight. We are headed out to t-ball shortly...

My little guy and me

When I was pregnant and found out I was having a boy I was a little nervous and excited at the same time. I didn't know what to do with a boy! Yes, I am married to one, but it's not like I totally understand him all the time. I'm still working on that. :)

I have two girls. I am a girl. And even though we can be emotional and dramatic at times, I understand girls.

Boys are different. And as my husband can attest--sometimes I just don't get boys.

My mom told me, "Mag, there's just something about a little boy." She should know. She had two girls and a boy too. Sometimes we tease her about how much she worries about our little brother. He's the baby of the family. (Not that we're not all a little spoiled though. )

But, my mom was right; there's just something about a little boy. Don't get me wrong; I love my girls dearly and I love sharing girly stuff with them. I look forward to all the moments we'll share through the years that only moms and daughters can share.

But, this little guy has really stolen my heart.

Can you blame me?

Peaceful

New Issue of Serious.Life Magazine

Go check it out!

Just can't find the words

There is so much I want to blog about, but I just can't seem to find the words or the time right now. I start composing posts in my head, then get distracted or feel I need to spend my time elsewhere and don't get then written. I have a ton of photos again and some stories, so hopefully soon I will get back to it. Just a few things I want to write about: 

J-Man is 4 months old! 

Emma in summer preschool

What we've been up to

MJ making a dress

Here are a few photos though until I can resume again...

Preschool graduation

Mackenzie's preschool had a graduation ceremony for all the kids moving onto kindergarten next year. It was really cute seeing them all in their caps and gowns. They performed several songs they learned, then went to the gym and ran around all the obstacles.

Mackenzie was rather sad to be finished with preschool. Poor girl-she's got her mother's emotions. One night before bed-that's when we do our best talking-I mentioned it being her last week of school. Her little lip started to quiver and she buried her head in her pillow. I realized she was sad. We talked about how she didn't want to be done and she had had so much fun. I think it was also a little sad for her that Emma was going to go to her school this summer and she wouldn't be there.

After that discussion, Josh and I did debate about sending her to school this summer also. But ultimately, we decided she didn't need to go through the summer; she's been well-prepared for school. Plus, it gives Emma a chance to do something on her own without big sis. It also gives MJ and I a chance to do some things this summer that she missed out on last year-like Walmart runs. She was always so bummed when she missed those. I'm looking forward to a fun summer with her before she's in school five days next year!