Pacifiers

This is a picture of Samuel the day we brought him home from the hospital. The 1st time we gave him a pacifier and he loved it. He was all about the paci from that moment on. Now, when the twins were toddlers, I was strict with that pacifier. It was just for bedtime at 15 months (when the doctor said to get rid of it--ha!) and then I had them throw it away themselves a little after 2 years. They weren't traumatized by it and it was pretty simple. Samuel, however, has hung on to his paci--and I really haven't cared. I just haven't wanted to put forth the energy to break the habit. Well, one day a week or two ago, Samuel just said "NO!" to the paci when I offered it at bedtime. And he hasn't taken one since. We've stopped offering it, of course, to help solidify the break! Anyway, this was so easy that I can barely believe it. By the time the baby comes and has his own collection of pacis, Samuel should be way past his love for them.

Another Mouse

Lily won the Quietest Mouse Award today. I told the kids that I must have the quietest kids ever!! :) Yeah right. Anyway, she was very proud but it was actually Hunter that told me--he must have been proud of her, too!

Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook by Dawn Hall

This cookbook strives to provide a variety of recipes that are affordable and healthy--while keeping the ingredient list short. The author had me sold in her introduction because I appreciated hearing her own story and how she has learned to be frugal, fast and healthy with her meals. In reading through each recipe, I can certainly see how some of the ingredients the author uses are perfect for busy people but they aren‘t all things I would use because I like to do a little bit more home cooking. For example, there are recipes that list canned meat but I would prefer to cook the meat myself. However, those recipes are easy for me to adjust to my life so it‘s not something that would keep me from trying something new. I picked out 6 recipes that immediately caught my attention so I think this is a cookbook I would keep around and recommend to others. I have tried 3 of those recipes already--a drink, a snack and an entree--and each one has turned out great--both in my opinion and in my husband’s opinion!

Quiet as a Mouse

Last week, Hunter mentioned that he wanted to win a "Quiet as a Mouse" award the teacher gives out after rest time. Yesterday, he got into the van after school and I saw this tucked into his backpack. I gasped! I asked him if he won that award today and he was soooo happy. He smiled from ear to ear and gave me a huge hug. Hunter is not as talkative as others in this family (have you talked to the one who gulps for breath because she talks so fast that she can't get air??) but rest time isn't something I would put down as his favorite thing. Brian and I were happily surprised--maybe shocked. :)

Bibles

Hunter and Lily's new Sunday school teacher told us before classes started up that she asks the kids to bring their Bible and I realized that they didn't have an actual Bible. They had plenty of kids Bibles that didn't include every chapter/verse but not a real Bible. My Mom and I went shopping and found a children's Bible and some new Bible covers for them. They were super excited. This was the 2nd Sunday of class but the 1st Sunday Mom remembered the Bibles (woops!) so today was their first time taking them. They were thrilled to get gold stickers for bringing them and I could see them sitting down with the teacher and looking them over after I dropped them off. Ms. Deb told me they were excited to have a Bible and I agreed! It is so cute.

Apple Party

Today, I was able to help with a party in the Kindergarten class--an apple party! I was so excited that my parents were back from their trip and home all day to watch Samuel so that I could go. Hunter and Lily were very excited to have me there and I enjoyed helping and seeing how things work in the classroom. The teacher and aide seem like a lot of fun--over the top kind of fun that my kids don't get at home! :) I was able to meet some more Moms, which has been a great part of the school year so far. For the party, I was in charge of Apple Bingo and I had a lot of fun with the kids but it did seem like a lot of children by the end (there are 22 kids in the class)! Anyway, I just am so thankful for the school, teacher and aide that the twins have. It's such a change of life for us but I have really enjoyed getting used to this routine and seeing Hunter and Lily be so excited about learning and making new friends.

We are busy and I have not been taking pictures. Whenever we do homework, I think I should take a picture because it's so cute to see the kids hard at work--Samuel, too, with his coloring book, making "yircles" with his "yehwoh" crayon. :) Brian is still doing BSF, Hunter is in football, Lily is in dance and Awanas is just starting up. It feels so busy at times but then we have these great Friday nights where we break out the air mattress, pop popcorn and have a "sleepover" together in the living room. It's a great way to unwind. And since I am pregnant, I get to move to my bed and sleep all by myself!! :)

Painting Party

My parents kept most of the grandkids on Friday night and then had a painting party with them on Saturday. The kids painted Papa's shed and the old wooden swing. They had fun and got very messy!

Hunter and Anden tackling one side.

Samuel painting his corner. I'm not sure he cared to get dirty!

Lily and Lainey on their side. The girls may have been the messiest!

Now the swing--in a rainbow of colors.

Baby Kathryn taking it all in.

*Kindergarten drop off still is a challenge but it's getting better. I took the teacher's advice and stopped walking all the way to the classroom. I hated it but if it helps then it's worth it. Otherwise, both kids are still so excited afterwards to tell me all about their day! I haven't yet figured out what I am supposed to do w/myself on school days--the house is so much quieter. Samuel doesn't seem to care that he's the only one home so I am glad he can stay busy on his own!

*Lily's tummy aches were a huge challenge and frustration to me. On Friday, she didn't mention it at all so I was super thankful for answered prayer. Then, the doctor called in the afternoon with a diagnosis and, better yet, medicine! So I am glad that it got figured out and we can move on from this!

This is how I feel, too!

It was an off day today with Lily throwing up in the morning and then running her to the doctor office to be checked out (for recurring tummy aches). I did get a little nap in but poor Samuel did not. This evening as I was off getting my hair done for an hour and a half (it was so fun!), Samuel relaxed on the floor and nodded off. So cute!