Proud Moment

 

My sister and best friend have been working very hard to get in shape for a figure competition.  Kate has participated in others before but I had never been to watch her and really didn't understand what it was all about.
 
Since they were competing in St. Louis, Steve and I decided to pack up and go watch!  Nana was available to keep the kids so it just worked out perfectly.

The pictures don't do them justice, they both looked amazing.  Kudos to all of these athletes and to anyone who has the courage to get up on that stage.  After their competitions we drove to KS City and stayed the night there.  We all experienced the power and light district(til 3a.m.), slept only 3-4 hrs then drove the rest of the way home.  What a weekend!!!  SO glad we could be there to support these two ladies.

A Little Visitor

Little Finn is staying with us this week while Papa, Lisa, Allysa and Grant are in Las Vegas.  Kate adores Finn...almost a little too much!  He is such an easy baby.  He sleeps 9+hrs at night(Kate doesn't even sleep 4-5) and hardly ever fusses.  Let's just say that having him here has been a blessing!

1 & 5 year checkups {Kate & Logan}

Forgive me for not having our usual "baby on scale" pics from checkups today.  Not only did I take all of our kids, we had baby Finn as well.  My hands were full!

Logan:  At 5 years old you are 36 1/2 inches tall(40th percentile).  You weigh 39 lbs and 4oz(45th percentile).  You very much impressed Dr. Perry with all your knowledge.  There were no concerns about your health!  You sleep through the night but are a very picky eater.  You hate all vegetables and apples are the only fruit you will eat.  Carbs and protein are your friends.

Kate:  At 1 year old you are 28inches long(20th percentile).  You weigh 18lbs 4.5 oz(10th percentile) and your head was 18 3/16 inches(76th percentile).  We are still battling some issues with your ears but you are off of zantac and doing well.  You sleep poorly(1-2hrs at a time) and routinely end up in bed with Mommy(don't tell my nurse friends).  With Mommy going to school and working full time we are doing what we need to in order survive.  You  still love to nurse at naptime and nighttime(all night long) and you eat any solid foods you can get your fingers on.  We are working on using utensils and learning some new words.

To all 3 of my sweet babies,
Sometimes your Mommy feels like she just isn't enough.  It's difficult to be needed by so many.  I am trying hard to just listen and follow where God leads us and not worry about the little things.  This is a tough season but we are very blessed.  I hope you remember the happy moments amidst the chaos.  I do love you, with all my heart and soul and want the very best for you in life!
Love,
Mommy

Birthday Celebration for Kate, Gavin, Grayson & Logan {1,3,4&5}

 

Well what can I say?  Four birthday for close friends within a one month period is of course going to mean a MASS birthday celebration.  Our little splash park has not been functioning this summer due to a water main break under the splash pad that the city deemed to expensive to fix.  But that park is still big, beautiful and perfect for some birthday fun!

The kids had mounds of gifts.  Honestly, I think the adults had more fun opening the gifts than the kids.  My babies appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness but they would rather spend time enjoying everyone's company and lovins. 

And of course it wouldn't be a party, without a piñata!  Oh, these kids...they crack me up!

I can't believe another year has come and gone!!!

First Day of Preschool {Logan}

It's no secret that my kids all have fall birthdays.  It is also no secret that I am not excited about the fact that they will all nearly be 6 when starting kindergarten.  I don't really care to debate the pros and cons as I have heard them all.  What was up for debate was whether to or not to send each to preschool. 

Now I know every mom thinks that their kid is smart(some smarter than others).  I will admit that after 1.5 years in kindercare and lots of individual attention at home I really didn't feel the need to pay extra, on top of full time daycare, to send Logan to preschool.  He is very well behaved, follows instructions well and excels in group activities.  So, I decided we wouldn't send him to pre-k, just start kindergarten next fall.

Boy did that decision backfire...The kids go to daycare with 4 other kids between the ages of 3 and 5.  When the four other 3 & 4 year olds all started pre-k and Logan did not our daycare providers began to see some issues with Logan's behavior and emotions.  So, I have coughed up the money, embraced that fact that while Logan is ahead of his peers in many areas, apparently he needs pre-k for the social interaction.

I went yesterday to meet the director and Logan's teacher.  He will attend M,W,F for 2.5 hrs in the a.m.  Not a huge amount of time but hopefully enough to help him feel more secure about himself.

He was all smiles this morning leaving the house. :)

Benefit for Brad

One of my dearest friends' dad(Brad) was diagnosed with colon cancer with metastasis a few weeks ago.  Brad was a big part of my childhood.  He maintained the golf course that I spent much time with my father.  He also raised Kirbie mostly by himself.  He is always loving, firm, gentle and kind.  My heart hurts so for the whole family right now.

Some of the girls and I decided to throw a fundraiser for Brad the Skating Rink that he and Kirbie manage.  It was neat to see all of his regulars come out to support him.  Kate reached right out to him and camped on his lap for awhile.

We will be praying extra hard as Brad tries to fight this horrible disease.  Your prayers for Brad and that family are greatly appreciated.  He is such a huge part of Maddie and Tristan's lives.  It is so sad to think that he may not be around for a very long time.

Cuddle Bug

Miss Kate is such a cuddle bug...and she loves her tall dark men in this house!