Burke Seven Weeks Old

We love this baby.

175 Day's "Till Summer Vacation

The first week of school has come to an end.  The kids were all happy as they came out to the van. They were allowed to wear their school spirit shirts today instead of polo's.  I think it was a great first week of school.  I was surprised that Michael didn't cry at all.  I really expected him to.  Tommy cried every day for a month in kindergarten, and continued to groan about school until it was out for the summer.  Michael has had a great time.  Alexis is thriving.  She loves school.  We have had our pizza, and the kids are watching their movie.

Amy and I didn't have preschool today.  We went with Steve to pick up his latest Craigslist find.  It's a bookshelf for his office.  It's beautiful, and was only $25.  There is something to be said about buying quality used items instead of junky new ones.  Besides, it's all used after a week.

not a great picture

176 Days 'Till Summer Vacation

The kids were happy to go to school today.  Amy, Burke and I had lunch with Michael and Alexis.  They run the lunch schedule like a machine.  I was surprised at how they time the kids to eat and then shuffle them out the door into the 114 degree heat to have recess.  It's a good thing that they all are allowed to have water bottles in class.  Tommy came home upset, and wants to home school.  Too bad.  I'd love to, but Steve is so against it.  I went to the first PTO meeting tonight.  They have great things planned for the year.  I'm going to  help out as much as I can.  With three kids there, I need to be more involved.  I'm also going to contact the Gifted specialist to see what help she needs.  I did my first teacher help for the year for Michael's teacher.  She needed some laminated name tags cut apart.  Michael is learning some cute songs in class.  Amy and I worked on a Memory card game.  She is really good, and gets so excited to get her match.  Burke wasn't so fussy today, but he is now, so I need to put him to bed.  Last night he went down at 9:00, and woke up at 12:30, and 2:00, and 4:30, and 6:30.  It was a long night.  I'm surprised I functioned at all today.  Steve is was told that he is a strict and mean seminary teacher.  I actually think that's pretty funny.  I'm the strict mean one.  Tomorrow I hope to get the floor mopped, and some clothes folded.  We seem to have a never ending mountain of laundry.  I don't get it.  The kids are looking forward to Super Fun Friday Movie Night.  It's something we've done for the past four years and I don't think we've missed more than 5 Friday's.  They all count on it.  I make pizza, and show them a movie, usually one they've never seen before.  I've picked a few of my childhood favorites, and a lot of new ones.  They were all scared of An American Tail.  OK, I'm rambling now. 

I need sleep, and so does my baby.

177 Days "till Summer Vacation!

They all had a great day today.  Just a teeny bit of homework for each of them.  Michael asked me to come to lunch with him tomorrow!  Amy and I practiced handwriting, and she's pretty good.  Burke took good naps.  I have a clean kitchen.  It was a good day.

I keep apologizing to Steve about things being out of order around here.  Burke's eating at random times, and not on a great nap schedule.  He seems to want to eat when I'm in the middle of cooking, or cleaning, or shopping, or being awake.  Lucky for me Steve is knows that my first job is the kids.

Sweet Blog

I just found this super sweet, and adorable blog.  You should, too.

Only 178 School Days 'Till Summer Vacation!

Yesterday was the first day of school for our kids.  It was harder for me than it was for them.  I'm not one of those moms who can't wait for their kids to get back to school.  I really miss them when they're gone.  Michael went right into Kindergarten with no problem.  He asked me not to walk him to class today, because Tommy was going to do it.  Alexis is so social that she was happy to see all of her friends again.  Tommy and Alexis both have teachers that they've had before, so they weren't nervous.  Most of the kids in their classes are the same as the past few years.  It's so routine to them that it wasn't a big deal... for them.  I felt that the house was too quiet.  I felt like pieces of me were missing, especially while at the grocery store.  I feel like I have less and less time to teach them how to be good people, and that they are influenced more by outside sources.  Before I know it they will be moving out going to college. I know what a huge responsibility it is to raise these children for the Lord.  I'm so thankful for that responsibility.  I love these kids.  I'm realizing how important FHE is to our home.  I'm happy that we have it every week.  It's time to have deeper gospel centered conversations.  I'm grateful for our daily family scripture study, and the strength it gives them each day.  I'm grateful for family prayer. I really just can't wait for school to be out so that I have my kids home with me.

I'm so happy that Amy is still home.  She and I are doing at home pre-school.  She is a fun and neat little girl.  Today I taught her how to put laundry on hangers. She did a great job.  Burke is sweet baby.  I love his smile.  I also love watching  his bottom lip when he cries.  It is one of the cutest things ever.  Even he seems to be growing faster than I'd like.  Seven weeks on Friday?!

P.S.  I love school uniforms!