One Year Ago

I was stressing about when my second baby was going to be born...and looking like this.

I really can't believe its been a year. 

And this weekend, we'll be celebrating Elliora's first birthday.  I have lots to do.

Oops...I have a blog?

My last post was regarding the start of our crazy life school.  And it appears all the busyness has kept me from remembering I have a blog - and more importantly - blog friends.  So, here's an update of our recent activities in photos.

Growing (in height, but not in width) required the purchase of lots of leggings and tunics.  This kid probably won't wear regular jeans for a long time.

Buddies.

 A quick day trip to Chicago with some of our great friends!

 Eating.  Always eating.

 Learning to say "cheese."

 Getting a new dresser and getting some fun wall art.

 Helping my parents open their second wireless store in Plainwell, Michigan.

 Spending time with Alayna, my niece.

Talking with Aunt Sarah on Skype - she now lives in West Virginia.  It was so cool to see her and even get a tour of her house - all through the computer!

 Apple picking (and peeling, and slicing and pie making...)

And best of all, being family (when we can).

Our First Day

Back to school...Matt started another year of early mornings, late nights, retreats, debates, mission trips and snow days...oh wait, maybe I shouldn't be mentioning those yet? He he.

And the girls are enjoying their first day at a new home for childcare.  I have a wonderful friend (who goes waaaay back to high school – we figured last week that we've been buds for over 15 years...yeah we're old) that has graciously offered to care for my children during the two days that I work each week.  She has three sweet ones of her own (yes, please say a prayer for her now) and she still wants to add to that with my two each week.  Annelise was giddy about going to her friends' home today, which makes a mommy's heart swoon.  I mean, if she can't be with me, she might as well be thrilled about who she is going to be with.

So, here we go.  I feel like the merry go round is just getting started.  We're doing ok for now, but come November I fear we might be spinning a little too fast, feeling a little queasy.  Alas, just in time for daddy to have two weeks of Christmas vacation.  You've got to love/hate the life of a teacher.

Happy Back to School Day for all you mommies...kiddos...and even some daddies!

Free Stuff

Ok, that's a joke.  I just couldn't think of a catchy title and honestly, who doesn't like free stuff?  So, now you've read at least two sentences of this blog post and are trapped.  Right?  I hope.  Cause it gets better.

Its another rainy day here and I'm not complaining.  Its 12:35, both kids are napping already and my house is clean.  Hm...what to do?  Blog, cook, laundry...I have a lot on the list. 

School starts tomorrow.  And the girls start going to a new sitter.  Lots of changes around here and we are anxiously awaiting them all.  Its going to be a fun year!

So, Matt is at school preparing for his first day.  And I'm thinking maybe I should whip up a batch of peanut butter cookies?

Oh and a cup of tea.  Sounds good to me!

Rainy Days

Its one of those rainy days today.  I'm enjoying it actually.  No rush to be anywhere; no pressure to enjoy the weather.  A good excuse to hunker down and get 'er done.