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.

They're Married!

My last sister got married yesterday.  It was a beautiful day for a very fun wedding!  I stole these pictures from my cousin's facebook.  We were so busy with wedding stuff, I didn't get time to snap any on my own. 

 Sarah wore the dress my mom wore 30 years ago.  She was stunning!

 Annelise relished the task of flower girl.  She thought this was HER wedding.

 True to their personalities, Jasper and Sarah danced out of the ceremony as husband and wife.  Natalie Cole's "Everlasting Love" was the song of choice.

 Leah, Sarah's twin, cried the entire ceremony.  I couldn't help but cry, knowing the bond that they have as sisters.  I remember changing their diapers and now they are both married.

 Jasper is such a ham - a perfect match for Sarah!

The flower girls, anxiously awaiting their duties.  It was a long day for two little girls.

Staycation Week

Something about this smile is mischievous.  Would you agree?

Aspiring mechanic?

Well, I decided that a busy wedding week warranted a staycation.  So, I took the week off from work to enjoy the festivities, help a LOT, and give my kids some extra attention.  While I was bathing the girls this morning, Annelise said "Mommy, you're not going to work today.  You're staying home with me."  That's right!  She was so happy.

Matt is back to school full time, which means long days.  We kissed him goodbye yesterday at 8:00 and we didn't see him for another 12 hours.  Those are long days for my kiddos.  When he left for work this morning, Annelise cried. 

I don't know what we're going to do today and I love it!  Sarah's in-laws are here from South Carolina and we hope to show them around town.  Either way, it'll be nice to spend the week with my kids.  Looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends this weekend at the wedding!

Is It Monday Already?

We're gearing up for school to start and that means lots of laundry, cleaning, meal planning, schedule planning...

I'm starting to overwhelm myself.

And when you start preparing for something you dread look forward to, the weekends slip by oh so fast.

We tried our hardest to enjoy a few special treats, knowing that daddy is back to full days this week.  Actual school doesn't start for two more weeks, but there's lots of preparation that needs to happen before then.

Oh and did I mention we have a wedding this coming weekend?  Yup - the last one in my family.  My sister Sarah is gettin' hitched to Mr. Jasper Swaney from South Carolina.  They will be moving to Beaver, West Virginia.  No, I'm not kidding.  And yes, we're very excited for them!

Annelise has been a very big helper with the wedding errands.  So, as a reward, she picked out a Dora sticker book.  You see where those stickers are ending up...

 We found a new local favorite this weekend - Glorious Wings.  LOVE IT!

 We went garage saling and it was a total bust, minus this batter powered jeep for $6.  Too cute!

Elli Grace - 10 Months

Ok, so this is less about updating the world and more about remembering for the future.

Elli had her 9 month check up yesterday (at 10 months old).  We're a little behind with number two.  But, who's counting?  Oh, the doctor, right.  She is 21.25 pounds and 27 inches long.  Her height has slowed down, but not her weight.  What am I trying to say?...she's short and chubby.  At least those were the doctor's words.  I think she's just right.

Both of my kids usually run a light fever after their vaccinations.  But Elli was up all night with a high fever, screaming.  I was a little alarmed when her fever reach 103, but it appears the Tylenol is helping to keep it low.  Unfortunately the flu is going around...bad...so I'm not certain if she's reacting to the shots or if the shots just magnified what she was already getting.

Oh well, she is happily sleeping in bed with enough Tylenol to keep her comfortable for a few more hours.  And I'm drinking coffee, knowing as soon as I close my eyes to sleep, she will probably need mommy.

Monday Fun Day

I just have to say that Monday is one of my favorite days.  I know, many of you are groaning.  But honestly, its my catch up day after a fun (and often long) weekend.  And today I'm especially happy because it was a lazy weekend, which means there's not much to catch up on.  The house stayed fairly clean, the laundry kept rolling (that really never ends) and my kids are rested.  So, we're going to make Monday a fun day and head to the pool.  School starts in a few weeks, which means we'll be back into a hectic routine with not much give.  I'm going to soak up all the free time we can get until then!

In other news, Elli is going in for her 9 month appointment this week - even though she's 10 months.  I'm a little behind with number 2.  She started walking with a little help this week and I'm afraid she's going to be walking on her own before her first birthday.  Where did the time go?

Annelise is fully potty trained, but has hit a spurt of accident ridden days.  I'm ready for this stage to be OVER.  Peed panties are no fun, especially for a mommy who always has lots of laundry to do.

And, last but certainly not least, we have scored a second, FREE window air conditioner (until we can afford full blown a/c next year).  Which means the house went from 84 to 69 in a matter of two days.  I'm loving it!  Matt was even complaining that it was too cold last night.  Bahahaha...nothing is too cold for me in this heat.  "Put a sweatshirt on" I said.  There's something grossly satisfactory about wearing a sweatshirt indoors during the heat of the day.  Did I mention I'm loving it?

Elli Walking

Zoo Trip

Another Summer Road Trip

We're back from another trip south, this time to see Matt's maternal grandparents in Flora, Illinois.

After three, long road trips this summer (and more in our near future), mommy decided the purchase of a dual DVD player was warranted.  I think it was our wisest purchase yet.

Here is a synopsis of our trip in photos.

And in other news: Promptly after arriving home, Elli decided to start walking with the help of her stroller.  I think after 18 hours in the car this weekend, she probably felt like running.  Time is getting away from me and my kids are growing up too fast.