Preschool Registration

Today was the day where many grumpy moms and dads gave me the evil stink eye as I walked into the MPR showered, rested, and with a hot latte in hand. See last year Chris and I were in their shoes. The things we do for our children. Last year I camped out all day in the parking lot and Chris took the night shift all so we could get them into the coveted Monday, Wednesday, Friday A.M. class. This year I cruised in at 7:30 to get Jackson into the Tuesday/Thursday morning for the 3 year old class. I really didn't need to even go in since he has been on the waiting list since he was born, but since the siblings were in school this year I might as well take advantage of early registration. Oh Jackson, how can you be going to preschool next year? Mommy is going to be a mess and next year Mommy will be one of those grumpy moms from camping out in my car all day and night to get you a spot in the MWF class - but Jackson, my love, you are so worth it.

Auditions

Today my big girl had her first audition for Sleeping Beauty. As a mom you don't want to protect your children, but there are also some good life lessons that can come from some pain and disappointment. We prepped her that there are a lot of girls trying out and there are more girls than parts. She decided she still wanted to try. We figure and she agrees it will be good experience for the Nut Cracker Ballet. 

So we set off today without the boys. She went in all by herself. The room was closed off and all the moms stood, sat, and paced outside. 

She came out and was famished. We went enjoyed a nice little lunch with just the girls. Now we wait for the results. 

Ice Skating

This has been a busy week for us. Yesterday snow and today ice! Caden and Emmeline celebrated their friend Nathan's 5th birthday at the ice rink. I had Daddy take them as I have done the last 20 birthday parties solo. As much fun I had with just Jack, I'm sad I missed it. I hear Em is a natural and even Caden started to get the hang of it. The kids came home asking if they could have their birthday party there - that may not be such a bad idea in July when we are sweating. 

Do you want to build a snowman?

They have been asking, scratch that begging for us to take them to the snow. We figured it was time to take them to the real snow not just the fake snow hill at 6 Flags. So I spend almost an entire day running around borrowing and buying snow gear. Gosh, I forgot how expensive snow gear is and we didn't even rent skis or snowboards. We decided to just spend a couple days at my aunt and uncke's beautiful cabin in search of snow to play in. The weather has been so weird this year that we had to drive up the road 10 miles to find some good patches of snow for them to play in. Okay, let's be real it was ice. They really could care less. They had a blast sledding down the hill, building a snowman, and throwing lots of snowballs. They had a blast and should be very worn out. 

Surf and Turf

Today I am one lucky girl! I got to start the day off with my 3 little loves and my big love. I had no school  today and I was able to go help out in Caden and Emmeline's class. What a fun time I had making things and helping all the kids pass out and read their valentines. It kind of made me miss teaching kindergarten. We picked up Jackson and had a yummy lunch followed by some much needed quiet time to get ready for our special evening. The kids woke up to a decorated table all ready for a Valentine's Day dinner celebration. Our best friends the DeTars came over along with Nonie. Poor Papa had to work a basketball game - I did my best to save him a plate, but he got left with very little after the guys got started. The kids dined on heart shaped pizza, watched a movie, and played while us adults had a feast. The DeTars brought the most amazing Kobe steak and carrot dish and we supplied crab, lobster, and some sides. It was AMAZING and I am oh so thankful that I planned my juice fast to end on this day. We wrapped up a fantastic dinner and conversation with some homemade pizzookie and oreo ice cream pie from Gram. It was a super fun night with great company. I am already looking forward to our next Valentine's Day dinner.

Knee deep

I have been slacking on my blogging, but I have been knee deep in wedding projects. Thanks to an awful update by Microsoft all my banner templates have disappeared. My new amazing Silhouette (which was my big Christmas gift this year) now is sitting idle waiting for them to fix the bug. Not going to lie  I'm starting to panic. This little bump in the road is making me like the cricut more.  I have been cutting, stringing, stenciling, and hot gluing like a crazy lady, but I still have a few big projects left . I have been so busy trying to get wedding signs and banners done for a friend in the evening. I guess I will take this opportunity to go to bed at a decent hour and give my vacuum a rest from cleaning up the awful burlap mess.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my beautiful Mom's birthday. She is one incredible woman. She truly amazes me with everything she takes on and handles it with grace. I hope to have a fraction of her strength to handle all the difficult situations she has the past two years. 

We had a small dinner and took the kids bowling to celebrate. Unfornately all of Vacaville had the same idea on this cold, rainy day. It was still a great time and Caden loves to remind all of us that he beat us. 

Happy Birthday Mom! 

What is that????

The kids and I had a super fun morning at Elyse's birthday party. It was a perfect day to have a party at a jumpy house place. The kids needed to get their wiggles out. After we headed to Sam's Club because mommy was out if milk. How that happened I have no idea???  On the way in to the store Emmeline had us freeze and look at this strange thing on the ground. Well Emmeline, my dear, that would be a worm and we haven't seen those in some time. I guess it has been a while since it rained if she can't recognize a worm.

Super Sunday

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and being the great wife I am I sent my husband off to go watch the game in peace. So here I am at home with 3 kids who are going crazy because it  is finally raining!!! Praise the Lord! As much as I know we need the rain, it has been so nice and easy not to have it. Drop off and pick up at preschool as been a breeze, I've been able to go for morning walks, and I have been able to let the kids go outside and play. After one afternoon of being cooped up we busted out the jumpy house. Beads, playdoh, coloring, and legos only last for so long. With 3 young ones being stuck inside eventually leads to some craziness. So thankful we can put the jumpy house up and they can get some wiggles out. I am really feeling awful for my family back in Ohio that has had more snow days this year than you can imagine. Praying the snow will go away for them and some more rain will move our way.

Oh and how about those Seahawks??? I have to say I really didn't have one side I was pulling for. I love Peyton Manning, but who could not argue with Pete Carrol getting a win for Seattle. I would say it was a pretty exciting game, but that would be a lie. Way to go Pete!

Family Photos

Today we set off for a mission impossible... capturing 10+ adults and 4 kids in family photos. My dear sweet friend Theressa was up for the mission and she was so flexible and relaxed. We were blessed with some beautiful weather. Unfortunately the beautiful weather caused for two of our locations to be booked, but we ended up with some great photos at the house and then at Andrew's Park. The kids and adults did great and were so patient. I have to admit it got a little crazy at the end and we were trying to hurry through the pictures at the end before the kids melted down. Adults were flying in and out and poses and I think some of the poses got at a little mixed up with kids in the wrong places or not in a photo or in a photo they didn't need to be in. Oh well! I'm sure there are some great ones in the 500 she took. And even if not we at least looked great!  The whole group looked fantastic in the navy, white, denim, and pops of coral. I am kind of in love with the color combination. My sister in law had the most perfect dress for it and I'm thinking I need to do a little shopping and add it to my closet.