His Turn

Today it was Gavin's turn.

Gavin's turn to put on his backpack, take those first day of school pictures, and head out the door for his own school adventure.

And this kid couldn't have been more excited! Between the time of 8:10 and 8:45 when we left he had to make sure 6 different times that I was going to be taking him to school but then I was going to leave and he could still stay. Yah, he was ready.

One reason he was super excited for pre-school is because Claire in going to the same pre-school with him. Didn't get a picture of the two of them together, but she sure makes him feel like he's on cloud 9 whenever she's around.

I came home from taking him and for the first time in 10 years had all my kids at school for three hours. I didn't quite know what to do with myself. So I laid on the couch and threw up in a quite home until it was time to go pick him up. Once I start feeling better I'm exicted to be volunteering in my other kids classes on a regular basis.

Today...

Today we were totally out of cereal. Bret helped the kids come up with something to eat, I think having to do with eggs because this morning there was a skillet with some left over on the stove.

Today I actually made the bed.

But then I climbed right back in that bed while Gavin sat next to me and watched TV for 2 hours.

I fought really hard to keep down a piece of toast.

I did not win.

I moved downstairs to the couch where I laid while trying to get Gavin to pick up toys that were spread across our back yard.

I thought about how I needed to clean my kitchen and organize things desperately.

None of which happened.

I did make it to get some blood work done which I was supposed to do two weeks ago.

I stopped to get some more cereal.

Came home and was completely worn out. It took all I had to make Gavin a PB&J, cut an apple in half and get him some chips for lunch before I once again crashed to a horizontal position.

My sweet visiting teaching companion called to tell me she was bringing dinner over tonight. She has no idea what a tender mercy that is not only to me but my family.

Now the kids are home. They've done their homework and fixed themselves a snack. McKenna is playing with Gavin. Abby is cleaning the kitchen that I never got to. I am still horizontal on the couch.

This is hard. So very worth it, but hard.

One of these days I'll start to feel a little more normal and a little more me. Hopefully sooner rather then later.

Missing Them

It's now day three of school.

Day three of early mornings. (Gratefully Bret has taken these over to help me.)

Day three of trying to get back on a routine and schedule.

Day three of making lunches and breakfasts that will keep them full for longer then an hour.

Day three of trying to get them in bed before 8:30 and not have it happen till after nine...that really goes back to the routine aspect.

Most importantly, day three of missing my kids.

Day three of pure appreciation for the help they have been.

Day three of a board little Gavin who wants to walk to the bus stop at 9:30 a.m. expecting them to walk off the bus and be home for the day just because he wants them to.

I couldn't let the start of the school year go by without recording what a blessing Abby, McKenna and Zachary have been. I have been sick. REALLY sick. It hasn't been our typical summer of Friday Field Trips and fun things planned throughout the week. But in spite of the lack of fun, the kids have been amazing. There wasn't a morning during the summer that I didn't leave my room before 9:30 or 10:00. I wasn't sleeping, I just couldn't roll over without throwing up everywhere. And the kids would take care of themselves, help get breakfast for Gavin and play with him and each other happily. It even got to the point where they remembered to put the milk away when they were done instead of leaving it on the counter! :)

Sure, there were times when the lack of planned outings, things to do and basically staying home all the time lead to fighting and squabbles. But a simple little trip to the pool when Bret got home, or going to get ice cream always seemed to solve things.

They did extra chores around the house and many times when I would be laying in bed in my room they would secretly try to clean the whole house as a surprise for me. And I do not exaggerate when I say that they played with Gavin and kept him so happy and involved every hour of every day. He was in sibling heaven.

And now they are gone. Happy to be back in school, but gone. And Gavin is left to ask me 17 times during the day, "Mom, what can I do now." Or 24 times, "Mom, when is the kids going to be home...it's taking a long time." or 12 times in the span of 1 hour, "Mom, let's go to the bus stop RIGHT NOW!!!!"

This pregnancy has been a whole new experience with older kids to help so much. And come February I'll have such great little helpers and little mothers when this baby comes. I have told them many a time that they are heaven sent and little angels in my life.

First Day of School

Today these three kiddo's headed out our door way to early in the morning and were gone way to long.

Fifth, third and first graders!!!

My first grader...

My third grader...

And the big girl on campus...my fifth grader! She was ready to rule the school.

We tried a jumping picture...not bad for a first attempt. Next time I know to be a little farther away to allow more spacing.

All three of my kids got new teachers to the school this year.

Abby and Mr. Humphrey

McKenna and Mrs. Palmer

Zachary and Mrs. McLaughlin

After school the kids all had friends over and we had our traditional first day of school pencil brownie cake.

Zachary and Nate

Molly, Kate and McKenna

Eveyln, Malina and Abigail

Highlights...

This has got to go down as the least documented summer in history. I chalk that up to pregnancy and feeling horrible all the time. On the bright side, I don't think Bret or the kids have missed me always pulling the camera out.

So here we go, highlights of our month of July with family intermingled with a few pictures.

• Tahoe
• Polar Bear Plunge--I had a free out this year and Zachary decided to jump from a lower spot on the dock
• Boating
  love this next picture because perfectly shows the beauty of Tahoe...blue blue lake surrounded by majestic mountains covered in pine trees.

• Meeks Bay
• Chick Lunch
• Adult FHE/family FHE
• Cooler weather
• Smell of Tahoe Pines
• In-N-Out
• Puking in Zip-Lock baggies while driving across the country...ok, so not really a highlight but definitely unforgettable.
• Riverside...swimming, sisters and waffle fries
• Mom...nothing like a mother to take care of you and your family when your so sick...thanks Mom, Love you!
• Makeover from Lauren and new make-up
• Late nights at Bear Lake
• Crane family talent show...birthday celebration for Dave
• Favorite Things
• Beach day at Bear Lake...including jet ski's Dave rented, massive waves, and two little Bedouin's protecting themselves from the blowing wind. (Zachary and Caleb)

• Girls Night
• A night spent talking and giggling with old high school friends
• picnic dinner and croquette up Provo Canyon
• the good influence of older cousins!!

Announcing....

number 5!!!

We are all thrilled and couldn't be more excited. It's made for a rough summer, and a not so fun road trip cross-country. But Bret and the kids have been wonderful and so incredibly helpful. It's a whole new experience with older kids.

I am blessed with wonderful friends here in Virginia who have been nothing short of amazing. They have had Gavin and the other kids over to play all the time, gone grocery shopping for me, fixed meals, and even cleaned my house for me. One day a friend showed up at lunch time, brought some groceries with her, fixed lunch for Gavin (the other kids were gone), did my dishes and left.

I got to spend three weeks with family. Most of the time I was laying on the coach and throwing up. But it was great to be home. My mom was wonderful and took such great care of our family.

I had my first doctor's appointment this week and was excited to have an ultra-sound and discover I was farther along then I thought. I am now 11 1/2 weeks and am due February 21. Which means I probably only have 7 or 8 more weeks of horrible sickness instead of 10. In my mind that sounds so much better and more doable then 10 weeks.

So let the guessing begin...girl or boy? Our household is guessing girl. Gavin walks up to the ultra-sound picture about 10 times a day and says, "I think it's a baby girl."