Reality Check

It's been awhile since I posted one of these and today was definitely the day for it. Here are my "notes to self" for today:

• Self~ Don't offer to make 5 dozen cookies for the fall banquet and then choose peanut butter. You probably shouldn't bring peanut anything to a school function and now you'll be tempted to eat 5 dozen cookies out of the freezer. duh...



• Self~ Don't take expensive pictures and set them on someones doorstep who is OUT OF THE COUNTRY on the same day as the gale force winds and rain...



• Self~ Don't leave your two year old in the bathroom to wash her hands while you're on the phone. She'll end up like this: (Pretty much don't leave this two year old anywhere unattended. You can count on her needing lots of age appropriate grace if you do.)


• Self~ After you find her, don't put her in the stationary tub with the water running while you "just stir the soup". She doesn't know how or care to turn it off. It will end up half and inch from the top by the time you remember it's still running.

As promised, here is my gorgeous sister trying on gowns. This one wasn't the winner but how beautiful is she?

"All day long"

Anella's new phrase is "all day long". She uses it to describe things she does or things she enjoys. For example, "Nellie Kay loves Dada all day long." or "Mama, I eat crackers all day long."

It cracks me up.
I love Nellie Kay... all day long.

In other news and because I feel like rambling... Did anyone see this sunset a few nights ago. I kept interrupting my kids to say, "Wow guys! Look at it NOW!"

This shot is straight out of the camera.

We are looking forward to Daddy's vacation next week. I have big plans of just enjoying evenings under the same roof with the man I love. Nothing fancy. (I mean, unless you plan something fancy, honey, and then I'll put on my fanciest parka and be there.)

Maria and I are in charge of the kindergarten Thanksgiving party next week. That should be a hoot. I hope to have pictures to share. Feel free to leave any great ideas for games and crafts. I'm still claiming "new born brain" which will inevitably glide right into "four kids under five brain" and I think I can use this as an excuse for a lack of creativity for quite a while.

Just for the record (and to be clear with my aunts and Joey) my heart has been aching to see Indiana and my grandpa lately. Not being able to travel is definitely a down side to putting our kids in school. We'll make it after Christmas so that will have to do.

Lastly, I watched my baby sister try on wedding dresses Sunday. That still hasn't fully registered. She looked gorgeous as you can imagine. If I can get permission to post a picture of one of the dresses that didn't make the cut I will do so soon. Her fiance doesn't have access to my blog anyway, right?

Full

As exhausted as I am, life seems so good and full. I'm getting sleep now. Funny how much that can change my perspective. I still feel overwhelmed with all that I can't get accomplished in a day, but at least I can think through it rationally.

Here are some pictures of the last 5 weeks:

Check out the devilish look on Buster's face while he creams my mom with an armful of leaves.

This picture is actually the second time Hope smiled. Grammy was cooing at her and of course was thrilled by Hope's response.

She is a very alert baby. Anella turned two on October 28th.

Describing Anella is a little bit like pinning a cloud down. She cracks us up all day long. She loves to make us smile but I don't think she even knows what she's doing to get the response. She is very smart and very silly. Sometime a dangerous combination when left alone too long. She is a cuddle bug and a mommy's girl. I don't take advantage of that enough.

We hosted the annual Glenn Harvest Party this year. All I did was offer my back yard and buy ice. It was loads of fun. This was the only picture I managed to take of my kids in their costumes and Dora doesn't even have her cat face on. oops. How precious is my nephew the giraffe?

Okay... I have no idea why this one uploaded on the side. Whatever. Can you see what she is doing? yep, pumping.

Here is my newest million dollar idea... Dora isn't the most coordinated one at the table. Spills are not uncommon. So here is my cup rest: duck tape. Seriously try it people. She still spills but not as often.

And just for your viewing pleasure: Little Sam I Am Davis. A few parting thoughts:

1. A great book: Because He Loves Me by E. Fitzpatrick (I have to sit by Anella's bed for 15 minutes while she falls asleep to ensure a nap so I actually get to enjoy a book.)
2. A great dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake!!! Find a recipe and do it. If you need a recipe, let me know.

Things are looking up

I decided to start feeding Hope as close to two hours apart as I can manage throughout the day (as opposed to three) because another mom of four told me it helped her infant sleep through the night to get the feedings in a "cluster" and not need one at night. Hope seems to be taking to this idea swimmingly and I feel like my brain is slooooowly returning as she extends her sleep time at night. I had enough clarity to look around at my kids playing together while I fed hope and just smile. I am blessed.
I have many pictures to share and stories to tell. Hopefully soon.
Short update though:
-Nels is doing great with potty training herself. She has one accident most days but hasn't fallen into the potty yet, so I'm good with that.
- John Patrick is really starting to read now and I'm sooooo proud of him. :-)
- Dora decided it was great that Buddy was reading so she decided too also. I wonder if she'll ever need me in life?
- shew! just thinking of those three things is all my brain has left for today.

Good night friends I hope to get back to sharing all the fun around here soon.