first day of school

(1st grade)

And yes I cried.  But thankfully was wearing sunglasses so as not to make a complete fool of myself.

This photo was not staged.  I called Chrissie over so that I could take a picture of her.  Immediately, Matthew planted himself next to her and then she wrapped her arm around him. 

Flag rising ceremony: a small band consisting of two trumpets, a flute, and a clarinet played the national anthem.  We said the pledge of allegiance and a few students gave speeches.  A wonderful way to start off the school year.

I thought the "head of school" was looking particularly dapper that morning.  He always wears a bow tie.  

New Family Orientation

 We attended a "New Family Orientation" the day before Chrissie started school.  The school had assigned Chrissie a "buddy," another first grader, so that she wouldn't feel out of the loop. Her new buddy, Cate, and one of the older girls took Chrissie around the campus to the various classrooms.  They introduced Chrissie to her new teacher, Ms. Isaacson, as well as her art, science, and music/theater teacher.  The school provided a delicious brunch thank goodness or I think Matthew would have been utterly bored.  Matthew and Jane both spilled their orange juice, within minutes of arriving, all over the table and cloth chairs.  Oddly enough Matthew decided not to tell me and I sat down in it. In my white pants.  The orientation was a wonderful opportunity for Chrissie and I to become better acquainted with her new school.  

 Jane especially liked the "baby muffins." 

Jane's outfit-always a treat.  Good thing we live in Phoenix and she wasn't in the least bit cold.

back to school feast-2012

I absolutely love traditions.  This "back to school feast" that I have copied from another mom (nie nie dialogues) is one of my favorite.  It starts the school year off with a celebration and allows our family to gather and focus on a family theme for the year.  And it gives me another reason to be crafty and have a fancy dinner.  I had such grand ideas for the dinner to be outside and really fancy...if only the weather was cooler and I wasn't eight months pregnant.

Our family theme this year was a combination of scriptures from the Book of Mormon that we had been reading during family scripture study and a quote from one of Chrissie's favorite books, "Black Beauty,": "Do your best and remember your good name."  We talked about the importance of being the best that we can be (not comparing ourselves to others) and remembering that we have a loving Father in Heaven, remembering our family and our values.  Chrissie soaked it up.  We gave her this adorable vintage locket with mine and Rick's photo in it.  So that she could remember her family.  And if she ever felt lonely she only need to look at it and be reminded how much she is loved and valued.  Matthew got a book about George Washington (sorely disappointed, apparently he'd prefer a toy). And Jane got a necklace with her name on it; she was mostly excited about the cake...and the drink.  

 Matthew decided his crown made him into a daring knight.  

 

Seperation Anxiety

Welp.  Chrissie is off to school in less than one week and I've already been crying.  Yes.  At least once a day I cry thinking about her leaving us for 7 hours every day.  Seven hours! That is the longest time she'll have spent away from home and from our little family.  I feel us slowly shifting out of the young mother stage that I cherish and have been desperately holding on to-obvisiouly.  Why do kids have to grow up...ahh, but I will be strong.

Things will be different around our home with her absence.  She has such a sweet and peaceful spirit, which fills our home with love.  My life is much easier when she is around, especially since I'm contracting a ton and in need of some extra help.  She gets Matthew and Jane food, pushes them on the swing, plays games with them, pretends with them, and even takes care of me-all with a smile and a song.  She loves to hum or sing songs throughout the day.  Oh why does she have to go?!

And of course I will miss these sweet notes that she gives me daily; sometimes by hand, other times hidden under my pillow or strategically placed to surprise me as I go about my day.  

what to wear

Apparently, making decision on outfits doesn't seem to be a problem in our home.  In fact the kids refuse my help and insist on picking out their clothes. And hey since I'm bossing them all day long I can certainly let go in this area.  I do so enjoy seeing their personalities come out in their outfit choices.     JANE

A few months ago, Jane wore only pajamas, which now have holes from so much wear.  Then she went through a hat/accessory phase ranging from her snow hat to goggles to her bicycle helmet.  Now, she has no consistency in her choices but seems to prefer wearing shirts as dresses or going in the nudity.  However, she is consistent in refusing the outfit I choose.  Lucky for me, she changes at least ten times a day. 

MATTHEW

Matthew has an obsession with belts.  He wears them even over his swim shorts. The best is that he has to tuck in his shirt so that he can see that belt. He also finds attaching a measuring tape to his shorts to be an absolute necessity.

CHRISSIE

Chrissie insists on tucking her shirts into her shorts. And prefers that both top and bottom match in color.  And no skirts.  She changes also several times a day-must be a girl thing.  

love the belly

When I'm not pregnant, I look at pregnant women and think, "they are so cute."  But then when I am pregnant...well it doesn't seem so cute anymore.  I've tried to have a better attitude about the growing belly, which looks more like a dinosaur egg than a nice round bump, but these summer months aren't helping.  

Fortunately, my kids love the belly!  And their enthusiasm gets me excited to have another baby in our home. Cute Matthew loves to hug the belly and say, "I'm hugging the baby," (an idea he came up with completely on his own).  When he climbs into our bed during the night he wraps his arms around my belly and then in the morning says, "I hugged the baby last night!"  Having older kids has made this pregnancy a lot more fun.  They are always wondering the size of the baby, can "it" hear them, is "it" sleeping or awake.   I feel so blessed to be a mom.  

PGY-7

(Rick's PGY-7 photo)

For some reason they call the residents PGY-and then their year.  I have no clue what "PGY" stands for even though I'm sure I've been told a dozen times. However, there has to be a an easier title to differentiate the year of residency.  The last year resident can be called chief, which is much simpler and the first years are often called, "interns."  But all those years in between you are a PGY-so and so.  What a handsome PGY-7 Rick is.

And this is a personal favorite.  The photographer took pictures of the PGY-7s together and the guys decided to do a "tough guy" shot.  We have to work on Rick's "tough guy" face.  I told him typically "tough guys" do not smile. Ha! I love him and his modeling skills.