Potty Time

Yesterday was a big day for Ian. He went potty in the toilet for the first time. He was so excited to earn an M&M for his work! Let's hope this is the start of the end of diapers!

Reflection

I received a link to a You Tube video that made me smile.

I reflect upon being laid off almost a year ago after a dozen years doing something that I LOVED doing. I reflect upon the memories of good times with the friends that I made going out, meeting various celebrities, flying different major sports teams on their game charters, shopping in New York, sightseeing around different cities around the country, Mardi Gras, day trips to various cities just for fun...things I never had dreamed about before this job. I reflect also on the not so good times with verbal and physical threats from passengers, 9/11, engine failures, medical emergencies including heart attacks, preterm labor, attempted suicide, to name a few. I feel blessed every day that I had the privilege to stumble into a job that I would bring many great memories for myself and for my family. The kids don't realize it now, but hopefully they will appreciate the miles they have flown around the world. Ben is just starting to realize that flying over 100,000 miles before your 6th birthday is not something that everyone is able to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbjPTxIjJ_g

Hey Good Lookin'

I couldn't resist taking a picture of the kids all dressed up for chapel day at school.

Swimming

Ian is excited to take his first swimming lesson

Ian practices his kicks

Ian learning how to do a back float

Ian and his friend, Amelia

Ian had his first swim class today. He has been excited about going in the pool since mid August when Cami and Ben went to swim camp at Kittleson. He and friend, Amelia, are the only 2 kids in their class and the only ones in the entire pool during their class. Since the earlier class was full, they decided to open up an additional class to accomodate them. He and Amelia had a great time doing back floats, jumping in the water, and practicing their kicks. Their favorite time was the "magic carpet" ride at the end, where they sing songs and splash in the water.

The kids on the "magic" carpet

Bike Riding

The Lord has blessed us with another perfect week of weather. We are so thankful that we have been able to spend so much time outside this week. I often think that I should clean or do something productive inside the house, but don't have the motivation nor the desire to give up being outside with the kids.

It was a challenging last 2 weeks as we have had a lot of kids in and out of our house. I have had more patience than I thought I would. I love kids and am grateful to have the opportunity to watch additional children and have money put into my LA fund for January. With such a tight budget, any additional gifts are put toward spending money and taxes for the trip. We are working on a way to possibly get discounts or borrow dresses, etc for the show. We plan to contact local boutiques, etc about the possibility to borrow dresses for the show and to walk the celebrity red carpet.

This week Justin took the training wheels off of Cami's old bike and has helped her practice riding. She is starting to get the hang of it, but still requires daddy to be right next to her. Her goal (and daddys) is to have her riding without training wheels before the snow and cold weather hits.

Today Justin came home early from a work trip to Milwaukee. He biked to school to pick up Ben. I dropped off Ben's bike earlier in the day so they could ride home together. Ben enjoyed the trip with dad. He LOVES the one on one time with dad doing something they both enjoy. The trip is twice as far as it was from Eastside Lutheran, but Ben did it without any trouble. We are SO proud of him!

Tonight we look forward to a visit from our friends, Ross and Jenn and their kids. They will stop by and spend the night with us on their way to see Ross's family. We head to Justin's parents house on Saturday. We are thankful for a nice long weekend to relax and connect as a family. The kids are looking forward to Grandma and Grandpa's house. They always have a long list of things they like to do with them. Grandma and Grandpa will be tired by the end of the weekend, but mom and dad will be refreshed and relaxed. Thanks Sandy and Neil for entertaining the kids with fishing, feeding rabbits, making cookies, having a bonfire, running, biking, playing, reading, etc that you do with the kids!

First Week of School

Last week the kids headed off to school. Monday night we had orientation while the kids got to check out their classrooms and meet the kids in their class. It is a big change for us. After 3 years at Eastside Lutheran, the kids are now attending Abundant Life Christian School (www.alcs.us)

Ben was ready to go the first day of school. He was glad that a friend of his from Eastside was also attending Abundant Life. Cami got up bright and early to get dressed so she could go to Kindergarten. Ben was great at encouraging Cami with starting Kindergarten. He told her about all of the things she would learn and the friends that she would meet.

Cami was proud to have her big brother across the hall from her classroom. She was also VERY proud to have her very own desk.

Ben's class was quiet as they all anxiously awaited the start of the school day.

Cami posed for one last picture with mommy before going into class.

Ian got into the action by playing with some of the toys in the Kindergarten classroom. He wanted to stay and play.

A quick pose with mom and dad. Such a big girl!

Cami is attending half day 5 year old Kindergarten with Mrs. Tiradani and Ben is in First grade with Miss Rohrer. They were both so excited about starting school on Tuesday that they got very little sleep Monday night.

Cami's teacher, Mrs. Tiaradani

Ben's teacher, Miss Rohrer

Cami with her teacher after the first day of Kindergarten.

Ben after his first day of 1st grade.

Cami's Golden Birthday Party

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMI

Cami turned 5 on August 5. We had a birthday party at our house with several of her friends. She definitely enjoyed having a very girly party filled with pink and princesses. Her friends arrived and they spent a good part of an hour playing outside. They enjoyed playing on the play set and in the sandbox. They also enjoyed making pinwheels for a craft. They tested out their pinwheels outside. Unfortunately, the wind was calm so they had to rely on their own blowing to get the pinwheel moving. After lunch the kids played dress up and later opened presents and made cupcakes. We decided it would be a fun for the kids to frost and decorate cupcakes instead of serving a birthday cake. Needless to say, it was a hit!

My princess is growing up. I can't believe that so much time has passed and she is growing up. She is such a wonderful little girl with a gentle, kind, and loving heart. She has a beautiful smile that lights up a room. I am so thankful that I have the honor of being her mom. I would love to keep her little forever, but look forward to seeing her grow into an amazing young lady.