Women's Retreat

 

 

Amy called last Sunday saying that she really thought I should go to Women's Retreat.  I don't usually go because it's hard to find someone to watch the kids at night as Carlos gets home so late.  My MIL was able to help out and watch the boys since she is staying with us.  I took Zach and went up with Heidi and Bailey. 

I'm really glad I went.  Now I know why it is called a retreat.  I really enjoyed everyone's company and the time to just relax and think and do some crafts that I never have time to do.  I was able to come back and deal with some things a little better, if even for just a short time. 

           

It rained some while we were there.  Mom slept out on the porch and got rained on about four times.  No, I did not post a picture of you sleeping!  

The babies were up bright and early and ready to play!

 

Grandma enjoyed watching them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickle, Tickle!

 

Zachy and Me - Thanks Heidi!

 

Grandma with Zach and Brent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our yummy breakfast!

This says it all

This comes from our ward newsletter for September. Maybe you've seen it before, but it was a first for me. It was in the Choir Announcement/Musical Moment section.

"As Latter-day Saints, we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. Just glance through the hymnal on Sunday and note that as members of the church, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do 'ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee 'ere we part, where can we turn for peace?"

Amber, Here's My Post

So Amber beat me to it but here's my post about Gardner Village.  We went to play because I called her on Friday and said I really needed to get out and play.  I no longer cared about my messy house which despite the fact that I spend all day cleaning, it is still messy.  So on Saturday afternoon I left my once-again messy house to go up.  We actually got the idea from www.todaysmama.com I got one of their books for free a couple of years ago and knew they had a site that is obviously updated. 

I picked up Amber and Anna and we drove down to Gardner Village (which I love but never have a chance to go.) While I fed and changed Zachy, Amber unloaded the double stroller and the umbrella stroller.  We were hoping to not have to get it out, that the older kids would just walk, but Jaiden had to sit in the "Tigger" stroller.   She got all the kiddos strapped in and I got the  baby wrap out and Zach snuggled in.  We then walked maybe a hundred feet and paid the Petting Zoo entrance fee for the young man on duty to tell us we had to leave the strollers outside.  So Amber took our purses and stuff back to the car and after unloading the chillins we went into the small petting zoo.  I'm not really a fan of animals.  At all.  I'm actually pretty afraid of most animals.  I don't know why but I either fear or loathe them.  Hmmm.  Anyway, we didn't go to the Zoo for me, my "playtime" just needed to consist of adult conversation and validation of my feelings as a crazy mama.  The kids loved it the zoo.  They had no problem touching those prickly, fuzzy and/or dirty animals.  I did kind of touch a sheep with one finger to feel how surprisingly thick and coarse his wool was.  Very interesting.  I need to get out and do things more often.  So here are the pics providing evidence of said outing.

   

    He (?) seriously didn't move the entire time we were there.

 

No, really.  He's going to eat me.

 

Well, hello.

 

Jaiden gets so excited about things.  You can just see it on his face and in his eyes.

 

This goat was our new BFF.  It came up when we were trying to get a pic with the kids and he wouldn't go away.  I was crouched down trying to balance baby and camera and get a photo when through my viewfinder I watched the goat walk right up and get into my face.  Okay, maybe not that close, but it was right there and way too close for my comfort.  This was after I stood up.

 

A typical Austin expression.                       Ewe,   Ewwww

 

Too cute. 

We really had a good time and I'm glad we went.  Thanks Amber for playing!

First Real Day of Preschool

Jaiden got to go to school today.  I took him for his first day but he came home on the bus and will also go on the bus most of the time.  He was excited and just said bye and was ready to go with the teacher and other kids.  Just before we were leaving a neighborhood cat who likes our backyard scratched his head really good.  He cried and we had to clean that up before we left.  He showed his teacher what had happened. 

Mean Kitty

Outside the school

Getting off the bus!

I was sad as I watched him walking into school but I think this is going to be a great thing for both of us.  He's going to learn so much.  I was able to get things done that I usually can't.  I may be a bad mom for enjoying the time I had to do things (Austin took a nap at the same time) but oh well.  I could write a whole big post on my feelings on this subject but I won't bore you anymore than I have!

A New Little Boy

After cutting Carlos' hair this morning, I decided to go ahead a cut Austin's.  He's had it trimmed a couple of times at a salon, but it was still always pretty long.  I really like his hair long but it needed a cut.  I was going to change to a longer guard when I got to the top but I left the other on one.  I'm really sad because he looks so different. 

Before:

I didn't really have any good before shots of his hair where it was actually combed...

After:

It actually looks cute but like Amber said when she cut Brent's hair, it makes them looks so much older and not a baby anymore. 

3 Months Old!

Little Zachy is getting so big, I can't believe he's already 3 months.  I need to get out the bigger clothes because things are starting to get a little small.  He is such a good baby and so patient when I need to spend a lot of time and attention on his older brothers.  He is so sweet and loves to talk and coo and be sung to. 

Watch out for the drool!

No Preschool :(

So as per my previous post, Jaiden's first day of preschool was to be today.  Unfortunately, due to an unseen illness (aka- nasty cold), he was unable to attend.  A runny nose and cough is on the list of no-no's that the teacher gave us.  I called the school because I knew that they were expecting him.  I told the lady who answered that I didn't know what the protocol was but it was his first day and should I let them know or did he just not show up?.  Her response was, "Oh, okay, that's alright.  Uh-huh"  Click.  So I figured he just didn't show up.  About 20 minutes after class had started the teacher called to make sure he was okay.  I guess I should call the teacher directly in the future?  I'll have to clarify that with her. 

Luckily, he wasn't disappointed because he doesn't really understand days yet and I didn't build it up too much the last few days, suspecting that the cold might keep him from going.

He has two backpacks, the Spiderman one we got him and the one that Costco gave to all the students in his school.  This is a picture from just now with his Costco backpack.  He loves to wear them.

           

Preschool

We are all so excited!  Jaiden starts preschool this week.  We met his teacher once and tomorrow is the open house.  His first day in on Thursday and he will be going in the afternoons.  We think this will be a great thing for all of us.  Jaiden has his new Spiderman book bag and he takes it every where with him.  So much fun!