Peaches!

My mom surprised us tonight and came and helped Adam with canning for almost 3 hours. She is kind. That was a huge help as I am big and pregnant and can't do things like this right now. I did help for 2 hours after she left sitting on a stool but man she saved our bacon. We picked 4 five gallon buckets off one tree. Looks like we got about 48 quarts. Yeah! Peaches are definitely our families favorite all year long. 

Back to School for Carter

Carter wants to be just like his big siblings! He wants to go to school with Dayton, follows him there if I am not watching. Wants to go to Mrs. Harker's to play too with sister. He is just eager to be big. Well, today was his day. He is almost 3 and gets to come to mommies preschool this year. He is so happy he gets to do "abc's" with mom in my preschool room. I sure hope he is good. 

If nothing else he sure is cute!

Rachel's first day of preschool

Today after what seemed like forever Rach got to go to Mrs. Harker's class. Dayton went to her when he was 4 and so Rach desperately wanted to. I know it seems weird since I teach preschool but really it's so good for my kids to go to someone other than mom and have a positive experience. Rachel is smart and bright and sweet. She loves learning and I think this year she is going to grow immensely. Between upstart, a state online preschool that is 15-20 min a day and very academic, and Mrs. Harker plus mommy working with her she will be totally ready for Kindergarten.

Here she is at back to school day, last week. She looks so pretty and grown up. 

Her first day of preschool today!

Have the best day ever Rachel!!!!! We love you! 

Baking

I like baking. I am sure I have mentioned this before. Today I was actually feeling pretty good so I made a new recipe for dinner and dessert. Creamy chicken bacon pasta and Oreo cheesecake. They both turned out good. It was a successful pregnancy day.

First day of ballet

Rach is starting in a level one class at the Whittier center in Logan by the temple. She goes once a week for 45 minutes and it's perfect! She had her first day today and loved it! She has been begging to do ballet for a long time so this year is the year. We will she if she sticks with it, if she really enjoys it. That's said isn't she a doll??? To get this smile I had her say "Fancy Nancy" which are books she really loves right now. Her smile face is very posed and sad. So this is a great picture! Yeah Rachel, you are growing up! 

First Day of First Grade

Today Dayton started first grade! We had a special dinner date just him with mom and dad last night to his favorite place, Olive Garden. He ate awesome!

This morning he woke up early and excited! He got his favorite breakfast of eggs and sausage on the "you are special plate." Then before he was off Daddy gave him a blessing, and his siblings. He blessed him to have courage and be nice to other kids. To listen and learn and to remember Heavenly Father is always with him and can help him if he just prays. It was a good blessing, I sure love this baby of mine! Even if he isn't such a baby anymore. 

First grade!

All the kids ready to walk D to school. Rachel was very sad she couldn't go to school today. She loves learning and school, big difference from her brother. By end of year last year D was totally done with school. Carter was excited and of course had to wear his backpack too. We are so blessed with these three beautiful kids.

Daddy walked D to school. What a good Dad!

And here is the lovely, little (yes short and tiny) Mrs. Berry. She is very sweet, calm, and patient all qualities that I know will bless Dayton. 

Good luck buddy! I miss him already and it's only lunch! I have made it this far without tears although I will admit this morning was bitter sweet for mama. Everyone tells you that "they grow up fast" "time flies enjoy them little" and "one day you'll miss this baby/toddler phase" but man oh man, that doesn't prepare you for living the reality of your kids moving on and growing up. I love you Dayton! You are a special boy! 

Chopped it!

Last week I chopped about 6 inches off my hair. I needed a change. I know I already posted about this but wanted to again. I am so happy with my decision. It's lighter to carry around, easier to curl, and the color matches my roots so I don't plan to color my hair for awhile. Low maintence just in time for a new baby to arrive. Also, this is my no makeup face. I hope that my girls are not too caked on with their makeup. There is beauty in being just you. Don't get me wrong, I love getting dolled up and pretty for dates but generally this is my face. As I age and in my years of young motherhood I have realized that makeup is the least important thing. Almost a waste of time, except it does make me feel pretty and gives me some self confidence which is needed sometimes. Therefore not totally unnecessary. A girl has got to feel pretty too. My point is, I hope my girls are comfortable in their own skin like I have grown to be. 

Harvest has begun!

Before Adam left to Alaska we pulled the corn and cut off the cob to freeze. We got lots in the freezer.

Today we pulled all the onions. The red wagon was heaping full. Plus we pulled apricots too. We are going to try just drying them and fruit leather this year. The kids all helped. We want our kids to know how to work!

Dayton did help, although I didn't get a picture of him. It was a good evening working together. And now all the kids are in the bath from the apricot itch. Ha ha! I will be showering before bed too. Allergies! 

Boys wellness checks

Today I took boys for wellness checks today. They both did awesome! We have started seeing a new doc because our old one, Dr. Firth retired. We are sad about that. We are going to Doctor Call who worked with him and the same nurse Candee, works for him now. So that is positive for the kids. Anyway, Dr. call was super nice and good with the kids. I think he will be good for the new baby. 

He is home!

Adam got home today and we are all so happy! We missed him! He brought a black bear for all the kids too, which they love. 

Day 8, Mamas time and Molly plays

Today Molly babysat 10-3:30 for me. Just at the house. The kids like her. While she tended I got my hair done. It was badly needed, and I was sick of long hair. See after picture below. It's a no make up kind of day but I do love it. I love my natural brown too. It'll be perfect for fall and low mainence for baby girl time. 

Then I went to lunch at Wendy's by myself people. Yes, it was heaven! I can't believe how nice it is to eat alone in quiet. Then I ran to a few stores and headed home to kids for one more night together.

 

Carter fell asleep as soon as I got home. Molly wore them out I guess. I brought home $2 cd rom games from clearance for the other kids and they played nice, cheering each other on for several hours tonight. Big win for mommy! I laid down.

Daddy should be home tomorrow afternoon. Yeah yeah! We all can't wait! 

Day 7, Doing Nothing

Today we perfected the skill of doing nothing. Yup. We slept in til 8am, mom listed clothes online, we had donuts and yogurt for breakfast and more donuts for snacks as the kids wanted. We hung at home and played toys, watched movies, played outside. No pictures, it really was a chill day. 

Uncle joe came 2-5pm and played with kids while I elevated and laid down. I need that daily to prevent contractions or minimize them and for my veins so they don't hurt as bad. He turned on sprinklers, played with them on rope swing and took them on a bike ride on the trail through town. Even in the heat of the afternoon. Thanks Joe, again!

We finished the night with dinner and a movie. What else is new? That has been nightly for us and it's been a fun easy thing I can do. 

Then bedtime, Carter slept with me again

Day 6, Fair and Grandma

This morning I braved the fair. Only because my mom agreed to come with me and walk around to see the animals with the kids. Carter was so excited! Every animal we saw he loved. He is just at the perfect age for that. Dayton was a big helper and push the stroller almost the whole time. I cannot believe how big he is getting. Rachel liked the elephant, especially her flower headband. We stayed for about an hour and a half and then went to grandmas house for the rest of the day.

Grandmas is always fun. The kids are lunch. I napped, which was so nice, while they played. Grandma taught Dayton how to crochette and gave him his own little bag and balls of yarn and a hook. He can actually do it and likes it! I am so proud! Of course then Rachel and Carter wanted bags with balls of yarn too and so my magical mom just sewed a little bag for Rach in a minute. She is cool! Next time grandma said she would show Rachel how to crochette. 

Joe and Susan took the kids to McDonald's and the playplace for dinner. I ran to the grocery store without children, seriously like a vacation, then came home to lay down. I am spoiled! I have good family to help me. The kids ate awesome and played hard. Thanks Joe and Susan. 

Day 5, Here we go again

Daddy has been gone long enough now Rachel cries for him. It's heartbreaking. Dayton misses him but doesn't end up in a sobbing mess over it. I guess that's the difference between girls and boys? Carter seems indifferent although he loves to FaceTime Adam. Just one more challenge to add to the mix. Ugh. That said we are hanging in there and doing our best to make time pass quickly. Next trip I need to either go with Adam or remember that 5 days is plenty, 8 is too many. 

Today Jared and Sara came about 10:30 and stayed til almost dinner time. They are super fun with the kids! They played hide n seek, wrestled, barbies, Pokemon and more with the kids til lunch.

They took them to a splash pad and park in Hyrum. One the kids have not been to before. It had frisbee golf and a merry go round. Awesome! Carter came home worn out and asleep. Rach and D were ranting about the fun they had. Jared and Sara you rock! 

Dayton and Jared look like twins here!

Tonight it was dinner, baths and a movie with popcorn. I love just chilling with our kids. It's been nice having some lazy hang out movie time pretty much each night with them. It's also been saving me that Carter falls asleep by 7:30pm since he isn't napping and sleeps through the night. That allows me to rest with D and Rach and a show til 8:30 when they go to bed. Thank you Carter boy!