Pool Time

We found the most amazing pools in St. Charles. The kids just LOVE them! I can't say that I love the water slide. Zach insists that I go down with him. This always results in a monster-wedgie. Alas. . .



We are winding down summer here. It's really sad. The kids have had a fantastic summer. It's been such a blessing to have their Godmother Lisa living with us. I don't know what Zach is going to do without his Aunt Weesa. We are happy and blessed that she will be back so soon!



Mike has been on travel a lot this summer. It's hard to have daddy away and it's been really hard on him. Nevertheless, he makes "home time" the BEST! Last night he got in from a 5 day trip. I told Lorén before she fell asleep that when she woke up, Daddy would be here. She said, "OH BOY! My Best Night Time Buddy!"

Lorén and Zach have been. . .siblings! They fight, play, fight, play, fight, play! All is well! Lorén has really stepped into her role as "Big Sister." Although the occasional hiccup, Lorén indulges Zach and his "Two-ness" with a lot of grace. Lorén loves all things, "GIRL." She loves princesses, coloring, dress-up, dolls, etc. She freaks out at bugs and mud. It's so different than how I was as a child! :) Zach is ever more the quintessential PEST of a little brother! He likes mud, cars, Diego and bothering Lorén! If there is anything dare-devil to do around, Zach and Lorén make sure they do it! I am SHOCKED that we have had no broken bones. . .Knock on wood!



Baby 3 is doing well. Just a bundle of wiggles when I lay down OR when I give him/her sprite! We aren't sure if it's a boy or girl. This pregnancy MOST mimics Lorén's but it's also quite different. Some days I say girl. . .some days I say boy. All I do expect is that it will be over 10 lbs (((YIKES)))!

As for me, I'm nesting. And that eats up all of my energy :)! I feel like there's so much to do and decide and buy and find. Thank goodness Lisa and Mike make me STOP and realize that I do have time :)! Well, I'm off to nest a little more before my daily nap time :)

The Best Prank EVER!!!

The Witching Hour

You know, I'm not even sure what that phrase means but in our house, it means the time between 4:00 and dinner when my children turn into monsters! Yesterday it began again. . .fighting, me, mine, this and that. It was my last straw. I mean lets face it, I'm the epitome of grace and composure when I'm pregnant (HA!). So, I counted ten, picked them up and put them on my Island. I told them that they needed to help me cook dinner. They "read" the recipes to me and helped me "choose" pans and pots, etc. They finally decided that the turkey was taking too long and decided to eat some bananas. I thought they looked so sweet up on the Island eating bananas and (gasp) getting along! So I snapped a few pictures of this momentous occasion!

I hate loath and despise the flu!

What could be worse than your child getting the flu? Maybe one being pregnant while your child has the flu. Every time he pukes I run for the hills. I feel like "mommy of the year." Well, I set out to rectify that today. He was super-bummed that Lorén and Aunt Weesa left for Bible Study without him. He cried and cried that he had to stay home with monster. . .I mean Mommy. I decided to do something fun just for him. I found an idea for MUD on someone's blog. What a glorious idea. If my little man can't make it to the mud then the mud must come to him! He had a blast making a huge muddy mess inside! I just took some corn starch and some cocoa and sprinkled it in the bottom of my boiler pan. I then filled it with water and whisked it until it was the desired consistency. Finally, I put it on the linoleum floor and let him go nuts with the little people. Mission accomplished! I was a good mommy for a whole hour today!