Macie Goes to Mother's Day Out

Now it's Macie's turn for "school"! She is going to Mother's Day Out at our church. She did great her first couple of days...no crying, took her nap (in a crib, not on the pallet, however), ate her lunch...perfect. The second week was a little more difficult, as she realized that walking in that door mean't I was leaving without her, but that didn't last long. She has two sweet teachers, Mrs. Shelley and Mrs. Charis, and they really seem to love the kiddos. Mrs. Charis got tickled with Macie because she didn't want her shoes off for her nap---so, she'll likely have shoes on for all naps from here on out! Hard to believe my baby is old enough to be left, even if just for a few hours. However, I bet I'll find something to do with that time!

First Day of School

Well, hard to believe that it's another school year already. After MUCH debating, praying, worrying, and discussing, I (along with Bryan, of course!) have decided that "real" school is best for us, for now at least. We have chosen to send Jack and Cal to Northland Christian, a private Christian school, and are excited about our decision as we hear nothing but good about this place. Callie will enter 2nd grade (whew! Guess we did get our bases covered in homeschool 1st grade!) and Jack is in preschool, two days a week. Callie is SUPER excited, and that makes me happy to know she is looking forward to it so much. So, here we go!

Family Reunion

My Mom's family gathered for a reunion just outside Granbury, Tx. I love family reunions. I don't think Bryan shares this love with me, especially since it's always my family doing the reunion-ing! My Mom's side has a history of fun times--pranks, games, talent shows, auctions, good foodand lots of laughs. What I really love now is watching my kids and all their 2nd, 3rd, and

something-removed cousins playing like I did with mine...brings back lots of great memories.

My Macie

I love this outfit, and just couldn't resist getting some pics of her in it. She is such a ham, and any time she sees a camera, just starts showing off and saying "cheese"!

Alli's Birthday

Aunt Allie celebrated her birthday in August, and we went to Grammy and Papa's house to join the party. It sort of felt strange to go there as "guests"! I think it still feels like "home" to the kiddos, and they frantically play with the toys that are still there even though it's the same old toys they've always had. Macie got something "new", however. Callie had a electric-powered mini-4 wheeler that she got as a Christmas present from Grammy and Papa at a year old, and it's just Macie's size, now. She loves it! She figured out pretty quickly how to make it go, and wanted to be outside trying to keep up with the older kids on their "cars". Oh, yeah, and Happy Birthday, Alli!!!

Rain, Rain, Come and Stay!

At some point in August, we got some much-needed rain, and the kids had a fun time getting wet. Macie was the cutest while she kept trying to figure out where the water was coming from that was dripping on her head!

Keepin' Cousins

Jenny went to an out-of-state conference the first week of August, so we got to keep the kiddos for a few days...a "mini cousins' camp", if you will. It was basically me vs. 5 kids...wow! It wasn't always easy, but it was fun, and they always have such a good time together. We spent time indoors with play dough, dress-up, and more. We also spent time EXPENDING ENERGY at local parks! I love the picture of Callie and Zeke back to back...Callie had been sort of catching up to him until recently, now he is shooting up and I have a feeling she'll never get close again! She just holds it over him that she is older, but, that likely won't get her too far...I love these kiddos!