Easter 2011

We had a great Easter this year. Having older kids that understand that Dad makes 20% less than last year is sure helpful. We did not buy a thing, and I am totally ok with that! We showed up, un-announced to my family's Egg Hunt because 1.) Juliet sets the schedule around here, so we never know what time we will be leaving. and 2.) we did not have a thing to share. I had explained that to the kids, and they were ok with it. Happily my family insisted the kids hunted. My mom said- "How many years did you buy things when other people couldn't?" Yes. My mom is awesome! Oh! Speaking of. I asked my mom to pick up some more leggings for Juliet. I just LOVE the ones she bought her! When I called to ask her to get them I told her I had her dressed in these pretty dresses all the time, and the leggings keep her warm. I mean- why would I have her in jammies all day long if she could be all cute in a dress right??? My mom totally agreed with me- and said she thinks Juliet should be dressed in cute things all the time. She is a doll after all. Yep- That is why she is my mom- she thinks like I do! Ok... getting off track here... sorry.

Then we went to Dave's parent's house. Grandma bought egg kits so the kids could color eggs, and lots of yummy candy. I was grateful! Kira brought a very sweet object lesson on the true meaning of Easter that we all did as a family. IT was so thoughtful and wonderful- with the very wonderful ending- He is Risen! Thank goodness for that. I am just so grateful for our wonderful family. We love them all so much! I am glad we were able be with them this year.

Ok. now way too many pictures... WAY too many....
Kira- being eaten by a gator at the zoo!
Turtle-y Kiki
The inside was wet!
Jack
Kiki Eli and Ali in the rope web
Turtle-y Jack
Teresa and Monson
Kira and the ground hog
Kira and Marcus
Swaner and Gehrett teeter totter
Kira

The big girls on the rhino
as the photo is being taken... we realize we have lost Jack... Nicole was a bad buddy! he was waiting by the elephants!
Nicole's pretty flower
Myles is hidden in the yard!
Lorelei is ready to go!
Kids getting last minute instructions, Nanny ready to go.
and they are off....
go!




Myles and his spoils
K and J
awwww
lovin' the hat
Swaner kids






on the way home... Jordan about died!
Coley falling asleep holding her Juliet.

a (spring) Break

Since I alone all week- I was really looking forward to Spring Break, and so far it has not disappointed! Kira, Juliet, and I have been playing and window shopping. We even went for popcorn chicken at Macey's! For me- its heaven hanging with the kids. Sadly, Nicole is at Chellee's but I hang with her the most anyway, since her and her friends sit and talk to me every single day. Jordan had a networked computer game scheduled for today too. (yay for WCIII) I have been loving it!

I feel so happy most of the time. It amazes me that my little baby brings so much joy. Don't get me wrong. I am tired...but I find that I am rarely irritated. I mostly just feel tired happiness. I blame Juliet.

Having the kids here gives me a bit of free hand syndrome. A break this Mommy needed a bit! This morning Juliet fell asleep on Kira. It was adorable. My two baby girls.

Yah- that is one UGLY couch. Its the kids couch.

Oh! and here is the brag of the day. My baby- who I have said is a sleep rockstar at 2 months, proved herself again. I have been pleased with her 5 hour stretch followed by another 3. But last night... I had a 7 hour stretch followed by 2 more. I am feeling wonderful! My baby is a rock star! Lucky me eh?

I guess the blog has been lots of roses lately. I will be grateful for the good times.

trying not to complain.... too much

Its hard being a single mom all week. Dave is so busy with school, and his hours are terrible at his job, we rarely see him during the week. Then he spends an hour with us, and retreats to do more homework. Usually finding his way to bed around 2. I have no idea how he is doing it. All I know is what I am doing. Surviving. and I am pretty beat by the end of the day, and if Juliet decides to be fussy (I may of may not have had a second bowl of enchilada chili...which would give the baby a belly ache 6 hours later....yah...I am super smart like that!) I can barely take care of her without passing out! I am making it, really, and David takes her royal fussiness if he is here so I can breathe, but there are moments when I wonder if my brain is going to implode! I shouldn't complain. Juliet is fussy- not screaming...she just wants me to hold and rock her. Kira will do it, but it stresses Jordan and Nicole out. (Ok...that is kinda funny.)

I wanted this. I just have to remind myself after 3 hours of standing doing the Juliet dance. And she is so sweet as she smiles at me. That is becoming a very frequent treat. What a doll baby.

I don't want to complain about being poor either. Making 30% less is a tale that many are telling these days. But Man! TO have a new baby and not be able to buy her anything is the pits! I have bought her a car seat and her diapers. That's it. Until last weekend. I bought her a pack of undershirts! A pair of 5$ shoes! A dress to match Kira's Easter dress! and...a Swim Suit! It was SO fun to buy her something! (I actually bought the other girls something for Easter and Jordan a sweater! A little new clothes for 4 kids at Ross and The children's place, for $65.00! Be very impressed!) Retail therapy is such a blast! I am afraid that I will not have the pleasure again for another 6 months, but hey- I am ok with that! I can pay my bills right?

I always have the camera out. What if my gorgeous children do something funny or adorable? They do you know. Sorry. I think they are the best ever. Indulge me. Right now, my life is about being a mommy. Here is my wallet full of pictures.

Kira and Juliet in their new Skirts. (Nicole said- "I am NOT matching the little girls!" Then was a little disappointed when she saw how cute their skirts are!


My mom realized that I had walked to the Dr.'s office a few weeks ago when Dave had taken my set of keys with him to work. Even though she has bought Juliet half of her expansive wardrobe, she picked up a cheap umbrella stroller for another such emergency. SO I had to take her picture in it...with a sweat suit Nanny picked up as well.
Having the camera out all the time means finding unexpected laughs as my kids take pictures. In these Jordan is the photog and the girls are his subjects.




Juliet is a wide awake girl in the mornings. I have to sit her in the highchair while I eat my cheerios. She loves talking to me as I eat. I read her the cereal box yesterday...she was all ears.



ok- these are just because she is a beautiful baby. I love her. My mom loves buying her sweat suits.

Her baby acne is clearing up a bit. I kiss it away all day. I can't complain too much right?