First Day of School!

So Tuesday was the dreaded (ahem, exciting) day we all had been waiting for. The first day of school! Kindergarten for Brooke, and Preschool for Caleb. We got up around 6:30 am to start getting everyone ready. The kids seemed really confused as to why it was still dark outside, and they were very slow moving, to say the least! Even poor little Rachel was saying "Im tired, im tired!" So i know its going to be an adjustment. I helped them get ready in their outfits I had picked out (Brookes was new but Calebs was something he already had-- its not as fun picking out boys' outfits!) Brooke wore the shirt I had found her awhile back, with a skirt and a blue bow with a school bus on it, so cute! We had packed their bookbags up the night before, and made sure we had all the paperwork and classroom school supplies setting out, so all we had to do was grab them. I cant get over how much STUFF i hauled into their classrooms. And its just going to get worse as the years go by, im sure! We went outside with about 10 minutes to go, and took lots of "1st day" pictures. The kids kept trying to run away from me and Arnold was rolling his eyes alot, but come on now they know how i am! I have to have several pictures from every occasion to make me happy, so Ill have something to look back on! If thats my only way of freezing that moment in time, youd better be sure im doing it! And of course the text pic of them to send to their Grandparents and other family members, which they were proud of :)

We got to the school around 7:25. School starts at 7:50, but you can brin the kids in anytime 7:25 or after. Brooke and Caleb were actually the first kids in their classrooms that morning. We dropped off Brooke first. I took a pic of her with her teacher, and gave her a hug, and then her teacher was leading her off to get involved in an activity, and we were just there for a split second it seemed like. Brooke looked at me and her dad and waved and said "BYE!" You could tell it didnt bother her at all, she was ready! And it made it easier that she had gone to full-day preschool last year, so I was already used to everything, and so was she. Then we dropped off Caleb. We went in and Arnold was showing him where to put his bookbag, blanket, planner, and where the bathroom is, and everything else. The teacher assistant seemed very impressed and told him he could teach ALL the kids the ins and outs when they got there ;) Arnold was the one who dropped Brooke off last year on his way to work, so he know all the details.. I have to admit I was a little proud! ;) Caleb looked a little nervous, but his teacher got him into doing a puzzle (he LOVES puzzles!) and so when I leaned down to hug him and tell him bye, he already seemed ok with us leaving. Im glad he didnt cry or anything, because I had been expecting that.

Anyway, then we walked out and went back to the van. The whole morning I had been holding back tears.. I could feel the burning in my eyes and nose, but I didnt want to cry in front of people (like i did last year!) Because I knew Id be embarassed. But when we got back to the van and Arnold buckled Rachel into her carseat she said "NOOO! WHERE IS BOBO?! GO GET BOBO!!!" And i burst into tears then, and cried the whole way home. I didnt even think about how it would affect Rachel! Here she had had her older siblings all summer long and now her buddies and playmates had left her.. and she didnt understand!! Poor girl. She seemed to get over it pretty quickly, but Mommy stayed upset for most of the morning. What can I tell you, Im a sap! Thankfully I went out that day with a friend and I was able to stay distracted from what I was thinking about. I KNEW theyd be ok, but its just so hard starting a new stage in life with kids. Its strange not having them right there with you like they had been. And of course its hard accepting that they are growing up right before your eyes, when it seems like just yesterday they were little babies snuggled in your arms! Ah, im going to cry again... better not talk about this anymore ;)

Anyway, that afternoon I was more than ready to get to the school and pick up the kids, and hear how their day went. When I got to the place to pick them up, the teacher had placed Brooke beside Caleb and they were both together waiting on me to pull up :) The teacher said Caleb had had a wonderful first day, and I was relieved to hear that! He seemed proud of himself and told me "I didnt even cry Mommy!" And I proceeded to ask them a million questions about what they did, who they met, what they learned, etc. They both seemed to have had a great day, and Brooke talked my head off all afternoon about how it had been. So we survived the first day, and heres to many more successful school days!! :) :)

Sunday

Sunday morning we got everyone ready and went to church. Ray was back from his trip, yaaay :) He actually sat on our row too this week :) Jesse our pastor was preaching at another campus that morning, so the student pastor did the sermon. I really liked it. I like all the people who have preached there so far. He was comparing our lives to rubix cubes, being all twisted and messed up and we need Jesus to set us back on a straight path and help us out in life, to make the right decisions and stuff. And this guy was hardcore.. he really wanted to make a point, about how to get rid of your old life and start anew with Jesus. So you know what he did? He took a sledgehammer and pounded down on that cube! And the pieces went flying EVERWHERE!! Did I mention that we now sit in the front row?! I had liked it up until then... haha. Needless to say, the front rows got quite a show and it made quite an impression on us.. Arnold got hit in the cheek, I got hit in the arm, and Erika got hit in the mouth. They could have at least warned us!! It all happened to fast!!! Haha. And Arnold said he wondered why in the world the band had covered up their guitars before the sermon.. and that my friend, is WHY!!!! :) :)

Anyway, I ran home with Arnold and the kids and ate a quick sandwich and then met my mom at the movies. She had asked if I wanted to go see "The Help" with her. And I was soo excited, because I had just recently finished reading the book, and it was awesome! People were right when they said it was one ou couldnt put down! The movie theater was PACKED... mostly with women, but I saw a few men in there too. (no way my dad or husband would have gone to that movie though!!) And wouldnt you know it, out of the whole theater, these two ladies picked to sit beside me and my mom.. and they were the chatty type. They talked off and on throughout the same thing. They had comment about EVERYTHING that happened. And the one to the far right was hard of hearing, I can tell, because she said WHAT WAS THAT? after several parts and her friend had to repeat it. Grrrr. It was very irritating. I know most people would have said something.. but me being nice (and scared of confrontation!) I just sat there and grinned and beared it. I was still able to enjoy the movie.. it was that good. Plus, I knew if I said something id have to sit there beside them the rest of the time and can you say AWKWARD!!! Haha. Anyway, the movie was really long.. over 2 hrs. I wont give any of it away, but it was great. It went along with the book really, really well, I was impressed! There were funny parts, sad parts, and parts that really made you think about things in a different way. Id highly recommend it to all!!

She was just being silly I guess.. no idea why she just randomly wanted to pull up her dress.. but it was funny so I took a picture :) Hope she doesnt do that when shes older!!! :-x

Brooke's Family Bday Party

Saturday we had a family birthday party for Brooke. We had everyone come over to the house, had some snacks, and cake, and then she opened her presents. She had picked out a princess cake that I ordered for her, and they said they wouldnt be done with it until 2:30 and her party was at 3, so thankfully Arnold's parents were able to go pick it up for us (thank goodness for Grandparents, right?!) And it turned out really cute! Anyway, she got a lot of great gifts. Some new clothes for school this fall, including an owl outfit i had seen at Childrens Place and loved! So i was excited about that ;) And she got a Tangled doll (which she just had to take to church with her the next day!) and the Tangled movie (which Caleb wanted to see more than her!!) And a new Leapster Game--a Kindergarten game, which is actually really fun to play, ive already tried ;) And some other odds and ends. We then did the pinata, she had a cindrella pinata that i had ordered on clearance a long time ago and almost forgot it was in my closet! The kids had a blast with that.. we made Arnold hold it up and they went crazy trying to bust it open :) Then everyone hung around for the afternoon and the kids all played with the new toys and watched "Cars" movie, and the adults talked. It was a great time. And I LOVE birthdays, but I am glad we are done with all the kids bdays for the year.. seems like we've been partying all summer long, and Im on cake overload! Not to mention im always exhausted after a kids' party ;)

Brooke with her new Leapster Game

The Princess cake

Blowing out the candles

Uncle Gene's Surprise Party

Friday night we went to a surprise party for Uncle Gene (Arnolds Uncle) He turned 60 on Saturday! His daughter and son-in-law had been planning it for him for weeks, and Im so glad he never found out, it was great to see the look on his face! The kids spent the night with my parents, so Arnold and I were able to have a night out alone (those are always awesome ;) There were a lot of people there! It was at Catawba Country Club, and in a banquet hall.. everything looked so nice.

We had dinner, which consisted of BBQ or chicken, corn on the cob, chips, baked beans, and sweet tea. Everything was sooo good. Then they had cupcakes that someone had handmade, and they were pretty AND delicious. The flavors they had were lemon, red velvet, and carrot cake, and the colors were in lime green, yellow, and coral. Loved it! And the birthay cake for his candle was chocolate. They had a band there playing, and they were really good. They took requests, and knew lots of stuff, but mostly played classic rock. They played a Skynyrd tune, so I was happy! ;) They had a cash bar, and some of the people were really enjoying that, to say the least ;) Arnold took one shot with his cousin.. I didnt drink anything.. Dont drink anymore, mostly because of the medicines I am on now. Anyway, we sat with Arnold's family and had a good time just hanging out and chatting with everyone. Very laid back evening, and an awesome party!

After the party Arnold and I went to the movies to check out what was playing, but there was nothing we wanted to see that bad. So we went over to Kohls and looked around for awhile, and then to Barnes and Noble (not too much open that late!) And then we went home and were able to actually sleep all night without any kind of interuptions, and SLEEP IN, and my mom brought the kids home the next morning. It was awesome, to say the least!

Happy Birthday Uncle Gene!!!! :) :) :)

Arnold and I with Uncle Gene

My Father-in-law and I being silly. Our tongues were diff colors b/c of the cupcake icing :) :)

Brooke's 5th Birthday!!

Friday was Brooke's 5th Birthday. Thankfully Arnold was able to take the day off and spend with us. But then he woke up that morning feeling horrible, with a bad sinus infection I think, and he slept until 10:00 am! Haha. That was bad timing.

Anyway, Brooke woke up early and was so excited and telling everyone she was 5 now, and she was a big girl. We let her open her presents from us first thing. She got a lot of neat things. I had been buying stuff since way earlier in the year, and had a lot saved up. I hadnt even bought anything at all RECENTLY for her bday. She got a Rapunzel blanket with her name on it, and a jewelry making set with those pop-on beads (that was the big hit with all the kids!), some pjs, new jewelry and hair things, some new books and activity books, the mermaid purse from Gymboree I bought a long time ago, a new Little Pet Shop playset, and some other odds and ends. The kids spent all morning playing with the new toys, even fighting over them on occasion, of course!

When Arnold finally got up (haha) I got ready and headed to Brooke and Calebs school, to have conferences with their teachers. They had me fill out some paperwork, and gave me a whole bunch of stuff to take home, and talked about what the year would be like, and whats expected of the kids, etc. It is so much information to remember! I hope I do ok this year, having 2 kids in school is going to be tougher than I thought. I love both the kids' teachers this year, so I am happy and excited that this year is going to go smoothly, hopefully. I found out that Brooke's best friend from her class last year is in her class this year, so she was thrilled to find that out (she was worried she wouldnt know anybody!) And by the way, having kids in school is expensive! haha.. everyone told me but I guess I didnt believe them before. Theres all these things here and there that really add up. All the supplies, lunch money, snacks, donations to things, school pics, etc. But anyway, I am looking forward to the year, but a little nervous too!

When I got home we all went out to lunch at Backyard Burger. Brooke loves burgers, so we were able to simple ;) Then we went over to Toys R Us for the birthday club thing, like we did with Caleb, where they give you a balloon and crown. They were out of helium so she didnt get a balloon.. but she got her crown.. she didnt seem too upset by that. And we let her pick out a small toy for her $3 off GC they send you. She picked a new Little Pet Shop playset (I guess she is really getting into those things lately!) of a little mouse and his cafe.. pretty cute. Then we went over to Ritas and got some italian ice. It had been awhile since we had gone, and boy had I missed it! ;) Brooke got cotton candy, Caleb got Blue Raspberry, and I got lemondae.. thats what I usually get unless they have Pina Colada! But it wasnt on the list this time.. booo :(

All in all, Brooke seemed to have a great birthday. She even came up to me, hugged my leg and said "Thank you for everyone Mommy, I loved it!" That kind of thing really warms your heart as a Mom, makes it all worth it :) :)

Brooke and her doll in their matching owl Pjs

Me and my baby girl (AHEM I mean Big Girl!)

Outside of Toys R Us with her crown and new Little Pet Shop playset she picked out
At Ritas enjoying her cotton candy Italian Ice :)

A Blog Honoring Brooke! For her Birthday :)

This blog just about breaks my heart to write! Tomorrow my BABY will be 5 years old! That is absolutely, un-imaginably insane. I cant believe 5 years ago I was going to my last dr appt, and then I would go into labor later that evening and have her the next morning! It has been FIVE years?! She is going to KINDERGARTEN next week? It just sounds silly to even say. But i guess I must come to terms with it, because it is TRUE.

I went into labor on Aug 25th, 2006. I was walking around all day having contractions but they were really far apart. That evening Arnold and I walked up and down the Target shopping center, trying to get things going. Then we went home and watched Full House on boxset, haha. We went to bed and over night I remember having more and more contractions, but still not very close. I woke Arnold up around 4 am to tell him (I was a nice wife, I had let him sleep all night until then!!) And he started timing them, they were 5-6 mins apart. So we still hung around. Then a little later that morning they came on FAST and SUDDEN, like 3 mins apart! Arnold was FREAKING out, and I was in so much pain. I thought I would have had more time! So he drove me to the hospital very quickly. We got there about 8am. The nurses didnt believe I was in that much pain and were being very calm and telling me to get into bed and get a gown on. I told them theyd better check me! So they finally did and I was 9cm dialated! I had labored at home the whole time!!!! I started pushing and at 8:55 Brooke Elizabeth was born! She was born 55 MINUTES after we got to the hospital! The dr *barely* made it in the room in time, she didnt do much work at all actually ;) Im still amazed at that story when I think back on it. Brooke could have easily been born at home! If i had waited any longer at all...


Anyway, Brooke is amazing. She has always been my stubborn, strong-willed, independent child. Ever since she was a baby, she would wiggle away from us and wasnt the cuddly type. She wanted to go crazy and explore everything! She has always been very out-going, social, and never meets a stranger. She has friends of all kinds and ages. She doesnt mind being left in a clasroom at church, or with her grandparents at all. she welcomes it! She has NEVER been picky, she will eat absolutely anything you will give her (I know I was lucky in that aspect!) She has always been off the growth charts at the dr. She has always worn 2 or 3 sizes ahead in her clothing.. and of course everyone knows she is so dang tall! She is smart as a whip too. Learned her ABCs, numbers, and lots of other things very early. She has always enjoyed being read to. Likes to make any excuse to stay up just a little bit later at night! She is up early and ready for the day on most days. She is VERY active, and would play outside all day long if you let her. She was always the one climbing and playing with the boys in Prek... She is not scared of anything! very rough and tough, and a great protector of her siblings. But has a very sweet side too, she worries about people and how they are doing. She has usually been a tomboy, but lately she has gone through a girly stage, and loves princesses, wearing dresses, and jewelry. Its amazing how all your kids can be so different. I love them all, for very different reasons!



**Brooke at a Glance**

Age: 5
New things: Starting Kindergarten! And Girl Scouts!
Height: 47inches- Seriously? Almost 4 FEET TALL?!
Weight: Around 50lbs
Best Friends: Daisy, Addison
Boyfriend: Malachi :)
Favorite Song: Lean on Me (it was her prek graduation song ;)
Favorite Show: Kipper
Favorite Color: Green and Pink (just changed, used to be purple!!)
Favorite Food: Hamburgers
Favorite Things to Do: Swimming, playing at the park, doing art projects
Is Into: Dolls, Polly Pockets, Her leapster, princesses, jewelry & hairbows, books, singing
Fave Places to Go: Shopping, to her Grandparents, on playdates, the park, Hickory Dickory Dock
"Lovey": Her doll named Sally

Brooke as a newborn. I cant believe she was ever that tiny!

A few months old
1 year old

2 Years old- Her first pigtails! Hanging out in our new van

3 Years Old

4 Years old. Ready for her Hello Kitty Birthday Party

Now- My Big 5 Year old!

Mid-Week Randoms

~Sunday afternoon I went to a friends' babyshower. It was held at the church I went to growing up (and got married in!) Brooke loves to go with me places now, and do "girly" things. So she was thrilled that I took her with me. She even told Caleb he couldnt go, because it was "for girls only" :) It was nice getting to see people we dont get to see much anymore. And afterwards we went right down the street and saw Bill for a little while!

~Monday evening I had to go out to buy some things we needed, and it turned into a restful evening for me! Anytime out alone now is amazing, I guess i dont realize how stressed I get somedays with the kids. I went by Walmart and ordered Brooke a princess cake for her family bday party on Saturday. Then i went just browsing around the mall for awhile. Ended up walking all around it, and getting some exercise in there in the process! Just about EVERYTHING was on clearance, with them putting out all their new winter stuff, so I looked around and found a top that I think MAY just be part of Brookes first Day of School outfit.. we will see!

~Who all felt the earthquake yesterday? i was sitting on the couch reading stories to the kids before their naptime, and felt the couch vibrating and shaking all of a sudden. The windows were rattling a little bit too. Wasnt enough to REALLY freak me out, but I definately noticed it and was soo confused. I thought I had finally gone crazy! I even asked Brooke if she felt it. And she said yes.. so I started to feel a little beter, haha. About 5 mins later Mom called me and asked if we had felt it, then it all made sense. That was crazy though, never felt anything like it!

~Brooke and Caleb had their open house at school last night. We first went and met Brooke's teacher, and she seems really nice. Then we went to see Calebs teacher, who is the same teacher Brooke had last year! We LOVE her, so we were thrilled when Caleb got her this year. I am someone who doesnt care much for change, so this helps me feel a LITTLE better about leaving Caleb at school ;) Brooke was excited to see her again and gave her a big hug. Caleb started holding onto my hand asking me to please not leave him. It was only Open House and I already felt like crying! I wonder how the first day of school will go.. I have my teacher conferences with their teachers this coming Friday to learn more about this coming year. And they start school on Tuesday the 30th *sniff!!*

~After Open House we went to Ihop to dinner since we were out anyway and had to go to the store to get something. The kids all LOVE pancakes, so they were happy, to say the least. The couple sitting behind us in the booth had a little baby with them. Rachel loves babies so she kept sitting up over the edge to see him. Thanfully the couple didnt mind! Right before we left I told Brooke "we need to go get groceries now" and she yelled out 'YAY!!! I LOVE Groceries!!!" The guy at the booth beside us chuckled. She made it sound like we hardly ever buy them food! Haha.. thought that was hilarious. Anyway, the meal was a lot cheaper than I had thought it would be, then saw a sign that in the month of Aug. kids eat free! Wow! what a nice surprise.. and if I would have known that earlier in the month.. haha.

~Last night my mom called me and asked me if Id go with her this weekend to the movies to see "The Help!" She said that she had asked my dad if he would go, and of course he didnt want to. He said "go ask Abby!" And im soo glad she did, because Ive been wanting to go ever since I started reading the book. I came home and started reading more, anxious to finish by this weekend. I actually read ALOT and almost finished, but I got tired and ended up going to sleep. But i should finish by today! Have heard its a great movie and really looking forward to it!

~We also got the call that we should be getting our van back today! I am soo thrilled. We have now gone 5 days without it. I will try to never take it for granted again! I never realized how much I relied on all that space for all of us, and all our stuff! This week ive been lucky if we could barely fit all of us in Arnolds car, and the kids might get to take ONE toy or book with them wherever we are going. I am so ready for them to be spaced out once again because you would not believe the fighting, poking, smacking, yelling, etc that Ive had to deal with this week!! But anyway, horray for the van being repaired and lets hope it doesnt need anything else for a long time because that was some serious CA-CHING!! $$$$$$$$

Rachel and I lounging around Sunday afternoon

Brooke at Bills house playing with his bird, Colby. She loves him!
Bill and I! Good family friend. Known him for 10-11 years now? Wow I feel old!

Out to an early bday dinner for Brooke