First Day of School 2009-2010

It's that time of year again! The first day of school! The kids were so excited. Me? Not so much. Jenna either. I love all the kids being home but enough about that.

We went on Friday to meet the kids' teachers. Jacob got Mrs. Foster for Kindergarten. It is her 2nd year teaching at our school. One of my friend's daughter was in her class last year and absolutely loved her. Jacob was very excited about going to school this year and even has one of his friends from his preschool class in his class this year.

Jasmine started 3rd grade with Mrs. Miller. She was so excited to get her. That is the teacher she wanted this year. Her BFF, Kaylee, had her when she was in 3rd grade. Kaylee is in 6th grade this year. She was very excited to find out her class is in one of the brand new portables. They have their own A/C and heating unit and water cooler. Doesn't seem like something that kids would be excited about but considering Jasmine's class last year was always HOT and she doesn't like drinking out of water fountains, these were neat things.

James is a big 4th grader this year. He has a new teacher, Mr. Fletcher. His first name is also James. He's a pretty intimidating guy as he makes Jamie look small. He warned James and I that he is a tough teacher, expects 150% from each student and will get that. If you fly straight, you'll be just fine in his class. He doesn't put up with playing around, which the kids have already learned as the whole class has lost recess for one child talking today. We are hoping James is going to learn something from that as he tends to be a talker. Yes, James is a talker at school. Imagine that. Mr. Fletcher's motto is "Work hard. Play hard."

This morning was rushed and busy. The kids don't get up until 7 and we leave for the bus stop a little after 8. One hour doesn't leave much time to get everyone ready and make lunches but I don't like getting them up earlier than that.

They had pancakes for breakfast and then we were off to the bus stop.



At the bus stop



Bubba getting on the bus ~ this is where I got the lump in my throat and almost lost it.



As a treat for Jenna, we went to Build-A-Bear after the kids went to school. I knew she'd have a rough day with all of them being gone so I wanted to make the day special for her.

Cleaning up Pinkie (I didn't get pictures of her stuffing the bear. She wanted me right there with her as she was a little unsure of everything.)


In the van getting ready to bring Pinkie home


So happy with Pinkie and Dino


Jenna and I made brownies for the kids as a first day of school treat. Jenna actually did all the mixing and the brownies came out great!



Sadly, Daddy had to work today but made it home in time for the bus! The kids were so happy to see him there.

Walking home with the next door neighbors and Kaylee (Miss Middle-Schooler)


BFFs ~ Taylor and Jacob even have matching backpacks


Megan, Jasmine and Kaylee ~ Besties (and Jenna isn't mad. The sun was bugging her.)


Everyone had a great first day of school! YAY!

Happy 2 Month Birthday Jaylynn!

Gosh! Where has the time gone? 2 months already? It makes me so sad because I know that with the bat of my eyelashes, you will be a year old.

You're such a good baby Jaylynn. You love to be held and cuddled but are a bit more self soothing than the other kids were. You are really starting to smile at everyone, even Daddy. That smile can light up the whole room.

We love you so much Jaylynn! Happy 2 Months!

Darn hot dogs

Jenna: "Mommy, I can't eat any more of my hot dog."
Me: "Why Jenna?"
Jenna: "It makes me go crazy eyes."
How do you argue with that?





Jenna humored me and smiled nice for one picture



And I just have to share the mess the kids made on the table this morning. I normally don't let them use paint, Play-Doh or anything else that makes a big mess. See, I'm trying. And honestly, the paint on the table, the cups or their clothes didn't even bother.

I'm so proud!

No, really I am. If you knew me as a kid, you'd know that I really am proud of her. I can't believe one of my kids has my *talent*. I can't wait until she can get longer and louder.

If you didn't know me as a kid, just hand me the Bad Mom of the Year award now.

Bubba has a soft spot....

When you think of words to describe Bubba, sweet and kind aren't always the first to pop out. Despite his crazy self, he is a sweet brother, especially to Jaylynn. He is so kind and gentle with her. He loves to hold her. He said Jaylynn is his favorite because she looks like him.

Jaylynn is smiling!

Miss Jaylynn is starting to smile at everyone. Well except Daddy. She only cries or throws up on him. In Jaylynn's defense, Jenna did the same thing and now she LOVES her Daddy. Jaylynn will come around too.

Jaylynn also loves being with Jasmine. She is so calm when Jazzi has her. It's so nice when I'm making lunch or dinner or have to finish something up and Jasmine can calm her. Jasmine just loves cuddling her and helping me with her. She usually gets to her before I do.

Chillin' with her big sister



Check out that smile!

Nap time

Jenna likes to play nap time. Not sure why but I think it could be her super soft and cozy blanket that I made her. She wanted Jaylynn to play with her. So sweet. Jaylynn actually enjoyed laying there with Jenna. I can't wait until she is really big enough to play with her. Well maybe I can! It will be here before I know it.

Looking a little scared at first



Definitely enjoying it now!

Pretty princess Jenna

I found these princess costume in the closet. Jasmine wore it a few years ago for Halloween. It was actually Kaylee's. Jenna was so excited to put it on! Can you tell?

So sweet

Such a sweet child. I love this little girl. I love all my kiddos. BUT this one doesn't talk back. She stays where I put her. She doesn't not do her chores (not that she has any but still). She doesn't argue with her siblings. If she cries, she is either hungry or wants to be held. And yes, I hold my kids when they want to be held. I am still not carrying Jordan around so it doesn't last forever. I enjoy every second of holding her because I know this time goes by so fast.

Jenna's 1st Haircut

Yes, this is Jenna's first hair cut ever. Yes, she is almost 4. She has beautiful hair. She just needed it trimmed up and evened out.

Before (I have no clue why I didn't take it out of the pony tail)



After (Is it just me or does it look a little crooked? I didn't notice there. I think Jenna was sitting a tad sideways because she was so nervous. You really don't notice it when the curls bounce back or it's in a pony.)

Daddy's manicure

Jamie is such a good daddy. He lets his little girls do his nails. If he had hair, I'm sure he would have had ribbons and bows in it too!

Jenna painted the blue nails and Jasmine did the lavender. Didn't they do a great job? I wish I had actual pictures of them giving him a manicure but I was at the grocery store when they did it.



Such a great Daddy!

Castle Park

The kids love going to Castle Park. I think the real name is Adventureland or something like that. The kids dubbed it Castle Park a long time ago because of the big castle there. They had such a blast and it wasn't packed at all! Very weird considering it was a Saturday and nice weather. Right before we left, it got really hot but up until then, it was gorgeous. Everyone else must have been at the pool or on vacation.