To my child

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and
laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear,
and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick
you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let
you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the
computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny
grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will
buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be
when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where
you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I
won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both
a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a
story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get
angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on
the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss
my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you
pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest
gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for
their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting
their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and
fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffe r
senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a
little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him
for nothing, except one more day...

Brea

This is Brea getting her diploma from Pre-K:)

Rory

Rory is now a very protective big sister:) She is quick to tell you she's not the baby, Cheyanna is the baby. She calls her Shanana, lol. I thought she might be a little jealous, but she is really not. She even tells everyone that's my baby sister you can't touch her (except to mommy & daddy). So, we are working with her to not be so mean and possessive, lol.

been busy, busy, busy

been busy having a baby and doing end of year things for the kids. Caity and Jacob had their bdays within the last month, Brea graduated Pre-K, Jacob graduated Kindergarten, Caity is going on to 2nd grade next year:) We've been running in a million different directions:).......will post pics later.

Cheyanna

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. This beautiful little girl is part of the reason why:)

kids' summer routine

6am get kids up; morning routine (get ready, breakfast, brush teeth)
7am take kids out to play
9am snack; brush teeth
9:20am chores/clean bedrooms
11:30 am lunch routine (lunch, brush teeth)
12 pm nap/rest (nap for rory & chey and when they fall asleep--caity, jacob & brea will get up and have learning time)
2 pm snack; brush teeth
2:20 pm free play if chores are done
4 pm straighten bedroom
4:30 pm dinner routine (dinner, brush teeth, chores)
5:30 pm outdoor play or pool
6:30 pm dessert
7 pm bedtime routine (showers, brush teeth, pj's, video after ready for bed---if time)
8 pm Rory bedtime (story, prayers, bed)
8:30 pm Brea bedtime (story, prayers, bed)
8:45 pm Jacob bedtime (story, prayers, bed)
9 pm Caity bedtime (story, prayers, bed)

Grocery Shopping

Just spent 3 hours and $250 grocery shopping.

Our freezers, pantries, and fridge were basically already full and stocked, but I don't want tohave to go shopping again until at least July. Plus, we've ordered the box & all 3 specials for the Angel Food for May and will also place a June order, so I am sure we will be fine.

Our freezers were already full of meat, so all I bought meatwise was 20 more pounds of ground beef and sandwich meat.

I focused mainly on breakfasts, lunches, and sides. Any produce we need dh can go get once a week, or as needed.

I saved $30 in coupons, but did not play the grocery game this time (just no time). Have unsubbed from GG until July.

I also have not had time to OAMC like I wanted to, due to all the decluttering/rearranging/organizing I've been doing, but at least I know we have food & I don't have to go shopping.

My pantries (3), my freezers (2) and my fridge are all filled to capacity (we didn't think it was all gonna fit, but thank God it did......nothing like buying too much perishables and it going bad or having to eat it right away).

Tomorrow I am goign to marinade chicken breasts for dump chicken (to just throw in crockpot or on the grill) and we've also got a bunch of other meat that can just be thawed, marinated & tossed on the grill.......so dh can do the cooking until July. I think I can handle the breakfasts, lunches and sides:) We usually have salad every night at dinner, so that's a quick & easy one. I also have homemade bread already baked & frozen for dinners.