A place for everything....

A place for everything and everything in its place.  That's how Mommy is happy.  So last night I did my annual laundry room purge.  I can't show you the before pictures- it's AWFUL.  But here's the results of my throwing away and arranging and labeling, etc....

The giant purple labels are foam paper with sticker back that I had laying around.



And you see that label maker- she was busy....



I FINALLY labeled the art cart from three Christmases ago.... :)



All this organization makes me SO HAPPY!



And as a result- this morning when Tuck Tuck was restless I could easily find a learning puzzle for him to work on- and he really enjoyed it!



I also organized the kitchen homeschool area and some other shelves, but that's another post for another day. :)

Night out with Skrawny...

Ever since college Shana and I always take each other to dinner and a movie for our birthdays.  I remember her driving up to Montgomery from Mobile to do it when I was first married.   Anyway- since she was busy GETTING MARRIED and all during my birthday month, we finally celebrated last night.  :)



We don't know what happened when we tried to take a pic in the movie, but we didn't want to look like 15-year-olds and keep taking flash pictures over and over so this is all I have... and no, those probably aren't milk duds in my lap....I mean, they might be....mind your business. :)   (Not pictured:  Shana's box of butterfinger bites)  Also- we saw The Bourne Legacy- it was great! 

Day at the art museum....

Today we had planned on going to a big "NOT back to school" party at the park, but the rain kept it from happening.  SO...we made lemonade and headed to the art museum.  I realized I went earlier this summer with only the baby boys- the older children hadn't seen how wonderful the student area is now.  We had a great time. 


Coloring pottery....



They worked on art projects with colored tape- what an easy and fun way to do art...



Marky thought up the idea of doing the Olympic rings- I love it!



Playing with the smart board...



One of my favorite things they let you do is take your picture in a famous work or art and email it to someone- I sent all these to Marc at work- you know- to show him what I do for a living.... :)



This picture cracks me up- can you find Julia? :)

Weekly update

I was on such a good roll with this blog and now I've slowed down.  Back on the horse!

This week has been focused on getting my school year together.  I've bought tickets for the children to tons of theater shows, a ballet, two symphony performances, as well as a TON of other field trip opportunities.  I've signed up for weekly art and ballet classes, monthly science labs, and Marky auditioned for (and got a spot in) Birmingham Boys Choir.  Because of his knee surgery we can't play sports this fall so we decided to give it a try after his VBS song leader thought he'd be a good fit for it.  I've ordered a host of history books, math books, and an online religion and Latin curriculum.  I've gotten Sissybug several fall outfits and dresses and Marky got his new Cub Scout uniform and accompanying handbook today as well as new pants and jeans because he keeps getting taller and taller.  It feels so good getting squared away.

Today we got caught at the outlets in a HORRIBLE thunder storm and Julia just sat in the food court with her hands on her ears saying fearfully "we should have never come have come here.  Why did you bring us here?"  (the answer:  because I like swingy Osh Kosh tops on Sissy and they have a covered playground).  :)



After loud thunder Tucker jumped into my lap and screamed "Mommy!  Marky, Julia and Charlie are scared!  Hold me!"
I said, "are you scared?
"No, ma'am."  :)





It's funny....Charles didn't seem scared....



It's okay Charlie- it's just a storm it will pass....


Thank you for being strong, Little fella...



During baby boy nap time today the children and I watched Hans Brinker- an old timey Disney movie set in Holland.  It was SO well done and SO beautiful and SO wholesome- such a TREAT!   I highly recommend it!  Marky had read the Great Illustrated Classic version of the book several times so I kept saying "what happens?" and he'd say "wait and see..."  :)   If you can find it try to watch it!

Yummy baby legs.....

Charlie had his wittle baby legs out this morning and delighted us all with his squishy thighs and pillowtop feet.  :)



He also took some time to jam on the piano with big Bubba....(the funny thing is these boys have the exact same legs- I know that puffy babymeat will be gone and I will have another string bean big boy in no time). 

Charlie's one-year post

Well, Charliebear, today was your one-year check up. Your weight is in the 95% but your height and head circumference are way off the charts still- just like your siblings always were. Nobody is going to be under six feet tall in this family but Mommy.

You are the happiest, sweetest baby! We love you so much! You have lots of cute tricks like tipping over for "I'm a little tea pot", doing "so big", "clap hands", say "bye bye" and "hi", and you can say momma, dada, and tuck tuck. You squeal a very shrill and loud squeal when you are happy. We are working on that!   You still do "happy legs" and bounce up and down when you are happy.  You are going, going, going- you want to be crawling and exploring at all times- not sitting still. That said, you LOVE to be held while I'm standing up and most of the day if I'm around you are by my legs with your arms up asking to be held (which would be easier if you weren't a giant). :) When I'm holding you (with me standing) you rest your head on my shoulder and melt my heart. You are taking steps every day now. Today you stood and took three or four steps several times. You are so proud of yourself, and Marky and Julia are especially proud of you and cheer when you walk.



Your most striking trait to us is your appetite. You are hungry ALL.THE.TIME. You eat and eat and eat. I don't know how in the world I'm going to feed you boys as you get bigger. We are already ordering you your own kids meal when we go out. You absolutely eat more than Tucker does. BB found this bubble for you the other day- it says "Yum Yum"! We knew it was for you- our little hungry boy!



You love to be read to and you adore your big brothers and sister. They all adore you and talk about you all day and play with you all the time. You've already gotten in on the nighttime wrestling with Daddy in the playroom that happens around here. You don't crawl around things- you go right over. You love the baby trampoline and cackle when you are on it. You have some sweet little curls over your ears that come out in humidity. :) And you have six front teeth and the doctor said you are getting your molars three months early. One of my favorite parts of you are your thighs- they are chunky and squishy and perfectly babyish. Otherwise you are rather lean (except for those chubby cheeks). :) You sleep a lot- a two hour morning nap, a three hour afternoon nap and 12 hours of nighttime sleep. My big hungry, sleepy, happy boy. :) You are beautiful and perfect and I thank God for you daily. Happy Birthday sweet angel! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Sunday

On Sunday we went to church with Amber, Dennis and Landin.  Julia and Landin are BEST friends- they adore each other.    Three angels....




We had forgotten to give Charlie his presents from us the day before so he got to go to town on his gifts! It's a ball extravaganza! :)



Lots of "helpers"