September Update

What a busy month! With Will in school full time and Jack in school three days a week I was certain I'd have lots of extra time. It doesn't seem to be working out that way. I've found that instead of shopping with three I'm shopping with one. And instead of keeping three children entertained and a messy house, I'm now keeping one child entertained and a "cleaner" house. I've also recently taken up some hobbies that I let slip away while the boys were little. I'm reading and knitting again. It's so nice to have a creative outlet and once again feel like I'm stimulating my brain. Also, I feel like we have a good group of friends here, so our social life has picked up as well (not being pregnant probably helps too!).

In other exciting news, my sister Erin is moving to Whitefish on October 10. Mom is driving her out so we'll all get a short visit in as well. This weekend Annemarie and I are headed to the Bay Area to visit with my Grandma (Mom will be there too) and hopefully see some family. Grandma has yet to meet Annemarie so it's about time we make the trip there. I wish this was going to be trip for the whole family, but with plane tickets as expensive as they are right now there was no way we could make it work. So, I'm the lucky one (Doug's headed to Bandon Dunes the beginning of November, so really we're even).

Both boys are really enjoying school. Annemarie is getting big. She's at such a fun stage. She loves interacting with anyone, is starting to play with toys for an extended period of time and over all is such a sweet girl. The boys continue to adore her and are nothing but helpful and kind around her. The weather here is beginning to change. The sun is still shinning but the temperature is starting to get cooler. I realize I need to start dressing for the season - I'm still wearing flip flops and tees to drop of the boys in the morning, but lately it has been around 45 degrees!

Will has a field trip to the pumpkin patch this week, Annemarie and I will be tagging along. I cannot believe Halloween is only a few short weeks away. I was in Lowe's this weekend and they were putting up the Christmas Tree display! This time of year seems to pass so quickly. We're looking forward to a trip to Oregon for the Thanksgiving holiday. It will be quick, but we'll be able to celebrate and visit with family which is really important.

Here's a quick video of Annemarie playing for those of you who could use a baby fix!

Jack is Back

Back in school, that is. Jack is now going to school three days a week from 9-1p. He attends the Community Christian Preschool here in Whitefish. This is the same school he went to last year. I'm really excited about their program this year. There is an option to stay until 3p (a full day!!), but he's not ready for that quite yet. Jack's teachers are Miss Heather and Miss Jen. Also, many of the children he started with last spring have returned this fall and most likely will be his classmates has he continues on to elementary school. (I have a theory that almost everyone in Whitefish has a 3-year-old boy).

First day of school. Not wanting to smile for the camera.

At school, showing off a favorite puzzle.

Happy Jack

Rolling...

It happened pretty quick, but I got it on camera...

A Moment of Mommy Bliss

I figured I better write this down before the moment passes. Right now my house is completely clean. Carpets are vacuumed, floors are swept, bathrooms are clean, beds are made and closets are organized. Of course it's usually the opposite at our house so a moment like this really should be embraced. On top of that a 3-year-old is joyfully playing downstairs and keeping himself entertained while the baby is peacefully sleeping. I'm sitting here with a cup of coffee and it's sunny outside, but Fall is in the air.

I remembered thinking this is how it would be - being a stay at home mom. I'd have an endless amount of time to get everything home/child related done. Children would play nicely with their toys, the house would be clean (since I'm always here), meals would be always fresh and homemade. I'd never be overwhelmed with laundry. I may even have a chance to read all those books on my nightstand. The ones that will make me a better parent, financially intelligent, healthier, more centered, a better interior designer, oh and of course fiction just to keep me entertained.

Aside from the books, all I REALLY need to do today is empty the dishwasher, 4 loads of laundry, feed the baby, feed the 3-year-old, recycle, pick up from school, file 6 months worth of documents, make dinner...I feel my moment slipping away...

Will's First Week of School

Let's just start off by saying, "how cute is he?"

This is a big year. Will is attending preschool (4 year-olds) at Whitefish Christian Academy. He goes to school five days a week, all day. On Tuesday (his first day) when I dropped him off he walked straight into the classroom, found his cubby and started making himself right at home. The school goes up to 8th grade, but the older kids in the hallway did not seem to faze him at all. He's such a big kid! He loves getting dressed in his uniform, all the way down to his socks and shoes. He even knows to tuck his shirt in (part of the dress code rules). On Fridays the students attend chapel in the morning and are required to wear a more formal uniform - ties and oxford shirts. I think he looks like a mini businessman. The rest of the week he wears a polo shirt and navy pants. Will's teacher's name is Mrs. Morrison and he really likes her. She's great with the kids, is super nice and always has so many fun activities planned.

Super-Jack

Nothing like a blanket cape and underwear on the outside of one's pants to make you feel and look like a superhero. Go Jack!