Dutch Oven

Oh the lengths we will go to for a good dutch oven dinner...

Thankful Thursday

Alec started Kindergarten today. While I am not sure I am thankful for this (he is my baby and it is hard to let him go), I am thankful for my Alec and that he is a part of our family. I am also thankful to watch him grow and learn and become his own little person.

If you ever have a baby born in July or August, almost from the minute they are born, there is a discussion of whether or not you will send them to school or hold them back for another year. We had a hard time deciding this with Alec, but in the end decided he would benefit from going to school.

Alec was so scared to go to Kindergarten. All summer he said he didn't want to go. Doing something new is very hard for him. I worried that we were making the right decision. He met his teacher last week and came home saying he was so excited for Kindergarten. Phew! He was so happy to go today. That makes me feel better. I think he will love school. He loves to learn and play.

I am sure that in a few weeks I will enjoy my time to myself every day. Today it is hard. It is hard to see your youngest grow up because this is the last time you will experience things.

Thankful Thursdays

Back to School...need I say more?

Brynn is in 3rd grade and Gavin is in 4th grade.

Brynn rode the bus for the first time today.

Happy Birthday Alec

Alec turned 5 today!

We had a pirate party with 5 little friends. Brett created an awesome treasure hunt. We played pin the treasure on the map. And we made X marks the spot cupcakes. (Since I am still recovering from my surgery I have to give all the credit to Brett who pulled off a great birthday party with 6 little pirates).

Then Grandma and Grandpa Francis, my friend Laura and her little boy Carter, and Steve, Angie, and Emily came over for dinner, cake, and ice cream.

Happy Birthday little buddy. Our "baby" is 5. This is hard to believe and I also can't believe how emotional I am about this. He is so big!
We love our Alec. He is a funny character. He loves an audience and to be loud and goofy. He has a good heart and cares about people and their feelings. He loves swords, shields, dress-ups, and snuggling with his mom. We are so glad he is a part of our family.

Thankful Thursdays

Every time I miss a "Thankful Thursdays" post I hear from someone saying they missed it. I do enjoy finding something each week to be thankful for. I am glad others enjoy it too!

This week my thoughts are a little scattered. But I suppose the thing I am thankful for most right now is some answers to health questions I have been having.

I had surgery on Tuesday. I had a laporoscopy for my endometriosis, and a bladder sling put in. Apparently after three big babies my bladder started falling out. It is now back in place, which I am so thankful for (I won't go into details, but trust me, this is something to be thankful for).

I have a history of endometriosis and lately I have been in a lot of pain. My doctor found some endometriosis which he cleaned off. But, he found that the pain is really coming from vericose veins all over my uterus. It is good to know what is causing my pain, but this puts us in a postition to make some big decisions. Decisions I don't really want to make at this point in my life. But that is how life goes. For now we will just wait and see.

I am thankful for modern medicine and caring doctors, and answers to questions, and options for better health.

I am also very thankful for the many wonderful friends and family I have helping me with my kids, meals, and phone calls. I have the best people in the world around me and I love and appreciate all of them more than they will ever know.

It's Official

While Traci has been in our lives for a couple of years now, she is now officially in the family. My brother Matt was married to Traci on Saturday. It was a beautiful ceremony. I love seeing my brother so happy. We love Traci and Charlotte and are so glad they are in our lives.

Charlotte is now officially our Niece and Cousin!

Brynn's Baptism

Brynn was baptized with her cousin Connor. They are only a week apart.

Brett and Brynn, Jeff and Connor

Brynn and Grandma Peggy

My side of the family (only 4 siblings out of 12)

It was a wonderful day. We had a ton of support from family and friends. Thanks all of you for coming and sharing Brynn's special day with us.