First Day of Preschool- Brayden

Brayden began his first day of preschool on Tuesday, September 2nd 2014. He was not as eager to go to school. (see picture above) 

What do you want to be when you grow up? A train

What is your favorite thing about school? playing- starts with P

As soon as we got to school- things turned around. He saw lots of classmates smiling and posing for pictures, and with that, Brayden was ready. He took me to different spots at school to pose for pictures. He was adorable!! When we got to the classroom, he entered and we started putting his things away. Brayden was the first one to find his apple sign in and quickly put it up on the tree to show Miss Janie and Miss Bills he was here! I started to show him the room when he took off for Mr. Potato head- and that was that. He gave me a quick hug and kiss goodbye and there I stood, with tears in my eyes as my baby boy didn't need me for one more minute. 

Brayden LOVED his first day!! I expected one or two words about his first day- but to my surprise, he talked to me the whole way home and the entire time through lunch and then crashed in his bed for a nice good nap! He made friends, played with cars, had a friend get in trouble for standing, got to slide like Ruthie, and much much more! 

His 2nd day of school was equally great! He was the floor detective and made sure everybody helped clean up to "Down By the Bay"

This sweet boy has become one of my greatest buds! He's been so helpful around the house. We read books together, make words and write them down, and he helps me keep the house clean. 

Kindergarten

Kindergarten

What are you most looking forward to this school year? Meeting new friends

When I grow up I want to be? Preschool teacher

My first friend I made is? Pepper and Ryan and Asher in the other class

What is your favorite thing about school? Double Recess and Buying Lunch

What was the best part of your day? Playing outside and swinging upside down

The best thing that happened today was? Double Recess!!! And riding my bike to school!

Ruthie's day started off nice and sweet. Mommy and daddy (after being up all night unable to sleep with the anticipation of their little girl going to school) got up and mommy made Ruthie chocolate chip pancakes. We sang Happy First Day of School to our sweet girl and let her chow down as I packed some of her favorite foods for lunch in her Owl Lunch Box (Little Whoo E) and we started getting dressed and ready for our big day!

We had lots of fun taking some fun pictures of our sweet girl and then Ruthie got on her bike and the boys in the stroller and away we went off to one of the biggest days (thus far) of Ruthie's life- Kindergarten. 

It was a great ride to school. Ruthie had the biggest smile on her face as she rode proudly to her school (Corl Street). She had me walk her to the door and then it was a quick hug and kiss and she was ready- she let go of my hand and walked proudly to her teacher. I backed slowly and instantly, the tears started. Did this really happen? 

I'm not going to lie- I watched the clock throughout the day, eager for the end of her school day so I could grab her in my arms again. She had a GREAT day!! Made a few friends and was ready to head down to Grange Fair for some rides and fun! Mommy made a special trip to McDonalds to celebrate a full day of school. 

We're over a week in- and she continues to LOVE each and every day!! Mommy still struggles as I miss her so much but I'm so happy for her. Up next- Preschool :)

Dear Ruthie,

I can't even believe we're here. The day I've know was coming but thought it would never arrive. Your first day of kindergarten. I am so excited for your new adventure. For the friends your going to meet. For the things you will learn. You're going to do great things my sweet girl and I can't wait to see what God does through you. You're a light in this dark world. Continue to be yourself. Love others well. Be a friend. A nice, caring, compassionate friend. You're ready for this day. 

Ruthie's 1st day of school- 1-hour orientation

Summer 2014

Summer 2014- we have anticipated you for so many reasons and as we're down to the last few weeks before summer vacation ends and the 2014-2015 school year begins I can honestly say- this summer was NOT what I had hoped for. It's been wonderful, but I was hoping for a few more sunny days and a little less sickness. The bright sunny days that came our way we took full advantage - I'm just honestly, sad it's ending and with that, my daughter, who I love and cherish begins kindergarten and I am NOT ready to send her away. I LOVE her company, so this is a transition I'm just not ready for. AND on top of that, my precious three year old is heading off to preschool. How is it possible that my kids are at the age to go off and leave their mommy?!?! 

Ruthie and Brayden have stepped up (at their level) for helping keep the house tidy this summer. With the amount of ponies and toy cars, we needed a plan to help keep our house under control. Ruthie has really stepped up to help with household chores. Brayden is getting better as the summer reaches an end with making sure his toys are picked up. But- he does love to throw around the excuse that he's scared. :) 

We've had a couple great trips down to see our family in Philly and one not as great trip ;) We've enjoyed celebrating our parents 40th wedding anniversary, trips to the zoo, celebrating my favorite nephew's 5th birthday, making cookies with Gaga and visiting a ton of fun parks. We've not enjoyed poison ivy, and the virus that took over my boys while trying to visit the Drakes. We had hoped for a lot more smiles and get-to-gethers- but in the end my dear friend stated so well "I've missed life with you, and this my friend, is life!" 

We had a very fun but quick trip to the zoo during one of our most recent trips to the zoo. Even though some of my kids were sick, we still enjoyed seeing a bunch of the animals. My favorite this time were the huge turtles. Brayden loved the elephants :) (we didn't see any "real" elephants this time, but we did get that adorable picture in front of a fake one) Ruthie can't wait for Grandma camp because she's anticipating seeing the kangaroos. :) 

Time continues to spring forward but one thing has not changed. Seeing our dear friends and jumping right into our relationships. Ruthie and Ava didn't waste a beat! They were off playing and besides coming up to eat, we really didn't see much of them. I look forward to Brayden and Grayson playing together the next time they're together. :) 

We've also had some fun at home. on the days we do go to the pool we're excited and happy. Ruthie started swimming lessons and well- she's doing great and reminding me of myself when I was her age!  (sorry Ru!) She's almost accomplished floating on her back by herself after two short lessons. As the instructor said, as soon as she believes she can do it- she's going to do it! She knows what she's doing, now she has to believe she can! Brayden and Marshall also love the pool and I'm much busier this year then I was in years past! 

The whole Marshall clan went out to enjoy the Spikes baseball game $1 night! Uncle Ethan caught a home run ball and proudly gave it to Brayden. Ruthie got to dress up like a princess and dance the night away with her daddy.

I can't believe summer is winding down. In a few short weeks I'll have a kindergartner heading off to school and a preschooler! It doesn't even seem possible.  Ruthie just completed her kindergarten screening and is more then ready for her first day of school. Thankfully, the school is helping mommy by transitioning slowly.  Aug 15th we will get Ruthie's class list and her teacher for the year. We will have an icecream social to meet everyone. On her first day of school, she'll go for just an hour and I get to go with her which puts my heart at ease a bit. 

13 Months- A Walker

13 Months

____A Walker____

Marshall has had a tough 2nd year thus far. From ER visits to non stop teething and runny noses. I was telling the doctor just a few days ago, I do not know what my boys look like without snot running down their faces! Truth! Marshall ended up with a double ear infection a few weeks ago and after the pneumonia we didn't mess around. We had him in for almost daily appointments to make sure the antibiotics were working and that everything stayed at bay! Oy! In the mist of all the craziness, my little boy started to walk. On the first day he took two steps off the couch, the 2nd day- four... the third day you could find him walking down the yard. 

oh... and he also loves the sprinkler :) 

Marshall has also mastered his ability to be heard. When he wants something- he screeches and screams until his demands are met! It's loud, irritating, and I'm working on making the noises STOP! I sign with him, tell him "no" and ignore- eventually it will stop... I hope!  All in all it's fun! It's crazy! And I wouldn't have it any other way... well... maybe a little more crazy ;) 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia 

Marshall hasn't seemed like himself in weeks. He's been fussier then normal and not sleeping well. Right around his first birthday he and Brayden came down with croup. The doctor prescribed Brayden with a steroid the night before Marshall also came down with it- so we started treating both boys. It worked- the croupyness disappeared but the constant nasal drip crankiness continued. 

Monday Marshall started a fever. I thought he was probably fighting off another virus going around and just started treating him with Motrin. The next day the fever continued. I knew he was hot- but was busy- so I just kept up with the medicine and tried to let him rest. Rest he would not! By the afternoon- I was feeding him some milk and grabbed the thermometer 104! Ouch! Time to call the doctor.

I called explaining that his fever was 104 with Motrin and it was probably high for the last 24 hours. I also stated he had croup a few weeks back and had had a runny nose for a month. They immediately wanted to see us- so I packed the kids in the car and shipped them to Chick-fil-a with Jon while I took Marshall in.

Within minutes of my arrival the doctor wanted us to head to the ER. She first gave him tylenol to try and lower his fever- but it went up instead. She didn't give us a lot of info- just that she was concerned and wanted him to be tested and treated- and also get some hydration. 

The ER (of course) was busy but they moved us along pretty quickly. Marshall had an IV in place and a little cast over his arm to prevent him from pulling it out. He was so tired (he didn't sleep all day) and he did not want to be messed with. Every time a nurse or doctor would walk in he start crying and cling to me saying "all done momma" "all done!" 

It broke my heart but I was thankful he was being treated and taken care of. He had a chest xray and a series of blood work taken.

Early into Wednesday morning, with Marshall's fever down, they sent us home. By the next morning- he was a different boy! Doctors called me first thing to ask me to come in. There, the doctor stated she was pretty certain he got an infection on top of his croup and his lungs were also cloudy and he had pneumonia. Nothing a few doses of antibiotics won't take care of! 

He is doing so much better. Praise God!

Here are some sad little pics of my sweet boy:

Easter 2014

Easter 2014

When Jon and I met- I remember stating that Christmas was my favorite holiday and when we spent our first Easter together- he told me how Easter was his favorite. I've always known why Easter is so special but this year- Ruthie took part in sharing the meaning of Easter- but just her raw testimony of how Jesus died for her and she would someday live with him in heaven is just beautiful. 

O.N.E. - Marshall James

O.N.E.

Marshall James

This year went by so quickly. I can't believe my sweet little boy is one. Every body always said, "time flies by" but I didn't really get it- until my third child is no longer a baby, but a one year old little man. What a journey- he's by far, my favorite (Just kidding!!! Ruthie and Brayden!) but seriously, he's been the easiest transition. He sleeps well, he's always happy, and he keeps up with his big brother and sister. I thought for sure, he'd be walking by his first birthday, but just like Ru and Bray- he loves to prove me wrong... so for now, I watch as he crawls around the room, or uses his walker and just enjoy... time, like I said, is going quickly.

Some Stats:

30 inches long (60%)

20 lbs 9.7 oz (43%%)

We moved Marshall from formula to cows milk slowly around his first birthday. He quickly adjusted to milk but prefers to drink it warmed up. The doctor said he should shoot to drink 20-24 oz a day... my growing boy- drinks a minimum of 32 oz!! Our doctor was wondering if he was saying any words or just babble... quickly Marshall perks up and says "momma, all done" and then started squawking about Dada and down and -- doctor Jarvie responded- never-mind, I see you have another genius on your hands :). Thank you for affirming what his mommy and daddy already know! :) 

His First Birthday Party

I was determined to keep Marshall's party simple and fun. I tend to want to overdue things and it just makes for a very stressful time for me and my family. I think I did well. :) I had a wonderful time.

I got one of the biggest surprises... Evan, Natalie and Eleanor walked into the backyard! A huge SURPRISE! We had no idea they were coming and wow- did it ever bless me! It was so great to see them, watch Marshall and Ella interact. I can't really put into words how amazing it was to see them. 

It was a beautiful weekend, gorgeous in the 70's and most of our family and friends were with us. I know Marshall won't remember this day- but by far, it will be one that I never forget. Here are a couple of pictures. Enjoy!