Final Catch up Post

(3 posts in backwards order. I'm just excited they're done!)

I have been in the biggest summer slump! A slump with cooking dinner, a slump with blogging, you name it and I'm lagging a little behind. My mom has been in WA for almost 3 weeks now and the time has flown. We haven't done much but hang out together and take care of kids (feeding, reading and refereeing!). An activity here and there and the days go fast. I'm getting 3 posts up to try and get all caught up. I have to, school is almost in session and there will be more to blog about! Can anyone tell me where summer went? I feel so out of the loop with everyone and what is going on. Slowly, I'm catching up....but I still have at least 3 posts written in my head so I'm not totally caught up. Getting these 3 published does take some of the pressure off, I hate getting this behind.

We never made it to the pool during the week. Isn't that awful? The kids didn't care much (I think they are just as worn out from all the swimming earlier in the summer as I am) and had just as much fun with the wiggly sprinker in the backyard.

Reed is loving his bath now that he can successfully sit up without sliding down. In fact he's all splashes!
And I leave every bath wet from his splashing!

I still can't get Reed to eat any food. Nothing but small scraps of bread and cereal. We tried again the other day and he was making the funniest faces. My mom and I were cracking up! This was the last one before we had this to clean up....

So gross I know. Sorry for the visual but he was just so much happier after we quit trying! I'm leaving it alone for awhile.

Saturday (8/9) was a little get together with my family and we took an overdue family photo. It's been 2 years and we've added 2 kids. We met in Matt's parent's gorgeous backyard (thanks again!) and we asked Marion to take some photos for us, we're so grateful she said yes. I think they turned out great! Thanks Marion!! Don't you love Reed grabbing for the bow in Kathryn's hair? So funny.

We had a full day. We took the photos (I have more to post, some with just our 6), came back for lunch and naps, some went to the pool, some stayed home (mom and Preston) and some (Reed and I) ended up at the walk in clinic with pink eye or something like it. Reed was the only one to get it but since he sticks everything in his mouth and on his face I'm not surprised. I'm more grossed out than anything. After the run around at the pharmacy we filled his prescription and headed home to get ready for dinner. We ate Chico's (our hometown pizza that's irreplaceable), had brownie sundaes that were extra fudgey because I doubled everything except the eggs (duh) and swept the kids to bed. What a day!

Sunday was a busy, fun day. As my mom, Kyle and gang got ready to head back to Seattle, we got ready to head out to Jane's house to meet fellow blogger Lucy and her 3 boys (here she is with Sammy). She is on a marathon journey with her boys and wanted to meet up at Jane's house. Susan, Jane and I looked forward to meeting Lucy for a couple weeks. And it did not disappoint. We had a great time talking while our kids ran around Jane's massive yard and hardly ever asked for anything. Lucy is so fun! I could have talked for a couple more hours (at least) and was sad the evening went so fast.

The kids were so wiped out on the way home they could hardly see straight. The only thing that kept Dane up was talking about Susan's daughter, Zoey. He talked about how many hugs she gave him and how one day he wants her to babysit and how he was her favorite, he just knew it. It was so cute! Zoey has a new fan named Dane!!

As we were leaving Jane's house this is what we saw. It was so pretty. I love the sunsets we have here!

Rewind to Week Two

Just more catch up.

Dane was snuggling my mom and I thought this was the most hilarious sight! From the looks of it, Grandma's legs don't get out in that Vegas sun very often!

Sunday (8/3) we went hung out at my Uncle's house. It was great food, fun and visiting. I love getting together with my cousins/aunts/uncles. They are funny people. And it just wouldn't be a Sunday with family if my mom and one of her siblings didn't break out the Pinochle cards and play a couple games.

He's almost 8 months and getting a stronger personality everyday. His latest nickname....Grabby Graberson! He lunges and reaches for anything and everything he sees. I'm not encouraging the crawling because man, when he does, he will be all over the place. I'm not ready for that!

Such a happy baby. We ended up at the park one night and he was all smiles. He loves to be outside and watch the older kids. Thankfully, he doesn't mind hanging out in the stroller.

My mom came home from a trip to Walmart with this batting helmet. Ithought this was a ridiculous, waste of a purchase not realizing how one $6 (on clearance) baseball helmet can bring so much joy! The kids loved it so much, they didn't even fight over it. They shared it. Miracle.

We packed up the gear and the kids and headed to a park to avoid any broken windows around here. They had a blast and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cool. They each had their own style when it was their turn to hit. Kat would walk up to the tee, stand there staring at it for a few seconds, calculating her every move and then she would hit it farther than we thought she would every single time.

Nathan was Mr. Cool walking up to the tee, never wanted any help (not surprising), told us he played T-ball before and hit it almost every time. Dane would stand in a different spot every time, do a little dance with the bat up to his shoulder, hit the bat to the ground, do another little dance and then decide it was time to hit the ball. And he did but only after he hit the tee a couple times.

Dane has looked like this many times though out each day for almost 2 whole weeks (the crying, not the grabbing that I just noticed, ha)! I keep telling myself he is growing because what could possibly be that wrong in an almost 5 yr olds life? Argh, it's been so frustrating. His nickname has been Grumpy Grumperson!! Let's hope he pulls out of it soon, I'm going crazy!

Rewind to Week One

Our stake had a Pioneer Day activity at the park behind our church on Thurs, the 24th. It isn't my favorite activity to attend because it's packed with people and it's hard to keep an eye on the kids but I was pretty much insistent we go as a family. I want the kids to know just how many people belong to the same church as us and for them to actually see all the people that believe as we do. They set up a waterslide and there is lots of food (if you're on time that is and with Milo in our family we get there ON TIME) and of course plenty of people to chat with.

The reason Reed isn't in the family self portrait. He was so good, hanging out in his stroller until he crashed. This kid can go anywhere!

And with a baby confined to a stroller and 3 semi big kids that stay where they are supposed to, Milo and I had a good time mingling. The best part of the night was when all 4 kids crash landed into bed, even sleeping in the next day. Perfect.

My mom came on the 25th and the next morning went to spend the weekend with my Grandma. We were getting ready for our one day reunion on Milo's mom's side. Instead of camping for a few days we spent the whole day at the water park. It was nice to not worry about camping with a 7 month old but it was harder to catch up and visit with half the town at the pool. All in all it was good times and that's what counts.

The kids loved it and wanted to spend lots of time in the sand. I obliged them one time but it's so far from where we were that they didn't get to spend as much time as they wanted. In fact they didn't swim much at all. I think the lazy river was the biggest hit that day.

Dane, Malcolm and Quinn took turns 'riding' each other's back. I have no idea what they were playing, I just know they weren't fighting and that's all that counts!

Focus on the Good

Today I just have to focus on the good. No matter how little the good seems, I still have it. I'm not trying to sound dramatic I have been so tired this week and right now, I need to remember the good. Reed has gotten in the habit of waking up at night and it has been so hard on me. I hate being tired. He has been such a sleeping champ but right now he has a stuffy nose and a diaper rash (that he gets from pooping in his sleep!). So one or the other wakes him up at night and there has been no way to get him back to sleep without nursing him. Sleep is so important and once it's taken away, it hurts!

Just a reminder, I have so much. I have.....

• Milo. He loves me, faults and all (there are many).
• kids that forgive my many mistakes
• dental insurance to pay for the cavities I got after this last pregnancy
• ibuprofen to help my hurting mouth (I now officially don't like the dentist and it has never bothered me before)
  
• a good book to read (and many waiting in the wings)
• good friends
  
• a home
• kids that love to learn, they want me to teach them all the time. about everything.
  
• a new day starting tomorrow!
  

More of the Same

It's been a week since I've posted and really I can't come up with much. It's just the same over and over each day. Or so it feels. Am I the only one feeling like this? I want better weather, maybe that would help. I just decided tonight no matter what, I had to attempt to get myself out of this rut...

Milo was gone most of last week and when he's gone I get tired and I'm not going to lie, a bit grumpy. We all miss him. He helps a ton and with this group of four and we need all the distractions and help we can get. Especially between the hours of 3-7!! I swear those witching hours do me in.

On Thursday night Milo and I left the two big kids with Gramimi and took Reed and Dane out of town. Dane had an appointment at Shriner's Hospital for Children at 8:30 Friday morning. I wasn't feeling very confident that we could make the early trip with a newborn and get there on time so we opted for the hotel the night before . We thought that would be exciting for Dane but he was just lamenting the fact that he didn't get to stay back at grandma's house! He definitely didn't think it was fair that Nathan and Kathryn got to. We told him over and over they went to school and weren't having a play day with her but he wasn't buying it. He was sure they were having all the fun.

Dane was referred there because his ankles pronate (roll inward) and he complains of leg pain quite a bit. He showed off his rubber muscles for 3 different doctors. The kid is so flexible (that's him folding in half inside the Radio Flyer wagon seat and laughing about it. it's a small space) and while he does have lax ligaments they felt he didn't need anything about it right now. They were moving his legs, arms, hands and bending them all over the place and he never complained. Actually, I think he was laughing (not surprising). Our appointment was half the time they said it would be so we got a little shopping in. Not as much as we would have liked being in the 'big city' and all but we had a good day.

Saturday brought Kathryn's first clogging performance of the year. I'd post a photo of her cute new costume but none of them turned out! Note to self...when you're holding a 4 month old the pictures don't come out very focused. Better luck next time I hope. Reed did not appreciate the loud booming music either. He finally fell asleep only to be scared again and it brought on the tears. We got out of there as fast as we could.

Sunday we attended the missionary report of Milo's cousin, Aaron. He did a great job and really 'grew up' out there while he was serving. After we had been home for a while I called my friend that plays the piano in primary and asked how everything went. I missed quite the Sunday! When everyone got to church there was no power because of a blown power transformer. Our chapel has no windows and was pitch black. So they met out at the pavilion behind our building, blessed and served the sacrament, said a few words and sent everyone home. After 30 minutes. Really, I don't mind our 3 hour block. It goes fast, I feel the Spirit most Sundays and thats how it's been my whole life. I know no different. BUT, when there is a Sunday off so to speak, I want in on it, ha!

Not much this week either. I so wish I had big plans to be at Women's Conference at BYU this weekend. Not really for Women's Conference, more for the Blogger Party! I would have gone this year too but they don't allow nursing moms anymore and without it being a two fold trip my practical ways just couldn't justify it. Why must I be so practical? I've been friends with some of these fabulous bloggers for a couple years now. It's high time we met in person (don't you think?) but dang it, it's not meant to be this year. I can't wait to read all the posts about it. I'll be waiting for them girls.

Alive

I'm alive. (and feel a bit like Reed in this photo)

I'm in a blogging rut. I love blogging so the current rut confuses me. I know I find time for what I feel is important but right now it feels like there is lots of 'importants' out there. Posting more is definitely a goal.

Single mom's ROCK!! (I've been alone with the rugrats all week and it has not been easy. It's a ton of work and I'm tired. Definitely with all the help from Marion it has been bearable and not nearly as horrific as I imagined. A million thanks over and over! And a huge welcome home for daddy tomorrow!)

Reed looks like this every morning when we take the kids to school. Shocked I'm waking him up from his precious sleep for a 5 minute drive I guess. I love it.

So many other funnies have been going on but this cannot stay a draft any longer. Something is better than nothing right?

That's all I've got tonight.

Long Overdue (and long post)

Some of this post is over a week old and is long overdue. I was going to back date them and make a couple but really, I might never get to it. I don't love posts this long but to get it done was so important to me. So in a very shortened version, this is me catching up on the last week.

Sweet Preston was blessed on Sunday November 4th. He was really good and was passed around from baby lover to baby lover (I'm definitely in that category) and didn't complain at all. Not sure how he did the next day for his parents after being 'loved' by so many but it is so fun to hold a tiny baby, I can hardly resist it. Wait, who am I kidding, I take every chance I get!

The best pictures are on my mom's awesome work camera and well, we don't have copies of them. Hint, hint, mom! Kate did not appreciate family photo time. She wanted down in a big way to play with her cousins and chaos that was ensuing all around her. Lucky for her we didn't try to get a smiling one. Kyle let her down right after this. He hates pictures too!

Nathan didn't go to school on his actual birthday so we took treats on the 8th. His teacher gives them a little gift, eats lunch with them and gives them a cupcake with their letter on it. The kids love it! Can I say it again? I love his teacher, she was made to teach kindergarten! Dane and I went in the last 15 minutes of class and delivered Rice Krispy Treats. So easy! Dane sprinkled them, I cut them into a circle and we were ready to go in no time. The kids loved them.

Nathan was crazy when we got there. He was silly and acting goofy all over the room. They had had the previous 3 days off for conferences so I'm hoping the whole class was like that. November in school is a joke (at least around here). Not one full week of school, not one! I like having the kids home for a kick back day (and holidays) but getting back into the routine takes time, that's the part I hate.

We started a tradition around here concerning birthday parties (I might have mentioned it last year). I LOVE it!! I know my sister did something like it but, my cousin Becky really sold me on the idea a couple years ago. The kids get a friend party the year they go to kindergarten, when they turn 8 and get baptized, again at 12 and then at 16. So far, my sister's kids didn't even want one at 16, they just wanted money. Score! (Can you tell planning parties stresses me out?) To me, it gives them something to really look forward to and they don't get overly spoiled every single year. I would not fit in where parties are HUGE and tons of money spent. Definitely not my thing!

{Gramimi making Nathan's awesome cake}

This year it was Nathan's turn for a friend party. With my lack of really planning ahead and the motivation that would have required we just had a low key party with some kids from church. The weather was fantastic on Saturday so they played outside most of the time. Then we brought them inside to 'wind down' a bit before feeding them cake and ice cream and we played UNO Attack. I wasn't sure if they would like it but it went over great. They belly laughed more than once.

Nathan wanted a tractor cake. He loves John Deere stuff so one day Marion googled tractor cake and then she came up with this one. It's way cuter than the one online. She did most of it but Nathan did come up to me and ask if I was going to do any of his cake. I did the yellow hay stacks and wrote his name. When I had the piping bag in my hand I made sure to call him over so he could watch. I hope he stored that in his memory. I did give Marion moral support, not that she needed it but I was close by the whole time.


Here are the boys just goofing off outside while I tried to get a better self portrait. It isn't great but I remembered to take one, that's progress right? We had the party at Marion's because she has so much more room, especially outside. I can't say enough how glad I am that she agreed to let 6 yr old boys invade her house and that the weather cooperated. Fabulous combination!

We played a couple balloon games (pop one behind your back with a partner and race with one between your legs) but the game they liked the best was eat the donut with no hands. Nathan kept rolling over to get his donut and was totally moving into the space of the kid next to him. He kept laughing over and over, he said he thought Nathan was going to kiss him! Pretty funny stuff to have 6 yr old boys around.

Dane eventually gave up, grabbed the string and chomped down on the donut. I wanted a shot of all the boys covered in powdered sugar but they wiped it off too fast.

When the party first started Nathan was acting crazy. Anyone who knows him knows he has one volume, LOUD! He comes by it honestly but it was annoying. He kept at it and when they were playing games he would say, 'I won, you lost!' Exaggerated and once again LOUD. I had to remind him a couple times in the beginning that it wasn't nice to act like that. The reason I write all this down is because a parenting moment came full circle for me at his party. I totally understand how and why I got a little spanking at my 6 yr old birthday party.....in the McDonald's bathroom (I was acting the same way)! Granted my mom was crazy enough to invite 13 girls to it so maybe she was asking for it? Anyway, I thought it was funny to realize that now that I'm a mom. We all had a good laugh over that memory.


ONE last thing. If I stick with the same time line I did with the other boys (and I'm definitely hoping to), I only have 7 Saturdays left until a baby is living in this house with us!! I had a yikes moment with that last night. We have so much to do and change around. Our house is small and for now he'll have to be in our room which is fine, it will just require some work to get it ready. Milo and I worked all day today getting the weekly stuff done so this week I'll be somewhat ahead and can tackle the 'get ready for unnamed baby' projects that seem ever present and more pressing all the time. Oh my, how 7 Saturdays will fly!!

Jog-A-Thon & Other Happenings

(Love the boring title? It was the best I could do last night)

Yesterday the kids had the annual Jog-A-Thon at their school. I love it because it is the ONLY fund raiser they participate in so it gets great results and not very much pain on a parent's end of the deal. I can't stand the thought of peddling wrapping paper or boxed up chocolates. I can safely blame my mom for that one, she hated them when we were little (we never participated).

Last year the Jog-A-Thon raised $17,000 dollars (this year's goal too). Pretty amazing if you ask me since our school is in a 'low' area (to say the least). The PTA buys the kids t-shirts (from lots of sponsor support) and water bottles and they all run together for 45 minutes. Gramimi and Brianne came down with Jayni and Mason to help cheer the kids on. Both Brianne and I thought the track was close in size to a real track. I'm going to ask someone because I think most kids were running miles once all their laps were added up (and loving it the whole time).

Last year Kathryn ran 14 laps and the highest number ran was 26. This year, 14 was the number to beat. For both Kat and Nate. Each class had a station and every they came to it they were supposed to stop and get a lap crossed off the back of their tag. Their class stations were across the field from each other so they didn't run together. But the funniest thing is that they both ran 17 laps! I'm glad too, I wouldn't want to hear the 'I beat you' over and over again followed by some tears (it would happen!). They both did a great job and it was actually fun to help out with Nathan's class. Kindergarten kids are so cute!

The 4 yr olds decided to have their own Jog-A-Thon of sorts. Jayni and Dane ran around this blanket over and over. I even heard Dane say, 'Let's have our Jog-A-Thon around the rug.' Funny kids.

Eventually, Kathryn came and took Jayni and Dane around for a lap. They wanted to keep going, they had so much fun. (sorry about the blurry pic, I had to hurry before they ran on!)

And if the look on Nathan's face doesn't say it all, THEY WERE POOPED!! I'm not kidding when I say they could have gone to bed at 6:30. I kept them up (crying) until 7, but by 7:05 all three of them were DEAD asleep. It was heavenly. And they slept until 7:15.

Today was a busy productive day. I like days like today but it seems with this pregnancy that I have one good day where I get lots done and then it all tanks the next day. I'm hoping that's not the case tomorrow. I still have a list I want to get through. I did a highlight, picked the kids up for early release, 2 more haircuts (all hair was family so no flames), sewed a couple things, and actually made dinner on top of it all (I most impressed myself with making dinner. That's usually the first thing I give up). Milo was teasing me that I would be in bed by 8 but I guess you could call it some extra burst of energy because I haven't been that tired tonight. Knock on wood for tomorrow though.

Speaking of tomorrow, the kids are out of school for a Learning Improvement Day (whatever that means). I am so serious when I say we are laying low! Sweats, pb&j's and naps are on the agenda! Plus, I don't have much choice in the matter because when Milo went outside tonight he saw this....

a flat tire (ignore the filthy tires, it needs washed bad after our trip last weekend)! A great big screw was right there sticking into the tire. So when Milo get off tomorrow (he only works 1/2 day Fri) thankfully he'll take care of it. Otherwise I would have to drag 3 kids to the tire store, sit there forever and NOT be a happy camper. Thanks Milo!

Where's the Motivation?!

I can't believe a week is already gone and over with since my last post. I have thought a lot about posting but my motivation has been down the drain! I know I'm pregnant and all but I felt like I would (should!) have more energy at this point. I still want a nap everyday and if I don't take one then I'm falling asleep at 6:30 only to find myself not able to fall asleep when I finally get to bed. (Did that make sense?) It is so frustrating for me to not know how to handle being this tired! Any tips?!

Here's a little recap of what we've been up to this past week.

Marion took the kids the night before my birthday and helped them decorate a cake for me. She divided the top into thirds and they each got a section. They planned out what they wanted to do and it wasn't until the next day when I got to see it that we realized their sections together looked like a happy face. I thought that was so cute! She let them each choose a color and then they got to pipe it all on. Dane's is a blob of frosting, Kat did a heart with a little face and Nate wanted me to have a rose. I loved it!

The funniest part of the night was that Marion kept telling them not to tell me what they were doing. Dane kept telling them, 'I'm gonna tell her what we did. I'm gonna tell her.' When she brought them back to the house, immediately he started to tell me. The big kids were trying to shush him but it didn't work. He told me what they had done and Nathan and Kathryn got mad. He just matter of factly said, 'I told you I was going to tell her.' He usually means what he says so I thought it was funny he was just letting them know he was serious all along. What can I say...he's 4!!

They really put 32 singlecandles on my cake. The kids couldn't believe how many I had to blow out. We had a fun little party but Milo was missed. It was definitely different not having him around. Milo had the kids give me my presents while he was gone. They gave me a couple maternity shirts, the book Eclipse, some lotion and a much needed pair of maternity jeans. I needed to take pictures of it all but really forgot that night. Marion gave me a cute shirt and a black cardigan that's dressy. I'm sure I'll wear it every Sunday this winter (black is slimming right?). Anna gave me the book I am a Mother by Jane Clayson (so excited to read it) and Milo's gparents gave me a couple cool bracelets. My brother and Heidi sent some really cute stamps and some paper (I can't wait to craft some cards) and my mom sent me some money. Now I just need to get out of dodge to do some shopping. But really I'm dreading it, maternity clothes are so hard for me to find!

On to Sunday-

Our whole state had stake conference this past weekend. I was elated to have 10:00 church instead of 8:30. But the negative trade off for that was getting all 3 kids to sit still for 2 hours. But... it ended 1/2 hour early! Right when I didn't think Dane was going to make it much longer it was over! It was broadcast from Salt Lake to the 54 stakes in our state. President Hinckley spoke and I was humbled when he asked for our prayers to sustain him in his old age. He told us how much he felt the prayers from church members and how much he really needed them as he was in his 98th year. Again, very humbling.

Sunday night Nathan was so tired (the bawling, not deal well with anything tired). I finally took him into my room and was trying to keep him away from the other kids. He was fighting and arguing about the silliest stuff. I had had a headache for most of the day so I asked him to comb my hair (he needed a project). It was still to early to send them to bed so I had to find him some sort of distraction that didn't involve me reading or tv watching. After a couple minutes he asked if I wanted any bows or ponies in my hair. I didn't care but the funny thing was he had no idea how to make them stay in my hair. He was pulling it like crazy but thinking he was so good at this hair thing. In the end I had 26 barrettes or bows in my hair and ended up looking like this! I just had to take a picture. Doesn't he look proud (and don't I look scary!)?

I've been so slack on my birthday good mail too (not because I didn't love it!)! I was spoiled by Jill, Michelle, Annalisa, Elizabeth, Natasha, Amanda, Stefanie, Jane (a jar of homemade caramel and apples. it was soooo good, it's gone so no photo!), Barb and Carlo. A huge thank you to everyone, it made my day!! (Maybe I shouldn't say this but I hardly remembered that it was...Sept 1th.)

I thought this card from Barb was funny. This describes me to a tee. I always thought I wanted to grow up and be mature. But...I'm still waiting for it.

Then on Thurs the mailman dropped off this package from an online Christmas store. I was certain that I hadn't ordered anything from there and was to say the least, intrigued by the little box! Carlo sent this awesome pickle ornament! I can't remember what post I confessed liking to drink pickle juice but she was the only one that said she likes it too! Everyone else, well they thought we were weird! So started the pickle tradition with her and I. She even named us Team Pickle Juice. Apparently there is a tradition in Germany with pickle ornaments and this little card told me all about it (click to enlarge). I can't wait to do it with the kids this Christmas. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

The best news of the week is the weather! Highs only in the 70's and the lows are getting lower. I am happy to report I feel fall setting in! I can't wait for it to look like this in another month (or so)! Now I want soups and bread on the menu, they speak fall to me. Who doesn't love fall?

Finished!

After a long (long!) day yesterday, the peaches are DONE! Milo's grandma came to help me and was so, so sweet to stay until we were all cleaned up. In just over 3 hours we canned 38 quarts of peaches. I must say, I was quite impressed with our speed. Well Gramie's speed because she was the one that did most all of the blanching, peeling and cutting of the peaches (I did do work, it was the other kind; fixing bottles, the sugar mess and keeping the boys from killing each another). If I had waited one more day I would have lost many more peaches. Thanks so much for all your help Gramie, I am so grateful for all the help you gave me. I so would have quit after getting 20-25 quarts done. She was unstoppable and now I need to think of a great way to pay it forward right back to her!

I don't love to can but I love the results (for some reason it makes me feel a little 'Molly'). I guess you could say I'm a fresh fruit, home canned snob. I love the stuff, store bought stuff just does not in anyway compare in taste (is this only me?)! I blame my grandma and mom(a good blame that is) for feeding it all to me when I was younger. My grandparents had 5 acres they filled with all kinds of fruit trees and they still are some of the best fruit around. And I don't just say that because it's free! We always ate fresh, home canned peaches, pears, green beans, tomatoes, all kinds of freezer jam with fresh fruit, dried apples, pears and homemade fruit leather. Oh just typing all that brings back memories! I love looking at my 'stash' and knowing it will taste good and will feed my family down the road. I have two jars chilling in the fridge right now and I can't wait to eat them!

Today after visiting teaching (on the last day of the month no less) I came home and had to find a place for all 38 quarts of peaches. I didn't take a before picture of this cupboard (dang it!) but it looks at least 1,000 times better. I swear it somehow became the 'Throw it in there and if we ever need it we might find it' cupboard. Or the 'Where in the world is _______, I know I put it in here' cupboard. There was so much crap in there, I filled a garbage bag with old food/stuff I didn't even know was in there. So embarrassing! I just wanted to post a picture to prove to my mom that I did it (just in case it isn't clean when she comes back at Christmas-I plan on it staying this way). It was always annoying to her (and Milo) but for me it was one of the things I knew needed to be done but somehow ignoring it was just fine with me (how, I have no idea). I have looked inside at least 10 times since finishing (so proud, so proud). Who doesn't love a clean food cupboard?

We survived our first 3 days of school (thankfully). Am I the only one that has to pump my kids for info about their day? I have to ask over and over and most of their answers are...'It was fun.' I'm guessing I need to be more specific in my question asking. Oh well I guess we have plenty of time for that.

I'm glad this is a 3 day weekend and Milo will be around on Mon too. This week was so consumed with getting school in order and getting the peaches done, laundry went by the wayside. I have a TON to catch up on so tomorrow the washer and dryer aren't getting any breaks! If I'm brave I'll take a picture of the pile, I'm sure it will COVER my couch.