Decisions, Decisions

This week was a week of tough decisions for us (me, really). Well, only one actually.

Even though I thought I really wanted this little boy to start school....We decided that we would homeschool this year. At least give it a good try. I just got to thinking how hard it was going to be to get the three, soon to be four kids, ready EVERY morning, Monday through Friday. To be out the door by 7:30am, with four kids!!
(they look completely innocent, but REALLY, they can be monsters at times!)
Now don't get me wrong, people actually are able to accomplish this. I however, don't think I am up for the task.

I have contemplated homeschooling for awhile now... and thought I didn't have the patience for it. Which I might not... however, I do believe that it will come. And I get to wake up whenever the baby (or babies) wake me up... not by 6:30 every morning to make sure they all have enough time to get up and dressed and out the door.

Really, it is Colton that hates the morning. That kid would sleep in till 10 if we let him. He doesn't like to go to bed early either... so I think this will work for us. Besides it is kindergarten, and we have the option to put him in school next year.

Oh, and if Tyler happens to get deployed soon (not that he is, but it could happen) then I would have the option to head back to Oregon. Which would be nice to have help during that time.

In the meantime, we are awaiting baby number four. I am finishing up some projects:: I made a nice sling for him, and finished a bean bag pillow (just need filler for it). Also, knitting some cute little vests and gnome hats for Halloween... next up is a knitted wolf hat and mittens and maybe tail for Colton for Halloween. Ayla is wanted to be Little Red Riding Hood (which all happen to tie in together kind of) so I will be hopefully making her a cape for her birthday. I have plans to make her an outfit for her birthday, but that girl has so many clothes, that I might hold off and save it for Christmas!
My project list is pretty long, and who knows how much I will actually get checked off before the babe comes, but it sure is nice to check them off.
OH, speaking of checking things off a list... check out this blog post over here. I ordered this app for our IPod touch, and so far, so good! Nice to be able to gold star finished tasks :)

Just in case anyone asks... we are going to use the Oak Meadow Curriculum for Colton and Ayla (why not, right?). I found a smoking good deal for a used set of K-3rd grade on Craigslist, so I went for it. I have a feeling Colton will be ready for the 1st grade stuff. This kid is chomping at the bit to read!

::Right now::

Right now we are finding things to enjoy, despite the heat.

Golfing as a family (we only golfed 4 holes, but the kids had a blast driving the carts!)
Running away from everyone on the golf course (or stealing everyone's golf balls!)
Reading countless books.

staying in PJ's for a good part of the morning.

Enjoying my one cup of coffee sitting in my favorite chair.

Having thunder, lightning and sweet rain since early this morning (Saturday!) ::: so nice!

Watching tumblebooks online.

Seeing Ayla become obsessed with these beautiful dresses that her Grandma and I scored at the local (well, used to be :( up in Kalispell) consignment shop. She looks so darn adorable, even if they are size 5-6!)

Oldies but goodies! Easter 2011

NO, Texas did not suddenly sprout awesome snow capped mountains!! (Or wonderful friends who I miss so much!) BUT... I was going through some old folders of photos (on the computer of course) and came across these. I thought to myself, wow, what great photos! Then I looked back on Easter 2011, and realized I only posted a couple of them.... so here is some more great pictures of our beloved Flathead Lake, that we miss so much, and our beloved friends, Becca, Luke, Kadence and Gracyne, who we miss more!!!

While we were away...

The kids and I just got back from vacation in Oregon. We left Tyler at home to fend for himself, and we visited lots of family for 3 weeks.
This was the first year that the older two kids were left with the grandparents overnight for more than one night! They had a blast!! It is amazing how well they behave without us there to supervise (or so I am told!) Kellen and I headed to the Portland area and bonded (he is now a COMPLETE mama's boy!) and hung out with my sister, Leecia; one of my best friends, Jaime and family; and my parents out at our old house in Boring. We had lots of fun.

Meanwhile, Tyler was back in Texas slaving away in some oppressive heat! He worked most days and then in the evening he would ... golf! There were even a couple days that he golfed twice in a 12 hour period. That is a lot of golf!! But he also managed to get a lot of projects done around the house... 3 bathrooms were painted; one table with 4 chairs were cleaned (and this was major) sanded, primed and painted and then distressed ... I absolutely LOVE the table and chairs!
He also painted two bookcases (which he said was the most work, because they required many coats of yellow); and the outdoor furniture got a touch up too.

That was my honey-do list... and he did every single thing! I guess that is what you get when you don't have TV in the house.

I love this man, for more than just being the best husband ever!!!

I have to admit that I thought he might forget to eat without us here, so thank you so much to a couple neighbors and friends for feeding him while I was gone! I am proud to announce he did not loose any weight (that is a feat all in itself).

Pictures of our trip might be a little while in coming.... I did not bring a camera with us, and had to use a couple disposable ones. Patience is key.

33 weeks (still 7 weeks left... really?)

Here I am at 33 weeks. With our little boy (unless they were wrong!) We are so excited to welcome him into the family... and the seven weeks probably can't go fast enough with this heat we are having!

Colton's Birthday Party

Colton's birthday party was a huge success, and I think fun was had by all. I might have planned a little too many games (hence the morning after game of pin the tail on the wolf), but it went fine. He had a plane cake, a B-1 Bomber pinata (that Tyler spent hours on!), friends, pool, sprinkler, croquet, and presents!
Morning after Pin the Tail on the Wolf.... even Coyote the wolf got a turn! Colton, Ayla and Kellen all put the tails where they were supposed to go... Tyler was the furthest off!

Colton is 5!!!!

Five years ago today, we welcomed this sweet little bundle into our lives. From day one, he has been his own little person. Always curious, always shy, always doing things at his own pace. We have been so lucky to get to watch you grow into the little boy/big brother you are today. Thank you Colton Jay, for giving us a very happy five years... and hopefully many, many more!




I will try to post his birth story soon (when time permits)