11.5.2015 - for snow

We woke up this morning and looked out the window, we were disappointed to not see the snow that we thought might come during the night. Before the boys headed to school, Corbin looked out again and saw a few light flurries. After the boys left, I looked out again and saw huge snowflakes coming down. Rudger and I were all sorts of giddy. I only wished the boys were home with us. 

11.4.2015 - for sleep

Nothing like having a newborn to make someone appreciate sleep. The first night in our home, Sweet Adeline decided she needed to be held the entire night in order to sleep. A couple of nights later I was dealing with a massive headache, at 3:30, after being up three times already, I started to whimper because I just wanted some sleep. Justin woke right up and took her for the rest of the night. I woke up four hours later feeling like a new woman. I was so happy. 

Since then, she has gotten this sleep thing down a little better. She has even slept for a seven hour stretch...twice. I woke up crying tears of joy. 

11.3.2015 - for their fun daddy

I have said it before and I will probably say it a million more times. I am so grateful that Justin is so involved in his role as father. He loves our children so much! He lets them climb on his back or hang onto his feet so they can be dragged around, they rush to him every night when he gets home from work to see who can give the first hug, they have their silly little jokes. He is totally the fun parent!

He pushes our children to be better in all they do. I love watching him work with each individual child on their homework when I just don't have the energy to nag anymore. If our children are top of the class for math, it will be because of him and his diligence in having them really understand the concepts and not just get by to pass the class. 

I have a feeling these future fathers and providers will go far in life because of their father.

11.2.2015 - for good friends

I have been full of so much gratitude this past month for good friends. Some amazing people threw me a couple of showers for our baby girl. I was so grateful to those who took the time out of their busy schedule to come see me and to visit, even people I hadn't seen in over four years. It was so lovely. 

We also have some awesome friends that we get together with at least once a month for a treat night. (the kids really make certain this is always happening) I dearly love this people and the tradition we have started.

11.1.2015 - for my body

Obviously with the birth of our baby, there is a lot to be thankful for this month. I am completely amazed by the human body. The way we are created, the growth that happens in the womb, the miracle of birth, the way we change and grow and learn through this life, the bodies ability to heal itself. I am in awe.

I am so grateful that I have been able to have five little miracles grow inside of me. Towards the end of this pregnancy, I was already mourning the fact that I would never have this experience again, I would never feel the movements of a baby rolling around inside of me, even the discomforts of pregnancy - I was going to miss. Now it seems like ages ago that I was pregnant, but I am so grateful I had the privilege.

our baby girl

It has been a week and a half and I still cannot take my eyes off of her. Her! She has brought the most amazing spirit (just like every baby does) and we are soaking it up as much as possible.

Welcome to our family Miss Adeline Jill Morris. 

and so it begins again :: 2015-16 school year ::

And so it begins again. Is it just me, or did this summer fly by like none other? I hope the boys felt like it was a good one. Hopefully there were plenty of adventures, sleeping in, and lazy days. Now it's back to the nagging mom, early bedtimes, deadlines, but hopefully being back on a schedule will be good for us.

Last night we had our back to school feast, introduced our theme, had our father's blessings, and then had THE hardest time falling asleep. I tried reading to them so that they would fall asleep faster, it didn't work last night...they were just too excited!

This morning they were up bright and early (at least for them). New clothes on, hair combed, traditional rice pudding eaten, and pictures taken...they were ready to get out the door fast.

 Corbin has shown the most excitement. Last night he laid out his clothes, socks, shoes, backpack, school supplies and kept saying he couldn't believe he was in 6th grade. I can't either. When I was walking to the big kid hall to take his picture, I kept thinking...'I am a mom to a 6th grader!!' It seems way too surreal. 

I love how excited Taylor was about his shirt and shoes matching. We even found socks that went perfectly which made us both quite happy. :) Taylor is very excited to have one of his friends in his class this year and even a second cousin! I have a feeling this will be a big year for him.

 Levi was the least excited about school starting. Oh how he wished summer would go on and on. But that wolf shirt made it much easier to get out of bed this morning. I am certain there was a little bit of excitement about seeing friends, smelling fresh out of the box crayons, and getting to eat lunch at school again. Here's to second grade.

And I am determined to get on a good schedule, so that everyone can come hope to a peaceful, happy place. Meal plans, cleaning schedule perfected, and get as much done in this house before our baby comes in just over two months!

Rudger is NOT happy. Right now he is sitting by me as sad as can be. As we left the school this morning, he said, "I do NOT want the brothers to go to school." We are going to have some long days ahead of us.