swing time

As my the busy photography season has approaced, I've felt a need to capture the daily happenings in our life and have been pushing myself to look at things from a differenct perspective. The result, this cute picture of Mack. Maybe it's my mommy goggles but I find it pretty cute!



Last Sunday was a great day for Schuyler's soccer team. We saw some amazing things from these girls. We witnessed several pull backs in the game, Schuyler being one of them. Girls who are usually timid were coming out of there shells and scoring. And, speaking of scoring, Ms. Schuyler had 7 or more goals. She had a great game! I've been trying to teach her some new concepts but she's not always receptive if it comes from her mom. So, our coach has another team of 10 year old girls which he brings his daughter to. He invited Schuyler to join. She had a great time working on foot work and drills and was able to witness them scrimage. It was good for her to see the concept of space!

Eli is coming out with more words... arm and side (outside). His first session with the teacher last week went well. She was able to provide me with some cues to use to promote the use of speech. I really think he's on the verge of some break throughs.

Friday we had a lazy evening and enjoyed the sunset on the back porch. We taught Schuyler sprints and got the stop watch out. Eventually, we all took turns racing each other. I'm definitely not as in shape as I used to be!

We starting a new series at church that I'm really excited for. It's call my desperate household. This first message was great and I can't wait for the rest! If you are interested, you can find more info here.

caught red handed!

Hmm, what do you think is going thru his head. How about, "Sheesh, I've been caught again. Oh well"! See his little table in the bottom right that he pushed over. Pretty clever little man! He is starting to use some more words!! Shoe, Juice (refers to any drink), done, more, nana (banana), shar (sharp)! I met his teacher he will be working with this past Monday. Her name is Denie and I think she will be a great fit. It can't hurt that she has raised 4 boys of her own and has a grandson! She read his evaluation and the first words she said were, "Sounds like one of my boys"! We start working with her on Monday. We'll start with weekly visits with the intent to reduce down to once or twice a month after the first month.

Tonight is Fun Night at Schuyler's elementary. It should be fun. We told the girls if they get their room cleaned we would treat them to cotton candy!

I got to spend a little one-on-one time with McKenzie last weekend, which was good since her play date got cancelled. I took her for a little shopping and we stopped and got my mom. She truly does have distinct likes and dislikes when it comes to fashion. She got some silky ballerina pj's, a dress, a horse shirt, and a sparkly headband. She was very happy = )

always count your blessings

Before you go to bed, do you count your blessings? After an incident last Friday, I've been couting mine. The kids and I went to Runza to use our free ice cream cone coupons. It was a beautiful evening and we were eating outside. Eli had just got down from my lap and was looking at some rocks right beside me. I noticed his cone was getting down to the wrapper level so I went to take it off for him so he didn't eat it. After I did, he was MAD. He made a dash for the drive thru and I could hear a car coming. I screamed, probably at the very top of my lungs "NO!". He had both feet just off the curb and was ready to take another step and throw his spoon. Luckily, I was able to catch the hand that was going to throw the spoon and pull him back. The truck must have heard my scream b/c he had veered slightly away from the curb. My poor little boy was probably 6-12 inchs from getting hit. It was a big F150 truck and Eli's head would have taken the brunt of the bumper. People from inside came out and the driver of the truck was upset. It took me a moment to come out of my shock. Luckily we were all okay. After the driver left, and the people went back inside, I sat holding my head in my hands and cried. I sent a prayer up to God. There is no point to this story. It just needed to get off my chest.

On a more light hearted note. Schuyler had her first fall soccer game. She just loves soccer. She plays kickball every recess.

Mackie had her first dance class. I think the girl is in love with it. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to join Schuyler's class since it's right after her's on Tuesday nights.

Here's 2 of my beautiful sunshine! Look at that toothless grin in the last one!

Chindian

So, what is a Chindian you ask? It's a new McKenzism! We were being silly Monday night and there was left over flour on the counter and Mark was putting it on my face. It had been a challenging day with the kids and I commented that this was my war paint and he replied that I was the chief indian. Well, Mack walked in about that time and said "I want to be a Chindian too!". So, Chindian in our household represents "Chief Indian". And yes, all the kids had to have "war paint" on there fact too!

Eli has been giving us some good laughs as well. The boy loves lotion! He will cover his legs, belly, and arms in it. The other thing he has taken an interest to is his sister's music box/jewelry box. I think his main fascination is how to get the music to play and trying to figure out how to wind (sp) the box. The other thing about Eli, which he might get from his mom... he LOVES having his feet tickled. Before bed, when we're cuddling and reading stories he will sometimes stretch out and put his feet by my hands or up by my face. This is his sign that he wants his feet tickled.

I think my body is now in the routine of my new earlier work hours. I love picking Schuyler up from school! She is such a chatter box and I hear so much about her day = )

If you all have a chance, stop over to my photography blog. It was time to separate my personal life and photography business.

Here is the pic that would not upload last week. Eli getting a big smooch from his sisters'. I'm pretty sure he's not loving it as much as they are = )