Seriously in LOVE!

Thanks to Alana Lange Photography, my siblings and I were able to surprise our parents with this beautiful portrait of their 15 favorite people in the world.

Whenever I see this picture I can't help but smile. I think each of the kids personalities shines through beautifully -- you can't even tell that Beckam was throwing up in between shots and that Mac was about an hour away from throwing up about a gazillion and one times.
You've got to admit it . . . aren't they the cutest bunch of kids you've ever seen?

And P.S. I have no idea who paints their entire barn turquoise, but for the sake of our wonderful picture, I thank them!

High Hopes

Everyone keeps telling me that it's okay if Jilli grows up rolling around in the dirt, playing ball and using sticks as weapons. "She has three brothers, what do you expect," people say. It's true and while I've come to accept the fact that she is rough and tumble most of the time, my heart flutters with joy every time I ask her to show me her "pretty ballerina pose" and she holds onto one foot stretching it out behind her. (And no, I didn't teach her the pose, although I'm very willing to demonstrate any other dance moves she may be interested in.)

And if her poses and pigtails aren't proof enough, I think her physique shouts nothin' but "future ballerina!"

so the truth comes out . . .

Mac gave me this note and after I read it I gave it back to him and had him read it aloud. Needless to say we got a good chuckle. He insists that he meant "best" and not "beast," but maybe I should take a hint.

BACK 2 SCHOOL

McCade started 2nd grade and couldn't be happier! He loves school and enjoys staying busy all day long. It also helps that he got the teacher that we've been praying he would get. Ms. Merrill has been a teacher I've admired ever since Mac's first day of Kindergarten when I saw her interacting with her own class. This year is also a big year because McCade made the choice to go by Mac. Even though we've called him Mac his whole life, it's odd to see all his papers and notes from school come home with Mac written on it. I guess we'll see if this sticks from here on out or if he'll switch back sometime down the road.

Jaxton walked into Kindergarten with all the confidence in the world. He acted as if he'd been doing the school thing for years. So far he's had a great year and loves the fact that during Kindergarten assessments he counted higher than anyone else in his grade -- he reminds us of it daily. On the other hand, he despises rest time (he's proving to be more and more like Mac) and just counts down the minutes until it's over.

After much debate, the boys and I were finally able to convince Nate that riding the bus would be okay -- and talk about excitement! The boys now ride it home 3 afternoons each week and it's always a highlight on those days. It's so nice for me to just walk out my front door and greet them off the bus stairs.

Beckam started preschool this year and to be honest, a little part of my heart broke when I left him in class on that first day. Even though he's only gone Tuesday and Thursday mornings, he's just an easy kid to have around and I miss him dearly when he's gone. Beck was quite nervous when I dropped him off the first day, but he knew he wasn't supposed to cry or make a scene, so he plastered on a fake smile and just followed the teacher's instructions. I lingered for a minute or two to see how he would adjust, but when the teacher told Beckam to "wave goodbye to mommy" I took the hint and reluctantly left. When I picked him up 4 hours later, the first thing he excitedly said was, "That was the best thing ever!" When we got home Beck showed me how he could hold his backpack over one shoulder "just like Mac does" and how he can stand on one foot -- he attributes it all to his time at preschool. I guess he doesn't remember how many times he's shown me those same tricks before.

The fact that I'm down to only one child for eight hours each week makes me feel like I can move mountains. The last time I had to take care of only one child for a consecutive amount of time was back when I just had Mac. Think of all the things I can accomplish with just one companion. My heart flutters with excitement at just the thought of it.
We HEART school!

for my dad, the rancher

The beloved Hat J Ranch! The perfect 500 acre haven for 13 little grand boys and 2 grand girls . . .

including Jilli, who is among the ranch's biggest fans!

It makes my dad happy to see his grandkids sporting rubber boots, especially his sweet Jilli!