The Perfect Morning....

Usually when Finley wakes up at six in the morning, I feed her, burp her, hold her up for a half hour for her reflex, change her diaper, then I try to get in a few more zzz's before starting the day. This morning I decided instead of fighting the inevitable, (which is not being able to go back to sleep, and being cranky and tired all morning) I would take advantage of some much needed quiet time. The house was chilly so I got all bundled up and headed down stairs. I wanted the kids to have a good breakfast before school, so I started some biscuits. It seems like a nutrigrain bar and yogurt were becoming the quick and easy routine for breakfast and I wanted to make them something that would really stick to there bellies. ( I totally quoted my dad right there..how funny..). Oatmeal and biscuits are Gabe's favorite and Chandler loves them just as much, so I thought it would be a pleasant surprise. Here is the yummy recipe off of my sisters blog!

After I put the Biscuits in I made myself one of my favorite drinks, hot Apple Cider..YUMMY!! There is something about the brisk feeling of Fall that makes me want to drink hot cider every morning. While I made the cider I sang, The best part of waking up is with cider in your cup". I know it doesn't have the same ring to it, and although I do love the smell of coffee, I can't imagine it tasting as delectable as apple cider. It smelled like fresh warm biscuit's in the oven and warm apple cider, now all I needed was a good book to read while I waited for the kids to wake up.

A few of my friends, ( Brenda, Nichelle, and Janeal) bought me the fourth book in the "Twilight" series and before I read it I have been wanted to read the others again. I don't retain things for very long, and I wanted to remember every nail biting detail. So I started the books again. So far they are just as good as the first time I read them. Thanks again girls for the thoughtful gift. It wasn't long into the book before I could hear Gabe growling at the top of the stairs, followed by Chandler whining that it was too cold. Surprisingly I wasn't tired or cranky. I think I will start making mommy mornings a daily ritual.

Oh before I forget, Chris woke up shortly after the kids, saw me in all of my morning glory and said, and I quote, " I dare you to blog whatever it is that you are wearing"! I got a good laugh out of it, so here it is for all of you die hard eighties leg warmer/Mr. Roger sweater loven fans. ME IN ALL OF MY MORNING GLORY!!! This one is a shout out to my hubby...love ya babe!

I hope you all have a Beautiful day, and take a little time out for yourselves. IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!!

Catching Up....

I have so much to catch up on, so this is going to be one of those random posts.

First of all Gabe turned 4. His birthday was on July 27th. So much has happened since then, so I am a little late posting about it. I can't believe my baby boy is already four. Here is a little glimpse into the life of our wild child. Gabe was born with so much pitch black hair that he was already sporting the missionary side swipe. He was so handsome and so full of life. He never really slept as a baby and is still never really sleeping! He has the most wild imagination. He loves to pretend that he is a different animal or super hero each and everyday. This morning he asked me to do his hair like a cheetah. It is the only way we can get him to do his hair, so I am happy to comply. Gabe loves to act tough, but he is really a big softy. He is so protective of his sisters and mommy, and is always catering to our every need (poor guy). He is his daddies little shadow and wants to do any and everything Chris does. We Love our little guy so much and are sad that he is growing up way too fast. Happy Birthday Monster!

He invited his best friends, "Wuke" and "JoJo" (Luke and Joseph) to Blast Off for some fun and some pizza. I love this picture of the three of them, too cute.

We always have a separate celebration with family. We had everyone over for dragon cake and ice cream. I got this idea from my sister. It looks complicated, but it is so easy. Here is the link if you want to give it a try. You have to love Family Fun! Gabe had such a blast and loved all of his new toys. Thanks again everyone, for making his day special.

Although he wasn't quite as excited about it, Chris also had a birthday and turned the big 27 on Sept. 3rd. I told him we are going to be throwing him an over the hill party soon, and didn't get a very enthused response. Man where do I start with this guy. To let you know how great he is, I asked him what he wanted for his birthday and like every year he said he wanted to spend it with his family. I know he would have been perfectly happy with just that, but I took his motorbike in to be repaired and he acted like a giddy school boy over it. We also went to the Fair with some friends and celebrated each of our husbands birthdays by stuffing our faces and watching drunken Indians, YES! Chris is the most giving and thoughtful person I think I have ever met. He is always putting his family first, and is always looking for ways to improve as a husband and father. Thank you for working so hard to provide for us babe, I love you no matter how old you get teehee! I love this picture of him, doesn't he look like a hunk of man candy?

Here is our favorite news yet! Notice anything? Finley is completely off of the oxygen and getting cuter and bigger everyday! Don't you love these shots? I still can't express the gratitude I have for everyone and for all of your prayers. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough.

I may be a little bias, but these are three of the most beautiful children ever!

I can't get enough of this sweet baby girl! Here are a few shots that i couldn't resist!

I think she is going to have attitude just like her sister. Chandler is totally obsessed with her new baby sister. She is such a big help. I jumped in the shower and asked Chandler if she would listen for Fin and tell me if she starts to cry. When I got out, Chandler had Finley in her arms rocking her to sleep. I was a little nervous about chandler lifting her while I was gone, but Finley was perfectly content, so how could I be upset?

I don't have all of the pictures for this, but I wanted to thank Primary Children's for being so sweet to our family and all of the other families who were there. For those of you who don't know, they really focus on the families comfort. They gave us free zoo tickets, museum tickets, and free counseling for the children to help cope with there emotions and help them to better understand all that was going on. They brought the cutest little dolls in hospital gowns and explained all of the wires and tubes that Finley had. The kids were able to color faces on the dolls, put band aids and wires on them, and talk about how they felt. Thank you to everyone at Primary Children's, we love you.

Here are a few of our favorite animals at the Zoo. We watched the gorilla's for about fifteen minutes, I just couldn't get enough of them.

A Fresh Start...

Well, back to blogging. I have so much to blog about, but I decided the kids first day of school would be a great place to start.

Chandler as been so excited to be going to the "Big School". She was really disappointed when she found out she didn't get to ride the bus, (They decided to stop bus transportation for those who live within a certain parameter ) and she was so mad when she found out. The bus used to stop right in our front yard and for two years she has said she can't wait until she gets to ride it. I was a little sad for her sake, but I didn't really want to let her ride it anyway. I am a paranoid freak that way. She loves her teacher and loves going to the "Big School."

I asked each of the kids there favorite part about school. Chandler said, so enthusiastically, "playing computers, there is a fairy game and the fairy knows my mame and she even can spell it!" ("mame" is name, it's not a typo, its how she pronounces it.) Although I correct her, I happen to think it is adorable.

This is her teacher Mrs. Peterson. She taught when I went to Iona Elementary. I never had her as a teacher but a few of my sisters did, and they say she is the nicest teacher ever.

When I asked Gabe his favorite part, he said, "nothing"! He wasn't as enthusiastic as Chandler was about school. He was so scared when I took him. I thought he would be my social butterfly, but no such luck. He was so shy. I think he has had so much change, like a new baby, then us leaving for two weeks, now school, he is just having a hard time getting into a familiar routine. Every time I try to leave somewhere he breaks down, tells me not to leave him and asks to kiss baby "finny" before I go. I think that he thinks we are going to leave again, and it breaks my heart for him.

Gabe's teacher is Mrs. Blakely. They call her Mrs. Di, because her name is Dianna and it's just easier. Chandler had her in Preschool, and I was so impressed with how much she learned!

I got really inspired by this art station I saw in a pottery Barn Kids magazine. I made this organization station in the library for them. I wanted to wait until the wall was painted, but decided since that wasn't happening any time soon that I might as well just do it.
I am so glad I did. I love it, and it has helped me stay on top of things.

I also made these puppies for an after school snack. My mom always had yummy after school snacks for us when we got home and I plan to keep it a tradition. They are called "Chocolate Chip Blondies" and they are divinity let me tell you. I think I ate most of them!

Last but not least, our sweet baby Fin. She is growing like a weed and getting stronger everyday. She is still on oxygen, but is making improvements all the time. She is so spoiled by all of us. I swear the child is never put down between the four of us. The kids love her to death, and hold her every chance they get. She is our little miracle.