Today . . .

We are all still in our pajamas, even though it is a school day.


All three bathrooms will be cleaned. The dogs will get baths.


No Christmas presents are wrapped, but many have been purchased. I tend to procrastinate and am worried the young pup will chew on them as she tends to chew on everything now.

The young pup will not get anything to eat after 6 tonight. She's having surgery tomorrow and will be greatly spoiled upon return to our home.

The kids are all eating dry Cheerios and drinking gatorade, while watching cartoons.

I am drinking a 2nd cup of coffee and will likely have a 3rd. It's been a long week with little sleep.

I miss my sister.

My eldest informed me yesterday that she wishes her Grandma Charlene would 'visit more often'. So do I.

There are many things I wish I'd stuck with or learned as a kid - piano and sewing to name just 2.

My current crochet project is a good way to avoid all other tasks. It's going slow and I'm not sure I like it, but I will finish it anyway.

I'm grateful for my "sister-friends" who willingly fill-in the role of family. You know who you are and you are much loved!

I've had a baby gift sitting on the office table since October. I will add a Christmas gift for the big sister and finally send it this week. Good thing it was purchased for baby to wear in the spring. Did I mention that I tend to procrastinate?

Usually Elliott and I have a Wednesday post-gymnastics coffee date at Coffee Connection. I'm craving the raspberry white chocolate scone and latte I missed today.

The middle child cried last night when she learned that she wouldn't be going to school today. I discovered it was because she'd be missing out on the ice cream sandwich treat at the end of rehearsal for the church Christmas program. I'll be buying ice cream sandwiches.

The oldest gets very loving while sick with the stomach flu. It's challenging to hold someone who smells so badly that close! But I'm a mom and so I do it anyway.

The youngest has six girlfriends. One is actually a real person, the rest are fictional characters. Well, except Taylor Swift but I'm not sure he realizes that she's real.

And the Oscar goes to . . .

There are two aspiring actresses in our home. Delaney and Jillian take part in any opportunity they can to be on stage. Most recently, the acted in Prairie Fire Theater's "Cinderella." Prairie Fire sends 2 adults to the school to put together a show in one week's time. Auditions are held on Monday (all kids are cast in the show). The students rehearse after school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 8 pm. On Friday, they have a dress rehearsal afer school followed by the performance that evening. It's an amazing and fun (and exhausting!) experience! They are already looking forward to the next show! Delaney was cast as one of Cinderelly's mice, complete with a speaking part. Jillian's character was described as the 'cutest, sweetest, most adorable' of the entire show - a pumpkin! I recorded most of the performance, and if I ever manage to figure out my editing software (help Adam!) maybe I'll share it with you! For now, here are a few snapshots from after the show. Look at those gigantic smiles - think they had any fun???

Delaney is the far left, bottom row

BOO!

Buzz Lightyear

To infinity and beyond!

Beautiful Butterfly

Fortune Teller

(made by g'ma charlene)

Princess H

Harper has been part of our family for 2 months now and she is 4 months old already! Bailey has adjusted to having a little sister; although she's not always in the mood for Harper's shenanigans. Frankly, neither am I -- she has left her mark on my dining room table and chairs! But the kids love her oodles and I never have to argue with them to take her out or feed her.

hockey

I must really love this kid . . . because I do NOT want to be a hockey mom! But look at that face - how could I deny him something that makes him shine like that?!

first day of school

A beautiful, funny, smart 3rd grader!!!

A sassy, brilliant, fun 2nd grader!!!

All 3 off to school for the first time!

An excited, energetic, cute preschooler!

On his way!!! Elliott was so very ready for this day, although a bit disappointed the girls got to ride the school bus and he just had to go with mom. A giant squeezy goodbye hug and he was busy with playdough and didn't give me a second glance as I left the room. I'm so very proud of his independence and confidence!

Harper

Meet the newest addition to our family! Harper Stella Elton came home on August 19th. According to Delaney, she's just the cutest little puppy you'll ever lay eyes on!!! Elliott says she's a ton of fun and Jillian says she's a bundle of joy! Bailey isn't so sure about Harper, but we're hoping she'll get over and play and teach her to be a good dog.