Audrey Reed

We have a new baby!

Well, technically Amy and Dave do, but I'm over the moon about her like she is one of mine!

Audrey was born on the 24th!

Josh Oliver was the lucky one to go with me to meet her for the first time--Luke got to go when Eli was born and Henry will get to go with the next one!

She is so super sweet and oh so cuddly!

She has so much hair, even more than Eli had. I was shocked because I was really convinced she was going to be almost bald like all of my boys. I apparently really am trying to live through Amy!

It's so exciting to have another baby in the family. I just love all the smells and noises that go along with babies. Even the crying is lovely!

Back to the Real World

(Henry--kindergarten)

I'm a summer mom.

I love having the boys at home all day long, being able to do fun things on a whim without worrying about a boy or two missing out because of school. I love getting to sleep in and not worry about having to worry about signing papers or checking for homework. I love that the boys get to wake up each day and throw on whatever mismatched outfit they want. I especially love that I get to spend so much time with the boys--even on the days they make me want to pull out my hair!

It's all part of the fabulousness of summer.

(It wasn't that long ago that all year long was like summer for us. I miss those days.)

With that being said, there is something so fabulous about the start of school.

The fresh boxes of crayons, the new back packs and clothes, and best of all, a return to organization!

I feel like I actually get things accomplished during the day--like cleaning and errands! No one is in their pajamas past 8:30. I'm much more productive with my to-do-list. I love being on a schedule! It's like getting back to the real world!

After about two months of being in "the real world", though, I start getting antsy for summer to come back around!

I just miss those boys so much!

(Lucas--2nd grade)

Nintendo DSi

About a year ago Lucas discovered the joys of a Nintendo DS. He wanted one bad, but I thought he was to young.

We made a deal.

Once he turned 8, I would let him have one for his birthday OR he could buy one himself as soon as he saved up enough money.

All year long he has saved and saved. While his other brothers were buying toys and treats, he was saving his dollars.

With all of his birthday money--apparently a lot of people thought 8 was too long to wait--he had enough to not only buy his DSi, but also an extra game and some accessories.

Getting to set all of that cash on the counter was a proud moment for him!

Imagination

I had a ton of things to do last weekend and Josh Oliver was my date for most of them.

He was quite entertaining!

While I was trying on shoes at Penney's, Josh Oliver took my keys and drove off in my car. Luckily he came back to get me when I was done!

He also told me about the lights that shine up from the basement of Target. I always thought that it was the reflection of the lights above, but he says no.

While we were swimming, he kept going to the store at the bottom of the pool and bringing up goodies like new sunglasses, soda, ice for his daddy, pretty much anything I might need!

On our many errands, he also insisted on picking out and carrying everything we were going to buy. He's such a good helper! When we bought a gallon of paint, he had a good go at trying to carry it, but eventually gave in and let me carry it.

The best thing, though, was that he insists on holding my hand always. He acts like it's the end of the world if I don't have a free hand for him to grab. I love that!

Smooches

Henry kissed a girl yesterday.

He said it was her idea.

When I picked him up from the KidZone at the Y, he brought her to the door to introduce her to me. He didn't get her name right, though. He said it was Joey, but really it was Josie. (I was impressed that he was even close!)

After we left he told me about the kiss.

It was on the lips.

Henry's a bit of a germ-a-phobe. He especially doesn't like to share things like drinks with other people. If he absolutely has to share, he always sneakily wipes off the straw before he takes a sip.

I gave him the ,"you're really too young to be doing that" speech, but I thought maybe the germ route might work better.

It didn't.

The conversation ended with him saying, "well, I guess I don't care about germs anymore."

Are we going to be those parents who get called up to school because our Kindergartner can't keep his lips to himself? The only thing that gives me hope, is that it wasn't his idea--this time!