This and That

Ok friends, preschool is quickly approaching. Four yr old preschool, that is. Brayden is MORE THAN READY to go to school--"my friends are all at school?!" says Brayden with a pouty face right before he begs and pleads for me to drop him off at his school. This is fantastic except for the fact that the school he wants to go to is his preschool from last year. :( this breaks my heart right now but I have high hopes that this mindset will change. We met Brayden's teacher and some of his new friends (4 girls and 16 boys) at sneak a peak this past Wednesday. He will be in the same class as the neighbor boy from across the street. We don't know them very well yet, but this is a great opportunity to get to know them better.

We have a lot of fun stuff coming up and I can't wait to tell you all about it and post pictures!!

"Mended" by Angie Smith
YOUR ROAD TO EMMAUS
one word:consumed
Seriously, we let ourselves get consumed by so many things.... Having our caffeine in our morning routine, working out, keeping on schedule,..........etc. I only need to be consumed by the Lord.

Women of Faith

It was amazing this year though I didn't expect anything less!! Ken Davis started out and was hysterical! Liz really hit home on a couple different notes. Angie and Sheila are always my favorites. My new favorite this year was Chris. Her story is something and I love how fired up she gets!! She is my kind of gal!!
I got Angie's book, "mended." I am going to read it like a bible study and then journal here.
The Past and the Pitcher
One word: broken
Prayer for today: dear God, please help me glue my pitcher and not my fingers. Remind me that you are greater than all my brokenness and you died for my sins. Amen

Wordless Wednesday

Boji and ISU Fan Fest

We have been enjoying our last few weeks of summer and keeping busy!!

We had a fun little weekend in okoboji with my mom. No tv, some beers, outdoors, swimming, snacks, ducks, walks, and watching the boats. We had a few other outdoor things planned but the rain trapped us inside. We headed back to sunny Ogden and Jon and I had a sparatic date night with the mcconnells. *great night huh guys?!*

Sunday, the boys went fishing since we didn't get a chance in boji. They caught two fish and it was precious!!
After lunch we went to ISU Fan Fest. It was crazy but a fun experience for the kids. How cute was Kalyn?! Yes, even though she is wearing cardinal and gold!! (she also has a hawkeye cheer leading outfit)

Wordless Wednesday

Iowa state fair

Slowing down and catching up

Last week I did the "slow down challenge" that I created for myself. I just wanted to slow down and not rush so much-- and what a better time to slow down than right when the summer is in overdrive trying to wrap up everything before school starts. I have never had so much fun with the kids and gotten so much done at the same time! I discovered a few things... My kids are the best helpers and they are the most lovable, responsible, and awesome 4 yr old and 2 yr olds I know! We are still on slow down mode!!

We had a follow up ENT appt for Nolan (every six months) and the kids did so good being patient and waiting for the doctor (when he was running 30 min late). Best ENT ever!

My BFF Andrea had her baby boy on Friday!!! SO exciting!! Jenner Maxwell Doll. I love him so much already!!

Jon and I went out with a few of my old coworkers for happy hour. It had been A LONG TIME. So fun to catch up with everyone.

Saturday, we had a few friends over to celebrate Jon's 31st Bday. It was a beautiful day and great company made for a fun night!! Thanks guys!!

Brayden just had his 4 yr appt at the doctors office. We opted to get his booster shots (for kindergarten-- which they do at age 4 or more commonly 5). He took the shots like a champ and only cried for a quick second and then asked if he got a bandaid. My little stud!! He was 99% for weight at 51.6 lbs and 93% for height at 43 1/8 in.
We are going to talk to our ENT about his tonsils and adenoids. He has BIG tonsils and never really had a sore throat...knock on wood.

We have a couple of busy weeks to come. Vacation to okaboji, school stuff, women of faith, one of Brayden's BFF's Bday party and then HELLO FALL AND BACK TO SCHOOL.

Just some cute pictures

Typical Wednesday

Today we just had a regular day. The kids and I went grocery shopping. We unloaded the car and went to the copy store to get some pampered chef flyers for the fair tomorrow. Then we played ... Puzzles, books, sensory buckets, cooked lunch, picked up toys, good naps(minus Kalyn... Bc she wanted some mommy time but went to bed at 6:30pm!!) great day!!

At the beginning of the week I promised to slow down... And have MORE fun everyday!! It has been awesome!!! AND I have been getting SO much more done WITH the boys' help!!

Here is wordless Wednesday pics:

Play dough Fun!!

Brayden wanted brown of course so I used chocolate pudding. I made purple for Nolan because I love how he says purple!!!!

SO MUCH FUN!!!

Ready for school....almost

As much as we have ALL enjoyed summer, I am ready for school to start up....almost.

I am excited for Brayden's new preschool. Excited that he will go four half days (8:45-11:45 m-th). Excited for football, 5yr wedding anniversary, color run, 30th Bday, pumpkin patches, walks, Halloween costumes, etc....

Before we get all that, we have a few more summer things to do!! Trip to boji, a few more cookouts, fair, swimming, leftover sparklers, water fight, Jon's Bday, two more vball games, and a little bit of shopping for Brayden.

How is your summer winding down??

7 months

Has flown by... :(

Slow Down

This week was a little crazy to say the least. The boys went to nana's Monday through Wednesday. I had some prep and a procedure on Wednesday. Thursday we went to the park to play and met some friends there. Friday we played at home and then had a mommy/kids date night. It was awesome!!!! All week I was worried I would be too tired or have too much stuff to do.
This is when it hit me that I need to slow down and enjoy doing everyday things with them. Date breakfasts. Picnic lunches, movie nights, tackling after swinging at the park, and soon, jumping in leaves!!
I know that I rush my kids too often. I hate it. Rush to get breakfast so I can feed Kalyn. Rush to get dressed, brush teeth, shoes, buckled up in car, etc to get to the YMCA. Slow down, mama Jen! Rush home, rush to store, rush home, rush, rush, rush.

My challenge for this week, starting tomorrow, SLOW DOWN.

Join me, mom's!!! Slow down with me this week!!

Biker Dudes

Brayden loves his "bigger" bike nana got him for his Bday, so he gave Nolan his "good boy bike." what sweethearts!! I love that Brayden typically shares well with Nolan.

They have so much fun playing together!! Hope that never changes!!