September... In a Nutshell... a LARGE nut

My computer has been overheating and I finally got off my lazy behind and grabbed a fan from the garage.  Sorry, Andrew, I have to blog!  Considering the month will be wrapped up in pictures, I want to take a second to remember the small moments.

Cole is speaking; a lot: more please, help please, thank you, I want to eat, mom, dad, gama, turkey, Jen, more please, meme (which is used mainly for dummy), up please, no (with a fervent head shake), shoes on, waves goodbye, and other stuff I can tell what he means like when he wants a drink or the noise he makes at his stinky diaper.  It's always so much more fun when they can communicate.  I couldn't live without this crazy baby's hugs and kisses.

Andi is loving preschool.  She's so helpful with Cole, sometimes a little too helpful.  Her sense of fashion is out of control and I love it.  What I don't love is when she misplaces my lip gloss, earrings, heels, and other accessories.  I couldn't love without hearing this crazy chic say, "Love you mama" or "You're the best mama" or "For me??  Thank you mama!".

Ryan is growing up so well.  I can ask him to help out with things and so now not everything is on Jackson.  He's much more thoughtful and aware and it's so appreciated.  Ryan's sandals aren't getting lost nearly as much and that makes for a less stressful morning.  The 'l's' are coming in nicely and he's retaining so much from school.  His legs no longer hurt as easily and he simply loves playing baseball.  I couldn't live without watching Ryan share and love others unconditionally.

Jackson is living up to the demands of second in command.  He is there whenever any of us need him.  He is doing well in school but he's also learning to deal with the demands and expectations he himself requires as well as those in charge.  The other day he asked me, "Mom, why are your boobs smaller?".  I explained that it was because I'm trying to loose weight and this confused him, "but your belly's still big".  I made a 'how dare you' type gasp and he quickly responded, "I mean it's medium and I love it."  He's always so eager to please.  I couldn't live without Jackson simply because he's my right hand man.

Andrew is working to make us all happy.  He loves us more each day and he does whatever it takes to bring a smile to everyone's face.  I couldn't live without his ability to make me laugh.

Labor Day Weekend

Ry & Cole

I had to run errands with these two in tow and I loved it almost as much as they did.

Family Pictures

Nikki and Becky were so kind to photograph my crazy family for my mom's 50th birthday gift.  It was hot and the kids only lasted for so long but the end result was better than I imagined.  This was a priceless gift one I will forever try to repay.

Rolley-Pollies

According to Jackson and Taylor, these teeny creatures are just the best because they never argue, they never whine, they're just amazing.  Who knew??

Mom's 50th

September 11th we celebrated the woman that teaches the true meaning of life simply by living it.  The party was scheduled for the weekend so this was just an intimate gathering.  Cole had fun helping prepare for the real deal.

The Week

We're all exhausted but we're having a blast.  I love watching these guys get older.  Check em out - Andi waiting for her ride to school while they all watch the trash trucks.  The little moments...

Fall Ball

Checks don't always arrive when we'd like them to so sometimes we have to make compromises.  Soccer sign-ups didn't work out but fall ball did.  The kids don't seem to have a clue and are simply thrilled to be playing baseball.  Ryan's first game was the morning of my mom's party but Jackson's was the afternoon of the party - poor guy missed his but had the chance to play in Ryan's.  Jackson, after all, is practically their assistant coach.  The first game Ry really struggled with the concepts.  No you don't run from third to second nor do you run from home to third.  Oops.

 I just so happened to put her in her B&W dress - the perfect cheerleader!

50 Bash - Cynthia's 50, Give her some SUPPORT

Kuddos to Andrew on catering the event and making a memorable cake.  The kids couldn't believe dad was making a cake of "privates" but I told them it was ok because they were covered.  They disagreed.

Baseball at 9am and a party all night - the kids were beat!

Music Class

I am so glad music so happens to be the day Ry's in school and Andi is not as she is the one that loves it.  Cole's not too sure it floats his boat and would rather be napping but he's a trooper; most of the time.  I love her itsy bitsy spider.

 Oh yeah, and I did I mention her fashion sense?  The other day she and Ryan were talking and Ry said he wanted to be a worked man on the streets when he's an adult and Andi said she wants to be a grandma.  Does this look like a grandma outfit?

Birthday Girl

We so love Traci and wanted to take the woman for a night out on the town for her birthday.  Well there's only so much four moms can do on a weeknight but I have to say, it was still such a great night out.  I think Michalle really enjoyed her burrito night.  And yes, someone tagged the bathroom in my honor.

Cotton Candy

The YM's president asked me if he was in trouble with me and YES HE IS.  He sent Andrew home with his cotton candy machine last tuesday after mutual and Andrew has made it over and over again.  These kids get STICKY.

 Sushi

Finally, a friend that appreciates the deliciousness of sushi.  I'm so excited - and we're hoping Melanie loves it just as much....

Dad Time

This little man is Andrew's mini me in so many ways and so it was adorable watching him "work" in the garage just so he could be near Andrew.  

Baseball Practice

It was a busy, busy day and this week I so hope I don't have to take them all the Jackson's practice.  It's too hot, late, dirty and long.  Ugh.  But I love that my little man organized all his stuff just so for the game on Saturday.  Because after all, he had to be at the field at 8:15am.

 Missing Isagenix

Cole and I so miss our shakes but he's so desperate he's eating straight protein powder from the pantry.  This child is now into EVERYTHING!  And look, no guilt just, "cheese".

 Boot Camp Olive Garden

Our farewell to instructors Anna and Cherie meant we pig out on a bunch of carbs.  Didn't have to twist my arm.

Baseball Saturday

This past saturday was our first real baseball day.  J's game 9am-11am and Ry's 10:30-12pm.  Oh man we were hot, tired, hungry and filthy!  But the boys were amazing.  This was Jackson first time EVER hitting from a pitching machine.  He didn't get a chance at practice and we weren't able to take him to the batting cages and so I was worried for him.  Psh, so lame of me to worry - he's a natural.  For the most part :)  And Ryan was on it this week.  He seriously figured it all out in a week and it made it so fun to watch.  He loved being pitcher and really, he was good!

Package

To end a Monday with a package from papa and gramma nette - what more could these kids ask for?!?!?

*Saturday's Games - Videos

Jackson 

Ry

Preschool

Reunited with Grandma K and Grandma B is a good feeling for us all.  It was as though Summer never happened and for that, I am grateful.  Ryan was so very excited to go back to school.

 That afternoon the kids received a package from Papa and Gramma Nette.  Having gramma nette work right next to the DI in St. George really pays off for the kids.  They always have so much fun opening the packages.

 Those that want to play have got to pay.  School has been tough on Ryan and Andi but I don't think they mind.  We are grateful Ryan can fall asleep just about anywhere and that Andi reacts well to melatonin.

 Andi of course had no problem on her first day.  This girl has wanted to go for a year now and she was stoked it was finally her time.  I just love her eagerness to experience and live life.

 We walked in, found her seat and off I went.  Honestly, didn't have to wait around one bit.

 So Ryan and Cole became my mall buddies because I had a couple exchanges to make.  With preschool starting at 8:30am now, we got there with time to play on the play place.  THEY LOVED IT.  As did I - it was so easy to sit there and read while the two of them had a blast together.  Later we all enjoyed some pretzel bits and wandering.  But by the time 12:00pm rolled around we just had time to get Andi, get lunch at home and head to Pinetree to get Jackson.  COLE WAS EXHAUSTED so no, this will not be a regular thing for us.  Maybe next year??  :)

 We got to kick the year off with Petey - but hey, both Ryan and Andi have had him so we should be good for the year, right?  They love him, Jackson LOVES him, and I just try to make sure he returns unharmed.

 With all the school craziness and adjustments, the kids have been turning my house upside down in efforts to wind down; or at least that's my theory.  One day I lost it and let the kids have it.  While cleaning up, I heard the door bell ring which is usually a kid trying to play a trick on me.  I ignored three dings and finally Ryan came to tell me there was a package on my computer chair.  I found this note and peace offering from Jackson in a box from their recent package.  It states:  "Sorry for the mess."

 One morning I had the chance to pick up kids for school and they loved it.  It's so cute how excited they are to see each other so bright and early.  I'm not sure the cars behind me in the valet line were too excited to see me and the five clowns I had roll in and out of my car along with backpacks, car seats and other crap.  Haha, the kids thought it was hilarious though so hey, why not start off their day with some fun because they sure are working hard in first grade.  

 Once Jenny and I realized we were both driving to preschool T/Th, we decided to help each other out.  She started picking up Andi and I bring Ashley and Andi home.  It's heavenly and Andi just loves her Jen.

 I think Thursdays are Ryan's least favorite.  His very first one alone he was so BORED.  So bored.  He wanted to go swimming and nothing else would make him happy.  The second Andi got home, they were off doing who knows what but I didn't hear another complaint from him.

Andi and Ashley didn't know each other too well, but you can see the bond they've formed in such a short time.  I love their friendship as it's so simple, pure and adorable.

 Check out preschool homework - can you tell who is four and who is three??

 Cole my little man has enjoyed having free reign over the house.  He has been good at entertaining himself and it's fun seeing what he chooses to do when he's not influenced by three others.  The other morning he brought his breakfast, eggs and protein shake, out to the table in the back and enjoyed it while bird watching. I just love this boy.

 This past Tuesday, Ryan started speech again.  He is still entitled to two days a week but after reviewing the schedule and discussing it with his speech therapist, we're going to go with one day a week.  He really needs to work on his "l's" but over all, he's doing rather well.  In fact his Barbara says she can understand him better than many of the others.  He's really come a long way and I'm proud of him.  Having only one child, I was able to go on an intense walk while Ry was in speech and this gave Cole a chance to grab a morning nap.  It was a fabulous, hot morning.

 Having two kids at home for 3.5 hours out of the day encouraged me to paint my bedroom like I've wanted to do for over a year.  I love the transformation but I am not too keen on the having this little guy help me.

 Ok, so maybe that face sped up the forgiveness process a tad.

Preschool has added some insane craziness to our life but so much of that craziness is good!  Well, it's good until this awesome mom forgets her daughters very first preschool field trip.  There I am, painting away and I get a text from my friend Jenna with pictures of the kiddos.  OOPS!  Luckily Andi didn't even seem to care I wasn't there.  Won't be the first time I am sure.  At least I have Jenna and Traci to thank for documenting it for me.  Now was anyone there to get pictures of Ryan??  Send 'em my way :)

I realized the other day my kids are more capable than I expect from them.  I was cleaning up, they were playing and I was over it.  I simply said, "You guys, come empty the dishwasher" and Jackson took it from there.  "Come on you guys, I'll be in charge and you can help me."  Ryan and Jackson did most of it but Andi poked in from time to time.  I sometimes have to remind myself, and Andrew, that she is three afterall.  I haven't emptied the dishwasher in a week and it's fabulous.  They even put everything in the correct spot.

Jackson has always loved playing school but now even Andi AND RYAN are excited to play with him for up to an hour at times.  But again, what's with the messes they create?

Monday - J drop off 7:30  Ry drop off 8:30  Boot camp 9:00  Music Makers 10:00  Ry pick up 12:00  J pick up 2:10

Tuesday - J drop off 7:30  Andi picked up 8:10  Ry speech 9:00  Andi & Ashley pick up 12:00  J pick up 1:10

Wednesday - J drop off 7:30  Ry drop off 8:30  Boot camp 9:00  Ry pick up 12:00  J pick up 2:10

Thursday - J drop off 7:30  Andi picked up 8:10  Andi & Ashley pick up 12:00  J pick up 2:10

Friday - J drop off 7:30  Ry drop off 8:30  Boot camp 9:00  Ry pick up 12:00  J pick up 2:10

The funny thing is with all this driving around, I know it's only going to get crazier as they grow up and become involved in after school activities.  I wish we lived closer to the school so it wasn't such an ordeal to walk in the morning.  And preschool - man do I wish we lived closer to that one too.  Tis life - oh well, it's all worth it.