Jacob's first haircut (and another trim for Samuel)

So we decided it was time for Jacob (sir crazy hair below) to get his first chop. Samuel wailed through all of his first cut and we expected similar from Mr. Jacob but he took it with no complaints - not even the noise of the clippers scared him.


(nice picture with the dirty face, I know - but he hates having his face cleaned and we were going to throw him in the tub after this anyhow, so there you go)

(This is Jacob happy as he gets his hair trimmed.)

Finished product - but not a very good view, I admit.

I was hoping to get a cute "after" picture of the boys but no such opportunity (for cute anyhow) has presented itself. In any case, as Grandma is eager to see the new do's, I took these two after pics (one of each boy) this evening when they are sicky and cranky, etc after a long day and lots of sugar (carnival after Church for Catholic School's week).
Disclaimer: The boys are generally very happy and smile - Samuel is quite the ham for photos - but they are really not feeling well lately and have not for quite some time - we are definitely ready to be healthy again in this house (me selfishly so I don't have to listen to them cry anymore!)


Samuel's turn - he is not so excited but after Jacob did so well Samuel seemed to agree that he probably should not fuss so much (as he normally does).

But you can tell he is still not amused in this picture - not at all.

Like the "after" picture of Jacob, here is a most current Samuel, not happy about his lot in life. Hopefully a good night's sleep (or another week of them) will make him feel better again. In any case, here you go Grandma, enjoy your pics!

Go me!

So there are expensive special clocks you can get for kids that do all kinds of wonderful things. Unfortunately, those do not fit in our current budget, so I improvised and I am all proud of myself. Here are my gloat pictures. As you will notice, the seven is obviously when it is ok for them to get out of bed - if I have not come in and gotten them before then. Since they are still working on the whole number bit I figured giving them the whole hour would be best and not worrying about the minutes. The Tinkerbell and racecar are part of my creativeness. Tink came from a package of sheets Rebekah got for Christmas and Lightening McQueen came from a package of underwear we bought for Samuel (and are praying he may actually use some day/sigh). In any case I taped them on the back because the minute I mentioned getting Rebekah a clock she immediately wanted a princess clock and every time she wants something princess, Samuel chimes in that he wants something racecar. Unfortunately, Tinkerbell is technically a fairy so after showing Rebekah my creation when she got home from school - although she was mildly excited - she immediately pointed out that she wanted "princesses" so I guess I'll have to keep scrounging around. I'm sure we have one somewhere that came off of something.



This second picture is after I brilliantly positioned the clock by the night light. Since their room is in the basement it does not always get that bright so in order for Rebekah to see the seven I figured I better put it by the light since it won't glow like the clock does. (Plus this way she will be able to see it right away in the middle of the night and won't have to get down from her top bunk to check every time she hopes it is morning but it is really not even close.)

On a side note, the kids have actually been very good about sleeping and not getting up too early but with Gordie now getting up to go off to work before seven sometimes they hear him rustling around and come out to see what is going on. Although I am not really opposed to them being up earlier I often want to work-out a little longer or take a shower or eat breakfast or have five minutes to myself after Gordie leaves and this is really incompatible with them getting up before seven.

Silly Kids at Dinner TIme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVK8pvQ3Qg4

Babies after bathtime :)

Names have been withheld to protect the innocent.

Been a while

I confess this is not much of a post. I have been SOOOOOO busy with everything - I know, everyone says that, but it is still true. In any case, it is 5am now and I have been up since 3 because the babe woke me up. (long story - would not normally wake up so well when they cry out at night but Samuel has been very sick and was worried about him - the ironic part is that he did not wake up, Jacob did!) Anyhow, I have caught up on some things (other than sleep - hah). So enjoy the kids - I sure do.

Jacob getting ready to play in the snow - so cute all bundled up :)

Samuel

The Christmas Crew (our kids with Topeka cousins)
(Samuel, Julianna, Jada, Alyssa, Brooklyn, Rebekah, & Jacob)


Rebekah with her present from Mommy (a princess bible - it is actually a princess photo album that I made photo-size story clips for on my computer - it would be really neat but I did not get it finished so she is getting it in installments - hopefully it will be done before the new baby comes, otherwise. . . )

Rebekah being silly

Jacob playing wtih Noah's dump truck - here just setting up

hillarious

persistent

Samurai training :)

A Mother's Rule of Life

Yes, this title is the title of an amazing book. I would tell you who it is by but I cannot remember how to spell her last name - it is Holly P. You should be able to find it if you look. This book talks about how to organize your time as a homemaker. I have read it a few times and make up schedules and routines for myself and my family on a regular basis. As my husband's schedule just changed again I just made up a new schedule for us and I am very excited about it! The first page is the master schedule that I follow and the second is a schedule I made up (to match the master) just for the kids. Samuel and Jacob are not quite ready for it but Rebekah is starting to understand. Feel free to have a look. (side note: it did not translate perfectly when shared on google documents but you can probably figure it out)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AurxUD4jPUp5dHdUY3JJUUliSXlmdENCc09GdjQ4V1E&hl=en

And for my latest nerdiness I made up a routine sheet to put on the wall so the kids would know how things flow in the morning and at night. I have had this routine in my head for some time but I figure if I have it down on paper maybe it will be easier for them to remember and follow along better. Rebekah seems excited about it - hopefully the others will follow along.

http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-rxUD4jPUp5ZDIxNDRmMDMtODA4OC00NDVlLTgwNmItNTgyZTA5MjliOThk&hl=en