Halloween Bows

Hey Everybody,
Just wanted to tell everyone I have made all of my Halloween bows available on my website:   www.littletreasuresbowtique.com.  But I only have a limited supply so you better order quick.  If you need a special order for Halloween I need your order no later than the first of October.  Thanks.  Mandi

Shaken Baby

I heard Braelynn laughing the other day and came out to investigate.  This is what I found.

Kindergarten

I can't believe Trayton is in kindergarten.  

He is so big!  His teacher is Ms. Mosley and he was lucky enough to get several of his friends in his class with him.  His first day of school he barely looked back to wave good-bye.  He was so excited to go.  He tells me everyday about the new people he meets and how much he loves coloring, P.E. and playing the drums in music class.  Yesterday when we dropped Trayton off for school Jordynn burst into tears and sobbed, "Trayton, I'll miss you."  We all miss you Trayton but are so glad that you are having fun and learning so much.  I hope you have a great year!

The Many Faces of Braelynn

Ok. Really there is just one face.  Wide-eyed and startled.  This is how Braelynn looks at the world around her. She jumps at everything.  Since the day she was born she was easily startled.  Somehow I still find her adorable. As for other Braelynn news...She is now rolling over occasionally.  And by occasionally I mean she's rolled over 3-4 times but is normally content to just holler until someone comes over to play with her.

Not Me!

There is a stranger living in my house.  His name is Not Me.  (Yes, I know its a he because the other day he peed all over the bath tub and no female could have aimed with such precision.)  He is a very devious fellow.  Here is how I found out about his existence.
Me: "Kids who spilled cereal all over the floor?"
Kids: "Not Me!"
Me:  "Kids who dumped the box of toys in the hallway?"
Kids: "Not Me!"
Me: "Kids who threw mud on my windows?"
Kids: "Not Me!"
Me: "Kids who spilled milk all over the table?"
Kids: "Not Me!"

I could continue this dialogue but I think you get the picture.  Not Me is causing all sorts of chaos in my home.  If only I could catch him and send him away.

Family Pictures

I LOVE taking family pictures.  But it takes an exceptional photographer to capture an instant when everyone is smiling AND looking in the direction of the camera.  Thanks Tiffani!  You are amazing.  Here are the 'good' ones:

Kade is such a little imp.

Jordynn was hilarious.  She LOVED having her picture taken.

Trayton.  What can I say? What a goof!

Braelynn started getting a little cranky about this time.

Here are some of the 'out-takes.'  I think they capture the TRUE personalities of my boys.

Yep, this is us at our best.  Mom and Braelynn bewildered from lack of sleep.  Dad laughing at his eldest daughter.  The boys being, well, boys.  And Jordynn showing her sass by randomly sticking her tongue out at anyone and everyone.  

Braelynn's Blessing

Our favorite part of our vacation was being able to bless Braelynn surrounded by family.  She is such a sweet baby and we love having her in our family.  Here are two stories showing how much my kids love their baby sister:
The first one took place a few weeks ago at Braelynn's two month check up.  I was still signing us in when the nurse met us in the lobby to take us back.  Since I had all 4 kids with me he volunteered to help by carrying Braelynn in her car seat.  He picked up the car seat and said, "Here, I'll take her."  Trayton, who was standing next to her, grabbed her seat and yelled, "No!"  The nurse looked confused and again said, "I got her."  Trayton, who was still holding on to her seat with a death grip, responded by squaring his shoulders and saying "NO! You can't take my sister."  The nurse, who is a really nice man, realized Trayton thought he was actually taking his sister and explained to him that he could most certainly come with him and that he was proud of Trayton for not letting a stranger take his sister.
And then at church yesterday a woman walked by our bench on the way to Sunday School and stopped to give Braelynn attention.  I jokingly said I was looking for someone to give Braelynn away to.  I teach a youth Sunday School class and Jonathan was trying to figure out what to do with a sleeping Jordynn.  She very eagerly volunteered to watch her for me and I gratefully handed Braelynn over.  As she walked away Kade ran over to me and was almost in tears.  "Mom, why did you give our sister away?"  I quickly explained that she was just holding her for me while I taught my class but that she would give her back.  Apparently that explanation wasn't good enough.  He left for Primary, or so I thought.  On his way to Primary he found the woman who was holding Braelynn and very pointedly told her, "My mom was joking.  You CANNOT keep my sister."  She reassured him that she would give Braelynn back.

I love how protective these boys are.  They are so good to their sisters.

That Elusive Smile

Braelynn has been smiling now for several weeks.  But photographing it has been difficult.  This picture isn't the best but it captures Braelynn's huge goofy grin.