The Last Week

These big boys came home with the same hip war wound from PE.

 His baby selfies.

 Meg received awards at her track banquet. She really was super star this year.

 Last morning making lunches.

 Andy finally received an award this year.  He and his teacher did not see eye to eye, so he missed out.  This was our first experience with teacher conferences and a teacher that did not see all the good that Andy did for her class.  I think she really missed out on what he has to offer.  She needed to pull her stick out.

 Then he dislocated his thumb Saturday morning playing his final flag football game.

 Two plus hours in the ER.

 We came home a swam.  Well, he did not.

Sweet 16!

My little chica is 16!  She wanted another fancy swimsuit (it came a day late), so she opened a few presents early in the morning that Maddie bought at Dollar Tree. (Well, I took all the children, but Maddie was the only one who actually spent her money on Meg.  Nick bought frozen food.)  Meg was really sweet about her handmade cards and minimal birthday loot.

 We had exactly 30 seconds to take a morning picture.  It's a good thing she so cute.

 After school she napped.

 She didn't want a cake, so I made her an edible bouquet of sorts.

 Then, she surprised me and invited some friends over to float in the freezing cold pool and to share brownies and ice cream.

Meg makes our world happy and loud.  She brings new music and crazy dance moves into our home.  She is very particular about how she cleans.  She is dedicated to her family, school and God.  We love Meg because she knows how to be kind even when the person at the other end doesn't deserve it.  Her license is the big ticket this birthday, but she still has to wait a month.

Mother's Day 2017

I suppose I've reached a fairly significant summit when me and my children can barely fit into a selfie shot.

 Even when I turned the camera we cut out Molly.

Breakfast in bed was delicious -- this is my view from my pillow.

I got lonely, so I ate my food and headed out to the table.  Look at that candy card!

 They bought me a quail family for my yard, though a family of 10 birds was too expensive, so we settled for a family of seven.  I like this picture because the four boys are on one side, and the four girls are on the other side.

Molly and I spent time together in the Mother's Lounge.

I found this gem -- I'm sure it was taken during my 15 minute nap post church.

I love being a mother.  I felt a bit ripped off that instagram cropped all photos to not include all my darlings in one shot, but oh, well.  I think the hardest thing about being a mom is watching my kids have to stretch and grow and do hard things.  I think the easiest thing about being a mom is receiving all those kisses and songs.  I do love kisses and singing.  I thank Austin for making my motherhood dream come true, and I thank God for believing in me, even when He knew I'd mess up a lot, and cry a lot, and feel defeated most moments.  He knew that my stretching a growth is possible because of my calling as mother.

Summer is Closer

It's these final weeks of school that just about kill us. 

Sunday afternoon quiet time is best spent together.

 Eddie helped me prepare for FHE.

 I guess he snapped a picture of my sleeping.  Who knew my armpit was so lumpy?  That's a bit depressing.

 I made Rx protein bars.  They were coconut chocolate and so delicious.

 These two are just so cute.

 So are these two.

 Maddie invited me to Mother's Day Tea.  She fed me lovely food, sang me lovely songs, and wrote me a lovely poem.  I felt very loved.

 Nick's food web project was a success.  I was a bit taken back when he brought it home the same day -- so we created and trashed it in less than 24 hours.  Bleck.

 Maisie's edible cell project was purely her creation.

 My van got a flat at the park, so here we are first thing at the tire shop.  Bleck.

 Pool days are very near.  These two take a dip almost everday.

 Austin took Nick, Eddie and Ryan on the Fathers and Sons campout.

 Meg was home one night this week -- so she finally got her Molly fix.

Winning Week

Maddie and I worked hard to create her ladybug project.  The elytra lift up and the wings to display the research.  Nailed it.

 Monday found us playing on the floor.

 Eddie's eye and Andy's knee collided on the slide.

 Maisie and her best friend matched.

 More floor time.

 The boys loved their first pool day.

 Eddie had his kindergarten interview.  Afterwards he walked over to me and exclaimed, "I only forgot the letter T!"  Well done, Ed.

 He's just so old, and everyday I snuggle him in closer at book time, nap time, and lunch time.  I will miss him so much.

 Meg's state meet happened.  She enjoyed her pep rally at home.

 We headed to Phoenix for dinner, then off to the races.

 Three groups of spectators -- we filled up our section of stands, and represented our Babcock name well.

 We are blessed that Grandma and Grandpa B. could come.

 Here she is!  Second place in the 800m with a 2.24 time.  All of her hard work and dedication paid off.  We are so proud of Meg!