Meet the Monkeys

 This is Blue Monkey

 This is Yellow Monkey

 And Pink Monkey

 You can't tell that Jackson is in his Monkey PJ's also, but he is and they all looked so cute I HAD to get pictures tonight.

I love you little monkeys.  All three of you.  So very much.  Even when you act like wild crazy monkeys.  Even when I am not feeling well...:) You steal my heart over and over and over again.

*ville Cd Release Party

This would be the cutest little *ville mascot/fan ever! You can't really tell in any of the pictures, but she's wearing the *ville shirt as a dress, with a purple belt, tied up on the arms (because they were down to her wrists) and sporting first ever pig tails in the hair. She knows she's cute, too!

This is our oldest son, Taylor Michael. His littlest sister is his favorite and she loves "tay-tay" too!

This weekend was *ville's Cd Release Party and it was great. There were over 70 people in attendance. The boys (Chris Doe and Taylor) were amazing I think all had a good time.

My mom and dad drove up to support the boys and help me with Charleigh. Is she not adorable!?

Here is some of the crowd...

The boys again...Sunrise over Kansas!

www.villeband.com 

You really should check them out. I obviously a little biased, but I am a pretty convinced they'll make it quite far...and that you will like them.  Have a listen...

Wow

After the *ville CD Release Show, Charleigh was ready to go home with Nonna and Papaw and go to bed. This was her first night in pigtails. This is the aftermath of pigtails.

Oh wow. I just have laughs, no words. But I do love you with all of my heart Charleigh Tatum

Pictures Galore...

Enid Moto Photo Pictures Summer 2010

2010 Scottish Games

Last year we went to the Scottish Games in Tulsa.  We went again this year.  Here are some fun pics! It was SO blazing hot we were drenched in sweat from head to toe, but the kids loved it.

Jeff and Jackson in their matching kilts.  Jackson had to have been the cutest little Scot there! LOVED it. 

They have games for the kids and this year they were much more able to actually participate in them. Creighton struggled a little, but completed every task except the sack race. I don't think she understood what was expected and thus she face planted several times and gave up.  Can't say I blame you baby! 

 Here they are after they finished their little Scot games for kids. HOT!

 These pics are all out of order, but oh well (*I am trying to get used to the new format of blogging and loading pics from our new Mac).

 Charleigh had a blast in the Bjorn. I wore her for a little bit and then traded with Jeff so my back wouldn't DIE like last time.

 This was from the 3 legged race. Rae didn't love the idea of being tied down to her brother, but they did complete the race. :) And look how cute they look doing it!

This was a few hours after we'd arrived and we were READY to go.  You can't tell because I am wearing black, but my shirt was wring-worthy. This was me at the end of the day. Creighton "couldn't" walk anymore and so I had been carrying her in the front only carrier on the back. It actually worked out ok. It didn't hurt my back nearly as bad to carry her on my back as it did to carry Charleigh in it on the front, go figure? But Charleigh wouldn't let anyone else carry her to the car, so I looked quite like the pack mule! :)

Everyone crashed in the car before we made it 5 miles. That was nice. We drove around for a little bit.  Then we needed to get a few things at Target before we had dinner at the Steele's. Thankfully both the boys took off their kilts so we didn't stand out...ahhaha....as if that's possible. :)

I sure love these 4 people more than words can say!

Officially Official (Again!)

Charleigh's birth certificate came in recently which makes her even more officially a Berg! She has our name and that is just very fun to see.  Documented!

Today I went to the Social Security Admin. and it was crazy. There were no seats so many people were in there! One lady had an anxiety attack while in there and that was just bizarre. Thankfully it wasn't long after that they FINALLY called me back.

Her SSN should arrive in 7-10 days and then she'll be USA official and we can finally report her on our taxes :)  Yeah! Hooray!

We love you so much Charleigh Tatum Berg

Hey There, Princess!

I ran across this blog post and thought it was worthy of sharing.  It's great insight (to me)
Hey There, Princess!

My family and I just returned from a five day vacation to Disneyworld. It was amazing. There was great food, fun rides, entertaining shows and clean bathrooms (I found this one to be the most impressive!). It was a place that is self-described as “magical,” and they strive to impress and astound you at every turn. Nightly fireworks shows, electric light parades, and street vendors offering every possible confection, beverage and snack you could imagine. We had an absolute blast. There was really only one thing that gave me pause in this whirlwind of fun: The entitlement and worldliness that was not-so-subtly being pressed upon my children, especially my daughter.

There is apparently a policy for all Disney employees (they’re actually called Cast Members) that when they see a young girl, they are to stop what they’re doing, make eye contact, and address her as “princess.” All day every day, my Katherine was being treated by everyone in the park as though she were the most important thing. Greetings of “Hey there, Princess!” and, “Right this way, princess!” were commonplace. This of course made her feel great, and it was sweet to see so much attention being given to the enjoyment of their guests. Superficially, I really liked it. It felt good that we were getting treated so well, and that everything was so well taken care of. But when I stopped and really processed the reality of the philosophy that was being taught, it gave me great concern. They were teaching her (and the rest of us) that it’s all about us. Our desires, our comforts, our happiness, our enjoyment, and our peace of mind — it is these things that are paramount. We are the center of the universe. While that may be fun and it certainly feeds our selfish desires, it flies in the face of the reality that we find in Scripture:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.(James 4:1-7)

This struggle is not only found at Disneyworld. If we look we will find that it is everywhere in our modern American society. Almost every meal we get our kids that isn’t home-cooked comes with a toy. Many places to eat or shop have playgrounds. The grocery store has candy and toys at every checkout lane. These things are screaming to us and our children that keeping them entertained is top priority.

The way I war against this in my family is that I try to initiate conversations with my children about these things as often as possible, and as close to the moment of temptation as possible. So when my kids beg and plead for a toy in the grocery store, I take a minute or two to remind them that this is something they want for themselves, and is ultimately a selfish desire. God provides us with all that we need, and he is faithful to provide us the fulfillment that we seek in these earthly things. It might go something like this:

“Daddy, can we pleeeeeeeease get one of these light-up pens?”

“No, we’re not getting a light-up pen.”

Both of their faces turn sullen. They feel like they should be able to get what they want, but they know not to argue or complain about my decision. So I continue:

“Kids, we have to remember that the Lord will provide for your needs. What you want isn’t always what you need – in fact, it usually isn’t. Sometimes we think that something new and fun will make us happy or give us joy. The truth is, if we get those light-up pens, they will only make you happy for a few minutes, or maybe a few hours. Then you’ll be right back to wanting something else. Only Jesus can give you the joy that your heart is looking for. We have to remember that we cannot try to find our joy in things that were created, but instead we must look for it in the one who created all things. I love you both, and I understand that you want the light-up pen. We’re not getting one today, so please take this chance to let the Holy Spirit give you self-control and peace about this.”

That speech takes a minute or so and that isn’t always convenient in a grocery store line. But putting these moments of entitlement in the light of truth is always worth our time as parents. The alternative is to simply say”‘no,” and let the kids try to work out the truth for themselves. I can assure you that the truth my kids come up with by themselves will be distorted and prideful.

Am I the fun police? Am I anti-Disney? Certainly not. I hope my family can return to Disneyworld someday and see the things we missed this time around. Sometimes in the grocery store I do get them the light-up pen. What I am advocating here is that we as parents are mindful of these things and speak to our children about them. There’s nothing inherently wrong with dressing up and being treated like a princess for a day. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a Happy Meal (except perhaps for the fat content). There is nothing inherently wrong with getting a toy from the store every once in a while. It is when we allow our children to believe that they, rather than Christ, are at the center of things that we cross the line into disobedience to the Lord’s call on us as parents. We are to raise our children in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord. This is a weighty task and we cannot take it lightly. We must engage our children with the truth of what the Scriptures teach – we need a Savior, and God has sent His Son.

So go to Disney if you have the desire and the means. Get your kid a toy at the grocery store on occasion. When you do, don’t leave out the most important part: Jesus. He is at the center, He is paramount, andHe is what is most valuable. I pray that we, parents, would be found faithful to teach our children these things so that Disney, toys and Happy Meals are seen for what they are: short-lived entertainments and momentary distractions. While we can rejoice that God has blessed people with the gifts to create these things, they should not be the source of our desires or where we find meaning – our desires and our meaning are only to be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Funny Boy!

Occasionally (rarely) Jackson has "homework" to do.  Yesterday I didn't end up checking his bag till later in the evening on his way to bed. I noticed he had an assignment to cut out circles from a magazine. It wasn't due till Thursday, but I figured, oh well, let's do it.

So we sit down and begin looking for circles.  He finds a picture of a man on a bike and wants to cut out the wheels for his circle.  He starts and then says matter-of-factly, "Mom this looks like Daddy" pointing to the man ON the bike.  I busted a gut laughing so hard because the man on the bike was LEBRON JAMES!  Lebron James on bike

I was seriously not able to control my laughter, which I felt bad for because of course I didn't want Jackson to think I was laughing at him (just at his ridiculous comparison)

Jeff continued to ask him why he thought he looked like him.  Finally he said because he had a helmet like Jeff does when he rides his bike....which makes it not funny, but at least I know my kid isn't totally blind :)

Creighton Teal

(she went on a daddy date to Pei Wei)

For the past 3.5 years Creighton and I have butted heads from the time she woke up till she went to sleep at night.  A strange thing recently took place: Jackson is out of the house for 7 hours a day at school.  She's a different kid. I have always loved her with every fiber of my being, it was the liking that sometimes was lacking. But I just can't get enough of her right now. She's like my best friend and vice versa.  I really have enjoyed having her home with me, which, to be honest, I was somewhat dreading heading into August.  She is just so strong willed and stubborn and high energy. She has proved me so wrong. It's been a blast (most moments) and I feel like I am getting to know her, and love her and like her all the more with every passing day.

(she really enjoys dressing herself, and has NO fashion sense (or care) at all)

She's so special. God created in her such passion and drive.  She'll change the world one day for sure...and I'll be right there by her side as she does.

 (this was her first day of Preschool this year, with her fave friend Marly)

I am so so so very thankful for these past 3 weeks. It's been a breath of fresh air.  I think she's so competitively driven, like someone else I know well, that she was so busy competing for my attention that she wasn't being herself.  She's pretty fun one-on-one...and yes, Charleigh is still here and we play well with her too!  She's a great big sister to her, just a wee bit rough still.  But she's learning. She just loves her to pieces...sometimes literally!

God is good. I feel like someone was praying specifically for this and I just wanted you to know that God answered in a huge way!  So thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Ramblings

This has been an insanely crazy week. Jeff hasn't been feeling well.  He spent his birthday and the next day couped up in the house and if you know him, at all, you know that it was bad for him to have done that.  So anyway, we are all glad Daddy is feeling a little better these days.

Charleigh is teething terribly and has a little cough and a lot of snot to go with it.  Poor baby is completely miserable! I feel so sorry for her, but all she wants is to be held and even then she still cries.  There isn't enough Motrin in the world to keep the pain away it seems.

Jackson had a really great day at school today, which was nice, because just yesterday he didn't.  It's strange really.  He has has two of his very best days on Thursdays.  That shocks me because Wednesday nights we are out later than every other night and it pushes bedtime late and so I assumed both times that he'd have harder days.  Wondering if there is correlation there!?

Creighton is absolutely doing great in school and loves it. She doesn't ever want to leave. She's with her best pal Marly and also with Mrs. Morgan, who was Jackson's teacher last year.  She's in heaven.

I got to spend most of the day today with JUST Creighton and that was so good. I rarely get to do that anymore.  We ran errands, we went to the Pet Store, which she used to call the Puppet Shop, now its the Puppy Shop :)  This alone should let this child know how much I love her. I can't stand pets of any kind and every time I go there I have to "hold" a puppy with her in the little room and EVERY time we do, the silly things pee and poop...literally EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.  I can't stand it!  But I do it for her, because she LOVES it.  Then we went to visit baby Evan and Kara again at the hospital and she loved that (and so did I).  I'd hold a newborn any day :)  Then we went to the library and that was fun. She met a new friend that will be in PreK next year at Ranch Heights.  They played *loudly* but well together for quite some time.  We came home, ate lunch with Daddy and Charleigh and then the two of us cuddled and took a nap together.  I really enjoyed my time with her!  She is a really great kid, especially when she's one-on-one! :)

I am one exhausted mom, wife and being.  Goodnight!

Happy Birthday!

I love you Baby. Happy 31~you're old. :)

We had a small party (which I forgot to invite anyone too, hence the small) for him today after church. I got him a cake from Ann's Bakery in Tulsa and they did a fabulous job! I asked her to do a Yellow Jeep Wrangler and it looked incredible. :)

All parents were there and Chris Doe :) So fun.

Anniversary

I realize I am a week late in getting this to post, but here I am, I call it a success, nonetheless :)

Jeff and I celebrated our anniversary, the big #7!, a little earlier this month.  We dropped the kids off in Enid, and without looking back, drove straight to OKC.  It was a fantastic time away from life, much much needed time together, time to relax, rest and celebrate. 

Jeff's mom helped us out with an Anniversary Celebration Extravaganza package. It seriously was SWAAA-EEEEEEEET! And we also got a gift card to Olive Garden from Jeff's Dad and Debbie. I found a really great deal on Priceline (name your own price) for a Bricktown 3 1/2 or 4 star hotel.  Once we had all of that settled then we began making plans, much of which included lots of down time. 

We first started with a meal (Restaurant.com $2 gift certificate for $25 off) at Nancy's 57th Street Lighthouse.  It was super yummy, but strange atmosphere for sure. The coupon made it worth it for sure.  For a steak (Jeff) and coconut shrimp (me) dinner, we ended up only paying $14 I think.  (I am all about saving money, getting good deals, and making a buck last!)  We then went to our hotel to check in. It was the Sheraton downtown/Bricktown area.  It was a super nice hotel, just minutes away from all the hoopla, although our actual room wasn't top notch, I felt like we got a "steal" on the deal (only $69/night) so it made up for it. *If you like SUPER soft beds, this is the place for you*

So we got all our stuff settled in and then walked around Bricktown. There was a baseball going on, plus a Reggaefest of some sort going on. It was loud and crowded but I love people watching, so it was great.  Jeff and I have wanted to try one of those yogurt places for months and never had, but there is one in Btown and so we went in there and I surprisingly didn't care for ANY of the flavors (yes, I tasted MOST of them), except Cheesecake. Never would have thought of that! Anyway, I LOADED it with Butterfingers, Oreo, skittles, strawberries, & gummy bears. Since I don't like my food touching and that certainly CANNOT all go together I separated it all out within the bowl so it didn't touch.  Needless to say, by the time I even got to the table with my 'masterpiece' Jeff had devoured his :)  This was Friday

We got up the next day and Jeff let me sleep in, he's so good to me! We got up and did the lazy thing for a long time.  I think we finally got up and went down to Bricktown late afternoon. We ate at the best BBQ place in my opinion (Earls) and then went to see Salt (with Angelina Jolie) with a gift card. I liked it! Then we got our car and drove over to Penn Square Mall and hung out there for a while and then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner & dessert! I was so full it hurt afterwards! (We had  gift card there and even had some leftover for next time)!!! YEAH.

Sunday we got up and RUSHED out of the hotel to make it to Crossing Comm. Church on time. I tell Jeff often how lucky he is that he married someone that can get showered and dressed in 15 minutes for church. That was good to see a different church and the way they do things.  After church we went up to Olive Garden (gift card!) for lunch and then walked around at Quail Springs Mall. I was given a JCPenney card earlier in the month and I spent it there! That was AWESOME. I got so many good deals and I love my new clothes!  Afterwards we were able to go see my sweet friends from high school Molly & Blake and there sweet and precious 4! Their newest is only 2 months old and just as precious as can be. It was my first time to meet her! We had early dinner/snack (even though we couldn't have possibly been hungry) at Panera Bread (gift card!) where we also bought bagels for our hotel breakfast the next two mornings!

Afterwards we came back to Btown and went back to the movies (gift card again) to see Inception.  Jeff LOVES this movie. I, on the other hand, can't stand when movies don't end up the way "they are suppose to." (that being in a picture perfect ending with all strings tied up in perfect knot).  Anyway, it was well done and I appreciate the film, but certainly not enamored by it as most others.  Then we got the wild kick to go drive around and find a dollar theater, so we did.  We went to see Iron Man 2 which was worth the 1.50 each it cost us, but not much more than that.  :)

Monday I was realizing that it was my last full day of childless vacation and so we lived it up :)  We slept in! We went over to a place called Pole Position which I HIGHLY recommend if you have a love of go-carts, like I did. (I don't have the same love affair with them now, because I am certain I will never be able to ride a normal go cart again without feeling I am in a Flintstones car because of how slow they will feel after flying around corners at 35 mph.). Oh, and this was also nice because it might be the last time I ever get to do it because of how expensive it is to race.  So we were thankful we had a certificate that entitled us to 3 races each for FREE :)  Afterwards we ate (with a $25 off again) at a place called 1492 Latin Cuisine. It was exceptionally good and a nice atmosphere.  We went to visit my brother and his wife, and see their cute little house for the first time afterwards. It was nice to spend time with them!

Tuesday we got a late checkout for 1 and lolly gagged around as long as possible before leaving.  Then we headed back to get the kids, which was so fun to see them after 4 days.  We headed straight back to Bartlesville from Enid, thus ending an amazing fun, food and relaxing-filled vacation.

So, thanks honey so much for the great vacation, for the amazing 7 years of marriage and for choosing me to be your bride. My answer would be a resounding YES again all over. I love you so very much! Oh yeah, and as I am typing this, you just turned 31, so happy birthday to my amazing man of 7 years as well! :) I love you with all that is within me.  I can't wait to spend the next 50+ years of my life, or whatever God grants me, with YOU!

**we didn't take ONE picture :(

Update on Pre-K

Jackson is doing a lot better. He hasn't hesitated to go back and after the meeting with his teacher, I feel much better.  I got a list of all the kids in his class so we would know their first names and also a copy of their daily schedule so I can ask more specific questions from his day.  We talked about a friend "match" for him and that same day they were fast friends, only so much so, that he and Austin never stopped talking, which was a win for friends and a lose for having to get onto them all day. I'll take it though. :)

Pre-K Day 6

The newness is gone. He was asking this morning when he didn't have to go to school anymore. I said in the summer time, to which he replied, "IT IS SUMMER!"  Ahhh. I don't like this.  He got in quite a bit of trouble yesterday.  I hate that. I hate it for him, for his teacher, for his experience, for everything.  He is acting out.  One little boy "X" in his class must be a real troublemaker because it is the ONLY boy (or girl) that Jackson knows his name in the whole class. There are 23 kids and 2 teachers! :( Anyway, X got sent home yesterday from school for his poor behavior.  I am worried that might be why Jackson is acting up so he can come home.  It makes sense from his standpoint.

He just says no one will play with him. I don't know how they "all know each other" except for him, but I feel so sorry for him. I love him. I am biased. I think he is super cool! But I know he can be rough and he doesn't always know boundaries, especially personal space...but really, he is awesome. He just needs a friend. He says Colton plays with him but that is all and since they aren't in the same class, it's rare.

I want desperately for this to be a great experience! i have a meeting tomorrow at 8:30 (hopefully) to discuss how we can better prepare him and equip him for the classroom and to make friends, and of course, good choices! :)

Funny Girl

Yesterday Creighton was in my drawers in the bathroom and pulled out my new toothpaste. It was Arm and Hammer brand.  I have never gotten that brand before so it was all new to her.  She looked at it as I was brushing my teeth with deep curiosity.  Then asked what it was.  I told her it was toothpaste. She told me it wasn't. I said, "yes it is, I just put it on my toothbrush and I am using it right now!"  She said, "do you put it on your arm pit?"  I just laughed. She saw the picture of the A&H brand and just assumed it was suppose to go on your arm pit. Funny kids

First Family Vacation

We had never been a vacation before with just our family, even before Charleigh, but definitely hadn't attempted it with all 5 of us (and only the 5 of us).  So we set off on an adventure to Dallas, TX.  We originally thought we'd only try one night on our first adventure, but then at the last minute, we changed our minds and packed up and headed out Friday to stay 2 nights.

The car drive all-in-all wasn't terrible.  But I really truly think Creighton alone asked, "Are we there yet?" over 500 times. If you add Jackson's we were setting records!  I drove the last part and was conveniently hit with tsunami downpours from heaven, not knowing where we were going, kids very tired of being in the car and letting us know that...needless to say, I was a bit frazzled by the time we ACTUALLY got to our hotel.  (we turned around about 6 times before we found the right road) :(

But once we got there, it was good. The kids explored every inch of the hotel room.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and I was very impressed. Our room was huge and very nice.  Anyway, then we went to the pool and of course that was a big hit. It was so hot it was kinda like taking a big chlorine bath (even at 7 pm) but oh well.  Then we went to eat dinner at Pei Wei (a Berg favorite).  The meal was YUMMY and everybody ate ALL of their food.  That was a success!

We went back to start the bedtime routine.  Charleigh was incredibly cranky because she hadn't napped well in the car. So I thought (stupidly) that she'd be sound asleep fast.  Wrong-o-bongo.  The girl cried every 45 minutes.  The longest she actually slept was about an hour and half period from 2-3:30. The big kids took a little while to settle down, but otherwise slept fine. I got the blessing [read: sarcasm] of sleeping with RaeRae and Jackson was with Jeff.  When Rae sleeps with you, it's more like she sleeps on you. It's like there is a magnetic force field drawing her every sinew to yours. It's ridiculous! So, with Charleigh's cries (next to me in the pack and play) and her on top of me, I was quite a bit tired the next day. It's amazing the big kids' ability to sleep through ANYTHING!

New day, big plans. 

We went to a place called Going Bonkers and it was great. I highly recommend it. It's only $5 for the whole day for kids and only $1 for adults.  You can't beat the price.  It's a way fun place too.  All indoor and A/C!!!!

This is how Charleigh and I spent the whole time we were there :) (once I got the kid to fall asleep...I LOVE MOBY wraps)

This is how Jeff spent his :) He is such a good daddy! EVERYONE has enjoyed him being home for several days!

We had to DRAG the kids out of that place. There was a Chick-fil-A calling our names :)

We went there and had an amazing lunch! Seriously, there is NO better chicken sandwich on the planet.  Jackson wasn't very happy that he didn't get a Oreo shake, but other than that a complete success. We went back to the hotel for naps and it took a while but everyone (minus daddy) actually slept! Yay!  We went swimming again and then went to a restaurant called Vinnie's.  The kids weren't very good and didn't eat as well and it was more expensive than we anticipated it all being.  But it was good food. We went back and got showered up and headed to bed. I got to sleep with Rae Rae again, but after she fell asleep I moved her into bed with Jackson so I could cuddle with my husband :)  Charleigh only cried out once and went right back to sleep, so it was a much more peaceful sleep for all!

We ate breakfast (they had a cool pancake maker the kids loved) and then got dressed and went to visit The Village Church and it was such a great experience. We loved every part of it.  They are getting it done and doing it right, well as much as I could tell.  I really enjoyed the message by Matt Chandler on prayer (Col 4:2-4). We came back to the hotel and packed up quickly and ate our leftovers from the night before (so it made the cost worth it since it fed us two meals :))  We got on the road shortly after and headed home.

It was much better drive for me this time, and Jeff had the torrential downpours on the last leg this time, with cranky kids, but at least he knew where he was going :) 

All in all it was a great family vacation...next time we MIGHT be more adventuresome! :)

And next time we'll be sure to take more pictures for sure!

Butterflies

Gramma Caroline gave us 3 caterpillars.  Two of them escaped the "home" they were put in and I found one on the washing machine after about 24 hours and I found the other one about 48 hours later under the table in the kitchen. I have an eye for moving objects :) (thankfully)

I didn't get good pics of them as caterpillars, but here you can kind of see the one cocoon on the branch behind the butterfly and then the shell of the butterfly on the ground.  (The first to cocoon and transform was the one under the table in the kitchen). I wasn't sure if he would make it, but he did and was gorgeous!

I didn't get pics of the other two but they did, also, turn into beautiful butterflies. It's just amazing the process. How cool is God?!

"Jokester"

Apparently he is already starting to be the class clown.  This is a little note from his teacher! :)

Jackson was so funny today... I mentioned my husband and someone said who is that. I replied his name is Jeff. Jackson said, "Hey, my dad's name is Jeff." He looks at me and smiles and says, "Are you married to my dad?" And then just busts up laughing. He thought he was quite the jokester!!"

First Day

I took this picture last night before I went to bed.  I just wanted to capture them when they look like angels...so peaceful and quiet :)  Last night before he'll be in school for the next 14 + hopefully at least 4 after that.

Went ahead and took hers too, just because I found it amusing!

Our morning didn't quite go as I had planned, but it was okay.  My alarm didn't go off, but thankfully Jeff's did a little later.  Then he was nervous I think and sat on the pot for 20 minutes.  So we were really rushed and he hardly ate one bite of his breakfast.  We all walked together to school.  The girls were in the stroller and Jackson was walking, but since were running really late, we put him up on the stroller and wheeled all three in record time! :) He was not late to class!  He did exceptionally well and went right in and got busy with the table assignment (playing with shapes).  No tears from anyone.  All smiles.  (even me)

After we got home, I was pretty sure after about 20 minutes I was going to hurt Creighton and then thankfully she turned a leaf and was amazing the rest of the morning and afternoon.  She liked being the "boss" and just playing. She played independently very well while Charleigh slept and even helped do some chores.  Jeff kept me VERY busy by suggesting I clean out every cabinet in the kitchen, which I did.  We had fun with the girls, they were cats today (actually Creighton at one point was also a dog, with pink paint).

At 3:34 we left our house to pick him up from school.  (yes, we were running late). But it didn't matter, the pick up line was backed up to New Mexico.  So I finagled my way into a spot and took off sprinting to his school and found him and MANY students and parents and teachers. It turns out we were hit by another parent in a white van in the process of them trying to park.  Exciting! :( (They have got to figure out a better exiting system).  He was happy to see me, but said he had a great day, but that he got in trouble on the playground (his teacher told me too).  But other than that he did great.  He couldn't remember any of the kids' names, but I guess that will come. I just want him to feel connected socially, but I might come to regret wanting that for him, since once he is, if he is anything like his Daddy, he'll be the class clown!

After school our whole family and Colton's whole family (minus one) went to Braum's.  Apparently that was half of Bartlesville's plans for the first day of school too.  It was a little crazy, but a lot of fun and again, I just can't say enough about how sweet their relationship is.  It was like peeling apart kids from Disney or something getting them to say goodbye to go home. 

I thought Jax would be very tired after such a long day, but I really didn't see too much evidence of that until 8pm sharp.  He lost it. It was awful.  He told me I was the worst mom ever, which stung a little, but I knew he was just tired.  He later, thankfully, apologized and told me he loved me, unprovoked.  He was asleep as soon as I walked out the door.

Good day.