Feeling Sappy Tonight...

So, it is back to school week for many. I have officially been home on maternity leave for 2 years and 7 months. I get a little nostalgic this time of year, in my own little way I miss the excitement of a new school year. In my former life I was a teacher like many of my friends and although I was always sad to see summer go, I looked forward to the challenge of new groups of students every September. I find myself very conflicted lately, like many stay at home moms. Certainly I know I'm doing the most important job of all as I'm home raising my young children. But I know that change is on the horizon...This is my last year of maternity leave if I want to retain a position with the school district that I worked in. So, in a few short months I have to make very big decisions about the future. So many aspects of life weigh into this decision that it makes my head hurt just to think about it. I sometimes focus so much on the decision that I have to make for next year, that I forget that life will be changing yet again in a few years. My kids are growing up at a pace that I never thought existed. As I watch their legs hang down from their highchairs I realize that the baby days have slipped by with barely enough time to savor them. I think that is why God sent Allie to our family. I hang on every coo, every raspberry she blows, every bedtime snuggle...Motherhood happened so fast for me, 4 babies in just 19 months, and now I realize that as quickly as it came, it is leaving. And in 2 short years, my big kids will be off to preschool and the next year Allie will be going. And by that time I'll for sure be back at work full time, away from my kids for long periods of time everyday. Just the thought makes me want to run into their room right now, pick them up, and never let them go!

I guess the reason I'm so sappy tonight is because I feel so busy lately, even though I'm not working outside of my house! So, so, so, incredibly busy that I can't even imagine adding a career to this crazy life of mine. I could give up a lot of the "extras" in my life, but I don't want that either! On I go then, depending on prayer and coffee to get me through these crazy days. I tell you all this just because it feels good to let it out, and maybe there is someone reading who can relate and not feel so alone in their own crazy busy world! We're all in this together!

Cara and I went to Rochester today for her appointment with the eye specialist. He has suggested that she have surgery to correct the muscle imbalance in her eyes that is causing her head tilt. It is a simple surgery (well I don't think cutting into some one's eyeball is simple!!) and although it requires anesthesia, she should be out in less than 20 minutes. He will basically be cutting a muscle in her eye, weakening it, so that it will "match" the weak muscle in her other eye. I've seen a lot of medical procedures in my days, but this one creeps me out the most by far!!! Surgery will be Monday October 5th.

Saturday is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day. In honor of this day, and in honor of our brave cancer warrior, Matt and I will be going to the Ronald Mc Donald House in Rochester to drop off all of the food items that we collected at the Brady Bash. We decided not to bring the kids because the 6 of us plus all of the donated items would not fit in the van together! I will take pictures for sure! I will also be sending our check to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation this week.

I almost forgot! Here is a cancer fact for today: For every six research dollars per patient with AIDS and every one research dollar per patient with breast cancer, a child with cancer receives 30 cents.

And a few more pictures of our weekend


Mickey and Minnie say hi!


My brother and niece Aubrey (could she being any cuter?)


Matt and I working at the stand Monday

Growing Up Too Fast

I guess this is the week my kids all decided to grow up! First we got rid of the binkies...Now, Allie decided it is time to crawl!!! Then today Cara went pee pee on the potty!!! I had thoroughly decided to put off potty training until the winter, but I bought a potty just to bring some awareness of how the whole thing works. She asked to sit on it today, and a few minutes later, tinkle tinkle! And my little Allie, she has been scooting and rolling around for weeks, but last night started using her arms and legs together! All of these things and the fact that I'm cleaning out all of the baby stuff for a garage sale I'm having are making me very sad for the "baby days" long gone. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go back to the days of infant triplets, but it is heart wrenching to see your kids leaving the baby stage behind for good. Don't even get me started about having to get rid of my maternity clothes...sniffle, sniffle!

No news from Strong today. Brady was certainly in better spirits today. We go to a playgroup on Wednesday mornings and he toddles around the big playground just like every other kid. Sure he is a little slower on the steps, and sure he looks for mommy at the bottom of the slide, but he IS THERE!! As I say about many moments these days, I think I'm the proudest mommy at the playground!

I wanted to share a list of items that the Ronald Mc Donald House in Rochester is in need of. We will have a collection box at the Brady Bash. If you would like to donate, we would appreciate it so much!!! Here is the list of what is needed:

Individual sized cereals
Individual sized snack foods
Granola Bars, Breakfast Bars, Pop Tarts
Individual Sized juices
Individual microwave meals
Coffee Creamer & Sugar
Canned pasta: Spaghetti O’s, Ravioli
Tuna
Chunky soups & stews
Mayonnaise

Basically anything nonperishable that can be eaten easily and quickly is needed. One idea Matt and I had was to donate travel coffee mugs. We are huge coffee drinkers and would always bring coffee down in the morning while staying at the RMH to whichever one of us stayed in the room with Brady. Those little Styrofoam cups were never enough:)

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! We love our friends and family:)