Free Range on Fairview

It's hard to believe Lincoln can go from this, to this in less than 4 months. It doesn't even look like him because his chin is so doubbly chubby.  Grandpa Kevin (Papa) came by for a visit this weekend and we love having him since he's moved to Montana. We don't get to see him as much as we want (nor the rest of our family) so we had a great time together. He also got to hang out with Shane all day on Sunday at the Seahawks's big win. His first time in overalls, hamming it up for the camera.

Boo I'm having problems making my photo thing work for my stupid blog. :(

Just a little picture of Lincoln and Liko hanging out during the day. The dog laid his head down to take a nap and the baby kept kicking him in the nose. He just snorted and rolled his eyes at the baby. Hah I love that they get along so well since the baby just realized that he might be a fun toy and keeps watching him walk around the room. The face Lincoln making cracks me up too :)

Just like big brother, he already likes books :) Thank God

Shane and I came into a little unexpected money a few weeks ago and decided that since almost every penny we earn is going to paying bills and minimizing debt that we would each get a quarter of the money and do WHATEVER we wanted with it. Now other than birthdays or Christmas, I haven't really had an opportunity like this since I worked full time so I thought about it for a few weeks. What did I need but didn't have? No I have everything I need, but what have I really wanted? Shane knew exactly what he wanted from the minute he suggested the idea (which makes me think he had this planned from the beginning) and ordered a rear bumper/tire carrier for his jeep. I used a little of my money here and there for guilty pleasure items like a fashion magazine and a few lattes out. I also ordered a pair of cute slouchy gray suede boots from Target, which I still need to scotchguard before the rain or snow starts. And as I was looking over my wish list I realized one thing that I absolut...

 I have tons of pictures of Dylan in the Johnny Jumper so I thought I would try it with Linc too. I had to shove some receiving blankets in to keep him from sinking from side to side, but he loved it. It gave him a chance to move his head around and have some exercise :) I also thought it was cure to see the height difference in the boys right now and compare again in 10 years.  Lazy Sunday morning in Mama's bed. Passed out on the couch, his little hand twitching a bit. Reminds me of what I might have in store for me during the teenage years.

 I have a picture of Dylan taking a nap in Daddy's camouflage a year or two ago. This year I thought it would be fun to get one of Lincoln in the same pile of clothes. I love how all three of these were taken within a few seconds of each other but his facial expressions are so different.  Today when Dylan got home from school he was grumpy and said he didn't feel too well so he zonked out for a nap on the couch while I also got Lincoln down for a nap too. Danielle stayed after school for some help so I actually got part of dinner ready and cleaned out the dish washer. Of course I didn't get to finish this before the little one woke up, but hey I had a small moment of silence complete with a picture of a one handed baby and a little boy turning into a little man with a little smear of pink frosting on his cheek from a girls' birthday party at kindergarten. Danielle is 17 today! I can hardly believe it. This picture was taken a week or two ago by Danielle's frien...

I had a great opportunity present its self last night at dinner. My mother-in-law Shirley works at the University in our town and mentioned that someone had asked her if she knew of anyone to work part-time as a secretary because they can't advertise the position yet because of hiring freezes or something. It would be a great opportunity for me (since it would be until 2 every day and the kids don't get home after 2:30) however I now have 3 kids and I just can't imagine not being here for them. Since I've been a stay-at-home mom my life has completely changed. I was a devoted mom to Dylan when I was on my own before but now with 3 to nurture, care for, discipline and get to hang out with I am in total "mom mode." I'm still working towards finishing up school. I also have a commitment to MOPS as a leader and am helping in Dylan's classroom. I love being home to hear the drama of the day, to make nutritious (or delicious) snacks, to help with homework,...

Well it happened sooner than I thought. It was only a month in to his Kindergarten year and I got my first call from Dylan's school. Oh no. Was he sick? Did he get in a fight and get sent to the principal's office? What sort of emergency happened to make them call me? All these questions were running through my mind as I said hello. It was the school counselor calling. She told me about how some of the boys from both kindergarten classes were having difficulty showing proper behavior out at the playground. I knew Dylan played a little rough with his friends but I never imagined that he would have to get a special "class" teaching him to get along with others. Anyway the counselor went on to explain that Dylan's teacher recommended him as a role model of good behavior for the special playground class. Wow. Here I thought she was telling me that Dylan had social problems but it was actually the opposite. I could be more proud that he exhibits friendly, kind behavio...