Seven for August

1

In just the past two weeks, Marcus has lost two more teeth (bringing the grand total to 4). His front tooth was very wiggly when we left for our visit to Utah, so it was no surprise when it popped out during our vacation. When Grandpa George found out, he told Marcus that he worked for the Tooth Fairy and promptly handed Marcus a 5 dollar bill. Then, just this morning, Marcus came running in shouting, "Mom! Owen bumped my mouth and my other tooth came out!" His other front tooth! So now my little 7-year-old has the classic jack-o-latern gap tooth grin just in time for second grade.

2

Marcus has started taking piano lessons and is very excited about it. His teacher is a friend of mine and last night he and I went over to her house and had his very first lesson. I really enjoyed watching him talk with her and learn about the piano. I know there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road as far as practicing goes but right now he is nothing but excited about it. He has two little songs he's working on this week and a chart he gets to mark off each time he plays a song twice. When the whole chart is marked off, he gets a treat! Have I told you yet how Marcus is very motivated by treats/toys/rewards? Well, he is.

3

Tim was gone last Thurs-Sun for his annual Man-cation (this was year 3). This year he and his friends went to California. They spent a day in San Francisco and a day at the beach and the two other days driving. One friend has family down there, so they were able to stay with them. Of course he had a wonderful time. I won't lie--I was only about 80% on board with this trip (he'd probably argue that my percentage was lower than that). What can I say? I'm human and I didn't like getting left behind on my own with 4 little boys. BUT, Tim is a wonderful father, husband, and provider and only gets to do this with his friends once a year so I did my best to listen to the nicer me and let him go. I'm glad he's home now, though. Me and the boys tried to do fun things while he was gone and our list included: playing with the cousins, eating lunch at Delsas (a local hamburger/ice cream place), going to the library, going to the park, playing with Auntie Kay, having pancakes for lunch, and best of all: having a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house and going to church with them the next day!

4

Sweet Baby Zachy is eating all sorts of fun things now. Back when I had the twins I started making my own baby food (super easy and much cheaper) and it's been fun to get back into that again. So far Zach has tried and enjoyed:
sweet potatoes
cauliflower
peaches
applesauce
rice cereal
graham crackers
rice husk crackers
baby biscuits
bananas
and various other items that have made it from our plate to his mouth for a taste test

I'm still planning to keep nursing him until he is a year old, though my other boys seemed to wean themselves around 9 months or so. It's been a bit of a work in progress figuring out when to feed him solids, when to nurse him etc, but I think we're finally settling into a nice routine.

5

Have I ever mentioned Miss Tammy? Well, she is our amazing story time librarian. I took Marcus to her and then the twins and in September we'll be joined by Zach. She is really wonderful. (I just wish everyone else didn't know she was so wonderful--it's gotten so dang crowded!) Anyway, last week we were at the library near our house for a quick trip and guess who was sitting at the help desk? Just guess! Miss Tammy! She was subbing for someone for the weekend (Miss Tammy is usually at the library downtown). She saw us and recognized us immediately and do you know what she did? She got right up and started talking to Marcus about books and the two of them wandered off to the beginning chapter books section and had a lovely conversation about Captain Underpants--a series that Marcus LOVES and she introduced him to Diaper Baby and then she wandered off with the twins to find a book for each one of them. I should note that she did most of the talking during her "conversations" with my boys because they were so star struck. I imagine they felt like how I might feel if I wandered into my library and Matt Damon was there and wanted to help me find a book. I just love it when adults treat my kids with such kindness.

6

My two pregnant sisters (one by blood, the other by marriage). Two nephews should be joining us in September. I am excited!

I never told you about my most recent trip to Utah. Let's just say that the drive was much more pleasant and that my soul remained intact. The only downside (because it seems there must always be a downside when we travel to Utah) was that Zachy was sick. I think that may have been why the drive was more pleasant this time around--he was medicated. Anyway, we went down for Alecia's graduation from BYU (her Masters!) and her baby shower. We also got to spend time swimming with cousins and grandparents, playing with cool toys and eating yummy dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house, McDonald's Happy Meals, the park, and other fun things. I especially enjoyed holding my newest nephew Baby Noah and girls night with my mom, Emma, and Nicole. 

7

Upcoming news:
Marcus starts second grade on Monday.
We are looking for a second car. It will be a commuter car for Tim. He's been riding his bike but the weather will get cold soon and we don't want to do another winter without a good car for him.
I'm going to serve as Vice President for the PTO.
I'm going to run a 5k with my friend and mother-in-law in October.