Now I Know ...

Lane left for Memphis on Monday morning.

It was last minute (as in, he was literally walking out the door to go to work when he rushed back in, packed a bag, kissed the kids and left for the next 3 days), so I didn't really have time to plan.

Monday was also the day I started my initiative to seriously lose the baby weight.

Which means I'm hungry. Which means I'm cranky. Cranky, single Mother with 3 small children is not a pretty sight.

I'm trying uber hard to keep it together.

I've also discovered a few other gems this past week:

A co-op preschool with all boys is a FAR cry from a co-op preschool with all girls.


This is from when I taught 2 weeks ago. We learned about buses, made them from egg carton lids (can you see those yellow things?) then drew roads and people and practiced bus etiquette.

I mean, don't get me wrong. I knew it'd be different. And all the boys in Elliot's "school" are super sweet. They just don't sit for ANYTHING.

Never believe someone when they say it's easier to entertain babies when there are older children in the house.

This is how Owen insists on spending every evening as I make dinner:

His onsie is right, he DOES rule the kingdom.

In his Bumbo on the counter next to me. (I know, I know. I'm not supposed to put Bumbos on an elevated surface.)

He won't nap. And he can't follow the circus around the house, so he just screams until I retrieve him and keep him at my elbow.

Speaking of the circus ...

I came around the corner to find him like this. He told me he was a dinosaur veterinarian. He said nothing about the ballet slippers. I hope he always has this kind of confidence.

Older sisters certainly have an impact in the life of a brother.

And this one,

She wouldn't let me take a picture of her until she'd found shoes to wear that matched. She was in tears 2 minutes earlier because the pink sparkly shoes she had wanted no longer fit her feet.

certainly got the princess gene.

If I ever have another child and that child ends up being another girl, I will tread carefully as I accessorize her in her impressionable babyhood.

She needs accessories with E.V.E.R.Y.thing. Everything.

Also, never ever EVER believe an experienced seamstress when they say a project is simple and quick.

On a whim Saturday night, I made Elliot a tie for church the next morning.

Cell phone pic: I had to get all my handsome boys ready for church. Sorry it's grainy. We were walking out the door and someone put a sticky finger on the camera lens ... but you can still see Elliot's grey/yellow tie, right?

I've had the pattern printed for awhile (because I insist on the boys wearing real neckties), but hadn't committed (pattern here).

Saturday night I did. I was awake until 3 a.m.

But now that I've done it, I'll be making lots more. Because NOW it will be simple and quick (because I know what I'm doing).

Four-year-olds really do listen and watch everything you do.

Jane came grocery shopping with me this weekend, but she wouldn't leave once her shoes were on.


Another from the cell phone, but you get the general idea, right?

She said she needed her purse, which contained a cell phone, and her glasses. (I told you, accessories.)

Texas is maniacal and mean.

After 3 1/2 years, I reluctantly gave myself over to the fact that Fall does not begin in September here.

September is still a time for shorts, swimming and hiding from the heat.

Then end of August 2012 hit.

And, with a nice breeze and temps at 79 degrees at the worst time of day today, we went to the park.

Owen watching Jane and Elliot run in circles. Last one with the cell phone. I should know how to download these, but I don't.

Now my minds all messed up again and I'm craving pumpkins, leaves and sweater/khaki combos.

And next week is supposed to be in the 90s.

See? Toying with my emotions.