Jensen Elliot Decker

He's here! Jensen Elliot Decker was born on 7/20/10 at 9:20 pm. He weighed 7lbs 15oz and was 20 inches long. He has awesome hair, eats like a champ and is sleeping well already at night. Mea loves him "he is sooooooooo cute!" and Jaden gets super excited to see him (a little too excited really, but he's learning to be gentle). Jensen looks a lot like Jaden's baby pictures only with a lot of dark hair and a lot smaller. I have already been asked if he has a different dad than the other children. I had to laugh that comment off :-)! He's definately Jared's.

Swim Lessons

Mea finished swimming lessons today and passed Level 2! Whooohoooo! She has always loved the water but learned a lot this sessions. Her teacher was great, she loved the girls in her class, and she made me a proud mom everyday.

Summer as a Stay at home Mom

Every summer I take a break from school. This summer is different, however, because I realized that it is the beginning of my new life as a stay at home mom. There will be no going back to the classroom in a couple of months, no dropping the kids off at the babysitters when I need a break to "work on my classroom", and no end in sight. This is it. While I really excited for the adventure and am loving the days of making my own schedule, I have to say it is weird. Good weird, but weird.

With my new found life is some new found time. This is the reason I decided to say at home. When I work I stress. I want to be the best mom, cook, wife, teacher.... (list goes on and on). For me, there is just not enough time to do everything well. My house was a pit, my meals were out of a box, several of my student's papers found there way to the trash can because I just didn't have time to look at them. (I'm sure many of you can relate.) I realize now there will never be enough time, however, now I get to make some more decisions on when I do with my time. I can do the dishes or I can play outside with the kids, or even better if I manage it right I have time to do both! On some days I have even managed to find time for myself (shocking!). I have gotten to sit and read, start some projects and watch tv by myself. I still find myself feeling a tad guilty on these occasions- but the guilt is lessening as I realize how much happier everyone is in my home.

While I'm still figuring this mom thing out, and I'm realizing that I will never be the best, life is good. I am so thankful that I have wonderful husband that is willing to work hard to let me try out this role, and for children that are resilient!

Here's what we're up to...

Mea and Jaden side walk chalk painting

Jared relaxing

Trying to stay cool in the backyard.