What's new with the kiddos??

MEA STARTED KINDERGARTEN!!

Holy Mackerel can you believe that Mea is now officially a kindergartner? When I dropped her off this morning it was a bit of a blur. As a former (weird to say that) I know how the school day runs, how exciting and nervous it can be, and how special the first day is...but I had never been on this side of the desk! It was strange, for me and exciting for the school girl. She was a little nervous to start, but put on a brave face and marched right into the classroom. She quickly found a spot, a girl with the same lunch box, and I could tell within 5 minutes she no longer needed her mom to stand there. I left (and stood outside the door just to make sure), but walking away was a little difficult. A part of me wanted to stay in the school with her, but I had to start my first official day as a stay at home mom. I'll let you know how the first day went after Miss Mea gets home.

Jaden or JADEN EMERY as he often hears because of the war path he leave behind him, is ornery! His latest mess was 3 bottles of finger nail polish all over himself and the bathroom floor. He still has purple feet because it was impossible to get off, the rug looks like modern art, and the bathroom reeks of polish remover. Good thing he's cute- otherwise I might craigslist him (just kidding)!

Jensen smiled at me today...I think...and I'm going to say it was a true smile, not just gas, because he is just that brilliant already!

Jaden Loves his Grandpas

Nothing is better than a nap with a grandpa. Jaden sleeping with Grandpa Decker. Jared's parents visited last week. We enjoyed seeing them. Jaden especially enjoyed having some one else in the house to tease! Jaden sleeping with Papa England. This is how Papa was able to play hooky from a wedding. Looks like a good excuse, huh??

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.

Vacation

We've been back from vacation for a week, and I'm just getting around to blogging about it. Now that it is summer, my plan is to take a little time once in a while instead of mass blogging sporadically. We will see how that goes. Anyway...we drove from MO to NM, with a quick stop in CO. I was a little nervous driving with the kids and being 8 months pregnant. Surprisingly it went smoothly. Mea kept herself busy, Jaden was our Rip Van Winkle and slept most of the way, I enjoyed the scenery and Jared drove. Few fits, few crying, and overall a good time. We took time to enjoy Colorado Springs on our way. This was one of my favorite vacations as a kid and I have to say I enjoyed it as an adult as well. We went to the zoo, Garden of the Gods, and Mea loved the hotel because it had a slide into the pool. We had tons of fun. In New Mexico, we spent some time catching up with family. Jared enjoyed playing on the farm. Jaden LOVED the animals and Mea is getting to be quite the cow girl. I just relaxed and took it all in. Jaden however got sick there, which was not so much fun. I was a little sad Jared's family didn't get to see Jaden's true colors, but that was the way it turn out. Guess they are going to have to come our way to get the full Jaden effect (hint, hint)! Now we are just settling into the summer routine (or lack there of). I love the summer!!

On our way home we stopped at the Wizard of Oz Museum (mostly for Mea). It was in a small town in Kansas. Mea loved it as you can tell in the pics. Notice her proud stance (belly out, cheesy smile). It had a pretty good collection of stuff including several replicas of Dorthy's shoes. Jaden enjoyed the lion, and tolerated the rest.