Where The Boys Are

So today was a taste of what it's gonna be like with the boys in school all day. It was quiet, and although I took it a little easy today, I still got more done than most days.

The morning was a little hectic, even after packing backpacks the night before and laying our their clothes... the boys were NOT in fast motion this morning! But we managed to get them ready and in the kitchen for breakfast... then they placed their orders with the cook (aka Mom) and Tres got his omelet... and Bryant got his cinnamon toast and grapes.

To be honest, Bryant did not want us to walk him in this morning, but we knew we wouldn't get to do it again, so it was our opportunity to and in that respect, he had no choice! :) Yeah, that silly boy just wanted his brother to take him in.


We got in and they took off... I mean, sorry if these pics are blurry, but they were on a mission to get to class!

Bryant was in the lead, but Tres was playing his big brother role very well!

We made it to his class and Bryant was ready to dive in...

Thank God I caught this moment!! We are excited about both of their classes.

He had no problems! He remembered where his chair was, where to hang his backpack and we quizzed him on his lunch number all morning, so I'm pretty sure we got that too.

We saw him in, with only a tear or two sitting in my eye (it's hard to be sad when he is so stinkin' excited!)... and turned around to get pics of Tres going into his room, and all I saw was his dust... he was already in his room! No time for pics, Mom!

As we were walking out, Sophie kept saying, 'Wet's get outta he-ah!'


After they got off, we came back home. Then Hank went to work, and about 30 minutes later, Soph went down for her nap. Her nap time was soooo long to me... I guess a quiet house equals a good long nap! :) But when she woke up, she went around the house calling 'my boys' until we left to get them!

They had a good day! Bry said his favorite part was basketball and pizza... ummm... I hope he's learning something! Smile!


Tres said he saw kids he knew from last year and that he felt good about that. He also came home with a thick stack of papers that he already did today! I mean, a ton of stuff! He was pleased, I think... but this kid loves to learn.

All in all... a very satisfying day!

Mom's Start of School Prayer

We took the boys to drop off school supplies, meet their teachers and get lunch accounts and car rider info situated today.
First of all, can I just say, these two boys should still be babies, right?? I mean, I am so not ready for them to grow up...

Tres is quiet this time around... I can't tell if he is nervous or if he is just letting his little brother enjoy all of his own firsts. The only time I see him get really excited is when he is telling or showing Bryant something about school.

Bryant on the other hand is bouncing with excitement! He is full-steam-ahead, no-turning-back, and definately no-crying-for-Mommy-and-Daddy ready for school!

I think what is helping me get through my baby boy starting school is knowing that his big brother is literally down the hall (their classes ended up on the same one!! Yea!). They will walk to class together each morning, and Tres told me he would make sure Bryant got to his class.

I'm making myself cry just thinking about that. I love my boys so much. And I absolutley adore the fact that they love one another so completely.

Thank you, Lord for my boys! Give them open minds this year, Father. Guide their steps... guard their hearts... keep them safe. And, Lord, I ask you to help my boys grow closer every year. It's hard, Lord to trust someone else with both of my babies, all day long. I know you had my babies in mind when they were being assigned to these classes. I know what they will learn this year will go with them and grow with them as they develop into men of character... men of God. I ask you to be with Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Hutter, and Mrs. Wildman (aka Mrs. WILD MAN!) as they will be 'the other women' in my sons' lives. I love you, Lord... and I am deciding right now to leave this at your feet.

Shaggy & Shaggier

The boys went and got a long overdue haircut last week. I made them pose for these mug-shot style pics to show you just how shaggy they were!



They look so cute! I love it when they have fresh haircuts! I waited almost two weeks longer than I normally would for one because of school starting. I wanted Tres to have a new cut for his first day.

Summer Swimming!

Two things happened that made me laugh until my sides hurt yesterday. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I took the kids to swim at my parent's house yesterday. The boys love to swim and play, and HATE to do anything that takes their time away from the pool... not even go to an actual bathroom. And who needs a toilet when you're a little boy? I call this one, 'Bathroom Break.' They jumped out, went to the bathroom, and were back swimming so quickly, I barely had time to snap this pic!

When I decided it was time to take a break from the sun and get the kids fed, I told the boys to take off their swim shirts and get dressed. This is what should be under their shirts:But I guess because he was so excited to get in the water, Tres had this on under his swim shirt: His actual shirt. It had to dry while I worked on the closets yesterday.

I just love my funny and fabulous boys! I thank God daily for knowing that they needed to be so close in age so that they could be best buddies.

Fall Fun

We've been trying to take advantage of the slightly cooler weather with trips to local parks. The boys have been having a blast! There is one particular park in Helena-- Joe Tucker --that has loads of cool stuff for the kids. A rock climbing wall, a HUGE sand box with mechanical arms for digging and tons more stuff.

Role Playing

The boys are quite obsessed with Star Wars these days. As a rule, Tres is usually Obi Wan Konobi and Bryant is usually Luke Skywalker. Before Ava Sophia was born, I was always Princess Leia. But now, Ava gets that distinguished role and I get to be her mom... Padamai (sp?).

The boys also enjoy the fact that Sophie will hold onto things that they put in her hands. Here she is with a miniature light saber from one of their toys. Use that force, Leia! :)

That's MY Family

Who knew that two little boys could love their sister so much? I praise God everyday that we have had no problems integrating Ava Sophia into our lives and family. Both of her brothers find her intriguing and want to be around her, beside her, and kissing her all the time. Even Tres, who finds it hard to kiss his Mommy these days, lavishes kisses on his little sister.
So watch out boys! This little girl's gonna have a built-in security system!

Establishing a Routine

Ava Sophia achieves this beautiful stick-em-up hair do after her nighttime bath. Doesn't she look precious? Well, yes, I think she does!

Then it's over to see her brothers in their room for a little awake time before lights out.

Gotta get some time in with her daddy! How else is she gonna get him wrapped around her little finger?

Then it's night, night and lights out for us all!


I waited until her check-up to start initiating the routine I did with the boys as far as feedings go. I did 'Baby Wise' with both boys, and had then sleeping through the night by 7-8 weeks. So we started that officially yesterday. Essentially what 'Baby Wise' suggests is making sure your child is awake while they eat, then for some play time, then nap time, with the exception of night feedings. This system is supposed to help regulate their little bodies to our timetable (sleep at night and not during the day!). It's been tough to get her to stay awake... but she's been doing a bit better today.
I know it was probably a fluke, but last night her last feeding was at 10:30 and she didn't wake up until 3:30... and then not until 6:30. I'm just thankful for the rest!