A new chapter

I am officially a college student(again). I am so excited, but I think I am even more scared. This is one of those things that other people do, that I envy and will do one day when I have the time. It has felt like an out of body experience while I have been applying, gathering papers and waiting for admission into the school. And now I have just read my first chapter for my Philosophy class. It feels so good!
However while I was reading, Tyler came in for this, and Landon came in for that, and the laundry was buzzing and I smell the nasty bathroom that I need to clean and I know I need to make a shopping list, and I know I need to do "mommy school" with the boys, and I am looking at my spin bike knowing I need to exercise at some point today, and I really hate blow drying my hair because it takes forever, and I still need to make my bed, and I still need to do my reading for my research class and Psychology class....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Deep breaths!! I think it is time for me to relax and prioritize. I need to do this, and I want to do this. Everything is a learning process and I am about to get schooled!! Haha!
So maybe I won't have a spic and span house. And maybe I won't always be dressed...but hopefully I will be able to juggle all that I need to do. Super Woman...can I borrow your cape????

He's self sufficient.

Well, I guess I can go ahead and pat myself on the back. I have raised a very self sufficient little three year old. I caught Landon making himself a PB&J TWO times today.

The first time I walked in the kitchen and he was rinsing his plastic knife off in the sink...he even cleans up after himself. He had also attempted to make himself a glass of chocolate milk..but we were out of milk. Bummer. It seems he decided to add some Nesquik to some water. Yum!

And about five minutes ago I caught him making his second PB&J. This time with a real knife. He apologized. Seriously? The boy must be real hungry.

Really Landon? I am very capable of making you a sandwich...you need only ask. Don't grow up too fast!

Mele kalikimaka

Ok, not really Merry Christmas...just wanted to say that.

When the kids came home from their dad's for the summer we had a welcome home luau. Other than the decor and the Hawaiian haystacks we ate, not much else was luau-ish. I think I will plan better next time. But, the kids had fun. And we were together!!

Thanks to the 99 cent store here we were sporting all sorts of Hawaiian stuff. Love that inflatable pineapple! Classy!

Way awesome goblets with Hawaiian Punch. Clever I know. And thanks Aunt Kathy for the cute drink umbrellas!

A Hawaiian Transformer at my luau...yep!

The fam!! So under my lei is a flowered bra. Cierra and I both had one. And under my flowered bra is my shirt that says, "World's Coolest Mom". I think that speaks for itself. ;)

We MUST be crazy!

That's a dog...laying on MY couch! Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!

We finally did it..we got a dog. I have put if off as long as my family would let me. I haven't been excited because I am not stupid. I know that having a dog is a lot of work, especially a puppy.

She has not let me down...she is a lot of work. However she is cute and I know the kids will LOVE her!

So welcome to the family Zarah! (The "ar" is prounounced like the pirate AAARRRR!)

I was actually grateful...

...for this mess that the boys made. Grateful to have something to do. It is really crazy going from busy, busy to absolutely nothing. While everyone is excited for summer, I dread summer. Summer means I am three children less. Don't misunderstand me..I am happy that they get to spend so much time with their dad. I know they love it and need it. I just feel kind of lost without my huge crew to take care of. Yes I still have the twins, but it is different. My job is the kids. That is what I do all day, every day and when more than half my job is gone, life seems sloooooow.

Seriously I think I may go insane when they all leave home. I really have to get a hobby ;)

Tyler feels the need to change his clothes like 5 times a day. It drives me nuts!

Holy cow! What is under there?

They were building a tent. Funny boys.

8 years ago....

...a sweet baby girl was born. And I got to be her mom!! Cierra Elizabeth Lamont. What a girl!

She continues to be a joy to all around her. She continues to amaze me with her positive attitude. She is such an example to me. She has the best outlook on life and is kind to everyone around her. She is so giving...even to her brothers who give her a hard time most of the time.

And on Saturday June 5th she will enter the waters of baptism. What a special time for her.

Happy Birthday Cierra! We all love you sooooo much!!!

Opening presents

New outfit from Dad and Kim.

Popcorn on a stick for her class

Cierra and her class at lunch.

{{bloom where you are planted}}

My kids are thriving here in Las Vegas. They have made so many new friends. They come home from school, drop their backpacks, use the restroom, grab a snack and then they are out the door until dinner time. Or we have 3 or 4 kids at our house at a time. It is wonderful. I love it! I am so thankful that they are having so much fun.

Life is good!!

Oh and we have a little girl at our house that just got her ears pierced for her impending 8th birthday. She was such a good sport. Didn't even cry. Just was a bit shocked that it hurt so much.

{{before}} In the chair...a little nervous. Like how Dylan, Landon and Ron are outside looking in? The little store could not accommodate our huge family. Haha.

{{after}} Still a little stunned.