updated post

The last blog managed to post with half of it missing. I figured I should give you the full story of our morning so you can laugh at my life. Jackson had a bad dream and woke up at 4am the dog woke up and needed to go out at 5am both times I checked the alarm and both times it was set properly. Next thing I know Parker is announcing that it is 7:45, needless to say we were all running around throwing on clothes attempting to get out of the house in less than 10 min. 7min. later we were in the car speeding to school shoving down breakfast as fast as possible. The car was in park and kids tumbleing out at 2min. till the bell. I snapped one quick picutre before pushing them into thier class lines as they were passing down the hallway. I managed to blow three big kisses in each direction and crawled back to my car in total disamazement of the whole thing. I definitely hope that this was just one of those days and not a precurser of the year to come. I am oh so proud at their ability to roll with the punches of mornings like this and only sad at the lack of time we had to talk and love on each other before school. Much to their hate, I am sure, I am planning a re-do for tomorrow and I will take our first annual second day of school picutres:) I hope to find time this week to post about their first week of school and I am sure they will give me lots of interesting stories to share! For now have a great week.

First day of School

First day of school in the Crain house didn't go as smoothly as I had planned. We spent yesterday preparing backpacks, laying out school clothes, grocery shopping, and getting in some last minuet t.v. time. Parker played it cool and remained in teenage land not showing any excitement at the thought of returning to school. Avery and Jackson flip flopped back and forth from dread to excitement. It is amazing to think back to last year and the idea of kinder and now they are big first graders. During dinner last night we went around the table setting goals for the upcoming academic year and if all goes according to their visions it should be another great one. I am so proud of my kids and who they are growing into. Parker is such a source of inspiration, his strength and determination astonishes me daily. Jackson is the most passionate six year old I know and his belly laughs always warm my heart from the inside out. Avery Grace is such a doll and her sweet heart brings love to all those blessed to know her. Mitch and I couldn't have asked for three better children to have in our lives. They fill my cup with love to the fullest capacity it will hold. I see such changes in their maturity, responsibility,and their capabilities and know that this year will only continue to develop them on their paths in life. As crazy as this morning was I am still happy at the result of three independent children standing tall and walking proud into another stage of their lives. It makes me proud to know that all the hopes and dreams Mitch and I have for them are coming true and more reachable than ever before. With karate, football, bowling, and gymnastics I know it will be a busy fall but I am looking forward to witnessing each milestone.

Summer has come and gone!

Wow summer has come and gone in a flash. The first two weeks didn't work out just as we had originally planned. Avery had a post surgery complication that earned her a night in the hospital and a longer recovery than originally expected. Once she was all clear we kicked off our summer of fun with our trip to Shreveport for Jambalaya Jubilee. This was Parker's first year to be grouped with the older kids and he loved it. As always Avery and Jackson had a total blast and acted as if it was a complete annoyance to have to check in with us. We spent the long weekend socializing and learning with other families who have children suffering from a rheumatic disease. At the kids request we stopped at the gator feeding farm on our way home. It is still interesting to be a mother of boys and activities like this remind me that growing up in a house of girls was way different. We had a few days at home to unpack, wash clothes, and repack for our next vacation. Due to the lack of rain we decided to change our plans from the Frio to several days at Lake McQueeney. We spent the time boating and swimming and Jack even tried to wakeboard. After a fantastic day honoring the wonderful fathers we are all blessed to have we packed the car once again and headed to Galveston. It was such a joy to return to a long standing tradition followed every summer of my childhood. Aunt Dorothy, Lauren, Charlie, Connor, Amanda, her girls, Mom, and me and the kids had a great time despite all the sea weed. I think the kids would rate the most fun a toss up between feeding the seagulls and catching sand crabs. Although we all missed Mimi and Paw-Paw's presence it was a blast to have the time together with all the cousins and the many kids we have added to the family in the past few years. We returned to Austin for summer camps and vacation bible school and added a last min. trip to the Valley to visit Mom and Dad on their home turf. It is so special to see how much love is shared between my kids and their grandparents, and makes me feel blessed to know they will forever hold the memories created. We got home just in time for back to school haircuts, which was huge in itself. Parker cut a smidge off the ends and Avery, my precious long haired princess, cut 12 inches to donate to locks of love. She now looks sassier and more grown up than ever. It seems like just yesterday we were all pouring over our calendars making plans for the summer and now it is all over. This summer was a great one filled with lots of fun and sun. We are so thankful to have the family we have and we will have the memories and pictures created forever.