What's up with Mike, Kristen, Kamryn, Logan, Kensington, Tenley & Smith?

 

I figured today I'd do just a quick life update. It's been awhile since I've done one of these and I know the majority of you who read here come here for that, and not the random crap I buy on Amazon. LOL!

We are back into a nice routine with school. Kristen feels less tired getting up earlier than her usual summer days of sleeping in. "Sleeping in" is a relative term as in the summer she was sleeping til 6:30 and now she's up at 5:30. But she does enjoy a few moments of quiet before the crazies wake up! Kamryn needs to be out of the house by 7:35 and for the rest of the kids, the bus shows up around 8:45. It's not bad AT ALL. It's nice the kids are getting older and really all Kristen needs to do is pack the lunchboxes and lay out the clothes for everyone except Kam. Although, most days it's "Where are my jeans? Where's the (insert super specific article of clothing here)?" So as long as things run smoothly (HA!) our mornings are pretty painless.

The kids are all really enjoying school so far. Both Kensington and Tenley have teachers that Kamryn and/or Logan had. It's nice to see familiar faces and to know how they are and them know our family. Makes for fun open houses at the school! Which we are 2 down 1 to go! We have Tenley's open house tomorrow and then it's back to our regular evenings at home. All 4 of the kids are loving their teachers, seem to be in really great classes with really good kids and that always helps for an enjoyable year. 

As most of you know, Kamryn is our music/art girl. She loves to draw/paint and is a really great artist. She's even had some of her artwork selected to be displayed in various "art shows" at the schools and even at the superintendents office. She's participated in chorus since the 4th grade and LOVES to sing! So, it should come as no surprise she decided to try out for the middle school play. Kam is pretty shy so this was a huge step for her but she did it!! And not to anyone's surprise, she got a speaking role! We cannot wait to see "Villager #1" in Beauty and the Beast Jr this Spring!! Practice starts up next week after school and Kamryn is really excited.

Mike seems to be busier than ever but also home a lot too. We've got a great balance going on right now, one I hope sticks around for a long long time. His side business is really picking up. He's been able to hone in on a specific type of electrical work he likes doing and that makes those dreaded Saturdays working a little less painful. When he's not working he's doing the super dad thing. Always happy to lend a helping hand with homework, flip flashcards after dinner and the kids will agree he's the best at reading stories at bedtime! 

I don't see things slowing down for awhile but being in a routine, something different than the lazy summer days (although we were very busy this summer as well) is always nice. I was talking to another mom last night at Kensington's open house and we were saying how we want to get our girls together soon. We both kind of chuckled as we said "When things slow down a bit". All moms know, that never happens! But seriously, can things slow down juuuuuust a little bit?! Just a little is all we ask!

As you can see in the above picture of Smith on the front steps we are in full on fall mode over here! Kristen is in heaven with the cooler temps and her pumpkins and mums! The kids agree fall is so much better than summer! Everynight we talk about Halloween costumes and we've watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus more times than I'd like to admit. This weekend we are heading to a local farm to go apple and pumpkin picking. (Like I need more pumpkins! I am hoping to find some green ones! ::fingers crossed::) I will try to take lots of pictures and hopefully update the blog sooner than later with all of those!

Between appointments, school meetings, activities, play dates, driving here there and everywhere in between, along with all that goes into having 5 kids, life can get pretty hectic. Mike and I agree though nothing compares to time together as a family. That's where our hearts live and that's where they will stay. Family first, all the other crap second. :) The kids are growing so incredibly fast. It's so hard to wrap our heads around that Kamryn will be 13 in just a few months. We've learned over the years that this time is fleeting, so no matter how busy we are we know that "when things slow down" isn't really ever going to come. So today we make the time to stop and smell the roses, as they say. Our kids won't be little forever and you truly never know what tomorrow brings, so the time is now!

Before I go I would regret it if I didn't ask. We have a few family members who are having some health issues. If you could just say a quick prayer we would appreciate it more than you know! 

Thank you so much!! <3