Long time no share ...

I will have to try and catch up at some point. The kids have grown and changed so much. School has started again, and Christmas is nearly here. I've been working now for 6 months! It is great to have income again, but I do miss being able to spend time with the kids during the day doing stuff. On weekends we're cleaning up the house, doing laundry, and running errands. Thankfully, the kids are loving school. Julia and Chase are enjoying daycare too, and Blake tolerates it ok. Poor Blake just can't stay well this fall. I've been fighting to keep him healthy since school started. Chase and Julia are always fighting bugs too, but it just seems like Blake is the one always needing medication.

Work has been crazy since one of the girls quit in October. But, things are steadily improving. I find that while I know we are still way behind, I am less stressed about it. I had a really rough day the other day when I was the only one with a voice in my department (the other girl had laryngitis and our team leader was on vacation), and I had to do ALL of the talking for the day. Yep, I was exhausted by the end of the day! We have a busy department.

I'm missing my friends a lot too. I haven't talked to Jess except for a brief snippit on the phone recently when I ran into her Dad, and I just finally got together with Rhonda last night. Her belly sure has popped now, but she's still so tiny. I wish I could have looked as cute while PG as she does. I wish I could take some vacation time, but I'm too afraid that I'll use it and then need those days for sick children, or for myself being sick.

In other news, the Christmas tree is up. The kids have been putting decorations on it that I brought upstairs last night. I still need to get some more out of the basement. I was thinking I'd use the "traditional" tinsel garland this year. My mom gave me some golden colored stuff that she says she's sure she'll never use, but there isn't enough of the same kind to cover the tree properly. Now that it's on the tree (testing it out) I'm not sure I like it. LOL. Guess I'll have to dig out the ribbon and give that another go.

Well, I need to get going. The kids have spilled pop on the floor and my couch already today, and Chase got yogurt on the couch too. Milk got spilled last night ... so it sounds like carpet cleaning day in addition to laundry and other stuff. Lots to do around here!

I hope you're all well if you're checking in, and I'm sorry it's been so long!

Melinda

Christmas Card

Using Connie Prince (DigiDiva Design's) Santa Baby kit!

First Hair Cut!!

Leaf Play

Playing in the leaf pile at home!

Please see this layout in my gallery at Gotta Pixel for full credits! (link on right of screen)

Pickin' pumpkins ...

We picked out pumpkins from Grandma and Grandpa's VERY wet garden today ...



and got Chase's Halloween costume!

Updated pictures of the kiddos ...

Look who's WALKING!!!!

We celebrate!

Today we had cupcakes in celebration of Chase's 1st birthday ... he downed his cupcake in less than 5 minutes! LOL!!

Happy Birthday, Chase!

Happy 1st Birthday, Chase!!!!

First trip to school on the bus (from daycare)

Getting on the bus for the first time this school year (we had an appointment on the first day of school or else they would have ridden then, also!) We had a beautifully warm first day of school, and here they had to wear pants and coats because it had cooled so much!

First Day of School

First day of school (Blake 4K program, Julia 3 yr old program)

Standing on his own...

Chase is standing on his own!



Getting into brother and sister's chalk drawings ...


Chalky butt!


Julia working on her art


Blake on his "new" scooter

Is there a doctor in the house?

A sign of what you will be when you grow up??

Photo Shoot

Blake


Julia


Chase

Happy Birthday, Julia!

Added 12/8/07:
On Julia's birthday, we went to the fair ... here are some pictures!





The kids had a great time at the fair!

At the Fountain

I love how the camera captures the water at this fountain ...


Julia is pretty timid at the fountain, but she still likes it. She actually allowed herself to get wet this time! :)

Memorial Day Weekend 2007

Adding to the blog on 12/8/07 ...

I thought this would make a good intro picture.

For Memorial Day weekend, we were invited to go camping with my parents. I planned to stay one night, but I slept the day away the following day and so I decided we should stay so that the kids could enjoy the beach. Thank goodness for my parents keeping an eye on the kids while Chase and I slept. I was so exhausted!

Some friends of my mom and dad brought their children and grandchildren, so Blake had a little boy to play with.

Blake even got to ride his 4-wheeler. He was in heaven!

Chase wasn't impressed with the water/beach ...


Julia playing in the sand ...


I'll have to add more pictures later.

Day 72: Swingin'

I needed to water the flowers and so I took the kids outside with me to get it done. I put Chase in the baby swing which my parents hung up in the tree for me. I got a few pictures that I still need to play with a little, but this one is one of my favorites.

Day 70-71: No Pictures

I know, I'm totally failing my objective. :( I'm trying to be better though!

Day 69: Sleeping With Mommy

Chase often sleeps with mommy, but early this morning a second stow-away joined us. When I woke up to get ready for work they were both sleeping so soundly and were so adorable that I had to snap this photo.

Day 68: More New Teeth!

Chase's top two teeth started to break through on the 7th ... and suddenly more teeth are breaking through! You may or may not be able to see ... but he's soon going to have 4 on top, and 2 on the bottom ... plus he's got white bumpy gums on his lower left and so he's got even MORE on the way!

Day 67: Chase's "new" toy

This was a present that Blake got when he turned 1. The kids found it in the basement and we cleaned it up for Chase. He's been busy using it to stand up ... and fall over ever since. :)

Day 63-66: No Pictures Again

I'm so bad, I know. :( These days were days June 6-9th. I've been training for my new job and have been so exhausted when I get home. Sorry!!

Day 62: PRUNES

Need I say more??

Day 56 - 61: No pictures

I took a hiatus from the camera. During this time I was gearing up for the thrift sale with my neighbors, and enjoying my last days of unemployment.

Day 55: Chase likes the dog!!

This photo is of Chase and Katie, my parents' (and my) cocker spaniel. He waves at her, squeals at her, laughs at her, and likes to touch her and follow her. It's so cute because neither Blake or Julia showed that sort of interest in her.

Day 54: Memorial Day

Today I took the kids to Jessica's parents' house for a short visit. Pete was out on the jet ski with his grandson, and when he came back in he offered to take Julia or Blake. Julia jumped at the chance while Blake was more timid. However, as soon as Julia got back he was willing to go. Little turkey!