Do you mean a different Mason?

I finally got the kids in for the last session of swim lessons this summer. McKena is the only one that had lessons in the past, so I was really anxious to get the boys in. McKena has always enjoyed the pool and just swims around like a little fish. She did well with lessons and even began to learn diving techniques. I love her confidence in the pool she is just comfortable in water.

Mason on the other hand has always been quite aprehensive. He would scream whenever Ryan tried to take him out in the water and swim around with him. He just liked to stay on the steps and play there. This year I noticed him getting a little braver in the pool so I decided that it was time to try him in lessons. When I asked him if he wanted me to sign him up he said no, and after the first day I asked if he was still mad and he said yes. However as the lessons went on he really blossomed and did quite well. His teacher called him a little fish. What?? Are talking about my son Mason? I was so excited that he enjoyed himself.

Here is the big slide. McKena's class got to go down at the end of each lesson. The first time McKena I loved listening to her squealing on the way down. Mason's class was able to go down at the end of the last class. It was so much fun for them.

Spencer opened up as well. I think he just needed something to give him a bit of confidence in the water. He was very obedient to his teacher and did a good job. Now he does not freak out when I hold him in the water and it is more fun for both of us.

I am glad we were able to get our lessons in now I just wonder how often will be visiting the pool. Last night Ryan said he saw a house with smoke coming from their chimney. WHAT!! a fire in August. Can I handle the Coos Bay cold?? Anyway here is a cute pic of Brooklyn to end my thoughts.

Let's build something together

On Saturday I had to run to Lowes so I decided to get there in time for the building project that they have for kids every other Saturday. I was completely impressed. I left wondering why I had not taken advantage of this program all summer. It could be because I knew Brooklyn would more than most likely cry while I was in the middle of hammering and I would get stares because I did not pick her up, (which is exactly what happened).

So here is the final project, a bug box. I was expecting some lock together pieces and glue. However there were actual nails, hammers and directions. We did fail to pay attention to the directions and therefore, had to take out nails and hammer them in again. We still walked away happy and satisfied with our building experience. The best part of all was some very nice lady said to me "Since your kids probably won't tell you I think you are awesome for bringing them all here to do this." I felt so appreciated. It was also so much nicer than the "you sure do have your hands full" comment that I normally get.

The kids also all got aprons and they had a patch that you could put onto your apron that had a pic. of the project. I saw one little family with all of their patches sewn onto the aprons and I got jealous about the missed projects and then I realized I probably would have lost our patches before sewing them on anyway. Sure enough I was right because we may have already lost all of the patches.

On a side note, Brooklyn is 6 months tomorrow. She is improving so much now that she can roll around on the floor. I think that she just likes to moves. She is not one for sitting and so the swing is out which makes me super sad because I have a great swing. She sleeps well on the days we are actually home for her to have a nap. She like her pacifier which makes me VERY happy. She already rocks on her hands and knees. I do not remember my other babies doing so at this age. I am not ready for her to be mobile yet so hopefully she will not figure it out for awhile. We all are enjoying her so much.

I think she looks so much like I did as a baby. Especially in the above pic. Mom what do you think??

This is what is saving me!!

Update on us. As many of you know Ryan finished his residency in June. He accepted a job in Coos Bay OR and although it is not the ideal location for us we are excited to move back to the west. Job hunting was harder than we had anticipated and in the end we feel pleased with the opportunity that Ryan has at his new job. Coos Bay was the first practice to contact us and after lots of pleading for other opportunities it turned out to be Ryan's top choice. We are excited to see what is in store for our family there. We are so happy for all that Ryan does to support our family. Well enough about him afterall this is my blog hehe!

Last month Ryan moved to OR by himself while I have stayed behind with the kiddos to try and sell our house. As I have feared,is has turned out to be the hardest part of this life changing year (new baby, new job, cross-country move, selling a house). So how am I faring?? Not to bad actually. While it is not in the plan for us to have the blessing of selling our house right now, I must say that we are receiving so many other blessings We have been able to stay very busy this summer doing lots of fun things many of which are in our price range of Free! It has been nice and hot which I love and will miss when I move to the cool OR coast. We have so much support from friends and neighbors, and we are completely in our comfort zone.

However reality is I have 5 kids and the oldest is 8 so no built in babysitter just yet. So what is my secret. Well it is something my SIL taught my a few years back. It is these cute little beans. We only use beans in the summertime they are our reward system. This summer especially they are saving my life. All I have to say is "I will give a bean to whoever will____" Usually I have multiple kids begging me to do the chore. Also if they are looking forward to earning a special privilege they ask me "Mom what can I do to earn a bean" Yes that is right they ask to do a chore, and it cost me nothing. I LOVE IT!! Beans are also taken away for inappropriate behavior. Beans have helped Mason to read better, Spencer to get his pjs on quickly, and Brooklyn to be held more often. Unfortunately beans have no effect on Devon and so he still may be the cause of my unravelling, but for now I am happy, and doing just fine. Thanks Krystal for teaching me about beans.

So here are the little cuties!

OK that is a bit of a fib. Here are the little crazies. Which is a more accurate description most of the time. Gotta love them.