1st trip to the dentist and our busy Monday!

 Well, we jumped back into the week head first.  Mondays like this wear me out. Up and ready early to head back to the dentist.  This time for Lo and I.  When you have a family of 7 going to the dentist is a whole month adventure every 6 months, it seems!  But Lo likes it here. He is fascinated by this old choo choo that I used to have as a child.  Love it!

 He's pretty good at golf too even though he can barely reach the ball thing to play it!

 He got a little shy when it was his turn to sit in the big chair.  All he wanted to do was talk about the box that controls the chair.  He was fascinated by the lights on it and wants to know what is inside.  Had we left the room, he would have taken it apart I am sure!

 Pretending to be invisible.  No eye contact means not sitting in the dental seat hopefully!

 Would have been a cute "1st trip to the dentist" pic had mama not had a dozen chins!  Good grief :)  But at least the big boy was showing his clean pearly whites! :)  I had to sit with him the whole time while he had his teeth checked and cleaned.  I kinda figured this was how it would go. He is definitely the most mama-est boy of our clan!  But he did good even if he had to sit on my lap!

 I finally was able to sneak off the chair and let him get more comfortable.  He LOVED the baby sink.  Ash loved then when she went her 1st time too.  He was fascinated!  Not sure anyone could stare harder at a sink! lol :)

 Hours of fun!

 Success!  Perfect teeth!  We are hiding our new treasure chest toys in our shirt!

 Celebratory nachos!  Gotta get those clean pearly whites all dirty with cheese!

 He built this to show Hayeeeee how awesome a builder he is!

 A ballerina card from Nina G. in the mail...what every grandson wants! hee hee :)

 Beautiful weather out today (supposed to rain most of the rest of the week)...we played a little soccer. He's got pretty good form!

 One more time, mom!

 Might be our next soccer guy!

 The gymnastic's spectators....oh so enthused!

 She has moved up to doing flips on the balance beam. (those are here legs in the air)  Go, Ash!

 She's gained lots of good form over the last couple months.

 Gum fun!  Good ol' "Bobby" (that's Lo's name for Shelby) :)

 It was double girl scout night...Shelb went off to her meeting and Ash and I went to ours.  We played some fun friend games! hee hee

Daddy and son doing their cub scout awards organization.

Never a dull moment. Never enough hours in the day or hours to rest....sigh.

Check out these cute kids!

Check out this oldie but goodie :) 
That girl sure has a great fashion sense!  A purse and a hat to match! (just ignore the socks!)...but that boy...check out those short shorts and knee socks! lol!  I love that my mom took Easter pics of us every year.  Gives me a good chuckle from time to time.  Maybe someday my kids will appreciate that I do it! haha  Though I never made my boys wear cool outfits like this.  Good thing Jeffie turned his fashion sense around later in life.  We were two cool kids :)

Sometimes I really miss this girl!

"You are one brave, mama!"

Well, I get this phrase a lot...weekly to be exact...  Seriously, people say this to me all the time.  I am not sure if it is supposed to reassure me or make me reevaluate life...but sometimes it unnerves me a bit. 

6 months ago we dropped our 15 year old off in Manhattan to live on her own.  Would this have seemed like the craziest thing to think about when she was born?  Yes. I had no intentions of any of my kids leading anything, but a normal life.  But God created Hailey for this purpose.  I know it.  He molded her from the beginning to acclimate to change--to be easy going, to live an extraordinary life.  So when she did turn 15 and God opened this door again to NYC for the year....she followed. The timing was right.  We didn't really even think twice about it.  If you want to call that bravery, then ok.  But it's not bravery on my account. It's hers.  When you have a child that God gifts in some way, you have to let them go...we never doubted that.

But I digress. 

As the months have passed, it has gotten harder not having her in our home. I am quite certain we have some unrest now amongst the sibs because we don't have the peace of Hailey. Seriously, the girl just exudes peace.  Even though she was always busy when she was here, just her presence set a presidence to her sibs.  They miss her leadership--that person they looked up to set the right example.  But honestly...why I write this today, is because I miss her.  I find little things in my day that remind me of her.  Yet, at the end of the day there is no ballerina walking into our house tired after a busy day.  She lives in a dorm room in a high rise in the middle of Manhattan.  She takes the Subway to NYC public school every day...twice a day.  She goes back and forth to ballet class in the same high rise.  She eats in a cafeteria in that high rise three times a day.  Sometimes I forget this and I still set a place for her at the table.  Even if her place is empty there is always a placemat there.  Our home is made for 7, not 6.  I know she is where she should be. I do have a peace about that. But there are times...Halloween, V-day, Nutcracker time, birthdays...where we just feel that hole without her in our family even more.  We are definitely making the best of it...we were writing her a postcard almost every day, but stamps get expensive so we have cut back. We text every day.  We send pics, emails, videos.  We facetime twice a week.  But none of it is the same as having your child under your roof.  Her life will probably never be the same again.  Her time at home will be 4-6 weeks total per year (she will basically move from NYC to Boston this year).  What 15-16 year old is only home a month of the entire year?  That really is crazy when you think about it.  Only the most mature and independent of children can do that.  How did we get one of those?  Somehow we did.  This is our reality.  I do embrace it most of the time...but sometimes I just want the mundane-ness back.  I want all my kids in my family pictures (sorry, cardboard Hailey head ain't cutting it!)...I want all my kids here for family movie night...I want all my kids in the van on the way to church with us.  Sometimes it's just the little things that remind me we are "minus one".  I know these days are inevitable for all.  At 18 most go leave for college.  Mine just went a little early to fulfill her dream.  I am grateful for this every day, but my mama's heart misses that kid sometimes.  I miss watching her dance (she has her first performance on March 14 and I will not be there...it is her first performance I have missed).  Next week she is inducted into the SAB Honor's Society. I will not be there.  She will turn Sweet Sixteen on her own in the Big Apple the week after. I have never missed a birthday, but I will miss this big one.  I am a mom who is always there for kids...but never did I think this extraordinary life would present itself and I could not be there in this psychical sense.  I know Hailey understands (and honestly she probably is happy to not have me there snapping pics and doting all over her :)), but I hope she knows how much I think of her every day and how much I wish I could transport my body to her her city to see these little and big moments in her life. 

This "brave mama" puts on a brave face, but the plain truth of it all...my heart will always have a void in it without all my kids under one roof.  And I miss the bejeebers (is that a word?) out of my Hailey!  I look forward to Easter weekend when we are whole again for a week.

She will always be my little girl....

I was one cool 16-year-old!

Well, check out this Sweet Sixteen year old, hottie! lol!  I only vaguely remember this bday...but I will never forget my Glamour Shots experience thanks to these mugshots! :) haha  Does anyone else remember this place? They would make you up like a movie star (or in my case a cowgirl? They must have known I'd marry a cowboy at heart :))  And then you get to pick out outfits, etc and they take your pics....yikes. I guess that was the cool thing to do at 16?!

I think I went with my Aunt Sue?  And did Sulu go too?  I have no recollection.  And maybe we went out to dinner?  I really have no idea at all.  But I was one cool Sweet-Sixteener.  I am quite sure that a girl living in NYC on her 16th bday cannot live up to mugshots taken at the Sawgrass Mall :) hee hee

And apparently I thought I was getting a nice candy apple red car for my bday. Little did I know the Silver Speeder was on it's way into my heart! :)
                                                 

Life with 5...

Sometimes life with 5 is just exhausting...and for no particular reason.  I am not at all complaining, but sometimes I just wish I had super power energy.  I feel old these days.  I am just not equipped to go-go-go and rely on little sleep.  And I find myself just longing for days at home--total days at home.  But that is just not the life I was handed.  So I muddle through!  But I am surely glad it is almost Friday and we have thankfully cleared our schedule so we (meaning Kev) can do taxes...it means only 2 things on the entire schedule...basketball on Saturday and church on Sunday.  That is pretty much as clear as our calendar gets!  YAY for that!

                                                 
 Here is the mostly picture-less day we had.  Lo and I spent almost all day at our friend's house and he got to play with two of his best buds.  They even got along pretty well, which was a bonus.  I treasure friends like this.  We had some deep conversations and also talked about moving (she is moving soon and building a home...I don't envy her there...glad to be done with that!)

 Genius!  Dylan came up with our healthy after-school snack today. Totally his idea and theme.  I wasn't even trying for a theme.  I think my kids are more creative than me!  This one is for Hays...gotta do a 4 leafer for her!

 It became just a plain clover almost immediately...but that still good for March, right?!

 He was absolutely exhausted after all the running with the boys all day....I could have snuggled up next to him and napped for hours and he asked me to. Maybe tomorrow, buddy...

Polka Dot day for Dr. Seuss.  And boy did we have feuding over this.  It was mostly Shelb's outfit and she apparently wanted to wear it even though she never wears it.  Have I mentioned the annoyance of sibling rivalry lately.  They all need a swift kick. We miss the peace of Hailey! 

Anyway...and we had fun talking to our NYC gal tonight...nagging her about her fashion sense (or lack of?)....are jumpsuits really in? And should that be Easter attire?  The verdict is still out....

Same old, same old...

 Well, nothing extraordinarily exciting going on here...but I like to keep the blog up-to-date in case any famous New Yorkers are watching :)  Here's a run-down of our last 2 days.  Yesterday was a lovely rainy day...pouring rain.  I was sad it was errand/Kroger day or I would have just stayed home all day and snuggled with my boy.  Here is how I found him in the morn.  I don't encourage sitting on table to eat bfast, but sometimes he is just too darn cute!

 We were going to forgo the library...but we had returns to make anyway....

 He's warming up to story time...he got pretty animated about it today...it was about wind and he was blowing hot air on me :)

 Peacefully existing at the train table with 3 other boys.  Wow.

 We actually walked away from trains and did puzzles on our own.

 It was preschool Science time. Very fun stuff about wind. We made a wind socket and held it up to a windy fan!  Cool!

 Toilet plungers...not sure what this has to do with wind...but who doesn't like to play with plungers?!  I know daddy does! :)

 This was so cool...this balloon on a string. I think it'd be awesome to do a science related party and have this at it.  Logan loved it!

 The mall.  Trying to find Easter outfits.  Ugh.  I dislike Easter in March...not enough time to get things all situated.  And I stink at matching stuff.  Ninas are better at it.  Lo's reward for being good was trying all the ride-toys (for free). There was a younger kiddo there so Logan wasn't totally happy...he's a bit of a loner :)

 This pic was for Hayeee, but I forgot to send it to her.  March is Lo's lucky month...two cookies at Kroger!  Whohoo!

 I decided yesterday to start having healthy snacks when the kids get home. No more cheezits or goldfish, etc.  I remember my mom doing this when I was younger...or maybe I am wrong on that.  But I thought I would try it.  They were thrilled. Seriously...the girls loved it.

 Not sure D was so happy...he is not big on apples and cheese....but I promise I'll try to find some D-snacks soon!

 It was crazy sock day yesterday for Dr. Seuss week....Ash was craaaaazy!

 Shelb's new song is coming along well.  It's a very tough one...but she is working hard.

 Bad morning today...not a good start to the day with frozen van doors and a leaky water bottle all over a backpack and being late to the dentist. But we got there.  And they love this kid area...who wouldn't love a dentist with video games?!  And I remember that choo choo...I had it when I was little....

 Poor Ash....4 cavities. That is a lot for a 7 year old.  Not flossing has been her issue.  She will spend Hailey's bday getting them all filled.  Fun.

 Such a pretty girl...even with sugar bugs in her teeth :(

 This crazy kid got a clean check up! Way to go, D!

 Painting nails in the car. I never do this, but we were running late today and she wanted wacky nails for wacky Wednesday!

 We spent the morning at our friend's house hanging out...I think Lo had fun with the 6 other kiddos :)

 My failed attempt at a healthy Seuss snack today. I tried to just use stuff from around the house to make the Cat in the Hat.  The girls liked it!  They actually asked, "what's for healthy snack today" when they got in the van.  So I had to think of something quick!

 Creepy looking cat :)

 We actually had our first free school night in forever since violin group class was canceled.  But the kids were absolutely wild (as evidenced by this photo).  It was not the best evening.

 Her Wacky Wed. outfit. Totally her doing.

And more proof of the craziness.  Chasing naked Logan around the house trying to get him dressed.  Kev and I have decided we need a vacation.  Now.  Not happening anytime soon...but we can dream.  I am happy to say that Lo and I will get a vacation to FL soon...YAY!!! (April could not be here soon enough!) and then Nina G. visits us the next week for two weeks!  Double YAY!  I love having fun things to look forward to!

Boston Bound!

In the midst of bdays and holidays and parties, I think I have failed to mention much about our NYC ballerina.  I think I have also failed at making her a priority on the blog mostly bc I write what I do for her....and who really wants to read about themselves, right?! :)  But since March has officially arrived and I focus mostly on her bday this month, I am making my first March post all about my March girl :)  So, here ya' go...

 Back on January 28 we officially signed the paperwork to send her to Boston for the summer.  Nothing like last minute and paying to overnight something that was due the next day.  Honestly, this was not our procrastination. It was a housing issue.  Let me back up though....many might wonder why our NYC ballerina is going to Boston for the summer.  Here's the downlow.  Once you are in a winter term at most locations, you are not allowed to stay there for the summer anymore.  So...for her this meant she should go to a Balanchine approved school (PNB-Seattle, Boston, Chautaqua (NY), and Miami).  Boston was her top choice this year mostly due to our vacation schedule.  She got in there and PNB and would have auditioned for Chautaqua, but it got snowed out during the big blizzard (she has no interest in Miami).  I was rooting for PNB, but the timing just did not work out for her to be on our big FL family vacation...so Boston was really the only choice this summer.  And long story, short...she will be living off campus for the first time.  A leap of faith for this mama.  I am used to secure dorms!  But she will be living with a mom and a bunch of her friends from SAB...a few of whom have been to Boston before. So....this should be a good situation...and might save us a small bit of money (might being the operative word). Anyway...so Boston, it is!  She is excited. I am trying to get on board. But I am not feeling the love from Boston.  I always felt the love from NYC.  Big Apple trumps Boston...sorry.  But I have heard you get great experience at Boston Summer Program, so....we're holding onto that! 

 Normally, we have a lil' celebration with our girl since she's usually under our roof when she makes her summer plans, but this year she did everything solo from NYC.  I was proud of her.  But it's sorta impossible to celebrate without her here...or it would seem unfair at the very least :)  So yesterday Logan and I had a "tea party" in her honor!  Get it..."tea party".  Haha.  I seriously know nothing about Boston except that the Boston Tea party occurred there...and that Kev's job is based out of there.  Two imp. things I guess.  Anyway...Lo and I had fun with our "celebratory tea party for our Hayeee" :)  Had I thought about it then, I would have pulled cardboard Hailey out for the event...but she is in pretty bad shape, so not sure she would have even sat for tea. :(

 So proud of you, Hayeee!  You will rock in Boston!

 Cheers to Hayeee--our Boston Bound Ballerina!

 Hee hee...sometimes we have too much fun spelling things out with food and toys :)  Loggy helped me with some of his fav. things....darts, lollis and his new car track!

 He is all ready to ward off Boston crazies with his Nerf gun!  Have no fear, Lo will protect his Hayeee!
                                                
 And I think I failed to post this on the blog too.  Our girl made it into the SAB summer intensive flier that is sent out in mass mailings. Last year she was in the booklet for the auditions...I think this is a step up bc a lot more people see it. Not that we care about that...but it was still a fun surprise.  I had no idea about it, nor did Hailey.  I got it from one of her best friend's moms at church.  I just figured she wasn't telling me bc she is a ballerina of few words...but she really had never seen it.  What a cute pic too. She looks like she's saying "mmmm, I love SAB!" :)

a bigger view...still cute sideways too :)
                                               
And a lovely pic of her going to the ballet a couple weeks ago.  I stink at posting these pics...she sends me a few here and there, but I always forget to post them.  She's a lucky duck to get to see so many NYCB ballets for free!  I am trying not to be jealous!  And I am trying not to shed too many teas that I will miss her first performance in two weeks...at the SAB Winter Ball. She and half her class will be performing. I have almost bought tickets a couple times to go see her, but I know we can't afford it.  If only money grew on trees and NYC wasn't so far away.  Sigh.  I am so proud of this girl of ours and the leap of faith she's taken leaving her home and making a new one so far away.  She has been gone 6 months now. That is a long time for a 15 year old.  And soon she will be Sweet 16 and I will be wiping tears away that I have a daughter so old...and too far away to celebrate with.  Sigh.  Miss you, Hays!  Love you soooooooo much!