All is quiet in the house. The girls boarded the bus today, I was left with little one. A small knot formed in my throat as they walked onto the bus. Little one looked up at me and smiled and we walked back to the house. My girlfried hosted a Boo-hoo Yahoo bruch at her house. I rode the bike over with little one on the back. That was a quiet bike ride Now J is sleeping, I am blogging, running the wash and planning for a delish dinner. This blogger http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ has inspired me to be a better person, I am copying her back to school dinner ideas!

GOOD MORNING!

How can you already be standing?

It's all about the food man!

This post is in dedication to food! A wonderful staple around our house and much loved by all. Would anyone care for a Cheerio? Little one has begun enjoying these as a mode of quieting, calming and shushing when she needs to be shushed. The best part? She doesn't mind that they have gone stale after sitting in the cupboard for a few days. A few days out here in this eastern humidity and anything will go stale. Rob thinks it's gross, I think good for her! They are easier to swallow.

Three older girls made a visit to the dentist yesterday for teeth cleanings, x-rays and check ups. In addition to new tooth brushes and flossing sticks the dentist we visit fills a bag full of junk. Any mom considers it junk, to kids they think they have hit the jackpot. Included in this bag was a playdough set for each child. This morning they ventured outside and made creations. Anyone interested in a burrito wrap, tart with cherry bowties or fruit flavored cookie?

Saved the best for last. My collector, little A. The same collector that fills buckets with rocks, flowers, leaves, dirt and other things for her recipes collected these little critters the other day. I walked outside and discovered this bucket filled with critters. When asked what they were A responded, "they are bugs but we are pretending that they are shrimp for our recipes. Are you scared mom?"

"No, I'm not scared just don't put them near me."

Bon appetite!

Chopped

She took the plunge. After having hair dilemmas for over a year S finally decided to have her hair cut. She was complaining yesterday about it being, "SOOOO HOT!" I responded with, "let's go get it cut." She looked at me like I was joking. "Ok", and off we went to the salon.

It was comical watching S walk around all yesterday flicking her head around and running her fingers through the hair. Last night she said washing it, "was so weird. I didn't know where to put the conditioner."

A little girl is going to appreciate that lock of love.

A Day @ Duke

Took another road trip this weekend. We hoped in the car for a short weekend reunion with friends of ours that live in N.C. They were blessing their new little princess and we were able to join in on the fun. Pulled into town Saturday afternoon after sitting in traffic for 6 hours. The whole family was glad to be free of car rides. We enjoyed swimming and 2 year old birthday party fun.

Sunday was a busy morning with the blessing and then we relaxed in the eastern humidity while exploring Duke's gardens. The kids were in heaven feeding fish, turtles and ducks. I was in heaven exploring and admiring flower gardens.

Two of my princess' wanted to practice running down the steps to meet their prince!

M was content climbing through the bamboo forest, you know it is the strongest natural know material on the earth!

Mayhem

I keep telling myself that things will settle this fall. This last week was a testament to that statement. Walking out the door with mismatched shoes and not realizing it until I walked through the storefront door.
When I realized my mistake I out loud said, "oh, no." My three girls came up behind me asking, "mom, what's wrong?" I pointed to my shoes, they still asked, "what's wrong?"
"Look at my shoes!" I exclaimed.
"Oh, no one will notice," said S.
I love the way my children react to life situations, it is making me become a better person. My four girls could really care less about the shoes I wear, they occasionally notice if I have applied makeup, are happy with a hot meal as long as there is cheese on the broccoli and love me even if I'm grumpy putting them to bed. It has been a long, fun, crazy, stressful, growing, learning summer. There have field trips and camping trips and swimming fun and I am now ready for the backpacks to be packed and pencils sharpened.

Sunny Sunday's

My latest sewing accomplishment. I found this over the top cute material at Joann's a few months back. I had the intention of making skirts for my four girls. The material sat and sat and sat. I finally pulled in out and finished this little project. I think the machine needs a rest until Halloween costumes start calling my name.

A Day in Annapolis

I secretly drive all the way to Annapolis for a baked potato. Sound weird? I am a baked potato fanatic. While my parents were visiting in the dead of winter a few years back, seems to be the only time they like coming out. We happened across a little potato shop. Once a summer I make the trek back with the kids in tow and I am happy. These are not the typical potatoes with sour cream and chili, no. These potatoes are loaded with lettuce, black beans, corn, salsa, chili lime butter, mango strips and anything else you please. Take me back for more! To justify the drive we walked the shopping strip, admired the house boats, took a tour of our state capital and spent some time playing in the sand at the bay. Join us next summer for a hot potato on a nice summer day.