Spencer

Spencer is the oldest of the kids, and the smallest. He is sweet but can be a handful. He loves to snuggle and read books. He plays very well independently. He is the only child the we have 'Lost' more than once. One call from Stuart had me racing home to find Spencer---he ended up being in bed. Another occasion was when we were camping. He obviously loves to explore, and you can just see the wheels in his brain working overtime to check everything out. He is cute and always has something to say. He loves to give raspberries on your cheek for kisses. He likes to play with army guys and cars. He likes to bake with mom (as do all the kids). His smile makes his whole face glow.

Bryce

Bryce is an active almost 4 year old. He loves to run, jump, play ball, read books, color, make necklaces, cuddle and rough house. His smile is so charming you melt when you see it. His temper tantrums knock you to your knees. He is wonderful, but tough. He is stubborn like his mom but a big softy. He has 'his' stuff and no one can touch it but him...even if he gives it to you. He collects stuff and won't put it down for days. Loves to eat pancakes for breakfast every morning...usually eats two a day. His other favorites are cooked brocolli with cheese, chicken wings and fruit.

Claire

Claire is most certainly a wonderful kid. At 2 years old she talks in full sentances and has a total mind of her own. He facial expressions are amazing! She has a smile, frown, worry (furrowed brow), an amazed looking face...and many more. She loves to copy what you say, and repeat it over and over. A true delight to our family. She is also going through another biting time that we hope will end as well. She earned her first sticker on her 'poster' today. We didn't think that she would ever earn one, but she managed to clean up the books when she was asked, and earned the Superman sticker that she asked for! Way to go Claire! Once I figure out how to add pictures I will post some.

Our house

We bought our house almost 3 years ago. Our townhouse was getting way too small, and with another one on the way we couldn't even imagine what it would have been like! Madeline, Bryce and Spencer share one big room above the garage, and Claire has her own littler room. We figure that it is almost time to get Madeline into her own room. We are in the process of moving furniture, buying new stuff to fix, having old stuff refinished, trying to find a painter, trying to pick out colors, flooring, cupboards for the kitchen to be redone....and the list seems to go on. The old den will now be Madelines room-right across the hall from Claire. We just have to move the computer first which involves our cable company to come out to help us with that! Then, the painting, putting the furniture together, and waiting to have the three pieces that I am having refinished come back. I have my Gramma's old bedroom set-vanity, highboy dresser and vanity stool. It was built in the 1930's and needs a little updating. I think that it will look perfect in Madelines room once it is all done.

Swimming

There are so many joys to parenting. I can't even name all the ways that my life has changed since having kids. I am truly blessed with 4 little wonderful people.
At swimming last night I was in the pool with Claire and she was jumping off the side of the pool into my arms. I would catch her and she would say 'more Mommy, again!' She was kinda just leaning off the edge on Tuesday nights class, then last night she was jumping with her legs bent back!
I wouldn't have thought 4 years ago that I would have 4 kids by now. I do admit that it is not an easy job raising kids, but it sure brings you a lot of pleasure in life. I think that it can just get better as the time goes on. The way that they are all talking and using words to describe things. It is a wonder where you can find joy in, but yesterday Bryce said 'tiny'- 'this tomato is tiny.' I have never heard him say that it has always been 'little.' I smiled...knowing that I have played a part in helping learn such words, and knowing that he is just getting smarter everyday.

Lisa's Ramblings

I hit a reality as I went out to run the other day. I still don't enjoy running. I thought that over time I would start to really enjoy it...but I don't. I started to walk and ended up going about 7.5k I ENJOYED myself while doing it. I love going to the gym and getting a good workout in, and I love to walk. I am not sure where that brings me with the 1/2 marathon that I have signed up for, but here I stand. I have contemplated over the past couple of days about walking the 1/2 and seeing how that goes-maybe running a bit here and there, but simply going out and just enjoying it as a walk. 21k is a long walk, but it seems that much more manageble to me right now. Maybe by next year I will find running easier and more enjoyable. Maybe not though.
The kids had swimming last night and all seemed to enjoy themselves while they splashed and played. I was in the water with Claire- catching her while she did jumps off the edge and encouraging her to kick her legs.

Happy 32nd to me!

I can't believe that I am now 32 years old! I came home today to 4 screaming children shreaking 'Happy Birthday to Mommy'. What a wonderful suprise :) Just a quiet dinner at home with the Stuart and the kids...followed by a yummy looking strawberry cake.
I bought a five foot tall Scarecrow today-a Halloween decoration.Very cute and I can't wait to be able to put it out.
The weather is changing and you now notice the bit of chill in the air with fall coming. I used to always think that summer was my favorite, but every year when fall comes around I can't wait for it to hit full force! The cool breeze and the leaves changing.
Preschool has started for the older kids now. Mon, Wed, Fri afternoons with swimming lessons for all of them on Tues and Thurs evenings.