There are two reasons I haven't blogged in a week: Aiden and Keegan. I had the pleasure of watching two extra kids this past week, therefore, I had no time to even sit. It's funny to think that I'd like to have four kids one day, but not tomorrow. It's a gradual thing (unless you have quadruplets!!) and usually you have a chance to plan and prepare over time. For the last five days I was the "mother" of four: ages 5, 4, 2 (and potty training) and 16 months.My girlfriend and her husband are both high school teachers/coaches. School doesn't start until Monday, but there's always a week of meetings and preparations, and for my girlfriend practices and games. They arrived at my house before 7am (before 7:30am a couple times) and were with me until after 3pm when their dad arrived to pick them up or I dropped them off.
Don't get me wrong in my stressful words, it wasn't as hard as I make it seem. It really wasn't all that "hard", just challenging. I was on my toes; constantly watching, helping, fixing, etc. for three active boys and my whirlwind little girl. It was just a non-stop day, everyday. We played, swam, played, cleaned, played, colored, played, ate, played, and two took naps while the other two...played. ;)
The older boy, Aiden, and my big guy, Austin, get along well, for the most part. Put any two boys 4-5 years old together and there are bound to be quarelling, arguing, tattling, etc. but for the most part, they do really well together. Keegan and Cali, on the other hand, not so much. There are moments of cuteness and sweetness, but they are definitely few and far between. They are both the baby of big brothers that are rough and bossy, so in turn, they too are a little rough and bossy with each other. Not a good combo. I almost feel bad for Keegan because Cali isn't afraid to fight back and get what she wants. Oh well, they'll learn.
If anything, it's made me thankful that my kids aren't super close in age like some poor moms that have kids back to back within months of each other. I could actually have had all four of these kids if I'd wanted to, but I'm sure glad that my two are 3 years apart and there isn't a baby in sight just yet. (soon I hope, but not yet)
Thinking last night how glad I was that the week was finally over, my loving, wonderful, helpful husband reminded me that I have them a little longer...two more days next week. Luckily, Aiden starts kindergarten monday so I only have him part of the day.
Whew!! It makes me tired thinking about the past week. ;)
And here are just some recent pictures for your viewing pleasure...
Marcus and Austin riding the fourwheeler at Grandma's house last weekend...no meat this time. 
Cali and Grandpa working on the tractor.
Playing in the mud after a rainy day.
Austin just likes getting the camera out and taking random pictures. He's so sweet!!
Cali was "helping" Marcus do his push-ups....wearing her necklace, of course.
Even though he can't tear his eyes from the TV, at least I got a smile. :)
This is her "cheese" face whenever we pull out the camera.
Reading Breaking Dawn....duh!
The second day of our trip we went to Schlitterbahn...they were waiting in line for cotton candy!
This was on the ride back to the hotel on the trolly. I'm sure the driver thought we were nuts.
Abby is really hard core, can't you tell?
Since we had no kids, we were acting like kids. Look how much air she got!!
The last night of "freedom". Cheese!!
I should actually blog about this picture someday!! The phone Marcus is holding was the worst phone in the world...we shot it to bits when we finally got a new one. I recommend shooting appliances that really agravate you when you're finally ready to move on...excellent therapy! PS. That's my "tough" face.
This was one of the best days...Marcus finally graduating from college!! I had been putting him through school pretty much our whole marriage. (I know many of you can sympathize, but I didn't have to go through law school like most of you, thank goodness!!)
Another pasty picture, but I think we were living in Oregon that winter...not much sunlight during the rainy season, and it showed!
After reflecting on our time together, I was trying to remember some things from before I met Marcus. I just have to say, I know there was life before him, but I MUCH prefer life WITH him! We have made some great memories together. We talk and laugh a lot together, and having children has even added to our joy. There is a lot of Joy in the Journey here on earth...and I'm really glad I have such a wonderful husband and friend beside me to share it with. I know the eternities will be even better than this life, especially with Marcus. 