Mike spent this past week in Seattle, another part of the world I would like to see someday. Mike travels a lot, and while I used to dread it and would still unquestionably prefer to have him home, we’ve found ways to make it work.
It rained the first part of the week, but then towards the end the sun came out. We went on a walk Thursday afternoon, luxuriating in the sunshine. The kids had a blast playing in the water still running down the street over an hour after the rain let up, since the ground is too saturated to absorb it. Friday morning we walked to Emma’s school, delighting in still more sunshine and admiring the autumn leaves. This time of year, New England is one of the most beautiful places on earth, especially when the sun shines.
The kids camped out in my room, which they like to do when Mike is gone. They went to bed well nearly every night, and were cheerful every morning. Emma was extremely helpful all week, but tired of assuming extra responsibility by the end of the week. I made sure she got extra downtime throughout the week, and I think the highlight of the week for her was the making of a 15-minute Cinderella gown that fits her like a glove. I don’t think she ever felt more glamorous in her short life!
Johnny learned about the five senses this week in preschool, and for the first time ever he would climb into the minivan excitedly telling me about his day! I hope this is the beginning of a new era for him with school! Emma continues to enjoy school, and is making more and more friends.
Lily enjoyed her time with me at home. Both Lily and Johnny continued to struggle with an everlasting cough, so I took them to the doctor and they were started on antibiotics. Hopefully that gets rid of it once and for all – and hopefully Emma continues to stay healthy!
We still had time to play with friends, including hosting our LeapPad party. One friend brought the gift of three sugar pumpkins, which my kids decorated with tremendous passion and focus. We made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies one morning, before school! We used a 40%-off coupon to buy a Creatology kit to make three pull-back cars, which the kids enjoyed even if the rear left-hand wheel has a habit of falling off of all three cars. They sure go fast on our wood floors when the wheel stays on! I tried fixing it with sugru, but it didn’t stick. Maybe Blu-Tack?
I did not clean my house beyond basic upkeep. I didn’t take Lily to the library as I had hoped. I did use an informal menu plan in list format (rather than assigning days), and I think that helped.
I’ve been wanting to try baby photography for a long time, and got my first opportunity Monday, courtesy of a good friend. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I’m quite pleased with this first attempt:
Of course, it’s hard to go wrong with such a gorgeous six-week-old baby! The hat was knit by the mom’s best friend’s mother, which I think is very sweet. And the leaves just happened to be in our playroom. Because I let the kids bring them in the house the day before. They made perfect props!
Mike made it back late Friday night, and we were all thrilled to see him! We went to a pumpkin fair, and enjoyed gorgeous weather!
Goal for this week: take Lily to the library!
I’m linking this up to the Afterschool blog hop, hosted this week by Natalie at Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns. Link up your week’s activities!
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
You are such an amazing mom! Your kids are very blessed to have you as their mom!
Thank you, Tracye! I love being a mom.
You are so talented. I am sure that your friend will greatly treasure this picture! I am in love with the hat and want one =)
great picture. I hope everyone gets rid of these colds.
My husband has been working late, which sometimes seems like he is out of town, but I find that the big advantage to this is that I get the kids to bed about 45 minutes earlier!
That’s a benefit to Mike being out of town, too!
Someday I want to visit the north-east United States in the fall!
I love how you used fall leaves as props for that beautiful autumn baby photo. The knit hat is sweet and perfect, too. What a cutie!
So happy to hear that Johnny is chattering away about what he’s learning at school. How exciting! And I’m looking forward to seeing a picture of Emma in her ballgown. :)
What a great week.
That baby is so sweet, you did an awesome job on the pic!
I hope we are getting a post with pictures of the cinderella gown soon!
Sounds like an awesome week (except the need for antibiotics). Let’s enjoy sunshine while it lasts. Your photo model (and the shot itself) is gorgeous!
I agree with you that New England is the most beautiful place on earth this time of year. Your newborn photo is great! Love those bright, beautiful eyes!