Life With Only Three Kids

Can I just say that losing the two teenagers and the husband has made for a laid back and quiet couple of days? Not that I would say two of those missing are that loud, sorry Kelsey I have a no lying policy on my blog, but just fewer bodies in the house helps. Sophie is enjoying being the queen of the little people!

Uncle Mark, Rich Uncle Mark that is, came out to the burbs yesterday and took us to see Kung Fu Panda. Now, I am NOT a fan of Jack Black, but I really liked it. It was funny, and Allie spent most of the movie laughing out loud.

Sophie and I spent most of today watching Season 5 of 24. It is our thing we do together - and it was great to just veg and hang out.

Back to work tomorrow.... Why can't I have the summer off like everyone else????

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

I am the oldest of 10 children. You read that correctly 10. As you would imagine, having 10 kids took it's toll on my mother physically (and I am sure mentally, but that is for another post).

Last summer, she started on a weight loss journey. I have mentioned it before, but seeing her over the weekend reinforced what an incredible accomplishment this is. I have lost and gained the same five pounds for years now, so 180 pounds is amazing.

This time I thought I would show you some pictures. I am well aware my mother will be mad at me, and the before pics are not so great, but it proves the point! And what is she going to do, fire me?

This was a year ago at my brother's graduation. Now, the camera angle is horrible in the best of situations, but you get the point.

This was a few months later. She had already lost weight, but it was a process.

This was over the weekend at Steven's graduation. Since it is the three of them, you can really see the change.

This could be her weight loss add. Yes, she is standing with both legs in one leg of her old pants.

These are just fun pics of her. So, congrats mom!!! You are amazing. And contrary to popular belief, it was not easy for her. It has taken hard work and dedication - oh in case you are wondering, she has NOT had any weight loss surgery!

Congrats Doodles

(Caption to this picture - Steven we are so proud of you - you were here is spirit Meg!)

We have been in Dallas for a few days to celebrate my brother Steven. He is the baby of the family, and only 16 months older than Ryan. He graduated from HS and went through the temple since he has been called to the Sao Paulo Brazil South mission. He reports at the end of the summer, which is great with us because it gives us more time to play with him this summer.

It made for a fun weekend - we got to see Crazy Uncle Patrick, Smart Uncle Michael (we give everyone names in the family), Aunt Shamel and grandma and grandma (we don't have two mommies, just a set of twins who perpetuate their bad speech habits).

Steven is, in many ways, the typical baby of a large family. We have marveled he has stayed alive this long - he was quite precocious as a little one. The biggest example of this is when he almost drove my mothers big mormon van off the back ledge of the driveway (about a six foot drop) when he was about two. He found the key, went out to the car, started it, put it in drive and it inched forward. Matt's quick thinking kept Steven from being really hurt!

Now he is all growed up (sort of). He wants to sit at the adult table, but still reserves the right to play with the kids as often as possible. He will be an awesome missionary, and we will miss him. For now, we will keep playing as much as possible.

More of the Same

Day four of summer break. Is is August 25th yet? Working from home with my five darlings will be a challenge this summer - partly because they think I should be at their beck and call and fulfill all their desires. Partly because I want to be in the backyard swimming with them. If you don't know, I am a sun worshipping fool. I am sure cancer is in my future, but if the Diet Coke doesn't get me, I know the sun will.

I do enjoy the no schedule days of summer, but we have been very very busy with Eagle Project plans (well under way), soccer try-outs (she moved up two teams - way to go Sophie), getting ready for Girls Camp and High Adventure, and of course trying to keep some semblance of a tidy home I am already losing my mind. It is all good. I need to get a program in place to help with the whole watching the little girls and keeping the house clean thing. Any suggestions besides yelling and screaming, because that is what I have come up with thus far. Let's see what Day Five brings...

Nothing Is As Cute As

A little girl missing her two front teeth! That was the highlight of our day.