blogger mom

We're home. The beach was wonderful, the boys had so much fun. But, it's always nice to be home. Mom and Dad, thanks for such a great trip! There really is nothing more beautiful than the ocean and I'm so thankful my boys were able to spend two weeks exploring a part of creation that is so different from Ohio.
I usually have a really difficult time getting settled when I get home from vacation. There's always so much to do. This time was different. I came home to a huge birthday surprise from my family and my community. My in-laws had the house professionally cleaned for me while I was gone. The house was spotless. I don't even know how to begin to describe what all my community had done to our apartment while we were gone. There were beautiful new pictures of my kids and our friends on the walls. The couch and loveseat had new toss pillows that were a huge improvement over the last ones. And my bedroom...I still can't believe it. New everything. The painting above our bed was painted by Holly and it's amazing. The new bedspread, pictures, candles, pillows...it's all perfect. The boys had new art supplies in the basement and a new chalkboard painted on the wall. Plus, my refridgerator and pantry was stocked full for the week. I was shocked, to say the least. I really can't explain how thankful I am for everything. I'm not sure why everyone decided to give me such a huge gift, but I'm incredibly grateful.
And now it's fall. I LOVE fall. October is my favorite month of the year. We got home on Sunday and both boys started school on Monday. Riley is in pre-K every morning this year and Trey is in a class one day a week, on Monday mornings. It has been great so far. Our life has a schedule and rhythm again. The summer was so hectic with the new baby and now I feel like things are really starting to settle down. Riley loves his new class. He's even had homework! His teacher taught kindergarten for 30 years and she takes her responsibility very seriously. It reminds me of how my mom taught preschool. I think it's going to be a great experience for him. Trey did great on Monday and I think it'll really be good for him too. My favorite part of the week has been my time with Trey while Riley is in school. With Riley at school and the baby asleep I've been able to spend some time just with Trey. Yesterday we made cookies together for the preschool's back to school party last night. We make cookies often, but this was the first time we've made them without Riley. Evan seems to be having a really difficult time adjusting after vacation. He's been pretty fussy lately and isn't sleeping very well at night. Hopefully he'll settle in soon!