Shopping with "twins"

This morning after swim lessons, my sweet friend Sarah left her son Luke in my care. Ethan and Luke are best buddies, and inseparable! So after showering and dressing two silly boys, I decided to test my luck and run the planned errands on our way home. First, we went to the ball store (ie: Dick's sporting goods) to pick up shin guards and a water bottle for Ethan, as he starts soccer tomorrow morning, and I, of course, forgot we needed supplies! Both boys were so good! They held hands, then Ethan quickly schooled Luke in our ball store tradition of grabbing small basketballs and holding them throughout the store until it's time to check out. It was pretty cute and funny to see both boys waddling through the store clutching their basketballs for dear life! The store associates couldn't have been sweeter, and helped me get in and out in a relatively timely manner. The next stop, I was hoping, would be even more fun as I took them to Meijer! Most people hate grocery shopping. I, however do not because of one wonderful invention! The Mac Daddy grocery cart! I know you've seen it- that obnoxious bright car with a video player in it. For as long as you're there, the videos of Barney, Thomas, Dora, and Bob the builder entertain your preschooler while you shop uninterrupted! I call that a $1 well spent. We don't get it every time, but It's a really fun treat that Ethan and I look forward to enjoying! Needless to say, Luke loved it as well! The boys agreed to take turns driving and pressing buttons, and everywhere we went people smiled! On top of the cool car, I had snacks for the boys, and promised the free cookie at the end of our trip so they were incredibly good and Ellyse was happy and sweet in her sling, so we for once looked like one of those amazingly perfect families I have always envied. I definitely relished this trip! I had so many complements on my "beautiful well behaved children" it was unreal! I finally quit trying to explain Luke wasn't mine, and just smiled and took it all in!
We finally arrived home where I looked forward to serving boys lunch and playing games, when Luke's mommy called and said she was on her way to get him. Sadly, I returned him to his rightful mommy with a promise to the boys they would see each other in a couple days. What a fun day we had! If only every shopping trip could be so enjoyable!

Swim Lessons with Friends!

Summer may be almost over, but Ethan and his friends continue to take swim lessons every Friday morning and stay for lunch and play time after! It has been a great time for the kids to get a little wild and blow off some steam, and for us mommies to say hi and soak up a few rays while chasing beach balls little guys with squirt guns! Today was a little cloudy, but fun all the same!

A "new" day

Today, I created a new recipe! Oven roasted vegetables and pasta with olive oil and Italian seasonings, tomato paste, 1/2 cup of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan! Yum! Ethan LOVES it, and it has 5 different veggies! Very healthy and keeps him interested in vegetables which is something we struggle with sometimes.
In other news.....
Ellyse took her first bite of food! Her dr told me to start introducing food to her, so we decided today was the day! Mashed avocado was a huge hit! I can't believe she's already starting solids! Our baby girl is growing too fast!

A fresh start

The beginning of school always used to energize me! I loved new notebooks that had never seen my smeared left handed writing, I loved new pens and pencils that had never felt my tight grip. I loved new folders that weren't bent or creased or doodled on, and I loved the chance to make that year a perfect year! Well, it has been quite a few years since I've had the chance to enjoy the beginning of school, however this year, is different. This year, Ethan is starting school!
After a lot of praying, researching, freaking out, and well more praying, we have come to the decision to homeschool Ethan. We're taking this year by year, and believe me, we're not taking this lightly. Taking care of 2 kids, 1 husband and 1 business is a lot. Adding the demands of school is daunting. I am excited though. These young years of their lives are ones I want to treasure and not miss. I am excited to watch Ethan as he puts new concepts together and grows! I have a lot of help too. I have a great teacher friend with fantastic ideas-she's already helped me with ideas on beginning writing! The internet is fantastic with all kinds of ideas for crafts on any subject, and we have joined a homeschool group that also has a co-op where Ethan will attend 1 day a week, and I will work as well. I have created my own curriculum of recommended books and teaching strategies from current teachers, and I am so excited! I have field trips, crafts, games, and songs to go along with our lesson plans! We have already slowly started with reading and math and story time every day, but we officially start the day after labor day- which in my mind is the true beginning of fall! :-)
Pray for us as we begin this new, exciting dive into the academic world! I am so excited, but I am scared too. I don't want to hinder his little brain. I don't want to become impatient, and I want this to be fun for both of us!