Where Has Summer Gone?

Is it really possible that I didn't update the blog all summer? Now that we are a week into October I figured I'd better try and get caught up on all of our exciting happenings over the past three months before things get really overwhelming. So in the next few days I will try and include some more info about each of the kids, but here's a quick recap of our summer.

Anna took a new job teaching Reading to 5-8th graders at St. Bernard-St. Mary's School.
Kirk just started a new job managing a call center called Incept
Dominic turned 4
Natalie turned 3
Cara turned into the cutest "destroyer"
Our family took a vacation to the Smoky Mountains
We spent a lot of time enjoying the sun, swimming, and hanging out at the zoo
Lots of family came to visit: Cousins Carston and Faith (they brought Aunt Shannon and Uncle Brandt with them ;), Sarah, Bethany and Graham, aka "Uncle".

Misc. Summer Fun:

"mooing" like cows at lunch time

we had some HOT weather this summer, for Ohio...

My sister came to visit and we crammed all the kids into the car to take them to the zoo. We had a blast!

 Tennessee:

Papa keeping the kids from leaping off the mountain.

Random:

Dominic still loves to dress-up. I walked into the living room to find this guy sitting on my couch.

For almost a month Dominic insisted Daddy wear is "gorilla costume" on a daily basis.

Remember When I Said...

...I lost my camera?

I found it.

Remember when I said I was painting the kitchen? I'm probably about half-way done with my "remodel". I've painted the walls, faux paneling and trim. I still need to add the baseboards, paint the cabinets, add the hardware, and replace the sink and fixtures (ok, that definitely isn't sounding like I'm at the half-way point). Dang it. Anyway, here's your sneak peak and the newest addition to my to do list:

That would be permanent marker on my newly painted wall. That's what I get for taking a shower. Now to re-prime, and who knows how many coats of white paint it will take to cover that. Sigh.

p.s. Happy birthday to my Dad!

I've lost my camera

I am bummed! I can't find our camera anywhere - and a month or so ago our computer fried during a thunderstorm and because I haven't yet transferred any pictures from that hard drive, I've really got nothin' in the way of pictures. But, since the loss of the camera the following things have happened (and when it shows up, there will be pictures :)

#1: I finished the school year at Kent and am SO excited for a summer off.

#2: Dominic turned 4! He is an amazing little boy. He is more talkative all the time. His current obsession: Canadian Geese.

#3: I am painting the kitchen. It will look totally different and I am so hoping my camera turns up because I even remembered to take some "before" pictures.

#4: I accepted a new teaching position for the 2011-2012 school year. I will be teaching Reading to 5th thru 8th grade students at a private Catholic school. I think it will work out well for a part time teaching gig and I am excited to start.

#5: And today we are celebrating Fathers' Day. Kirk and I both have amazing fathers who sacrifice so much for their families. They are great examples to us and our kids. And of course, my children are certainly lucky to have a dad who loves them so much. Kirk is amazing with our kids. He loves to play with them and is often more patient and relaxed than me; I am sure this is a huge benefit for our kids. He is a great example of hard work  and sacrifice. We sure love him!

#6: Finally, to top off a wonderful Fathers' Day - our little neighborhood was apparently gifted a torrential rain storm while we were visiting with family. We came home to a slightly flooded laundry room and water covering the yard and our streets. We were only gone for two hours - holy smokes!

We are looking forward to family coming to visit for the summer, job interviews, and hopefully getting our pool in swimming condition. Oh, and finding our camera...

I had to document this

It may come in handy in the future when I need to remind Natalie of my all knowingness. Thanks to the Disney movie Tangled, my adorable, strong willed, drama queen of a two-year-old runs around the house singing "skip the drama... mother knows best". Right you are Natalie :)

It's Finished!

The lovely picture above is the title page of what I like to call "the beast". In the words of Sandlot "I've tackled the beast!" As of 9:52 this evening it is complete. This means I will officially have my life back. And, my family may once again get to enjoy clean clothes and dishes. Who knows, I may even start cooking more than once a week :) Good-bye action research, you will not be missed!

Happy Easter!

Her Royal Highness

Natalie has been obsessed with all things princess. She's been driving me a little nuts with her demands. Her silky blanket must be wrapped around her just right to look like a princess dress, and of course it falls off every 2.3 seconds, but that's beside the point.

She went to a birthday party for her friend this morning, and it was a princess party! She made a crown and received little jewelery in her goodie bag. This girl is in heaven! And I just couldn't resist snapping her picture when she decided to sit on the throne, ha! (That is a training potty she is sitting on for those without toddlers :)