This is a painting I made for Norah's room.

Two years ago.

more art

As a busy mother of four, it's been tough for me to find time to devote to my artwork. Over the past two weeks (and watching Conference solidified my resolve) I've decided to put forth more effort. And now that my kids are getting a little older, it's a little easier. I'm not perfect, and maybe I should do more, but for now my goal is one sketchbook page a day and working on Serena's bedroom painting on the weekends. And to kick it off, here a cute little zebra from last week.

So happy drawing to me!

hello holiday season

To ring in the next three months of holiday fun, last night we made ghost cookies. They are pretty simple really, but tons of fun to do with kids. They are Nutter Butter cookies dipped in white chocolate with mini chocolate chip eyes. The girls had a blast making them, and Mason had a fun treat waiting for him when he came home from the Priesthood session.

Happy Halloween!

preschool picture time

We do a preschool co-op with Keira (I did one with both Ava and Norah). Here's a picture from today. Why haven't I thought of taking pictures of the kids when they are at my house? I think I'll do that the next time I host.

Talk and other updates

Last Sunday Ava gave her second talk in Primary. She gave her first one back in March, but she was so shy that Mason read it for her. But she has come a long way! Mason still went up with her, but she read the whole thing herself, including the scripture. Way to go Ava!

Serena is now starting to roll over. She'll flip from her back onto her tummy, and that's it. Half the time she gets her arms pinned under her belly, which causes her to cry until we pull them out. Silly little baby!

Norah is enjoying preschool. She now wants to walk from the car to the door of her preschool all by herself - because as she puts it, "I'm a big girl now!"

Keira is still a force of energy. Enough said.

Serena - Four and Five Months

Serena is now five months, but here are her four month stats:

Height: 24.5 inches
Weight: 11 lbs 4 oz

She is quite the belcher. By far a champion when compared to our other girls. Her burps are loud and looooong! And usually followed up by tons of spit-up. Not quite as much spit-up as Norah had, but still waaaaaay more than either Keira or Ava.

Serena is also very mellow. She babbles and coos on her playmat, even when all her other sisters come to fawn all over her. And she loves to giggle and smile on the changing table.

But by far the one thing that has helped me out with juggling four kids is the fact that Serena is an AWESOME sleeper. She has one nap in the afternoon for about 4 or 5 hours, and then she sleeps for 12 - 13 hours at night - without interruption! Score! That allows me the much needed rest to be a mom everyday.

Love our Serena!

First Day of First Grade!

School started today! Ava is now in first grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Hedgecock. Ava also has lots of friends from kindergarten in her same class, which I thought was fun and eases the first-day jitters. Again, I love, love, LOVE the fact that we are across the street from school, which makes drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze. Here are some pictures (Ava of course still has her My Little Pony backpack):

Stay tuned for Norah's first day of preschool!