Why

Why do we always tend to take on so much at one time? I was just looking at my calendar for the rest of this month and I have no idea why I let myself take on so much.

I have a class that takes 8 hours of my week to be in class, that doesn't count for the 3 hours of commute a week to class. Then they say for every hour you are in class to plan 2 hours of study time outside of class...that is another 16 hours of work. UGH. So far it hasn't been that bad but I know once we get in deeper it will.

Then I get to take the "triplets" to preschool 2 days a week which isn't a huge deal but it is just one more thing to think about. Also have to keep Braxton's school stuff organized.

Makenzi is in first grade and I swear has just as much work as I do in college. Spelling test every week, math and reading homework every night.

I also signed the oldest two up for a 1 hour Religion class a week, which I feel is important for them but it also takes up another hour of my week.

I guess I work better under stress...although I try to remain calm about it all. My house won't be spotless for the next 13 weeks of semester. We will spend time together, we will succeed in class, and just enjoy life together. That is my goal.

My Preschooler!!

Braxton is a big bad preschooler this year! Today was his first day. This morning took a little bit of convincing until about an hour before school started, then he was ready and I had a hard time holding him off on going. I am anxious to see how his day went.

Here are some of his pictures:

My First Grader...

I am not sure where the time has gone but it is gone and I have a first grader on my hands. Makenzi's first day of school is today and she was VERY excited. Last night Makenzi took her shower and was running off to bed at 7p.m. She had her clothes all picked out for the first day of school, her back pack ready to go, she knew right where her shoes were and what she wanted for breakfast.

Well I wasn't quite as ready as she was. See, her sister had me up at 2a.m. because she needed a drink. Well then she laid in her bed for almost 1.5 hours talking. Braxton woke up during that time and had me up for 2 hours. I finally went back to sleep around 4:30a.m. and the loud annoying beeping (aka alarm clock) sounded at 6a.m. sharp. I slowly rolled out of bed and got dressed for the day.

At 6:30a.m. I quietly walked up the stairs for fear of waking Braxton up. I turned Makenzi's bedroom light on and she JUMPED out of bed so fast. I quickly told her to go down stairs very quietly. Makenzi had her breakfast served, clothes on, hair brushed all by 6:37a.m. So she had about 20 minutes to just kind of ease into the day. At 7:05 her and I wandered outside to wait for the bus. It came within just a couple minutes of being out there. I watched as she climbed on the bus, found a sit and away she went. The whole time she had a smile from ear to ear on her face and not a moment of hesitation.

I can't wait to hear all about her day. Her teacher, her classmates, her schedule, etc. I am sure she is loving her day, I just hope she loves all the homework that comes with first grade.

Labor Day Weekend

This long weekend went extremely fast! I would like a few more days please. Friday I spent the day at the doctors office and labs with my husband who was getting a checkup and had to have blood drawn. It just made for a long day!

Saturday we had a birthday party to go to. We had tons of fun! Hanging with the birthday child and family! We laughed, we talked, there were some tears from all the children, and a peaceful ride home with sleeping children!! When we arrived home our best friends were here!! We haven't seen them in a month because our schedules just didn't click! So it was nice to hang out again!

Today we spent most of the day with Scott's parents before they move out of state. The kids took it really well knowing this would be the last time they see them until they come back to visit us. We came home and I took a short nap because the nasty cold I have is kicking my butt.

Tomorrow we are going to a BBQ at my parents house. It should be a lot of fun. We might spend some time hanging out at the cabin if the weather cooperates. Only time will tell.

My classes are going well, although it is a lot of work! I love the anatomy part of it, but the chemistry part is a little tougher and more mind boggling.

Makenzi is so excited for school. Should be a fun year for her!

The craziness

It starts again, starting tomorrow morning at 545am. My semester starts tomorrow morning and I have to say that right now I am DREADING it. I have to have myself and 3 kids out the door and to my mom's house by 645am. Then I have to head to school for the morning. Anatomy and Physiology class from 8am to 12pm. Then I get to rush home to get the kids! Thankfully it is only 2 days a week and those 2 days Makenzi is able to get on the bus at my parents house. I definitely owe my parents big time.

Makenzi starts school on the 7th. She is so excited to be going back to school. We are still waiting to hear who her teacher is and if she will be in a straight 1st grade classroom or a multi-age classroom with 2nd graders too. I can't wait to see all the progress she will make this year! Little girl loves school..

Braxton starts school on the 9th. Preschool time and he is also DREADING it. His aspiration in life is to complete kindergarten...oh boy I think my hands are going to be full with him. Braxton went to preschool last year and loved it ONCE he got into the routine, although we still had days he didn't want to go. On Wednesday of last week he got to go and meet his teacher and see his classroom. When he met his teachers he wrapped his arms around my legs and buried his face into my legs...ugh. But once we got to his classroom he took off running for the blocks and smiled. The teacher commented that she would try to remember to have the blocks out on day 1. I am hoping he loves it..

Arianna is going to get to spend lots of time with her mommy this year. She will love all the one on one attention...we tease her that she should have been an only child! She thrives when there are no other kids around! I am looking forward to spending the time with her! She is growing up so fast.

The craziness is beginning and I have tried to prepare. I have 2 gallon bags of french toast in the freezer for school mornings that I made up today, I have a bag packed for the 2 days a week at my parents house for the kids, my school bag is packed and ready, and I found all of the fall coats, back packs, etc for the kids school year. I cleaned the house like crazy this weekend with hopes of it not getting out of control during the week when I bring home a ton of school work. I guess I am as ready as I'll ever be!

Tallon Family Photos

Well we finally got updated family pictures! The last time we had family pictures was 2008. I found a photographer that I know through a mom's board that I am on. We went to MSU gardens for our pictures and I was very excited.

Our photographer was great, very willing to do poses we wanted. The kids cooperated some of the time and other times they were silly and goofy and just having fun! Those pictures were great as well. I love all of the pictures.

Here they are:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamieolger/sets/72157624669776408/

Let me know what you think and if you have favorite ones!!

Family Pictures

Who knew that finding clothes for 5 people for family photos could be so dang challenging. The worst part was the kids clothes were bought by a family friend for their birthdays...so I really just had to find clothes for Scott and I. I had a certain look I was going for and it was a challenge to find that look. I *think* I have finally accomplished it.. Then throw in the fact that I want pictures of just Scott and I, and each child individually.

We are trying a new photographer this time and I am very excited about it. Plus we are doing outdoor pictures this time as well. I am looking for Creative, Fun and Unique. Hopefully we can accomplish that and the weather is nice.

We haven't had family pictures taken since 2008, and it is time to update them. As soon as they are done I will be sure to post my favorites here for all to see.