Look what I can do!!!

Yesterday I was unable to crochet, today I am a crocheting fool! :)

My brother and sister in law have been living with us for a few weeks and recently I found out that she knows how to crochet. This is one hobby that I have always wanted to learn but never had the teacher or the patience to do it on my own. When I found out that my sister in law knew how, I made her promise that she would teach me before she moved out. Today I got that opportunity. We went to the store and bought a needle and some yarn and she showed me the basic stitches. I am now in the process of crocheting scarfs for my girls. I don't know if Caden will wear one, but my girls love them. I am so excited... it took every ounce of strength I had to put it down and do something today.

Today was also my sister in laws birthday. My mom and stepdad and all my brothers came down to my house to celebrate. I love having these big get togethers... it makes me want to have more kids so when they get old, we can do this all the time. My mom also brought her dog with her so Slider and his brother got to wrestle and play all day together. Slider is way bigger and he never wants to stop playing. I am sure Stitch (my moms dog) will be glad to go home and be left alone.

On a totally different subject, Caden had a great first week of school. He is so funny. He was sad that he didn't get homework for the first week. I wonder how long that will last? The girls and I start on Tuesday and I am a little nervous. Not to teach young kids, but to be around my girls in a school setting. Calli wants to always be by me so I don't know if she will go with her class very often and Cienna doesn't want me anywhere near me. It will be really interesting to see how it all works out.

Well, that was a totally random blog but I really wanted to show how awesome my scarf is turning out! I will write more after my first day at the preschool with all the interesting stories of that day. :)

Back to School

It is that time of year again.... back to school. Today was Caden's first day of 1st grade. I can't believe how big he is! It just isn't fair!

Last week we went to the school and met his teacher and toured the school. I was fine that day. I was excited to get kids out of my hair for a little each day and I was especially excited that I wouldn't be driving across town 4 times a day. Today it was a whole different story.... I was sad to see him go. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Caden growing and learning and discovering, I am just sad for myself; he probably won't ever want to be my baby again. However, I was so proud that before he got into line at school, he ran up to me and gave me a big hug and kiss. I hope that never stops!

The girls start preschool next week. Calli will be in the kindergarten program and this will be Cienna's first year. I think the only thing that can be worse than watching your oldest go off to school, would be watching your youngest! That is a scary thought... but we will deal with that when we get there.

On another note, we had our neighbors over for dinner last night and it was a lot of fun. They were really nice and had a son Cienna's age. I am sure that we will be doing a lot more together as neighbors. I feel bad that I didn't get over there sooner to introduce myself... but I guess we all can be shy sometimes. I just have to say that I live in the most awesome neighborhood, with the greatest friends. I wish all of our family was a little closer, but having friends like I do just makes dealing with distance a little easier.

Over the river and through the woods... to Grandma's house we go

Well, look at me... I am starting a blog! Sorry there will not be a recap of the last 10 years or anything like that. I am just going to pick up where we are... Sorry for the inconvenience.

Last weekend we spent 5 days out at my mom's house in Evanston, Wyoming. We haven't had the chance to spend that amount of time with my mom in awhile and we all really enjoyed ourselves. The kids and I went out on Wednesday because the dog/horse had to get fixed and we didn't come home until late Saturday night. The kids and I had a great time going on walks, throwing rocks in the river, playing in the sandbox and fort, watching movies, making cookies, and playing at the awesome McDonalds Playplace. Every night the kids were asleep before 8 because they were so worn out from all the playing... I think grandma was more worn out though. :)

On Saturday, I began feeling really sick. It was stomach pains and I really thought it was because I ate SO much while I was there. I wound up being sick all day Sunday and most of the day Monday. Caden got the stomach flu too, but he is a kid and was totally done with it in like 10 hours. Brian also got sick (during a really important work week) and had to come home for a day. I hope we are all done with that! I hate being sick more than anything... I would rather do almost anything than throw up.

Anyway, we are all back to normal and getting ready for the new school year. Caden starts first grade on Monday. I can't believe how fast time goes! It sounds go cliche, but I remember the day he was born and the baby days like they were yesterday. I am so proud of what an awesome kid he has grown into. He is such a good big brother and so incredibly smart... did I mention how stinkin' cute he is too? The girls and I start in 2 more weeks. I will be teaching at their preschool all day Tuesday and Thursday and possibly Monday and Wednesday afternoons. I am looking forward to working again and especially being able to work with my kids. There aren't many jobs where you can take your kids to work and still get paid. :)

Hopefully, I can keep up with this and keep all of my friends and family posted on the going ons and wackiness of the Candelaria home. Love and miss you all!