This post is about me, well kind of

This is me, yesterday, 7 o'clock on a Saturday night, make-up-less with unbrushed hair at Outback Steakhouse. Alone. Well technically 1 1/2, at least that's how I was seated, 1+baby.

Avery and Caleb had Parent's Night Out at the local YMCA, which they love and I had already paid for before I knew Jess would be working his first 24 hour shift. 8 a.m. Saturday until 8 Sunday. He slept maybe an hour. Jealous? I'm not.

I don't do sorry for myself well, so I went on my date by myself. (It feels like that when you usually have three kids with you and only had one.) I thought about calling some of my girl friends to see if they had plans but I didn't. I decided to go it alone.

"Is it just you tonight ma'am?" People definitely felt sorry for me. Jess said I should have milked it, looked really sad and then ask my waiter,

"How much is a slice of cheesecake?"

"-------"

"oh. . . well I'm fine. I'll just have a sugar packet instead"

or look really depressed and hope someone picks up my meal. But once again, I didn't. I ordered whatever I wanted and ate it all.

I actually enjoyed myself. I sat in silence. That NEVER happens. It was very liberating. I felt like screaming "I am woman, hear me roar" to someone but the opportunity never presented itself.

After dinner I went to T.J. Maxx, looked at all of the things I couldn't afford, went home took a Toy Story bubble bath and ate a bowl of generic chocolate peanut butter fudge ice cream- I had to fit chocolate in somewhere. All I thought about was me. And it was surprisingly nice. I even saw something at T.J. Maxx I would normally have bought for the kids, but I just kept walking.

I felt as if I was spreading my wings for the first time.

My sister-in-law, Elizabeth sent us a package a couple weeks ago. When she told me it was coming I said, "What'd you buy for the kids?". She said, "This isn't for them. They're too spoiled. It is for you and Jess."

Life is a balance. I'm just not good at it.

So as enjoyable as the evening was, I decided I would go ahead and keep the kids. Oh, and Jess.

Turns out I like them.

But next time Jess wants to see the new super hero movie at the theatre, I'll suggest an alternative plan.

Johnson's Pumpkin Patch

Falls are beautiful in Michigan. They have a ton of family friendly events right here in Saginaw. I love the fall.

Some of our favorite people, the Kendalls. My kids absolutely adore these two. They are expecting their first in a few months so Avery and Caleb are trying to soak up some attention before it comes to an end. Avery literally walks around the house saying, "So when are Brian and Brittany coming over?" as if we were expecting them.

I was the only one that wanted to pose for daddy in Thomas the Train.

We did a corn maze, and I don't think Avery really ever understood the concept. She kept asking, "Are we lost?"

This is where Caleb learned the difference between field and sweet corn.

Caleb took a barrel ride behind a tractor, but only because he didn't know I wasn't going to be coming with him.

And just when you think it couldn't get any better, the event ended with hot donuts and fresh cider. Mmmm.

Lehman's Apple Orchard

Loving Fall

Pretty neat idea for a slide.

If I ever lost Caleb, I knew he'd be in here. Corn kernels instead of sand.

We love to bake

just so long as it's an odd size. Like mini muffins or large cookies.

Our life from Jesse's phone

Enzo's birth

Don't I look tired?

Living at home was great. I'd recommend it to anyone. In fact, if anyone is interested let me know and I can send you their address. Just kidding Mom.

This is Aaron my youngest brother "watching" Aves.

Cousin Norm can smile and really loves the attention.

Our good friends, the Beattys drove 5 hours to visit us in "Funcie." I know, awesome friends right? The boys went fishing

The kids even behaved in church, well kinda.

Cystic Fibrosis Walk in San Francisco

Jesse went to visit his close friend, Kevin Bills in Palo Alto. This is his souvenior. He made it himself.

Face Painting at Buffalo Wild Wings- Kid's Night. Jesse's latest scheme to eat wings and watch sports but get credit for spending time with the kids.

Soaking up the nice weather before it gets cold. (BOO)

Terrible Two's

There's always time for a tantrum, even in the middle of the mall.

Good thing is, he still naps. Sometimes, miraculously they will all sleep at the same time. Or I should say WE all sleep at the same time.

Caleb assumes his routine position

When you have three, your arms are never empty and you almost always look ridiculous. Well, if you're a frazzled mother anyway.

Caleb's Birthday: 2 years old

July 12th, 2009

Caleb,

Thank you for being so sweet, for laughing at my jokes, tackling daddy, taking some of the attention away from Avery, being the peacemaker, loving Enzo so much you can't go five minutes without giving him a hug and not allowing anything to be thrown away. Thank you for taking to potty training so well, now I only have one child in diapers. I love it when you twirl my hair when I hold you. Please know how much your father and I love you.

Mom

Enzo's 1st Bath

Avery had a bath every night for the first year. Enzo's lucky to have a bath once a week. It kind of makes me sad. Now I know why the last child is the baby. You can't spend enough time with them to get sick of them.

New email

jenkinyourchain@gmail.com