School Routines

Power of Moms website posted an article that I wrote a couple of years ago about back to school routines.  It is a great reminder to simplify and focus on what matters most.  

Due Date

Today is August 8th.  This is the day that I am due to have baby #8.  Last week I was having contractions and sure that she would be born very soon.  I had swollen feet and was very tired because in addition busy summer activities such as swim team for three kids and swimming lessons for three kids I have been to 21 doctors appointments in the last month!  Some appointments were routine pregnancy appointments, some were well child checkups that I scheduled for my school age children months in advance, an orthodontic appointment, and the vast majority of appointments were for Hyrum.  He has been suffering with health problems that started over a year ago, but have dramatically escalated since April of 2015.  He suffers from daily headaches, stomachaches, and sores on his legs and arms.  I had high hopes that we would have his health concerns all resolved before the baby is born and he starts school, but it hasn't happened.  We are just trying to hang on until August 26th when he has a scope on his stomach.

Thankfully my mom came this week to be here incase I went into labor.  I didn't end up going into labor, but it has been such a blessing to have her here.  Sometimes you just need to spend time with your mom and this is one of my favorite times we have had together.  I would have missed it if I had ended up having the baby early and been in the hospital:)

My mom was ready to entertain kids with an awesome art project.  She taught the kids how to color on thin plastic and then cook it in the oven and it shrinks in size and thickens to make either key chains or charms for a necklace!

She had a fun little grab bag of prizes for the kids.

We went to the park and the library.  It was fun to just do simple everyday activities together.

We went to the mall to get school shoes and enjoyed having another adult to take kids to separate stores.

She read Secret Garden to the kids, I also listened in.  Even though I am 33 I still love hearing my mom read to me.  It brought back many fond memories of childhood.

We also spent a couple of afternoons cooking together so that next Monday when my in-laws have to leave and Justin is back to work I will be able to easily fix dinner!  

Most of all she helped me to relax and enjoy the last week of summer and not worry about the fact that I hadn't gone into labor!  

 We went and got Hawaiian Ice.

While my mom was here Tanner set a goal to earn $62 dollars for a Lego set.  He worked so harding doing dishes and anything else that I asked so he could earn enough for the Lego set that he wanted.  I paid him all of his hard earned money and he was ready to order his set from Amazon.  After spending sometime in his room he came down and told us he had changed his mind.  He wanted to save all of his money for his mission!  We were so proud of him!  

 The kids played outside with Grandma and made fun videos of them jumping.

 We took plenty of walks.  (It didn't help me go into labor!)

 The kids love playing games with Grandma!

I was also able to accomplish some projects to help us be organized for back to school!  

Lydia

7 pounds 15 ounces

20.5 inches long