Combine crisp leaves, chilly winds, and a few rays of sunshine.

Blend in four siblings. Stir well with dirt and air.

Throw in a football, 2 brooms, 15 pieces of broken chalk into days with empty hours.

Cover in jackets. Let cool outdoors until people start crying or the sun sets.

To serve, place Autumn Fun on a blanket, enjoy with a runny nose and side of muddy shoes.

Love,

Jess

Time to get into the blogosphere once more.

Leah, me, Molly, Ryan, Peter, Claire

What’s UP?

Leah is 1 1/2 years old. Her clever yet sweet pea nature is fun to watch – not so fun to clean-up after. She loves to read her picture books and says words like, “bubble, baby, ball”.

I, ahem, will be coming up on the double anniversary of my Sweet Sixteenth birthday. My interest in creating home decor and shabby furniture has taken off into a serious hobby. Check out Shabby Mamas, for more details.

Molly is on the cusp of turning four. She has just completed her first year in preschool. She is a wiggly wonder-girl. Her antics never cease to make me laugh or pull out my hair – sometimes both.

Ryan is ending Kindergarten as a confidant and caring 6 1/2 year old. He has one loose tooth and 14 bruises/scrapes. He pronounces the restaurant Culver’s as “Carvells” and it is too cute to correct.

Pete, is timeless and classic. He proves his steadfast love for his us time and time again. He loves reading political action literature on his new Kindle.

Claire is 1 1/2 years old. Her darling smile is surpassed only by her darling determination. She loves to kiss her Dad, scoot on her push-toy, and throw food.

Wishing time could stretch a little farther…

Jess

How do I get away? Just do the math.

Take my husband and I

+6 mornings sleeping-in

+ 5 nights without interruption

+ 4 willing grandparents, that stayed home to watch our 4 kids

+ 3 days at resort with a chair-lift in the back yard, outdoor hot-tubs and fireplace suites

+2 college friends that are super fun, and drove us everywhere from Sacramento to Chico,CA

+1 novel read, the 4th book in the Twilight series

= One happy couple!

We were so blessed to have had the chance to visit our friends and have our first getaway since our honeymoon (8 1/2 years ago)!

Love,

Jess

Ryan, in diapers, with his newborn sister Molly. 2007

Then I was here…

Ryan and Molly, not in diapers, teaching baby Leah how to skooch. 2010

I was just there…

Molly and Ryan in their pjs. (The first time I successfully washed two kids and had them ready for bed together.) 2007

Then I was here…

Ryan and Leah with Claire and Molly. 2010 (All four had just been bathed and jammied.)

Time flies between diapers and baths, I guess.

Love,

Jess

A sparkly new sign, made it into my Christmas decor. (Hand painted by my fellow Shabby Mama, Andrea.)

The felt “board” was laid out with our Velcro Nativity set.

My sil, Carly, gave all the sils a meaningful Christmas ornament. It means a lot to me, as I don’t have any biological sisters.

Did I mention, cookies already? We ate a lot of frosting too.

Feliz Navidad,

Jessy

Ryan and Molly share a laugh with their Papa Den (my Dad).

At a recent MOPS meeting my table mates and I shared ‘what we were grateful for’. I heard responses about health, careers, children, God, homes.

I was grateful that I made it through the last year still breathing!

I made it through the last year, not only with air in my lungs, but with joy in my heart. I am sure, without a doubt, my feelings of oxygenation and joy have been possible because of the involvement of my family.

During this season of gratitude I just wanted to shout from the roof tops…

Thank You, I Love You, Thank You!!!!!!

Love,

Jess

Ryan and his buddy Mason.

Claire and Leah, with their Little People bus, came out to wave bye-bye.

Ryan’s first day of afternoon Kindergarten.

sigh, I’m so proud!

Love,

Jess M.

I feel like I am a gardener that grows kids.

I plant their seeds (pregnancy), tend to their needs (water, sun & fruit snacks), and remove the weeds (teaching manners and gratitude and expecting nothing less).

I relish in their growth. I see beauty and take joy in their accomplishments. I could get lost in their fullness and diversity.

I get worried when I see patterns of drought and slugs. Meaning of course, too much TV, too many sibling arguments and too many reminders of common courtesy flown around with a crabby mama voice. (not really courteous!)

Unlike a garden plot, my little kids will only be perennials for a limited time. They’ll be pruned and carried through the winter months with loving hands. But soon enough they’ll be packing the back of the van with their dorm gear.

Off to find their own soil, sun and well….maybe they’ll come home for the fruit snacks.

Top: Jess & Pete, Bottom: Ryan, Claire, Leah and Molly

Okay is your throat all tight too? Ryan is starting Kindergarten tomorrow.

Breath…live in the now! More proof that time flies! Toddler Ryan slurping up soup!

Love,

Jess

Just thought you should know.

Love,
Jess

(Leah, Claire, Molly)

The kitchen: it is truly the heart of my home.

Love,

Jess