Sad Day!

I just need to make a post in memory of Peter! For Tanner. Two years ago, we decided to venture out to the pet scene. We decided for Tanner's 5th birthday we would get him a hermit crab. We did our research and found that they do better with more of them. At the time, it was just Tanner and Tyler so we got them each a crab. Tanner got one with a shell painted like a baseball and Tyler's painted like a flower. Tanner named his Peter and Tyler, she's original, named hers flower...for the flower on her shell. Anyway, we were quite happy that we actually got them to live longer than just a few days. But as with all good things, they must come to an end. Tyson went to give water to Peter this morning and discoverd Peter had expired on us. We think he was molting and didn't have a bigger shell to move into, so his old skin stayed in his same shell with him. Tyson believes when they molt, they give off a chemical that is potentially poisonous to them and other crabs. Because he didn't have a different shell to go into, we think he died from the toxic fumes. He was a good crab. We had a little funeral service for him and buried him in Grandma and Grandpas side yard this afternoon. Thanks Peter for all the great times we had as a family. Rest in piece.

Grocery Helps

-k- I added a new link to my "other Bogs" page element. This is awesome!! My sister-in-law created it and she has written up a list of great grocery deals for the week, based off of their weekly adds. the web address is http://grocerygreatness.blogspot.com. On my side bar, I have it written as Grocery Help. Its a new blog, but each week she's going to choose a different store and put together a shopping list to create meals for the week under $50. You should also check out another link on her page that can connect you to all the info you need to save even more on your grocery list with and without coupons. I attended the same grocery smarts presentation she did and you wouldn't believe how much my food storage has grown!! I found one of my receipts and was looking over it. My total price for that shopping trip was about $46, but my total savings was $110!! Tyson was sceptical at first, but now we'll be with people and somehow the topic will come up and he'll start talking about how great this is. Its fun for the kids too, when we run out of cereal, I'll tell them to go downstairs and go grocery shopping. And this week, my grocery bill was under $60 for the first time since we were first married and I have enough fill in food to make seven meals for the week. I know this isn't making any sense, but its a great program. I even get free stuff! And its not stupid cheap stuff. Last week at Harmons, I got seven bottles of Pert Plus for FREE!! Anyway, you'll have to look at the website and check it out. If its something you're interested in learning more about either contact me and I can get you her number, or I think its on the linked page to the Grocery Smarts website. Its worth a look.

First day of School!

Today was Tyler's first day of school. Tanner actually had his first day last week, but mom was too tired and spaced getting a picture, so we'll just add his to today. Everyone was so excited! Even Jake got in on the excitment with his very own Hulk Smash back pack. It was kind of weird having a somewhat quiet house and only two little ones to keep me busy. I forgot what those days were like. I think Jake enjoyed the alone time. I had to teach one lesson this morning at 9am so he got to choose whatever he wanted to watch on television. He was pretty happy about that. It will be nice to be back into some sort of routine. Hopefully that will happen. We're still trying to adjust to a little baby as well.

All three kids on the way to the bus stop.
Waiting for the bus to come.


Getting on the bus.

I also couldn't help but post this last picture. It was too perfect. All four of my boys in the same bed. Obviously Jefferson and Jake aren't asleep, in fact I'm pretty sure the whole thing was a posed picture, but it still makes for a cute picture.

Four weeks or one month

So technically, Jefferson is four weeks old today, which could translate as month, however, he was born on the 4th, so technically he isn't a month yet. I'm not sure just how to calculate it. Anyway, one month and he's my chuncky monkey!! He loves his food and wants to eat every two hours. It makes it nice to try and do anything because I know in two hours, he's going to want to eat. However, its not so good at night. It makes for long and slow nights! He's already had his first cold. Hazards of older siblings.
Just a few things I've learned in the last month. Jefferson doesn't like baths. He would much rather have a shower, in there, he lays there with his mouth open, tasting the water. He also looks around and takes everything in. He is not a big fan of the blue bulb seringe they give you in the hospital to pick their noses. He cried pretty good with that one a few days ago. Poor thing could hardly breath. He tolerates his tummy time. If I can get him on his tummy with a stomach that's not quite full, but full enough to tide him over, he'll spend some good time there. He's also my gasiest kid. I know he'll appreciate that one when he gets older. He could compete with the biggest guys out there and come out ahead. He's also taken on the Grandpa Stauffer look with a receeding hair line. Poor kid!
We've gotten a few smiles. I know they aren't on purpose, but its sure hard to think that they aren't on purpose when you are talking and playing with him. Tyson is the one who's received the smiles, but they were smiles. Hopefully what I'm trying to post will work and I can put a bunch of pictures on that I took today. Nothing special, just pictures to show how big he's getting. Check out his big belly and double chin. Tanner told his the other day, "He's going to be a fat kid, I can tell." We asked him how he knew that. Because he has all this skin around his neck. Well, nevermind he has no muscles to hold his head up to get rid of the double chin.