A week without children

This week I have had to myself. My wonderful inlaws took all four girls for the whole week. We met them in Atlanta last Sunday. They took the kids back to Mississippi with them while John and I came home by ourselves.
The kids were so excited. They had been anticipating this trip for many days. They love time spent with their grandparents.
My biggest concern was Clara Bea. I had a hard time deciding whether or not to send her with the other girls. She is only 4 1/2 months old - I've never left any of the others this early before - but with all things considered, I am tired, crabby and just plain old needed a break! So off she went.
She has done well from the reports I have gotten. She went on formula for this week and seems to be doing just fine. Unfortunately for my mother-in-law she has not been able to break her of waking in the night to eat. Apparently she has been her usual self, requiring every one's attention 100% of the time. Honestly it has been nice for some else to "feel my pain" this week, realizing how demanding she can be - not to mention there are three other children in the mix as well.
This week I have taken full advantage of being by myself! I cleaned the house like it has never been cleaned before. Funny how things stay put afterwards, no one around to mess it up again. I also have worked on some sewing projects, cooking ahead for next week's company, worked on some new zumba routines, got a hair cut, lunch dates with my husband, and even an evening out to the movies! It has been great!
But as much as I have enjoyed it all, I miss my kids!!! The house seems cold and empty. There is no constant noise that seems to buzz at all times. In fact I never knew that I could hear the interstate traffic from inside my house, until this week. I've only had to run the dishwasher once and a trip to the grocery store was way too easy.
So I am anxiously awaiting their return. I am ready for all that is required of me. And I am so thankful for the blessings God has given me.
Thank you Bill and Glenda for a week of peace and rejuvenation!

Family Pictures

This past Sunday we planned to have a photographer meet us at the park for some family pictures. Now experience had taught us that waiting til late fall was best. This way most of the leaves have fallen to the ground with a few left on the trees for the "leaf shot" that I wanted. This proved to be true again.
John had given me the two weeks notice to get the outfits planned. I usually make some hand sewn matching skirts or dresses for the girls but I knew I couldn't produce them that quickly this year. So Old Navy to the rescue. I love this store and was able to find a white shirt for everyone in the family - one stop shopping! We had not done the blue jean / white shirt look yet and I honestly wasn't too sure I would like it, but it turned out great!
The photographer was wonderful and she took some really great shots of everybody. Praise God for a successful day, well behaved children and beautiful weather - couldn't have asked for more.