Finley's Forever Family & Charlie!: Too much going on...

School has started for me and suddenly we're all in a daze around here. Lots going on...

*Jack and Emma are having a grand time hanging out at home with Moe Moe and Bampa (Brandon's parents) while we're at work. Emma is napping better and Jack is doing a pretty good job of letting Moe Moe tend to Emma without getting too jealous. We are forever grateful for their help!

*My class is great this year. I have 12 kids, 8 girls and 4 boys. They were a little chatty on Friday, but fantastic overall. It's amazing how you forget just how exhausting teaching is after a long summer. Boy am I glad it's the weekend! I'm teaching a unit on nutrition in science right now. I added it to the 2nd grade curriculum and took out plants/bees/flowers cause they get some of that in 1st grade. The kids are really excited about the 5 food groups- and this unit goes perfectly in 2nd grade because we require them to bring a healthy snack every day. You should see the junk food they bring to eat in 1st grade!!! Going back was a little hard at first, it was sad to leave my little Emma Lem (and of course Jack too!). Knowing she's in good hands in her own house makes it a lot easier though.

*I am only working half days on Tuesday and Thursday as my maternity leave. It's FANTASTIC! Getting to come home early and be with the kids 2 days a week is going to make this school year just that much better.

*Potty training, potty training. I think Brandon and I just need to bite the bullet and do this thing. He's so incredibly ready (I believe). I think I'll go out and buy a few more pairs of big boy underpants for the little man tomorrow.

*Emma Lem is getting so big! She is just so much fun right now. Laughing, smiling, sucking on her hands... I just love her to bits! She's going to bed earlier now, between 8:30 and 9:00. She gets up between 5:30 and 6:00. She could be outside looking all around all day and be happy as can be. She also loves watching her big brother. I can't wait to see them grow into best buddies.

*We've finally decided on a window and roof company to handle our home improvement projects. We'll be getting a brand new roof and replacement windows on the 2nd floor. We'll need to save up for awhile before we can replace the windows on the 1st floor. These projects should get under way in the next 2 months. We can't wait! It feels good to have the decision made. Just think... no more climbing on a ladder 2x a year to put up storm windows and screens!

*We now have a cleaning service coming to clean the house every 2 weeks. You have no idea what a gift this is. It is probably one of my best dreams come true! We still swiffer the dog hair and wipe down the bathrooms... but to not have to do major cleaning anymore??!! It's so incredibly wonderful!!! The best money we've ever spent. For real.

And now, the pictures!

Baby girl