Simon is 1!

Well, birthday week has officially came to a close.  I had a post all typed up and ready to post on Simon's actual birthday just like I had on Amelia's, but it was lost.  So here we go!

Simon, like all of the little Lockharts, has been a perfect addition to our family.  His smile is contagious.

Editing props to Elizabeth DeJesus!

And his cry is blood curdling.

And his love for nursing is real!

Milk coma

He has been the best newborn, but my toughest infant to date. He loves to be held by anyone, but he is partial to his mother.  He loves to clap, take baths, crawl, stand, play with cars, being startled, and play with his siblings.  He hates shoes, socks, clothes, and sometimes diapers.  The boy does love to be naked.

At birth Simon started as large as the other two weighing in at 10lbs 10oz, but he has had a slightly slower growth rate in his first year (roughly 22lbs 8oz).  He is not walking yet, though he has been attempting for the past couple of months by standing unassisted and managing a couple of steps.  We are hoping for fully committed walking any day now.

Simon, you and your siblings have proven to be very different people.  We look forward to see what your second year of life has in store.  Your curiosity and independence will likely grow faster than your lexicon which will lead to many meltdowns. Bring it!  It will be worth it to watch you learn.  You swell our hearts,  Happy Birthday little man.  You bring us so much joy!

Amelia is 3!

Amelia is FINALLY three!!! With my boys I'm in awe of how quickly the time has passed, but with Lady A not so much.  I'm NOT complaining about this!!! But time moves at steady pace so it just seems weird that I would have these conflicting feelings about my kids' rate of growth.  I will say, I'm sure this feeling stems from her ability to communicate (and age two was a little tough...not gonna lie).  The girl has been speaking in full sentences since she was 18 months, and she hasn't shut up since :)  Really, her comprehension and understanding still surprises me.  She's a smart cookie.

While eating breakfast
Amelia: "I'm going to eat all of my food.  I'm going to grow big, big, big.  I will grow as big as the house.  And I will crush it.  And I will put the freezer in the oven."

She's imaginative.

While using the bathroom
Amelia: "I pooped my energies out."

She's a scientist

Caught drawing on the wall
Me:  "What are you doing?"
Amelia: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

She's an artist


She sings Happy Birthday to everyone (not because her birthday is approaching just because she likes the song and everyone gets a turn)
Amelia: "One, two, three, four....Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear (insert name), Happy Birthday to you."

She's a musician

Me: "Amelia, you're such a mess."
Amelia: "Yeeeaaahhhh!!!!  HAAAHAAAAHAAAA (in her weird honky laugh)

She's self-aware.

In the mornings
Me: "Let's get dressed."
Amelia: Growls "I can do it."  while snatching the clothes from my hand.
Me: .....
Amelia: Pleasantly "I need help."

She wants to be independent.  

Wakes up crying.
Me: "Amelia honey, what's wrong?"
Amelia: "I want to go trick or treat."
Me: "You will get to go on Halloween.  Who said you can't go?"
Amelia: "O...O...Oweeeennnnn." 

She trusts her brother, even in her dreams. 

Trend setter..notice the shoes on the wrong feet.

Favorite foods: pizza, french fries, cake

Favorite colors: Pink and purple

Favorite past times:  dancing, singing, drawing, eating, drinking, making her brothers cry, playing teacher, being a helper, watching others clean up

Favorite letter: A or O

She is a fiery spirit filled with curiosity.  She keeps us on our toes, for sure.  She is funny and kind.  She knows what she wants, and sometimes she just takes it (hide your drinks, hide your food, yo!!).  She is her brothers' biggest fan, next to Chris and me of course.  She is clumsy.  She is loud.  She is dramatic.  She is joyful.  She reminds us to pray before meals.  She loves silky fabric blankets.  She is loveable.

I am so glad that we were chosen to be her earthly parents.  She busted into this world in 2 quick hours and our lives have been blessed since.  Happy Birthday my sweet girl. 

Birthday week

Birthday week is upon us.  Amelia's birthday is Wednesday and Simon's is Saturday.  I almost feel like I should be 9 months pregnant and ready to pop.  If we are blessed with another baby I would like to give October a break...January has a beautiful birthstone :)

Anyway.  We are having a Halloween birthday party.  I suggested it to Amelia and she was all for it.  She loves Halloween.  She pick Halloween books year round.  I suggested it because it would give the kids another chance to wear their costumes.  Owen is being Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians.  Amelia is being a purple monster princess.  Simon will be either Darth Vader or Frankenstein. I think for trick or treating he will definitely be Frankenstein because it's a warmer costume.  It's Owen's first costume too.

We are going to try am make this happen.

2009 Owen's first Halloween

Amelia showing off her costume a few months ago

I have a few goals this week for the blog.  I am going to try and write Amelia's and Simon's birth stories (here's Owen's) along with some notes about what they are like as we approach year 3 and year 1.  They are both awesome additions to this family.  Their wild antics keep us laughing, loving, crying, yelling, and cussing (striving for sainthood is hard!)  But mostly they keep us laughing and loving.  A friend posted that with each kid your love is multiplied not divided.  So true.  I hope the love keeps multiplying.  These kids, Owen too, make me want to love more.  I don't think domesticity/parenting comes naturally to me.  Order most definitely does not.  But the swell of my heart watching each kid sleeping as a newborn to putting on their clothes independently is like a drug that I want more of.  The plan for our family is being revealed one day at a time, and we will do our best to happily accept whatever is in store for us.  Right now we are blessed with 3 wonderful children who fill this home with joy.

7 Quick Takes - #7

--- 1 ---

Yay!!! I remembered it is Friday.  Well, only after thinking it was Saturday, but that doesn't matter.  What matters is is that I remembered to connect with Jennifer Fulwiler at ConversionDiary.com.  Yay, Nicole - 1, Life -7629243723818465!!!!!  Take that!  ;)

--- 2 ---

I'm thinking about moving my blog...I know I'm using a free site, but they have added ads within the content of my posts and a big ad in the middle of my admin page.  It's annoying and hard to read.  So unless I figure how to remove theses ads I may look at other sites.  We will see.

--- 3 ---

We are decorating for Halloween.  Amelia and Simon's birthdays are in two weeks.  (Let me just say I can't believe Simon is going to be 1.  But with Amelia I can't believe she is only 3.  It's a weird conundrum I am still trying to figure out.)  So we are having a joint birthday, and to make it easy it's a Halloween party.  The kids are thrilled and I am hopeful everyone will have fun.  So we are getting a little festive outside.  We have some tomato cages that we plan to wrap with lights at Christmas to make Christmas trees.  Well we figured we could be a white plastic over them and make ghosts.  We are short a few extension cords so they don't light up yet, but I'm happy with the turn out.  Some of the ghost have white lights some have red.  I may get some black felt to give them eyes.  Along the walkway are 3 black trees with purple lights and a light up jack o lantern.  What you do think?

Ghost family

--- 4 ---

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about why we are considering homeschooling.  The more time that passes the more excited I become about the possibilities.  Not to say that it isn't also terrifying...you know, if I fail them they are the ones who suffer.  But hearing from friends and seeing their Facebook posts about homeschooling has me looking forward to next year.  Science experiments, art projects, reading, and field trips done together as a family.  I'm excited to cultivate a stronger learning environment for all of us.

--- 5 ---

Even though I remembered it was Friday I am having a hard time filling all the quick takes. Just happy to be here, folks! Chris and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! Check it out!

--- 6 ---

The CWOC kickoff meeting when really well.  There was a lot of hard work to keep this group from fizzling away.  With 28 ladies at the kickoff meet, and a few emails of ladies who couldn't attend the kick off but plan to is awesome!  St. Micheal's parish is flourishing.  Great things are going to happen this year; I can feel it.

--- 7 ---

Happy Friday, y'all.  It's all I got for today.  

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

8 incredible years, and other stuff

Let me begin by saying sorry for the month off.  As always, it was unintended.  I'm not sure how those pro bloggers do it.  Not that I'm aspiring to be a pro blogger, but it must be a true passion or the just have a lot to say.  Many of them really have a true gift in making the ordinary something worth talking about.  No here, yo.  I'm here to bore you to tears :)

Anyway, I will hit the highlights and then get to the meat of this post.

• I finished the 30 Day Challenge.  In 30 days I lost 18 pounds and 21.25 inches.  Since starting CrossFit I have lost 34.75 inches.  Of course these measurments were taken a week ago.  Since then I have been benge eating.  I admit I feel gross, and my digestive system does not thank me for it.  And I'm having a hard time stopping.  So, I'm working to get myself back on track.  I want to lose the weight I have put back on and about 30 more pounds.
  

  

  Left: First day of CF Right: 1 week of CF

  

  Day 1 of 30 Day Challenge

  
  

  

  18 pounds down (ignore my weird hands)

  
  

  

  21.25 inches gone

• This is my 100th post.  It only took 4 years.  Those professional bloggers out there likely write that many in a year.  Not that I'm looking to go pro, but it's cool that there are people out there with awesome things to share.  Or have the talent to make everyday things really interesting or at least funny.
•  Tomorrow is the kickoff for CWOC, formally known as MCCW, and I'm the appointed president.  I don't really feel like I'm doing anything because I have some awesome ladies who are doing a stellar job getting everything ready.  I'm not looking to remain the president, but a leader was needed.  We will see where God take me in this new role.  But more importantly where it takes this group and our parish.  
• Chris and I are making some light up lawn ghosts for Halloween.  I'm optimistic they will turn out pretty cute.  Hopefully I will post its awesomeness or its complete failure very soon.

Yesterday was our anniversary.  Chris and I have been married for 8 years.

October 7, 2005

 8 years, 3 kids, 1 deployment, nearly 5 years given to the Army, 7 vehicles,  9 moves, lots of laughs, a few tears, empty pockets, and full hearts.

I'm so happy we found each other so quickly.  I only wish we had gotten married sooner.

Chris is an incredible man, and I am so blessed he wanted me to share his life him.  He's funny, kind, hardworking, generous, short-tempered, and most importantly he make AWESOME brownies :)  Everything he does, he does for the kids and me.  As cliche as it may sound, I love him more everyday.   Our future will always be bright as long as we keep each other by our sides, our children at our feet, and our family's focus on God.   

7 Quick Takes - #6

--- 1 ---

August has been cray y'all!  I have missed a few Friday, 7 Quick Takes.  I'm not sure what has made it so ridiculous and September is starting to look just as busy.  Owen and Amelia will be going to school five days a week, I am doing CrossFit five days a week, speech Mondays and Wednsdays, soccer on Mondays, dance on Wednesdays, CWOC on Saturdays, and teaching CCD (now I think it is PSR) on Sundays are all things I have managed to build into my schedule.  Of course there will still be other appointments peppered throughout each month.  I'm not really sure how or why I have managed to take on so much, but I'm making it work for now.  And I am going to have to start saying no even if I really, really want to say yes.  I'm excited about being busy honestly, but I have to get into a groove so I can balance this house.

--- 2 ---

Sunday!  I beginning my 30 day Paleo Challenge hosted by Gracey at her gym.  Gracey weighed and taped me today.  We took the before picture.  Chris is going to do the challenge too...reluctantly.  I'm glad that I don't have to combat temptation at home since he is doing it with me.  I'm hoping for big results.  Even though I haven't lost any weight I am definitely seeing a change in the shape of my body.  I am starting to think that my belly is too damaged from three pregnancies and a lifetime of being overweight.  But I just hope that I don't end up with a toned body with a sagging sack of skin hanging in the front.  Anyway here's my before picture, though you may have seen it on Facebook.

Left: before I started CrossFit

Right: One week or CF down..excuse the mess...or don't.

7 weeks of CF down.  Starting the 30 Day Challenge

So, yea...come at me September! I am hoping for drastic results since I'm pretty chunky. 

--- 3 ---

All you medical types...my right knee keeps swelling.  I can walk on it.  There is a dull ache and by the end of the day I can't fully bend it.  It feels funny rather than painful.  I'm sure that this CrossFitting is putting my body in a bit of shock.  I'm hoping once the pounds start coming off and my diet changes that there will be little to no swelling.  You know me, always the whiner.

--- 4 ---

 If you missed it, you should check out my post on reasons why we might homeschool.  I think writing it down was a good idea.  I have read over it a couple of times and I'm starting to feel at peace about it.  We will see what next year has in store with so many things in the air, but I really have a great support system.  Feel free to leave comment or resources that I might find helpful.  Seriously, my Google searches and Pinterest searches for that matter have about homeschooling.  There is lots of information out there, help finding the good stuff is always welcomed!

--- 5 ---

I bought the kids some new shoes this evening.  I actually put out a little bit more money than usual.  In general I do not care about name brand.  Especially, when you are talking about children who are growing like weeds.  I will admit that they're cute little baby shoes, but if they are not walking it is just for show and it's just not a priority.  Well, I have been reading and thinking and looking at my children's nearly flat hooves (poor Amelia, she really has some ugly feet).  I am thinking that they might need a little bit of arch support especially while they are growing.  I am probably way over thinking it and trying to justify my purchase.  The kids loved them and they really are cute.

--- 6 ---

Chris and I are going to be teaching 4th grade PSR (formally known as CCD).  Basically, Sunday school.  Actually, Chris agreed to be in the same room as me while I try to teach the 4th graders.  I'm hoping that the kids like having a guy around.  Especially any boys who are in the class.  I'm a little nervous and I would like him there to help.  If nothing else, just be some moral support. 

--- 7 ---

Wednesday Amelia begins preschool and Owen starts pre-K.  I am going to have two hours a day with only Simon.  It is going to feel weird for sure.  I will miss those other two turkeys though.  They crack me up.  They cheer me on and tell me good job over the most ordinary things.  And they are so genuine.  Any way.  I hope everyone has a fun, safe Labor Day weekend!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

School

Yea, I'm back.  I guess I'm trying to make up for the twenty days I didn't post anything.  I don't know but....Amelia got into the Orange Room and the CDC.  It's the preschool that Owen has been in for almost two years.  I'm so excited for her. I think she is going to do well.  In the past two years Chris, the teachers, and I have worked together to help Owen learn to manage his emotions and become more independent.  Though, Amelia doesn't have the same issues as Owen I think with reinforcement in a different environment will do wonders for her.  She has been eager to go to school for at least six months.  I am so glad it was worked out so she could attend.

I figure I would use all this school excitement to share with you all our decision about homeschooling.  We are about 80% sure we will begin homeschooling next fall.  I leave that 20% because it's a year away and we don't know what life will throw us in that time.  Our plan is not always God's plan.

I will share some of the bullet points as to why we are making this choice for our family.

• We want to give our children a strong Catholic foundation.  Assuming there will always be a great Catholic school wherever we may live (which will not always be likely) Catholic school gets expensive. 
• We would only have to combat with one schedule.  Chris's schedule dictates most of our plans.  If we use a school institution we would have to adhere to school schedule also.  So if Chris is granted leave and it doesn't line up with spring break, summer break, or Christmas break it will not matter.  The kids will be home and we can choose to take a break while Chris has a break also. 
• Statics show show that on average homeschooled children are in about the 85 percentile in all subjects.  Meaning on average they have a better understanding of the material than 85% of their peers. 
• The kids can learn the way they are designed to learn.  I think homeschoolers do so well because they have learned how to learn in a way that is best for them. Basically, a homeschooler can more easily discover their strengths and develop those strengths to learn.  If they are an auditory learner then we will incorperate more listening.  If they are a visual learner we will add more visual aids.  I know MANY wonderful teacher who passionately want to help each of their students to develop their skill so they can successed, but in the end they are overworked with 20+ other students to focus on.  
• We do NOT like the common core curriculum.  If we homeschool we get to choose the curriculum.
• Socialization.  Most people's question to me about possibly homeschooling is "what about socialization?"  My kids are social.  They make friends.  We will continue to put them in activities like t-ball, dance, and CCD.  We will find a homeschooling group in our area to join.  It is often overlooked that there are negative sides of socialization like bullying, drugs, sex, and school shootings.  Some may feel it's sheltering them, but I think it's protecting them.  Chris and I are fully capable of exposing them to the world and without throwing them into the deep end...sink or swim.
• Lifestyle.  I have read many blogs, and I have listened to first hand experiences of people who have been or are currently homeschooling.  I want a home environment that homeschooling offers.  Prayer and housework will be part of our school day.  Our older children will be teaching our younger children because they will be sitting at the same table.  We will attend daily Mass (my goal is once a week). The list goes on and on.  
• Firsts.  You know this just dawned on me a few days ago, but I was/am so excited to watch each of our babies achieve each of their milestones like smiling, sitting up, crawling, walking, talking, clapping, ect.  Well, I still want to be apart of that.  The first time they read, add, subtract, write, think critically, research paper, scientific predictions, experiments, ect. I still want to be apart of all of these firsts rather than hearing about them.  

I know not everyone is called to homeschool their children.  I am not even sure if we are, but these are just a few of the reasons we are highly considering it for next year.  I'm glad we are doing the preschool and pre-k so they are getting help developing basic concepts like holding a pencil.  Owen's teachers (soon Amelia's) have been AWESOME.  And I already have a good feeling about Owen's pre-k teachers.  I am hoping the kids' time in preschool will make the transition into homeschooling smooth.