The stress of preschools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I have been stressing the last few months about what I would do with Schaefer next fall for preschool. He will turn 3 on September the 3rd and so misses the Baltimore County birthdate cut-off of September 1st by 2 days. I just want to get the kid into some kind of organized setting socializing with other kids before he turns 4. So, my thought has been that I would like to keep him at Immaculate where my others have been and we love the teacher etc. Not such a simple thought. The principle has been adament about the cut-off date and not making any exceptions. NONE. So, I decided to try one last time to actually speak with the principle personally to try and explain to her what I want to do. She finally called back last night and I was able to tell her that I want to get him socialized in the fall, but I want to do 3's, 4's, then pre-k and then kindergarten so he will not be starting kindergarten before he is supposed to. I would rather him be the oldest in his class than the youngest when he gets to big school, I don't want him to struggle because he is the youngest. Well, the principle finally heard what I was saying because she agreed that as long as he does 3 years in the preschool she is okay with him starting the 3's in the fall. YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! All 3 kids in school at the same school.... I am going up to school this morning to get him registered and I am so happy that she finally heard what I was trying to say... Now, just so you know how crazy I am. I found a terrific preschool that was also willing to put him in the 3's and it is 3 days instead of 2 and they have the option for "my afternoon out" where the kids can stay on any of those days until 3pm if you so choose. I would have at least the option for some real time to myself. So why not go there? I am not sure what I am thinking but I love the teachers at Immaculate and they have had the other 2 kids and it is convenient having them all at the same place starting at the same time and I really love that they come home at three saying the prayers that our family says and that they will have to know at the big school. Call me crazy, but I think I am going to stay at ICS and have some quality time next fall with little Schaefer as he will only go 2 short mornings a week!!

Almost pottty trained!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are 90% through potty training our third and final kiddo... what will life be like with no diapers? Do you know how cute little boy boxer briefs are on a 2 year old? Really darn cute! It has taken him a while to register that he does not have to be naked to use the potty. If he was naked he would use it every single time (except the occasional pee-pee in a random closet on or in a random pair of shoes) but if he had anything on his bottom he would go in his pants about 75% of the time. Well praise God, something has clicked and he will now tell me he has to go even while dressed! Uncle Randy will be happy to know that he won't have to stare at a naked 2 year old when he comes for a visit!!!!!! Did I mention how cute a 2 year old looks in boxer briefs? You would think that I would be over the cuteness after my first boy in briefs but it is still as cute as it was the first time around. Oh well, enough of that. We are just excited for a diaper free future.

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Wow, what a month and a half!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been so long since I have been on here at all, let alone to blog. Right after Thanksgiving came Dad's big scare and a few unscheduled days in St. Louis. Coming home from that and getting right into the swing of getting ready for Christmas as quickly as possible (kind of!). Oh, and did I forget to mention that we kind of tore our house apart around Thanksgiving? We decided to open up the den to the kitchen and family room and living room (well, it's all just one big room now!). We did get everyting put back together in time for our Christmas houseful and our New Years guests. We had Christmas here with Tj's family and Tracy and the girls and mom and then Scott, Rochelle and Mackenzie drove halfway across the country to come for a visit. We had a great time and I don't even feel exhausted. The company was great and we are thankful that they are so good about coming here at least twice a year to visit.
Oh, and in the midst of all of the Holidays and such, my best friend moved from up the street to Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I feel like she might not have really gone because we never really officially said goodbyes or anything and I feel like I might just see her drive down the street tomorrow morning when all is back to normal. I am so bummed that she is gone, but know that we will remain close forever and we will see each other often. I am driving up to Harrisburg on Thursday for the whole day to help her unpack and visit so I am excited about that!

Nothing else too exciting. I hope to be on here more in the coming days and weeks to catch up and get back to normal.