Fright night.

Like all Halloween nights - it was hectic.
Lee did the make-up on Kaylee and Cailin (and rocked it) like always... while I made a hot casserole for everyone to eat.
The kids got dressed, and I snapped pictures to post on Facebook before leaving.
We were running late, and Ava hated the hat on her costume so she screamed until I took it off of her.
We went to Beccas neighborhood to trick-or-treat. Once there, she let me put it back on her while we walked from door to door.
The older kids hung out on the deck to scare the trick-or-treaters, and once we got back they walked a few blocks themselves.
Once we got home, Ava was cranky and Layton was tired. I got her down for bed, helped him with homework, cleaned my kitchen and folded a load of laundry.
Halloween night 2012: successful and (thankfully) over.

Only in Oregon.

Up until early last week we were having really warm temperatures for October. So warm - the kids were able to have the sprinkler on underneath the trampoline for some end-of-summer fun.

Fall is obviously here now. It has now quickly turned to the cold, crisp and wet season practically overnight.  But, we sure enjoyed the extended dose of summer we got.

Back to the books.

This year we have a middle school-er, a third grader, and an infant.
What a crazy combination.

As a mama of three.

I have never been a huge fan of change. I like to have a schedule and am comfortable with a normal daily routine. I knew that adding to the family would put a temporary kink into things (and may I just say, it has) but things around the Frakes house are starting to get back to a 'new' normal.

Having three. Well, it's a huge blessing. Last night I was cuddled on the couch with Ava in my arms, Layton at my feet and Kaylee on the floor with Bentlee right beside her. I had this rush of pride come over me and I couldn't help but think that I have the best kids ever.

Now, obviously I am not always in a sentimental mood like that. Most days I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to juggle all things kid related. I have tried my hardest to not let having a baby become an excuse to not do all the things that we did before she got here, and I think I have done pretty well at it. We still spend our summer days out and about, hitting the pool, doing the park thing, and hanging at Becca's. Football starts soon, so that will be a huge commitment on top of Kaylee and her training. But, that's just our life right now, so I will take it as it comes.

It's amazing to me at how much life does change with a baby though, but also at how quickly it has just become the way things are. I am starting to get sort of a system down and because of that am learning how to get more things done, without stressing so much. The big kids are a huge help. Anytime I need a baby holder, I have one. Although, I only have about 5 minutes until they are ready to give her back. I am super tired still, but have a feeling that will just be the way it is for years, literally. So, I'm getting used to it and lately? I pretty much amaze myself.

Who knew that I was capable of taking a 3 minute shower and able to get dressed in just under 2. Who knew that cleaning an entire house, unloading a dishwasher, sweeping floors, folding laundry, and scrubbing toilets would be so manageable while having an infant in a front pack. Or, that fixing dinner with a baby in a bouncy chair on the table next to you, could actually result in some of the best  'conversation' ever. Who knew that I was actually skilled enough to change a diaper with my eyes completely closed (this usually happens at about 3 in the morning when it is almost impossible for me to keep them open.) Who knew that bouncing a baby to sleep, while editing pictures, while talking on the phone, and while eating lunch was even possible? Not this girl. But, I am quickly discovering these new found skills more and more everyday and honestly, I wouldn't trade this crazy chaos for anything in this entire world.

The springtime snow.

Today is the kids' first day of spring break and what do we wake up to? SNOW.
Crazy? Yes. But, totally awesome? Um, YES.
It started coming down last night and Bentlee at first did not know what to think of it.
Today, however - totally different story.

The kids and him played in it forever.

Making memories.
One snowball fight at a time.

Sibling-Stages.

As of lately my kids find it more 'fun' to fight with each other than to actually be nice to one another for more than a few minutes at a time.

After non-stop bickering almost everyday, it's kind of nice to be able to capture a moment like this:

It helps remind me that deep down - these two still might actually enjoy each other from time to time.

My 'Mothers day' morning.

I've always been a sucker for homeade gifts [ok, what mom isn't?]
Something about little kids putting everything they have into making a gift special - it just gets to my heart.

Kaylee set her alarm this morning for 6AM - and yes, that is too early for me. [well, most days.]
I woke up to a heartfelt arrangement of homemade cards, pictures of me and the kids on my kitchen table, and this 'certificate.'

She was beaming and so very proud of herself, and even though I wasn't really awake, and a tad bit irritated that it was barely 6:30 in the morning (hey, why lie?) I was totally touched by her efforts to make my day memorable.
Let's face it - the girl succeeded.

I gave her a great big hug and thanked her.
Then? I cracked up laughing at her response.
She says: "Well, I did plan on making you breakfast too mom, but I then figured you'd be kinda mad at me if I got your kitchen all dirty."

Ha! This kid gets her 'smarts' from me. I swear.