I’m back:)

I’m starting to use this as a way to document the things with the kids and social media is not exactly enjoyable currently. 

Jax had his XC banquet last night. We made a deal that he had to run his freshman year and after that it was up to him if he wanted to continue. Well he clearly enjoys it because he signed up his sophomore year. I love him being a part of such a great team. Great group of guys and the coaching staff is awesome (the head coach reminds me of my dad in appearance!) and really brings out the best in them. Jax had a great season in spite of all that was going on. In July, he was in a group for practice that was the slowest and they are supposed to stay together during practice. Jax texted the coach and asked to move up to the next group that was faster and I think that was awesome for him. He got the minute man award last night because he beat his personal PR from last year by a minute or longer. He beat his last year PR by 2 minutes and 7 seconds. So proud. Now starts track conditioning!

Successful Trip

Haven't posted to the blog for a LONG time, but thought I would share a quick picture of our first official family vacation. We went to Naples, Florida to meet our new nephew Collin. He was adorable and the trip was absolutely perfect. The kids behaved fairly well in the car, we found a great rental home that I can see ourselves staying in year after year, and we got to spend it with family. Wonderful trip that was way overdue.

Have to share two cute stories from Jackson and Mia's first few weeks of school:

I asked Jackson how he liked his teacher one day. He told me that he liked her, but she made him mad when he took away one of his friends' tickets for bad behavior. He said that his friend had started to cry because he was upset. Jackson told me that he knows that sometimes when you are sad it makes you feel better when someone rubs your back. So he told me that he rubbed his friend's back to make him feel better. I thought this was so sweet and kind. He can be truly sweet sometimes.

Both of the kids go to mass on Wednesday mornings at school. Mia has been my mass buddy on alot of Sundays (she is also my shopping buddy she tells me). We sometimes do not all go together because it can be more frustrating to get the kids to behave (mainly the two 4 year-olds) and we end up not really getting anything out of church. This Wednesday I asked her how mass was and she said, "It was good, except I got sad for you because it made me miss you. I almost cried cuz I missed you, but then I looked up at Jesus and I wasn't sad anymore." I loved this. Such a sweet girl.

Hope to maybe start posting more, but not making any promises. Life is so busy, but full and blessed!

Snow Day Planes

The kids have been snowed in the last 3 days from school. They were starting to get bored today so Jackson put together some model planes he got for Christmas and they all ran around the house flying their airplanes. Liam's was apparently bad and "in jail." This held their attention for about 20 minutes which is actually pretty good. What to do next?

Can you believe...

...this little cutie will be one in less than one month?

Waiting early for Santa

This is where we found Grant one night last week at 4:30am. Matt woke me up just so I could see how cute he was. Can't figure out why this seemed like a good spot to sleep, except he was maybe waiting early for Santa? Matt and I are both really more surprised that he took the time and effort to lay out his comforter on the hearth, especially since (in typical stubborn 3-year-old fashion) many nights he hollers for us to "cover him up" in bed because he "can't." Ahhh, never a dull moment in the Steuer household.

Making their lists

Hope they've been good because they have been doing a lot of cutting and pasting this evening!

Halloween