Ten on Tuesday

1.  We've been enjoying summer break so far - trying to keep the girls as busy as possible so they don't drive each other (and their Mommy) crazy!  It is nice to have Lauren home, but once kids are in school it is SO difficult to keep them entertained all day.  She is bored a lot.  Bored enough to finger-paint on the porch in 100 degrees!

2.  This picture, taken when Justin and I had a stay-cation for our anniversary (SO fun!) motivated me to want to get healthier (as well as get a more stylish haircut!).  

I have been pretty much gluten free for a week.  I've wanted to try it for a while, I know we get WAY too much wheat in our day to day lives, and it is not what is best for our bodies.  It has been difficult at times, like when I am out running errands with the kids - but I am happy with the results so far!  Down a few pounds, and feeling more energetic.  It seems to have helped balance my hormones and heart palpitations too - so that is interesting.  I don't think I will give it up all the time like it's an allergy, but I am shooting for only 15% of my diet to allow for it - but eliminating it as much as possible.

3.  There is a big giveaway over on the business facebook page for the next two weeks!  Go enter!  Every vote you earn is one entry into a drawing for a free photo session and lots of goodies!  I am SUPER excited about this!!!

4.  We've started going to the library every Tuesday and the girls love it.  Lauren can read super fast now, and is loving character chapter books.  She lays and reads for two hours every day while the other girls nap and I am floored every time I walk in and see that she has read all the books she took in with her and was talking to herself for the last 30 minutes.  

5.  Paige amazes me all the time with the words she is able to read already!  I am excited to try and homeschool her for Kindergarten next year since our school won't let her test in.  I think she will still GO to Kindergarten the following year, just for the experience - but the girl needs to be using that bright brain!

6.  Jaelyn is learning lots of new words every day, and loves to try to say anything you will walk her through.  She has started calling Justin "Daddy" instead of "DaDa", which made me a little sad!  She is SO funny and loves to make other people laugh.  She is a daredevil and has learned to climb the ladder to the bunk-bed.  She has learned to throw fits when she doesn't get her way, but bounces back very easily with a distraction.  She is getting to that fun age where she can understand us and us her!  

I love that!

7.  We painted half of the "big part" of our house last weekend.  It was an adventure!  It needs a few touch ups here and there, but it is looking great!  We are hoping to get the second half done this coming Saturday... we will see! 

8.  I was invited to join a networking group, and I loved the first meeting I went to!  After feeling like a bit of a hermit for the last four years, it was a breath of fresh air.  Lookout, "social-Claire" might be making a return!  

9.  We are considering doing a family road trip for a week.  It is thrilling and terrifying all at the same time!  =)

10.  Hope you have a great week!  Stay cool, if that's possible!