Done.

Finally.  After 21 months of grad school, Chris has completed all of his courses and has finished his 75 page thesis and submitted it.  He is done!  And it feels so good.  I mean,  I'm sure it feels good for him.   I know it feels good for me and the kids.  He has given up early mornings, evenings, weekends, and plenty of time in between to complete his Masters Degree in Theological Studies while working full-time.  The kids are more used to seeing him sitting at his desk than just about anywhere else.  In fact, yesterday, Chris was on his computer in the office and Sam went in and said, "I thought you were done with all your homework."  So cute.  The kids and I are looking forward to more time with him! 

Here's a picture of him submitting his paper for the final time. 

And being goofy with the kids. 

Moon milestones...another big day.

Tuesday was a big day in our house.  And when I say big, I mean BIG!  You see, state law in Kansas says that children four years of age can move from a five-point harness car seat to a booster seat.  But, if they still fit within the height and weight limit allowed for their car seat then the kids are safest remaining  there.   

We've had several pediatricians, and they have all said to wait until the child reaches 40 pounds before moving them to a booster.  And moving to a booster seat - well that's a big milestone for my kids.  Sophia and Anna were both right about 40 pounds when they turned four so we switched them immediately.  Isabella has been an entirely different story. 

She's always been small.  At four, she was nowhere near 40.  So she was stuck in the car seat.  At five, she was still not near 40.  For almost two years she has been consumed at mealtimes trying so hard to eat well so she could gain weight.  On a side note, I have never had this problem!  She's just petite.  But, it's been constantly on her mind at every meal.

But, Tuesday night she weighed herself and could hardly believe her eyes.  40. 

She was so unbelievably happy!  Granted, she had on a shirt, shorts and a dress on top of that, but she was 40.  Strip her down to just one outfit and she would be 39 again.  But close enough.  And if it were winter, she'd be wearing a lot more clothes.  So, after almost 21 months of waiting, she was ready to move into a booster seat like her sisters. 

She kept asking Chris to surprise her with her booster seat the next morning.  She was all smiles and giggles.  Then, we headed out to the car and she was seriously thrilled to see the booster in the van for her.  Like finally she'd made it.  So cute!