Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Our 14th Anniversary
June 29, 1996. I married my best friend. We've been through so much together. Who woulda thunk that God would have given us so much? Our health (for the most part), our wonderful friends and family, a good job, a nice home and of course, our four wonderful kids. We make a good team and we can always fall back on that during the hard times. I love you!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Shopping for Summer Fun!
FoodI just got back from the grocery store with all kinds of fun foods! Fresh fruit, popsicles, lowfat ice cream, crackers, juiceboxes, string cheese, yogurt cups and granola bars to name a few. As you know, we try to maintain good health and save money by eating homemade popsicles with juice, making our own granola bars/cookies, eating natural popcorn and by freezing yogurt for a healthy treat.
OK, so not all of this is homemade or ingredients to make homemade stuff, but it's just so much fun to buy all of this knowing that we're going to pack it up for our beach, park and other summer adventures!
On Saturday, Lilly and I went down to see Grandma for the day. While we were there, Grandma bought the boys a "grown-up" kiddie pool (the type with a filter that stays up all summer) for their birthday. I also scored some good sales on a few summer toys like squirt guns and pool noodles. I already made a promise to myself that I'd get rid of the other, broken, old noodles and squirt guns before I introduced the new ones. So far, I'm on track!
I have a ton more groceries to put away, so I'd better run. Yeah for summer!
OK, so not all of this is homemade or ingredients to make homemade stuff, but it's just so much fun to buy all of this knowing that we're going to pack it up for our beach, park and other summer adventures!
On Saturday, Lilly and I went down to see Grandma for the day. While we were there, Grandma bought the boys a "grown-up" kiddie pool (the type with a filter that stays up all summer) for their birthday. I also scored some good sales on a few summer toys like squirt guns and pool noodles. I already made a promise to myself that I'd get rid of the other, broken, old noodles and squirt guns before I introduced the new ones. So far, I'm on track!
I have a ton more groceries to put away, so I'd better run. Yeah for summer!
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Wednesday News June 23, 2010
OK, so I started writing The Wednesday News on Wednesday, just didn't get it published in time. Good thing I'm not a newspaper employee!
Let's start with me this week since it's all about ME, right?
Today would have been my parents' 51st anniversary. I'm so glad that my mom and dad made it to their 50th. My dad passed away 4 days later. It was like he was holding out for this incredibly important date.
LillianLilly went rock climbing yesterday with her Girl Scout troop. She loved it and climbed 30 feet! She's been crafting away with her origami and skateboarding too.
Short and sweet this week, but I'm sure there will be more tales to tell as summer goes on. Happy Summer, everyone! It's official!
Let's start with me this week since it's all about ME, right?
Mom
I'm enjoying summer vacation so far! I've been operating on the "one activity a day" philosophy. So far, we've been swimming, went to the movies and attended an end-of-year party. Thanks to my awesome neighbors who invited us ALL over!Today would have been my parents' 51st anniversary. I'm so glad that my mom and dad made it to their 50th. My dad passed away 4 days later. It was like he was holding out for this incredibly important date.
Dad
Dave enjoyed his Father's Day in spite of the rain at the baseball game. I have finally made a decision as to what to buy him and I'm ordering it today. The kids don't understand why dad isn't on vacation because school's out. I remember thinking the same thing in the summer when my dad would go to work in the summer. They have no idea how lucky they are!Lillian
Harrison
Turned 6 on Friday! Dad was still in London, but we had an ice cream cake to celebrate the actual date. This was the first Friday that their birthday fell on the same day of the week that they were born. Sigh. We did celebrate with Dad on Saturday at one of our favorite family restaurants.Malcolm
Same birthday, same fun! I rescheduled their official birthday party AGAIN! School's out and I haven't found the school directory so I can finally mail out invitations. My plan was to ask the teacher for help with addresses, but that plan fizzled. Wish me luck that I finally pull it off this time!Andersen
All signed up for summer baseball! Starts in July. He's also playing football for the first time, starting in August. He's never played in the summer league before. There will be older kids mixed in with his group, but I think he'll be fine.Short and sweet this week, but I'm sure there will be more tales to tell as summer goes on. Happy Summer, everyone! It's official!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thanks, Daily Puppy!
We just CANNOT get a dog right now, for obvious reasons (like there is no room for us to walk, nevermind a dog). So, I wanted to thank my "Daily Puppy" button for giving me a photo of a cute doggie to look at everyday. See right column if you have no idea what I'm talking about.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day and a Lesson for Mom
I hope all of the terrific dads out there had a great Father's Day! We did! The kids gave Dad a "World's Greatest Dad" T-shirt and hat. They also gave him two books on why a daughter needs a dad and why a son needs a dad. I'm stumped between two ideas, but told my husband I'd be making a decision and getting his present this week.
I did pretty well considering it was my first Father's Day without my dad. He passed away June 27, 2009. I am still coping well by thinking of all of the good memories whenever I miss him, which is everyday.
We ended up going to a local minor league baseball game with Andy's Cub Scouts. It was a wonderful way to spend Father's Day! My kids, the weather watchers, were very concerned about the forecast which was "scattered thunderstorms". We even stopped on the way to buy rain ponchos as we know what kind of downpours we get around here. Even if we ran for cover, it would be a long walk to the parking lot.
Turns out that we really didn't need them. Our terrific pack leader got us great seats, under a roof! Sure enough, the storms moved in. The downpours happened in a big way, but we were covered (both by a roof and by the ponchos, those of us who wanted to put them on).
The game was delayed at the 5th inning. Then, it ended up being suspended to be played another day. There was just too much water on the field (3 inches had fallen in less than one hour!). We left the stadium with free tickets for a weeknight game next week as compensation.
The sun was out now as we made the trek back to our car. See, the unexpected traffic and poncho stop made us miss the beginning of the game, so we had to park far, far away. Unfortunately, the rain made it twice as humid as it was before the storm, but that's OK, because we were VERY lucky.
As we approached the parking lot, we realized that about a dozen cars had been flooded! They were instructed to park in a low-lying area next to a building. The heavy rain must have poured right off of the old building's roof and into the parking lot. There had to be 3 feet of water! We saw at least 2 cars flooded up to their WINDSHIELDS in water! Many other cars were pulled over with their hoods, tailgates/trunks and doors open with water coming out of the cabin.
All I could think of was those POOR families on Father's Day! We got to our car and realized how bad it could have been for us. I had mentioned that I have everything but the kitchen sink in our minivan. In fact, I rode in the passenger seat contorted around this week's unopened mail and other junk that I had thrown there while driving. I knew this was unacceptable when we pulled out to go to the game, but now I've learned my lesson.
What if our car had been submerged? We would have lost all kinds of important things that I probably didn't know were buried in the trunk or in front of the passenger seat! I have been better about keeping the middle of the car cleaner, but still. LESSON LEARNED!
I did pretty well considering it was my first Father's Day without my dad. He passed away June 27, 2009. I am still coping well by thinking of all of the good memories whenever I miss him, which is everyday.
We ended up going to a local minor league baseball game with Andy's Cub Scouts. It was a wonderful way to spend Father's Day! My kids, the weather watchers, were very concerned about the forecast which was "scattered thunderstorms". We even stopped on the way to buy rain ponchos as we know what kind of downpours we get around here. Even if we ran for cover, it would be a long walk to the parking lot.
Turns out that we really didn't need them. Our terrific pack leader got us great seats, under a roof! Sure enough, the storms moved in. The downpours happened in a big way, but we were covered (both by a roof and by the ponchos, those of us who wanted to put them on).
The game was delayed at the 5th inning. Then, it ended up being suspended to be played another day. There was just too much water on the field (3 inches had fallen in less than one hour!). We left the stadium with free tickets for a weeknight game next week as compensation.
The sun was out now as we made the trek back to our car. See, the unexpected traffic and poncho stop made us miss the beginning of the game, so we had to park far, far away. Unfortunately, the rain made it twice as humid as it was before the storm, but that's OK, because we were VERY lucky.
As we approached the parking lot, we realized that about a dozen cars had been flooded! They were instructed to park in a low-lying area next to a building. The heavy rain must have poured right off of the old building's roof and into the parking lot. There had to be 3 feet of water! We saw at least 2 cars flooded up to their WINDSHIELDS in water! Many other cars were pulled over with their hoods, tailgates/trunks and doors open with water coming out of the cabin.
All I could think of was those POOR families on Father's Day! We got to our car and realized how bad it could have been for us. I had mentioned that I have everything but the kitchen sink in our minivan. In fact, I rode in the passenger seat contorted around this week's unopened mail and other junk that I had thrown there while driving. I knew this was unacceptable when we pulled out to go to the game, but now I've learned my lesson.
What if our car had been submerged? We would have lost all kinds of important things that I probably didn't know were buried in the trunk or in front of the passenger seat! I have been better about keeping the middle of the car cleaner, but still. LESSON LEARNED!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Dinner is served!
Ahh, summer. The kids are almost out of school. I think this is the longest school year ever, but I'm OK with that. I fear that I won't have enough structure for my crew, but I have faith that we'll have tons of fun anyway.
A few years ago, I was reading a blog authored by a woman with grown kids. She said that when her kids were little and it was too hot to cook, she would serve fruit for dinner. Then, she'd let the kids dig in, get all sticky and then go outside and "rinse off" in the kiddie pool. My favorite line was "leave the fruit on the table in all of its sugary juice to attract all kinds of ants".
I've always been one to try to balance my kids' meals, but I still thought this was an extremely creative idea. I've done it before, but I would also put out cold cuts or at least string cheese (gotta have protein, right?). Last night, though, I threw caution to the wind and I simply cut up a watermelon. To satisfy my own savory desire, I made Stove Top stuffing in the microwave too!
Those are paint stains on my table from my ultra-creative children (and a potholder under the stuffing bowl). I need to find my tablecloth, but they do use plates at least so there won't be any contamination of nutritional needs with artistic abilities.
My kids are too big for kiddie pools now, but that didn't stop us. It wasn't too hot, I was just being lazy. Dad's been away all week. Although Dad is not a demanding type at all when it comes to meals, stuffing with a side of melon just wouldn't fill him up! Here was my opportunity!
The watermelon was as PERFECT as it could be! Sweet, juicy, cool and wonderful. I ended up eating the lion's share of the stuffing. The boys found some popcorn left over from after school snack. Lilly won't touch popcorn or stuffing, but she did partake of the melon.
Bonus! No ants! Malcolm did ask for a sandwich later though (I guess it didn't fill him up either). My kids have big appetites. It was too late to make a whole sandwich, but I offered him cheese. He didn't bite. Off to bed.
I also have to share how my dear boys picked clovers from our yard and brought them into me too! The single violet is from Andy. It's holding up well from two days ago!
A few years ago, I was reading a blog authored by a woman with grown kids. She said that when her kids were little and it was too hot to cook, she would serve fruit for dinner. Then, she'd let the kids dig in, get all sticky and then go outside and "rinse off" in the kiddie pool. My favorite line was "leave the fruit on the table in all of its sugary juice to attract all kinds of ants".
I've always been one to try to balance my kids' meals, but I still thought this was an extremely creative idea. I've done it before, but I would also put out cold cuts or at least string cheese (gotta have protein, right?). Last night, though, I threw caution to the wind and I simply cut up a watermelon. To satisfy my own savory desire, I made Stove Top stuffing in the microwave too!
Those are paint stains on my table from my ultra-creative children (and a potholder under the stuffing bowl). I need to find my tablecloth, but they do use plates at least so there won't be any contamination of nutritional needs with artistic abilities.
My kids are too big for kiddie pools now, but that didn't stop us. It wasn't too hot, I was just being lazy. Dad's been away all week. Although Dad is not a demanding type at all when it comes to meals, stuffing with a side of melon just wouldn't fill him up! Here was my opportunity!
The watermelon was as PERFECT as it could be! Sweet, juicy, cool and wonderful. I ended up eating the lion's share of the stuffing. The boys found some popcorn left over from after school snack. Lilly won't touch popcorn or stuffing, but she did partake of the melon.
Bonus! No ants! Malcolm did ask for a sandwich later though (I guess it didn't fill him up either). My kids have big appetites. It was too late to make a whole sandwich, but I offered him cheese. He didn't bite. Off to bed.
I also have to share how my dear boys picked clovers from our yard and brought them into me too! The single violet is from Andy. It's holding up well from two days ago!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Come visit me!
Check out my new "buttons"! At the bottom of my blog homepage, you'll find a "Follow Me" button and a "Share" button for Facebook. Hope to see you soon!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Wednesday News June 16, 2010
Hello! I really need to get some pictures up here. I've been snapping pictures on my phone because it seems like I'm ALWAYS on the go to all of the end of the year in-class celebrations. They've been great! We have had some wonderful teachers this year. The real camera is buried in the car somewhere and every time I arrive at an event, there is just no time for excavating the jackets for the ever-changing weather, blankets to sit on at sporting events and picnics (and to accommodate the ever-changing weather), extra shoes, extra clothes, water bottles, soccer equipment, baseball equipment, karate equipment and snacks.
I have some good ones on the phone...now how do I get them off the phone? I remember when phones were just used to CALL people. I remember rotary phones too, but that's beside the point.
Andy had his last spring baseball game on Saturday. This was his 3rd season. I love watching him play. I only have had a few opportunities to actually sit and watch. His weeknight games happen before Dave gets home from work, so I usually have the other 3 up on the playground and the almost 6yo's are still too young to play unsupervised. The playground is both a blessing and a curse. It's been great, especially when Harry and Malcolm were younger, to have them have something to do while big brother was playing baseball. They've never been the "sit down and/or stay near Mommy" type.
However, after a weeknight game, it's late and eveyrone is hungry, tired and most likely still has homework to finish. However, Andy feels gypped if he doesn't get to swing from limb to limb on the monkey bars after his game since his siblings got the chance to. So, he makes a beeline for it as soon as they're finished. I let them play for awhile but then, it's time for the extraction...not pretty at 7:30 at night!
He really loves the game and has really improved his skills and confidence this season. Looks like he's going to do summer baseball which is a little different. The focus is on techniques but they do play games which we're all looking forward to. He went to a zoo for a his class field trip today and loved it.
Mom
I'm mixing myself in with the kids this week! Tah-dah! I have some news to share! Well, not news yet, but I feel like I've made a lot of progress. I lost touch with one of my best friends from college. I haven't talked to her since about 3 years after we graduated. I even tried to invite her to my wedding through the university's alumni office, but she had moved and they didn't know where she was.
I think about her often, but something struck me today. What was her friend's name who I had met several times, but didn't know well. I remembered it! I am gifted with an excellent memory, but this too can be a blessing and a curse. I'm not boasting, but I often have to "dumb down" when I bump into someone I haven't seen in a long time. I remember their birthday, their phone number, their kids' names, their wedding anniversaries, etc.
I have more than once been in a situation where I use the person's name and they don't have the foggiest what my name is. I could go on, "How are your parents enjoying their new home in east Texas where they moved in 2003?", but I don't. I am also not the kind of person who shows off. I don't know quite what to do in this situation though. If the person doesn't use my name, I don't assume that they don't know it. By the same token, I NEVER get offended if someone says, "I'm sorry, I don't remember your name.". My mind also plays tricks on me though. I have a friend who I want to call "Kelly" but that's NOT her name. I have to stop myself because, doggone it, she LOOKS like a Kelly and, these kinds of things are just THERE in my mind...not with her though. A wire is crossed somewhere (my husband might say, a screw is loose too!).
Anyway, my memory served me again today. I remembered this man's name and just for the heck of it, I googled him. I found his business website and he is uber successful (I remembered that he was uber smart so this was not surprising). I also remembered what kind of car he drove too and how my long lost friend (the one I'm trying to find!) told me that someone had vandalized it in college. I remember how too. NO, IT WASN'T ME!
So, I thought to myself, what should I do? Should I contact him? Is he going to think I'm a stalker? I'm NOT! REALLY!!! OK, what do I have to lose? I won't mention the car, the vandalism or any other details I remember that normal people wouldn't!
I emailed the contact address on his website. I figured, it's going to go into a spam filter or his administrative assistant will think I'm nuts...OR someone might just read it. I got a response back in less than 5 minutes...from HIM! What a surprise! I didn't think he'd have time let alone get back to me so fast! He was very pleasant and told me that he knew my friend was still in the city where she grew up, but that he hadn't talked to her in 10 years. He mentioned one of her friend's names so I'm trying that lead.
I can't thank you enough! You know who you are if you're reading this!
I sent him the URL to my blog so he could find the one or two pictures that I have of myself on here so he may remember me. I feel like I may FINALLY FINALLY find her after all of these years! There are just too many wonderful memories (I'm sure she'll remember some of the details too...but chances are, I will remember more) and we need to pick up where we left off. Made my day!
Malcolm has finished soccer, but teeball has one more game. I attended both his and Harry's Goodbye parties for each of their kindergarten classes with the same teacher. So yes, Friday I went to Harry's class in the morning, went home for lunch and went back to school for Malcolm's. I told his teacher what Dave had said to me the night before, that we'd have another baby just so we could put more kindergartners through her class. She told me it was the ultimate compliment.
She is one of the best teachers at the school and I'm going to miss her so much! She shows respect for each individual student, controls the class and gets them to learn amazing things through games that she makes HERSELF all summer while she's off. What really impressed me from the get-go is how she said she didn't become a teacher to sit in front of a screen. She has an assistant for all of her paperwork and emails. Thankfully, we'll still see her at school events because the boys have several more years there still.
Malcolm brought Lilly's giant, stuffed dog that Grandma gave her to the Teddy Bear picnic at school today.
Dad
Dave was sent to London this week at the last minute. Fortunately, he was able to swing it so there was NO weekend travel involved. Monday through Friday. Works for me! So, not much news from him since last Wednesday, other than enjoying watching the boys wrap up their sports seasons last weekend. We all went out for lunch again. It was great! We so rarely go out for meals. I could get used to this! Car was still in the shop when he left, but it may be ready by now.
Same sports, same classroom party as mentioned. They've been pretty inseparable this week! Harry brought the Easter Bunny that the Easter Bunny brought the family to share with his class.
Last but not least, Lilly. She was absent again last Thursday. The doctor gave us great suggestions on how to go about handling her headaches (more fluids, more sleep....which has been a major issue this year as she's been up late doing her schoolwork more often than not... protein at breakfast and she needs an eye exam again.) The suggestions have provided some relief from her headaches, just have to make that eye appointment...
She has been working diligently finishing up her last two major projects. Looks like she's finally done! It must be hard since none of the boys had homework this week. Good for you, kiddo!
She bought herself an inexpensive skateboard with her prize money. My kids earn "points" (based on compliance, attitude, extra chores, etc.) toward small amounts of money they can use for prizes at the store or they have the option of saving up for bigger things. The more above and beyond your chores you go, the bigger the point value.
I have some good ones on the phone...now how do I get them off the phone? I remember when phones were just used to CALL people. I remember rotary phones too, but that's beside the point.
Andersen
Andy had his last spring baseball game on Saturday. This was his 3rd season. I love watching him play. I only have had a few opportunities to actually sit and watch. His weeknight games happen before Dave gets home from work, so I usually have the other 3 up on the playground and the almost 6yo's are still too young to play unsupervised. The playground is both a blessing and a curse. It's been great, especially when Harry and Malcolm were younger, to have them have something to do while big brother was playing baseball. They've never been the "sit down and/or stay near Mommy" type.
However, after a weeknight game, it's late and eveyrone is hungry, tired and most likely still has homework to finish. However, Andy feels gypped if he doesn't get to swing from limb to limb on the monkey bars after his game since his siblings got the chance to. So, he makes a beeline for it as soon as they're finished. I let them play for awhile but then, it's time for the extraction...not pretty at 7:30 at night!
He really loves the game and has really improved his skills and confidence this season. Looks like he's going to do summer baseball which is a little different. The focus is on techniques but they do play games which we're all looking forward to. He went to a zoo for a his class field trip today and loved it.
Mom
I'm mixing myself in with the kids this week! Tah-dah! I have some news to share! Well, not news yet, but I feel like I've made a lot of progress. I lost touch with one of my best friends from college. I haven't talked to her since about 3 years after we graduated. I even tried to invite her to my wedding through the university's alumni office, but she had moved and they didn't know where she was.
I think about her often, but something struck me today. What was her friend's name who I had met several times, but didn't know well. I remembered it! I am gifted with an excellent memory, but this too can be a blessing and a curse. I'm not boasting, but I often have to "dumb down" when I bump into someone I haven't seen in a long time. I remember their birthday, their phone number, their kids' names, their wedding anniversaries, etc.
I have more than once been in a situation where I use the person's name and they don't have the foggiest what my name is. I could go on, "How are your parents enjoying their new home in east Texas where they moved in 2003?", but I don't. I am also not the kind of person who shows off. I don't know quite what to do in this situation though. If the person doesn't use my name, I don't assume that they don't know it. By the same token, I NEVER get offended if someone says, "I'm sorry, I don't remember your name.". My mind also plays tricks on me though. I have a friend who I want to call "Kelly" but that's NOT her name. I have to stop myself because, doggone it, she LOOKS like a Kelly and, these kinds of things are just THERE in my mind...not with her though. A wire is crossed somewhere (my husband might say, a screw is loose too!).
Anyway, my memory served me again today. I remembered this man's name and just for the heck of it, I googled him. I found his business website and he is uber successful (I remembered that he was uber smart so this was not surprising). I also remembered what kind of car he drove too and how my long lost friend (the one I'm trying to find!) told me that someone had vandalized it in college. I remember how too. NO, IT WASN'T ME!
So, I thought to myself, what should I do? Should I contact him? Is he going to think I'm a stalker? I'm NOT! REALLY!!! OK, what do I have to lose? I won't mention the car, the vandalism or any other details I remember that normal people wouldn't!
I emailed the contact address on his website. I figured, it's going to go into a spam filter or his administrative assistant will think I'm nuts...OR someone might just read it. I got a response back in less than 5 minutes...from HIM! What a surprise! I didn't think he'd have time let alone get back to me so fast! He was very pleasant and told me that he knew my friend was still in the city where she grew up, but that he hadn't talked to her in 10 years. He mentioned one of her friend's names so I'm trying that lead.
I can't thank you enough! You know who you are if you're reading this!
I sent him the URL to my blog so he could find the one or two pictures that I have of myself on here so he may remember me. I feel like I may FINALLY FINALLY find her after all of these years! There are just too many wonderful memories (I'm sure she'll remember some of the details too...but chances are, I will remember more) and we need to pick up where we left off. Made my day!
Malcolm
Malcolm has finished soccer, but teeball has one more game. I attended both his and Harry's Goodbye parties for each of their kindergarten classes with the same teacher. So yes, Friday I went to Harry's class in the morning, went home for lunch and went back to school for Malcolm's. I told his teacher what Dave had said to me the night before, that we'd have another baby just so we could put more kindergartners through her class. She told me it was the ultimate compliment.
She is one of the best teachers at the school and I'm going to miss her so much! She shows respect for each individual student, controls the class and gets them to learn amazing things through games that she makes HERSELF all summer while she's off. What really impressed me from the get-go is how she said she didn't become a teacher to sit in front of a screen. She has an assistant for all of her paperwork and emails. Thankfully, we'll still see her at school events because the boys have several more years there still.
Malcolm brought Lilly's giant, stuffed dog that Grandma gave her to the Teddy Bear picnic at school today.
Dad
Dave was sent to London this week at the last minute. Fortunately, he was able to swing it so there was NO weekend travel involved. Monday through Friday. Works for me! So, not much news from him since last Wednesday, other than enjoying watching the boys wrap up their sports seasons last weekend. We all went out for lunch again. It was great! We so rarely go out for meals. I could get used to this! Car was still in the shop when he left, but it may be ready by now.
Harry
Same sports, same classroom party as mentioned. They've been pretty inseparable this week! Harry brought the Easter Bunny that the Easter Bunny brought the family to share with his class.
Lillian
Last but not least, Lilly. She was absent again last Thursday. The doctor gave us great suggestions on how to go about handling her headaches (more fluids, more sleep....which has been a major issue this year as she's been up late doing her schoolwork more often than not... protein at breakfast and she needs an eye exam again.) The suggestions have provided some relief from her headaches, just have to make that eye appointment...
She has been working diligently finishing up her last two major projects. Looks like she's finally done! It must be hard since none of the boys had homework this week. Good for you, kiddo!
She bought herself an inexpensive skateboard with her prize money. My kids earn "points" (based on compliance, attitude, extra chores, etc.) toward small amounts of money they can use for prizes at the store or they have the option of saving up for bigger things. The more above and beyond your chores you go, the bigger the point value.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Hello!
That's right, I stopped by my own blog to say "Hello!". It's been a very busy week attending school functions among other things. Tune in tomorrow for "The Wednesday News". GTG!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Wednesday News June 9, 2010
Hump Day! It's been a productive one. A bunch of things I've been putting off got done. I think I was finally successful at changing the title photo for the blog. Whatever I tried, it would publish as miniscule and you couldn't see who was who. It's already hard to tell Harry and Malcolm apart without further challenge.
The kids are signed up for a week of camp...get this...they're ALL GOING AT THE SAME TIME!!!! I'm not sure how Harry and Malcolm will handle a full-day camp, but I figure it's good practice for them for 1st grade. They only go to kindergarten for 2 1/2 hours right now.
My daughter, who is very skeptical about entertainment, activities and the level of fun that will or will not be provided, has not stopped talking about this camp since she went last summer! It's very traditional (swimming, games, arts and crafts and even a campfire event during the week that involves roasting marshmallows!). I wish I could go (well, as a date with hubby sans kids!).
Andersen is also going for the second year and is equally thrilled. I think Andy's favorite part is having a little of his own spending money for junk food during the day. They have a small store on the premises. He eats plenty of healthy food so I'm not worried. His favorites there are swimming, archery and other sports.
It is also very reasonably priced as camps go. I wish we had the means to do more than one week as they absolutely love it there, but that's fine. Dave has the week off and we're going to tear this house apart! I can't wait to get all of the junk out with NO distractions! OK, not the best summer vacation, but in a way it is because after the house is organized, we can ENJOY our home more and it will feel like we ARE on vacation!
The kids are also doing swimming lessons for a week and the older two are doing a "field trip" week each. Lilly, being older, gets to go to far away and exotic destinations (such as Six Flags...hmmm....seems like I mention this place in several of my posts...what's up with that? You KNOW how I feel about roller coasters. If not, see my post from last summer entitled "Emotional Rollercoaster" www.somanykidssomuchfun.blogspot.com/2009/09/emotional-rollercoaster.html). Andy still has to wait another year for that, but they go to the beach and other fun things during his week.
I am trying to see if Harry and Malcolm want to do a 1/2 day sports camp in addition to their one week, but they weren't that into it last year. So, we'll see. On to the news!
Harry got hit with the fever virus thing that was going around as did Andy at the end of last week. So, we had a low-key weekend in terms of sports...two of the boys couldn't do any! He is participating in a teeball game tonight, one of his last ones. As everyone was feeling better on Sunday, we went out for lunch. We had been under a tornado watch both Saturday and Sunday. This is EXTREMELY rare for the Northeast.
There was a lot of damage nearby, but not right in our town. The worst storm kicked up while we were at the restaurant. Dave had 3 boys in the bathroom when the power went out! Like the kids weren't scared enough already! See, their sister is a weather fanatic and gives us the blow-by-blow (pun intended) of the storm (right down to wind speeds, directions and the fact that a rotation was unlikely because the storms were in a line and not clustered together). I found out on the news later that she was absolutely right about this! The meteorologist said that if the storms were NOT in a line, we would have been in deeper doo-doo in terms of severity of the storms.
The power was only out for a few seconds and there was emergency lighting in there, but still. What timing! Lunch was very yummy as always.
Harry didn't miss any school with his illness and is enjoying his last few days of kindergarten.
The kids are signed up for a week of camp...get this...they're ALL GOING AT THE SAME TIME!!!! I'm not sure how Harry and Malcolm will handle a full-day camp, but I figure it's good practice for them for 1st grade. They only go to kindergarten for 2 1/2 hours right now.
My daughter, who is very skeptical about entertainment, activities and the level of fun that will or will not be provided, has not stopped talking about this camp since she went last summer! It's very traditional (swimming, games, arts and crafts and even a campfire event during the week that involves roasting marshmallows!). I wish I could go (well, as a date with hubby sans kids!).
Andersen is also going for the second year and is equally thrilled. I think Andy's favorite part is having a little of his own spending money for junk food during the day. They have a small store on the premises. He eats plenty of healthy food so I'm not worried. His favorites there are swimming, archery and other sports.
It is also very reasonably priced as camps go. I wish we had the means to do more than one week as they absolutely love it there, but that's fine. Dave has the week off and we're going to tear this house apart! I can't wait to get all of the junk out with NO distractions! OK, not the best summer vacation, but in a way it is because after the house is organized, we can ENJOY our home more and it will feel like we ARE on vacation!
The kids are also doing swimming lessons for a week and the older two are doing a "field trip" week each. Lilly, being older, gets to go to far away and exotic destinations (such as Six Flags...hmmm....seems like I mention this place in several of my posts...what's up with that? You KNOW how I feel about roller coasters. If not, see my post from last summer entitled "Emotional Rollercoaster" www.somanykidssomuchfun.blogspot.com/2009/09/emotional-rollercoaster.html). Andy still has to wait another year for that, but they go to the beach and other fun things during his week.
I am trying to see if Harry and Malcolm want to do a 1/2 day sports camp in addition to their one week, but they weren't that into it last year. So, we'll see. On to the news!
Harry
Harry got hit with the fever virus thing that was going around as did Andy at the end of last week. So, we had a low-key weekend in terms of sports...two of the boys couldn't do any! He is participating in a teeball game tonight, one of his last ones. As everyone was feeling better on Sunday, we went out for lunch. We had been under a tornado watch both Saturday and Sunday. This is EXTREMELY rare for the Northeast.
There was a lot of damage nearby, but not right in our town. The worst storm kicked up while we were at the restaurant. Dave had 3 boys in the bathroom when the power went out! Like the kids weren't scared enough already! See, their sister is a weather fanatic and gives us the blow-by-blow (pun intended) of the storm (right down to wind speeds, directions and the fact that a rotation was unlikely because the storms were in a line and not clustered together). I found out on the news later that she was absolutely right about this! The meteorologist said that if the storms were NOT in a line, we would have been in deeper doo-doo in terms of severity of the storms.
The power was only out for a few seconds and there was emergency lighting in there, but still. What timing! Lunch was very yummy as always.
Harry didn't miss any school with his illness and is enjoying his last few days of kindergarten.
Malcolm
Malcolm, the guy who had been over this fever thing for several days when his two brothers got hit, went to soccer solo and did great. He also has limited time as a kindergartner left before he's a big first grader! It's easy to get sucked into TV and video games when your brothers are sick and your sister's at a sleepover, but he has been enjoying books too. One of his favorites is a book with photographs and facts about insects. I am one of those people who like insects and reptiles so I am equally enthralled! I missed a great photo-op of Malcolm and Andy exploring a bug crawling up the side of our house. They looked like two kids from a Science Club brochure! The moment just wasn't long enough for me to run and get the camera. Most likely, a more interesting insect, or arachnid for that matter, came along and off they went.
Malcolm, the guy who had been over this fever thing for several days when his two brothers got hit, went to soccer solo and did great. He also has limited time as a kindergartner left before he's a big first grader! It's easy to get sucked into TV and video games when your brothers are sick and your sister's at a sleepover, but he has been enjoying books too. One of his favorites is a book with photographs and facts about insects. I am one of those people who like insects and reptiles so I am equally enthralled! I missed a great photo-op of Malcolm and Andy exploring a bug crawling up the side of our house. They looked like two kids from a Science Club brochure! The moment just wasn't long enough for me to run and get the camera. Most likely, a more interesting insect, or arachnid for that matter, came along and off they went.
Lillian
I gave Lilly a less traditional "girl" color this week. I think purple and pink are still her favorite colors, but I'm not sure. Lilly has been wearing boys' clothes all week. In fact, she accused Andy of "stealing" the shorts she wanted to wear tomorrow! Poor kid! He has some EXACTLY like hers...and I think they're the same size too, but Lilly can tell the difference.
I find it kind of charming. I, too, went through a "tomboy" stage. Tonight, she told me she wanted to go outside and play in the rain, too. It was a cold, steady, wear-your-heavy-coat kind of rain. She didn't end up doing it. (Update: All games involving a bat and a ball were rained out so no outdoor exercise was had as planned.)
She's very excited because she got her yearbook today. I told her I never had one until I got to high school and she was very lucky. It's wonderful to see how many of her friends' signatures she got. What fun! She also designed a color-coded system and drew squares around the heads of classmates and teachers. Some of the colorful categories were teachers, friends and kids in her class. A dilemma shortly came about when she was faced with a friend who was ALSO in her class! This is the good stuff about school.
Andersen
Andy bounced back from the virus in time for school on Monday, but he had a lingering sore throat. He did have a negative strep culture though and is finally almost done with that symptom. Andy doesn't usually stop for ANYTHING, but he was telling me his throat hurt so much that he couldn't even swallow his favorite foods.
I was able to find enough photos for him to complete his school poster. I'm going in next week to see his class's creations. He's going to have the same two teachers next year and he's looking forward to it. This is a new concept to the elementary school. They call it "looping". He really is loving baseball. His last game is on Saturday.
Mom
Ooh! I like that color! I'm definitely girly and I grew out of that tomboy phase before I hit my teens. What have I been up to? I'm just trying to keep up with all of the year-end school events and set up the kids' summer activities as I mentioned above. I have already told them that I am going to put a reward system into place for doing productive things like reading, working in their summer workbooks and keeping up with their chores. The screentime around here has gotten out of whack with all of the fatigue I was dealing with until recently. I've already started the weaning process. I never thought I'd say that as I was always SO careful about limiting the amount of TV/video games my kids took part in, but hey, I will get back on track!
Dad
Dad's teenage car ended up stranding him on the side of the road this morning. Thankfully, it was not raining yet. One tow truck and an hour or two later, the mechanics explained that they had changed a consumable part with a defective one recently. So, the repair is on them! Hey, there's some great news and it's not the car's fault. It's not just blaming someone else like a teenager may, it was actually not its fault! It's been a struggle this week to get me my scheduled "breaks" (something we just started working on together), but I know he's trying and very aware of my need for them, which means the world to me.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Photo Hunt
I just found out that Andy needs family photos for THIS AFTERNOON! He was absent on Friday so we didn't get the memo so to speak. He mentioned something about it and I confirmed with his teacher. Off to the film prints...make sure they are doubles....to find cute pix of my oldest man and the rest of us...!
Monday, June 7, 2010
M is for Motivation on Monday!
The weather is cool and sunny after a tumultuous, humid and stormy weekend. It's like all of the storms we had Saturday and Sunday just blew out all of the cobwebs that were in my brain. These cobwebs are ones of uncertainty (translated into walking in circles), anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, tired and out-of-control.
Monday usually stands for M(otivation)ON(empty) and other M's like "More sleep please", "My, What a Mess this place is" and "Moodiness" on the part of my children.
Not today! I am embracing this Monday morning with a to-do list that I actually will do this morning! I usually have a hard time getting out of my own way on Mondays because the weekends have been so crazy, but not today!
Everyone affected is feeling better from the fever-thing and capable of going to school. Plus, all of the kids were in a great mood this morning too! I think all of the rain and not being able to play outside (for fear of being struck by lightning or pounded by hailstones) had put a "damper" on their happiness over the weekend. The kids were antsy and getting on each other's nerves.
Lilly also picked out some new summer clothes yesterday. The girl who used to love to ride her bike in a fancy dress even though it was harder to pedal is now shopping in the Boys' Department. I'm fine with it. Whatever makes her happy. I love that she wants to express herself in different ways. As we walked to the Boys' Department we had to cross through the dreaded Girls' Department and she got worried for a second.
She ended up with soccer shorts with large, white sport stripes on the side and some graphic tees. I checked them for appropriateness and they passed the test. Although, this morning as she was putting one on, we both realized that embededed in the cool paisley pattern was a skull! Still OK. No blood, devices of torture or even so much as a snake.
I think this greatly contributed to her good mood this AM. Even a girl who likes boys' clothes can get excited about new threads! Harry is also typically very grumpy in the AM as many people are. I was pleasantly surprised as he was smiling and cooperating BEAUTIFULLY. He even let me wash his face without a fight (yes, he is more than capable of washing it by himself, but that's something we'll work on this summer...one battle at a time).
Ahh, I could get used to this. Now, off to do some of my "to-dos". Happy Monday!
Monday usually stands for M(otivation)ON(empty) and other M's like "More sleep please", "My, What a Mess this place is" and "Moodiness" on the part of my children.
Not today! I am embracing this Monday morning with a to-do list that I actually will do this morning! I usually have a hard time getting out of my own way on Mondays because the weekends have been so crazy, but not today!
Everyone affected is feeling better from the fever-thing and capable of going to school. Plus, all of the kids were in a great mood this morning too! I think all of the rain and not being able to play outside (for fear of being struck by lightning or pounded by hailstones) had put a "damper" on their happiness over the weekend. The kids were antsy and getting on each other's nerves.
Lilly also picked out some new summer clothes yesterday. The girl who used to love to ride her bike in a fancy dress even though it was harder to pedal is now shopping in the Boys' Department. I'm fine with it. Whatever makes her happy. I love that she wants to express herself in different ways. As we walked to the Boys' Department we had to cross through the dreaded Girls' Department and she got worried for a second.
She ended up with soccer shorts with large, white sport stripes on the side and some graphic tees. I checked them for appropriateness and they passed the test. Although, this morning as she was putting one on, we both realized that embededed in the cool paisley pattern was a skull! Still OK. No blood, devices of torture or even so much as a snake.
I think this greatly contributed to her good mood this AM. Even a girl who likes boys' clothes can get excited about new threads! Harry is also typically very grumpy in the AM as many people are. I was pleasantly surprised as he was smiling and cooperating BEAUTIFULLY. He even let me wash his face without a fight (yes, he is more than capable of washing it by himself, but that's something we'll work on this summer...one battle at a time).
Ahh, I could get used to this. Now, off to do some of my "to-dos". Happy Monday!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday Night Fever(s)
Well, since Wednesday, two more of my kids got "hit" with whatever is going around our family. I had to pick up Andy from school early yesterday. He managed to push through his Field Day activities in the morning, but by the time he went to nurse in the afternoon, he had hit 101.2. It seems to be a PM kind of thing because Harry (the morning kindergarten guy) hit the proverbial "101" this afternoon as well.
Sigh.
Lilly has left for a sleepover. I figure, she's healthy, why should she be stuck at home with her brothers who keep getting thermometers stuck in their mouths? Crossing my fingers that she stays healthy for it... I have managed to escape with just a scratchy throat. I'll take it!
My boys are glued to iCarly and are looking forward to the iPsycho movie premiere on Nickolodeon. Nothing beats Movie Night, especially when the kids are too ill to do anything else!
Sigh.
Lilly has left for a sleepover. I figure, she's healthy, why should she be stuck at home with her brothers who keep getting thermometers stuck in their mouths? Crossing my fingers that she stays healthy for it... I have managed to escape with just a scratchy throat. I'll take it!
My boys are glued to iCarly and are looking forward to the iPsycho movie premiere on Nickolodeon. Nothing beats Movie Night, especially when the kids are too ill to do anything else!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Wednesday News June 2, 2010
he I can't believe it's Wednesday again and a whole week since I've written! Wow! I honestly don't know where this week went, but let me start writing about it. Maybe that'll jog my memory!
Family update: School is really winding down for the kids. It's exciting that summer is almost here! We had an idyllic Memorial Day weekend complete with cookouts, swimming, sunshine and patritoic activities. I've always loved Memorial Day weekend. It's magical. Even though it is the same three-day weekend you get for other Monday holidays, it just seems to go on forever!
Harrison: The twins are enjoying their first Field Day at school. Once a year in June, the school has activities in the "field". Harry reported playing kickball, some kind of game where they took turns ringing out a sponge and that a classmate had to sit out. Malcolm being in the afternoon class with the same teacher, will likely have similar stories of activities when he returns home. Harry has managed to avoid the short-lived fever thing his twin brother just shook.
Malcolm: It's hard to talk about Harry and Malcolm's activities without overlap since they have the same teacher, karate instructors and baseball coaches! However, we always strive for individuality. Even though they have the same DNA and physical appearance, they still have the same rights as the rest of us to be individuals.
Let's see: Field Day, we've already hit on. Poor thing had a fever of 102 on Sunday and Monday! I naturally took him for a strep test yesterday, but it was negative. No fever all day yesterday so he's back in the game (literally) today. Usually when my kids get a high fever like that, they commit to being sick for a long stretch. Glad this was different!
Just for grins, I'll stick the adults in the middle this week! Dave seems to have had the same thing that Malcolm had. He's had to call in sick which he never does. He is able to keep up with his day-to-day via the internet and phone. I'm happy he isn't getting more behind while he recovers. That's enough to keep anyone from getting better!
He and Andy went to plant flags on the graves of veterans at a local cemetery on Saturday and then marched in our town's parade on Monday. Both of these activities were with Andy's Cub Scout Pack. What quality dad/son time! We all enjoyed a wonderful cookout at a friend's house on Sunday. The weather was beautful all weekend!
Dave mustered up the energy for our own cookout on Monday, but it was very lowkey as he and Malcolm were ill. Many hot dogs were eaten by all AND he put the A/C units in the windows for us!
I loved spending time with my husband, my kids and some dear friends this weekend. Hopefully, we'll be able to go down and visit some other family this weekend or next. Andy has a flag reserved for Grandpa's grave when we go. He's buried about 90 minutes from our house, near some of the rest of our family. I thought it was great that Andy participated in those activities. It helped our whole family remember what Memorial Day was all about.
As for me, I have already ditched my diet! I am a very commitment-oriented person who gives 110% to everything, but I was just getting too hungry and dizzy. I feel much better when I eat normal meals. I still try to replace a meal with a protein shake when I am in the mood to "take lunch or leave it", but that's been rare. I am trying to cut down on treats and continue my exercising.
I'm still pretty overwhelmed with the house, but I'm just trying to do a little dejunking everyday. I feel so good when I do this! The summer plans are also coming together slowly. It looks like we can do a week or two of daycamp for the kids and our usual swimming lessons. Summer is even harder for me because of the lack of structure, but at the same time, I cherish the time with my kids and we have a lot of fun!
Andy not only planted flags (36 to a bag), but being the machine he is, kept asking for more flags ("More Flags, More Fun...Six Flags"....actually 108....how much fun would THAT be?!). He ended up planting 3 bags' worth. He also made some new friends at the cookout on Sunday and got thorough enjoyment out of the slip-n-slide and water balloons that were provided. He went swimming at a neighbor's pool on Monday and went with his class to see a play today.
Lilly has managed to enjoy herself too, although she's been suffering with migraines. She is going to see the doctor next week. We have been keeping a "headache journal" of how much sleep she's getting, if she's eating anything out of the ordinary and when she actually sees spots versus just has head pain. She is enjoying a field trip today to a museum featuring Mexican art. What a busy day for my brood!
One of her best friends' families was hosting the cookout so that's always super for the girls to get together. She was also invited swimming at the same neighbor's pool which was a treat for her!
Family update: School is really winding down for the kids. It's exciting that summer is almost here! We had an idyllic Memorial Day weekend complete with cookouts, swimming, sunshine and patritoic activities. I've always loved Memorial Day weekend. It's magical. Even though it is the same three-day weekend you get for other Monday holidays, it just seems to go on forever!
Harrison: The twins are enjoying their first Field Day at school. Once a year in June, the school has activities in the "field". Harry reported playing kickball, some kind of game where they took turns ringing out a sponge and that a classmate had to sit out. Malcolm being in the afternoon class with the same teacher, will likely have similar stories of activities when he returns home. Harry has managed to avoid the short-lived fever thing his twin brother just shook.
Malcolm: It's hard to talk about Harry and Malcolm's activities without overlap since they have the same teacher, karate instructors and baseball coaches! However, we always strive for individuality. Even though they have the same DNA and physical appearance, they still have the same rights as the rest of us to be individuals.
Let's see: Field Day, we've already hit on. Poor thing had a fever of 102 on Sunday and Monday! I naturally took him for a strep test yesterday, but it was negative. No fever all day yesterday so he's back in the game (literally) today. Usually when my kids get a high fever like that, they commit to being sick for a long stretch. Glad this was different!
Just for grins, I'll stick the adults in the middle this week! Dave seems to have had the same thing that Malcolm had. He's had to call in sick which he never does. He is able to keep up with his day-to-day via the internet and phone. I'm happy he isn't getting more behind while he recovers. That's enough to keep anyone from getting better!
He and Andy went to plant flags on the graves of veterans at a local cemetery on Saturday and then marched in our town's parade on Monday. Both of these activities were with Andy's Cub Scout Pack. What quality dad/son time! We all enjoyed a wonderful cookout at a friend's house on Sunday. The weather was beautful all weekend!
Dave mustered up the energy for our own cookout on Monday, but it was very lowkey as he and Malcolm were ill. Many hot dogs were eaten by all AND he put the A/C units in the windows for us!
I loved spending time with my husband, my kids and some dear friends this weekend. Hopefully, we'll be able to go down and visit some other family this weekend or next. Andy has a flag reserved for Grandpa's grave when we go. He's buried about 90 minutes from our house, near some of the rest of our family. I thought it was great that Andy participated in those activities. It helped our whole family remember what Memorial Day was all about.
As for me, I have already ditched my diet! I am a very commitment-oriented person who gives 110% to everything, but I was just getting too hungry and dizzy. I feel much better when I eat normal meals. I still try to replace a meal with a protein shake when I am in the mood to "take lunch or leave it", but that's been rare. I am trying to cut down on treats and continue my exercising.
I'm still pretty overwhelmed with the house, but I'm just trying to do a little dejunking everyday. I feel so good when I do this! The summer plans are also coming together slowly. It looks like we can do a week or two of daycamp for the kids and our usual swimming lessons. Summer is even harder for me because of the lack of structure, but at the same time, I cherish the time with my kids and we have a lot of fun!
Andy not only planted flags (36 to a bag), but being the machine he is, kept asking for more flags ("More Flags, More Fun...Six Flags"....actually 108....how much fun would THAT be?!). He ended up planting 3 bags' worth. He also made some new friends at the cookout on Sunday and got thorough enjoyment out of the slip-n-slide and water balloons that were provided. He went swimming at a neighbor's pool on Monday and went with his class to see a play today.
Lilly has managed to enjoy herself too, although she's been suffering with migraines. She is going to see the doctor next week. We have been keeping a "headache journal" of how much sleep she's getting, if she's eating anything out of the ordinary and when she actually sees spots versus just has head pain. She is enjoying a field trip today to a museum featuring Mexican art. What a busy day for my brood!
One of her best friends' families was hosting the cookout so that's always super for the girls to get together. She was also invited swimming at the same neighbor's pool which was a treat for her!
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