Illness has been ravaging our home now for more than 10 days. Hubs is the only so far that has been spared. I'll save you the gory details, but suffice it to say that I have stimulated these industries: tissue makers, juice producers, OTC medicine makers and popsicle makers. Today I have windows open (blowing germs out ya know) and I am scrubbing everything, again.
So because I am intermittently cleaning and laying down to rest, I am going to leave you with a kidism so profoundly spoken by the baby in the family. Daniel was schooling us and it's just too good not to share.
We were in the van, leaving the doctors office when a very large flock of birds flew across the sky in perfect vision of the four year old.
Daniel: "Wow, that's a big herd of birds."
Sam: "Daniel (said in that exasperated tone), it's not a herd, it's a flock. A flock of birds."
Daniel: "A flock? No Sam (equally exasperated), it's not a flock. Birds don't flock, they herd. It's a HERD (very enunciated) of birds."
I was cracking up. Daniel was certain that it was a herd and he was not changing his mind. Later that day we were talking to the grandparents on FaceTime and Daniel told Grandpa about the herd of birds. While talking to him I realized why he thought it was a herd and not a flock. Here you go:
Daniel: "Grandpa, sheeps are flocks. Birds fly away in herds."
Mommy: (because Grandpa was giggling) "Daniel, what is a large group of cows? What are they called?"
Daniel: He looked at me as if I was crazy and very profoundly said, "Mama, a lots of cows are a flock. And pigs and bufflo's." (That is not a typo, it's his way of saying buffalo's)
Apparently all large animals that live in a groups are flocks. If a group of sheep is a flock then all ground animals live and migrate in flocks.
Birds however migrate in herds.
Showing posts with label My Kiddos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Kiddos. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sum Sum Summertime!!
It's hot here! I know summer isn't officially for another month, but the weather did not get the notice. I am not a fan of summer. I mean, don't get me wrong I love not having to wear a coat, I love my short sleeved shirts and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my flip flops, BUT I do not like hot weather at all. Okay, I'm done complaining. This post is not about hot temps and flip flops it's about summer fun!!!
This year I decided to sit my kids down and make a summer fun to do list. Now, I feel this is dangerous activity and for the most part I was not proved wrong. Some of Sam's suggestions had me cringing in fear and others would require an astronaut to be involved. Like I said, asking them is dangerous and hysterical all at once. It's dangerous because my kids seem to believe that if we think it up it's a done deal, it's going to happen. I am not ever, ever, ever bungee jumping. Not going to happen, but Sam thought that would be a good summer thing to do. Oh! Did I mention he thought we should bungee jump from the top of the arch? I give him an A for effort and imagination, but it's still a NO. So I took their suggestions and complied them into a fascinating list for your reading pleasure. I know you are grateful for this, I just know it. For an added bonus I put which kid thought up what. I'm helpful like that. ~Smile~
This year I decided to sit my kids down and make a summer fun to do list. Now, I feel this is dangerous activity and for the most part I was not proved wrong. Some of Sam's suggestions had me cringing in fear and others would require an astronaut to be involved. Like I said, asking them is dangerous and hysterical all at once. It's dangerous because my kids seem to believe that if we think it up it's a done deal, it's going to happen. I am not ever, ever, ever bungee jumping. Not going to happen, but Sam thought that would be a good summer thing to do. Oh! Did I mention he thought we should bungee jump from the top of the arch? I give him an A for effort and imagination, but it's still a NO. So I took their suggestions and complied them into a fascinating list for your reading pleasure. I know you are grateful for this, I just know it. For an added bonus I put which kid thought up what. I'm helpful like that. ~Smile~
- Bungee jump from the top of the Arch~~Sam
- Pick all the flowers from downtown and pass them out to sad people~~Sam
- Go to the zoo three days a week~~Daniel
- Go to the place where you get to build things (Science Center) three days a week~~Daniel
- Fly a kite in Forest Park~~Makiah (A reasonable one, I have hope!!)
- Go to Grandpa's house in the woods for a month~~Sam
- Go fishing from that bridge we go over to go to Grandpa's house in the woods (that would be highway 64 crossing the Mississippi)~~Daniel
- Go to the bookstore for story time and tea~~Daniel (apparently he thinks tea for me comes with the story, can't imagine why he thinks this?!?!?)
- Go to Grants Farm~~Makiah
- Build a wagon~~Sam (Hubs and Sam will do this, but Mom is not a builder, Bob is, Mom is not)
- Visit a farm~Sam
- Ride in the back of a police car~~Sam (which we will if we pick all the flowers from downtown and pass them out to sad people)
- Go to that garden (Botanical Garden) again and look for turtles~~Daniel
- Read books outside~~Makiah
- Go on a picnic every week~~Makiah
- Go on a boat in wavy water~~Sam (this one took me awhile to figure out but through many questions I determined that he meant white water rafting!!)
- Plant corn, watch it grow, pick the corn and eat it~~Daniel (at least he knows the process)
- Do lots of crafts and projects~~Makiah
- Take a closer look at the planets, like from a space ship~~Sam
- Visit Bob and Larry~~Daniel (he isn't sure where they live but he wants to visit them)
- Go shark fishing~~You can guess right???? Sam
They would have kept going, but I put a stop to it after shark fishing! While doing all of these would have made for an exciting summer I just don't think we can pull all of these off! I was cracking up! My kids are so funny and smart and inventive and Sam obviously believes we can do anything! So I think I'll have to trim up this list and come up with some more reasonable and yet still fun things to do this summer.
And yes we will go to Grandpa and Grandma's house in the woods, but they will be relieved that we won't stay for a month.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Bringing the Laughter
Life is hard. Some days crawling into bed and staying there is the easiest and safest thing to do. . . but we all know that really isn't an option. Well, it's not an option for those who want to thrive and live in abundant joy. I know I opened with a negative, but just give me a minute, we'll get to a happy place, I promise.
During the day various things can entertain me, make me smile or laugh, make me think and just generally pass the time. Not that I need to have time passed more quickly because time usually speeds past me lightening fast. See I live with three entertainers, four really, but Hubs is gone all day. He's the evening entertainment. ~Smile~ My kids have the uncanny ability to make me smile, laugh, cry, scream (not that I would ever. . . . . not even I can say that with a straight face), question my sanity, question the decision to stay home, laugh some more and cherish the small things in life. All in a day. Sometimes all within ten minutes. Just depends on the day. See my kids, like most kids, say and do the most hilarious things, most of the time.
For instance. . .
While grading Makiah's school work I absolutely cracked up at one answer she had written down. She is learning about George Washington and the question concerned what national holiday he instated in 1789. Her answer: a national day of fasting. FASTING!! The answer was thanksgiving. When I questioned her, she answered thanksgiving. So then I asked her why she would put fasting in her book. She said, "well he was a president and I would think that would be something he would do and think is important." Oh my daughter! See laughter and cherishing the fact that she knows fasting is important.
Randomly the other day Daniel, otherwise known as the child who never, ever leaves my side, abandoned his cars and trucks, climbed up beside me, threw his little arm around my neck and said, "Mama, I love you more than ice cream." Melted heart. Greatest part of this. . . he had not just gotten in trouble! ~Laughter~ He brought sunshine into a regular moment. Smiling, cherishing the fact that he still wants to hug me. One day when he is older and wants to run far from my hugs, I'll remember the day I was more important than ice cream (which is a pretty big deal to a three year old).
Sam is the clown. Sometimes he is the clown without trying. If he did attend public school I feel certain I would be called in for numerous parent teacher conference for a plethora of reasons. The boy is a 3.5 foot, 55 pound whirling dervish that can sit still for a video game for HOURS, but cannot sit still in church to save his life. Maybe if the platform team and Pastor dressed as Mario characters?? Oh never mind, back to the funny. Sam is just finishing up Kindergarten. Around the first of February he will officially be in first grade, except for Math, which he is almost done with first grade math. I gave him his newest Math PACE and I said, "I need you to do this page first, do not skip ahead." He looked at the page of addition problems, put his elbow on the desk, his head in his hand and dryly responded, "You have to be kidding me, more adding problems. Don't they know I know this already?" I had to stifle laughter. I said, "Sam, practicing it over and over will help you get faster and make sure you really, really know it.". He said, "Mom, I need to be challenged." Stifling no longer worked. I cracked up. I said, "well son, I'll see what I can do, but in the meantime, do this page for me. Okay." He sighed, but he said, "Okay mama, I'll do it, but they need to make harder problems. This is 3 year old math." Sam had me laughing, thinking of how I can challenge him a little more in math and cherishing the fact that he loves to do math. I also bowed my head and prayed he would continue to love math this much forever considering the math battles with Makiah I currently face. He is creative and funny and a builder extraordinaire. He usually builds things so fantastic he has to make up a name for it. Like the day he built a blogger schnogger out of blocks and gears.
I won't give any examples of crying, but just know that Mommy guilt and Mommy needs peace and quiet enter the picture at least daily. . . prompting tears and/or banishment to their rooms. A mommy can only take so much. I won't say that I am driven to tears daily, but banishment at least once per day is a given. ~Smile~
The dear Lord knew that life would be hard sometimes. And some days would be hide under the cover days. He knew that we would need Him to survive. He built into the model of the family, be fruitful and multiply, little ones who would love us more than ice cream, need us, make us smile, make us laugh and they would also drive us to our knees in prayer for everything from our sanity to their salvation and back again. I know that God is the center of my joy (people disappoint) but I know God uses my kiddos daily to teach me, love me, show me how grace really works and last but certainly not least, as instruments of joy. The Bible says that a joyful heart does good like a medicine but a crushed spirit drys up the bones (Proverbs 17:22 ESV). So when life is difficult we must make a decision. . . either find the cheerful things that surround us and soak them up (and of course prayer makes a heart cheerful too). . . or dry up under the covers. For me, I prefer the first option.
As for my kids bringing the funny. . .I can count on it like the sun rising and setting. . . .
The Lovelock kids~spreading joys and toys wherever they may go.
Popsicle break with Daddy this past summer!
During the day various things can entertain me, make me smile or laugh, make me think and just generally pass the time. Not that I need to have time passed more quickly because time usually speeds past me lightening fast. See I live with three entertainers, four really, but Hubs is gone all day. He's the evening entertainment. ~Smile~ My kids have the uncanny ability to make me smile, laugh, cry, scream (not that I would ever. . . . . not even I can say that with a straight face), question my sanity, question the decision to stay home, laugh some more and cherish the small things in life. All in a day. Sometimes all within ten minutes. Just depends on the day. See my kids, like most kids, say and do the most hilarious things, most of the time.
For instance. . .
While grading Makiah's school work I absolutely cracked up at one answer she had written down. She is learning about George Washington and the question concerned what national holiday he instated in 1789. Her answer: a national day of fasting. FASTING!! The answer was thanksgiving. When I questioned her, she answered thanksgiving. So then I asked her why she would put fasting in her book. She said, "well he was a president and I would think that would be something he would do and think is important." Oh my daughter! See laughter and cherishing the fact that she knows fasting is important.
Randomly the other day Daniel, otherwise known as the child who never, ever leaves my side, abandoned his cars and trucks, climbed up beside me, threw his little arm around my neck and said, "Mama, I love you more than ice cream." Melted heart. Greatest part of this. . . he had not just gotten in trouble! ~Laughter~ He brought sunshine into a regular moment. Smiling, cherishing the fact that he still wants to hug me. One day when he is older and wants to run far from my hugs, I'll remember the day I was more important than ice cream (which is a pretty big deal to a three year old).
Sam is the clown. Sometimes he is the clown without trying. If he did attend public school I feel certain I would be called in for numerous parent teacher conference for a plethora of reasons. The boy is a 3.5 foot, 55 pound whirling dervish that can sit still for a video game for HOURS, but cannot sit still in church to save his life. Maybe if the platform team and Pastor dressed as Mario characters?? Oh never mind, back to the funny. Sam is just finishing up Kindergarten. Around the first of February he will officially be in first grade, except for Math, which he is almost done with first grade math. I gave him his newest Math PACE and I said, "I need you to do this page first, do not skip ahead." He looked at the page of addition problems, put his elbow on the desk, his head in his hand and dryly responded, "You have to be kidding me, more adding problems. Don't they know I know this already?" I had to stifle laughter. I said, "Sam, practicing it over and over will help you get faster and make sure you really, really know it.". He said, "Mom, I need to be challenged." Stifling no longer worked. I cracked up. I said, "well son, I'll see what I can do, but in the meantime, do this page for me. Okay." He sighed, but he said, "Okay mama, I'll do it, but they need to make harder problems. This is 3 year old math." Sam had me laughing, thinking of how I can challenge him a little more in math and cherishing the fact that he loves to do math. I also bowed my head and prayed he would continue to love math this much forever considering the math battles with Makiah I currently face. He is creative and funny and a builder extraordinaire. He usually builds things so fantastic he has to make up a name for it. Like the day he built a blogger schnogger out of blocks and gears.
I won't give any examples of crying, but just know that Mommy guilt and Mommy needs peace and quiet enter the picture at least daily. . . prompting tears and/or banishment to their rooms. A mommy can only take so much. I won't say that I am driven to tears daily, but banishment at least once per day is a given. ~Smile~
The dear Lord knew that life would be hard sometimes. And some days would be hide under the cover days. He knew that we would need Him to survive. He built into the model of the family, be fruitful and multiply, little ones who would love us more than ice cream, need us, make us smile, make us laugh and they would also drive us to our knees in prayer for everything from our sanity to their salvation and back again. I know that God is the center of my joy (people disappoint) but I know God uses my kiddos daily to teach me, love me, show me how grace really works and last but certainly not least, as instruments of joy. The Bible says that a joyful heart does good like a medicine but a crushed spirit drys up the bones (Proverbs 17:22 ESV). So when life is difficult we must make a decision. . . either find the cheerful things that surround us and soak them up (and of course prayer makes a heart cheerful too). . . or dry up under the covers. For me, I prefer the first option.
As for my kids bringing the funny. . .I can count on it like the sun rising and setting. . . .
The Lovelock kids~spreading joys and toys wherever they may go.
Popsicle break with Daddy this past summer!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Just What I Needed. . . Truly
That's right I have finally joined the online craze of pinterest. Like I needed another reason to spend time online. But I have to say that I have found no less than thirty things that I would like to do RIGHT NOW! It's inspiring! (I am doing my best to justify all the time time spent pinning).
With all that creativity floating around my own creativity is prompted to do some new things! But with that having been said I have also found some helpful home managing tips and tricks. (Again, justification, right??)
I am trying to figure something out for my dad for Christmas. I am hoping pinterest can help with that. He is so difficult to come up with something to do for a gift. He doesn't need anything and I don't want to just buy cologne or a gift card, so anyone who might have a suggestion feel free to comment and share!
I asked for fun and unique kitchen gadgets for Christmas. Yes, you read that line correctly. This year I have re-claimed my cooking mojo and I LOVE kitchen gadgets. I also purchased myself something last week for Christmas~a new purse. It was so cute and on clearance (I paid $2), I could NOT pass it up. I love deals like that!!
My kids are getting instruments for Christmas. We can start the prayer chain for my sanity now Bad thing is this, I can't complain because it was my idea. Yes, that temporary insanity that I was experiencing that day will have lasting effects on my nerves and ears. Makiah is getting a guitar and both boys are getting bongo drums. Say it with me, two sets of bongo drums. Again, all my suggestions. I am praying now that those ideas won't come back to cause my psychological downfall. These are not toys, these are the real deal, so I am hoping that real learning will be happening and not just testing to see how long it will take before Mom completely breaks down. With all my fear of bleeding ears and sanity lost, I am still standing behind my decision. Ask me In February if I still think it was a good idea.
Well, I have rambled on long enough. As random as this post is, it should be titled "Random Ramblings to Early Not to be Random."
Happy Thursday!
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's the Christmas Season. . . . .
and I can't believe it's been so long since I posted!!! Time is flying past me and I am holding on for dear life!
A quick update:
Fall is over, pumpkins put away and snowmen litter my dining room, living room and kitchen. Thanksgiving was wonderful! My parents came here, I cooked the meal and we just relaxed, played games and had fun. We went on a very quick trip to see friends in Indiana and now we are working on finishing up school work for our Christmas break!!
My fingers are flying, I have many crochet orders to get finished up for Christmas, not to mention the gifts I need to finish. I am loving it though!! I feel my creative juices flowing again, which also helps me to post here! I will post pics here when everything gets done (and given away, I would hate for the receivers to see before Christmas)!
This year has been one of great changes for me in lots of ways, some good, some not so good. There will be more about this in a later post, but from all this life-changiness has come an in depth study of Proverbs 31. Yes, I know, for most women its "the dreaded" chapter of Proverbs. God has been giving me some wonderful insight into this passage as well as working on my heart. I will be sharing some on here too.
I have so much to write about, talk about, praise God for and pray about and I have missed blogging and reading blogs, but I have been dedicating myself to time management. I am ready to add all things bloggy back onto my plate without too much of the plate getting taken up.
Now, back to teaching, I am pretty sure they are running amuck. . . I can blog when they sleep! ~Laughter~
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Lack of Blogging
This is kind of a piggy back post from yesterday. Kind of. You'll see, read on. ~Smile~
I had every reason under the sun for not blogging. Some of them were good but I had one excuse that was silly~~no blog fodder. While that is untrue, because my children daily give me blog fodder, it's more of a reflection of my own fears of you all being tired of reading about the Lovelock adventures. I felt like I could no longer capture in words something you all would want to read.
Silly, right? Not silly because, maybe you all are tired of reading about the crazy my household comes up with, but silly because it's my blog. I can blog about what is important to me. I can blog about all the silly, crazy, sad, happy, hair-pulling moments in my life and that's okay. Because it's my blog. I'm not getting paid to put out a certain post daily. It's also silly because no one ever made me feel like I was boring them. It was all in my own head. I had a talk with myself (yes, I do answer myself too) and I said to myself this, "Valerie, you are ridiculous. You are not blogging all the cute, funny, crazy, zany moment's because you think someone is bored and is expecting something else. Now you have accomplished no one reading it but it's because you aren't blogging. Get blogging woman, now!" (yes, I yell at myself too)
See for a long time I viewed my blog as a family history book. I wrote because I wanted too, not because someone made me. I blogged because my kids are hilarious and hair-pulling at times. I l blogged because I had things to share and say. I guess I forgot all that. All those moments I don't want to miss, I also want to remember. And the way my rememberer is working, I'll never remember all the funny stuff they say and do. My blog is my way to walk back down memory lane and laugh or cry.
No longer is it, I blogged because or I used to blog. I'm a blogger. I blog about my life with all it's moments, sad ones, happy ones, crazy ones, zany ones, helpful ones. My moments.
Let me just say, that I want you all to read and comment. This is not a dismissal, just a better explanation for my lack of blogging. Smooches, bloggity buds and thanks for putting up with me.
I had every reason under the sun for not blogging. Some of them were good but I had one excuse that was silly~~no blog fodder. While that is untrue, because my children daily give me blog fodder, it's more of a reflection of my own fears of you all being tired of reading about the Lovelock adventures. I felt like I could no longer capture in words something you all would want to read.
Silly, right? Not silly because, maybe you all are tired of reading about the crazy my household comes up with, but silly because it's my blog. I can blog about what is important to me. I can blog about all the silly, crazy, sad, happy, hair-pulling moments in my life and that's okay. Because it's my blog. I'm not getting paid to put out a certain post daily. It's also silly because no one ever made me feel like I was boring them. It was all in my own head. I had a talk with myself (yes, I do answer myself too) and I said to myself this, "Valerie, you are ridiculous. You are not blogging all the cute, funny, crazy, zany moment's because you think someone is bored and is expecting something else. Now you have accomplished no one reading it but it's because you aren't blogging. Get blogging woman, now!" (yes, I yell at myself too)
See for a long time I viewed my blog as a family history book. I wrote because I wanted too, not because someone made me. I blogged because my kids are hilarious and hair-pulling at times. I l blogged because I had things to share and say. I guess I forgot all that. All those moments I don't want to miss, I also want to remember. And the way my rememberer is working, I'll never remember all the funny stuff they say and do. My blog is my way to walk back down memory lane and laugh or cry.
No longer is it, I blogged because or I used to blog. I'm a blogger. I blog about my life with all it's moments, sad ones, happy ones, crazy ones, zany ones, helpful ones. My moments.
Let me just say, that I want you all to read and comment. This is not a dismissal, just a better explanation for my lack of blogging. Smooches, bloggity buds and thanks for putting up with me.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Oh Blog, How I Have Neglected Thee
Contrary to my current bloggy neglect, I do miss blogging. I do apologize for my long absence in the bloggy world. So on this Saturday morning I will attempt to get my bloggy groove back.
I feel like time is speeding past me in and I'm losing not minutes but days! Does anyone else feel this? I mean, what has happened to October?!?! I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that its almost November! Christmas is right around the corner and I am doing a repeat of last year and having a handmade Christmas (for the most part). So this means I need to get my self in gear and get these projects finished (started in some cases).
Makiah and Sam are doing great in school. Sam is doing so well that we may go ahead and start him in Kindergarten in January. I am still watching and trying to decide what to do. The Pre-K books do not challenge him, but I also don't want to overwhelm him. He will be five in a couple of weeks (mind blowing can you hear the explosion) and he amazes me with what he knows!! Makiah has decided that Math is NOT fun and she would rather do science and social studies. She did such a great job over the summer reading. She read 60 chapter books and I think she has finally decided that she does like reading! Daniel is doing well. He is like a completely different child from this time last year! You would never know that he ever needed any therapies at all. He talks a mile a minute and its clear as a bell! He jumps, runs, rolls, hits his brother~~he is normal. I thank God daily for his healing!!
How am I you ask? Well, thanks for asking. I am doing alright. I have found myself just slightly overwhelmed at times, but I am getting reigned in. I am sure that every mother in the whole world feels overwhelmed at times so I'm in good company. If you have ever read The Cat in the Hat, the page where the Cat is balancing on a ball holding ten things in one hand and ten on the other and his umbrella on his nose??? That is a perfect depiction of how I've felt the last three months. Good thing is, I'm still standing on that ball. ~~Smile~~
I have plenty more to say, but I think I'll draft some more posts now in case that ball I'm on gets wobbly. ~~Smile~~
I feel like time is speeding past me in and I'm losing not minutes but days! Does anyone else feel this? I mean, what has happened to October?!?! I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that its almost November! Christmas is right around the corner and I am doing a repeat of last year and having a handmade Christmas (for the most part). So this means I need to get my self in gear and get these projects finished (started in some cases).
Makiah and Sam are doing great in school. Sam is doing so well that we may go ahead and start him in Kindergarten in January. I am still watching and trying to decide what to do. The Pre-K books do not challenge him, but I also don't want to overwhelm him. He will be five in a couple of weeks (mind blowing can you hear the explosion) and he amazes me with what he knows!! Makiah has decided that Math is NOT fun and she would rather do science and social studies. She did such a great job over the summer reading. She read 60 chapter books and I think she has finally decided that she does like reading! Daniel is doing well. He is like a completely different child from this time last year! You would never know that he ever needed any therapies at all. He talks a mile a minute and its clear as a bell! He jumps, runs, rolls, hits his brother~~he is normal. I thank God daily for his healing!!
How am I you ask? Well, thanks for asking. I am doing alright. I have found myself just slightly overwhelmed at times, but I am getting reigned in. I am sure that every mother in the whole world feels overwhelmed at times so I'm in good company. If you have ever read The Cat in the Hat, the page where the Cat is balancing on a ball holding ten things in one hand and ten on the other and his umbrella on his nose??? That is a perfect depiction of how I've felt the last three months. Good thing is, I'm still standing on that ball. ~~Smile~~
I have plenty more to say, but I think I'll draft some more posts now in case that ball I'm on gets wobbly. ~~Smile~~
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Vacation??
I only have one child in my care. First time in nearly 5 years!
Makiah and Sam are sending the week with my mom and dad. They are being spoiled. They are eating fruit snacks for breakfast. Grandparents, need I say more?
Anyway, that just leaves Daniel and I to hang out in the day time while Hubs is at work. My house is so quiet!! There is not yelling, no fighting, no arguing, its awesome but I miss them!!
I also thought that I would get a lot done while they were away (like throwing away more stuff they think they can't live without that they will never know I threw out), but alas, I am now Daniel's sole source of entertainment. I've been getting a lot of cuddle time, but not a lot done. So far.
Here are some pictures of what Makiah and Sam did on Monday!
They went to Holiday World and had a BLAST!
Daniel and I have been watching "Beggie" Tales (Veggie Tales), Sid the Science Kid and Barney on Netflix, eating grapes and yogurt and using "wipekins" (that would Daniel putting together, wipes and napkins) to wipe our faces. We've also played pirates and zoo animals, built a block fort and I entertained him with Penelope Parrot (so I could really practice my voice). So its shaping up to be quite a week!
Makiah and Sam are sending the week with my mom and dad. They are being spoiled. They are eating fruit snacks for breakfast. Grandparents, need I say more?
Anyway, that just leaves Daniel and I to hang out in the day time while Hubs is at work. My house is so quiet!! There is not yelling, no fighting, no arguing, its awesome but I miss them!!
I also thought that I would get a lot done while they were away (like throwing away more stuff they think they can't live without that they will never know I threw out), but alas, I am now Daniel's sole source of entertainment. I've been getting a lot of cuddle time, but not a lot done. So far.
Here are some pictures of what Makiah and Sam did on Monday!
They went to Holiday World and had a BLAST!
Daniel and I have been watching "Beggie" Tales (Veggie Tales), Sid the Science Kid and Barney on Netflix, eating grapes and yogurt and using "wipekins" (that would Daniel putting together, wipes and napkins) to wipe our faces. We've also played pirates and zoo animals, built a block fort and I entertained him with Penelope Parrot (so I could really practice my voice). So its shaping up to be quite a week!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
LOVE Them!
They are full of life and keep me running.
They argue, fight and squabble. Daily.
They giggle and read stories together. Also daily.
They say the FUNNIEST things.
Speaking of funny things said, Makiah accidentally kicked Sam the other day and busted his lip. He bled for a few minutes and he cried. When it had quite bleeding (and he had quit pulling on it) he came into the kitchen and said, "well, I guess I can't use these lips for kissin' anymore"! I nearly died laughing!!!
And then I thought (and asked), "hey, just who are you kissin'?" His response, "well, you mama". I love that boy.
Well we were out looking for church buildings yesterday evening we decided to drive through and then get out and walk in Forest Park. We happened to be near the Worlds Fair Pavilion.
I thought I'd catch this moment. No squabbling. Love.
Monday, June 7, 2010
It's Official Now!
Its not the change of address papers, a new drivers license or even a welcome dessert from a neighbor that makes residency real. . . its a new library card. ~~Smile~~
Library cards for this family is a priority. We love the library. Summer reading programs, story time and kids area play places, we need to have library cards. Though in St. Louis you must have a piece of mail with your new address on it to get a card. Finally, mail came yesterday (one for Hubs and one for me) to enable us to get cards. Hubs got five documentaries (the limit), I think he was having documentary withdraw.
The kids got books and we signed everyone up for the summer reading program. Makiah found a chapter book that she really likes and is plowing through it! We also got some kids movies, like Word Girl and Word World. And for one member in our family this was their first library card! Samuel got his first library card yesterday and I cannot tell you how excited he was!!
I see a lot of reading in the days ahead.
Library cards for this family is a priority. We love the library. Summer reading programs, story time and kids area play places, we need to have library cards. Though in St. Louis you must have a piece of mail with your new address on it to get a card. Finally, mail came yesterday (one for Hubs and one for me) to enable us to get cards. Hubs got five documentaries (the limit), I think he was having documentary withdraw.
The kids got books and we signed everyone up for the summer reading program. Makiah found a chapter book that she really likes and is plowing through it! We also got some kids movies, like Word Girl and Word World. And for one member in our family this was their first library card! Samuel got his first library card yesterday and I cannot tell you how excited he was!!
I see a lot of reading in the days ahead.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Settling into Life
Moving shakes things up. It changes routines, makes you use paper bowls for nearly two weeks because you still can't find the bowls and challenges a family to find a new normal. Well, it does for us anyway.
You know when you move the house is different. Faucets and plumbing have their quirks. The kitchen is different and no one but you (the one who put it all up) know where things are. Even though I completely loathe the actual act of moving and packing, I truly enjoy unpacking. Its a chance to rearrange and put things up differently. Its like a fresh start. I'm nesting. I'm building my home and I love it. Most of the time. (I just wish I could find those crazy bowls!)
There are fewer and fewer boxes everyday and my desire to organize is in full swing. Slowly but surely we are settling into our new house (new to us), with its quirks and sounds and floor plan. The kids have adjusted very well. Daniel has slept in his bed from day one, no tears at all. YAY! That was unexpected but wonderful! Sam is rockin' the potty thing and we don't have accidents anymore (about time right??) and Makiah loves having her own room. There are no children sleeping the same room as Hubs and I! Daniel's crib was in there, but now he and Sam have their own room. No children in our room at all. First time in 10 years a child hasn't had a bed in our room or a place in our bed.
We are settling. Settling into new routines. Settling into a new neighborhood. Settling into everyday life. But with all the new things that lie ahead (starting a Home Missions church), life will be anything but mundane or normal.
You know when you move the house is different. Faucets and plumbing have their quirks. The kitchen is different and no one but you (the one who put it all up) know where things are. Even though I completely loathe the actual act of moving and packing, I truly enjoy unpacking. Its a chance to rearrange and put things up differently. Its like a fresh start. I'm nesting. I'm building my home and I love it. Most of the time. (I just wish I could find those crazy bowls!)
There are fewer and fewer boxes everyday and my desire to organize is in full swing. Slowly but surely we are settling into our new house (new to us), with its quirks and sounds and floor plan. The kids have adjusted very well. Daniel has slept in his bed from day one, no tears at all. YAY! That was unexpected but wonderful! Sam is rockin' the potty thing and we don't have accidents anymore (about time right??) and Makiah loves having her own room. There are no children sleeping the same room as Hubs and I! Daniel's crib was in there, but now he and Sam have their own room. No children in our room at all. First time in 10 years a child hasn't had a bed in our room or a place in our bed.
We are settling. Settling into new routines. Settling into a new neighborhood. Settling into everyday life. But with all the new things that lie ahead (starting a Home Missions church), life will be anything but mundane or normal.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
One Strike, Three Spares and Countless Gutter Balls
I know there is no way you could tell from the title, but I took the kids bowling. Actually it was my friend A's idea. Hubs was working, so it was my friend, her brother and his wife, their son and his girlfriend and me and my motley crew. We all got set up and I realize, due to the crying in the background, that Daniel really doesn't have anything to do. He can't carry the balls, he can't run down the alley's and so began the evening with wailing. UGH!! Finally my friends brother remembers a soccer ball in their car and brings it in. He calms the yelling and we start our games. The people who might actually play for real, using a real alley have their own lane. My friend A and I are on the bumper lane (and without that bumper lane I would probably have scored a 24 instead of the whoppin' 99 I did score) with the kiddos. Somehow even with the bumpers I still got some zero's. Sam and Makiah were so excited I thought their heads were going to explode. Sam actually got a strike and Makiah got three spares!
Daniel and the soccer ball. I don't think I was ever so grateful to see a soccer ball in my life.
We did this:
Daniel did a lot of this:
And then after one game, that's right, only one game we were wore out. Between one of the adults keeping Daniel from rolling his ball down the alley and actually bowling (which did I mention I hadn't been bowling since middle school) we were ready to eat. And so Mexican is the only obvious choice to eat after bowling.
We went and ate our weight in tortilla chips and white cheese (or ketchup if you are my kids) and drank sweet tea (all of which are not on my diet plan) and did a lot of laughing.
All in all it was a fabulously fun night out. Only thing missing was Hubs. Next time he can go and Daniel gets to stay with Grams. ~Smile~
**Because mama forgot her real camera, these pictures are courtesy of my iPhone, which for a phone aren't bad pics.
Daniel and the soccer ball. I don't think I was ever so grateful to see a soccer ball in my life.
We did this:
Daniel did a lot of this:
And then after one game, that's right, only one game we were wore out. Between one of the adults keeping Daniel from rolling his ball down the alley and actually bowling (which did I mention I hadn't been bowling since middle school) we were ready to eat. And so Mexican is the only obvious choice to eat after bowling.
We went and ate our weight in tortilla chips and white cheese (or ketchup if you are my kids) and drank sweet tea (all of which are not on my diet plan) and did a lot of laughing.
All in all it was a fabulously fun night out. Only thing missing was Hubs. Next time he can go and Daniel gets to stay with Grams. ~Smile~
**Because mama forgot her real camera, these pictures are courtesy of my iPhone, which for a phone aren't bad pics.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Don't Call Her That
The other day I asked Makiah to pick up something and she jumped up and saluted me saying "Yes, ma'am". No we don't require saluting in our home. Don't ask me why she did that I have no idea.
Sam heard her say this and he became quit defensive. He rather loudly told Makiah, "Don't you call her that Kiah, she's no MAN, she's a girl". I laughed out loud and explained that she called me "ma'am", not MAN and that ma'am is what you say to women out of respect. I think he finally believed me, but it took some convincing. Kids are hilarious.
The iPod touch is a big deal around this house. There is only one. Its former owner was Hubs, but when Hubs and I got iPhones a couple of weeks ago, he passed the precious iPod touch to Makiah. Well, Sam wants to play the games on it too. So we force her into occasionally sharing with him. Well the other day Makiah was playing and I hear my sweet baby boy say:
"Gimme dat iPod", "I wanna pay games too on dat iPod, gimme". Daniel was demanding the iPod. I laughed because he knew what it was and what you could do with, but I was also slightly disturbed. Would you be disturbed that your 22 month old knows about an iPod touch?
As for me, I am still sick and so therefore could not start my C25K today. Hmpf! I really wanted to start today, but the pleurisy and bronchitis are still hanging out with me. Maybe Wednesday? I did do some Yoga on the Wii this morning. I am so tired of not exercising, but I also enjoy breathing, so I took it easy.
Heart Tip of the Day: Put the salt shaker down and step away. We all know that taking in too much salt isn't good for us, but who knew that decreasing our intake by such a small amount would be so beneficial. Here is a quote from an article in the New York Times, "If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths, according to the study which was conducted by scientists at the University of California San Francisco, Stanford University Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center." Staggering numbers!! If you want to read the whole article, which is interesting, click here. When you are cooking at home use a variety of other spices and herbs in your food. It is tastier and healthier than using all that salt.
Sam heard her say this and he became quit defensive. He rather loudly told Makiah, "Don't you call her that Kiah, she's no MAN, she's a girl". I laughed out loud and explained that she called me "ma'am", not MAN and that ma'am is what you say to women out of respect. I think he finally believed me, but it took some convincing. Kids are hilarious.
The iPod touch is a big deal around this house. There is only one. Its former owner was Hubs, but when Hubs and I got iPhones a couple of weeks ago, he passed the precious iPod touch to Makiah. Well, Sam wants to play the games on it too. So we force her into occasionally sharing with him. Well the other day Makiah was playing and I hear my sweet baby boy say:
"Gimme dat iPod", "I wanna pay games too on dat iPod, gimme". Daniel was demanding the iPod. I laughed because he knew what it was and what you could do with, but I was also slightly disturbed. Would you be disturbed that your 22 month old knows about an iPod touch?
As for me, I am still sick and so therefore could not start my C25K today. Hmpf! I really wanted to start today, but the pleurisy and bronchitis are still hanging out with me. Maybe Wednesday? I did do some Yoga on the Wii this morning. I am so tired of not exercising, but I also enjoy breathing, so I took it easy.
Heart Tip of the Day: Put the salt shaker down and step away. We all know that taking in too much salt isn't good for us, but who knew that decreasing our intake by such a small amount would be so beneficial. Here is a quote from an article in the New York Times, "If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths, according to the study which was conducted by scientists at the University of California San Francisco, Stanford University Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center." Staggering numbers!! If you want to read the whole article, which is interesting, click here. When you are cooking at home use a variety of other spices and herbs in your food. It is tastier and healthier than using all that salt.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tis the Season
Deck the halls with tissues and Benedryl, Fa la la la la, la la la la
Tis the season for snot and coughing, Fa la la la la, la la la la
Ok, I'm done singing now.
UGH! All three kids just had a full round of anitbiotics two weeks ago and Daniel has mass amounts of green snot again, Makiah has a runny nose and Sam too. No fevers thankfully. I am beginning to think this is just going to be how it is until spring (then the allergies begin). At least they are still strong enough to argue, it would be tragic if they could just get along for five minutes. They are very excited about Christmas. Makiah informs me everyday how many days are left until the BIG day.
Tonight I am heading out on the town with my hubby, alone. I know, you just gasped didn't you? So did I! Really, we haven't been out alone in almost two years. So this is a big deal. We are going to a Christmas banquet, so when I say alone, I mean sans kids. But I'll take it people, I'll take it.
I am still up to my eyeballs with presents to make. I did catch a break when we decided not to go to St. Louis until January, meaning two peoples gifts can wait until after Christmas to make. {Love you Fi and Jon} I will get everything done, I will, I will, I will. {That's my pep talk for today} I have also been working on a new project, which I will unveil in the next couple of weeks, that I am REALLY excited about!
Now if that wasn't enough holiday randomness here are a couple of pictures from Sunday night's Christmas Concert. Makiah was unfortunately located behind a large silver bow and so from where I am you can't really see her.
Well, that's all I have for today. The kids are too quiet, so I need to see why that is and then off to finish up another present.
Have a Holly Jolly Friday!
Tis the season for snot and coughing, Fa la la la la, la la la la
Ok, I'm done singing now.
UGH! All three kids just had a full round of anitbiotics two weeks ago and Daniel has mass amounts of green snot again, Makiah has a runny nose and Sam too. No fevers thankfully. I am beginning to think this is just going to be how it is until spring (then the allergies begin). At least they are still strong enough to argue, it would be tragic if they could just get along for five minutes. They are very excited about Christmas. Makiah informs me everyday how many days are left until the BIG day.
Tonight I am heading out on the town with my hubby, alone. I know, you just gasped didn't you? So did I! Really, we haven't been out alone in almost two years. So this is a big deal. We are going to a Christmas banquet, so when I say alone, I mean sans kids. But I'll take it people, I'll take it.
I am still up to my eyeballs with presents to make. I did catch a break when we decided not to go to St. Louis until January, meaning two peoples gifts can wait until after Christmas to make. {Love you Fi and Jon} I will get everything done, I will, I will, I will. {That's my pep talk for today} I have also been working on a new project, which I will unveil in the next couple of weeks, that I am REALLY excited about!
Now if that wasn't enough holiday randomness here are a couple of pictures from Sunday night's Christmas Concert. Makiah was unfortunately located behind a large silver bow and so from where I am you can't really see her.
Well, that's all I have for today. The kids are too quiet, so I need to see why that is and then off to finish up another present.
Have a Holly Jolly Friday!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Like Photographing Wild Animals
Sunday night at our church was the annual Christmas Concert, which was lovely. They had the platform decorated beautifully and all the singers did excellent. I decided sunday morning that one area of the platform would make a great place for a three kidlet picture. I was right, because that night several people were taking pictures there. I waited for a chance to go up there and I got them all up there and sitting on the bench and they looked so cute. Then the picture taking began and I promise you it was hysterical! They wiggled and moved and turned around and wondered off. After five shots I finally gave up. I looked at the pictures, a little sad that they didn't turn out better and then after looking at them and laughing at their adorable expressions, I decided that they were GREAT! I love them so much! I will take them to a studio and get their pictures taken, but I love these pictures. Love them so much that I put them in my Christmas cards and ordered an 8 x 10 of one of them! You be the judge.
Take One
Take Two
Third Try! Sam was telling me "cheese"! This is my fav and the one that is currently hanging as an 8 x 10 on my wall!
Take Four, still tickling each other!
Sam had wondered over and was looking at another tree, so I grabbed a shot of Daniel and Makiah and called it a day! I just realized how badly Daniel needs another hair cut!
I also haven't totally figured out this new camera (as you can see by the blurriness) so apparently I need a course on using the Nikon Coolpix Camera correctly. I got the pics loaded into iPhoto and Hubs asks, "did you flip up the flash?" Dumb look crosses face, "No, I forgot about having to flip it up and where were you when I needed you to ask me that?" Needless to say, I need a tutorial and a memory, to remember that flash!
It was a fun photo shoot, but hopefully the next one will be a little more calm and where they may actually ALL look at the camera at the SAME time.
A mother can dream people, dream.
Take One
Take Two
Third Try! Sam was telling me "cheese"! This is my fav and the one that is currently hanging as an 8 x 10 on my wall!
Take Four, still tickling each other!
Sam had wondered over and was looking at another tree, so I grabbed a shot of Daniel and Makiah and called it a day! I just realized how badly Daniel needs another hair cut!
I also haven't totally figured out this new camera (as you can see by the blurriness) so apparently I need a course on using the Nikon Coolpix Camera correctly. I got the pics loaded into iPhoto and Hubs asks, "did you flip up the flash?" Dumb look crosses face, "No, I forgot about having to flip it up and where were you when I needed you to ask me that?" Needless to say, I need a tutorial and a memory, to remember that flash!
It was a fun photo shoot, but hopefully the next one will be a little more calm and where they may actually ALL look at the camera at the SAME time.
A mother can dream people, dream.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Kindness=Peace
We start our day with a daily devotion. We haven't been really consistent with this until lately and I have to say that it does make our day go better. Taking the time to have a devotion, say a little prayer and sing a couple of songs is so worth it.
Today our devotion was on being kind. We used this scripture, Ephesians 4:32~And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. I want my kids to be kind children. See, to everyone else they are always good. But at home, to each other, not so much. I am told this is normal sibling behavior, but being an only child I don't get the reasons for sibling issues. I know that squabbles will happen, but I want them to understand being kind to one another and why we are kind to everyone. Paul, here in Ephesians, gave a great scripture for us all, but for kids it sums it all up in one verse. Be kind, be gentle (tenderhearted) and forgive. So for today and maybe everyday to come, we have instituted the kindness chart. It's easy to catch kids doing something wrong, but how many times do we catch them doing something good. We often hear it or see it, but do we acknowledge the good as much as we point out the bad. I believe in pointing out their wrongdoings, I think it's beneficial for them to know when it's wrong; but on the flip side of that shouldn't they also know when they are doing something good and right~~YES! So, for every act of kindness that mommy sees today, they get a smiley face, hence the chart. At the end of the day they will get a kindness award to hang on cork board. I am cooking up a plan as we speak for how I am going to incorporate this into our everyday life. I don't want them to think that if they are good then they get a present. I'm not buying presents for kindness. I am however going to acknowledge their kindness and give credit where credit is due. I am amazed at how differently our day has gone. There has not been one fight or yelling match between Makiah and Sam today. I am not naive enough to believe that they will never fight again but I am hopeful in having more peaceful days ahead.
After our little devotion I began thinking about my own kindness. Am I as kind as I should be? Do my kids see kindness in me? What example am I living? Kindness isn't just something you pull out for the public, but it should be present in our homes. Mommies lose their patience too, except when we lose our patience we make excuses for it. Our excuses are probably justified, but kindness in the end should come through. I want my kids to know kindness because they see it in me. I want my kids to know forgiveness because they see it in me. I want my kids to know tenderheartedness and gentleness because they see it in me. So just like I am on a journey to being thankful all the time, I am also striving to be kind, even when I am wore out and Sam is asking for the 80th time if he can have fruit snacks for dinner or Daniel has decided to take everything out of the trash can, again.
Kindness and gentleness are fruits of the spirit and I want to have a luscious crop for my children, my Hubs and others to pick from.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Kidisms~~LOL
Sam told me the other day that he knew how to make coconut sour tomatoes with hot dogs and sweet tea. After telling Makiah what he was going to cook, he did explain that that was what he cooked in the bath tub. Sam isn't making dinner anytime soon.
The kids were watching Veggie Tales, the story of Dave and the Giant Pickle (David and Goliath the Philistine) when Makiah has a revelation come to her. She began to expound why the Philistines were called the Philistines. Its because when they get angry steam comes out of their ears, hence, Philisteams. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was so funny and cute. Oh and I think she may have her daddy's gift of expounding. Just sayin'. (If you know my Hubs you know why I say that).
We sing a song in church, the title escapes me right now, that every time we sing it now, I laugh. One day here around the house Makiah was singing this song, when she came to the last line. Now this is what the last line actually is: "And he'll take you through the fire again". Makiah was belting out this song, every line fine, and then she sang this, "And he'll take you to the farm again". I was listening from the other room, I just cracked up. I corrected her, but now every time we sing that song I laugh, I can't help it. I didn't tell her this, but I always think of the funny farm and how close I live to it.
Samuel loves to play the Wii and I mean he LOVES it. It has become a great bribery tool. Yes I said it and meant it. That's how I roll. Whatever brings sanity is my friend. Anywho, he wanted to play the other day and I told him he had to wait until school time was over. Patience is not a virtue my middle child currently possesses. He had asked me approximately eighty-four times in four minutes and so my patience was packing for a vacation away from the constant asking. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, "Please mama, just for a milet, only one milet". For those still confused milet is Sam-speak for minute. It was so cute that I smiled, kissed his forehead and said "no baby, no yet". I didn't cave, though tempted. Though I didn't cave, his cuteness saved him from a time out for driving mama to that funny farm mentioned above.
Daniel has become quite the talker over the last two months. He started speech therapy in August and now we are wondering if he still needs it. I have a Daniel update scheduled for later this week, but I just had to share this little story. His favorite word is no. Shocking, I know. He says it even when he means yes. But this morning he said it to me and meant it. I told him to go find Bob (not a strange man, the famous tomato) and he promptly said "no" and continued trying to unplug the computer cords. I said, "Daniel, don't say no to mama", in my listen-to-your-mama-son tone. He smiled his crinkly nose smile and said, "awww huggies". Little turkey. He tried to dull my senses with lovin' but this mama has been around the block a time or two. I carried him out of the office. . . while giving him huggies. I am only so strong people.
Okay, enough kidisms for one day. My kids may push me to the brink of my sanity, but they always reel me back in with their sweetness, huggies, smiles and giggles. I love them so much!
The kids were watching Veggie Tales, the story of Dave and the Giant Pickle (David and Goliath the Philistine) when Makiah has a revelation come to her. She began to expound why the Philistines were called the Philistines. Its because when they get angry steam comes out of their ears, hence, Philisteams. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was so funny and cute. Oh and I think she may have her daddy's gift of expounding. Just sayin'. (If you know my Hubs you know why I say that).
We sing a song in church, the title escapes me right now, that every time we sing it now, I laugh. One day here around the house Makiah was singing this song, when she came to the last line. Now this is what the last line actually is: "And he'll take you through the fire again". Makiah was belting out this song, every line fine, and then she sang this, "And he'll take you to the farm again". I was listening from the other room, I just cracked up. I corrected her, but now every time we sing that song I laugh, I can't help it. I didn't tell her this, but I always think of the funny farm and how close I live to it.
Samuel loves to play the Wii and I mean he LOVES it. It has become a great bribery tool. Yes I said it and meant it. That's how I roll. Whatever brings sanity is my friend. Anywho, he wanted to play the other day and I told him he had to wait until school time was over. Patience is not a virtue my middle child currently possesses. He had asked me approximately eighty-four times in four minutes and so my patience was packing for a vacation away from the constant asking. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, "Please mama, just for a milet, only one milet". For those still confused milet is Sam-speak for minute. It was so cute that I smiled, kissed his forehead and said "no baby, no yet". I didn't cave, though tempted. Though I didn't cave, his cuteness saved him from a time out for driving mama to that funny farm mentioned above.
Daniel has become quite the talker over the last two months. He started speech therapy in August and now we are wondering if he still needs it. I have a Daniel update scheduled for later this week, but I just had to share this little story. His favorite word is no. Shocking, I know. He says it even when he means yes. But this morning he said it to me and meant it. I told him to go find Bob (not a strange man, the famous tomato) and he promptly said "no" and continued trying to unplug the computer cords. I said, "Daniel, don't say no to mama", in my listen-to-your-mama-son tone. He smiled his crinkly nose smile and said, "awww huggies". Little turkey. He tried to dull my senses with lovin' but this mama has been around the block a time or two. I carried him out of the office. . . while giving him huggies. I am only so strong people.
Okay, enough kidisms for one day. My kids may push me to the brink of my sanity, but they always reel me back in with their sweetness, huggies, smiles and giggles. I love them so much!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Well Alrighty Then
Over the weekend I went away to a Ladies conference about 3 hours from where we live. The conference was awesome and I was blessed in many ways.
I actually went somewhere, out of town, without any children, overnight. Yes, that's the Hallelujah choir you hear singing in the background.
I hadn't ever been away from Daniel overnight and wasn't sure how he'd do, I actually did okay (I wasn't sure I would). I carried a purse. This purse did not contain any toys, diapers, wipes, cheerios or infant medicine of any kind. First time in over a year, no 4 years, no maybe more like 9 years, anyway--it was GREAT! I loved getting away, spending time with some of the ladies from church and mostly getting to worship God without fear of someone pulling my skirt off trying to get my attention. I love my kids with everything I am, but a night away every once in awhile does a mommy good. When mommy is good, everybody is good.
I got home after being gone for about 29 hours total and I knew that Sam had told my mom that he missed me. So being the mama I am, I asked Makiah.
Me: "Hey Kiah baby, did you miss mama too?"
Makiah: "Yeah, but you weren't gone that long. I mean you didn't go to Africa for 5 days or anything."
Alrighty then. Next time I'll have to stay away longer I guess. ~~Smile~~
I actually went somewhere, out of town, without any children, overnight. Yes, that's the Hallelujah choir you hear singing in the background.
I hadn't ever been away from Daniel overnight and wasn't sure how he'd do, I actually did okay (I wasn't sure I would). I carried a purse. This purse did not contain any toys, diapers, wipes, cheerios or infant medicine of any kind. First time in over a year, no 4 years, no maybe more like 9 years, anyway--it was GREAT! I loved getting away, spending time with some of the ladies from church and mostly getting to worship God without fear of someone pulling my skirt off trying to get my attention. I love my kids with everything I am, but a night away every once in awhile does a mommy good. When mommy is good, everybody is good.
I got home after being gone for about 29 hours total and I knew that Sam had told my mom that he missed me. So being the mama I am, I asked Makiah.
Me: "Hey Kiah baby, did you miss mama too?"
Makiah: "Yeah, but you weren't gone that long. I mean you didn't go to Africa for 5 days or anything."
Alrighty then. Next time I'll have to stay away longer I guess. ~~Smile~~
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The School Bell Has Rung and We Are Back in Session
We officially began summer school after taking the month of June off. I needed a break, she needed a break and I had to pack. So now that we are moved, I can focus on school work again. We have already finished the "official" second grade work, so we are doing some extra work until the official stuff is ordered, around the first week of August. I have also "officially" started Sam on his preschool work! So here is a run down of what we are and will be doing over the next few weeks! By-the-way, I am feeling official as my word for the day, so you may see it a few more times.
Makiah is doing a LOT of reading, of which some is forced upon her and the rest she is doing on her own. I really shouldn't say forced, but I am having her read a new book that I just purchased for her and she is going to do her first book report. I plan on helping her quite a bit, but that's okay, just want her to get the concept of a book report. She will also be doing a report on penguins--her favorite animal. Tomorrow, Makiah will begin a study on Three Old Testament Kings. I have the Teachers Manual and a student manual from a Sunday School class a couple of years ago. It's perfect for her age and she is really into studying the Bible--again something I won't stop. . . ever. Math, now that's another story. Math frustrates her most of the time. She knows it, but she just doesn't really like it. So I bought a 2nd grade Math workbook from a local mega bookstore that looks fun, colorful, has lots of clowns and she is really excited about going through it. I want to keep her Math skills going since she starts multiplication in 3rd grade. She also has a couple of Animal Science and Literature and Creative Writing paces that we are going to work through. I also have a Hooked On Phonics--Learn Spanish that I am going to start with her. I am having Makiah keep a journal. I remember when I did this school and she really likes getting to write down what she did and such. Shhhh. . . don't tell her, but it's great writing practice. ~~Smile~~
Samuel has done really well during our first week back to school. He is now officially in preschool and he is doing great. Most importantly though, he loves it and it keeps him busy and this is a good thing. He sat right there with us during the whole school time. He does worksheets that I purchased on colors, shapes, numbers and letters. He can count to twenty already, so we started on number recognition. He recognizes and identifies numbers 0-9, can write his name, knows all his shapes and colors. We start patterns, dot-to-dot that is 0-9 and mazes next week. If he continues to do this well, then we might be able to start phonics in January!
We do science experiments, they really love those!! This week we have been talking about things that float and sink. We did two experiments and a craft. Most of the time Sam is involved in the experiments, no reason to exclude him, but as her work gets harder she will have some on her own.
I am still in planning mode for the fall session of school, but I have some great ideas on paper. I'll share those more in my "BIG Homeschool Post" sometime in the next couple of weeks.
~This post was originally started on 7/9/09, but because I haven't had to finish it, you are just now getting it!!
~~I am getting ready to reconstruct my blog, so if your link or button disappears, don't fret, it will be back!!
Makiah is doing a LOT of reading, of which some is forced upon her and the rest she is doing on her own. I really shouldn't say forced, but I am having her read a new book that I just purchased for her and she is going to do her first book report. I plan on helping her quite a bit, but that's okay, just want her to get the concept of a book report. She will also be doing a report on penguins--her favorite animal. Tomorrow, Makiah will begin a study on Three Old Testament Kings. I have the Teachers Manual and a student manual from a Sunday School class a couple of years ago. It's perfect for her age and she is really into studying the Bible--again something I won't stop. . . ever. Math, now that's another story. Math frustrates her most of the time. She knows it, but she just doesn't really like it. So I bought a 2nd grade Math workbook from a local mega bookstore that looks fun, colorful, has lots of clowns and she is really excited about going through it. I want to keep her Math skills going since she starts multiplication in 3rd grade. She also has a couple of Animal Science and Literature and Creative Writing paces that we are going to work through. I also have a Hooked On Phonics--Learn Spanish that I am going to start with her. I am having Makiah keep a journal. I remember when I did this school and she really likes getting to write down what she did and such. Shhhh. . . don't tell her, but it's great writing practice. ~~Smile~~
Samuel has done really well during our first week back to school. He is now officially in preschool and he is doing great. Most importantly though, he loves it and it keeps him busy and this is a good thing. He sat right there with us during the whole school time. He does worksheets that I purchased on colors, shapes, numbers and letters. He can count to twenty already, so we started on number recognition. He recognizes and identifies numbers 0-9, can write his name, knows all his shapes and colors. We start patterns, dot-to-dot that is 0-9 and mazes next week. If he continues to do this well, then we might be able to start phonics in January!
We do science experiments, they really love those!! This week we have been talking about things that float and sink. We did two experiments and a craft. Most of the time Sam is involved in the experiments, no reason to exclude him, but as her work gets harder she will have some on her own.
I am still in planning mode for the fall session of school, but I have some great ideas on paper. I'll share those more in my "BIG Homeschool Post" sometime in the next couple of weeks.
~This post was originally started on 7/9/09, but because I haven't had to finish it, you are just now getting it!!
~~I am getting ready to reconstruct my blog, so if your link or button disappears, don't fret, it will be back!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday and I Have No Clever Title
Yep, my cleverness is tired today.
Daniel has been kinda sick the last couple of days and so my packing has been seriously hindered by a little munchkin in need of cuddlin'. I have done some packing, but I am not as far along as I had scheduled.
Sam is playing the Wii and it is amazing how good he is while he is playing a game. He loves it and I love how quiet he is while playing. It's almost magical!
Makiah is down at the church with her daddy working on the Chinese village that he is building for Open Grill this year. She loves helping him and it's good daddy/daughter time.
Daniel is sleeping, finally. Poor baby coughed all morning, missing his morning nap and finally collapsed this afternoon. I just hope he sleeps tonight after this long nap. Hopefully the sleep will help with recovery.
We are taking a day trip on Saturday (assuming that Daniel is fever free) to see my grandma and to go to my cousins graduation party. It will be good to see everyone. I haven't been up there since Thanksgiving--too long. I am hoping for good weather and no sick baby.
I got my new Swaddlebees pail liner (mine is in the blue summer pattern) in the mail yesterday and the new bumwear diaper (its so cute). I love the pail liner, it is so colorful and will look great in the kids bathroom when we move. The blue dino diaper is great and it is a wonderful fit. I will definitely be buying more of these!!
So there is my randomness for today. Nothing to fabulous or crazy going on over here. I am kinda glad, but it doesn't make for great blog fodder.
I will leave you with this kids poem. It makes me smile, hopefully it will you too. I say it to Daniel and he just laughs and laughs. If you can read it and not smile, well, you should.
Zippity Zappity
by Claire Murphy
Zippity Zappity
I feel so happity!
It makes my hands
Go clippity clappity,
Makes my toes
Go tippity tappity.
Zippity Zappity
I feel so happity!
Daniel has been kinda sick the last couple of days and so my packing has been seriously hindered by a little munchkin in need of cuddlin'. I have done some packing, but I am not as far along as I had scheduled.
Sam is playing the Wii and it is amazing how good he is while he is playing a game. He loves it and I love how quiet he is while playing. It's almost magical!
Makiah is down at the church with her daddy working on the Chinese village that he is building for Open Grill this year. She loves helping him and it's good daddy/daughter time.
Daniel is sleeping, finally. Poor baby coughed all morning, missing his morning nap and finally collapsed this afternoon. I just hope he sleeps tonight after this long nap. Hopefully the sleep will help with recovery.
We are taking a day trip on Saturday (assuming that Daniel is fever free) to see my grandma and to go to my cousins graduation party. It will be good to see everyone. I haven't been up there since Thanksgiving--too long. I am hoping for good weather and no sick baby.
I got my new Swaddlebees pail liner (mine is in the blue summer pattern) in the mail yesterday and the new bumwear diaper (its so cute). I love the pail liner, it is so colorful and will look great in the kids bathroom when we move. The blue dino diaper is great and it is a wonderful fit. I will definitely be buying more of these!!
So there is my randomness for today. Nothing to fabulous or crazy going on over here. I am kinda glad, but it doesn't make for great blog fodder.
I will leave you with this kids poem. It makes me smile, hopefully it will you too. I say it to Daniel and he just laughs and laughs. If you can read it and not smile, well, you should.
Zippity Zappity
by Claire Murphy
Zippity Zappity
I feel so happity!
It makes my hands
Go clippity clappity,
Makes my toes
Go tippity tappity.
Zippity Zappity
I feel so happity!
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