Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Fall Family Photos Planning 2011
Since having our photos taken by MckMama in the spring, I just can't bring myself to go back to a studio setting.
For a few reasons. One being just the feel of an on location shoot with a prof. photog. Another being the fact that in studio, you have to buy prints. Some places offer you a CD, but they are not print-quality. I don't really need prints anymore these days. I'd much rather get a CD of high-res pics in which I can either get my own prints, canvases, or just post online for family. This also makes it easy for family to get their own prints made if they want some (we have too many kids and too big of families to be getting prints of everyone for everyone).
I used to go get the kids' pics made several times a year... when I had two kids.
Then I think Graham got his pics taken maybe twice during his first year.
And poor Leah didn't get any prof. pics done until she was over a year old.
My goal is going to be getting family pics done twice a year. Once in the spring, and once in the fall. Then I can take my own impromptu pics of the kids during the rest of the year.
Some of my favorite pics of them have been from little pics I've taken myself.
I found a local photographer that is just starting her business and has some great pics to do our Fall pics this year. I am really excited about it. For the price I'd pay to go to a studio and get prints, I'm getting a 2 hour on location session, with a CD of ALL my pics, edited and unedited to do with what I please. Can't beat that!! Here are the outfits I've picked out for our session (if you saw what I posted on fb, I've tweaked it just a bit since then with some other things I found in the store when I actually went shopping).
For a few reasons. One being just the feel of an on location shoot with a prof. photog. Another being the fact that in studio, you have to buy prints. Some places offer you a CD, but they are not print-quality. I don't really need prints anymore these days. I'd much rather get a CD of high-res pics in which I can either get my own prints, canvases, or just post online for family. This also makes it easy for family to get their own prints made if they want some (we have too many kids and too big of families to be getting prints of everyone for everyone).
I used to go get the kids' pics made several times a year... when I had two kids.
Then I think Graham got his pics taken maybe twice during his first year.
And poor Leah didn't get any prof. pics done until she was over a year old.
My goal is going to be getting family pics done twice a year. Once in the spring, and once in the fall. Then I can take my own impromptu pics of the kids during the rest of the year.
Some of my favorite pics of them have been from little pics I've taken myself.
I found a local photographer that is just starting her business and has some great pics to do our Fall pics this year. I am really excited about it. For the price I'd pay to go to a studio and get prints, I'm getting a 2 hour on location session, with a CD of ALL my pics, edited and unedited to do with what I please. Can't beat that!! Here are the outfits I've picked out for our session (if you saw what I posted on fb, I've tweaked it just a bit since then with some other things I found in the store when I actually went shopping).
Monday, September 19, 2011
Not Me! Monday
It's back!!! I'm linking up with MckMama for another Not Me! Monday post!!!
I did not get peed on by my son when I took him potty at the girls' dance studio this afternoon! No, not me!! My son always uses the restroom properly, and always makes sure his "boy part" is pointing into the toilet and not up in the air so that his urine shoots across the room! Of course I taught him proper bathroom manners, so that would NEVER be a problem!
And at said dance studio, while my oldest daughters were in class, I did NOT have someone say to me, "excuse me, but I think your son is choking your daughter." And I most certainly did not look over and witness Graham putting a death grip on Leah's neck. I however, actually DID see her laughing hysterically about it.
My sweet precious baby girl also did NOT turn off the TV in the waiting area of the dance studio repeated times before I realized what she was doing. I ALWAYS supervise my kids 100% of the time, and they NEVER do things they aren't supposed to do over and over and over again.
Yeah, and my son also didn't cause the desk lamp at the dance studio to go crashing to the ground, causing every other person in the waiting area to gasp. NO WAY JOSE, did not happen.
And surely, but next week, the dance studio will NOT have permanently banned us from the premises.
I did not get peed on by my son when I took him potty at the girls' dance studio this afternoon! No, not me!! My son always uses the restroom properly, and always makes sure his "boy part" is pointing into the toilet and not up in the air so that his urine shoots across the room! Of course I taught him proper bathroom manners, so that would NEVER be a problem!
And at said dance studio, while my oldest daughters were in class, I did NOT have someone say to me, "excuse me, but I think your son is choking your daughter." And I most certainly did not look over and witness Graham putting a death grip on Leah's neck. I however, actually DID see her laughing hysterically about it.
My sweet precious baby girl also did NOT turn off the TV in the waiting area of the dance studio repeated times before I realized what she was doing. I ALWAYS supervise my kids 100% of the time, and they NEVER do things they aren't supposed to do over and over and over again.
Yeah, and my son also didn't cause the desk lamp at the dance studio to go crashing to the ground, causing every other person in the waiting area to gasp. NO WAY JOSE, did not happen.
And surely, but next week, the dance studio will NOT have permanently banned us from the premises.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Homeschool Deal
Homeschool Friends - check out this great deal from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Day in the Life 6/28/11
Yesterday was another very full day, so I thought I'd use it as a day in the life post. Again, no pictures, so probably pretty boring to most.
Graham came in my room around 7:00 and I had him lay down on his mat and sleep a little longer. By 7:30, I knew I needed to get up, so I changed his diaper and got him dressed and then I took my shower. When I got out, all 3 big kids were in my room watching tv. I turned it off and told them to all go downstairs and eat breakfast so we could leave for bible study. Then I finished getting ready, got Leah up (she had just woken up when I went to get her), changed and dressed and went downstairs. I was so mad when I found all 3 big kids, again, sitting there watching tv. None of them had eaten yet. I didn't just tell to go downstairs, and I certainly didn't tell them to go downstairs and watch tv. I specifically told them to go downstairs and eat breakfast. On days when we have to get out of the house "early" they are really good about doing this on their own, I don't know what it was about yesterday. We needed to leave in 10 min, so I told them they better stuff their faces or they'd be hungry! lol I got Leah's breakfast for her and made my coffee. Got everyone's bags ready, poured my coffee into my travel mug and had everyone put on their shoes and get in the car. On the way to church, I called the pediatrician to scheduled Leah's hip sonogram. They said they'd have the dr. call me back. We were 10 min. late to church. I got all the kids signed into their rooms. Natalie has piano lessons during the bible study so I reminded her teacher that her piano teacher would be coming down to pick her up and take her upstairs for her lesson and then bringing her back to class. During bible study, the pedi's office called me back, so I walked outside to take the call. They told me that they'd scheduled Leah's sonogram for 9am Wed. morning. Perfect. While I was on the phone with them, my friend Erika had called. Her husband is being stationed in Italy, so they are packing and getting all their stuff ready to leave this week. I'd told her I'd help her with her kids if she needed it, so I figured that is what she was calling about. Sure enough, the packers were not coming when they were supposed to, so they had a mad dash to get things ready quick. So she asked if I could keep her kids that afternoon. I of course, said yes, I was happy to help (and to get to see her one more time before they leave). When I walked back into bible study, I asked my friend Lauren, who was sitting beside me if she could watch Erica and Graham for me while I took Leah to her sonogram, and that I'd bring Natalie with me to help. She said yes, and then asked if I could watch her kids an afternoon this week when she had a dr. appt. That's what friends are for! When bible study was over, I picked up the kids and headed straight home because Erika was meeting me here at 12noon. We came in and picked up as quickly as we could. I hadn't done the dishes yet that day, so I ran a load quickly and then started getting plates out to make lunch. Erika got there and brought in her 4 kids and the food she'd picked up for them on the way over (she'd offered to get my kids food too, but I told her I'd just make them something at home). I had Natalie make all our kids a Sunbutter & honey sandwiches. Sunbutter is like peanut butter, but made from sunflower seeds since Natalie can't have nuts. All my kids LOVE it! Then I cut up some fruit for them to go with it. While I was getting everyone situated, Erika fed the baby, Levi, a bottle and then she left. I put Levi in the exersaucer and made a sandwich for myself (no sunbutter, tyvm) and scarfed it down with some Diet Dr Pepper. Then I had to get ready for naptime. Erika said all her kids were very tired and cranky, so they'd all need naps. I had to get creative as to where to put everyone for naptime. Five diaper changes later, we were ready to lay down. I ended up putting Leah in her own room. Then I put Madison (age 5) in the girls' room. Jacob (age 3) slept in Graham's room. For Caden (age 2), I set up the pack in play in Eric's closet. Then I put Graham on his napmat in my room. I didn't plan on having Natalie and Erica take a nap, but Natalie was tired she went down to the guest room to take a little nap (though I don't think she ever slept). Erica stayed upstairs in the loft and watched tv quietly. Levi (age 6 mos) ended up falling asleep in the bouncy seat right by the computer. While everyone (mostly) slept, I was able to check my email, fb, blogs etc. I got maybe 45 min. or so before anyone woke up. When Levi woke up, he was ready to eat, so I took him downstairs and made him a bottle and fed him. When he was done, I let him play on the floor while I cleaned up the kitchen from lunch. Soon, one by one the kids started trickling down from naptime. I changed everyone's diaper as they came down. From then until about 5:30, I just spent my time trying to keep everyone happy and out of trouble. I wasn't totally successful, but we survived. Erika and her husband Jake came to pick up the kids and we had to say our final goodbyes to them. They are leaving tomorrow (Thurs) to go visit their families across the country, and then will be headed to Italy. I can't even begin to tell you how much we're going to miss them! When they left, I started dinner. I made tacos/nachos. Eric got home a little after 6:00 and we all ate dinner. After dinner, I took Graham and Leah upstairs and got them ready for bed. Then I gave Erica a bath and Natalie took a shower. I let Eric finish getting them ready for bed because I needed to go to Target. I know, I was just there the day before, but we were already out of milk and bread and Leah needed more Ibuprofen. So I made my short list of a few other things we needed and headed out. I took my sweet time roaming through the store, stopping to look at cute stuff I had my eye on, only buying a few impulse items. When I got home I carried in the few bags I had and put them up. Then sat on the couch and talked to Eric some before heading upstairs. I got on the computer and checked my usuals and then did some housing research for the Austin area. Tried calling it an early night (anytime before 11 is early for me), but I'd had iced tea with dinner and couldn't go to sleep. Caffeine affects me soooo much since having kids. I think I finally drifted off somewhere around 12:30.
Graham came in my room around 7:00 and I had him lay down on his mat and sleep a little longer. By 7:30, I knew I needed to get up, so I changed his diaper and got him dressed and then I took my shower. When I got out, all 3 big kids were in my room watching tv. I turned it off and told them to all go downstairs and eat breakfast so we could leave for bible study. Then I finished getting ready, got Leah up (she had just woken up when I went to get her), changed and dressed and went downstairs. I was so mad when I found all 3 big kids, again, sitting there watching tv. None of them had eaten yet. I didn't just tell to go downstairs, and I certainly didn't tell them to go downstairs and watch tv. I specifically told them to go downstairs and eat breakfast. On days when we have to get out of the house "early" they are really good about doing this on their own, I don't know what it was about yesterday. We needed to leave in 10 min, so I told them they better stuff their faces or they'd be hungry! lol I got Leah's breakfast for her and made my coffee. Got everyone's bags ready, poured my coffee into my travel mug and had everyone put on their shoes and get in the car. On the way to church, I called the pediatrician to scheduled Leah's hip sonogram. They said they'd have the dr. call me back. We were 10 min. late to church. I got all the kids signed into their rooms. Natalie has piano lessons during the bible study so I reminded her teacher that her piano teacher would be coming down to pick her up and take her upstairs for her lesson and then bringing her back to class. During bible study, the pedi's office called me back, so I walked outside to take the call. They told me that they'd scheduled Leah's sonogram for 9am Wed. morning. Perfect. While I was on the phone with them, my friend Erika had called. Her husband is being stationed in Italy, so they are packing and getting all their stuff ready to leave this week. I'd told her I'd help her with her kids if she needed it, so I figured that is what she was calling about. Sure enough, the packers were not coming when they were supposed to, so they had a mad dash to get things ready quick. So she asked if I could keep her kids that afternoon. I of course, said yes, I was happy to help (and to get to see her one more time before they leave). When I walked back into bible study, I asked my friend Lauren, who was sitting beside me if she could watch Erica and Graham for me while I took Leah to her sonogram, and that I'd bring Natalie with me to help. She said yes, and then asked if I could watch her kids an afternoon this week when she had a dr. appt. That's what friends are for! When bible study was over, I picked up the kids and headed straight home because Erika was meeting me here at 12noon. We came in and picked up as quickly as we could. I hadn't done the dishes yet that day, so I ran a load quickly and then started getting plates out to make lunch. Erika got there and brought in her 4 kids and the food she'd picked up for them on the way over (she'd offered to get my kids food too, but I told her I'd just make them something at home). I had Natalie make all our kids a Sunbutter & honey sandwiches. Sunbutter is like peanut butter, but made from sunflower seeds since Natalie can't have nuts. All my kids LOVE it! Then I cut up some fruit for them to go with it. While I was getting everyone situated, Erika fed the baby, Levi, a bottle and then she left. I put Levi in the exersaucer and made a sandwich for myself (no sunbutter, tyvm) and scarfed it down with some Diet Dr Pepper. Then I had to get ready for naptime. Erika said all her kids were very tired and cranky, so they'd all need naps. I had to get creative as to where to put everyone for naptime. Five diaper changes later, we were ready to lay down. I ended up putting Leah in her own room. Then I put Madison (age 5) in the girls' room. Jacob (age 3) slept in Graham's room. For Caden (age 2), I set up the pack in play in Eric's closet. Then I put Graham on his napmat in my room. I didn't plan on having Natalie and Erica take a nap, but Natalie was tired she went down to the guest room to take a little nap (though I don't think she ever slept). Erica stayed upstairs in the loft and watched tv quietly. Levi (age 6 mos) ended up falling asleep in the bouncy seat right by the computer. While everyone (mostly) slept, I was able to check my email, fb, blogs etc. I got maybe 45 min. or so before anyone woke up. When Levi woke up, he was ready to eat, so I took him downstairs and made him a bottle and fed him. When he was done, I let him play on the floor while I cleaned up the kitchen from lunch. Soon, one by one the kids started trickling down from naptime. I changed everyone's diaper as they came down. From then until about 5:30, I just spent my time trying to keep everyone happy and out of trouble. I wasn't totally successful, but we survived. Erika and her husband Jake came to pick up the kids and we had to say our final goodbyes to them. They are leaving tomorrow (Thurs) to go visit their families across the country, and then will be headed to Italy. I can't even begin to tell you how much we're going to miss them! When they left, I started dinner. I made tacos/nachos. Eric got home a little after 6:00 and we all ate dinner. After dinner, I took Graham and Leah upstairs and got them ready for bed. Then I gave Erica a bath and Natalie took a shower. I let Eric finish getting them ready for bed because I needed to go to Target. I know, I was just there the day before, but we were already out of milk and bread and Leah needed more Ibuprofen. So I made my short list of a few other things we needed and headed out. I took my sweet time roaming through the store, stopping to look at cute stuff I had my eye on, only buying a few impulse items. When I got home I carried in the few bags I had and put them up. Then sat on the couch and talked to Eric some before heading upstairs. I got on the computer and checked my usuals and then did some housing research for the Austin area. Tried calling it an early night (anytime before 11 is early for me), but I'd had iced tea with dinner and couldn't go to sleep. Caffeine affects me soooo much since having kids. I think I finally drifted off somewhere around 12:30.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day in the Life 6/27/11
I had a very sweet blog friend ask me if I'd participate in a Day in the Life series. Basically, I'll blog about what I did that day. I told her I'd thought it'd be pretty boring for most people to read, especially because I don't take pictures throughout the day normally. But she said she thought it would be great to see what a homeschooling mom of 4 does with her days! So, I agreed. I will blog as many days out of the week as I can. But, you have fair warning, that I don't lead a very interesting life!
Today I'm going to blog about my day yesterday, Monday June 27.
Graham is always the first one awake, usually by 7:00. The other kids don't wake up for another hour or so, so when he wakes up, he comes in my room and depending on what time it is I either make him lay down on my floor on a pallet and go back to sleep, or I will turn my tv on for him to watch. Then I either get up and take my shower, have quiet time, or try to get some more sleep myself. Yesterday, I tried to go back to sleep. But after 30 min. I hadn't been able to go back to sleep, so I just got up and got dressed. By then, Leah was awake, so I went in to get her. I changed her and got her dressed and then changed Graham and got him dressed. The older girls were up by now too and they got dressed and then we all went downstairs for breakfast. Graham and Leah always eat fruit bars (Nutrigrain bars) for breakfast, and the girls just wanted cereal. I got them all situated, then I started a pot of coffee. Leah was extra fussy this morning (I think her hip has been bothering her, I will update about that at the end of this post), so I ended up holding her while I tried to pick up the kitchen a little and drink some coffee. Natalie unloaded the dishwasher while I finished making my grocery list. Then at 10:30, we all put our shoes on and went to Target to get groceries. Normally, I go to the store in the evening, by myself, or with just 1 or 2 of the kids. But we had just gotten back in town from the weekend and I didn't get to go on Sunday night, so I had to go with everyone Monday morning. I got one of those double buggies that can hold 3 kids. Leah sat in the regular buggy seat, and Erica and Graham sat in the extended seat. As soon as we walked in, I got all 4 kids Icees. I don't do this regularly, but I don't normally take them all with me when I have a big shopping trip, so I knew I wanted something that would keep them busy. It was Leah's first time having her own Icee and she was so happy about it. She just kept smiling at me and giggling! First we went to the baby section to get Leah some new sippy cups. Hers have been leaking and she has been more interested in drinking from our cups when we're out (with straws), so I thought I'd try some of the straw sippies with her. Then it was over to the grocery section for the rest of our list. We started in the back with the refrigerated items, and then onto frozen foods. By the time we were at the end of frozen foods, Graham had declared that he "not like this" Icee and threw it on the floor, of course causing some of it to spill out. I threw it away and he sulked. But luckily it was short lived. The kids were all really well behaved for the most part. Of course there were a few, "let's keep our hands and feet to ourselves", but for the most part, everyone did well. We left Target around 11:45 and I went through the Chick Fil A drive thru to get nuggets for the 3 youngest kids for lunch. Natalie and I were going to eat leftover pizza from the night before. We got home and I brought all the kids in and made their plates (nuggets/pizza, canned pears). Then I brought in all the groceries and put them away while the kids ate. When they were done, they went and played in the playroom while I ate my lunch. After that I put Graham and Leah to bed for their nap. Then I took my shower and got dressed. Then I got on the computer, checked email, facebook, blogs, and researched some homeschool curriculum a friend recommended. By this point it was almost 3:00, and I went downstairs to clean the kitchen and get dinner started. The girls helped pick up downstairs because their Meme and Pawpaw were coming over for dinner. Graham came down from his nap at some point and Leah woke up around 4:00, so I went and got her up and changed. A little after that a friend of mine stopped by so we could exchanged some things we'd borrowed from each other. Her kids and my kids played together for a few minutes. Then our dinner guests arrived and I was able to finish dinner without a baby on my hip or kids nipping at my heels. We visited with them and watched video of the girls' piano and dance recitals. When Eric got home, we all ate dinner and visited some more. After they left, the kids got baths and we got them ready for bed. Eric and I spent some time talking together on the couch and then I came upstairs to watch a little tv before bed while Eric studied downstairs.
Riveting, no?
Ok, so about Leah's hip. Week before last she came down with strep, double ear infection, and a yeast infection. Then that Saturday, we noticed she started limping. By Sunday, she wouldn't even walk. I took her to the dr. on Monday morning and she said she thought she had Transient Synovitis, which is basically an inflammation of a joint (in this case, her hip) after an infection. It can last 1-3 weeks and the only real treatment, is just Ibuprofen for the pain and inflammation. She said if she wasn't showing any improvement in a week, that we'd schedule a hip sonogram and maybe an x-ray. She seemed to be doing better over the past week. Eric and I even went out of town for the weekend for our 10th anniversary and left the kids with friends and she did fine all weekend. Then Sunday evening and yesterday, she was very fussy off and on and her limp seemed worse at times, but then about the same at others. So I decided to play it safe and called the pedi this morning to her a hip sonogram scheduled. She will go to that at 9am tomorrow (Wed) morning. Hopefully they will find nothing, and it's just the Transient Synovitis wearing off, but I want to be sure.
Today I'm going to blog about my day yesterday, Monday June 27.
Graham is always the first one awake, usually by 7:00. The other kids don't wake up for another hour or so, so when he wakes up, he comes in my room and depending on what time it is I either make him lay down on my floor on a pallet and go back to sleep, or I will turn my tv on for him to watch. Then I either get up and take my shower, have quiet time, or try to get some more sleep myself. Yesterday, I tried to go back to sleep. But after 30 min. I hadn't been able to go back to sleep, so I just got up and got dressed. By then, Leah was awake, so I went in to get her. I changed her and got her dressed and then changed Graham and got him dressed. The older girls were up by now too and they got dressed and then we all went downstairs for breakfast. Graham and Leah always eat fruit bars (Nutrigrain bars) for breakfast, and the girls just wanted cereal. I got them all situated, then I started a pot of coffee. Leah was extra fussy this morning (I think her hip has been bothering her, I will update about that at the end of this post), so I ended up holding her while I tried to pick up the kitchen a little and drink some coffee. Natalie unloaded the dishwasher while I finished making my grocery list. Then at 10:30, we all put our shoes on and went to Target to get groceries. Normally, I go to the store in the evening, by myself, or with just 1 or 2 of the kids. But we had just gotten back in town from the weekend and I didn't get to go on Sunday night, so I had to go with everyone Monday morning. I got one of those double buggies that can hold 3 kids. Leah sat in the regular buggy seat, and Erica and Graham sat in the extended seat. As soon as we walked in, I got all 4 kids Icees. I don't do this regularly, but I don't normally take them all with me when I have a big shopping trip, so I knew I wanted something that would keep them busy. It was Leah's first time having her own Icee and she was so happy about it. She just kept smiling at me and giggling! First we went to the baby section to get Leah some new sippy cups. Hers have been leaking and she has been more interested in drinking from our cups when we're out (with straws), so I thought I'd try some of the straw sippies with her. Then it was over to the grocery section for the rest of our list. We started in the back with the refrigerated items, and then onto frozen foods. By the time we were at the end of frozen foods, Graham had declared that he "not like this" Icee and threw it on the floor, of course causing some of it to spill out. I threw it away and he sulked. But luckily it was short lived. The kids were all really well behaved for the most part. Of course there were a few, "let's keep our hands and feet to ourselves", but for the most part, everyone did well. We left Target around 11:45 and I went through the Chick Fil A drive thru to get nuggets for the 3 youngest kids for lunch. Natalie and I were going to eat leftover pizza from the night before. We got home and I brought all the kids in and made their plates (nuggets/pizza, canned pears). Then I brought in all the groceries and put them away while the kids ate. When they were done, they went and played in the playroom while I ate my lunch. After that I put Graham and Leah to bed for their nap. Then I took my shower and got dressed. Then I got on the computer, checked email, facebook, blogs, and researched some homeschool curriculum a friend recommended. By this point it was almost 3:00, and I went downstairs to clean the kitchen and get dinner started. The girls helped pick up downstairs because their Meme and Pawpaw were coming over for dinner. Graham came down from his nap at some point and Leah woke up around 4:00, so I went and got her up and changed. A little after that a friend of mine stopped by so we could exchanged some things we'd borrowed from each other. Her kids and my kids played together for a few minutes. Then our dinner guests arrived and I was able to finish dinner without a baby on my hip or kids nipping at my heels. We visited with them and watched video of the girls' piano and dance recitals. When Eric got home, we all ate dinner and visited some more. After they left, the kids got baths and we got them ready for bed. Eric and I spent some time talking together on the couch and then I came upstairs to watch a little tv before bed while Eric studied downstairs.
Riveting, no?
Ok, so about Leah's hip. Week before last she came down with strep, double ear infection, and a yeast infection. Then that Saturday, we noticed she started limping. By Sunday, she wouldn't even walk. I took her to the dr. on Monday morning and she said she thought she had Transient Synovitis, which is basically an inflammation of a joint (in this case, her hip) after an infection. It can last 1-3 weeks and the only real treatment, is just Ibuprofen for the pain and inflammation. She said if she wasn't showing any improvement in a week, that we'd schedule a hip sonogram and maybe an x-ray. She seemed to be doing better over the past week. Eric and I even went out of town for the weekend for our 10th anniversary and left the kids with friends and she did fine all weekend. Then Sunday evening and yesterday, she was very fussy off and on and her limp seemed worse at times, but then about the same at others. So I decided to play it safe and called the pedi this morning to her a hip sonogram scheduled. She will go to that at 9am tomorrow (Wed) morning. Hopefully they will find nothing, and it's just the Transient Synovitis wearing off, but I want to be sure.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
BFFs
I am feeling sad for my girl. Erica has 2 very close friends moving away this summer. I know it will be harder for her friends, as they are leaving EVERYONE they know here and starting new, but tonight I am thinking about Erica. She is so sensitive and is just starting to realize her time with them is limited. These three girls are closer than I've ever seen three five year olds. They bicker with each other like sisters, but love each other even more. I've gotta say that I am just as sad, because their moms are 2 of MY closest friends. I'm gonna miss these families so much when they leave.
Erica + Allyson + Maddie = Best Friends Forever!
Erica + Allyson + Maddie = Best Friends Forever!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
10 on Tuesday
1. Have you ever used Craigslist?
Yes, just a few times. When we lived in Houston, there was actually a local classifieds site that I liked much better and used more often (Kingwood Yard Sales).
2. Can you sew?
Yes. I'm self-edumucated when it comes to sewing. I can get it done, but it may not be right. It will look cute, but it might not hold up in the wash lol. I haven't touched my machine in a while though (other than a quick stitch here or there).
3. Do you pour syrup on your pancakes or dip your pancakes in syrup?
it's more like I saturate them.
4. Rain storms: Love them or hate them?
Oh, I love them when I'm snuggled in bed on a lazy day, enjoying a good book and drifting off to a nap.... But, um, like that EVER happens. It's more like trying to get the kids into the store without getting drenched and busting my butt in the Target parking lot because we're completely out of milk and diapers. Yeah, don't love them so much then.
5. Do you like swimming?
I used to. Before I had 4 kids. That can't swim. But think they can.
6. What kind of drink do you order at Sonic?
sipping a Cherry Limeade as I type (I'm a great multi-tasker). Depending on my mood it's almost always that, a Vanilla Diet Coke, or Chocolate Dr Pepper.
7. Are you funny?
This is one of those questions you can't really answer without sounding either fake or conceited. No, I'm not really funny - ok, no one is NEVER funny, come on. Yes, I'm a laugh riot - um, you're not THAT funny...
8. At what age will your kids get cell phones?
Not something I've even thought about, because I know it won't be anytime soon.
9. What's your favorite vegetable?
Um, I'm a carnivore. And a carbivore. I joke, but I have been much better about eating my vegetables recently. In fact, I ate a whole huge floret of broccoli yesterday with dinner. That's right, a whole FLORET!!! My husband was almost impressed. Can potatoes count?
10. Were you a Girl Scout?
I was a Brownie for like a year. I don't think there was anything I did for more than 1 year when I was kid. I did soccer for a year. I did piano for a year. I did gymnastics for a year. I've always been a flounderer.
Yes, just a few times. When we lived in Houston, there was actually a local classifieds site that I liked much better and used more often (Kingwood Yard Sales).
2. Can you sew?
Yes. I'm self-edumucated when it comes to sewing. I can get it done, but it may not be right. It will look cute, but it might not hold up in the wash lol. I haven't touched my machine in a while though (other than a quick stitch here or there).
3. Do you pour syrup on your pancakes or dip your pancakes in syrup?
it's more like I saturate them.
4. Rain storms: Love them or hate them?
Oh, I love them when I'm snuggled in bed on a lazy day, enjoying a good book and drifting off to a nap.... But, um, like that EVER happens. It's more like trying to get the kids into the store without getting drenched and busting my butt in the Target parking lot because we're completely out of milk and diapers. Yeah, don't love them so much then.
5. Do you like swimming?
I used to. Before I had 4 kids. That can't swim. But think they can.
6. What kind of drink do you order at Sonic?
sipping a Cherry Limeade as I type (I'm a great multi-tasker). Depending on my mood it's almost always that, a Vanilla Diet Coke, or Chocolate Dr Pepper.
7. Are you funny?
This is one of those questions you can't really answer without sounding either fake or conceited. No, I'm not really funny - ok, no one is NEVER funny, come on. Yes, I'm a laugh riot - um, you're not THAT funny...
8. At what age will your kids get cell phones?
Not something I've even thought about, because I know it won't be anytime soon.
9. What's your favorite vegetable?
Um, I'm a carnivore. And a carbivore. I joke, but I have been much better about eating my vegetables recently. In fact, I ate a whole huge floret of broccoli yesterday with dinner. That's right, a whole FLORET!!! My husband was almost impressed. Can potatoes count?
10. Were you a Girl Scout?
I was a Brownie for like a year. I don't think there was anything I did for more than 1 year when I was kid. I did soccer for a year. I did piano for a year. I did gymnastics for a year. I've always been a flounderer.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter 2011
Our Easter weekend didn't go quite as planned. We were going to go to Houston Friday night and stay the night with my mom. Then go to Livingston Saturday morning for Eric's family's Easter get together. Then come back to my brother's house to visit with them and some other family that were coming into town. That all changed when Graham came into our room around 2am Thurs night (well, technically Fri morning). He'd thrown up all over his bed and then continued to throw up the rest of the night. Even though he was totally fine by Friday afternoon when we were planning on leaving, we knew we had to cancel our trip. We couldn't risk spreading those germs or having one of the other kids catch it while we were on the road. To try to ease some of the disapppointment, Eric took Natalie to the soccer training she was going to miss Friday night.
She loves soccer so much!
And I know I am totally biased, but she is really good at it too.
Then she was also able to go to her game on Saturday.
I took her to the game myself while Eric stayed home with the rest of the kids.
(in this pic she had just kicked the ball between the legs of the other player and was on her way around to go after it!)
After the game, I took her to lunch at IHOP, per her request. Then we did a little shopping and enjoyed a day together, just the two of us. She really liked getting that one on one attention.
When we woke up Sunday morning, the kids were all well and we thought we were in the clear with this tummy bug. They all opened their baskets and loved getting all dressed up for church.
While at church, Natalie started not feeling well. So we left pretty quickly after the service, picked up some fried chicken, and headed home. She got sick on the way home (thank goodness Eric thought enough to put the barf bucket we keep in the van in the back with her). After lunch, I sent Erica upstairs for a nap and not too long after that she got sick as well. So Eric and I spent the rest of the afternoon switching back and forth between our pukers and our well babies. I never got any pics of the kids all dressed up together in the Easter clothes, so as long as no one else gets sick today, I may try for that later this afternoon.
I say it's a good thing Easter isn't really about candy filled eggs, fancy Easter dresses, or ham dinners (which I totally forgot to make until the very last minute). My favorite part of Easter was the drive the church. We talked about what "He is Risen" meant. It was so heartwarming to hear my small children tell me about Christ's sacrifice and the miracle of his resurrection. That is what I will remember most about our Easter weekend.
She loves soccer so much!
And I know I am totally biased, but she is really good at it too.
Then she was also able to go to her game on Saturday.
I took her to the game myself while Eric stayed home with the rest of the kids.
(in this pic she had just kicked the ball between the legs of the other player and was on her way around to go after it!)
After the game, I took her to lunch at IHOP, per her request. Then we did a little shopping and enjoyed a day together, just the two of us. She really liked getting that one on one attention.
When we woke up Sunday morning, the kids were all well and we thought we were in the clear with this tummy bug. They all opened their baskets and loved getting all dressed up for church.
While at church, Natalie started not feeling well. So we left pretty quickly after the service, picked up some fried chicken, and headed home. She got sick on the way home (thank goodness Eric thought enough to put the barf bucket we keep in the van in the back with her). After lunch, I sent Erica upstairs for a nap and not too long after that she got sick as well. So Eric and I spent the rest of the afternoon switching back and forth between our pukers and our well babies. I never got any pics of the kids all dressed up together in the Easter clothes, so as long as no one else gets sick today, I may try for that later this afternoon.
I say it's a good thing Easter isn't really about candy filled eggs, fancy Easter dresses, or ham dinners (which I totally forgot to make until the very last minute). My favorite part of Easter was the drive the church. We talked about what "He is Risen" meant. It was so heartwarming to hear my small children tell me about Christ's sacrifice and the miracle of his resurrection. That is what I will remember most about our Easter weekend.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Seven on the Seventh: What I Wanted to be When I Grew Up
It's the second installment of "Seven on the Seventh" over at Where the Child Things Are. This month the topic is, What I wanted to be when I grew up.
1. The earliest thing I can remember wanting to be is a "fairy princess". I don't know exactly what sparked my interest in this, but I think it's the obligatory little girl dream, don't you?
2. When I was in elementary school, I had this little fashion designer set. It had 3 sets of plates: one for heads/hair, one for tops, and one for bottoms. You put together the outfits you liked, then put a piece of paper over top, and used a crayon sideways held in this thing to rub over it to make the design. I LOVED that thing. That's when I wanted to be a fashion designer.
3. There was a point when I wanted to be a hair dresser. My best friend and I would play beauty shop for hours and hours.
4. In 5th grade, we took a field trip to Space Center Houston. After that I wanted to be an astronaut. I had friends who said they'd never be astronauts because what if the shuttle exploded, and they died. I said I wasn't scared of that because it would be so fast that I wouldn't feel it. What an odd thing to say at 11 years old.
5. I can't pinpoint an exact timeframe, but I know for awhile I wanted to be a singer/actress. I pretty much wanted to be like the Olsen Twins. Except I was just one person. But, you know, kind of the same thing. Glad that didn't work out exactly like I wanted haha.
6. When I was in high school and really trying to figure out what I wanted to be, I was kind of confused. I didn't even know of most occupations in the world. All I knew was school. All I could say was that I wanted to work in a building downtown, because that seemed important. So when I was a junior, I took "business" for an elective, thinking that would teach me about the important wear-a-suit-to-work-in-your-downtown-skyscraper-office business. Um, wrong. It was about real business. Like owning/running a business. Not what I wanted to do for sure!
7. Then when I really sat down and thought about it, I said, "I want a job where I can do algebra problems all day." That was the day I decided I wanted to be a jr. high/high school math teacher. And that is what I ultimately ended up going to school for. I still don't have a degree, but I have a heck of a lot of college credits toward one. I am still a teacher, but it will be a few years before we start algebra. ;)
1. The earliest thing I can remember wanting to be is a "fairy princess". I don't know exactly what sparked my interest in this, but I think it's the obligatory little girl dream, don't you?
2. When I was in elementary school, I had this little fashion designer set. It had 3 sets of plates: one for heads/hair, one for tops, and one for bottoms. You put together the outfits you liked, then put a piece of paper over top, and used a crayon sideways held in this thing to rub over it to make the design. I LOVED that thing. That's when I wanted to be a fashion designer.
3. There was a point when I wanted to be a hair dresser. My best friend and I would play beauty shop for hours and hours.
4. In 5th grade, we took a field trip to Space Center Houston. After that I wanted to be an astronaut. I had friends who said they'd never be astronauts because what if the shuttle exploded, and they died. I said I wasn't scared of that because it would be so fast that I wouldn't feel it. What an odd thing to say at 11 years old.
5. I can't pinpoint an exact timeframe, but I know for awhile I wanted to be a singer/actress. I pretty much wanted to be like the Olsen Twins. Except I was just one person. But, you know, kind of the same thing. Glad that didn't work out exactly like I wanted haha.
6. When I was in high school and really trying to figure out what I wanted to be, I was kind of confused. I didn't even know of most occupations in the world. All I knew was school. All I could say was that I wanted to work in a building downtown, because that seemed important. So when I was a junior, I took "business" for an elective, thinking that would teach me about the important wear-a-suit-to-work-in-your-downtown-skyscraper-office business. Um, wrong. It was about real business. Like owning/running a business. Not what I wanted to do for sure!
7. Then when I really sat down and thought about it, I said, "I want a job where I can do algebra problems all day." That was the day I decided I wanted to be a jr. high/high school math teacher. And that is what I ultimately ended up going to school for. I still don't have a degree, but I have a heck of a lot of college credits toward one. I am still a teacher, but it will be a few years before we start algebra. ;)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Spring Bucket List Update
We're halfway through spring, so I thought it would be a good time to check-in on my Spring Bucket List and see how I've done so far.
Take pictures in the bluebonnets check
Send the kids out to play in the backyard more than once a week (if the weather allows) check
Take the kids to the park (this is something I used to do with Natalie and Erica all the time, but just get worn out at the thought of taking all 4)
Go to the Children's Museum
Go to the Zoo check
Not bad! You just saw our bluebonnet pics (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I've been sending the kids out to play almost everyday and it's been great. They get to run off some energy and use their imaginations (since they pointed out to me today that all our neighbors have playhouses/swing sets and we don't have anything fun in our yard). And I get to do the dishes or cook dinner without kids underfoot. I do keep Leah inside still if I'm not going to be out there, because we have a few steps down from the patio. And I took the kids to the zoo with some friends a few weeks ago. I will have to snag some of their pics to share because, of course, I forgot my camera. Or rather, I probably totally thought about bringing it, but decided against it, because keeping up with 4 kids is as much juggling as I usually want to do. But, one of my best friends has 4 kids herself and she always has her camera. So, I'm going to make an addition to my list...
Take pictures in the bluebonnets check
Send the kids out to play in the backyard more than once a week (if the weather allows) check
Take the kids to the park (this is something I used to do with Natalie and Erica all the time, but just get worn out at the thought of taking all 4)
Go to the Children's Museum
Go to the Zoo check
Bring my camera to more outings with the kids
So that leaves taking the kids to the park, and visiting the children's museum. Honestly, I have been wanting to take the kids to the park all week, but haven't done it. That will likely happen very soon. But, I don't think I'll be hitting up the children's museum on my own. I've talked to a couple different people about it, and because of the age difference between my kids, I'd be pulled 4 different ways and I just don't think I'm up for doing that by myself. If I have a group of friends planning a trip there, I may go that way. But otherwise, I'm out. So, I guess we'll see what happens.
Take the kids to the park (this is something I used to do with Natalie and Erica all the time, but just get worn out at the thought of taking all 4)
Go to the Children's Museum
Not bad! You just saw our bluebonnet pics (the good, the bad, and the ugly). I've been sending the kids out to play almost everyday and it's been great. They get to run off some energy and use their imaginations (since they pointed out to me today that all our neighbors have playhouses/swing sets and we don't have anything fun in our yard). And I get to do the dishes or cook dinner without kids underfoot. I do keep Leah inside still if I'm not going to be out there, because we have a few steps down from the patio. And I took the kids to the zoo with some friends a few weeks ago. I will have to snag some of their pics to share because, of course, I forgot my camera. Or rather, I probably totally thought about bringing it, but decided against it, because keeping up with 4 kids is as much juggling as I usually want to do. But, one of my best friends has 4 kids herself and she always has her camera. So, I'm going to make an addition to my list...
Take the kids to the park (this is something I used to do with Natalie and Erica all the time, but just get worn out at the thought of taking all 4)
Go to the Children's Museum
Bring my camera to more outings with the kids
So that leaves taking the kids to the park, and visiting the children's museum. Honestly, I have been wanting to take the kids to the park all week, but haven't done it. That will likely happen very soon. But, I don't think I'll be hitting up the children's museum on my own. I've talked to a couple different people about it, and because of the age difference between my kids, I'd be pulled 4 different ways and I just don't think I'm up for doing that by myself. If I have a group of friends planning a trip there, I may go that way. But otherwise, I'm out. So, I guess we'll see what happens.
Bluebonnets 2011
It's that time of year again! I absolutely LOVE the bluebonnets. Such a beautiful Texas tradition. And such an amazing example of God's creation. Unfortunately, they are just not as lush as they've been the past few years. Last year's blooms were fantastic! It has been so dry here lately though, that they are just barely hanging in there. But, I'll take it!
And now... for real life. As soon as we got there, I realized Leah had pulled out the ponytail in her hair. And it was no where to be found. So her hair was sticking straight up, and I didn't have anything else to put in it. The other girls had ponytails, but their ties were far too big for Leah's hair. So I was hoping for the best with her hair. Luckily I can edit the heck out of pictures and usually get something I am happy with.
She really looked like a troll doll.
Graham is generally a really happy kid. But for some reason, when I *want* him to smile and be happy, he turns completely emo.
It takes me acting a fool, making fart noises, and practically standing on my head to get any kind of positive reaction out of him.
And then there's these...
This next progression of pics really cracks me up.
"Oh no Mom! Leah's gonna get the flowers!"
"I'm having nothing to do with this!"
"Natalie, do something about Leah!"
"Fine, I'll go down there and take care of it myself. But I must keep smiling for the camera!"
"Ok, Erica. I'm here for moral support."
"Oh great, there goes Graham!"
"and his feet have left the ground"
"ok, Leah's getting up now. I think we're ok" as Graham reaches for a flower.
and picks it up...
Leah is gonna take care of it.
"Better luck next time, Graham!"
and we're done...
And now... for real life. As soon as we got there, I realized Leah had pulled out the ponytail in her hair. And it was no where to be found. So her hair was sticking straight up, and I didn't have anything else to put in it. The other girls had ponytails, but their ties were far too big for Leah's hair. So I was hoping for the best with her hair. Luckily I can edit the heck out of pictures and usually get something I am happy with.
She really looked like a troll doll.
Graham is generally a really happy kid. But for some reason, when I *want* him to smile and be happy, he turns completely emo.
It takes me acting a fool, making fart noises, and practically standing on my head to get any kind of positive reaction out of him.
And then there's these...
This next progression of pics really cracks me up.
"Oh no Mom! Leah's gonna get the flowers!"
"I'm having nothing to do with this!"
"Natalie, do something about Leah!"
"Fine, I'll go down there and take care of it myself. But I must keep smiling for the camera!"
"Ok, Erica. I'm here for moral support."
"Oh great, there goes Graham!"
"and his feet have left the ground"
"ok, Leah's getting up now. I think we're ok" as Graham reaches for a flower.
and picks it up...
Leah is gonna take care of it.
"Better luck next time, Graham!"
and we're done...
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