Life at my house

Time4Learning Review

2011-04-26T15:25:00.000-05:00

I was offered a free one month trial of Time4Learning in exchange for a candid review of the program. Never heard of Time4Learning? Time4Learing is a Pre-K through 8th grade online curriculum for homeschooler. It is comprehensive, and you can use it as your entire homeschool curriculum, or, as in our case, you can use it as a supplement to you current curriculum. Time4Learning can also be used by a parent as a supplement to a private or public school curriculum.

Time4Learning has many great features. As mention before it is a comprehensive program. Every grade covers every subject for that level, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, etc. Time4Learning also has a playground area for the students to play at after a set time to give them a break from their studies. You can think of it as recess at a virtual school. Time4Learning tracks the students progress so parents can know exactly what the students are learning and how well they are doing.

Personally, I love the concept of Time4Learning
. I love the freedom that is gives me as a parent. I love that my kids are not dependent on me for every aspect of their education. My kids enjoyed the lessons that they did at Time4Learning, and liked learning things in a new and different way. However, since we were using Time4Learning as a supplement to our regular homeschool curriculum, many days we just did not have time for another activity and Time4Learning was forgotten or skipped. Another disadvantage for our family is the price. The cost for the curriculum is 19.95 per month for the first child and then 14.95 per month for each additional child. That is just too much of a monthly expense for our three kids to use as a supplement.

Overall, I was pleased with what the lessons my children did at Time4Learning. If I was looking for a complete online curriculum to use in place of our current curriculum, I would definitely consider Time4Learning. Right now, however, we just cannot afford it as a supplement.

For more information visit the Time4Learning website located here.

Time4Learning

2011-03-24T11:21:00.002-05:00

I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. Time4Learning can be used for homeschool, afterschool and summer skill sharpening. Be sure to come back and read about my experience.

Happy Thankgiving!

2010-11-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T20:33:00.003-05:00

The kids over here love Halloween. It is the one day a year you can pretend to be someone your not, and you Mom lets you do it in public.

This year, we had...

Mario, Luigi, and Ariel

I tried to get Sweet Pea to be Princess Peach. I would have loved for her to fit in with the theme, but Ariel is her favorite princess. She just could not pass up the costume.

Of Course, the boys were not willing to be Prince Erik or Sebastian either.

Hiking

2010-10-28T20:59:00.004-05:00

We headed to our local state park this week end and did some hiking.

All three had to have a walking stick.

We made it to the top of the hill which was around 800 feet above sea level. Now I realize that is probably not that high. But we are dealing with 5 people not accustomed to hiking and one of them being a 5 year old with very short legs.

The view was not bad either.

It was a wonderful family time, and a definite do again.

It has been a while....

2010-10-26T07:50:00.002-05:00

a very long while. In fact, almost a year since I have posted here. I am funny like that. If I get too far behind instead of working hard to get caught up, sometimes I just shut down and ignore it. Like a good friend of mine says: If you ignore it long enough it will go away. Right? Well, the blog did not go away. We did not fall off the face of the Earth. This has just been one of my least priorities. In fact, it probably still is. There is no way for me to post a whole years worth of stuff in a timely manner. I still haven't decided whether to go back and "catch up", or just move forward. But if anyone is still out there. I will be writing soon. I hope.

Yes, Samson....

2009-12-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

There is a cat under the Christmas tree.

No, she does not want you sniffing her.

The Good, The Bad and the Silly '09

2009-12-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

Once again, We had to have the annual Christmas Card photo shoot. This year, to my surprise, it went well. I only had to take about 6 pictures. It was amazing.

So I give you....

The Good

The Bad

The Silly!!!

Tree Trimming '09

2009-12-05T15:39:00.001-06:00

The Finished Tree

What a weekend....

2009-11-24T16:25:00.001-06:00

Friday was my birthday, and my least expected and worse gift was a very sick little girl. Sweet Pea woke up that day coughing up junk and shortly into the morning running 102 fever.

She spent most of the day on the couch looking like this, and coughing up phlegm.

Saturday, she woke up running 103 and more phlegm. So we made a run into the dr. and left with out answers.

Sunday morning, after throwing up some phlegm and her ibuprofen, she seemed better. Her fever was lower (woke up with 102), and she even wanted to help me with some of the laundry. By lunchtime, the tables had turned. Her fever had climbed to 104.5, and now called for a trip to ER.

Six hours and two shots of antibiotics later, we left with a script for more antibiotics and a diagnosis of pneumonia.

No wonder she was so sick.

Monday morning she woke fever free and much better.

Braids

2009-11-19T15:47:00.000-06:00

LOVE IT!!!

Nothing says Fall Fun

2009-11-14T15:52:00.000-06:00

like a huge pile of fallen leaves.

Fall Fun/Halloween....

2009-11-06T17:35:00.002-06:00

Last week was busy over here.

First there was decorating pumpkins for AWANAs

Finished.

Then we decorated pumpkins for our front porch.

AJ did not want me to see his pumpkin until it was finished.

Sweet Pea was not happy because she had paint on her fingers.

Finished pumpkins

And Of Course....there was Halloween.

AJ the black suited spiderman. Don't you dare call him Venom.

TA the Snake-eyes from GI Joe.

And Sweet Pea as Wonder Woman.

They were all posing.

And it was a great week.

The big loss...

2009-11-03T14:13:00.002-06:00

Today, TA lost his first tooth.

It had been loose for a while, but not loose enough to come out. He decided to use his teeth to take apart a few legos. Well, his tooth could not take the pressure, and caved. It hurt him. There was blood involved.

He went as white as a sheet. He said his stomach was upset, and was laying on the floor.

He did perk up some when he heard that lost teeth equals money.

See what happens....

2009-10-27T17:06:00.000-05:00

when you take the video games away for a few days....

we build castles

and more castles

Isn't it amazing!!!

Just because...

2009-10-08T21:33:00.001-05:00

I think she is beautiful...

Even when she throws up in the middle of the night....

Pumpkin Farm and Pony Rides

2009-10-07T23:48:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to the pumpkin farm this weekend...

It involved..

Face- Painting for the boys...

Sweet Pea wouldn't do it...ugh.

Pyramid slides...

King of the Mountain

Teeter - Totters

Hay Bale Tunnels

and First Time Pony Rides

for Sweet Pea at least....she was not to thrilled while waiting...

but didn't seem to mind once she got started

and Of Course...

Pumpkins...

Belt Testing

2009-09-21T08:36:00.002-05:00

The boys had belt testing Saturday. AJ and TA are on their way to brown belts, and The Man is headed for blue.

The Man breaking his board. He injured his knee a few weeks ago and it has still been bothering him. But he still did very well.

AJ mid - kick just after breaking his board.

I totally missed TA's kick. I can't ever seem to get good pictures of all of them. Oh well....

Apple Picking Time

2009-09-09T19:17:00.001-05:00

I love apple picking. I love the taste of a fresh apple, the kind that come from a tree, not from the store. They are crisp, juicy, sweet and tart and all around perfect. We spent Labor Day morning at the apple farm.

This is the one time a year this child will eat an apple. Do you see the look on his face?

This child, on the other hand, loves them.

searching for the good ones

They had Jonathan and Honeycrisp apples to pick. Two of my very favorites.

Heading back with the fruit.

My Messenger...

2009-09-08T14:58:00.002-05:00

I finished my bag for me!!! It was really quite easy. The most difficult part was the cutting. I hate cutting.

I used a pattern from the book The New Handmade by Cassie Barden.

Personally, I am not a fan of messenger bags. I don't like to wear my purse strap across my chest, but that is just me. If I were to make it again, I would cut down the strap and just make it like a tote bag with a flap for a cover.

Here is a glimpse of the bag with the flap open. I do love the pockets.

I will definitely be making it again!!

First Days of School...

2009-08-25T19:09:00.002-05:00

The boys started school last Monday. I can't say they were excited. I can't even say I was excited. But, I can say that last week has went well. The routine is slowly coming back.

And this years first week went sooo much better than last years!!!

Today was Sweet Pea's first day of preschool.

Do you see the smile? Can you feel the excitement?

See how she looked when I left her.

I know this for sure. She loves it. It is all a show...for me. Her teacher, Miss Kim, says that as soon as I am gone she talks and participates. Oh well...

As my Grandpa used to say, "what a character!"

Threads of Life

2009-08-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

Ever taken a close look at a piece of fabric?

If you look close you will see that it is made of of thousands upon thousands of single strands of thread intricately woven together to make one single fabric. It doesn't matter if it is beautiful brocade or silk or ordinary quilters cotton, burlap or taffeta. Each thread has its place in the fabric. Each thread touches other threads.

Today, I was given a gift. It was wrapped in a clear, zip up bag, but folded with the back side out. To me, it looked like a piece of quilted pink fabric. I knew what it was. I had been told about it. But, honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. This is what a found.

Thousands or maybe millions of threads, made into fabrics, and pieced into a quilt thirty years ago. Piece by my grandmother, quilted by my great-aunt. A quilt made up of old skirts, and shirts and scraps that grandma had saved. A pattern that she had seen and made up herself. Given to me today, and perfect for my daughters bed.

When I think about it, I realize that Grandma pieced more than a quilt. She has pieced parts of my life, directly and indirectly through my mother.

The fabric of my life was influenced by and put together by my Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Mammi.

and hers will be too.

Just because they were sooo much fun...

2009-08-03T14:36:00.002-05:00

I had to make another one.

This one is uses two coordinating fabrics.

and I added a small pocket on the inside.

and look I even have a navy blue mini notebook to match.

Hmmm.....wonder who I will give this one to?

It does coordinate with one of these bags....

Notebook Covers

2009-08-02T11:18:00.000-05:00

Okay...so I found this super cute mini composition books while looking for school supplies for my kids.

Aren't they adorable?

I knew that they had to have a cover.

So I spent hours this weekend working on some sort of cover for them.

And this is what I came up with.

I made one for each of the kids and one for me that matches my Margaret Bag.

The inside.

I must say. It takes a while to actually make something you see in your head. Following a pattern is so much easier. But I think it was well worth the experience.

The kids love them. I love mine.

Now I may have to work on a cover for the full size Composition books I purchased.

Guess what happens....

2009-07-19T15:16:00.002-05:00

when the Man parks in the driveway instead of the garage, and I back out of the garage with out looking.

Yep..that is right. A car loses a mirror...ugh...

Look what flew over my house...

2009-07-14T23:15:00.001-05:00

pretty cool eh?

I thought it was...and so did the kids..

Blue First Testing

2009-07-14T15:46:00.001-05:00

The Boys had their belt testing again this weekend, and they are now Blue First belts. This means that they are halfway to black belt. We started Taekwondo a year ago at the end of the month and they have learned so much.

working on some moves for the Masters

TA getting ready to break his board.

AJ just after breaking his board. (I never am able to get a good pic of this.)

The man also tested, but I had a scheduling conflict and arrived just in time to see him break his board. Unfortunately, I did not have time to get my camera out. He is now a Green First.

Before and After....

2009-07-07T23:20:00.003-05:00

We finally had new floors put down in the house. The old floor were at least 20 years old so it was time. The change is amazing.

Kitchen - old

Kitchen - New

dining area - old

dining area - new

Living Room - Old...don't mind the kids...

Living Room - New

Old

New

Quite a change...and I am loving it.

Samson..not so much...He keeps slipping on it.

We kept carpet in the bedrooms. They turned up very well too.

Sweet Pea's - New

Sweet Pea's - Old

The boys' - Old

The boys - New

Old Vinyl

New Vinyl in the Bathroom

Happy Birthday, America!!!

2009-07-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

Women of Faith...

2009-06-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, I went to the Women of Faith Conference with a group of ladies from my church. We had a great time.

We saw....

Patsy Clairmont

Do you see her purple shoes?!?!?!?! I may need those.

Lisa Whelchel

Mandisa

and others.....

I even got to see my friend Lafondah!!!!

She was sitting across the arena so I snapped a picture. It was a great time.

Weekend Getaway...Part 2

2009-06-20T15:22:00.002-05:00

Before we headed home, we decided to visit Fantastic Caverns. This is a cave that you take a tram ride through instead of having to walk. We thought this would be perfect for the kids, and it was.

Sweet Pea was a tad worried, but she was better after we were in there and she realized they had lights.

The Man and TA looking around

AJ spent a lot of the time standing up trying to get a better look.

Just one of the many beautiful rock formations.

There were places where you had to duck to go under the ceiling of the cave.

We would do it again.

Swimming Lessons Week 1

2009-06-20T11:17:00.000-05:00

I signed the kiddos up for swimming lessons this week. They did so well.
This was Sweet Peas first lessons. She was excited, and then scared when she realized that I wasn't going with her.

It helped that her best friend E was there with her. Otherwise there was a good chance that she would not have been able to handle it.

Sweet Pea playing a game the last day.

When it was all said and done she had a great time. Of course she doesn't want to do it again...Oh well.

TA had had lessons before, but he had never done this well.

On the first day they had him floating, and swimming the width of the pool.

By the end of the week, he was swimming the length of it.

AJ was a pretty good swimmer already, but he had a blast.

I have to admit that I am not very comfortable watching my kids in water. They make me nervous. They seem to take risks that, well, that scare me, especially TA. So when at the end of each day of lessons the boys got to spend 10 minutes or so jumping off the diving board, I have to admit that it made me kinda jumpy. But I have to admit they did great.

TA jumping off the diving board.

AJ on the diving board.

They loved it. It just kinda freaked Mommie out.

Even Sweet Pea had the chance to jump in. Thank God it was not off the diving board.

They have another week of lessons scheduled in July. I am sure they will do just as well, probably better.

Weekend Getaway...Part 1

2009-06-15T11:31:00.003-05:00

We took a short trip to Branson this weekend. Branson seems to be a favorite vacation spot for our family. All three of my children visited there mere months after they were born. It really is just a family type of place.

We were only there for a weekend and there is just so many hours in a day, but we were still able to do quite a lot.

First, we saw the Noah musical. It was really good. We had decent seats, close enough to see the actors faces. It kept the kiddos entertained. Sweet Pea spent most of the time talking, but it didn't seem to bother the people around us. I could barely hear her, so I am sure they couldn't either.

We spent the next day at Silver Dollar City. We had planned to just buy our tickets at the door before we entered the park. However, we ran into so really nice people with season tickets, and they had guest passes that they were willing to give us. So......our entire family went to silver Dollar City for free. If we would have bought the tickets, it would have cost us $220. You can't beat that.

Another interesting thing happened at Silver Dollar City....

Here are the kiddos getting ready to cross the swinging bridge.

Here they are running to the other side.

But....on the way back, Sweet Pea slipped and fell and scraped her knees. She was bleeding all over the place.

Here is Daddy carrying her back.

So....

We were able to visit first aid.

Overall, we had a very good day. We rode the train and the lost mine water ride.

We played games and had ice cream.

We sat in an old fashioned school house and pet some animals.

It was a good day.

Pizza Night

2009-06-10T09:54:00.004-05:00

We had a busy day yesterday so the simplest solution for dinner was pizza, and the cheapest pizza is Little Caesars. I had the man pick it up on the way back from Taekwondo with the boys. It was wonderful for me.

The nice cashier at the pizza joint gave the boys each a bag of cookies, and, well, the creativity that can be found in a small bag of cookies.

Well, see for yourself....

A pizza man made with TA's cookies.

Sweet Pea trying to sneak one.

AJ took the idea one step farther and has his pizza man eating pizza. Of Course.

and....Sweet Pea trying to sneak one!!

New Capri Set

2009-05-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how much fun I have been having lately sewing. I don't know. It has just been a blast. I just finished this Capri set for Sweet Pea.

I made a mistake on the top. The pattern I was using had the option for a two tiered or three tiered top. I wanted the three tiered option. So I cut out the fabric, sewed the bottom and middle tier together and was pinning the bodice when I realized that I cut the wrong middle tier out. The middle tier was supposed to be about 5 inches shorter. What was I to do? Nothing. I just went with it. It was the best mistake I have ever made.

It fits her perfectly, and looks like it was meant to be that way.

action shot

Makes me want to make another one....How many capri sets does one girl need?

Sweet Pea's Preschool Celebration

2009-05-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it but Preschool is now over. Yesterday was Sweet Pea's last day, and last night the kids put on a show for us and then the older ones graduated. It was really sweet. They sang 4 songs. Each child received a diploma and a photo album of things they had done that year.

For a little girl that really didn't want to go to preschool(see this post), she is going to miss it. Ummm...I am going to miss it. Oh well, just a few more months and then it starts again.

Let me introduce you to....

2009-05-20T22:08:00.002-05:00

The Margaret Bag

Lola, this really cool and crafty friend of mine, found this bag pattern and made herself a diaper bag. Well, when I saw it I knew I needed one too...hmmm...or maybe two too. So here they are. Holynickel's Margaret Bags...

First up the Pink one. A girl has to have a pink purse. Why you ask? Because I decided. I found this fabric and thought it would be perfect. The print is really too big for me to make into clothes for Sweet Pea. But in the bag it is wonderful....at least I think so.

The next one...well...it is for the Birds....Super adorable white birds that is with yellow flowers.

And...did you see the button? I happened to find the perfect yellow and black button. The amazing thing was that this pattern was not that difficult to do. The instructions were easy to follow. It was really surprising for me.

I know I already have 2 of these, but, you know, if the right fabric presents itself, a few more maybe in my future.

BTW...you can make your own Margaret Bag. Just click on the link at the top of the page and get sewing. Did I mention the tutorial is free?

Sweet Pea's After Easter Dress

2009-05-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know this is a tad late. Honestly, this dress was finished for her to wear the week after Easter, but her mother forgot to take her picture.

This was supposed to be for her Easter dress, but as I was making it. I came across one that I liked better. Hence, the after Easter dress.

It turned out great.

AJ's Birthday...

2009-05-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I can't believe he is nine. Nine just seems so old. I am really not handling this well. Just yesterday, he was little. Now he is getting so tall, and seeming so much more mature. Okay, more mature some of the time.

okay...enough of that..

AJ wanted a Zelda birthday cake. For all of you non-gamers out there, Zelda is an awesome video game. I honestly do not know where he gets his love of Zelda. It cannot have anything to do with the hours his mother has spent working on the games. Surely not.....

Anyway..if you google Zelda cakes you will get some pretty impressive results. Way out of my creative league. But...I can do a triforce. An arrangement of three triangles can't be that difficult, and it wasn't.

The main thing is AJ was more than pleased!!!

Can you guess?

2009-05-13T21:05:00.000-05:00

What this is?

Why a very eco-friendly shopping bag of course.

Now if I can just remember to use them...ugh.

Two tote bags...

2009-05-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

I have been busy sewing this weekend. First, Sweet Pea is soon the be finished with preschool. I found some super cute teacher fabric at Joann's and thought that would make the perfect gift for her teacher.

You have to love apples and bees. Especially as a teacher.

Then, Mothers Day. To be honest, after all of the effort that goes into the birthdays for the last two months, by Mothers' Day my brain is done. I am tired of figuring out gifts and planning parties. So after I finished the teacher bag, I made one for my Mom. It turned out super well. I was wishing I had more of this fabric.

These are easy to make and so practical. I can seem more of these in my future...for the kids, for me, for gifts...oh the possibilities.

Kite Day!

2009-05-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

Today we took the kids kite flying. TA got a kite for his birthday and today was the perfect day for its first flight.

getting ready

Up, Up, and Away

2 new baby baskets...

2009-05-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

I made baby baskets for Sweet Pea and her best friend E. for their birthdays.

This one was for Sweet Pea.

We also got her a baby doll to fit in it, and baby accessories for her diaper bag.

and for E.

I bought the baby basket pattern from Meg at Boutique NutMeg Designs. The quilt patterns came from the net, and the little tote was adapted from Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol.

Birthday Party for the Boys....

2009-05-04T20:08:00.002-05:00

All of my childrens birthdays are close. In fact, my family happens to have 4 birthdays and 1 anniversary in the course of 2 months. It is tiring. It is kind of like Christmas season all over again, just with less hype from the rest of the world.

Anyway.....

This year we decided to give the boys a big party. We always have a family and a few friends party, but this year, we went big. So we had a TaeKwonDo party at their gym. It was a blast.

First, there was jumping....

Then, there was kicking....

And punching...

Sweet Pea even participated!!!

And last, there was cake, and presents. (That I forgot to take pictures of).

It was fun!

2 for 1 Birthday deal!!!

2009-04-17T09:20:00.003-05:00

TA and Sweet Pea have birthdays 10 days apart. This year our March was so busy that there was no way to have separate parties. So a few Saturdays ago, they shared a birthday party.

waiting to blow out his candles

By pure mistake, I bought the relighting candles. So it took forever for my poor children to blow them out. It also took much help from me. Sweet Pea was starting to get a tad be upset, but we finally did it.

My house was a mess of kids, food, and wrapping paper. It was wonderful.

Sweet Pea's cake

TA's cake

I really can't believe that my baby girl is now 4 and my baby boy is 6. Where has all the time went. It seems like just yesterday that I brought them home from the hospital. It has been such a joy to watch them grow and change, but at the same time I want to just hold them and have them be little still. In just a few weeks my oldest will be nine and I will definitely start to feel old. I am just sooo thankful for them. They truly are blessings, even when they drive me nuts.

Sweet Pea on giving Offering

2009-04-16T11:28:00.003-05:00

"We have to give money to Jesus because him don't have any." I don't think she quite has it yet.

Two Field Trips.... Part 2

2009-04-16T10:50:00.002-05:00

Our next field trip was to the butterfly house. TA had a unit on Butterflies and we thought it would be the perfect time to go to the local butterfly house. We took several of our friends and made a day of it. First we watched the butterfly movie and then entered the butterfly room.

AJ looking at a blue morpho. They were releasing tons of these blue morphos. They were very beautiful, and flying around all over the place.

TA examining a smaller butterfly that I am not sure what it is.

Just a pretty butterfly.

Close up of a blue morpho.

Sweet Pea with her arms out wanting for the butterflies.

Two Field Trips.... Part 1

2009-04-16T09:18:00.002-05:00

We have taken two field trips in the last few months. AJ did a unit on Africa, and we went to the zoo to look at animals from Africa. We saw lions and zebras and giraffes, and all sorts of antelopes. The kids had fun. We took paper and they drew the animals they saw and wrote a little about them if they wanted.

This is the male giraffe. I don't think my kids even come up to his knees. I mean I knew giraffes were tall, but I don't think I realized how tall.

The baby giraffe. He was adorable and huge for a baby..

Here is the lioness.

And the zebras.

This dude is from Asian...but I couldn't post about this field trip without mentioning him. I am not really sure what was up with him, but he thought he was something.

He was standing really close to the edge looking at us just as we were looking at him. It was almost like he came to see our show instead of the other way around.

We had a good time and for February, the weather was perfect!!!

Surgery....

2009-04-15T11:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I made through my sinus surgery yesterday. I was really kind of nervous about it since I had never been put under before. So we are taking the week off from school. This is kind of our Easter break. The man was home with me yesterday, and today my Mom is here taking care of me. I am really feeling pretty good, better than I thought I would. I am just so glad it is over. I am going to try to use some of this time to get caught up on some events in our life here on this blog. So be watching for so new posts.

Yet another Testing...

2009-03-16T20:00:00.002-05:00

for Taekwondo that is. And the boys did great. All three of them tested and passed. AJ and TA are now green first belts, and the man has yellow first.

I tried to get pictures from a different angle. but still...they are not that great. Oh well.

The year of the surgeries!!

2009-03-14T17:40:00.003-05:00

Yes that is surgeries....plural...more than one.

1. Sweet Pea had tubes put in for the second time at the end of January.

2. and 3. TA had a four year old tube removed at the beginning of February, and, on the same day, AJ had his tonsils and adenoids removed. Yes, you read correctly, on the same day. TA's surgery really was a breeze. After the gas wore off and he woke up, he was fine. No pain, not even crabby. AJ was a tad bit different story. Of course, AJ's surgery was much more involved. Bottom line was he hurt. It took him a good 10 days or so to even feel better. He seemed to live on pudding, Lipton cup of soup packets, and ice cream. There were two things that really stuck out from this surgery day: 1. The picture of my two boys laying together in a hospital bed. Really it was sweet. 2. AJ's words to me in the recovery room. "Mom, My throat hurts." I replied, "Yah hon, they took your tonsils out." He says back, "I don't remember that." And I prayed a silent prayer of thanks that he didn't. I did ask him the other day if he felt he could breathe better and he said he could.

To top it all off...there is at least one more surgery scheduled for our family. This time it is for me. I am having some sinus surgery done after Easter. Kinda scary for me since I have never had surgery before. But I think it is needed.

I am praying this will be the last for a while. Four surgeries in four months by the same doctors seems a tad excessive. Hopefully, Insurance doesn't begin to think that we are in cahoots with the doc or anything. Cause we are not...

Ahhh.....

2009-03-03T12:12:00.001-06:00

I missed my anniversary. As of Feb. 22 I have officially been blogging for a year. I can't believe it. Honestly, it feels good to have a record of the last year of our lives.

Baby Basket

2009-02-18T15:04:00.003-06:00

I found the pattern for a baby doll basket and thought it would be the perfect birthday gift for my friends daughters and mine, too. So here is the first of the year. I thought it turned out very well.

I even made a matching quilt for the baby. Can't wait to start on the next one.

Capri set for Sweet Pea

2009-02-13T16:21:00.000-06:00

I just finished my first pair of pants. Well, I guess really they are capris. They were just a simple pair of pants with an elastic waistband, but it was the first time I have made this type of clothing.

They are a little long on Sweet Pea, and I even shortened them. So they should fit her for a few years. Hopefully, the shirt will last that long.

Snow Fun

2009-01-29T16:09:00.002-06:00

We have had two days of snow in these parts. It was the first time we have had enough snow this winter for the kids to go out and play in it. They were so excited.

Here they are all ready to play. If you look close you can still see the grass peeking out of the snow.

Sampson went out with them for a bit. Then, he decided it was too cold.

The following day we got an addition 6 inches or so. So back out they went.

This time there was enough to really play in it.

AJ even attempted a snowman.

A small snow man, but still. If you look to the left you will see a pot. He used that for the body and then a small snow ball for the head.

All I can say is I am glad we had some snow. I am glad it will soon be gone. I am very very ready for spring!!!

A new apron

2009-01-26T15:51:00.002-06:00

Sweet Pea had her very first birthday party invitation from preschool. I thought long and hard about what to get this little friend for her birthday and couldn't resist making a new apron.

Here is Sweet Pea modeling her friends gift.

We also bought some cookie mixes and muffin mixes and made it a themed present.
I am really liking the black and white if I don't say so myself. hmmm...May need to work on a couple for the two of us.

Making Crepes

2009-01-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

This week, AJ studied France. So...we made crepes for breakfast. It was fun, and easy, and they liked them.

Everyone took turns stirring up the batter

Sweet Pea was not to thrilled with giving her turn up so AJ could have one.

They turned out very well. We filled them with a chocolate pudding mixture. I tried to make them more authentic and use jelly, but the kids thought chocolate was a better option. It was tasty. Especially when they were topped in caramel.

What to do with a 3 year old

2009-01-15T12:47:00.000-06:00

that is underfoot all the time....

Give her a mop.

Well actually she found it herself.

and she mopped....

and mopped some more

and I really need to remember to let her do this....frequently...It has the potential to make my life much much easier.

Tae Kwon Do Testing

2009-01-11T12:32:00.004-06:00

So the boys had Tae Kwon Do testing this weekend. All of the boys....even the big one. This time AJ and TA were headed for their green belts and The Man his yellow.

The Man went first since his was the lower belt.

I love this picture. hehehe

When it was time for the Man to break his board Miss C brought out a board about an inch think. Well this was not good enough apparently because Master L had her get out another one. So he had not one, but two boards to break at once.

breaking his board

and he did it. I was so proud. His hand did hurt him for the rest of the day, but he did it.

The boys were a little later on in the program and they did very well.

They all did great.

I just need to figure out a way to get better pictures.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins

2009-01-10T21:03:00.004-06:00

My children love muffins for breakfast. Unfortunately, the boys won't eat them with fruit in them....unless it is pumpkin (which I do realize it is a vegetable. hmmm....or is it a fruit?). So when I came across this Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffin recipe at Tammy's Recipes. I knew I had to try it.

So here is my version of Tammy's recipe:

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 can pumpkin
3 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (i kinda guessed this)
1 cup butterscotch chips
You could add a cup of nuts too. My kids don't go for cooked nuts.

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl.

2. Mix the wet ingredients in a small bowl.

3. Combine the two bowls and mix until just moistened. (You may want to add more milk here if it seems to dry).

4. Place in a greased muffin pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

This makes about 18 muffins.

btw...according to this article pumpkin is a fruit...and so are green beans...who knew?

More Sewing

2009-01-06T11:07:00.002-06:00

I just finished a new summer shirt for Sweet Pea. It is a wrap shirt. Now I just need to finish the coordinating pants.

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-01T22:38:00.002-06:00

Last night we had some friends over for a party. Just two other couples and their kids. We threw the children downstairs to eat and play. The adults stayed upstairs to eat and chat. It was a wonderful time. There were no major injuries or fights, which was amazing since all of the kids made it to midnight.

To celebrate we let the kids take pots and pans outside and bang them. I think it was the highlight of the evening. Even the two year old had her own pot.

It was silly. It was fun. It is something they probably will remember for a long time. See the picture with all the pots on their heads. Guess what that meant. Yep. That's right. I had to wash every single one of those pots before they went back into my cupboard.

But it was worth it.

Here she is....

2008-12-31T18:46:00.002-06:00

in her new dress.

and since she has always wanted make up.....

Here is her first shiner. It looks like make up. Poor kid. She was smacked in the eye by her big brother with a tennis racket. It truly was an accident.

The Sweet Pea Tree

2008-12-29T11:57:00.001-06:00

The Christmas tree is gone. The decorations are down. So Sweet Pea put herself on a stool and made a tree.

A dress for Sweet Pea

2008-12-29T11:55:00.000-06:00

I have completed my first dress. Over the years I have started many articles of clothing, but this is the first finished garment. I have to admit it was easier than I thought it would be. The zipper isn't that perfect, but who is looking..hehehe

I need to decide what I am going to do about the bow. Right now, it is just pinned on. I could leave it that way, or tack it to the dress. I think I will leave that decision for another day. Now I just need to decide on my next project.

The newest Taekwando Member

2008-12-28T14:49:00.003-06:00

The Man decided to join Taekwando with the boys. Yesterday was his first day. He practiced kicking, broke his board and is now and official white belt.

kicking

before board breaking

getting ready to break the board

the official white belt

Raggedy Quilt for a Baby Boy

2008-12-28T14:15:00.003-06:00

This is a rag quilt that I made for a lady at church. She is having a little boy and due any day now. This is the first rag quilt I have made. It was really rather simple. I will definitely be doing it again.

close up of the quilt

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T15:34:00.003-06:00

Christmas day is spent with my family. Normally, we head over to my parents some time during the morning and then spend most of the day there. This year, however, my parents and my brothers came here. We cooked, and ate, and then opened presents. We played games, took naps and had a great time.

Doggie's first Christmas

2008-12-27T14:33:00.002-06:00

My parents bought a gift for Sampson. It was wrapped and everything. He really didn't know what to do with it, but he loved the attention.

trying to figure this out

Grandma helping him

finally the kids couldn't take it anymore and just opened it for him

the prize

He was a very happy doggy...until we took them away Then ....

I know they are in there.

Could you open this please?

Christmas Morning

2008-12-27T14:27:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T22:01:00.005-06:00

Christmas Eve is spent with the Man's family. We eat a simple meal, open presents and spend some time together, and of course open presents. Sweet Pea got a cabbage patch kid, and let me tell you that brought back memories for me. She also recieved a Belle doll, a big puppy dog, some movies and other things. The boys got transformers, power rangers, and the hit of the night star wars clone costumes and light sabers, and other things.

After eating and gifts, Grandpa lines us up at the table for our yearly Christmas picture.

The year we went to Christmas Eve service with Aunt Beckie. I really enjoyed it. Hopefully, we will be able to do it again next year.

Doesn't Everyone.....

2008-12-23T19:08:00.001-06:00

have a Spiderman on their tree.

When asked how he got here, TA informed me that he threw Spiderman and that is where he landed. Amazing if you ask me. Of course, he is the Amazing Spiderman right?

Sweet Pea's Big Girl Bed

2008-12-22T22:00:00.002-06:00

Sweet Pea got a big bed today. I don't have pictures of the full bed and room yet, but here she is sleeping and beautiful.

Sweet Pea's Preschool Christmas Program

2008-12-21T18:57:00.002-06:00

Sweet Pea is loving preschool. I am so glad I put her in it. Last week, on her last day of school before Christmas break, she had a Christmas program that the parents were invited to watch. Her brothers and I went, and Grandma was even available to go. I know I have the pictures of the church program on the blog, and I was expecting a repeat of that. All the children singing and Sweet Pea standing there not doing a thing. But I was wrong. She sang. She did the motions. She was super super cute. I was so proud of her.

Here are a couple short clips of the program. Once again, I am not the best movie taker. She is in the green dress and a snowman hat.

New Aprons and My 100th post!!!

2008-12-20T13:18:00.000-06:00

I can't believe this is my 100th post. Honestly, when I started this, I never imagined I would have so much to say. I guess I didn't think my life was that interesting. I really like having a record of our lives, especially my children's lives. Just a little journal to remember our days by.

Now on to the Aprons....

I made some new aprons recently. The first two were for a lady a church. She wanted to give matching ones to her nieces for Christmas.

Here is a close up of the shopping bag fabric. I really liked this fabric. I had a hard time restraining myself and not buying up several yards. You know I have a fabric problem.

And then a Christmas apron for Sweet Pea.

This was a new pattern for me. I really do like it. It worked up quickly. I also made aprons for my mom and I to match for Christmas. I tried this pattern in the adult size XL but it needs some help. Not sure what yet, but I may have to work on it.

Such a Baby!!

2008-12-16T15:19:00.000-06:00

yes that is my 40 lb. dog..with a binkie in his mouth.

Cookie Baking

2008-12-16T12:03:00.000-06:00

Christmas cookies that is. I remember when I was little we had these neighbors across the street that would bake Christmas cookies. I guess Mom did that some with us too, but not like these neighbors. I remember they had this mud room (I guess that is what you would call it nowadays) and it had shelves. The shelves would be filled with ice cream tub after ice cream tub after ice cream tub full of cookies. They did this every Christmas. I can't even begin to tell how many cookie they would have baked each year. To a little kid of 8 years old or so, It was amazing. Well, this is one thing that I have not started at my house. I don't have the time each Christmas to make hundreds of dozens of cookies, and really I am not that sad about it. There are other traditions that we have that are just a special. But this year, we had a snow day, and what better thing is there to do on a snow day (that was really just a bunch of ice) than bake cookies.

We made Snickerdoodles. It was so much fun. They helped me mix the batter. Then they each had a bowl of sugar and cinnamon to roll the dough in before baking. It will be a definite do again. Maybe not every Christmas, but maybe. Who knows? It could be time for a new tradition.

Mixing the batter

Coating the Cookies with Cinnamon and Sugar

Just being cute

Matching Aprons

2008-12-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

For Grandma and her little cook. I made these a while back...but are just now getting the pictures up.

Sweet Pea was having a "you are not going to take my picture day" and this is the best shot I got.

Sweet Pea's 1st Haircut

2008-12-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

It was time. Time to cut Sweet Pea's hair.

Just as a reminder...

She went from this

to this....

in three short years...

So I took her to my beautician, the same lady that has been cutting my hair since I was tiny, and evened up the back of her hair. She cut of the dead, made it straight, and Sweet Pea looks wonderful. I am so glad I did.

before

getting styled

I think she likes it.

after

Trip to Our Lady

2008-12-10T09:59:00.000-06:00

It is tradition. Every Christmas we take the kids to see the lights at the Shrine. This year was no different. The kids get to ride a camel, fet and pet animals at a petting zoo, play in the activity center, and watch a puppet show all with a Christmas theme. What better holiday outing could you have?

AJ and TA on the camel. I tried to get Sweet Pea to ride it. She refused. I even tried to get her to ride a donkey. She still refused. To intimidating I guess.

Sweet Pea feeding the animals.

TA feeding the animals.

AJ was more interested in taking pictures of the animals.

In the Activity Center

My boys...

Kid's Christmas Play 2008

2008-12-09T22:58:00.000-06:00

Every year the children at our church put on a play for Christmas. This year was no different.

It started with the preschoolers. This is were Sweet Pea participated.

That's here in the red and white dress. She was giving a teddy bear for Mary and Joseph to pack in their suitcase for baby Jesus.

and of course here she is lifting her dress up for the world to see. Thank goodness it was just the top of her dress.

The preschool program lasts about 20 minutes and then the K-6 graders take over. AJ and TA both had parts. AJ was a camera man for the lead character. The play was ran like a on the spot news brodcast. TA was a rock and roller, and it was rumored that he danced. Danced with a girl, and did a really good job. This was amazing to me. This is the child that wouldn't even walk in front of the Church to sit with a group of kids in his class. This is the kiddo that didn't even want to walk into the last chili supper our church had because there were people in there. And he was gonna dance...in front of the whole church. I just kept saying I will believe it when I see it.

anyway....

So here we were waiting for their parts....and the play was awesome...

Here's AJ...being the camera man.

and sure enough here is a pic a TA DANCING....in front of the whole church....with a GIRL...and dancing well. I was floored...and just a tad bit proud....okay a ton proud..

more of AJ being the camera man

and here is TA on top of one of the girls shoulders during the finale.

The kids had a blast. We enjoyed watching them, and I was just as proud as could be. Before you think that AJ didn't have much to do, let me tell you that he was given a choice of parts. The camera man was the one he chose. On the way home from the play AJ said, "Mom, I had the best part you know? I didn't have to sing. I didn't have to learn any lines. All I had to do was stand there." And I thought well, he enjoyed himself and that is all that matters.

and lastly, for you view pleasure, here is a small clip of Thomas dancing. The video is not that great. I don't have the steadiest of hands, but you will get the effect. In my defense, it is difficult to keep a camera still when you are laughing.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot #2

2008-12-08T22:47:00.000-06:00

Why is it so difficult to get three kids to:

1. Sit Still.
2. Stay in the same place and pose for more than 30 seconds
3. Smile
4. Pretend like they are enjoying it

I mean come on!!! is it really that difficult

Finally settled on this one...

This is me....it really is

2008-12-07T22:11:00.000-06:00

Christmas Card Photo Shoot #1

2008-12-07T16:03:00.002-06:00

Here are the good the bad and the just plain silly...LOL.

Unfortunately, I realized after I had taken them that all of these are on 640x480 setting. Really good for the comp. Not so good for a printed picture. ugh

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-07T15:29:00.001-06:00

This year it was time for a new tree. For the last two years, we had to fix some problem or another with our old one, and that gets old. So this year a new pre-lit tree sits in our living room. We put the tree up at night after we had put the kids to bed. This is not normally how we do things. Normally, we pick an evening, get all of the Christmas stuff out and begin the long process. First you sort the branches, then you set up the tree "trunk", and, by about half way through sorting the tree branches the kids are done. They want to put the ornaments on. It doesn't matter that the tree isn't together yet. Then once the tree is together, on go the lights. All the while little children and asking, "Can we put the ornaments on now?" "When can we put them on, mommy?" and on and on and on it goes. Until....What I wanted to be a sweet family memory becomes one of mommy screaming, "If you ask to put the ornaments on one more time, you will NOT put any on!!!!! Do you hear me?" and then the children are told to go downstairs and we will call them when it is time.

So...this year ...The tree...with lights already attached, the star, the ribbons and the bow, and the tree skirt were all put up....while the children were happily snoozing. AND IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!!

The next morning, Sweet Pea woke up and came running in my room exclaiming...."MOMMY!!!! WE HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE!!!!" It was adorable. Almost as good as Christmas morning when the presents arrive.

Then came the decorating. The time they had all been waiting for. The ornaments.

We have a tradition over here. Every year we take the kids and get them their own ornament. These ornaments go in their own special box. The are put up only by the owner, and when the time comes for them to leave the house, these ornaments will go with them for their first Christmas on their own.

These are the last to go up, and the most fun.

Sweet Pea

And let me tell you...this year the process was sooo much smoother. I think the Christmas Tree may have to make a surprise appearance every year.

According to the cat

2008-12-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

this is the perfect place to hide from the dog

Thanksgiving Day 2008

2008-11-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I am thankful. I am thankful for family. I am thankful for a Savior. I am thankful for kids, even ones that a crabby from no nap. I am thankful for 2 set of grandparents still living on this side of eternity. I am thankful for a beautiful home. I am thankful for my husbands job. I am thankful for my job. I am thankful for a free country. I am thankful for a rich heritage of faith. I am THANKFUL!

Sweet Pea helping with dinner

Four generations of cooks

.
The spread

Gratitude

2008-11-27T13:40:00.000-06:00

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving...you know that holiday that is sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. Every year I have high hopes to make Thanksgiving worthwhile, to establish a tradition or traditions that bring the real focus of the day to my children. Gratitude is the opposite of self-centered-ness. Focusing of blessings is the antidote to discontent. So why is it so hard. Halloween takes planning, especially when you have three children. You have costumes to buy or make, family to go take them too, get togethers to plan or participate in. Christmas is truly the biggest celebration of the year. We spend 4 weeks celebrating advent weekly ..and sometimes daily to hopefully at some point drill the real reason of the season into our children's thick skulls....or maybe our thick skulls. But Thanksgiving...It seems to be lost in the transition....at least over here.

Unfortunately, this year was no different. I want Thanksgiving to be a learning tool. A reflection of what is really important to us. And even though it is too me, I want to make it that for my children. I want them to understand...it isn't all about them....but the One the gives us all the blessings. I want them to know that the family that gathers together on this day is a blessing, a gift. One that we are not guaranteed of next year. One that others may not have. Most of all I want them to know THE Giver of all these blessing. By writing this I am putting my frustration on paper (so to speak). I am hoping that next year as I look back I will see this post and know this is mine to change. It is my job to make this holiday just as or even more important as the two it is sandwiched between.

What does it mean....

2008-11-19T15:00:00.003-06:00

...when you make your own birthday cake? Last year, a friend and I took a cake decorating class. We had a blast. We got to get out once a week for a month and came home with a beautifully decorated cake...that we got to eat. I mean what more could we want? Well, last year I made the birthday cakes for every family members birthday. Dad's in September, Brother #2 two weeks later. Then in November, Bro. # 1 and I have birthdays 1 week apart so I made a cake for that. The Dad in Law and Sister in Law in February. Then Sweet Peas in March, TA's in April, The Man's a few days after that. AJ's in May. Lots of cakes...but let me tell you...they tasted awesome.

This year when Dad's b-day rolled around I didn't even consider making it. I just didn't really think about it. So we had a store bought one...it was good, but mine are better. Bro. # 2 same thing...but this one was frozen. Bro. #1 bought it, and he didn't know it was frozen...but still, it was. The kids said it was a cake Popsicle if that tells you anything.

So by Bro. #2's birthday and mine of course, I had had it. It was time for one of my cakes...and it was awesome.

I will admit that it gave me some trouble. If you look closely you can see the crumbs in the top. But, boy, was it good....and that is really all that matters.

Words of Wisdom from Sweet Pea

2008-11-18T17:45:00.003-06:00

Picture this scene. I am in the kitchen cutting up carrots for dinner and Sweet Pea is helping me. Okay, maybe more like eating carrots as I cut them. Anyway, we start singing Away in a Manger. As I finish, here is the conversation:

SP: Ya, Mom and hims sad (all he's are hims and she's are hers in Sweet Pea lingo).

ME: Whose sad?

SP: Jesus

ME: Why is Jesus sad?

SP: Because him couldn't go with me.

ME: Couldn't go with you where?

SP: To be with Mommy!!!!

OH the perspective of a three year old.

More TaeKwondo

2008-11-16T14:40:00.001-06:00

So the boys went for their latest belt testing...and they passed. I am really proud of them. This time there was also a competion between the 4 HTA schools. So the boys competed against others in board breaking and pomsae (don't ask me what that really means, but I think it is basic forms). Here are the highlights:

meditating at the beginning of the competition....I wish I could get them to be that quiet and still on command...okay I know I am dreaming

belt testing

AJ during the board breaking competition

TA during the board breaking competion

They both recieved third place in the board breaking competion.

Here they are with their medals.

Ice Skating

2008-11-15T21:12:00.004-06:00

The man and I spent most of our dating year ice skating. He loved it. I enjoyed it. It was fun. We were together. What more could you want, right? Well, as the children came (hmmm...sounds almost like a soap opera), it was more and more difficult to ice skate. Little legs are not very sturdy on the ice, and, frankly, it gets old having to hold them up. Since Sweet Pea is now three and the others older respectively, we thought that maybe, just maybe it would be possible for all of us to go. And....it was!

AJ did amazingly well. We have taken him a handful of times. His ankles did turn in most of the time but he made it without our help.

They gave Sweet Pea a metal thing to help her stay up, so she was able to skate by herself for the most part.

And then there was TA. The rink would not let him have a metal helper, so we had to help him. He was very frustrated. There were many tears and much whining.

But....eventually he figured it out..and we had....

this

and this

Of Course you would have to know TA...but he still spent lots of time like...

this.

and this.

and this

and then it is always fun to just crawl across the ice

or make snow or ice angels

or just lay there when you fall.

But....they had a great time. We were able to skate and not just hold people up, and we will definitely try it again.

Of course we can't go when there will be too many other people there. Trust me. My children are ice hazards.

Chili Recipe

2008-11-10T17:11:00.003-06:00

Okay, I have a problem with chili. I really like it, but it seems that I just can't ever make it the same way twice. Either it is really, really good, or it is just so. Well anyway, last week I made chili and it was really, really good, so I thought I would put the recipe here. That way next time maybe it will be just as good.

1 lb ground beef
2 cans chili beans
1 can tomato paste
1 chili can full of water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 onion diced
1green pepper diced
1 and 1/2 packets of chili seasoning

mix all ingredients into a crockpot and let cook. I cooked mine on high for about 5 hours and it was ready for a late lunch,

It is really a mild chili. Dh and I would rather it be a tad spicier, but Sweet Pea will eat it if it isn't too spicy so mild it will be. Of course add some hot sauce and there you go.

Halloween Week...

2008-11-01T17:26:00.005-05:00

Yes, I did say Halloween Week, not day, because that seems to be what it has become around here.
I guess really it is not that bad. You see the Saturday before Halloween our church has a trunk and treat. The kids from our church as well as the community are invited to come for hot dogs, a bonfire and candy. The adults in the church bring candy and give it to the kids from the trunks of their cars. It really works out well. The kids have a blast. The community is introduced to our church, and really everyone has a good time. So....we get all dressed up and participate in that.

This year a family that we are really good friends with came too. It was really a good time.

Then on Halloween day, I dress the kiddos up and we go and see my grandparents on my moms side in the morning. We come home for the afternooon, and then it is dress up and out for the evening to see their other grandparents. It is like I have to get them dressed up all the time. I guess I can't complain too much. They really do enjoy it.

This year the weather was almost spring- like. It was wonderful. We went over to some friends of ours for the evening and walked around their neighborhood. It was the first year that the kids got to trick or treat door to door. Usually it is cold or rainy or just too busy, but since it was friday night and beautiful, we took them. AJ later told me that he didn't know that you could get candy from peoples' houses too. I think he just thought people gave it out from their trunks.

My princess and ninjas!

Yes..it has been a long morning...

2008-10-29T06:33:00.002-05:00

I have been up since 230 hacking my head off. I think it is time to call the dr. Of course, my fridge is cleaned out and breakfast muffins are done. I really need to mop....but I was afraid I would wake that littles and that would be bad.

UPDATE : Went to the dr. I have a sinus infection, chest congestion, fluid on my ears and one of them is infected. Thankfully, the medicine is working and I a starting to feel normal.

2008-10-24T18:59:00.000-05:00

Isn't this how everyone puts away the dishes?

Field Trips

2008-10-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

We have taken two field trips this year and I just have not had the time to tell you about them. Life gets really busy over here and as much as I want to just make it stop...for some reason I cannot. So we just keep plugging along...but anyway...back to the field trips

1. My father had a day off this last September so we took a trip to the Botanical Gardens. My two brothers went with us and we had a great time. It was overcast so the sun was not beating down on our heads. It was somewhat chilly, but not full coat weather which really made it perfect for a visit.

Here are some pictures.

Just hanging out in and on a big cat.

In a wagon..

I think this bee was lost.

climbing on a alligator

2. A friend of mine and I took our kiddos to the apple farm to do some apple picking, and while we were there we picked up some pumpkins too. It was the perfect day...not to cold...not to hot, just all around good fun.

riding on the wagon

looking for a good one

one of the rare times he actually eats fruit...ugh.

Sweet Pea and her pumpkin. The rule was that if you could carry it back with you, you could get it. There weren't any out there small enough for Sweet Pea, so I did help her.

New Smock

2008-10-21T12:44:00.005-05:00

Here is a smock I made for a friends child. It was her first birthday..and although it was big for her, I really don't think you can introduce a little girl to the world of aprons to early..hehehe

Sweet Pea's 1st Day of Preschool

2008-10-14T16:59:00.001-05:00

Sweet Pea is just that, a sweet pea. However, there are times when other adjectives would describe her better. Especially Crying Pea. See she has this problem. She hates to be left in Sunday School, and then spends much of the beginning of the hour crying. If you ask her why she behaves this way, she will tell you that it is scary. Now you must realize that the minute I pick her up she tells me how much fun she had, how much she likes it and how it is not scary. Then I will ask her if she is going to go back next week, and the crying starts over again and she exclaims how scary it is. Girls, go figure.

So last week, I was sick of it. I spent some time coming up with a way to help this situation, and then I had a light bulb moment. PRESCHOOL. See, she really has never consistently been away from me. She is either with me, grandma, or a few of my good friends most of the time. So I signed her up at a preschool just a few minutes from home. She goes three days a week for three hours a day.

I have to say the first day I was terrified. I even told the director her reaction to Sunday School so that they would be prepared to deal with her. I just knew it was not going to be an easy day for her. I gave her plenty of warning. I did not keep it a secret from her and really I don't think she wanted to go.

In the car on the way...I think she looks worried what about you?

In the Parking Lot. I let her take her well loved blanket (gankey). I thought it might help.

When we got in, we met her teacher, found her cubby for her things, and then it was time for me to go. She quickly grabbed my legs. I pointed out how they had a big school calendar just like mommy, they had a kitchen just like hers, and how she was going to read books and sing songs. She looked around, and let go, and I left her there.

SHE DID NOT CRY!!!!

I was floored. When I went to pick her up, I could hear her talking to her teacher through the door. She sounded perfectly happy, and she was. They said she had a great day. Of course she did cry. But it was because she didn't want to leave. You see she wanted something from the treasure box, but she didn't have enough stickers. It was her first day you know.

See the green toy, she tried to steal it and cried when I wouldn't let her.

Here was her first craft. Still not happy about no toy.

But the main thing is.....she did well, and hasn't cried going to Sunday School since. She loves it and asks to go everyday.