So, my first "The View from Here" photo....
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The View from Here
Occasionally there are moments I capture on camera and want to post without much description or words. I would like to start a little series on my blog called "The View from Here" where I can feature events from my point of view (mostly). Sometimes the moment may be mundane, or dramatic, or once in a lifetime. But, I thought it would be a fun way to share some photos I may not normally share.
So, my first "The View from Here" photo....
So, my first "The View from Here" photo....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Nicole's Drawing
She said, "Look, it's raining while Jesus is dying on the cross"
Hannah also wanted to show off her rain drops too
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
First Day of School
This past week, Nicole had her first day of school. It was an exciting experience for both of us.
This year, Nicole and her friend Hannah Mae will be having school time together once a week for a couple of hours. The young man here is John Robert, Hannah Mae's older brother. Although this time is review for him, he is helping us teach the girls and model school-like behavior. He is actually a pretty great 7 year old. Nicole really likes him. I think he will be a great example for the girls to follow.
At the beginning of our time, we stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, pray and start off with a little devotional book.
This week was sort of an introduction week. We learned about the 7 days of Creation. Nicole made a timeline and a book.
Hannah Mae is a little older than Nicole so I think she will push Nicole in some ways. One area is coloring. She uses coordinating colors and stays in the line. Nicole still picks up the crayons and scribbles away. So, I'm hoping that as she sees someone else color more carefully, she will also want to.
The curriculum we will be using is called "My Father's World." Each week has a different theme and provides science, language arts, math, social studies, art and reading opportunities.
My aim is to provide Nicole with 2-3 hours a week with my complete attention. Hannah and Nathan will be hanging out with my mom or Grammy during this time each week. So, already this has been a neat time for Nicole and I to be together.
This is also a great opportunity for Nicole to develop friendship skills. Our hope is that Nicole and Hannah Mae will begin a sweet friendship that will last for many years. Already, they seem to love to each other.
I also have the chance to learn from a very talented teacher. My friend Jennifer was a 1st grade teacher before having children and being a stay at home mom. In just our first two meetings, I have learned a lot about topics like handwriting, grammar, and expectations. Quite honestly...I'm sort of clueless as to what Nicole should be able to do and when...and then how to teach her those things. So, I have a really great chance to watch and learn too.
Nicole has been very excited about school. She has her own backpack and we are working on getting her supplies in order. I love the accountability this will provide for me, because once our year really gets going, our 2 hour segment will really be a "jumping off" point for the rest of the week. I am sure we'll have "homework" and activities to do the rest of the week.
We are very excited and thankful for this opportunity for the girls to learn together, develop a friendship and better their skills in preparation for Kindergarten.
This year, Nicole and her friend Hannah Mae will be having school time together once a week for a couple of hours. The young man here is John Robert, Hannah Mae's older brother. Although this time is review for him, he is helping us teach the girls and model school-like behavior. He is actually a pretty great 7 year old. Nicole really likes him. I think he will be a great example for the girls to follow.
At the beginning of our time, we stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, pray and start off with a little devotional book.
The curriculum we will be using is called "My Father's World." Each week has a different theme and provides science, language arts, math, social studies, art and reading opportunities.
This is also a great opportunity for Nicole to develop friendship skills. Our hope is that Nicole and Hannah Mae will begin a sweet friendship that will last for many years. Already, they seem to love to each other.
I also have the chance to learn from a very talented teacher. My friend Jennifer was a 1st grade teacher before having children and being a stay at home mom. In just our first two meetings, I have learned a lot about topics like handwriting, grammar, and expectations. Quite honestly...I'm sort of clueless as to what Nicole should be able to do and when...and then how to teach her those things. So, I have a really great chance to watch and learn too.
Nicole has been very excited about school. She has her own backpack and we are working on getting her supplies in order. I love the accountability this will provide for me, because once our year really gets going, our 2 hour segment will really be a "jumping off" point for the rest of the week. I am sure we'll have "homework" and activities to do the rest of the week.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Our New Toys
A few weeks ago, Jeremy and I had a little date night. I say little because it was shared with a softball game. So, we had about an hour before the game to hang out together. Jeremy decided to borrow his parents bicycles in hopes we could ride around somewhere fun. Unfortunately, it was raining everywhere. So, we grabbed a bite to eat at Moe's, then went home. At home, it had cleared up, so we decided to ride the bikes to the softball fields, about 2 miles away.
I so much enjoyed riding a bike (I think it's been since high school for me) that I started obsessively looking on Craigslist for a bicycle. I spent time trying to figure out how I could get my whole family to go on bike rides with me. But, I realized that we did not want to spend a few hundred dollars on bicycles, bike seats and trailers for the children. I pretty knew it wouldn't work out.
Until......I went to Target and happened to find their bike trailers marked down 50%. I bought the bike trailer (which seats two children), even though I didn't have a bike. My Craigslist obessesion started again as I checked every 5 minutes for bikes to be listed. I decided I didn't want to pay for than $30. I garage saled that week and came up empty.
After our Sunday afternoon nap, I checked again and found 2 bikes for sale, each $30. They were in Ft. Myers, about 30 minutes away. After we spoke with the owner and checked the bikes out on line, we decided to get them.
We have had a lot of fun the past week going on bike rides.
In the morning, I ride my bike with Nathan and Hannah pulled behind me in the trailer, and Nicole rides her little bike. We just go around the neighborhood. I even go to take just Nathan one morning because the girls were with Grammy.
Saturday, we decided to take a family adventure trip. We rode around the neighborhood looking for garage sales, then road up to a Farmer's Market. I would say it is 2-3 miles away. We didn't think Nicole could ride her own bike that far. so I found a child's seat at Goodwill for $5 earlier that week. Jeremy rode his bike with either Nicole or Hannah in the child seat, and Nate and one of his sisters rode together in the trailer I pulled. It was a fun family time, a great workout...and something I hope to do a lot more.
I am so thankful that I found all of these things at such a discounted price!
We paid $115 for 2 bikes, 1 trailer, and 1 child seat. That is less than the price of one bicycle, or just a few dollars more than the regular price of my trailer. We've already had a lot of fun, and see lots of potential for many more hours of fun...especially when it cools off.
I so much enjoyed riding a bike (I think it's been since high school for me) that I started obsessively looking on Craigslist for a bicycle. I spent time trying to figure out how I could get my whole family to go on bike rides with me. But, I realized that we did not want to spend a few hundred dollars on bicycles, bike seats and trailers for the children. I pretty knew it wouldn't work out.
Until......I went to Target and happened to find their bike trailers marked down 50%. I bought the bike trailer (which seats two children), even though I didn't have a bike. My Craigslist obessesion started again as I checked every 5 minutes for bikes to be listed. I decided I didn't want to pay for than $30. I garage saled that week and came up empty.
After our Sunday afternoon nap, I checked again and found 2 bikes for sale, each $30. They were in Ft. Myers, about 30 minutes away. After we spoke with the owner and checked the bikes out on line, we decided to get them.
We have had a lot of fun the past week going on bike rides.
In the morning, I ride my bike with Nathan and Hannah pulled behind me in the trailer, and Nicole rides her little bike. We just go around the neighborhood. I even go to take just Nathan one morning because the girls were with Grammy.
I am so thankful that I found all of these things at such a discounted price!
We paid $115 for 2 bikes, 1 trailer, and 1 child seat. That is less than the price of one bicycle, or just a few dollars more than the regular price of my trailer. We've already had a lot of fun, and see lots of potential for many more hours of fun...especially when it cools off.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
It's not Sew easy
I have a problem. I enjoy doing something that I'm not very good at. Really, I'm not being humble. I'll give you proof in a minute.
I was graciously given a sewing machine last November by a woman I met by chance at a fabric store. She is a sewing instructor and has been kind enough to answer zillions of questions by e-mail. I realized last year that I enjoyed sitting down and making something with my own two hands.
Sewing is usually something I do while Jeremy is out of town. It keeps my mind busy so I don't get scared at every little noise outside. I have learned a lot in the past year. I have a few projects that I like to make because it just takes a little while, so I can finish them in one evening.
I've already shown you my casserole carriers. These are practical little things that I think can be very handy. I can make these things, but I can't make them nicely. I keep trying, and keep failing. My issue is with bias tape. Something that I feel is an advanced skill..at least for me. I simply can not keep the bias tape on straight while sewing (because honestly....I can't sew a straight line).
I was trying to make a carrier for me. I love this fabric. It is bright blue with a picnic on one side, and watermelon seeds on the other. Perfect for this handy little thing, because you usually use it to take food to share.
The sad thing is....I didn't even know I messed up until it was too late. Although I haven't tried ripping the seem, I can't imagine it going well. And, I would have to start all over. When this happened to me earlier this summer, I put my machine away and decided that I stunk at sewing and to just give it up.
This is what it is suppose to look like.
I made this for Erica in April for her birthday.
cute, isn't it?
I even made a pot holder and an oven glove. The pot holder wasn't square, and the oven glove, although cute, was not useable....you couldn't use your thumb! haha. But, look at how "finished" the project looks. This seriously took me at least 3 times as long as normal. Like, probably close to six hours.
So, I made this cute pink one back in April....tried to make more in Mayish and messed up....so I took a break.
But, after a couple months and with Jeremy away for the week for work, I got my machine back out and tried again. I still couldn't sew bias tape. I decided to make a little blanket for a friend. I didn't take pictures because it turned out so bad. Seriously....I'm not being humble. It was bad. Then, I decided to make the last curtain for the children's room. My first two curtains were perfect (except that I measure about an inch shorter than I wanted...but the two curtains were straight, albeit short). My last curtain....crooked. As in, one side is a good 3 inches shorter than the other side. I promise...I measured 3 times. I used a 90 degree ruler even. I ironed. I did everything "right". I went S.L.O.W. and thought I made another perfect curtain. Nope...it's bad (luckily, the bunk bed buts up against this window, so it's hard to see the bottom of the curtain unless you are looking for it).
Again...I was disappointed, because I enjoyed something that I was simply NOT gifted at. I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I just don't. And, I can't fake it. I have bought fancy cutting mats, rotary cutting tools, rules, everything...and I can't seem to cut a straight line on my fabric.
So...all that to say, I did make two casserole carrier lately. I already know you will tell me they are great and you are so impressed. OK, thank you. But, they are not the way I have invisioned them. I wanted contrasting bias tape on them to make the "pop" and look "finished". I thought....I really did think...that if I could make them the way I see them in my mind, I could actually sell them. But, I can not sell them the way I make them, not for the price I wanted to make it worth my time. However, I can give them as gifts to friends and family. Because, they are handy and useful. And, I know my friends and family will still love me, even if the edges are "finished".
This one I made for Tiffany. Her birthday is today. She picked out the fabric a few months ago. This is my favorite so far. I love the fabric....let me say that again. I LOVE THE FABRIC. I almost didn't give this to her and kept it for myself :)
The inside
Of course I left room for the gel pack on the bottom. That was my idea outside of the pattern I used. I can't seem to buy the gel packs separately though. It would be nice if I could.
This one I made for my friend Teri. I actually haven't given it to her yet, but I don't think she gets on my blog all the time. When I saw this fabric, it made me think of her. So, I picked this one out for her. I hope she likes it.
In all honesty, I didn't like the fabric when it came in the mail, but once I cut it out and started putting it together, I realized it would make a super cute carrier. I really really like it now.
Teri is a member of MOPS and so she takes breakfast dishes a few times a year to church to share. Hopefully this will help her as she juggles two children.
I was graciously given a sewing machine last November by a woman I met by chance at a fabric store. She is a sewing instructor and has been kind enough to answer zillions of questions by e-mail. I realized last year that I enjoyed sitting down and making something with my own two hands.
Sewing is usually something I do while Jeremy is out of town. It keeps my mind busy so I don't get scared at every little noise outside. I have learned a lot in the past year. I have a few projects that I like to make because it just takes a little while, so I can finish them in one evening.
I've already shown you my casserole carriers. These are practical little things that I think can be very handy. I can make these things, but I can't make them nicely. I keep trying, and keep failing. My issue is with bias tape. Something that I feel is an advanced skill..at least for me. I simply can not keep the bias tape on straight while sewing (because honestly....I can't sew a straight line).
I was trying to make a carrier for me. I love this fabric. It is bright blue with a picnic on one side, and watermelon seeds on the other. Perfect for this handy little thing, because you usually use it to take food to share.
The sad thing is....I didn't even know I messed up until it was too late. Although I haven't tried ripping the seem, I can't imagine it going well. And, I would have to start all over. When this happened to me earlier this summer, I put my machine away and decided that I stunk at sewing and to just give it up.
This is what it is suppose to look like.
I made this for Erica in April for her birthday.
cute, isn't it?
I even made a pot holder and an oven glove. The pot holder wasn't square, and the oven glove, although cute, was not useable....you couldn't use your thumb! haha. But, look at how "finished" the project looks. This seriously took me at least 3 times as long as normal. Like, probably close to six hours.
So, I made this cute pink one back in April....tried to make more in Mayish and messed up....so I took a break.
But, after a couple months and with Jeremy away for the week for work, I got my machine back out and tried again. I still couldn't sew bias tape. I decided to make a little blanket for a friend. I didn't take pictures because it turned out so bad. Seriously....I'm not being humble. It was bad. Then, I decided to make the last curtain for the children's room. My first two curtains were perfect (except that I measure about an inch shorter than I wanted...but the two curtains were straight, albeit short). My last curtain....crooked. As in, one side is a good 3 inches shorter than the other side. I promise...I measured 3 times. I used a 90 degree ruler even. I ironed. I did everything "right". I went S.L.O.W. and thought I made another perfect curtain. Nope...it's bad (luckily, the bunk bed buts up against this window, so it's hard to see the bottom of the curtain unless you are looking for it).
Again...I was disappointed, because I enjoyed something that I was simply NOT gifted at. I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I just don't. And, I can't fake it. I have bought fancy cutting mats, rotary cutting tools, rules, everything...and I can't seem to cut a straight line on my fabric.
So...all that to say, I did make two casserole carrier lately. I already know you will tell me they are great and you are so impressed. OK, thank you. But, they are not the way I have invisioned them. I wanted contrasting bias tape on them to make the "pop" and look "finished". I thought....I really did think...that if I could make them the way I see them in my mind, I could actually sell them. But, I can not sell them the way I make them, not for the price I wanted to make it worth my time. However, I can give them as gifts to friends and family. Because, they are handy and useful. And, I know my friends and family will still love me, even if the edges are "finished".
This one I made for Tiffany. Her birthday is today. She picked out the fabric a few months ago. This is my favorite so far. I love the fabric....let me say that again. I LOVE THE FABRIC. I almost didn't give this to her and kept it for myself :)
The inside
Of course I left room for the gel pack on the bottom. That was my idea outside of the pattern I used. I can't seem to buy the gel packs separately though. It would be nice if I could.
This one I made for my friend Teri. I actually haven't given it to her yet, but I don't think she gets on my blog all the time. When I saw this fabric, it made me think of her. So, I picked this one out for her. I hope she likes it.
In all honesty, I didn't like the fabric when it came in the mail, but once I cut it out and started putting it together, I realized it would make a super cute carrier. I really really like it now.
Teri is a member of MOPS and so she takes breakfast dishes a few times a year to church to share. Hopefully this will help her as she juggles two children.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
So, what do you want?
Hi, it's me...Michele.
So, as everyone who reads this knows...this blog is first and foremost for our family personally. We hope to keep these posts as a way to document the past several years of our lives.
But, I also enjoy writing with my friends and family in mind. Sometimes I post just for the grandparents, sometimes I post things for my friends, sometimes I post things for me.
But, what do you want...or what do you like? Will you leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite kind of posts are.
Do you just like a lot of pictures?
Do you like funny stories?
Do you like it when I share "how we do it?
Do you like it when I share what it feels like to be a mom sometimes?
Do you not really care what I write?
Do you hate my new background?
What do you like? What do you want?? I've been wondering this for a while now, and I'd like your opinion. So...leave me a comment. I know that everyone has a user name, you have to in order to even read this. So, NO EXCUSES! I should get at least 20 comments on this post (ha, yea right!)
So, as everyone who reads this knows...this blog is first and foremost for our family personally. We hope to keep these posts as a way to document the past several years of our lives.
But, I also enjoy writing with my friends and family in mind. Sometimes I post just for the grandparents, sometimes I post things for my friends, sometimes I post things for me.
But, what do you want...or what do you like? Will you leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite kind of posts are.
Do you just like a lot of pictures?
Do you like funny stories?
Do you like it when I share "how we do it?
Do you like it when I share what it feels like to be a mom sometimes?
Do you not really care what I write?
Do you hate my new background?
What do you like? What do you want?? I've been wondering this for a while now, and I'd like your opinion. So...leave me a comment. I know that everyone has a user name, you have to in order to even read this. So, NO EXCUSES! I should get at least 20 comments on this post (ha, yea right!)
Mommy Rhapsody
Here is a video about being a mom by the same group. I believe it is a church called Church on the Move. I don't know anything about them, except that they made some funny videos. Anyway....I think the Dad Life one is better...but, this is pretty creative too. Based off the Queen Song of course.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dad Life
My dad e-mailed me a link to this video. I think it's so funny and so true. What do you think?
I don't know what's funnier...the words, or the guys rapping the song. I love it.
I don't know what's funnier...the words, or the guys rapping the song. I love it.
Wake up, One and All
So, I'm not necessarily NOT a morning person. I mean, I don't hate mornings or the start of the day. But, I DO need about 20 minutes to get my barings. I need a few minutes of not being in command of three little ones, so that I can be just that for the rest of the day? In other words....my days start off best when I am not bothered for at least 20 minutes. They just do. Call me selfish, call me sluggish...whatever, I just do better when I'm given time to wake up and shake the sleepiness. And, I also do best when I get out of bed immediately and not go back to bed for several "sleep" cycles on my alarm clock. That's just a side note.
Anyway, I've been struggling lately because I've been letting the girls wake me up sometime between 6:30 and 7:00, but I'm usually awakened to crying, fighting, or potty wipes. Occasionally Nathan wakes me up to crying, but he's usually fairly content until he actually sees me.
So, since Nate is sleeping pretty well and I'm not up for hours at a time at I night, I decided that I need to start waking up early again. I used to wake up at 5:30, but that just seems to early to me right now....so, I'm waking up at 6:00. Now, here is my perfect little goal.
6:00 - alarm goes off...immediately get up and go in the bathroom where I can turn on the light
6:05-spend a few moments just trying to keep my eyes open while washing my face and brushing my teeth
6:10-6:25 - check e-mail,blogs, etc. This gives me time to really just wake up, keep my eyes open and remember how to read
6:30-6:50 - Read my Bible (ALWAYS starts my day off better)
6:50-get dressed
7:00 - let the girls get up and start my day
Really...is that to much to ask? It must be, because it seems that the earlier I rise, the earlier my children rise!! Don't they know I am doing this for their benefit? Don't they know that I will be a better mom if they give me a few minutes without a job? I guess not. At the mere glimmer of a sign of life in our home, they are up...and I quickly put them back to bed. But, what I do not want to happen is an extra hour of fighting to get them in their room. No thank you...I'd rather just sleep that extra hour then and be a grump the rest of the day!
Besides my bedroom, I don't have anywhere else to go in my house that I can close the door to. So I guess the glow of the computer gives Nicole and Hannah hope that someone is up and it must be time for them to get up too. Generally, they get up because they have to go to the bathroom...and they do, truly. But, I'm also quite certain that they could hold it. Mean, I know...but let me tell you what happens.
Nicole sees the computer glow (I'm guessing...and if you know the layout of my house, you would think it's impossible for her to see, but I think she does), she gets up to "go potty". Nicole wants me to tuck her back in (if I don't, the tears flow). Hannah wakes up, she walks out of her room crying, I go to console her, help her back to bed. Hannah gets up again, she has to go potty. Nathan awakes because of the girl's coming in and out. Hannah finishes potty, refuses to go to bed unless I take her. I take her in...Nate gets excited because he thinks I've come for him. I sneak out of the room. 5 minutes later the girls are fighting because someone pulled the other's blanket. Now, they alternate coming out until I get fet up, go in there and take care of the situation. Now, it is 6:45, I've been trying to keep them in bed almost the whole time I've been up...I am frustrated and grumpy, the girls are whiny and crying and Nathan doesn't understand why he's not in my arms. The only part of my perfect schedule that worked was waking up the first time at 6. I don't like to start my day off out of frustration...because by 7:30, I'm ready to put them down for naps, you know? It makes me very unhappy.
So, I don't normally do this...but I would be interested to know. What do you do to keep your children in bed until it's time to get up? Do you just let them wake you, do they have sort of a set "time to get up for the day time", or do they sleep in (you know what...don't fess that one up! Just kidding...I promise I won't hate you ;) I tried to buy a clock, but the ticking kept Nicole up (she's very sensitive to noise). I need to find a digital clock that doesn't light up the whole room, because I think that would keep her awake too. The problem is...the first couple of times the kids are up, they are legitimate excuses...they have to go to the bathroom. We used to use a gate, but they can open it and then the floor gets scratched.
All I want....for their own good...really the good of the family is for them to stay in bed until 7:00...that's not to late or to much to ask, is it? I think this problem is compounded because they are all in the same room...but, that's the way it is, so we need to make it work, you know? Now it's 6:56...I have not read my Bible, changed my clothes, or brushed my teeth. I have dealt with this the entire time and I'm ready to go back to sleep! ha!
Anyway, I've been struggling lately because I've been letting the girls wake me up sometime between 6:30 and 7:00, but I'm usually awakened to crying, fighting, or potty wipes. Occasionally Nathan wakes me up to crying, but he's usually fairly content until he actually sees me.
So, since Nate is sleeping pretty well and I'm not up for hours at a time at I night, I decided that I need to start waking up early again. I used to wake up at 5:30, but that just seems to early to me right now....so, I'm waking up at 6:00. Now, here is my perfect little goal.
6:00 - alarm goes off...immediately get up and go in the bathroom where I can turn on the light
6:05-spend a few moments just trying to keep my eyes open while washing my face and brushing my teeth
6:10-6:25 - check e-mail,blogs, etc. This gives me time to really just wake up, keep my eyes open and remember how to read
6:30-6:50 - Read my Bible (ALWAYS starts my day off better)
6:50-get dressed
7:00 - let the girls get up and start my day
Really...is that to much to ask? It must be, because it seems that the earlier I rise, the earlier my children rise!! Don't they know I am doing this for their benefit? Don't they know that I will be a better mom if they give me a few minutes without a job? I guess not. At the mere glimmer of a sign of life in our home, they are up...and I quickly put them back to bed. But, what I do not want to happen is an extra hour of fighting to get them in their room. No thank you...I'd rather just sleep that extra hour then and be a grump the rest of the day!
Besides my bedroom, I don't have anywhere else to go in my house that I can close the door to. So I guess the glow of the computer gives Nicole and Hannah hope that someone is up and it must be time for them to get up too. Generally, they get up because they have to go to the bathroom...and they do, truly. But, I'm also quite certain that they could hold it. Mean, I know...but let me tell you what happens.
Nicole sees the computer glow (I'm guessing...and if you know the layout of my house, you would think it's impossible for her to see, but I think she does), she gets up to "go potty". Nicole wants me to tuck her back in (if I don't, the tears flow). Hannah wakes up, she walks out of her room crying, I go to console her, help her back to bed. Hannah gets up again, she has to go potty. Nathan awakes because of the girl's coming in and out. Hannah finishes potty, refuses to go to bed unless I take her. I take her in...Nate gets excited because he thinks I've come for him. I sneak out of the room. 5 minutes later the girls are fighting because someone pulled the other's blanket. Now, they alternate coming out until I get fet up, go in there and take care of the situation. Now, it is 6:45, I've been trying to keep them in bed almost the whole time I've been up...I am frustrated and grumpy, the girls are whiny and crying and Nathan doesn't understand why he's not in my arms. The only part of my perfect schedule that worked was waking up the first time at 6. I don't like to start my day off out of frustration...because by 7:30, I'm ready to put them down for naps, you know? It makes me very unhappy.
So, I don't normally do this...but I would be interested to know. What do you do to keep your children in bed until it's time to get up? Do you just let them wake you, do they have sort of a set "time to get up for the day time", or do they sleep in (you know what...don't fess that one up! Just kidding...I promise I won't hate you ;) I tried to buy a clock, but the ticking kept Nicole up (she's very sensitive to noise). I need to find a digital clock that doesn't light up the whole room, because I think that would keep her awake too. The problem is...the first couple of times the kids are up, they are legitimate excuses...they have to go to the bathroom. We used to use a gate, but they can open it and then the floor gets scratched.
All I want....for their own good...really the good of the family is for them to stay in bed until 7:00...that's not to late or to much to ask, is it? I think this problem is compounded because they are all in the same room...but, that's the way it is, so we need to make it work, you know? Now it's 6:56...I have not read my Bible, changed my clothes, or brushed my teeth. I have dealt with this the entire time and I'm ready to go back to sleep! ha!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Girl's Night
Girl's Night is a big deal in our house. When daddy is working out of town, I usually pick one night to let the girls stay up a little later, watch a movie, eat cookies, paint toenails...whatever they want.
Well, earlier this week, Jeremy was out of town and getting back really late that night. So, we decided to invite the girl who lives across the street (she's 6) and her mom over for "Girl's Night". I called and talked to Marsha and the plans were set. Until I hung up and Nicole started crying because SHE wanted to invite Sydney. So....I call again and allow Nicole the chance to invite her little friend over.
As soon as we get off the phone, Nicole gets mine and Hannah's attention and say (very dramatically). "O.K. Mommy and Hannah. We need to clean this place up and get ready for Girl's Night!".
YES!!!!! Finally, something sunk in. When we have special company, we clean up the house! I was so pleased to hear that this was HER idea. Until I saw her start into motion! This was what Nicole meant.
She pulled every pillow down on the floor, created a wall of sofa pillows and retrieved bed pillows to lay on the floor. She got all kinds of knick knacks and spread them on her chair as "cookies".
My house was definitely NOT cleaned up. But to her...it was Perfect! She ran to her room, put on her jammies (because really, what is a girl's night without jammies?) and stood by the front door waiting for her little friend.
Sydney was not quite as impressed with the pillows on the floor idea. She watched the movie while sitting on the couch (she is older and more mature of course! hehe). But, the girls all did have a great time. I got to spend a little bit of time with my neighbor and it was a nice night.
Even though Nicole didn't actually clean up the house, I am pleased that she tried very hard to make the room look special for her friend...even if her friend didn't get it.
Well, earlier this week, Jeremy was out of town and getting back really late that night. So, we decided to invite the girl who lives across the street (she's 6) and her mom over for "Girl's Night". I called and talked to Marsha and the plans were set. Until I hung up and Nicole started crying because SHE wanted to invite Sydney. So....I call again and allow Nicole the chance to invite her little friend over.
As soon as we get off the phone, Nicole gets mine and Hannah's attention and say (very dramatically). "O.K. Mommy and Hannah. We need to clean this place up and get ready for Girl's Night!".
YES!!!!! Finally, something sunk in. When we have special company, we clean up the house! I was so pleased to hear that this was HER idea. Until I saw her start into motion! This was what Nicole meant.
She pulled every pillow down on the floor, created a wall of sofa pillows and retrieved bed pillows to lay on the floor. She got all kinds of knick knacks and spread them on her chair as "cookies".
My house was definitely NOT cleaned up. But to her...it was Perfect! She ran to her room, put on her jammies (because really, what is a girl's night without jammies?) and stood by the front door waiting for her little friend.
Sydney was not quite as impressed with the pillows on the floor idea. She watched the movie while sitting on the couch (she is older and more mature of course! hehe). But, the girls all did have a great time. I got to spend a little bit of time with my neighbor and it was a nice night.
Even though Nicole didn't actually clean up the house, I am pleased that she tried very hard to make the room look special for her friend...even if her friend didn't get it.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Always the Flowergirl....never the bride
Nicole LOVES to wear her flower girl dress from Justin and Erica's wedding. Almost daily she wears it. She even wore it to the airport one time (and got many comments). Lately, she's been asking me when she can get married. Obviously my answer is not for at least 30 years. Just kidding.
Anyway, today she was asking me about getting married and I asked her if she wanted to see my wedding dress. She got so excited at the thought of it. So, I pulled it out and immediately she "ooo-ed and awww-ed"over it. Now, I loved my wedding dress. It was perfect for me...very simple and just my style, but it's not all frilly and fancy like a lot of dresses out there. Just simple (like me, right?) So, I asked her if she wanted to put it on.
Oh.my.word. The excitement that came out of that little girl was priceless. We didn't do all of this in an ideal location, so the pictures aren't wonderful...this was totally impromptu. I put the veil on her and my little tiara too.
Hannah was a bit freaked out over the veil for some reason. But, Nicole just loved it. My friend Jennifer has a tradition of taking a picture of her daughter in her wedding dress every year on her birthday (her daughter will be three soon I think). I thought that was such a sweet idea, but never did it. Well, maybe now I will. I think it will be fun to see how she fills it out and to document how much she grows every year. What do you think?
I don't have high hopes of my girls wanting to wear my dress. If they want to...absolutely they may, but it just might not be their style, and that's ok. It would be cool however if they used the veil...because it was my mom's veil. That might be a nice little "something old".
I don't want these two to grow up to fast, because I know....I KNOW....that the day will come much too soon when their daddy will be walking them down the aisle in a beautiful dress and they will finally get a day to be the princess they pretend to be now at 2 and 4.
Anyway, today she was asking me about getting married and I asked her if she wanted to see my wedding dress. She got so excited at the thought of it. So, I pulled it out and immediately she "ooo-ed and awww-ed"over it. Now, I loved my wedding dress. It was perfect for me...very simple and just my style, but it's not all frilly and fancy like a lot of dresses out there. Just simple (like me, right?) So, I asked her if she wanted to put it on.
Oh.my.word. The excitement that came out of that little girl was priceless. We didn't do all of this in an ideal location, so the pictures aren't wonderful...this was totally impromptu. I put the veil on her and my little tiara too.
Hannah was a bit freaked out over the veil for some reason. But, Nicole just loved it. My friend Jennifer has a tradition of taking a picture of her daughter in her wedding dress every year on her birthday (her daughter will be three soon I think). I thought that was such a sweet idea, but never did it. Well, maybe now I will. I think it will be fun to see how she fills it out and to document how much she grows every year. What do you think?
I don't have high hopes of my girls wanting to wear my dress. If they want to...absolutely they may, but it just might not be their style, and that's ok. It would be cool however if they used the veil...because it was my mom's veil. That might be a nice little "something old".
I don't want these two to grow up to fast, because I know....I KNOW....that the day will come much too soon when their daddy will be walking them down the aisle in a beautiful dress and they will finally get a day to be the princess they pretend to be now at 2 and 4.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I love to save money!!
I went to Target this morning because they had some great coupons I was hoping to capitalize on. I bought Jeremy a T-shirt for $2 using a $2/ men's clothing coupon, organic strawberries for $1.49 using a $1/produce item coupon. I also bought this really cute bathroom organizer thinging for $3.39. It was on sale for $13.39 and I used a $10/any bathroom item coupon. I hope it's useful, if not, I'll take it back....but here's hoping.
Anyway....that is not what I got so excited about at Target this morning. We walked by the meat department, and I saw a ton of $3 off peelie coupons on the packages. I came on the right day. They were marking down their meats that would "expire" in the next couple of days. I usually don't buy meat at Target...but there were a few deals I just couldn't pass up! Let me share!
8 Count Bone-in Pork Chop reg. $15.42. sale $7.32 with a $3 off coupon. Final Cost $4.32 (this is enough for 4 meals for us!
Bone -in Strip Steak reg. $8.19 sale for $5.73 with a $3 off coupon. Final Cost, $2.73 for nearly .9lb steak
Pork Roast $6.49 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $3.49 (I should get 2 or 3 meals out of that one)
2 packs of Filet Mignon.
1st pack reg. $15.39 marked down to $6.53 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $3.53 for 2 Filet Mignons totaling 1.1lbs
2nd pack reg $17.14, marked down to $9.34 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $6.34 for 2 Filet Mignons, weighing 1.7 pounds total
I also bought 3 packages of 2 count organic chicken breasts. They were $4.99 each with a $2 coupon.
So my meat, regular price would have been $77.60
I paid $29.48
So, I saved $48.12!!!
Yippee. I have enough meat for 12 meals at under $2.50 a piece....not to bad. Guess we don't need to go out to eat for a while. I NEVER buy Filet Mignon, because I'm afraid to spend $20 on a steak and it not taste great. So, this will be fun!
Anyway....that is not what I got so excited about at Target this morning. We walked by the meat department, and I saw a ton of $3 off peelie coupons on the packages. I came on the right day. They were marking down their meats that would "expire" in the next couple of days. I usually don't buy meat at Target...but there were a few deals I just couldn't pass up! Let me share!
8 Count Bone-in Pork Chop reg. $15.42. sale $7.32 with a $3 off coupon. Final Cost $4.32 (this is enough for 4 meals for us!
Bone -in Strip Steak reg. $8.19 sale for $5.73 with a $3 off coupon. Final Cost, $2.73 for nearly .9lb steak
Pork Roast $6.49 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $3.49 (I should get 2 or 3 meals out of that one)
2 packs of Filet Mignon.
1st pack reg. $15.39 marked down to $6.53 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $3.53 for 2 Filet Mignons totaling 1.1lbs
2nd pack reg $17.14, marked down to $9.34 with a $3 coupon. Final Cost $6.34 for 2 Filet Mignons, weighing 1.7 pounds total
I also bought 3 packages of 2 count organic chicken breasts. They were $4.99 each with a $2 coupon.
So my meat, regular price would have been $77.60
I paid $29.48
So, I saved $48.12!!!
Yippee. I have enough meat for 12 meals at under $2.50 a piece....not to bad. Guess we don't need to go out to eat for a while. I NEVER buy Filet Mignon, because I'm afraid to spend $20 on a steak and it not taste great. So, this will be fun!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Open Gym
Yesterday we went to a local gymnastics gym with our MOPS group for "Open Gym" time. Basically, the children get an hour to play on all kind of cool equipment, blow up obstacle courses and whatever else they want to do.
Hannah did rolls for almost the whole hour
And, she also spent a lot of time running around saying "mommy, mommy, mommy"
Hannah also played on the uneven bars with her friend Hannah Mae (who just turned 5).
Nicole, well...I hardly saw her at all. She was in her element. She ran down the trampoline runway and jumped into the foam pit. She climbed the blow up wall/slide and obstacle course, she walked on the balance beam. Check out the video below (she was most proud of walking on the "wood" as she called it.
Hannah did rolls for almost the whole hour
And, she also spent a lot of time running around saying "mommy, mommy, mommy"
Hannah also played on the uneven bars with her friend Hannah Mae (who just turned 5).
Nicole, well...I hardly saw her at all. She was in her element. She ran down the trampoline runway and jumped into the foam pit. She climbed the blow up wall/slide and obstacle course, she walked on the balance beam. Check out the video below (she was most proud of walking on the "wood" as she called it.
Monday, August 9, 2010
3-2-1 Blast Off
One of the great things about dads is that they hate to see their little ones hurt...especially their little girls. I remember my dad bringing me a special treat or a surprise when I was sick or hurt. I specifically remember one time when I was...I don't know, 9 or 10 maybe? I was really sick. I remember watching The Parent Trap in my bedroom (the cool thing about being sick is having a TV moved into your room:) and I remember my dad walking in my room with a big orange pumpkin cookie (on a stick maybe). The cookie had orange sprinkles all over it and a painted on jack-o-lantern face. I just remember my dad being extra sweet to me when I didn't feel well.
Well, It was fun to watch Jeremy do something very similar with Hannah. He was very concerned over her recent boo-boo (read the post below if you don't know what I'm talking about). He promised Hannah on Friday morning that he would bring her home a surprise. All day she looked forward to her "prize". When he got home, boy did he make good on his word! He brought home these cool little foamy things that you make into necklaces, airplanes, castles...whatever you want. A perfect craft for the girls. He also brought home some 3-D chalk which we enjoyed Saturday morning.
But, the "big" gift was...a rocket. Of course, I rolled my eyes when I saw it because we all knew who it was REALLY for, hahaha. Actually...the girls were excited all weekend long about shooting off the rocket. Finally, Sunday afternoon we made it to the park. Watch the video below. (Hannah got to shoot it off first because it was technically for her...I didn't notice until later how quickly she ran away, hahaha...I wish I would have gotten that on camera. Nicole got a turn too...and please wait for Nate's reaction after the second rocket...classic).
So, Jeremy had to put this rocket together Sunday during naps...which I think he really enjoyed. I can see model cars, rockets, whatever in my future with Jeremy and Nate. Then, we went to the park, and prayed that God would keep the rain away for us to shoot it off a couple of times. (He did...we were literally surrounded on all sides by rain, and just as we were cleaning up, the rain started to fall). We have a few more engines that we plan to shoot off on a clear day.
Thanks honey for being such a sweet daddy and trying to find something to take Hannah's mind off of her boo-boo. And, thanks for always finding cool things to do as a family. As I said yesterday....you are way cooler than I am:-)
Well, It was fun to watch Jeremy do something very similar with Hannah. He was very concerned over her recent boo-boo (read the post below if you don't know what I'm talking about). He promised Hannah on Friday morning that he would bring her home a surprise. All day she looked forward to her "prize". When he got home, boy did he make good on his word! He brought home these cool little foamy things that you make into necklaces, airplanes, castles...whatever you want. A perfect craft for the girls. He also brought home some 3-D chalk which we enjoyed Saturday morning.
But, the "big" gift was...a rocket. Of course, I rolled my eyes when I saw it because we all knew who it was REALLY for, hahaha. Actually...the girls were excited all weekend long about shooting off the rocket. Finally, Sunday afternoon we made it to the park. Watch the video below. (Hannah got to shoot it off first because it was technically for her...I didn't notice until later how quickly she ran away, hahaha...I wish I would have gotten that on camera. Nicole got a turn too...and please wait for Nate's reaction after the second rocket...classic).
So, Jeremy had to put this rocket together Sunday during naps...which I think he really enjoyed. I can see model cars, rockets, whatever in my future with Jeremy and Nate. Then, we went to the park, and prayed that God would keep the rain away for us to shoot it off a couple of times. (He did...we were literally surrounded on all sides by rain, and just as we were cleaning up, the rain started to fall). We have a few more engines that we plan to shoot off on a clear day.
Thanks honey for being such a sweet daddy and trying to find something to take Hannah's mind off of her boo-boo. And, thanks for always finding cool things to do as a family. As I said yesterday....you are way cooler than I am:-)
Friday, August 6, 2010
Hannah Owey
Last night we took a walk after dinner. Nicole rode her bike, and Hannah and Nathan rode in the wagon. About halfway through the walk, Hannah wanted to pull the wagon, so we let her get out and she was actually strong enough to pull Nate around. It was cute. We walked about a quarter of the way down the block when Nicole stopped to look at something (she is always starting and stopping on these walks....she sees Everything!). Hannah was a bit slower than the rest of us (pulling that big ole wagon). So, I stood behind Nicole talking to her and I heard Hannah coming close. Just as I realized Hannah was almost right behind me, I heard Jeremy yell "Hannah, watch out". Unfortunately when someone tells you watch out, you don't know what or where to watch out at. Hannah turned around, tripped over Nicole's training wheel and literally face planted on the asphalt road.
Nothing, Nothing cushioned her fall. Her arms were holding onto the wagon handle, she went face down. S.M.A.C.K.
Jeremy quickly ran and scooped her up and I grabbed the wagon and started hurrying Nicole along. Hannah was screaming and blood was all over her face and Jeremy's shirt. I just started hurrying Nicole and Nathan home, while Jeremy held Hannah and tried to comfort her.
When we got home, daddy cleaned her all up and we called Grammy to come over and look at her teeth and mouth. Grammy worked as a dental assistant for years and years and years...so we trusted her eyes to see if anything was wrong with her teeth and gums.
So, the good news is...Hannah is ok! Her teeth are not loose. She has a few cuts inside her mouth, on her lip, her nose and on her forehead. She relished being held and passed around to every family member at our house, watching Little Bear and holding ice on her lip.
Now daddy is bringing home a surprise for her when he gets off work today. She is talking find (with a bit of a lisp) and seems to be feeling ok. But, she's got a fat lip and looks "a little bit like a duck" to quote an anonymous person this morning.
Poor little Hannah girl. She has an owey!
Nothing, Nothing cushioned her fall. Her arms were holding onto the wagon handle, she went face down. S.M.A.C.K.
Jeremy quickly ran and scooped her up and I grabbed the wagon and started hurrying Nicole along. Hannah was screaming and blood was all over her face and Jeremy's shirt. I just started hurrying Nicole and Nathan home, while Jeremy held Hannah and tried to comfort her.
When we got home, daddy cleaned her all up and we called Grammy to come over and look at her teeth and mouth. Grammy worked as a dental assistant for years and years and years...so we trusted her eyes to see if anything was wrong with her teeth and gums.
Now daddy is bringing home a surprise for her when he gets off work today. She is talking find (with a bit of a lisp) and seems to be feeling ok. But, she's got a fat lip and looks "a little bit like a duck" to quote an anonymous person this morning.
Poor little Hannah girl. She has an owey!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Mommy's Handy Helper and other fun photos
This morning, I was trying to pick up a bit and one task was to unload the dishwasher. Nicole heard me clanging away and quickly came to my rescue. She asked if she could unload the dishwasher for me. Of Course my sweet child!
She neatly stacked all the plates and cups, drying them before stacking them on the counter for me to put away later. When she was finished, she triumphantly came to get me and said "Ta-Da" Here is what I saw.
Yes, that is an empty dishwasher, minus the knives. She is SO good about not touching or playing with knives! I thought it was so sweet that she left them there.
And, now, some random pictures
She neatly stacked all the plates and cups, drying them before stacking them on the counter for me to put away later. When she was finished, she triumphantly came to get me and said "Ta-Da" Here is what I saw.
Yes, that is an empty dishwasher, minus the knives. She is SO good about not touching or playing with knives! I thought it was so sweet that she left them there.
And, now, some random pictures
Nicole captured this picture the other day. I thought it was really sweet.
A pretty sunset the other night
Nicole has been having fun playing with Nathan lately. So sweet.
Nate Dawg in Da House!!!!
These are the girl's "funny faces" They are so silly.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Is it weird....
that I just got a toe nail clipping stuck in my eye? The joys of clipping 60 little toes and fingers.
btw...I have a weird obsession with clipping my kid's nails. I really enjoy doing it. Instant gratification maybe?
btw...I have a weird obsession with clipping my kid's nails. I really enjoy doing it. Instant gratification maybe?
A conversation between sisters (about breastfeeding?)
The other day, my mom heard a quick conversation between the girls. We were getting ready to go to the beach and they had their bathing suits on. Hannah has a "Little Mermaid" bathing suit. To remind you....here is a picture of The Little Mermaid.
Hannah looked down at the mermaid on her bathing suit and pointed to her and said, "Nissey (Nikki)...bow. Bow".
Then Nicole looked at her and said, "No Hannah, that's not a bow. That is what keeps the milk inside".
They were talking about Ariel's little shell bathing suit of course.
Hannah looked down at the mermaid on her bathing suit and pointed to her and said, "Nissey (Nikki)...bow. Bow".
Then Nicole looked at her and said, "No Hannah, that's not a bow. That is what keeps the milk inside".
They were talking about Ariel's little shell bathing suit of course.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Unwholesome talk
It's hot! Hot, Hot, Hot!! I know it's hot everywhere right now....but, I still feel like complaining. It's to hot to go outside in the morning, and to hot to go outside in the evening. It's insane to go out in the middle of the day. I'm tired of being inside. I'm bored and grumpy and ready for a cool day (thankfully...they will be coming soon to our family...more on that later)
I feel like grumbling. Especially when it's hot. I just got poop on my hand, my freezer won't freeze, I cut my finger with a can lid, I'm tired and whiny and complainy...and I'm having a hard time thinking of something nice to write on here. I do have one funny story, but I need to take a picture first...which I'm to lazy or tired...or HOT to do!
I keep writing more to this post and then deleting it because of how negative it is. I have been working...for some time now, like months... on having more self control over my tongue.
I feel like grumbling. Especially when it's hot. I just got poop on my hand, my freezer won't freeze, I cut my finger with a can lid, I'm tired and whiny and complainy...and I'm having a hard time thinking of something nice to write on here. I do have one funny story, but I need to take a picture first...which I'm to lazy or tired...or HOT to do!
I keep writing more to this post and then deleting it because of how negative it is. I have been working...for some time now, like months... on having more self control over my tongue.
Ephesians 4:29, 31,32
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear....Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
So...if you've had a conversation with me over the past few months and I become silent, it's because I'm trying NOT to grumble, or to speak badly about someone. 'Tis not easy. There are many times (many, many times) that all I want to do is join in and blast someone...but it is not right. In fact, it is a sin. I have been working so very hard on the first part of this verse especially "only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment" Sometimes the "need of the moment" means I must speak a positive word. Sometimes, it means not speaking at all. More often than not, I choose not to speak at all.
BUT...have I really learned anything at all? I may not speak (or at least, I am trying not to speak) unwholesome talk in front of others...but, I almost always share my views with my dear Jeremy. I feel like I may rupture inside if I don't share with Somebody what I really think. As if my thoughts are really that important (because usually they aren't). It's pride. I want someone to know what I think...I want someone to acknowledge when I am right...and I want someone to justify how I feel. Is it ok to share with one person those "unwholemsome thoughts" The thoughts that are not good for edification, but thoughts that really could be used to tear down and break apart? I'm pretty sure I shouldn't share those thoughts with anyone...and until I can hold them in...no, not hold them, but lay them down before the Lord and leave them there....then I have learned nothing and have not even come close to following that command.
I have no idea where this came from. I just wanted to complain about it being hot...and me being tired, lazy and unmotivated. I'm just in a complaining mood...and I want Someone to feel my pain. Kind of pathetic....and kind of shows that I'm not as far along as I hoped I was.
I'll share a funny story soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)