Here are just some pictures from the last couple of weeks. I will be posting as soon as I get another minute about Isaac and golf camp, but my daughter roars, so I must get off of this!!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Some Summer Pictures
Y'all probably think this blog has been abandoned, but it hasn't. Something about summer/five kids/summer school/golf camp/vacation coming up/yada yada yada/LIFE makes finding the time to get on this blog a little difficult. I have been walking in the evenings after I put the kids to bed so by the time I get time to get on here, I am passing out!
Here are just some pictures from the last couple of weeks. I will be posting as soon as I get another minute about Isaac and golf camp, but my daughter roars, so I must get off of this!!
Here are just some pictures from the last couple of weeks. I will be posting as soon as I get another minute about Isaac and golf camp, but my daughter roars, so I must get off of this!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Isaac Picks Up Swimming AND Golf...All in One Day!
I have been talking to Isaac and Nana (although Isaac doesn't really talk back to me) a couple of times a day since he left Wednesday. They have been doing a good job keeping me updated on what is going on there.
Yesterday morning he went swimming at his great-grandparents house. He has always been a hang-out-at-the-steps kinda kid. Since we don't have a pool, or access to a pool, the only time he gets to swim is when we are at a hotel or in Dallas. Needless to say, neither happens too often, so he doesn't get much practice or time to get used to being in the water.
He ventured away from the steps yesterday! By the afternoon swimming at the country club, he was going all the way underwater! So, on the way home they stopped and got him goggles and a snorkel for Nana's pool. (he is SURROUNDED by pools there!!!)
He had his golf lesson yesterday. One on one. He was even given his own club and a hat! Nana said he loved it. She said he paid close attention and tried really hard! By the end he was actually hitting the balls! When they got home last night, he and his uncle went between two houses and started hitting practice balls. Even then, she said he was really taking his time and making sure his feet were right, his stance was right, etc. And, he was hitting the balls!!
When they called after the golf lessons and swimming at the country club, it was the only time since he left that he actually talked! He was VERY excited!!! Not only did he call and talk to ME, but when he hung up with me he called Dad to tell him about it! He said he loved golf. I can see lots of trips to the park the remainder of the summer (EARLY in the morning) so he can practice. I just wish he had someone around that knew more about it. Paul and I both have clubs, but I don't really know how to play and don't have the time to learn. Paul knows how to play, but only has the weekends. But, it would be a great father-son thing for them to do together.
I am so happy to hear him so excited! He more than deserves it.
Nana called last night while he was in the pool. He only had 15 minutes to swim, so when she called and asked Isaac if he wanted to talk, I told her he didn't have to stop swimming to talk to me if he didn't want to. He came and talked (more like listened) to me. I was in the middle of a sentence and he says "okay, bye!" and handed the phone back to Nana. NO TIME FOR HIS MAMA!!
Yesterday morning he went swimming at his great-grandparents house. He has always been a hang-out-at-the-steps kinda kid. Since we don't have a pool, or access to a pool, the only time he gets to swim is when we are at a hotel or in Dallas. Needless to say, neither happens too often, so he doesn't get much practice or time to get used to being in the water.
He ventured away from the steps yesterday! By the afternoon swimming at the country club, he was going all the way underwater! So, on the way home they stopped and got him goggles and a snorkel for Nana's pool. (he is SURROUNDED by pools there!!!)
He had his golf lesson yesterday. One on one. He was even given his own club and a hat! Nana said he loved it. She said he paid close attention and tried really hard! By the end he was actually hitting the balls! When they got home last night, he and his uncle went between two houses and started hitting practice balls. Even then, she said he was really taking his time and making sure his feet were right, his stance was right, etc. And, he was hitting the balls!!
When they called after the golf lessons and swimming at the country club, it was the only time since he left that he actually talked! He was VERY excited!!! Not only did he call and talk to ME, but when he hung up with me he called Dad to tell him about it! He said he loved golf. I can see lots of trips to the park the remainder of the summer (EARLY in the morning) so he can practice. I just wish he had someone around that knew more about it. Paul and I both have clubs, but I don't really know how to play and don't have the time to learn. Paul knows how to play, but only has the weekends. But, it would be a great father-son thing for them to do together.
I am so happy to hear him so excited! He more than deserves it.
Nana called last night while he was in the pool. He only had 15 minutes to swim, so when she called and asked Isaac if he wanted to talk, I told her he didn't have to stop swimming to talk to me if he didn't want to. He came and talked (more like listened) to me. I was in the middle of a sentence and he says "okay, bye!" and handed the phone back to Nana. NO TIME FOR HIS MAMA!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Happy 13th Birthday to....ME!!!
Today was my birthday. I went to bed 30 and woke up.....THIRTEEN!!!
After a long day of three year old temper tantrums and getting a one year old out of....well, everything (over and over) and dealing with her screams of disapproval, my husband found the perfect way to end my day! He came home, baked me a cake and then put my candles backwards!
I also had a neighbor bring me a batch of cookies and card, another neighbor that is taking me to dinner tomorrow night (NO KIDS!), and my boys each gave me one of their beloved silly bands as gifts!
Although, I did miss having Isaac with me, I am glad he is having fun and I had a pretty good day!!
Now, I am probably the only 13 year old that WANTS to go to bed at 9 pm....but I think I might give it a shot! (Yes, Emily...I am probably the only 13 year old with five kids too....just let me have the moment please!!).
After a long day of three year old temper tantrums and getting a one year old out of....well, everything (over and over) and dealing with her screams of disapproval, my husband found the perfect way to end my day! He came home, baked me a cake and then put my candles backwards!
I also had a neighbor bring me a batch of cookies and card, another neighbor that is taking me to dinner tomorrow night (NO KIDS!), and my boys each gave me one of their beloved silly bands as gifts!
Although, I did miss having Isaac with me, I am glad he is having fun and I had a pretty good day!!
Now, I am probably the only 13 year old that WANTS to go to bed at 9 pm....but I think I might give it a shot! (Yes, Emily...I am probably the only 13 year old with five kids too....just let me have the moment please!!).
Isaac's First Plane Ride
Isaac was picked up today by Uncle Steve and Nana to go to Dallas until Sunday. He has a very busy few days planned. He is going to a airline museum in the am, private golf lessons tomorrow afternoon, a tour of the country club after that. Friday they are going to Six Flags. Saturday he is spending the day with his Aunt Lindsay who was talking about taking him to the movies or to Medieval Times.
He has been so excited about the trip! He has worked so hard this past school year (and so far this summer), so I am glad he is getting to have some fun!
He took his camera with him. If he comes home with any good pics, I will put them on here. Here are some pics of the kids and the airplane.
helping Uncle Steve put gas in the plane
Bryce and Nana
Andrew and Nana
Settling in
Andrew screamed for about an hour and a half - starting when Isaac got in the plane. "I want to go to Nana's!" "I want to fly in the plane!" were heard a lot. BUT, "I don't want Isaac to go bye-bye!!" was heard the most! OVER AND OVER!!!! He finally fell asleep. When he woke up he was talking about Isaac, but he has not started having tantrums about him being gone again, yet!
They called to let me know they got there a little while ago. Nana said Isaac had lots of good questions about the different instruments and what they do and different things he saw from the air. I am glad his first plane trip went good (hopefully the second one - on Sunday, on a commercial flight - will be as good of an experience!!
He has been so excited about the trip! He has worked so hard this past school year (and so far this summer), so I am glad he is getting to have some fun!
He took his camera with him. If he comes home with any good pics, I will put them on here. Here are some pics of the kids and the airplane.
helping Uncle Steve put gas in the plane
Bryce and Nana
Andrew and Nana
Settling in
Andrew screamed for about an hour and a half - starting when Isaac got in the plane. "I want to go to Nana's!" "I want to fly in the plane!" were heard a lot. BUT, "I don't want Isaac to go bye-bye!!" was heard the most! OVER AND OVER!!!! He finally fell asleep. When he woke up he was talking about Isaac, but he has not started having tantrums about him being gone again, yet!
They called to let me know they got there a little while ago. Nana said Isaac had lots of good questions about the different instruments and what they do and different things he saw from the air. I am glad his first plane trip went good (hopefully the second one - on Sunday, on a commercial flight - will be as good of an experience!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Prepared
I made my rounds checking on the kids before I went to bed last night. I never really know what I am going to find when I open a door. Some might still be awake and reading (or playing). Some might be asleep on the floor (Mads frequently prefers her shaggy pink rug oversleeping in her bed). Some may be asleep with a bed full of anything and everything. Here is what I found in one room last night:
Wherever his dreams take him, at least SOME part of this crazy (but cute) child will be prepared for ANYTHING!!!
Wherever his dreams take him, at least SOME part of this crazy (but cute) child will be prepared for ANYTHING!!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Journey with Madeleine
Madeleine has never been a huge fan of the car. We go through some periods of time where she is more tolerant than others. Right now, we are going through a not-so-tolerant period!!
I took this video this weekend while we were in the car running errands (I am NOT driving!). Unfortunately, there is a glare on the window, so you cannot see a vital part of the video. Mads will be crying and we put her window down and she immediately stops. When we put her window back up, she immediately starts crying again!
Could be a REALLY LONG (and wind-blown) 7 hours to the beach!!
I took this video this weekend while we were in the car running errands (I am NOT driving!). Unfortunately, there is a glare on the window, so you cannot see a vital part of the video. Mads will be crying and we put her window down and she immediately stops. When we put her window back up, she immediately starts crying again!
Could be a REALLY LONG (and wind-blown) 7 hours to the beach!!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Challenging
That is the best way to describe my life right now! Yes, my challenges are MINUTE compared to what many people are going through. I know this! I think I am slowly being prepared for what is to come in the oh-too-near future that life with four boys and all the "glory" that will come with that.
Oh, don't worry, I have not forgotten about the girl. I think she was our gift just so we don't get too comfortable with raising boys. We would not ever want to believe we had become "pros" at raising children (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!)
I always wanted a big family (as did "we" when I became we). Equal amounts of boys and girls (alternating boy than girl than boy, etc). Evenly spread out. Perfect amounts of sibling love and rivalry (obviously much more love than rivalry). Life would always be fun and exciting and for the most part calm.
If you know my life and family, you are laughing with me right now!! That was MY plan. If there is one thing He has taught me it is definitely that MY plan is just that, MY plan. His plan, however, is THE plan. So, I can tell Him what I think should happen and what I want to happen, but He knows best!
I am a girly girl. I would be happy wearing heels everyday. I get up each morning and put my make-up on. I spend time every morning trying to decide what I am going to wear everyday - even though I know I will be at home taking care of my house and family. I like pretty things. I want to take care of what I have. I like things to be CLEAN! I am totally aware and okay with my OCD (especially when it comes to my house being picked up and at least semi-clean).
I don't like bugs. I prefer not to get too dirty (although I do like being outdoors). I don't like chasing frogs and lizards and snakes. I don't think anything in the rat family is cool. I don't care to spend my time discussing bodily functions, or seeing who can make the loudest or stinkiest.....well you know (again, really don't care to discuss them). I don't enjoy going outside on a hot day and having a competition with my siblings to see who can turn the most purple and have the most sweat dripping off of me. These things are just not my idea of fun.
This is me. This is how God made me, how I am wired.
You gotta love God's sense of humor!
If you take the two paragraphs above of my likes and dislikes, turn them around and you have four of my five children. If I like it, they are not interested. If I dislike it, they not only like it, they LOVE it!!! They also love to see me squirm. So, they like to do things like put slugs on my front door knob while they are waiting for a school bus. Even though they don't get to SEE my reaction when I go to open the door and spot the slug sliming around on it, they know how I am going to react and that is enough for them.
Mads, at this point, is the perfect combination of a girly girl and a tomboy. She already loves dress-up, shoes, purses, shopping, getting her nails painted, etc. But, she will put on her tutu and accessories and go play in mud puddles. She wants to be outside running around with her brothers. Bugs don't bother her in the least. She loves smelling flowers. When she has had enough of her brothers, she lets them know in a blood-curdling squeal of a scream. She talks ALL.THE.TIME (NO idea where she gets that from).
The kids ages are spread out so much that we are getting experiences from many stages all at one time. We have two "tweens", one almost a full blown teen and one just entering the tween phase. We have one stuck in the middle, not quite a tween, but not a preschooler either. We have a preschooler and we have a toddler. Each phase comes with its own challenges. Then they feed off of each other. The oldest likes to pick on and antagonize the younger. The younger want to be just like the older. The one in the middle can act like the older kids and hang with them or throw a temper tantrum bigger than the little kids.
Although the challenges are seen daily, they are obviously much worse during the summer when none of them get much of a break from each other. They all want their parents attention, but they all want it in different ways. Some push us away, but put out hints that there are certain things we do that they really like but don't want to admit too. For example, I have one that says how embarrassing it is when I write notes and put in lunch boxes or stand outside and say "huggy huggy kissy kissy have a great day", but if I quit writing notes I get little comments like "there is a kid in my class who has a note from his mom in his lunch box EVERY day." He doesn't say that is cool or isn't cool, just points it out. I take that as "I want a note too!!" And, if I DON'T get out the door quick enough when the bus is spotted, I have boys that come in several times as it comes down the street to say "the bus is about to be here Mom...where are you?" Those are signs to me that they WANT that attention, but don't want to admit that they want it. Andrew is used to have lots of attention during the day (as is Mads), so when there are three more people here to "compete" with there are lots of screams, attitudes, fighting, etc.
I always heard if you have an odd number of kids, someone is always left out. I see this being true too. We definitely have children that always play together and it is usually the same child that is always left out. They all know which buttons to push to annoy everyone (including their parents). I am constantly having to correct someone for something. There is little relaxation between the hours of 7 am (if we are lucky) and 9 pm.
Several times a day I feel like a failure. When the kids are in bed I question if they each got enough attention and what can I do better tomorrow. I feel like I get frustrated way too easy, way too often. Patience is something I frequently pray for more of. I see my children struggle with something and then I struggle with feeling like it is my fault (even when I know it isn't).
I know this is all part of parenting, and we all go through these struggles and challenges. Sometimes they are all a bit overwhelming. But, when I see how quickly they are growing up it makes me want to try a little harder and enjoy the phases we are in a bit more. It makes me thank God for everything he has blessed us with and appreciate His sense of humor even more. After all, who doesn't love a good challenge (or 5)?
Oh, don't worry, I have not forgotten about the girl. I think she was our gift just so we don't get too comfortable with raising boys. We would not ever want to believe we had become "pros" at raising children (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!)
I always wanted a big family (as did "we" when I became we). Equal amounts of boys and girls (alternating boy than girl than boy, etc). Evenly spread out. Perfect amounts of sibling love and rivalry (obviously much more love than rivalry). Life would always be fun and exciting and for the most part calm.
If you know my life and family, you are laughing with me right now!! That was MY plan. If there is one thing He has taught me it is definitely that MY plan is just that, MY plan. His plan, however, is THE plan. So, I can tell Him what I think should happen and what I want to happen, but He knows best!
I am a girly girl. I would be happy wearing heels everyday. I get up each morning and put my make-up on. I spend time every morning trying to decide what I am going to wear everyday - even though I know I will be at home taking care of my house and family. I like pretty things. I want to take care of what I have. I like things to be CLEAN! I am totally aware and okay with my OCD (especially when it comes to my house being picked up and at least semi-clean).
I don't like bugs. I prefer not to get too dirty (although I do like being outdoors). I don't like chasing frogs and lizards and snakes. I don't think anything in the rat family is cool. I don't care to spend my time discussing bodily functions, or seeing who can make the loudest or stinkiest.....well you know (again, really don't care to discuss them). I don't enjoy going outside on a hot day and having a competition with my siblings to see who can turn the most purple and have the most sweat dripping off of me. These things are just not my idea of fun.
This is me. This is how God made me, how I am wired.
You gotta love God's sense of humor!
If you take the two paragraphs above of my likes and dislikes, turn them around and you have four of my five children. If I like it, they are not interested. If I dislike it, they not only like it, they LOVE it!!! They also love to see me squirm. So, they like to do things like put slugs on my front door knob while they are waiting for a school bus. Even though they don't get to SEE my reaction when I go to open the door and spot the slug sliming around on it, they know how I am going to react and that is enough for them.
Mads, at this point, is the perfect combination of a girly girl and a tomboy. She already loves dress-up, shoes, purses, shopping, getting her nails painted, etc. But, she will put on her tutu and accessories and go play in mud puddles. She wants to be outside running around with her brothers. Bugs don't bother her in the least. She loves smelling flowers. When she has had enough of her brothers, she lets them know in a blood-curdling squeal of a scream. She talks ALL.THE.TIME (NO idea where she gets that from).
The kids ages are spread out so much that we are getting experiences from many stages all at one time. We have two "tweens", one almost a full blown teen and one just entering the tween phase. We have one stuck in the middle, not quite a tween, but not a preschooler either. We have a preschooler and we have a toddler. Each phase comes with its own challenges. Then they feed off of each other. The oldest likes to pick on and antagonize the younger. The younger want to be just like the older. The one in the middle can act like the older kids and hang with them or throw a temper tantrum bigger than the little kids.
Although the challenges are seen daily, they are obviously much worse during the summer when none of them get much of a break from each other. They all want their parents attention, but they all want it in different ways. Some push us away, but put out hints that there are certain things we do that they really like but don't want to admit too. For example, I have one that says how embarrassing it is when I write notes and put in lunch boxes or stand outside and say "huggy huggy kissy kissy have a great day", but if I quit writing notes I get little comments like "there is a kid in my class who has a note from his mom in his lunch box EVERY day." He doesn't say that is cool or isn't cool, just points it out. I take that as "I want a note too!!" And, if I DON'T get out the door quick enough when the bus is spotted, I have boys that come in several times as it comes down the street to say "the bus is about to be here Mom...where are you?" Those are signs to me that they WANT that attention, but don't want to admit that they want it. Andrew is used to have lots of attention during the day (as is Mads), so when there are three more people here to "compete" with there are lots of screams, attitudes, fighting, etc.
I always heard if you have an odd number of kids, someone is always left out. I see this being true too. We definitely have children that always play together and it is usually the same child that is always left out. They all know which buttons to push to annoy everyone (including their parents). I am constantly having to correct someone for something. There is little relaxation between the hours of 7 am (if we are lucky) and 9 pm.
Several times a day I feel like a failure. When the kids are in bed I question if they each got enough attention and what can I do better tomorrow. I feel like I get frustrated way too easy, way too often. Patience is something I frequently pray for more of. I see my children struggle with something and then I struggle with feeling like it is my fault (even when I know it isn't).
I know this is all part of parenting, and we all go through these struggles and challenges. Sometimes they are all a bit overwhelming. But, when I see how quickly they are growing up it makes me want to try a little harder and enjoy the phases we are in a bit more. It makes me thank God for everything he has blessed us with and appreciate His sense of humor even more. After all, who doesn't love a good challenge (or 5)?
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Making Her Own Choices
This morning Madeleine chose her orange tutu to wear. Who can argue with that?
She got up from nap and kept bringing me different accessories, and the more I took pictures, the more she brought out.
Catch up
I am going to try and do a quick update on everything that has been going on here lately! We are trying to adjust to summer and having everyone home all day, so I have not been blogging much.
The boys are very glad to be out of school. Isaac is doing a "summer academy" through his school this summer. One month of four day school weeks, 8:30-11:30. It is not an actual summer school, he is not forced to go to it. It is an optional summer program to get a little more one on one help and help get him ready for third grade. I wanted him to go since he is still not completely caught up from what he fell behind on last year, but he WANTS to go - so that makes it much easier!
Caleb found out that a friend from school lives in our neighborhood and has been spending a lot of time with him. Although they go between the two houses, our house is the less cool one because his friend has an awesome pool in his backyard!! He is at an age where he wants some more independence, and I am glad I can give it to him while still keeping him close!
Paul was out of town the first full week of summer. That was some horrible timing, but we survived and my hair didn't gray too much more! We spent Memorial Day weekend catching up on some much needed work outside. Paul got home Thursday at lunch and took Friday off, so we had a four and a half day weekend.
Monday we had some friends come over and Paul made and AWESOME brisket. They brought homemade potato salad (also YUMMY), beans and bread. And then, of course, there was dessert! They have two little boys, so we opened the sandbox, turned on the sprinklers, filled up the little pool (for the little kids) and turned them loose!! Luckily, in the shade the weather wasn't too unbearable.
Mady started feeling bad on Friday afternoon. We thought she was having asthma problems, so we were keeping a close eye on her and praying we did not have to make a trip to the ER. Luckily, she never had any bad episodes, but she was running fever, had a horrible cough and runny nose, So Tuesday morning we took her to see the dr. She had a bad sinus infection that was turning into bronchitis. He put her on an antibiotic and told us to give her a cough expectorant during the day and a cough suppressant at night. Needless to say, nights have been long! Lots of waking up crying, lots of early mornings....in other words, the normal but worse!
After we got home from the dr yesterday, everyone was lying down and quiet. Isaac got up and threw up. Seemed fine after that. Andrew got up with a fever. Mads got up with a fever of 102.5. The boys seem fine today though and Mads seems to be doing a little better.
We have a busy month this month. We have our anniversary this weekend, my birthday, Bryce's birthday (which we are going to do a small party for I think), which is also on Father's Day this year (poor Daddy has to share ALL his holidays). Isaac will be going to Dallas the middle of the month and staying with Nana and Grandpa Jim, and we will be going on a family vacation the end of the month. Plus, Isaac's school four mornings a week. I will try to keep up the blog, but if I fall behind that is why.
I will try to get the boys awards/musical post up soon from the end of the school year.
The boys are very glad to be out of school. Isaac is doing a "summer academy" through his school this summer. One month of four day school weeks, 8:30-11:30. It is not an actual summer school, he is not forced to go to it. It is an optional summer program to get a little more one on one help and help get him ready for third grade. I wanted him to go since he is still not completely caught up from what he fell behind on last year, but he WANTS to go - so that makes it much easier!
Caleb found out that a friend from school lives in our neighborhood and has been spending a lot of time with him. Although they go between the two houses, our house is the less cool one because his friend has an awesome pool in his backyard!! He is at an age where he wants some more independence, and I am glad I can give it to him while still keeping him close!
Paul was out of town the first full week of summer. That was some horrible timing, but we survived and my hair didn't gray too much more! We spent Memorial Day weekend catching up on some much needed work outside. Paul got home Thursday at lunch and took Friday off, so we had a four and a half day weekend.
Monday we had some friends come over and Paul made and AWESOME brisket. They brought homemade potato salad (also YUMMY), beans and bread. And then, of course, there was dessert! They have two little boys, so we opened the sandbox, turned on the sprinklers, filled up the little pool (for the little kids) and turned them loose!! Luckily, in the shade the weather wasn't too unbearable.
Mady started feeling bad on Friday afternoon. We thought she was having asthma problems, so we were keeping a close eye on her and praying we did not have to make a trip to the ER. Luckily, she never had any bad episodes, but she was running fever, had a horrible cough and runny nose, So Tuesday morning we took her to see the dr. She had a bad sinus infection that was turning into bronchitis. He put her on an antibiotic and told us to give her a cough expectorant during the day and a cough suppressant at night. Needless to say, nights have been long! Lots of waking up crying, lots of early mornings....in other words, the normal but worse!
After we got home from the dr yesterday, everyone was lying down and quiet. Isaac got up and threw up. Seemed fine after that. Andrew got up with a fever. Mads got up with a fever of 102.5. The boys seem fine today though and Mads seems to be doing a little better.
We have a busy month this month. We have our anniversary this weekend, my birthday, Bryce's birthday (which we are going to do a small party for I think), which is also on Father's Day this year (poor Daddy has to share ALL his holidays). Isaac will be going to Dallas the middle of the month and staying with Nana and Grandpa Jim, and we will be going on a family vacation the end of the month. Plus, Isaac's school four mornings a week. I will try to keep up the blog, but if I fall behind that is why.
I will try to get the boys awards/musical post up soon from the end of the school year.
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