He likes to stick his tongue out, especially if he is copying someone else doing it!
Peek-a-boo!
He can do both at once - TALANT!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Andrew's New Games
He likes to stick his tongue out, especially if he is copying someone else doing it!Peek-a-boo!
He can do both at once - TALANT!!
OH NO!!!
I think we may be done with this swing now!! Andrew figured out that he could sit up, fold himself in half and hang over the front!!! I think the pictures speak for themselves!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Green Eggs and Ham
Mrs. "Awissa" made green eggs and ham with the kids today. She brought and electric skillet and cooked for everyone. She did not think any of them would like them, but EVERYONE liked them - and wanted more!!
Bryce was excited when I picked him up, and told me all about eating green eggs and ham!
Bryce was excited when I picked him up, and told me all about eating green eggs and ham!
Need to Rant (I AM SOOO EMBARRASSED!!)
This really is a very embarrassing, but this is DEFINENTLY something I want the kids to read about later down the road!!
I am PISSED (no pun intended! I have to keep my humor, though!!)
I have been cleaning Isaac and Bryce's room - in tears!! I don't know what to do! Part of me wants to throw away ALL of their toys (which I just threw away a whole box of legos - we are talking plastic box with a lego lid that you can build on! Then I just emptied the toy box and threw away a trashbag full of toys. HE PEED IN THE TOY BOX!!! FULL OF TOYS!! I HAD TO WEAR RUBBER GLOVES TO CLEAN OUT THE TOYS!!!If this is what I am already having to deal with with a house of boys - I will probably die of a stroke before we hit the teenage years!!
I want to throw all the toys out, but toys are SO expensive and I still have a baby that could play with them later. So, if I don't throw them out - I have to individually scrub EVERY toy. To think that I was actually rethinking taking all of the toys out of the bedrooms!
I am SO embarressed that MY kids did this. Did I NOT teach them better than THIS? I REALLY want to put him in diapers, but he can pull those down/and off just as easy as underwear. I guess I need a plug!
I could use some LEGAL punishment ideas!! I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING short of removing EVERYTHING but their beds from their room and I am actually in the process of doing that NOW.
Mommy's sanity - it just went out the window!
I think Mommy needs the vacation to Maine next week - not Daddy!!
I am PISSED (no pun intended! I have to keep my humor, though!!)
I have been cleaning Isaac and Bryce's room - in tears!! I don't know what to do! Part of me wants to throw away ALL of their toys (which I just threw away a whole box of legos - we are talking plastic box with a lego lid that you can build on! Then I just emptied the toy box and threw away a trashbag full of toys. HE PEED IN THE TOY BOX!!! FULL OF TOYS!! I HAD TO WEAR RUBBER GLOVES TO CLEAN OUT THE TOYS!!!If this is what I am already having to deal with with a house of boys - I will probably die of a stroke before we hit the teenage years!!
I want to throw all the toys out, but toys are SO expensive and I still have a baby that could play with them later. So, if I don't throw them out - I have to individually scrub EVERY toy. To think that I was actually rethinking taking all of the toys out of the bedrooms!
I am SO embarressed that MY kids did this. Did I NOT teach them better than THIS? I REALLY want to put him in diapers, but he can pull those down/and off just as easy as underwear. I guess I need a plug!
I could use some LEGAL punishment ideas!! I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING short of removing EVERYTHING but their beds from their room and I am actually in the process of doing that NOW.
Mommy's sanity - it just went out the window!
I think Mommy needs the vacation to Maine next week - not Daddy!!
I NEED HELP!!
Not that kind! I do, but I would be going to a trained professional for that!!!
I need postcards!! It doesn't matter where they are from (but I guess the stranger the place the cooler it would be). We are working on Caleb's room (assuming, of course, he gets to KEEP his room!!). We had some wall maps up, and Daddy was marking every place he goes, but the ceiling fan kept blowing it down and I can't find a frame big enough for it. So, I am going to make one this weekend. I am just going to get some small molding and put around it to keep the fan from blowing it.
We are using some old license plates (so if anyone has any of those - especially from different states - we could use those too!) that we have - from Pepa's old truck, an Arkansas plate we had from a past vehicle, etc. We have Daddy's old Arizona Route 66 metal sign that we are using. I thought it would be neat to frame some postcards to use too (he would like them even more if there was a special message for him on it - he LOVES getting mail!!)
Caleb wants to be an explorer. He is very interested in maps and globes. He would really like to explore jungles and deserts, etc., but I thought this would be a fun way to decorate his room and postcards with special messages on them would be a neat thing for his "memory box" that he has when he decides to take them down off the wall. It has also been a great learning tool for him. He is learning where the states are and different cities in different states.
Thanks in advance for your help!! He doesn't know I am putting out this request, so it will be a BIG surprise when he asks me if he got mail (which he oddly does DAILY and I always have to tell him no) and I can actually say yes! I am going to have Daddy start picking up a postcard when he is out of town - like next week while he is in Maine on vacation!!!
I need postcards!! It doesn't matter where they are from (but I guess the stranger the place the cooler it would be). We are working on Caleb's room (assuming, of course, he gets to KEEP his room!!). We had some wall maps up, and Daddy was marking every place he goes, but the ceiling fan kept blowing it down and I can't find a frame big enough for it. So, I am going to make one this weekend. I am just going to get some small molding and put around it to keep the fan from blowing it.
We are using some old license plates (so if anyone has any of those - especially from different states - we could use those too!) that we have - from Pepa's old truck, an Arkansas plate we had from a past vehicle, etc. We have Daddy's old Arizona Route 66 metal sign that we are using. I thought it would be neat to frame some postcards to use too (he would like them even more if there was a special message for him on it - he LOVES getting mail!!)
Caleb wants to be an explorer. He is very interested in maps and globes. He would really like to explore jungles and deserts, etc., but I thought this would be a fun way to decorate his room and postcards with special messages on them would be a neat thing for his "memory box" that he has when he decides to take them down off the wall. It has also been a great learning tool for him. He is learning where the states are and different cities in different states.
Thanks in advance for your help!! He doesn't know I am putting out this request, so it will be a BIG surprise when he asks me if he got mail (which he oddly does DAILY and I always have to tell him no) and I can actually say yes! I am going to have Daddy start picking up a postcard when he is out of town - like next week while he is in Maine on vacation!!!
Today, on my "day off" I will be busy removing toys from bedrooms!! The boys are going to be losing all toys for awhile.
Caleb will not clean his room. When I tell him to, he is always "playing with all of the stuff on the floor," even when he is not and has not been in his room. When he is suppose to be doing homework - he is playing. So, until Caleb can stop the attitude, clean up after himself and do his homework when he is supposed to - he owns NOTHING!!
Isaac and Bryce....well....we are having a problem with Bryce peeing - in EVERYTHING!! We are talking boxes, legos, toy fireman boots, if it holds liquid - he will pee in it. While this is Bryce doing it, and Bryce being held responsible for it, he is being TOLD to do it. Then the brother (they both do it, but Isaac is the worst) that told him to do it, quickly runs to me or Daddy and tells on him! We are trying hard to teach Bryce not to listen to his brothers and definently not to do what they say when he KNOWS it wrong! He knows what he is supposed to do and what he isn't, but chooses to listen to them anyway. He IS held accountable for his actions and choices! Isaac (or whoever tells him to do what he does wrong) is also held responsible for their choice of telling their brother to do something they know he is not supposed to do (and then tattling about it).
It started with them telling him to take toys into the bathroom and fill it with water. Then they would tell him to take them and pour it into something into the bedroom. It escalated from that to telling him to pee. I have HEARD them tell him to do both, so I know they are doing it! At this point, their bathroom door is staying locked and they have to ask me to unlock the door so they can go to the bathroom. That way I know who is in there, how long they are in there and what they are doing while they are in there. It also helps me keep the bathroom clean, but it is still sad that I have to go to this extreme!
After dealing with this for way to long, and trying MANY different punishments - none of which are working long-term, we are now removing everything FUN from their room. Unfortunately, since that is what he is being told to pee in - and peeing in - this is the last straw and what is going to have to be done!!
We have never had this problem before. I don't know that he is doing this because of Andrew (maybe he is, but I don't know). I think he is basically trying to be one of the "BIG BOYS" and when they tell him to do something, he does it! School peer pressure should be fun if he can't handle his brothers pressuring him into trouble. That is why we have CONTINUAL talks about NOT listening to his brothers and doing what he KNOWS is the right thing to do.
I warned Caleb that if this does not fix the problem, the next step is that Caleb and Isaac start sharing a room so that I can get Bryce away from the problem!!
Caleb will not clean his room. When I tell him to, he is always "playing with all of the stuff on the floor," even when he is not and has not been in his room. When he is suppose to be doing homework - he is playing. So, until Caleb can stop the attitude, clean up after himself and do his homework when he is supposed to - he owns NOTHING!!
Isaac and Bryce....well....we are having a problem with Bryce peeing - in EVERYTHING!! We are talking boxes, legos, toy fireman boots, if it holds liquid - he will pee in it. While this is Bryce doing it, and Bryce being held responsible for it, he is being TOLD to do it. Then the brother (they both do it, but Isaac is the worst) that told him to do it, quickly runs to me or Daddy and tells on him! We are trying hard to teach Bryce not to listen to his brothers and definently not to do what they say when he KNOWS it wrong! He knows what he is supposed to do and what he isn't, but chooses to listen to them anyway. He IS held accountable for his actions and choices! Isaac (or whoever tells him to do what he does wrong) is also held responsible for their choice of telling their brother to do something they know he is not supposed to do (and then tattling about it).
It started with them telling him to take toys into the bathroom and fill it with water. Then they would tell him to take them and pour it into something into the bedroom. It escalated from that to telling him to pee. I have HEARD them tell him to do both, so I know they are doing it! At this point, their bathroom door is staying locked and they have to ask me to unlock the door so they can go to the bathroom. That way I know who is in there, how long they are in there and what they are doing while they are in there. It also helps me keep the bathroom clean, but it is still sad that I have to go to this extreme!
After dealing with this for way to long, and trying MANY different punishments - none of which are working long-term, we are now removing everything FUN from their room. Unfortunately, since that is what he is being told to pee in - and peeing in - this is the last straw and what is going to have to be done!!
We have never had this problem before. I don't know that he is doing this because of Andrew (maybe he is, but I don't know). I think he is basically trying to be one of the "BIG BOYS" and when they tell him to do something, he does it! School peer pressure should be fun if he can't handle his brothers pressuring him into trouble. That is why we have CONTINUAL talks about NOT listening to his brothers and doing what he KNOWS is the right thing to do.
I warned Caleb that if this does not fix the problem, the next step is that Caleb and Isaac start sharing a room so that I can get Bryce away from the problem!!
Mr. Know-It-All
Okay, so really I have four of these (give me a while and I will have five!), but this one is about Bryce!
His teacher's name is Mrs. Melissa. He calls her Mrs. Awissa. I keep working with him and telling him to say MELISSA and he will say it when prompted, but when we talk about her he goes back to saying AWISSA.
Finally, Tuesday after school, he was telling me that Mrs. Awissa was not there today. I told him he knew how to say Melissa and asked why he wouldn't say it correctly. "Why would I say Melissa? Her name is Mrs. AWISSA!!!" I told him it wasn't and we went through it all AGAIN! "She told us her name was Mrs. Awissa and that is what I am calling her!"
So, today when I dropped him off, she asked Bryce if he missed her. I was telling her that he kept going on and on about her not being there, then I remembered our conversation Tuesday. I told him to say her name and he said Mrs. Awissa. She laughed and said that most kids say it that way. I then made him say Melissa, which he did. He then proceeded to lecture me AGAIN that her name was Awissa not Melissa - in front of her!! She got a good laugh out of it. I guess she will now forever be Mrs. Awissa to him!!
His teacher's name is Mrs. Melissa. He calls her Mrs. Awissa. I keep working with him and telling him to say MELISSA and he will say it when prompted, but when we talk about her he goes back to saying AWISSA.
Finally, Tuesday after school, he was telling me that Mrs. Awissa was not there today. I told him he knew how to say Melissa and asked why he wouldn't say it correctly. "Why would I say Melissa? Her name is Mrs. AWISSA!!!" I told him it wasn't and we went through it all AGAIN! "She told us her name was Mrs. Awissa and that is what I am calling her!"
So, today when I dropped him off, she asked Bryce if he missed her. I was telling her that he kept going on and on about her not being there, then I remembered our conversation Tuesday. I told him to say her name and he said Mrs. Awissa. She laughed and said that most kids say it that way. I then made him say Melissa, which he did. He then proceeded to lecture me AGAIN that her name was Awissa not Melissa - in front of her!! She got a good laugh out of it. I guess she will now forever be Mrs. Awissa to him!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Quiet!
AAAHHHHH! Quiet! Even with Bryce here, there is noone for him to argue with or to pick on him and make him scream!
Now, I am trying to catch up on housework. I need to clean everyones sheets and blankets and get rid of GERMS!!
It seems like it is Friday already - LONG WEEK!!
Now, I am trying to catch up on housework. I need to clean everyones sheets and blankets and get rid of GERMS!!
It seems like it is Friday already - LONG WEEK!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Andrew's Last Dr's Appt
I am finally posting about it!
Last week when we went to the gastro dr, Andrew had gained 3 ounces in two weeks. It is good that he is gaining SOMETHING, but he should still be gaining an ounce a day (this usually tapers back some around six months). The dr told me to keep a journal of everything that goes in and comes out for the next two weeks. She did not want to start running test until she gets at least one more weight check in. If, by the next appointment, he is not gaining better, they will start running test.
He is only breastfeeding twice a day now. He nurses first thing in the morning and right before bed. The rest of the time he is getting formula and baby food. So, the lack of gaining can't be from him not getting enough hindmilk!
Monday he goes to Children's to have an upper GI done. I don't know who is going to force barium down him, but I know who isn't!! This test was already scheduled by the pediatrician, and the gastro wanted me to go ahead and keep it because it takes so long to get in. Then Tuesday I take him back to the gastro to see where we go from there. The bad part is that Paul is going to be out of town AND the boys are all out of school on Tuesday!
We had a couple of nights this weekend where AJ fussed all night. We don't know what was going on, but it was just a couple of nights and he has been fine since then.
I will try to post next weeks dr check up a litte quicker!!
Last week when we went to the gastro dr, Andrew had gained 3 ounces in two weeks. It is good that he is gaining SOMETHING, but he should still be gaining an ounce a day (this usually tapers back some around six months). The dr told me to keep a journal of everything that goes in and comes out for the next two weeks. She did not want to start running test until she gets at least one more weight check in. If, by the next appointment, he is not gaining better, they will start running test.
He is only breastfeeding twice a day now. He nurses first thing in the morning and right before bed. The rest of the time he is getting formula and baby food. So, the lack of gaining can't be from him not getting enough hindmilk!
Monday he goes to Children's to have an upper GI done. I don't know who is going to force barium down him, but I know who isn't!! This test was already scheduled by the pediatrician, and the gastro wanted me to go ahead and keep it because it takes so long to get in. Then Tuesday I take him back to the gastro to see where we go from there. The bad part is that Paul is going to be out of town AND the boys are all out of school on Tuesday!
We had a couple of nights this weekend where AJ fussed all night. We don't know what was going on, but it was just a couple of nights and he has been fine since then.
I will try to post next weeks dr check up a litte quicker!!
Sick Kids!!!
I know you can't fake a fever or passed strep test, but I have one kid that can definently put forth the effort! Caleb got up this morning complaining that his throat was KILLING him and saying it hurt so bad he could not swallow at all! This continued until 8am - which is what time school starts!! Magically, at 8 his throat got better and he was able to eat 6 cinammon squares with no complaints.
He was fine ALL day - picking on his brothers and playing - until right before bedtime. Then his stomach started hurting. He was lying on the bathroom floor moaning and groaning while I was giving Andrew his bath. When I never acknowledged him, he got louder. I told him it sounded like he needed to go to bed!
He continued until I went outside (and the boys and Daddy were already out there). He tried to follow me, but I told him he needed to stay in since he was sick. He asked if he could play the x-box and I said no, he needed to rest since he is so sick. "I am starting to feel better though!"
It is so amazing how he can turn on and off his illness depending on what he wants to get out of or be able to do!
He did tell me when we went and got his make-up work and he saw all of his homework that staying home sick didn't seem like much fun anymore. He for some reason thought that the work he was missing would just disappear and he would never have to do it. He had a notebook sheet of paper full of assignments for him to do. He spent half the day doing homework! He got everything but a collage done.
Poor Isaac has continuously asked since yesterday (right after I picked him up) when he could go back to school. I guess the new has not warn off for him yet!
He was fine ALL day - picking on his brothers and playing - until right before bedtime. Then his stomach started hurting. He was lying on the bathroom floor moaning and groaning while I was giving Andrew his bath. When I never acknowledged him, he got louder. I told him it sounded like he needed to go to bed!
He continued until I went outside (and the boys and Daddy were already out there). He tried to follow me, but I told him he needed to stay in since he was sick. He asked if he could play the x-box and I said no, he needed to rest since he is so sick. "I am starting to feel better though!"
It is so amazing how he can turn on and off his illness depending on what he wants to get out of or be able to do!
He did tell me when we went and got his make-up work and he saw all of his homework that staying home sick didn't seem like much fun anymore. He for some reason thought that the work he was missing would just disappear and he would never have to do it. He had a notebook sheet of paper full of assignments for him to do. He spent half the day doing homework! He got everything but a collage done.
Poor Isaac has continuously asked since yesterday (right after I picked him up) when he could go back to school. I guess the new has not warn off for him yet!
Update
I meant to give an update on this post. When Bryce got up from his nap, he went straight to the dining room window. I was in the living room. I hear him say "man, it's too late." then he comes in and tells me we waited to long. I asked what he was talking about and he said that the lady across the street was gone so we could not ask her for her groceries. Then he gets a face like a light-bulb had just come on in his little brain. "All of the groceries would still be in her house though!"
I asked if he was planning on breaking in and stealing her groceries and he said yes! Four years old and already going to be a jail-bird!! But hey, way to take care of your Mom!!!!
I asked if he was planning on breaking in and stealing her groceries and he said yes! Four years old and already going to be a jail-bird!! But hey, way to take care of your Mom!!!!
Blueberries and Bananas
Andrew eating blueberries and bananas. Seemed to be his favorite of all so far!
This is Andrew when you run out of blueberries and bananas! Don't run out of blueberries and bananas (of course, then he will just eat himself sick - literally)!
HOW ABOUT SOME PICS?
I walked into Andrew's room to find him sleeping like this. His Daddy sleeps like this - face into the mattress. Sure looks uncomfy!!!
Which one for lunch?
BOTH!
AJ fell asleep playing in his crib.
Caleb feeding AJ
Isaac feeding AJ
Guilt?
I promise I will catch up, but instead of getting further behind with the going-ons, I am going to keep blogging on what is going on now. I have some pics to put on and they take TIME (which is something I am rather short of lately!).
Last night, I went on a hunt for a toy box for AJ's room (which I didn't find one!). I left Paul home with the kids. Apparantly, while I was gone, Paul ended up in a conference call with two of his bosses and another person. After hearing his story when I got home, I felt bad for a second - literally a second - then I told myself NOT to! It was good for him to realize what I have to deal with when I am home trying to take care of stuff.
Paul had to feed the boys their dinner. While he was trying to do all of that and had AJ in his highchair waiting for HIS dinner, Paul ended up on a conference call. He was telling me how hard it was to pay attention to the conversation and deal with the kids all at the same time. The kids seem to think (as most kids do I think) that if Mom or Dad are on the phone, they can get away with anything!
I felt guilty at first for not being here to help, but then I took the oppurtunity to point out that this is what I have to deal with. He has gotten frustrated before because he would call from work and ask me to call and take care of different things and my response is always "If I get a chance..." Now, I hope that he understands that it is not an excuse to not do something, but the stars have to align just right (in other words - everyone has to nap at the same time, which rarely happens these days) to have a conversation that makes sense and I can remember the result of!!
It all worked out for me because when I got home, three kids were in bed and the kitchen was being cleaned! I fed AJ and was done for the night!
HHHHMMMMMM....
Maybe I will "have" to go out for something EVERY NIGHT!!
Last night, I went on a hunt for a toy box for AJ's room (which I didn't find one!). I left Paul home with the kids. Apparantly, while I was gone, Paul ended up in a conference call with two of his bosses and another person. After hearing his story when I got home, I felt bad for a second - literally a second - then I told myself NOT to! It was good for him to realize what I have to deal with when I am home trying to take care of stuff.
Paul had to feed the boys their dinner. While he was trying to do all of that and had AJ in his highchair waiting for HIS dinner, Paul ended up on a conference call. He was telling me how hard it was to pay attention to the conversation and deal with the kids all at the same time. The kids seem to think (as most kids do I think) that if Mom or Dad are on the phone, they can get away with anything!
I felt guilty at first for not being here to help, but then I took the oppurtunity to point out that this is what I have to deal with. He has gotten frustrated before because he would call from work and ask me to call and take care of different things and my response is always "If I get a chance..." Now, I hope that he understands that it is not an excuse to not do something, but the stars have to align just right (in other words - everyone has to nap at the same time, which rarely happens these days) to have a conversation that makes sense and I can remember the result of!!
It all worked out for me because when I got home, three kids were in bed and the kitchen was being cleaned! I fed AJ and was done for the night!
HHHHMMMMMM....
Maybe I will "have" to go out for something EVERY NIGHT!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sick kids
So much for a week without drs!! Caleb started feeling bad this weekend, so I kept him home today to go to the dr. He complained that his throat was hurting a little, his head was hurting and Friday night - his stomach was hurting. I know it is time for him to get strep throat though, because he has been in school for several weeks and he usually gets strep around now.
As I was leaving the house this morning to take Caleb, the school called. Isaac went to the nurse with an upset tummy. She took his temp and it was 100.7. So, I picked him up and took him to.
I told dr what was going on adn reminded him that it is time for Caleb to get strep. He checked him out, said he was congested, said he did not have the symptoms of strep and his throat looked fine, but because of his history wanted to test it anyway. Came back positive - do I know my kids or what!!
He did not test Isaac. He did an exam everything looked fine, so he is treating both of them for strep throat. He asked how much Isaac weighed and I told him he was around 40 pounds last time so I would guess 42 to 44. He went and had him weighed and came back with a big smile. I hit it perfect! He was 44 pounds - see told you I know my kids!!
They can't go back to school until Wednesday. I am going to keep Bryce home tomorrow from MDO, just in case he has it. So far he seems fine, but I would hate to knowingly spread it! They did say if he starts showing symptoms to call and they would call in a prescription!
As I was leaving the house this morning to take Caleb, the school called. Isaac went to the nurse with an upset tummy. She took his temp and it was 100.7. So, I picked him up and took him to.
I told dr what was going on adn reminded him that it is time for Caleb to get strep. He checked him out, said he was congested, said he did not have the symptoms of strep and his throat looked fine, but because of his history wanted to test it anyway. Came back positive - do I know my kids or what!!
He did not test Isaac. He did an exam everything looked fine, so he is treating both of them for strep throat. He asked how much Isaac weighed and I told him he was around 40 pounds last time so I would guess 42 to 44. He went and had him weighed and came back with a big smile. I hit it perfect! He was 44 pounds - see told you I know my kids!!
They can't go back to school until Wednesday. I am going to keep Bryce home tomorrow from MDO, just in case he has it. So far he seems fine, but I would hate to knowingly spread it! They did say if he starts showing symptoms to call and they would call in a prescription!
Friday, September 14, 2007
TOO FUNNY!!!
I know I have a lot of catching up to still do, but this was HILARIOUS!! I often have to wonder where kids come up with stuff, Bryce is on a roll today!!
First off, I was still running around the house getting stuff ready to go this morning when I told the boys to get in the car. Bryce can't reach his shirts in his closet, so he didn't have one on. I told him to get in the car and I would bring him one. We take the boys to school and get all the way to the store before Bryce decides to remind me he needs a shirt. No shirt, no shoes.... right? We went back home and got him a shirt!
We went to Target this morning for diapers. He asked on the way if he could have a toy. I told him I didn't know but if he was not good, he would not get ANYTHING! His first response was "You get what you get, but you don't throw a fit!" Then he changed it around and said "A toy is what you get when you don't throw a fit!"
He has been really good this morning while running errands. I had told him we needed to go grocery shopping, but I didn't want to (and neither did he). I was on the computer and he was looking out the window at the lady across the street unloading groceries. Then he went running to the door and tried to open it. I asked where he thought he was going, "I am going to go ask her to give us her groceries so we don't have to go to the store!"
Sounds like a GREAT idea to me, but where did he come up with that?
First off, I was still running around the house getting stuff ready to go this morning when I told the boys to get in the car. Bryce can't reach his shirts in his closet, so he didn't have one on. I told him to get in the car and I would bring him one. We take the boys to school and get all the way to the store before Bryce decides to remind me he needs a shirt. No shirt, no shoes.... right? We went back home and got him a shirt!
We went to Target this morning for diapers. He asked on the way if he could have a toy. I told him I didn't know but if he was not good, he would not get ANYTHING! His first response was "You get what you get, but you don't throw a fit!" Then he changed it around and said "A toy is what you get when you don't throw a fit!"
He has been really good this morning while running errands. I had told him we needed to go grocery shopping, but I didn't want to (and neither did he). I was on the computer and he was looking out the window at the lady across the street unloading groceries. Then he went running to the door and tried to open it. I asked where he thought he was going, "I am going to go ask her to give us her groceries so we don't have to go to the store!"
Sounds like a GREAT idea to me, but where did he come up with that?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
AJ'S FIRST WORD!
Monday evening, AJ said his first word. Just take a guess at what it was!? Give you a clue - it WASN'T MAMA!!! Yes, it was Dada(dadada). I will add here that Paul has DAILY since he was born, put AJ right in his face and said Dadadadadada over and over. So, he has brainwashed the kid!!
I guess I should have been saying Mamamamamama over and over when breastfeeding, changing diapers, dressing, batheing, etc, etc... That is okay though. Let Daddy eat it up!!
When AJ is dirty and is chanting Dadadadada - guess who he is going to get!!!!!
I guess I should have been saying Mamamamamama over and over when breastfeeding, changing diapers, dressing, batheing, etc, etc... That is okay though. Let Daddy eat it up!!
When AJ is dirty and is chanting Dadadadada - guess who he is going to get!!!!!
Bryce's First Day of MDO
I have a picture that was taken on his first day, but I need to find it and scan it in, but I can tell you about it.
He loves school!! He was so excited last Tuesday that he was mad when we dropped the boys off at school. Once he got there, he went right into playing and did not want to be bothered with Daddy or me!!
His teacher said he played with a dollhouse the whole day. She told me she could not figure out why he was so excited about a dollhouse, and then realized that we have no girls, so he never gets to play with one.
I asked Bryce if he wanted a dollhouse. He said yes, but there could not be any girls. Only Daddy, boys and dogs and furniture. I said "what am I, chopped liver?" "Yes you are chopped liver. You're a girl!"
Only the girl that does EVERYTHING for him (including wiping his butt!). I would love to see this house run WITHOUT a girl (as long as I don't have to come back at the end of that experiment and CLEAN!!).
He is still loving school. He is really excited about starting kindergarten. He asks just about daily when we take the kids to school how long before he gets to go too! He was so cute Friday when we had lunch at the school, sitting there with all the kindergarteners!
He loves school!! He was so excited last Tuesday that he was mad when we dropped the boys off at school. Once he got there, he went right into playing and did not want to be bothered with Daddy or me!!
His teacher said he played with a dollhouse the whole day. She told me she could not figure out why he was so excited about a dollhouse, and then realized that we have no girls, so he never gets to play with one.
I asked Bryce if he wanted a dollhouse. He said yes, but there could not be any girls. Only Daddy, boys and dogs and furniture. I said "what am I, chopped liver?" "Yes you are chopped liver. You're a girl!"
Only the girl that does EVERYTHING for him (including wiping his butt!). I would love to see this house run WITHOUT a girl (as long as I don't have to come back at the end of that experiment and CLEAN!!).
He is still loving school. He is really excited about starting kindergarten. He asks just about daily when we take the kids to school how long before he gets to go too! He was so cute Friday when we had lunch at the school, sitting there with all the kindergarteners!
Caleb's School Update
WOW!!! We have been having MAJOR attitude problems with Caleb. I fear this may be the beginning of adolescence, and I fear even more that one of us may not survive it!!!
This has been a growing problem, but ever since the Labor Day trip (which I forgot to post about - I will do that one next) it has been extremely bad! He got back from his kayaking trip with Papa and Daddy and he was tired and moody. We were going to go eat Chinese for dinner. Caleb wanted tacos and started throwing a fit. By the time we got to the car, he was hitting his brothers for no reason and just being rude. I told him to go to his room while I got everyone loaded and ready to go. He went in.
Paul went to his room to tell him to straighten up and get in the car. He said he wasn't going and we couldn't make him. We left him!!
When we got home he had DESTROYED his room. He had thrown stuff everywhere and tore his bed apart. I saw it, turned around and closed the door. It was a LONG weekend with him, and he was only here a day and a half!
Well, last week I got a phone call from a friend saying that Caleb had said a bad word!! I talked to him, he said that he said ass to someone else. I talked to him about it and told him why we don't say those words. That was the end of it.
Friday morning, we are running around taking care of errands so we could go have lunch with the kids. We were going to have to be there for awhile because they don't eat lunch at the same time. I got a call from his teacher on MY CELL PHONE!!! That is serious! She said that he had called some kids jerks and it made her remembered that earlier in the week a student had told her that Caleb had said a bad word, but she was told after Caleb had been picked up.
So we picked Caleb up from school for lunch and went and had a talk! He said that he is bored at school, and he doesn't get to read as much as he wants too. I told him that he HAD to learn other subjects and if he would come home and finish homework in a timely manner, he could read as long as he wanted!!
I went and talked to his teacher. She said that he only gets in trouble when he finishes his work and has nothing to do. He is allowed to read and write when he finishes his work, but apparantly that is not enough!! I told her if she had anymore problems to send him straight to the principal and that he knew that the principal had permission to paddle him. He is LITERALLY one mistake away from a paddling!
Paul apparantly was a frequent visitor to his principal at Caleb's age, with frequent paddlings!! I asked Paul when he grew out of it. He said FIFTH GRADE!!! I don't think I can handle two+ years of this!!!
He has had some major chores he gets to do when he is done with homework! He is not really enjoying that (and he shouldn't at this point!). He thinks it is unfair that he has to do more/harder chores than his brothers. I was quick to point out that he was much older than them, and he did not have to do hard chores when he was their age!
This has been a growing problem, but ever since the Labor Day trip (which I forgot to post about - I will do that one next) it has been extremely bad! He got back from his kayaking trip with Papa and Daddy and he was tired and moody. We were going to go eat Chinese for dinner. Caleb wanted tacos and started throwing a fit. By the time we got to the car, he was hitting his brothers for no reason and just being rude. I told him to go to his room while I got everyone loaded and ready to go. He went in.
Paul went to his room to tell him to straighten up and get in the car. He said he wasn't going and we couldn't make him. We left him!!
When we got home he had DESTROYED his room. He had thrown stuff everywhere and tore his bed apart. I saw it, turned around and closed the door. It was a LONG weekend with him, and he was only here a day and a half!
Well, last week I got a phone call from a friend saying that Caleb had said a bad word!! I talked to him, he said that he said ass to someone else. I talked to him about it and told him why we don't say those words. That was the end of it.
Friday morning, we are running around taking care of errands so we could go have lunch with the kids. We were going to have to be there for awhile because they don't eat lunch at the same time. I got a call from his teacher on MY CELL PHONE!!! That is serious! She said that he had called some kids jerks and it made her remembered that earlier in the week a student had told her that Caleb had said a bad word, but she was told after Caleb had been picked up.
So we picked Caleb up from school for lunch and went and had a talk! He said that he is bored at school, and he doesn't get to read as much as he wants too. I told him that he HAD to learn other subjects and if he would come home and finish homework in a timely manner, he could read as long as he wanted!!
I went and talked to his teacher. She said that he only gets in trouble when he finishes his work and has nothing to do. He is allowed to read and write when he finishes his work, but apparantly that is not enough!! I told her if she had anymore problems to send him straight to the principal and that he knew that the principal had permission to paddle him. He is LITERALLY one mistake away from a paddling!
Paul apparantly was a frequent visitor to his principal at Caleb's age, with frequent paddlings!! I asked Paul when he grew out of it. He said FIFTH GRADE!!! I don't think I can handle two+ years of this!!!
He has had some major chores he gets to do when he is done with homework! He is not really enjoying that (and he shouldn't at this point!). He thinks it is unfair that he has to do more/harder chores than his brothers. I was quick to point out that he was much older than them, and he did not have to do hard chores when he was their age!
Isaac and School
Isaac is still loving school. He is having a hard time remembering to bring his lunchbox home, though. It is not quite as tramatic now as it was the first week (probably because he has had lots of practice at leaving it now), but it is very frustrating when I am trying to fix his lunch!!
His gingerbread man project... I got a note home last week from the teacher asking if he did the project because she had not seen it. I sent a note to her telling her what it looked like. We went up there Friday to have lunch with the boys and went to see if we saw them hanging outside the class. His was under someone elses name! We moved it to his spot and I told the teacher that afternoon. Apparantly, she held them up in class and asked whose it was and Isaac didn't say anything!!!
He is learning sight words for reading. This has been fun!? I have been writing sentences throughout the house - especially on his bathroom mirror (I have these cool window markers that wash easily!). I make him read the sentences to me. While we are working on recongnizing the words, he is also learning to spell them. It was frustrating for all of us at first, but he is starting to get it! He is doing great and I am very proud of him!
He is so funny! He doesn't ask anyones names. He plays with all of the kids, but doesn't know their names. There is one kids that has the same backpack as Isaac. He always comes home talking about this kid, but always says "the kid with the same backpack as me" like that is the kids name. We keep telling him to ask names, but he apparantly doesn't. Friday we found out that it is not just him. While sitting at the lunch table with him and his class, we asked some of the other kids if they knew their classmates names. Most of them only knew the name of one or two kids. I guess they have not been together too long yet, just seems funny that you spend all day with these people and don't know anyones names!
His gingerbread man project... I got a note home last week from the teacher asking if he did the project because she had not seen it. I sent a note to her telling her what it looked like. We went up there Friday to have lunch with the boys and went to see if we saw them hanging outside the class. His was under someone elses name! We moved it to his spot and I told the teacher that afternoon. Apparantly, she held them up in class and asked whose it was and Isaac didn't say anything!!!
He is learning sight words for reading. This has been fun!? I have been writing sentences throughout the house - especially on his bathroom mirror (I have these cool window markers that wash easily!). I make him read the sentences to me. While we are working on recongnizing the words, he is also learning to spell them. It was frustrating for all of us at first, but he is starting to get it! He is doing great and I am very proud of him!
He is so funny! He doesn't ask anyones names. He plays with all of the kids, but doesn't know their names. There is one kids that has the same backpack as Isaac. He always comes home talking about this kid, but always says "the kid with the same backpack as me" like that is the kids name. We keep telling him to ask names, but he apparantly doesn't. Friday we found out that it is not just him. While sitting at the lunch table with him and his class, we asked some of the other kids if they knew their classmates names. Most of them only knew the name of one or two kids. I guess they have not been together too long yet, just seems funny that you spend all day with these people and don't know anyones names!
Outside Changes
We absolutely LOVE having our OWN house again. We got spoiled the small amount of time we had the house in TX!! We love getting to do what we want without having to answer to ANYONE about it!! Who wants to spend money landscaping a rent house?
The last couple of weeks/weekends we have been working on the outside of the house. We had cleaned out the front flowerbeds a couple of weeks ago and put down new mulch that is not supposed to fade for at least a year. It looks so much cleaner just doing that! We laid weed fabric down before the mulch, so no more weeds to pull out of there!!
We went and got a new Yew for one of the flowerbeds, because out of the two we planted in April, one made it and one died recently. The old one is bigger, but they have spotlights on them and a dead one did not look to nice (go figure). We were told to just fertilize the new one more than the old one and it should catch up pretty quick.
We pulled up all of the mulch around the three trees. We put tree rings around each of them. We put down weed fabric and new mulch, and then planted flowers under the two trees in the front yard. It was not easy finding flowers that will do good in the fall and stay pretty. Especially since we wanted to colors that had some contrast! SO, we chose yellow mums and blue asters. The butterflies have really enjoyed them (and so have I)!
We added a new flowerbed next to the garage. There was nothing over there, so just put in a small one to eventually hide the pipes and dryer vent. We planted a couple of bushes and some flowers in it, put down weed fabric and mulch. Then Paul planted Purple Fountain Grass next to the flowerbed and fence. I can't wait until next Spring/Summer when these plants REALLY fill in!
Paul replaced the lamps outside the garage. The ones they had put on the house were too small! They were the length of one bulb. We wanted to add sensors so that they would turn on and off when it got dark and light. We were just going to use the ones that you screw into the bulb socket and then screw the bulb into it. We couldn't because on the old lamps the lightbulb would not fit with the sensor in. That gives you an idea of how much bigger these lamps are. You can see the sensor is in with the bulb and there is still space to the bottom of the lamp. I really like them because they light up that whole side of the house and part of the front. With no street lights, it makes me feel safer!!
In the back, we had the kids empty the sandbox - kept them busy outside AND wore them out!! There was 800 pounds of sand when we made the thing at the beginning of the summer, so I am not sure the exact amount they emptied, but it was A LOT!!!! Then we moved the sandbox to the back of the yard by the back fence. They will actually get more shade there in the afternoon because of the neighbors trees. More importantly, it covered two of the three poison ivy pits!!! We bought some dirt and covered the third hole. Hopefully with the amount of rain we have had, any poison ivy that was still out there has been washed away. I was out there quite a bit helping Paul and have not started itching YET!! I also have not worn the shoes I was wearing out there since, and I came in about 500 times and washed my hands and arms!!! Am I paranoid or what?
On one of our MANY trips to Lowe's over all of these projects, we saw that all of their lawn furniture was 75% off. We saw a three person swing that said it was $99. We asked if it was clearanced and we were told it was 75% off the $99. We grabbed it (the last one!!). We went to check out and it actually was not clearanced, but the manager said that since we were told it was, several times, they had to give it to us. We got a $99 swing that actually folds into a "hammock" for $25!! We got it assembled and put it out by the sandbox so we can sit out there and relax while the boys play in the sandbox.
Some projects we are planning on doing over the fall/winter/spring is 1. putting a pond/garden where the sandbox WAS. 2. putting some hedges up along the side fence. 3. we are probably going to get a Purple Plum in Oct (that is when our nursery is supposed to get them) and put in the backyard. 4. Taking down the electric fence that is around the backyard and doing one of the buried fences for the dogs - the hotwire just doesn't look good around the entire backyard!!
Here are some pics of what we have gotten done so far:
Front flower beds with new, brighter mulch.
New tree rings, mulch and FLOWERS under our two trees in front yard.
New lamps Paul hung outside garage.
NEW flowerbed next to garage. They will eventually hide the pipes coming from the house and ground.
Purple Fountain Grass, planted at side yard by fence.
The sandbox after we got all of the sand out of it.
This is what the ground looked like when we moved the sandbox. We actually took some grass from the side yard (where the flowerbed is) and covered the spot. Hopefully it will root and grow some grass.
The sandbox moved to back of yard and the new swing/hammock.
The last couple of weeks/weekends we have been working on the outside of the house. We had cleaned out the front flowerbeds a couple of weeks ago and put down new mulch that is not supposed to fade for at least a year. It looks so much cleaner just doing that! We laid weed fabric down before the mulch, so no more weeds to pull out of there!!
We went and got a new Yew for one of the flowerbeds, because out of the two we planted in April, one made it and one died recently. The old one is bigger, but they have spotlights on them and a dead one did not look to nice (go figure). We were told to just fertilize the new one more than the old one and it should catch up pretty quick.
We pulled up all of the mulch around the three trees. We put tree rings around each of them. We put down weed fabric and new mulch, and then planted flowers under the two trees in the front yard. It was not easy finding flowers that will do good in the fall and stay pretty. Especially since we wanted to colors that had some contrast! SO, we chose yellow mums and blue asters. The butterflies have really enjoyed them (and so have I)!
We added a new flowerbed next to the garage. There was nothing over there, so just put in a small one to eventually hide the pipes and dryer vent. We planted a couple of bushes and some flowers in it, put down weed fabric and mulch. Then Paul planted Purple Fountain Grass next to the flowerbed and fence. I can't wait until next Spring/Summer when these plants REALLY fill in!
Paul replaced the lamps outside the garage. The ones they had put on the house were too small! They were the length of one bulb. We wanted to add sensors so that they would turn on and off when it got dark and light. We were just going to use the ones that you screw into the bulb socket and then screw the bulb into it. We couldn't because on the old lamps the lightbulb would not fit with the sensor in. That gives you an idea of how much bigger these lamps are. You can see the sensor is in with the bulb and there is still space to the bottom of the lamp. I really like them because they light up that whole side of the house and part of the front. With no street lights, it makes me feel safer!!
In the back, we had the kids empty the sandbox - kept them busy outside AND wore them out!! There was 800 pounds of sand when we made the thing at the beginning of the summer, so I am not sure the exact amount they emptied, but it was A LOT!!!! Then we moved the sandbox to the back of the yard by the back fence. They will actually get more shade there in the afternoon because of the neighbors trees. More importantly, it covered two of the three poison ivy pits!!! We bought some dirt and covered the third hole. Hopefully with the amount of rain we have had, any poison ivy that was still out there has been washed away. I was out there quite a bit helping Paul and have not started itching YET!! I also have not worn the shoes I was wearing out there since, and I came in about 500 times and washed my hands and arms!!! Am I paranoid or what?
On one of our MANY trips to Lowe's over all of these projects, we saw that all of their lawn furniture was 75% off. We saw a three person swing that said it was $99. We asked if it was clearanced and we were told it was 75% off the $99. We grabbed it (the last one!!). We went to check out and it actually was not clearanced, but the manager said that since we were told it was, several times, they had to give it to us. We got a $99 swing that actually folds into a "hammock" for $25!! We got it assembled and put it out by the sandbox so we can sit out there and relax while the boys play in the sandbox.
Some projects we are planning on doing over the fall/winter/spring is 1. putting a pond/garden where the sandbox WAS. 2. putting some hedges up along the side fence. 3. we are probably going to get a Purple Plum in Oct (that is when our nursery is supposed to get them) and put in the backyard. 4. Taking down the electric fence that is around the backyard and doing one of the buried fences for the dogs - the hotwire just doesn't look good around the entire backyard!!
Here are some pics of what we have gotten done so far:
Front flower beds with new, brighter mulch.
New tree rings, mulch and FLOWERS under our two trees in front yard.
New lamps Paul hung outside garage.
NEW flowerbed next to garage. They will eventually hide the pipes coming from the house and ground.
Purple Fountain Grass, planted at side yard by fence.
The sandbox after we got all of the sand out of it.
This is what the ground looked like when we moved the sandbox. We actually took some grass from the side yard (where the flowerbed is) and covered the spot. Hopefully it will root and grow some grass.
The sandbox moved to back of yard and the new swing/hammock.
I KNOW, I KNOW!!!
I am failing here! I will try and spend as much time as Bryce and Andrew allow at the computer catching everyone up. The last couple of weeks have been crazy! Paul was on vacation last week and we were on the go all week. So far this week has been just as crazy!! Hopefully things will slow down now, at least for a few days!
We have had rain off and on (more on than off) for the past couple of weeks. Now, we are enjoying some COOL, sunny weather!! I opened all of my windows this morning, which if you have ever lived with five guys (not to mention animals) - it is always good when you can open windows and air the place out!! If I had been home yesterday, they would have been open ALL DAY, so we could enjoy our high of 76!!! But we were not here!
Well, I am going to get busy, but I am going to try and do things somewhat in order here!!
We have had rain off and on (more on than off) for the past couple of weeks. Now, we are enjoying some COOL, sunny weather!! I opened all of my windows this morning, which if you have ever lived with five guys (not to mention animals) - it is always good when you can open windows and air the place out!! If I had been home yesterday, they would have been open ALL DAY, so we could enjoy our high of 76!!! But we were not here!
Well, I am going to get busy, but I am going to try and do things somewhat in order here!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
You know you are in Arkansas when...
I was sitting here cleaning off my desk and looked out the window. The construction super for the builders we bought our house from was driving by. Our neighbor across the street stopped him - to see his passenger (aka his latest victim!) the deer head. That is right. He had a deer head, sitting like any ol' passenger.
Then....
CAR START PULLING OVER!!!
All to see this poor deers head!! Pictures start being taken!! I don't know how many points it was - didn't count! Must have been good though! There was a lot of excitement!
The funniest part - IT IS POURING! These men are all getting soaked to look at a deer head that SOMEONE ELSE shot!!!
I am mean though. I opened my front door and told the guy that he needed to come finish fixing my tub!!!
Hey, he shouldn't have sat there so long in front of my house when the tub should be finished already!!!
Then....
CAR START PULLING OVER!!!
All to see this poor deers head!! Pictures start being taken!! I don't know how many points it was - didn't count! Must have been good though! There was a lot of excitement!
The funniest part - IT IS POURING! These men are all getting soaked to look at a deer head that SOMEONE ELSE shot!!!
I am mean though. I opened my front door and told the guy that he needed to come finish fixing my tub!!!
Hey, he shouldn't have sat there so long in front of my house when the tub should be finished already!!!
Can we say DISASTER!?
This weekend Caleb got to bring home the class pet - a guinea pig. If you have never owned one....THEY STINK!!!! Worse than a hamster by a long shot! And Caleb cleaned his cage out everyday!
Really, the weekend went fine with Pig Boy (that is really his name). I meant to take a picture, but this weekend disappeared too quickly, and I didn't. Unfortunately, I am sure we will see Pig Boy again this year!
This morning was the disaster!! Of course, when Pig Boy comes home with you, Mom or Dad has to go get him and then take him back. The morning that I have to take him back - with all four kids I might add - IT IS POURING!!! There are no parking spots by the doors and you can't park in front of the building because that is where kids get dropped off.
So, I go park in the parking lot. I tell everyone to stay in the car until I tell them to get out. I get AJ's stroller and snap his carseat into it. I am trying to also hold a big golf umbrella over him and me to kepp us dry. I open the back to get the guinea pig out and tell the boys to get out and come help. Of course, they all start dancing in the rain!! I ask one of them to hold the umbrella over AJ - at this point I didn't really care if I got wet, just wanted to get everyone inside - they decide to see how much rain the inside of the umbrella would hold!
I make Caleb hold the now closed umbrella, I put the rodent over Andrew on the stroller to keep AJ dry and made Isaac carry the case that has all of the rodents food and other required accessories. Then I TRY to push a stroller, while not letting the guinea pig go SPLASH (or SPLAT) on the concrete, hold Bryce's hand so he would quit seeing how wet he could get, and get inside as quick as possible! Of course, there is no ramp to get over the curb, so traffic has to wait on me to take the cage off the stroller, set it on the curb, get the stroller up the curb and all of the little ducklings out of the road.
We FINALLY made it inside and got the "thing" dropped off. We are all soaked (except for AJ who LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME)
You are welcome to all of the parents that got a laugh out of the mad house of my life this morning!! All I needed was to have the kids line up behind me and do "quack quack waddle waddle" to complete the picture!
More post for the past week to come - gotta a screaming baby right now!
Really, the weekend went fine with Pig Boy (that is really his name). I meant to take a picture, but this weekend disappeared too quickly, and I didn't. Unfortunately, I am sure we will see Pig Boy again this year!
This morning was the disaster!! Of course, when Pig Boy comes home with you, Mom or Dad has to go get him and then take him back. The morning that I have to take him back - with all four kids I might add - IT IS POURING!!! There are no parking spots by the doors and you can't park in front of the building because that is where kids get dropped off.
So, I go park in the parking lot. I tell everyone to stay in the car until I tell them to get out. I get AJ's stroller and snap his carseat into it. I am trying to also hold a big golf umbrella over him and me to kepp us dry. I open the back to get the guinea pig out and tell the boys to get out and come help. Of course, they all start dancing in the rain!! I ask one of them to hold the umbrella over AJ - at this point I didn't really care if I got wet, just wanted to get everyone inside - they decide to see how much rain the inside of the umbrella would hold!
I make Caleb hold the now closed umbrella, I put the rodent over Andrew on the stroller to keep AJ dry and made Isaac carry the case that has all of the rodents food and other required accessories. Then I TRY to push a stroller, while not letting the guinea pig go SPLASH (or SPLAT) on the concrete, hold Bryce's hand so he would quit seeing how wet he could get, and get inside as quick as possible! Of course, there is no ramp to get over the curb, so traffic has to wait on me to take the cage off the stroller, set it on the curb, get the stroller up the curb and all of the little ducklings out of the road.
We FINALLY made it inside and got the "thing" dropped off. We are all soaked (except for AJ who LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME)
You are welcome to all of the parents that got a laugh out of the mad house of my life this morning!! All I needed was to have the kids line up behind me and do "quack quack waddle waddle" to complete the picture!
More post for the past week to come - gotta a screaming baby right now!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
DUH!!!
Have you seen the duh car ad? Caleb keeps saying he wants the "duh car." Now he doesn't want the duh car because he says it is not an off-road vehicle.
He really thinks the name of the car is "Duh" and asked why they would name a car DUH!!
DUH!!!!!!
He really thinks the name of the car is "Duh" and asked why they would name a car DUH!!
DUH!!!!!!
Bananas and Blueberries
I made bananas and blueberries last night. I put them in the food processor and pureed them together. I was concerned AJ would not eat it because the skins of the blueberries did not puree down very well. Last time we gave him bananas just fork-mashed he did not like them because they were too textured, so I figured the chunks of skin would not go over well.
I was wrong!!
He LOVED them! Seems to be his favorite yet!
I am going to try to steam the blueberries this time and see if the skins will soften. I don't want to peel them because there are lots of nutrients in the skin that he would be losing!!
The blueberries were kind of tart, but I guess the sweet bananas made up for them. The funniest part is that Bryce taste EVERYTHING before AJ eats it - my little taste tester (which is wierd because he is our pickiest eater and even after I tell him what it is - he still trys it!). Isaac will sometimes taste, Caleb rarely. Last night - they ALL tasted and liked!! Tonight I was told I HAVE to make smoothies with the blueberries!!
We also tried green beans last night. Even steamed, fresh green beans don't puree that well! AJ didn't really care for them - to the point of gagging!! We will try those again later. We did learn, though, that the boys like steamed green beans. I think I am going to start steaming their vegetables more. THey will eat fresh vegetables, but don't like cooked vegetables. They say the steamed taste better (go figure). If it gets them to eat it....
Next new flavor in a few days....MANGO (and also some homemade sweet potatoes!).
I was wrong!!
He LOVED them! Seems to be his favorite yet!
I am going to try to steam the blueberries this time and see if the skins will soften. I don't want to peel them because there are lots of nutrients in the skin that he would be losing!!
The blueberries were kind of tart, but I guess the sweet bananas made up for them. The funniest part is that Bryce taste EVERYTHING before AJ eats it - my little taste tester (which is wierd because he is our pickiest eater and even after I tell him what it is - he still trys it!). Isaac will sometimes taste, Caleb rarely. Last night - they ALL tasted and liked!! Tonight I was told I HAVE to make smoothies with the blueberries!!
We also tried green beans last night. Even steamed, fresh green beans don't puree that well! AJ didn't really care for them - to the point of gagging!! We will try those again later. We did learn, though, that the boys like steamed green beans. I think I am going to start steaming their vegetables more. THey will eat fresh vegetables, but don't like cooked vegetables. They say the steamed taste better (go figure). If it gets them to eat it....
Next new flavor in a few days....MANGO (and also some homemade sweet potatoes!).
Monday, September 03, 2007
Isaac's First Homework Assignment
Isaac gets homework on Mondays and they are due on Friday. With helping Caleb with lots of homework every night, I neglected to help Isaac with his - of course it doesn't help with Daddy being out of town! Thursday night, Paul called me from Canada after I went to bed. At about 10:30 Thursday night, I realized that Isaac's homework was due the next morning.
I was up until 12:30 working on it. I cut everything out, but couldn't glue it because I had to be able to say Isaac helped. So, I found scrap material, cut out the gingerbread man, cut out the material, sewed shoe laces on the shoes and put the snap through the paper for the eyes.
When we got up Friday morning, I had Isaac glue everything on, and Isaac decided that GM needed a hat! So, I quickly cut out a hat and helped him glue it on!!
If I am lucky, the glue was dry by the time he got to school!!! I did at least think to put it in a ziplock bag so it couldn't glue itself to any papers or folders!!
Here is GM:
I was up until 12:30 working on it. I cut everything out, but couldn't glue it because I had to be able to say Isaac helped. So, I found scrap material, cut out the gingerbread man, cut out the material, sewed shoe laces on the shoes and put the snap through the paper for the eyes.
When we got up Friday morning, I had Isaac glue everything on, and Isaac decided that GM needed a hat! So, I quickly cut out a hat and helped him glue it on!!
If I am lucky, the glue was dry by the time he got to school!!! I did at least think to put it in a ziplock bag so it couldn't glue itself to any papers or folders!!
Here is GM:
Homemade Baby Food
This is what he HAS NOT eaten of everything so far! I have been feeding Andrew homemade babyfood all weekend. I went Friday and got a small rice/vegetable steamer and some fresh fruits and veggies for him and have been steaming, baking, chopping and grinding this weekend. So far, everything I have made he has really loved!
He has had carrots with a tiny dab of molasses for some flavor (that were boiled and put through the blender), butternut squash (that was baked and put through the food processor), I steamed some green beans (and put through the food processor), but he has not tried these yet.
Today, I experimented with the best way to do peaches. I took half a peach and just put it through the food processor with a dab of water and the other half I steamed. He ate some of what I just blended with a little cereal and LOVED them. After dinner I finished the steamed peaches. They were much easier to blend. I didn't have to add any water to it - just blended them up!
He has never had a problem eating, but he sure seems to like the homemade stuff!! Tomorrow I am making sweet potatoes!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
God says:
Apparantly, Bryce and God had a conversation last night. It was a SCARY conversation though!! Bryce asked me today if we were going to have any more babies. I told him no. He says "We have too. God told me last night that we had to have Elizabeth Grace!"
I think God and I need to have a talk about this!!
I think God and I need to have a talk about this!!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Oh, My Husband!!
The alarm went off at 5 this morning. I never heard it, but I woke up when Paul turned on the bathroom light. Something made me look at his clock, and then at mine. His said 5, mine said 4. Mine is one of those that sets itself, even at time change, etc. So, I get up and go look in the kitchen at the clocks. They ALL say 4. I go in the bathroom and he had his contacts in and the shower started. I told him it was only 4. He says his clock said it was 5. I told him his clock is the only clock in the house that says 5. "Well, that sucks. I am an hour early. Should I go back to bed for an hour?" YES! YOU SHOULD GO BACK TO BED FOR AN HOUR!! I am not getting all the kids up and taking you to the airport an hour early!!
He had an early flight to Canada this morning. He was excited because he FINALLY got to use his passport that he got last year for work. Then he got bumped up to first class the whole way to Canada!! Sounds like his day is starting out pretty good. Let's just hope his short layover is enough time to change planes and they are all on time!!
He had an early flight to Canada this morning. He was excited because he FINALLY got to use his passport that he got last year for work. Then he got bumped up to first class the whole way to Canada!! Sounds like his day is starting out pretty good. Let's just hope his short layover is enough time to change planes and they are all on time!!
AJ's Drs Appt
Yesterday was AJ's appointment with the gastroenterologist. It was LONG! We spent over an hour with the DOCTOR, which I kind of felt bad about since we were overflow! We did not have to wait very long though, but when we got out and walked through the waiting room, it was FULL!
We started the appointment out having his weight checked. Paul undressed him and went to take his diaper off and found a surprise! As I was getting the wipes out I asked AJ why he had to wait until we were at the drs office to do that. The nurse replies "Well, we are the butt and gut dr, so I guess there is no better place to do it!" Glad she understands! I told her that AJ is notorious for peeing on drs. She says "I have been doing this for 26 years and I have NEVER been peed on." Guess that is the difference in a male and a female!!
After the initial frustration of trying to remember EVERY detail of his eating and pooping schedule for the past 4+ months (come on - I have FOUR kids!!!), it went pretty smooth and was VERY helpful.
The basic theory of what the problem is...(drumroll please)...THE BOY IS TOO mellow!
The position in which I was breastfeeding him was not very good. The fact that I have three other, active kids that don't slow down when it is time for Andrew to eat may not help!! The way he was positioning he was not getting enough, if any of the hind milk, which is where all of the calories at. We start stomach to stomach, but as he gets more relaxed and I get more busy doing other things, his hip shifts out and he ends up trying to eat with his head turned at an angle. The dr made me take a drink of water and swallow it with my head turned to the side to show me what it was like for him. So she watched me feed him and got me doing it better.
She also said NOT to feed on demand or every four hours. Basically, Andrew is to mellow to put much effort into eating. He eats and then when it starts getting difficult or he gets tired, instead of "telling" me he is not getting what he needs, he just stops eating. By me waiting until he tells me he is hungry - he is way past the point of being hungry. So, anytime he starts sucking on his thumb, pacifier, my arm, anything - I am suppose to feed him. She says his feeding may only last 3 or 4 minutes, and that was fine.
This is all so different than EVERYTHING I have been taught over the years and four kids of breastfeeding, but after listening to her explain it all, it seems to make sense. I will try it her way and see if he gains weight.
She told me to keep feeding him food. I told her we stopped that Friday and she said that if he liked eating food and was good at it, to keep feeding him. She also said NOT to feed him baby food. She said that it was mainly water, with a little vegetable and he was not getting any calories, etc from it. We are suppose to start MAKING him food.
So, yesterday while I was fixing dinner for us, I was also cooking carrots, potatoes and mashing bananas to freeze. The only was this will EASILY work (the cooking food for him) is if I do a week or at least several days worth at a time. We did mashed potatoes, which he did not really care for (with just butter in it there is not a WHOLE lot of flavor) and carrots (I put a tiny bit of molasses in it to add some flavor) in the blender. I mashed up some bananas and froze them in small amounts. When I go grocery shopping again I will get some stuff that I know he will like better (at least he did the baby food version!). If anyone has any ideas or recipes, I am open to suggestions!
We talked about the fact that we had started giving him about 2 ounces of formula before nursing him. After a VERY frustrating week of trying to get him to take a bottle, I finally got him taking one every time it was offered Monday. She asked why I chose to give him the bottle BEFORE nursing instead of nursing and then topping him off with the bottle. I explained how we were having a hard time getting him to take one at all and I knew if he nursed first, he would NOT take the bottle after. See, although he is very mellow, he still has a stubborn streak (apparantly, I have a BIGGER stubborn streak though!)!! She understood and understood WHY we were doing it, even though I was not wanting to wean him, but thinks we can fix the problem without the formula. I AM going to continue giving him one bottle a day, just so I don't have to go through what I have been going through trying to get him to take a bottle. At least this way he will stay used to it!
She also found that he had just a little bit of thrush starting. He has to have Genetian Violet swabbed in his mouth for 3 days to clear that up. That stuff is PURPLE!! I mean big time, ultra-violet, black - light purple! Anything it touches, it immediately, permanantly stains!! Always fun to know when you are working with a baby!! Then we have to throw away all of his pacifiers and nipples (except for mine - whe was quick to clarify!), which is lovely since we spent ALL weekend trying to find a bottle he would take! There went all that money! Not to mention, all of his toys that have been in his mouth!
When the dr was finishing up the visit she played with AJ a little. As she was leaving she turned around and said that she knew he was only four months old, but he acts like he is at least 6 months old. The way he sat on our lap and squealed and talked and held and played with his toys and how attentive he was.
We will be going back every two weeks to see if these small changes are helping. If not, we will do more detailed evaluations and possibly some test to see what else could be causing the problems. It seem unlikely that it could be anything too serious without any pain, and he doesn't seem to be in any pain at all.
He weighed in at about 13 pounds yesterday. I know there has to be a margin of error with different scales, and I am not sure which scales are more accurate - regular scales or digital scales. I have a hard time believing he gained 9 ounces in 3 days though! His next visit is the same week he is supposed to go back for a weight check at the pediatricians office. I am going to have his weight checked there the same day as his appt with the gastroenterologist so I can see the difference. I do know that at the pediatricians office, I have had them use the same scale for all of his weight checks. So if they are callibrated a little different, it is always the same one!
SO....HOPEFULLY this is all that it is! When she first started telling me what she thought the problem was she told me not to feel guilty because I was busy and just trying to follow his cues. I told her to just tell me what the problem was, I had already been feeling guilty, was over it and just ready to find the remedy. She went through all of the longterm benefits of breastfeeding (for me and him) longterm (past one year, even if only a few times a week). I never knew some of the long-term advantages. I had heard it decreased your chance of cancer (which that in itself with our family history is a biggie) but she also said it decreased your chances of Osteoperosis. She said if I had a bone density test right now it would be bad. My body is basically eating my bones for calcium, but if I breastfeed past the one year mark and have a bone density test, my bones would be stronger than BEFORE I got pregnant. Never heard that before!
So, I am going to start doing some research on ALL of this stuff, see what I can learn and pray that this is all that it will take to get some weight on this kid!!
We started the appointment out having his weight checked. Paul undressed him and went to take his diaper off and found a surprise! As I was getting the wipes out I asked AJ why he had to wait until we were at the drs office to do that. The nurse replies "Well, we are the butt and gut dr, so I guess there is no better place to do it!" Glad she understands! I told her that AJ is notorious for peeing on drs. She says "I have been doing this for 26 years and I have NEVER been peed on." Guess that is the difference in a male and a female!!
After the initial frustration of trying to remember EVERY detail of his eating and pooping schedule for the past 4+ months (come on - I have FOUR kids!!!), it went pretty smooth and was VERY helpful.
The basic theory of what the problem is...(drumroll please)...THE BOY IS TOO mellow!
The position in which I was breastfeeding him was not very good. The fact that I have three other, active kids that don't slow down when it is time for Andrew to eat may not help!! The way he was positioning he was not getting enough, if any of the hind milk, which is where all of the calories at. We start stomach to stomach, but as he gets more relaxed and I get more busy doing other things, his hip shifts out and he ends up trying to eat with his head turned at an angle. The dr made me take a drink of water and swallow it with my head turned to the side to show me what it was like for him. So she watched me feed him and got me doing it better.
She also said NOT to feed on demand or every four hours. Basically, Andrew is to mellow to put much effort into eating. He eats and then when it starts getting difficult or he gets tired, instead of "telling" me he is not getting what he needs, he just stops eating. By me waiting until he tells me he is hungry - he is way past the point of being hungry. So, anytime he starts sucking on his thumb, pacifier, my arm, anything - I am suppose to feed him. She says his feeding may only last 3 or 4 minutes, and that was fine.
This is all so different than EVERYTHING I have been taught over the years and four kids of breastfeeding, but after listening to her explain it all, it seems to make sense. I will try it her way and see if he gains weight.
She told me to keep feeding him food. I told her we stopped that Friday and she said that if he liked eating food and was good at it, to keep feeding him. She also said NOT to feed him baby food. She said that it was mainly water, with a little vegetable and he was not getting any calories, etc from it. We are suppose to start MAKING him food.
So, yesterday while I was fixing dinner for us, I was also cooking carrots, potatoes and mashing bananas to freeze. The only was this will EASILY work (the cooking food for him) is if I do a week or at least several days worth at a time. We did mashed potatoes, which he did not really care for (with just butter in it there is not a WHOLE lot of flavor) and carrots (I put a tiny bit of molasses in it to add some flavor) in the blender. I mashed up some bananas and froze them in small amounts. When I go grocery shopping again I will get some stuff that I know he will like better (at least he did the baby food version!). If anyone has any ideas or recipes, I am open to suggestions!
We talked about the fact that we had started giving him about 2 ounces of formula before nursing him. After a VERY frustrating week of trying to get him to take a bottle, I finally got him taking one every time it was offered Monday. She asked why I chose to give him the bottle BEFORE nursing instead of nursing and then topping him off with the bottle. I explained how we were having a hard time getting him to take one at all and I knew if he nursed first, he would NOT take the bottle after. See, although he is very mellow, he still has a stubborn streak (apparantly, I have a BIGGER stubborn streak though!)!! She understood and understood WHY we were doing it, even though I was not wanting to wean him, but thinks we can fix the problem without the formula. I AM going to continue giving him one bottle a day, just so I don't have to go through what I have been going through trying to get him to take a bottle. At least this way he will stay used to it!
She also found that he had just a little bit of thrush starting. He has to have Genetian Violet swabbed in his mouth for 3 days to clear that up. That stuff is PURPLE!! I mean big time, ultra-violet, black - light purple! Anything it touches, it immediately, permanantly stains!! Always fun to know when you are working with a baby!! Then we have to throw away all of his pacifiers and nipples (except for mine - whe was quick to clarify!), which is lovely since we spent ALL weekend trying to find a bottle he would take! There went all that money! Not to mention, all of his toys that have been in his mouth!
When the dr was finishing up the visit she played with AJ a little. As she was leaving she turned around and said that she knew he was only four months old, but he acts like he is at least 6 months old. The way he sat on our lap and squealed and talked and held and played with his toys and how attentive he was.
We will be going back every two weeks to see if these small changes are helping. If not, we will do more detailed evaluations and possibly some test to see what else could be causing the problems. It seem unlikely that it could be anything too serious without any pain, and he doesn't seem to be in any pain at all.
He weighed in at about 13 pounds yesterday. I know there has to be a margin of error with different scales, and I am not sure which scales are more accurate - regular scales or digital scales. I have a hard time believing he gained 9 ounces in 3 days though! His next visit is the same week he is supposed to go back for a weight check at the pediatricians office. I am going to have his weight checked there the same day as his appt with the gastroenterologist so I can see the difference. I do know that at the pediatricians office, I have had them use the same scale for all of his weight checks. So if they are callibrated a little different, it is always the same one!
SO....HOPEFULLY this is all that it is! When she first started telling me what she thought the problem was she told me not to feel guilty because I was busy and just trying to follow his cues. I told her to just tell me what the problem was, I had already been feeling guilty, was over it and just ready to find the remedy. She went through all of the longterm benefits of breastfeeding (for me and him) longterm (past one year, even if only a few times a week). I never knew some of the long-term advantages. I had heard it decreased your chance of cancer (which that in itself with our family history is a biggie) but she also said it decreased your chances of Osteoperosis. She said if I had a bone density test right now it would be bad. My body is basically eating my bones for calcium, but if I breastfeed past the one year mark and have a bone density test, my bones would be stronger than BEFORE I got pregnant. Never heard that before!
So, I am going to start doing some research on ALL of this stuff, see what I can learn and pray that this is all that it will take to get some weight on this kid!!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Big Blues!
I know this is a bad picture, he is washed out, but MAN can you see those big blue eyes!?!
This afternoon when we were picking the boys up fron school, a third grade girl came up and was playing with Andrew. She was talking to him, he was laughing at her...SHE ASKED TO HOLD HIM!
This was the first time I HAD to tell someone no when they asked to hold one of my kids. I COULD NOT let her hold him while STANDING on concrete!! I felt bad because it embarrased her, but...
PSA
Guess it is time to start buckling someone in, even if he is in for just a second.
Then again in a different swing right after the first one!
The proper way to put baby in swing.
Maybe not!
The most proper way to put baby in swing!
REMEMBER:
ALWAYS buckle baby into swing!! This has been a public service announcement about the importance of swing safety.
No babies were injured in the making of this PSA. There was responsible adult supervision during the making of this PSA. Please do not send emails and comments about the dangers of unsupervised infant swinging, we are aware. Thank you!
A special thank you to AJ for your cooperation in NOT COOPERATING(although you are not quite the houdini that Bryce was)!!
Then again in a different swing right after the first one!
The proper way to put baby in swing.
Maybe not!
The most proper way to put baby in swing!REMEMBER:
ALWAYS buckle baby into swing!! This has been a public service announcement about the importance of swing safety.
No babies were injured in the making of this PSA. There was responsible adult supervision during the making of this PSA. Please do not send emails and comments about the dangers of unsupervised infant swinging, we are aware. Thank you!
A special thank you to AJ for your cooperation in NOT COOPERATING(although you are not quite the houdini that Bryce was)!!
FINALLY!
After looking this weekend and trying MANY different bottles and nipples, I FINALLY found one (other than MINE) that AJ will take without TOO MUCH fuss! I got some preemie/newborn bottles today. While I still have to gently bounce him and shhish him continuously to get him to take the bottle, he IS taking it. Hopefully I can get him used to the bottle with these little bottles, then get him on some of the bigger bottles we have. The plan now is to give him a couple of ounces of formula and then breastfeed. Hopefully, we will be able to get some weight on him now!!
The drs office called Saturday and told me that all his lab work came back fine, so we will see what the gastroenterologist thinks tomorrow!
The drs office called Saturday and told me that all his lab work came back fine, so we will see what the gastroenterologist thinks tomorrow!
Weekend
It has been a short (weekends are NEVER long enough), exhausting (weekends are ALWAYS exhausting here), busy weekend! Paul is going to Canada this week and is on vacation next week. Next weekend he is going kayaking with Dad for the weekend, so we had a lot to get taken care of this weekend!
Saturday we spent running errands. When we were done doing that we went to check out a couple of spots for kayaking. That evening was spent comparing PSP and Nintendo DS. Paul got me a pink toy!!! Although PSP does more and looks cooler, the Nintendo DS has more games I would play. Most of the PSP games we saw were either sports or fighting games - neither one of which I care for! I LOVE Mario games and they have a game I like called Brain Age. You have to quickly answer different questions (for example, it will put a number up and you have to subtract 7. Then subtract 7 from that, then 7 from that, etc.) At the end, it tells you the age of your brain (like for the one Paul did in the store, I think he had a 50+ year old brain. I will give him the fact that he had NO idea what he was doing when he did it!). I only got a Mario game this time, I will probably get Brain Age next time!
Sunday, we spent doing the job we have been putting off for way too long. The weather was a little cooler (around 92) so we took advantage. It was still HOT though! When they put our flowerbed in they put it to high against the foundation. So we pulled out ALL of the mulch, lowered the bed a little, put down weed fabric and put new mulch down. We spent a little extra on the mulch, but it is guaranteed the color will not gray for over a year - it looks GOOD!! It did take ALL DAY yesterday, with Paul and I both doing it (and Caleb KIND OF helping). The hardest part was pulling up all the mulch and trying to lower the bed a little at the house while still keeping it to where the water would drain AWAY from the house, and cutting the fabric around the plants!
When we finished doing that with the flowerbed we had to plant one plant. We had one that died late spring. While we were at Lowe's getting the mulch,etc., we saw that they had some plants clearanced that looked decent. When Paul dug the hole to put the plant, the hole kept filling with water. After looking at our water meter to make sure there was not a leak, then smelling the water to make sure it wasn't sewage, we think there is a spring in our flowerbed. The grass straight out from that spot and the plants right around it are really green, even without us watering. We watched the water seep back in through a couple of holes. I know from talking with the water company that this town has a lot of natural springs, so we can only assume that is what it is. That would also explain why the plant that was there last time died! Paul put the new plant there, but planted it shallow - above the water. We are going to watch it and if it starts looking bad, we will move it.
Next week when Paul is home, we have more outdoors work. This weekend it is suppose to cool off quite a bit (like mid-80s) so maybe it will stay that way all week! We are going to put weed fabric down where the poison ivy is and put the sandbox on top of it. Then we are going to put mulch down around it and maybe a little monkey grass. Then the corner we had the sandbox in we are going to put in a fish pond and landscaping (this will not be done next week I don't think!). The boys will get more shade in the hottest part of the day with the sandbox at the back of the yard because the house behind us has lots of trees. Most importantly - this will take care of the poison ivy problem am continuously having!
This fall/winter we are going to put in flower beds at the fence at the side of the house (about 20 ft long) and put Morning Glorys or Sweetpeas out there next Spring. Hopefully, what we don't get done next week, we will get done this fall/winter so we can plant when we are supposed to plant various things!
Saturday we spent running errands. When we were done doing that we went to check out a couple of spots for kayaking. That evening was spent comparing PSP and Nintendo DS. Paul got me a pink toy!!! Although PSP does more and looks cooler, the Nintendo DS has more games I would play. Most of the PSP games we saw were either sports or fighting games - neither one of which I care for! I LOVE Mario games and they have a game I like called Brain Age. You have to quickly answer different questions (for example, it will put a number up and you have to subtract 7. Then subtract 7 from that, then 7 from that, etc.) At the end, it tells you the age of your brain (like for the one Paul did in the store, I think he had a 50+ year old brain. I will give him the fact that he had NO idea what he was doing when he did it!). I only got a Mario game this time, I will probably get Brain Age next time!
Sunday, we spent doing the job we have been putting off for way too long. The weather was a little cooler (around 92) so we took advantage. It was still HOT though! When they put our flowerbed in they put it to high against the foundation. So we pulled out ALL of the mulch, lowered the bed a little, put down weed fabric and put new mulch down. We spent a little extra on the mulch, but it is guaranteed the color will not gray for over a year - it looks GOOD!! It did take ALL DAY yesterday, with Paul and I both doing it (and Caleb KIND OF helping). The hardest part was pulling up all the mulch and trying to lower the bed a little at the house while still keeping it to where the water would drain AWAY from the house, and cutting the fabric around the plants!
When we finished doing that with the flowerbed we had to plant one plant. We had one that died late spring. While we were at Lowe's getting the mulch,etc., we saw that they had some plants clearanced that looked decent. When Paul dug the hole to put the plant, the hole kept filling with water. After looking at our water meter to make sure there was not a leak, then smelling the water to make sure it wasn't sewage, we think there is a spring in our flowerbed. The grass straight out from that spot and the plants right around it are really green, even without us watering. We watched the water seep back in through a couple of holes. I know from talking with the water company that this town has a lot of natural springs, so we can only assume that is what it is. That would also explain why the plant that was there last time died! Paul put the new plant there, but planted it shallow - above the water. We are going to watch it and if it starts looking bad, we will move it.
Next week when Paul is home, we have more outdoors work. This weekend it is suppose to cool off quite a bit (like mid-80s) so maybe it will stay that way all week! We are going to put weed fabric down where the poison ivy is and put the sandbox on top of it. Then we are going to put mulch down around it and maybe a little monkey grass. Then the corner we had the sandbox in we are going to put in a fish pond and landscaping (this will not be done next week I don't think!). The boys will get more shade in the hottest part of the day with the sandbox at the back of the yard because the house behind us has lots of trees. Most importantly - this will take care of the poison ivy problem am continuously having!
This fall/winter we are going to put in flower beds at the fence at the side of the house (about 20 ft long) and put Morning Glorys or Sweetpeas out there next Spring. Hopefully, what we don't get done next week, we will get done this fall/winter so we can plant when we are supposed to plant various things!
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