Sunday, July 20, 2008
A Weekend in Nawlins
The boys had SO much fun this weekend, but we were BUSY!
As I previously mentioned, we went to New Orleans (aka Nawlins) for the weekend. We got tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX, Insectarium and Zoo. We bought them online before we went, so we knew it would be busy.
We got there Saturday morning and went to the aquarium first. It sucked. It was not that the aquarium was bad, but the crowds. OH MY GOSH!! It was packed. So we kinda rushed through that. It was neat though. The divers were out - one cleaning the glass and one feeding the "creatures" - which the boys LOVED.
After that we went to the Insectarium. NASTY!!
Seriously.
I mean REALLY NASTY!!
Now that I am over the cringing....the Insectarium just opened in June, so it is BRAND new! It is nice - for what it is. It is educational, for those interested in wanting to be educated in bugs (more educated than the normal they are nasty and we don't want them living with us). They have this six minute movie inside the Insectarium. We took the boys in to see it. You go in and take a seat - looks like a normal theater. BUT....it has a twist. It is an animated movie. In front on all of the seats is a rail - looks like a normal rail. WRONG. There is air that blows out of the rail (like when a bug "passes gas" and when the bees and wasp are flying). The seats play tricks too. Each different bug has a different response from your seat and rail (there is also air that blows sharp at your legs). So, it was a little to realistic for my taste, but the boys all loved it - including AJ. The grossest part - they have a "pantry" set up. It has all of the things you would find in YOUR pantry - same brands and all - but COVERED in roaches. And they have one of those domes where you can "get in" the pantry with them. NASTY!!
Then we went to the IMAX. Bugs 3D. It was as nasty as the Insectarium! Andrew even enjoyed it most of the time, although he would not wear the glasses for more than a couple of seconds at a time. It was a good movie, for a bug movie. This was the first time we had seen a 3D movie - pretty cool.
We spent the rest of yesterday exploring the French Quarter (our hotel was also in the French Quarter). We ate dinner at Bubba Gumps. The boys loved it. I had some awesome ribs - YUM!!! Paul and Caleb had seafood. Isaac and Bryce - pizza. One thing about being in LA - the boys are eating LOTS of seafood and LOVING it. Daddy and I finished dinner off with some "adult" yummy drinks to go!
We had to be back in our hotel by dark - because we were afraid of what the kids might see if we are out after dark! On the way to dinner they saw a "statue" - if you have never been down there, there are people that pose in the middle of the road and freeze like a statue. This man was on a ladder. The boys watched him (standing right in front of him) for several minutes asking if he was real. I kept saying yes, they did not believe me. A group of young, barely dressed girls went by and the man turned his head to watch them go - everyone started laughing and the boys then believed he was real (then he froze again). We got back to the hotel and we spent the rest of the evening in the pool. This pool did not have steps like most and that is where Bryce normally hangs out. This was the first time EVER we have been able to get Bryce IN the pool and OFF the steps. He played in the pool the entire time (after a few minutes of screaming and crying). Andrew cried for a few minutes, but finally started splashing and playing. For once, EVERYONE enjoyed the pool!!
This morning we got up, packed up and went to the zoo. This zoo is AWESOME! The boys had a great time. There was lots of shade and lots of misting fans. They really work hard to keep everyone cool. We walked the ENTIRE zoo - saw everything. Went through the gift shop and headed back home. Everyone went to sleep shortly after eating lunch and slept the entire way home. No arguements about going to bed tonight either.
I must say, as an afternote - I HATE BUGS!!! The fact that I spent a weekend staring at bugs goes to show how much I love my boys and are willing to do just about anything for their happiness. I hope I don't have to go again....but I would.
As I previously mentioned, we went to New Orleans (aka Nawlins) for the weekend. We got tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX, Insectarium and Zoo. We bought them online before we went, so we knew it would be busy.
We got there Saturday morning and went to the aquarium first. It sucked. It was not that the aquarium was bad, but the crowds. OH MY GOSH!! It was packed. So we kinda rushed through that. It was neat though. The divers were out - one cleaning the glass and one feeding the "creatures" - which the boys LOVED.
After that we went to the Insectarium. NASTY!!
Seriously.
I mean REALLY NASTY!!
Now that I am over the cringing....the Insectarium just opened in June, so it is BRAND new! It is nice - for what it is. It is educational, for those interested in wanting to be educated in bugs (more educated than the normal they are nasty and we don't want them living with us). They have this six minute movie inside the Insectarium. We took the boys in to see it. You go in and take a seat - looks like a normal theater. BUT....it has a twist. It is an animated movie. In front on all of the seats is a rail - looks like a normal rail. WRONG. There is air that blows out of the rail (like when a bug "passes gas" and when the bees and wasp are flying). The seats play tricks too. Each different bug has a different response from your seat and rail (there is also air that blows sharp at your legs). So, it was a little to realistic for my taste, but the boys all loved it - including AJ. The grossest part - they have a "pantry" set up. It has all of the things you would find in YOUR pantry - same brands and all - but COVERED in roaches. And they have one of those domes where you can "get in" the pantry with them. NASTY!!
Then we went to the IMAX. Bugs 3D. It was as nasty as the Insectarium! Andrew even enjoyed it most of the time, although he would not wear the glasses for more than a couple of seconds at a time. It was a good movie, for a bug movie. This was the first time we had seen a 3D movie - pretty cool.
We spent the rest of yesterday exploring the French Quarter (our hotel was also in the French Quarter). We ate dinner at Bubba Gumps. The boys loved it. I had some awesome ribs - YUM!!! Paul and Caleb had seafood. Isaac and Bryce - pizza. One thing about being in LA - the boys are eating LOTS of seafood and LOVING it. Daddy and I finished dinner off with some "adult" yummy drinks to go!
We had to be back in our hotel by dark - because we were afraid of what the kids might see if we are out after dark! On the way to dinner they saw a "statue" - if you have never been down there, there are people that pose in the middle of the road and freeze like a statue. This man was on a ladder. The boys watched him (standing right in front of him) for several minutes asking if he was real. I kept saying yes, they did not believe me. A group of young, barely dressed girls went by and the man turned his head to watch them go - everyone started laughing and the boys then believed he was real (then he froze again). We got back to the hotel and we spent the rest of the evening in the pool. This pool did not have steps like most and that is where Bryce normally hangs out. This was the first time EVER we have been able to get Bryce IN the pool and OFF the steps. He played in the pool the entire time (after a few minutes of screaming and crying). Andrew cried for a few minutes, but finally started splashing and playing. For once, EVERYONE enjoyed the pool!!
This morning we got up, packed up and went to the zoo. This zoo is AWESOME! The boys had a great time. There was lots of shade and lots of misting fans. They really work hard to keep everyone cool. We walked the ENTIRE zoo - saw everything. Went through the gift shop and headed back home. Everyone went to sleep shortly after eating lunch and slept the entire way home. No arguements about going to bed tonight either.
I must say, as an afternote - I HATE BUGS!!! The fact that I spent a weekend staring at bugs goes to show how much I love my boys and are willing to do just about anything for their happiness. I hope I don't have to go again....but I would.
Friday, July 18, 2008
ALMOST Potty Training Time Again
Andrew has been wanting to sit on the toilet lately. I have put him on the big toilet several times, but decided instead of chancing scareing him on the big toilet, we would get him a little potty to start getting used to. He is still pretty young to try and potty train, but as long as he is showing interest - who am I too tell him he is too young?
I got it out and assembled it (yes - actually had to assemble it). He immediately tried to climb on it. I took off his diaper and helped him on it.
I created a potty monster!! Every time he would get off the potty, I would say "let's put on a diaper" he would run back to the potty and sit down. When my realtor called and I HAD to make him get off the potty and put the diaper on - he SCREAMED!!
He has asked every day since we got it to sit on it. I find it hard to believe he will be easier to potty train than Bryce was! He basically figured it out in a day. Not that he had it down perfect, but he loved using the potty and actually figured it out on his own by running around naked outside.
This is one of those times I would LOVE to be pleasantly surprised.
I got it out and assembled it (yes - actually had to assemble it). He immediately tried to climb on it. I took off his diaper and helped him on it.
I created a potty monster!! Every time he would get off the potty, I would say "let's put on a diaper" he would run back to the potty and sit down. When my realtor called and I HAD to make him get off the potty and put the diaper on - he SCREAMED!!
He has asked every day since we got it to sit on it. I find it hard to believe he will be easier to potty train than Bryce was! He basically figured it out in a day. Not that he had it down perfect, but he loved using the potty and actually figured it out on his own by running around naked outside.
This is one of those times I would LOVE to be pleasantly surprised.
Weekend Plans
I have several videos I need to upload and I will try to do it next week. This weekend we were going to go to Florida but could not get a hotel room on the beach. So, instead we opted to go to New Orleans. We are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter and have tickets to go to the Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium (Yes, that is right - a entire building of nothing buy BUGS) and the IMAX to see Bugs, 3D (in case the visit to the insectarium isn't enough). We also got a hotel with an indoor pool (can't get a hotel without one) and we will spend some time in the Frech Quarter - during the DAY!
Sounds like an EXHAUSTING, quite possibly DISGUSTING weekend. But, don't fret - if I get to enjoy the bugs - I will take PLENTY of photos so YOU, too, can enjoy them!!
I am sure you can't WAIT!!
Sounds like an EXHAUSTING, quite possibly DISGUSTING weekend. But, don't fret - if I get to enjoy the bugs - I will take PLENTY of photos so YOU, too, can enjoy them!!
I am sure you can't WAIT!!
First Time-Out
Andrew had his first time out a couple of nights ago. He has gotten bad about throwing tantrums and screaming when he cannot tell you what he wants or when he doesn't get him way. You can tell by these pictures how that worked out, and it was VERY difficult for Daddy and I not to laugh at him. He has always tried to sit on his brothers laps or pat their backs when THEY are in time out, but he has never been the one in the corner.
Earlier today, he was throwing his fit. I said Andrew in a warning voice. He ran to time out, put his nose in the corner and threw his fit. When he was done with the fit, he came out of the corner.
That was WAY too easy!!! His brothers have had LOTS of practice and they still aren't that good at going to time out.
Earlier today, he was throwing his fit. I said Andrew in a warning voice. He ran to time out, put his nose in the corner and threw his fit. When he was done with the fit, he came out of the corner.
That was WAY too easy!!! His brothers have had LOTS of practice and they still aren't that good at going to time out.
Playing the Blues
I think I have posted that Daddy got a harmonica a while back. Andrew loves to dance to Daddy playing it (whether he is playing a song or just playing). Lately, he has been trying to play it, but when Daddy put it at his mouth Andrew would hum. Over the last couple of days he has figured it out. Here is a couple of pictures, and I actually got it on video, which I will try and post next week. He walks around playing the harmonica and dancing now and I LOVE IT!
Goofy Monkey
Last night Andrew kept insisting on me putting his shoe on him while I was helping Paul fix dinner. I put it on him. I went to put the second one on and he would not let me. He wanted to run around in his diaper and ONE shoe.
The Best Hubby EVER!!
Since we got married (10 YEARS AGO), it has always been our plan that on our 10 year anniversary we were going to take a trip - just us. While we were on our trip we were going to get new wedding rings. Unfortunately, life gets in the way of plans! We did not get to go on our trip this year because of the new job (hard to take time off after working for ONE WEEK). Last weekend we decided to go get the rings, even though we did not get the trip. Paul's ring will not be in until next week. Mine came in today and I LOVE IT!! Even more than when we picked it out (it was too small to put all the way on my finger, so tonight was the first time I had seen it all the way on). Excuse the pictures, hard to take a good picture of your own hand!
Again, I have the MOST AWESOME, BESTEST HUSBAND EVER!!! I can't wait until he gets his!
Again, I have the MOST AWESOME, BESTEST HUSBAND EVER!!! I can't wait until he gets his!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
School Supplies and Uniforms
As I have previously said, last weekend we were out buying uniforms and supplies. I was irritated because the school supply list for Isaac and Bryce was not online. I had decided I was just going to get some of the generic supplies so I was at least started on it, and all of Caleb's supplies (I had his list). We ended up just getting some uniform stuff, backpacks and lunchboxes.
GOOD THING!!
Yesterday while I was on the phone with the school I asked about the school supplies for them. I DON'T HAVE TO BUY ANY!!! The school gets it all. All I have to do is send $45 for each of them. I know this sounds high, but after thinking about it, the fact that I don't have to go down THREE list and buy their supplies SOOOOO makes it worth it!!
Other than shirts for Bryce - Isaac and Bryce are ready to start school!!!!
GOOD THING!!
Yesterday while I was on the phone with the school I asked about the school supplies for them. I DON'T HAVE TO BUY ANY!!! The school gets it all. All I have to do is send $45 for each of them. I know this sounds high, but after thinking about it, the fact that I don't have to go down THREE list and buy their supplies SOOOOO makes it worth it!!
Other than shirts for Bryce - Isaac and Bryce are ready to start school!!!!
The House Hunt
Yesterday we went and looked at three more houses. We liked all of them, but our favorites have shifted again. The house that we previously liked the most has now dropped, basically just because they are asking too much, won't help with the realtor fee or closing and won't come off the price. Our number two house is still the house that was number two before, but we have a new number one. Confused? Me too.
The new number one. Very nice neighborhood. We like the older neighborhoods with the mature landscaping. The entire two subdivisions right there - every house and yard is kept up and clean. 13 year old house, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, new roof (as of April of this year), MIL suite (which makes it....drumroll please.....a FIVE BEDROOM THREE BATH), HUGE 28x14 sunroom (one of our favorite parts of the house). A good sized backyard with LOTS of landscaping all around the fenceline and house. It has a floating deck, two patio areas, a big arbor with a swing under it covered with wisteria. It has recently been renovated with new floors all throughout the house, the bathrooms have been redone, and new appliances. I must say - the only thing missing to make this our dream home (in our price range of course) is a pool/spa in the backyard.
Here is what is going on with it. We had decided early on that we were NOT going to do contingent offers. If it was meant to be for us it would still be there when our house sells. So far, all of the houses we liked are still for sale. Last night we offered to put a contingent offer on this house. We told her we would go as far as putting down money. So, what we decided to do was to see if we could do a sale-pending. Put down some money (not doing a contingent offer), they would not be able to show the house, and make our closing date for four or six months down the road - unless our house sells earlier than that.
The number two house is empty, and has been for a while. We had talked about seeing if the owner would rent it to us or do a lease to own type of thing until our house sold. BUT, we really don't want to settle for number two. So, our realtor called their realtor and told them the offer we were wanting to make. She told us that the family was on vacation until tomorrow (today), BUT they accepted a job in Florida and they were moving regardless of the house selling. They also are not buying a house contingent on this house selling. We may get to do the PURCHASE AGREEMENT with the down payment AND get to move in until our house sells.
Obviously, there is the downfall of two house payments, utilities, etc. However, one of my BIG stresses lately has been the fact that school starts in less than a month. I cannot register them ANYWHERE at this point. I have no mortgage or proof of rent here, no utilites, etc. I called the school yesterday to find out what all I needed to do, paperwork, etc. so that when we can enroll them, I am ready. I told her our situation and she said that since we were in the process of moving from out of state, all they would have to have (instead of proof of mortgage or rent and three utility bills) would be a PURCHASE AGREEMENT!
If the sale-pending offer is accepted and even if we cannot move into the house until we close on our house, I would be able to enroll them in the correct school and drive them back and forth (which would REALLY suck right now because we are a good 30-45 minutes away).
Is this things starting to fall into place for us??? Let's all keep praying that our house sales VERY soon, though!
The new number one. Very nice neighborhood. We like the older neighborhoods with the mature landscaping. The entire two subdivisions right there - every house and yard is kept up and clean. 13 year old house, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, new roof (as of April of this year), MIL suite (which makes it....drumroll please.....a FIVE BEDROOM THREE BATH), HUGE 28x14 sunroom (one of our favorite parts of the house). A good sized backyard with LOTS of landscaping all around the fenceline and house. It has a floating deck, two patio areas, a big arbor with a swing under it covered with wisteria. It has recently been renovated with new floors all throughout the house, the bathrooms have been redone, and new appliances. I must say - the only thing missing to make this our dream home (in our price range of course) is a pool/spa in the backyard.
Here is what is going on with it. We had decided early on that we were NOT going to do contingent offers. If it was meant to be for us it would still be there when our house sells. So far, all of the houses we liked are still for sale. Last night we offered to put a contingent offer on this house. We told her we would go as far as putting down money. So, what we decided to do was to see if we could do a sale-pending. Put down some money (not doing a contingent offer), they would not be able to show the house, and make our closing date for four or six months down the road - unless our house sells earlier than that.
The number two house is empty, and has been for a while. We had talked about seeing if the owner would rent it to us or do a lease to own type of thing until our house sold. BUT, we really don't want to settle for number two. So, our realtor called their realtor and told them the offer we were wanting to make. She told us that the family was on vacation until tomorrow (today), BUT they accepted a job in Florida and they were moving regardless of the house selling. They also are not buying a house contingent on this house selling. We may get to do the PURCHASE AGREEMENT with the down payment AND get to move in until our house sells.
Obviously, there is the downfall of two house payments, utilities, etc. However, one of my BIG stresses lately has been the fact that school starts in less than a month. I cannot register them ANYWHERE at this point. I have no mortgage or proof of rent here, no utilites, etc. I called the school yesterday to find out what all I needed to do, paperwork, etc. so that when we can enroll them, I am ready. I told her our situation and she said that since we were in the process of moving from out of state, all they would have to have (instead of proof of mortgage or rent and three utility bills) would be a PURCHASE AGREEMENT!
If the sale-pending offer is accepted and even if we cannot move into the house until we close on our house, I would be able to enroll them in the correct school and drive them back and forth (which would REALLY suck right now because we are a good 30-45 minutes away).
Is this things starting to fall into place for us??? Let's all keep praying that our house sales VERY soon, though!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Church Camp
Caleb had SO much fun his first year at church camp. They went to a college in Mississippi. They got to choose two activities that they spend time on daily. He chose swimming and archery. He LOVED archery. He is requesting a bow and arrow for his birthday (and a fiddle). He took two disposable cameras with him - one got stolen and the other one he took TWO pictures on. So, not much in the way of pics to show you.
Basically, there were REALLY early mornings (5:30) REALLY late nights (3:00) - lots of pillow fights (yes - he WAS with the boys). He spent lots of time swimming...and eating.
He had lots of fun and is already looking forward to next time. As I hear more or remember more - I will let you know.
Basically, there were REALLY early mornings (5:30) REALLY late nights (3:00) - lots of pillow fights (yes - he WAS with the boys). He spent lots of time swimming...and eating.
He had lots of fun and is already looking forward to next time. As I hear more or remember more - I will let you know.
Homesick
We had another long weekend of traveling. Actually, it wasn't even really the weekend - it was Thursday and Friday. Caleb had to be picked up Thursday from camp - which he had a blast at (that will be a different post). The company Paul works with has a plant in Mississippi, so he went to take care of some stuff there on our way. Caleb ended up riding the bus back with the church to Arkansas - since we were headed there anyway.
From Clinton Mississippi we went to Arkansas. On our way there the realtor called to say that someone was coming to look at our house for a second time. We got there with enough time to turn on lights, open blinds and let the dog potty. After the house showed, we went out to eat with some friends and then back to the house.
Friday we ran some errands in AR, took care of the yard and the house and came back to Louisiana.
These trips are completely exhausting, not only physically, but emotionally. Yesterday I had a MAJOR breakdown. I am so stressed out on trying to get our house sold and another house bought so that the kids can start school where we intend for them to go to. On top of that, I am homesick. I miss our stuff - like my washer and dryer, our beds - A YARD, SPACE for the kids to play, etc. AND, not living out of boxes. I try to remind myself that we are all together and that is what is important, but it is still hard. Also, the fact that I have no options to get away for a small break....
So, I had my breakdown - went and laid in bed for several hours and got "over" it. I know it is all in God's hands - just hard sometimes to keep that in mind.
Today we ran more errands. The boys have to wear uniforms to school (which Caleb tried to tell me he absolutely would NOT go to school if he had to wear uniforms). We got what we could for the uniforms, got them shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes. Bryce has lost the excitement of school - because "I don't know where I will go to school." He knows the school he will be at in both locations, just the unknown of where he will be. Today the excitement got raised back some more because he got to pick out his Superman backpack (making Daddy proud).
So, that was our weekend. Up and down - lots of miles - another weekend in our own private he...I mean paradise!!! :)
From Clinton Mississippi we went to Arkansas. On our way there the realtor called to say that someone was coming to look at our house for a second time. We got there with enough time to turn on lights, open blinds and let the dog potty. After the house showed, we went out to eat with some friends and then back to the house.
Friday we ran some errands in AR, took care of the yard and the house and came back to Louisiana.
These trips are completely exhausting, not only physically, but emotionally. Yesterday I had a MAJOR breakdown. I am so stressed out on trying to get our house sold and another house bought so that the kids can start school where we intend for them to go to. On top of that, I am homesick. I miss our stuff - like my washer and dryer, our beds - A YARD, SPACE for the kids to play, etc. AND, not living out of boxes. I try to remind myself that we are all together and that is what is important, but it is still hard. Also, the fact that I have no options to get away for a small break....
So, I had my breakdown - went and laid in bed for several hours and got "over" it. I know it is all in God's hands - just hard sometimes to keep that in mind.
Today we ran more errands. The boys have to wear uniforms to school (which Caleb tried to tell me he absolutely would NOT go to school if he had to wear uniforms). We got what we could for the uniforms, got them shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes. Bryce has lost the excitement of school - because "I don't know where I will go to school." He knows the school he will be at in both locations, just the unknown of where he will be. Today the excitement got raised back some more because he got to pick out his Superman backpack (making Daddy proud).
So, that was our weekend. Up and down - lots of miles - another weekend in our own private he...I mean paradise!!! :)
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Jackson Zoo
When we took Caleb to Mississippi to camp, we took the other boys to the Jackson zoo. Here are some pictures from it.
Time to shave - ALREADY?
The alligators home
Daddy checking to see if the alligator is real or not.
Isaac isn't too sure, but runs by anyway
Bryce is not taking ANY chances (he is behind the bridge)!
Fighting Flamingos
The Zoo Monkey's
My Monkey's
The boys had rainbow sno-cones
Time to shave - ALREADY?
The alligators home
Daddy checking to see if the alligator is real or not.
Isaac isn't too sure, but runs by anyway
Bryce is not taking ANY chances (he is behind the bridge)!
Fighting Flamingos
The Zoo Monkey's
My Monkey's
The boys had rainbow sno-cones
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