SPRING BREAK!

I know it took me a while to get these pictures on the blog, but hopefully it was worth the wait. It is a Picture Packed Post.

We had a great time over Spring Break. I pulled both the boys out of daycare for the entire week. The daycare will give you 2 vacation weeks a year in which you do not have to pay tuition. That saved us 260.00 that we used to enjoy some Spring Break outings.

Aunt Kerrie spent the night Sunday and watched the kids for me on Monday. Nana took the kids on Tuesday to the YMCA and Pump It Up. I took vacation days Wed-Fri to spend some time with them.

On Wednesday we met Kerrie at Kings Orchard in Plantersville. I had never been there before, but heard about it through friends. It is a Pick Your Own Orchard and Strawberries were in season. We love Strawberries. We ended up with 3lbs even though the pickings were slim. They had been hit hard Monday and Tuesday with a lot of Spring Breakers. We arrived early, one of the first people there, despite the hour drive. And the early birds get the ....strawberries in this case. As we were checking out, they were turning people away. I'm glad I didn't drive an hour for nothing. Lesson learned though, always call ahead of time for fruit availability.

After we left the orchard, we went to Kerrie's house to spend the afternoon. We had lunch and then went to the park to play and feed the ducks. Keaton and Cort always love going to see their Aunt Kerrie.

Thursday we had a play date with Levi and Ella at our house. The kids played silly string, which Ella didn't care for too much, rode bikes, ate lunch outside, and even decorated a Gingerbread Cookie for dessert. Thursday night, Mark and I braved Chuck E Cheese.

Friday we were supposed to get ready and leave for camping, but ended up postponing our departure time until Saturday morning. I spent most of Friday getting an oil change and running errands with the boys.

We met up with our small group Saturday morning at Brazos Bend State Park, Home of the American Alligator. We set up camp and watched the kids play, mostly riding their bikes and scooters. The kids enjoyed sleeping in the tent and being with their friends. I didn't see any Alligators, except the babies in the Science Center, but Racoons did enjoy some of our food. I even thought they might come in and bunk down with us at one point.

One of their favorite things was riding on the bike with Mr. Justin.

Camera??

I can't believe Kindergarten is almost over. It has gone by so fast. I look back and see there were many opportunities I missed to take pictures and record the events of this year. So this blog entry is in effort to remember our first experience as Kindergarten parents.

As a parent of a Kindergartner, we have looked inward and found our creative expression. Mark is the more creative parent so I assigned him most of the homework projects. (There are many more to come dear!) With each new unit the teachers sent home a cutout doll to decorate. There were, to name a few, the Gingerbread Man, the Nursery Rhyme Character, the Thanksgiving Turkey, the Santa, and the Insect. Our creations ranged from a Fisherman Gingerbread Man to a Football Santa.

With some units the kids were asked to dress up. As we prepared the first time to dress up as your favorite Nursery Rhyme Character, Mark was afraid I would dress Keaton as Jack be Nimble in a pair of knickers. We decided on the Baker from Pat A Cake. Keaton wore his Baker/Chef hat. Unfortunately I missed out on that photo opportunity simply because I forgot to take a picture as we ran out of the door to school.

Another missed photo op-Go Texan Day. I can't believe I forgot the camera. If I remember correctly, Mark was out of town that day and I got the kids ready by myself and off to school. They looked so cute in their hats, boots, and bandannas!

Last month, Keaton's class had their PE Showcase. It was sooooo cute. They showed off their basketball skills and all their dance moves. They did the Chicken Dance and an awesome version of Singing in the Rain. As I was standing their, just proud that Mark and I both made it there on our lunch hour, I could not believe I didn't bring my camera...... What kind of mother am I?! At the end they had the parents join in and we danced to Singing in the Rain. If you could see Mark and I with our tongues sticking out and shaking our bottoms.....oh yeah, I forgot the camera!

Then it was dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss Character. I honestly thought all week about what Keaton could dress up as. I even had a few conversations with Mark about it, but we never came to a decision. It seemed as if this one would be the time Keaton would not participate. But how could that be...(we even dressed up for wacky day by wearing two different socks) we had to dress up. So at 6:30 in the morning, I gave Mark instructions of Keaton's outfit. I guessed I dreamed it up as the alarmed snoozed. Keaton's favorite Dr. Seuss character is The Grinch as he told us all week. We just couldn't see ourselves painting him green and sending him off to school. So, Mark constructed at the last minute the Grinch's Santa hat......and yes he went through all the boxes in the attic to find the Santa's hat...at 6:30 in the morning (What a great dad....he must really love you Keaton!) Yes it is just a simple design of green construction paper, a Santa's hat, White Tshirt, Red Sweatshirt and blue jeans, but the best part......I remembered the camera! So here is Keaton the Grinch with his Grinch

Tooth Fairy's 1st visit!

Keaton lost his first tooth. We went to a birthday party this weekend for one of Keaton's Kindergarten friends. They had a jumper in the backyard. Another kid's head hit Keaton in the mouth when they were jumping, knocking Keaton's tooth really loose. He tried to pull it out the rest of the way, but decided to leave it. But before the party was over, he handed me the tooth. I think he bit into a piece of bubble gum and it came out!

So we got ready for the tooth fairy to visit. Keaton was given this special tooth fairy box when he was born.

Keaton put the box next to his pillow and the tooth fairy paid a visit leaving him $3.00!!! The tooth fairy must have thought Keaton did a great job taking care of his tooth. It was so pretty and white.

Kids are Funny

DOLLAR STORE OUTING
I recently took the kids to the Dollar Store. (The LITTLE Dollar store, not to be confused with the BIG Dollar store. The Little Dollar store is their favorite) I told them they could each pick out one item, although I already know we will end up buying more than 2 things. (Hey...it's a dollar) Keaton skipped right by the toy section instead browsing for notebooks and pens. He picked up a few things in his hands and said,

"Mommy, if you let me buy a big notebook, pens, AND pencils I will take care of you."

So of course I ask what he means by 'take care of me'. He said, "You know, when you are really old."

So sweet. And of course I bought him all three things!

Cort picked out 2 toys. Of course he broke the arm off one of them within 30 minutes of being home. Get out the super glue!


CORT'S TEARS
I think it is part of the genetics of moms, to wipe away your child's tears. Only I have had to train myself not to. Cort is very passionate and dramatic....okay that's just a nice way of saying stubborn. He does not like you to wipe his tears away. I guess he feels for whatever reason he is crying, he deserves to have the tears streaming down his face. At the doctor's office for his 4 year well check, he was crying after his shots and I reached up to wipe his checks, but pulled my hand back at the last second. I was actually proud of myself for stopping the mom instinct. He deserved those tears streaming down his face after those ouchies.

The funny part, if you do wipe away the tears, the tantrum/fit only escalates to the next level and he yells, "MY WATER, MY WATER!"

February Quiet

Ahh, February is quiet. I say this because I find myself each year saying, 'Once January is over.............'. That's because the craziness starts each fall with school, soccer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Cort's birthday....it just keeps on going. Not to mention year end, December and January, are the busiest time for me at work. But then comes February and the calendars are clear and we find ourselves just living life, not running around in the chaos.

So, we now have time to work on different projects around the house and I have even found the time to start exercising again. I cleaned the carpets this weekend and feel like they are brand new again. Wow, what a difference. We are changing the boys room to a sports theme now that Cort has a big boy bed. His new comforter is sports. Mark is gearing up for some other spring projects....flower beds, touch up paint, remodeling the master bath.....right honey?!

We also have set new rules for the boys and are really getting them to help us more around the house. This is an attempt to keep the house cleaner. Their toys, clothes, and shoes were a big part of the problem.

Our small group started a new study, The Love Dare. The 'hit movie' Fireproof with Kirk Cameron is about this study. (You can click on these to links) Each day for 40 days we, as a couple, have a 'love dare'. Obviously the purpose of the study and activities is to make our marriage stronger, point out areas we can be more patient and kind within our family. When life is so busy, kids seem to come first and we just assume our spouses are solid rocks. The Love Dare is bringing back to mind not only the importance of our relationship to each other, but also as the foundation of our family. We are only on day 6 and are enjoying it. I told Mark we can keep starting over with day 1 again once we complete the first 40.

As you saw from earlier pictures, we also have had the time to spend a relaxing weekend at the creek. Mark spent a second weekend there with a friend actually getting to fish....and catching a lot of fish. We've had a great Valentine's and are looking forward to Spring Break!

A PROPOSAL

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the day Mark Edward proposed to me. It was probably the only day in my life that I will be given 6 dozen roses AND a diamond. He was pretty sneaky and I had no idea. Who would have thought he would propose the week BEFORE Valentine's Day.

He had already asked for my parent's blessing over the Christmas holidays. Guess I know they can keep a secret. The afternoon he proposed, it was just the 2 of us at my apartment. I had to work that Saturday and he spent the day filling my apartment with roses and getting things ready. After I said YES, he took me out to a fancy dinner at Vargos and then we met up with friends to celebrate. It was a great night!

25 Things

So, April Drolet tagged Jennifer Brewer who tagged me...to tell 25 things about ourselves....so here goes. (Both of their blogs are listed in My Blog List to the right)

1. I am the least likely to respond to this or similar emails. There usually is one question about who is least likely to respond....that's me. I enjoy reading others comments, but never answer about myself.

2. I color my hair because I like being blonde, but mostly because I am 90% gray. Go ahead, look at my roots next time.

3. I don't have a favorite color, but if you asked Mark he would say it is orange. I do have a favorite number. It is 4 and I prefer even over odd numbers.

4. I enjoy massages, pedicures, and manicures.

5. I don't like to be alone.

6. I would NEVER jump out of an airplane or bungee jump....I am safety girl!

7. I do not have road rage and get frustrated when people I am riding with do. (Not to mention names, but he lives with me and is the father of my children) My thoughts on traffic...we are all in this together and it is not a race. Safety girl has a fear of being in a terrible car accident, besides the guy that cut me off could be in an emergency rushing to help his family.....who knows.

8. I was 9th in my graduating class. (There was about 160 total)

9. I was accepted Pre-Med to the College of Medicine at Texas A&M, but changed my major to Accounting later on.

10. I give food and money to the homeless on the street corners.

11. I have never broken a bone, although I did have stitches about 4 times. When I was 4 or 5 my older sister pushed me off of Grandpa's tractor. It knocked out all of my front teeth when I hit the plow. At least they were my baby teeth.

12. I love veggies like butternut squash and turnip greens.

13. I was a telemarketer in college.

14. I always try to return my shopping cart to the appropriate place. If I have the kids with me I park next to the shopping cart return to make it easier.

15. I learned this weekend I cannot throw a cast net. I may never accomplish this fishing technique. I tried to be the cool mom and catch the boys some bait fish before Mark came down to the dock. All I caught was mud and looks from the boys like...where's the fish? Dad saved the day and the boys had a great time catching the bait fish in their small nets.

You know I had to add in a picture!

16. I was in the Band 6-9 grades. I played the trumpet. I was on the Drill Team grades 10-12 and was one of the 5 Co-Captains my senior year.

17. I loved EVERYTHING about being pregnant.....okay except for having to lose the weight afterwards.

18. My food weakness is cake and cake like items....Ding Dongs, Twinkies, even Honeybuns.....these are the items that helped me gain the 60 lbs while pregnant with Keaton. I hid them in the closet upstairs from Mark, but I don't remember why, his weakness is Chocolate Chip Cookies.

19. I feel like a dog chasing his tail when it comes to cleaning my house. I so want it to be clean....but it just will never happen. I get sooo close sometimes, but.........I need a maid! I don't mind cleaning, but definitely do not find it therapeutic.

20. As crazy at is sound, I do enjoy the chaos.

21. If I am by myself in the car, I drive in silence with just my thoughts. Probably because this is the only time there will be silence. If the kids are with me we are usually talking or listening to KSBJ or maybe some Toby Mac.

22. I don't like to hear kids crying in stores or restaurants. Not because of the noise, but because I can't help from wanting to know if the child is okay and being taken care of lovingly by the parent or being mistreated.

23. When I read or hear stories of adoption my heart is warmed. Especially when a family takes in troubled or handicapped children. I secretly wish one day I can make such a difference in some one's life.

24. I didn't play any sports as a child, but I did take piano, dance and twirling.

25. I started using Pro-Active about six months ago. Who would have thought, break outs can start in your mid-30's.

Well, that's me....and best of all I tag no one else. If you should choose to share 25 things about yourself with me I would love to read it. Shoot me an email or better yet, START A BLOG!

Big News!

Keaton has his first loose tooth! He caught me off guard last night when he said he had a loose tooth. I thought he had just heard some big kids say that at school. He stuck his finger in his mouth and started wiggling it. I still thought no, right. I wiggled it myself and sure enough....he has a wiggly, wobbly tooth. I can't believe my baby is going to lose his first tooth! He can't be that big yet!

He told us he wants to tie a string around it and slam the door, but we discussed with him the more natural approach of just letting it fall out on its own time. We asked him what he should do with it after it falls out and he said he was going to put it under his pillow (I'm thinking he is right on track) and keep it FOREVER. (I guess we need to discuss the tooth fairy) So we told him the tooth fairy would bring him a surprise in exchange for his tooth. What's the going rate on a tooth these days?

How I spent my weekend

Relaxing at the CREEK






























Hanging with my BOYS














FISHING

Enjoying NATURE














Watching the SUNSET

Birthday Festivities

We had a great party this past Saturday for Cort. Here is the Star Wars Cake! This was the first time I have ordered a birthday cake and my kids actually were able to eat it! Normally I make a special cake for them without eggs and milk. But since Cort has outgrown his food allergies, he ate his Star Wars cake and Chocolate Ice Cream. Keaton ate a Ding Dong (which is a new thing we tried and he did okay with) and Soy Ice Cream at the Party, but in the safety of our home we let Keaton eat a leftover piece of birthday cake and he did fine. Even the second and third piece went down with no problem. (I made him wait 10 minutes before eating the second piece)




We had the party at Monkey Bizness this year. It is an inflatable jump zone and the kids had a blast. Even parents climbed the rock wall and the 'Christmas Tree', as Cort called it. But I think their favorite is always the big slide.

Jackson, Cort and Peyton
Cort's buddies from school

It has become a tradition in our family that on their actual birthday day, the four of us go to Chuck E Cheese. So Wednesday night (yes we skipped out on AWANA) we headed to Chuck E Cheese. We enjoy the family time to celebrate his birthday and the kids had a great time. Keaton is getting really good at skeeball!

My mom called to wish Cort a happy birthday before we went to Chuck E Cheese. She asked Cort how old he was and he said he was still 3. He proceeded to tell her he would not turn four until after he went to Chuck E Cheese. So as we were walking out of the door at Chuck E Cheese he said, 'I am four now!'