So we went up north for Thanksgiving break. We have a luggage rack that goes on the roof of the van. It is enclosed and we've never had a problem with it. Soooooo what if you leave your 31 bag in the top with two Ipads and two Kindles for, say, over a week??????????????? Oh and it has rained a lot.........and you totally forgot about it until your husband was looking for something..................
crossing my fingers
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Updates
My last post was from Helen but a lot has happened since then. I'll update by person...
Ashlyn:
For halloween, she was a bat. I'm not so sure why she chose this but that's what she wanted and she stuck to it. We attended a Mom's Club Halloween Party and a party for a boy in her class. They were both a lot of fun. We didn't even leave the bday party until 9:30. That may be due to not having Chloe with me and therefore there wasn't a meltdown:). In school she had to be a book character so she was Ladybug Girl. I scored some 90% off clearance items last year and so I got my use out of that one. Ashlyn is still loving school and hasn't been below green in a LONG time. This is a good thing. Maybe she has stopped talking in class OR at least she has for now. She's growing up before our eyes this year. Reading, writing, and asking all sorts of questions. I keep telling her she needs to slllllllloooooooow down. She is still our easy going, care free child.
Chloe:
Some days I have to count to ten and walk away. She is our head-strong, don't-mess-with-me kid. She is doing great in school and loves it. The teacher said she is perfect in class and never gets in trouble. Although she is known to raise her hand, shrug her shoulders, and say "uhhhhh I already know this." School comes easily to Chloe but she doesn't want to sit and do it or try. We will be working with Ashlyn on something and, out of the blue, Chloe shoots out the right answer. She has many friends and her teacher says "she rules the playground." Basically she is bossy and maybe a little bit of bully---I don't know. She was Snow White for Halloween. She went trick or treating to a few doorsteps and then declared that she was done. Most recently she has had pink eye and an ear infection. Well she complained of the eye and it looked like it might be pink eye so I came home from work early to take her to the doctor. Brandon stayed with her the first part of the morning. Since it was just pink eye, we thought it would be easier to go to the MInute Clinic. I did, got in and out, got her medicine, and was home. Once home, I went to put her down for a nap. She said her ear hurt. I would rock her, lay her down, and then she would complain. Then it occured to me that they never checked her ears. I thought they always did. I went back and sure enough, she had an ear infection too. They charged me for two visits. I complained to no avail and left a little angry. I was back within an hour and a half of the first visit. So I called the 1-800 number and, to make a long story short, I'm getting refunded for the second visit.
Brandon and me:
We have been going to a new church since the beginning of September. We love it and so do the kids. I feel that we are growing stronger as a family since we have been going there. This weekend, we went on a couples date night with the church and stayed at a hotel downtown. A church member owns a karate studio and they held a lock in for the kids. I wasn't sure about them staying over but they were so excited about it. Believe it or not, I cried when I dropped them off. The only people they have stayed over night with are my parents in PA and that obviously doesn't happen often. Brandon thought I was crazy but it just happened:). We had an awesome night having dinner and getting to know other couples within our church. After dinner, we played games including the "not so newlywed game' and Brandon and I won!! It's a good feeling to know that this is a place where we belong and can grown spiritually.
Brandon:
Brandon has lost over 40 pounds and looks and feels awesome! He has incredible willpower.
Me:
I am actually down 19 pounds but still have a long way to go. I fell off the bandwagon for a month or so but am getting back into making my health a priority. It's crazy to think that I've lost almost 20 pounds and I don't really see it in the mirror yet. I've really let myself go over the years. This is the hardest season though. So we shall see how it goes.
Ashlyn:
For halloween, she was a bat. I'm not so sure why she chose this but that's what she wanted and she stuck to it. We attended a Mom's Club Halloween Party and a party for a boy in her class. They were both a lot of fun. We didn't even leave the bday party until 9:30. That may be due to not having Chloe with me and therefore there wasn't a meltdown:). In school she had to be a book character so she was Ladybug Girl. I scored some 90% off clearance items last year and so I got my use out of that one. Ashlyn is still loving school and hasn't been below green in a LONG time. This is a good thing. Maybe she has stopped talking in class OR at least she has for now. She's growing up before our eyes this year. Reading, writing, and asking all sorts of questions. I keep telling her she needs to slllllllloooooooow down. She is still our easy going, care free child.
Chloe:
Some days I have to count to ten and walk away. She is our head-strong, don't-mess-with-me kid. She is doing great in school and loves it. The teacher said she is perfect in class and never gets in trouble. Although she is known to raise her hand, shrug her shoulders, and say "uhhhhh I already know this." School comes easily to Chloe but she doesn't want to sit and do it or try. We will be working with Ashlyn on something and, out of the blue, Chloe shoots out the right answer. She has many friends and her teacher says "she rules the playground." Basically she is bossy and maybe a little bit of bully---I don't know. She was Snow White for Halloween. She went trick or treating to a few doorsteps and then declared that she was done. Most recently she has had pink eye and an ear infection. Well she complained of the eye and it looked like it might be pink eye so I came home from work early to take her to the doctor. Brandon stayed with her the first part of the morning. Since it was just pink eye, we thought it would be easier to go to the MInute Clinic. I did, got in and out, got her medicine, and was home. Once home, I went to put her down for a nap. She said her ear hurt. I would rock her, lay her down, and then she would complain. Then it occured to me that they never checked her ears. I thought they always did. I went back and sure enough, she had an ear infection too. They charged me for two visits. I complained to no avail and left a little angry. I was back within an hour and a half of the first visit. So I called the 1-800 number and, to make a long story short, I'm getting refunded for the second visit.
Brandon and me:
We have been going to a new church since the beginning of September. We love it and so do the kids. I feel that we are growing stronger as a family since we have been going there. This weekend, we went on a couples date night with the church and stayed at a hotel downtown. A church member owns a karate studio and they held a lock in for the kids. I wasn't sure about them staying over but they were so excited about it. Believe it or not, I cried when I dropped them off. The only people they have stayed over night with are my parents in PA and that obviously doesn't happen often. Brandon thought I was crazy but it just happened:). We had an awesome night having dinner and getting to know other couples within our church. After dinner, we played games including the "not so newlywed game' and Brandon and I won!! It's a good feeling to know that this is a place where we belong and can grown spiritually.
Brandon:
Brandon has lost over 40 pounds and looks and feels awesome! He has incredible willpower.
Me:
I am actually down 19 pounds but still have a long way to go. I fell off the bandwagon for a month or so but am getting back into making my health a priority. It's crazy to think that I've lost almost 20 pounds and I don't really see it in the mirror yet. I've really let myself go over the years. This is the hardest season though. So we shall see how it goes.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Helens
Today we went to "Helens" as Chloe would call it. We had a great time. For those that don't know, Helen is a little town where all the buildings look like an Alpine Village. Our first stop was to see the bears. We fed them and the kids LOVED this. The bears would wave and jump up and down. They climbed up on a wooden pole so they weren't really that far away. Then one of the workers got the big snake out and asked who wanted to hold it. The kids were a little scared at first but Ashlyn warmed up quickly. She held the 'tail' end of the snake. The whole thing weighs around 100 pounds. Ashlyn didn't want to leave the snake. She enjoyed that.
Then we walked up a few blocks to Helen. It was crowded because it is Octoberfest there. We stopped to eat at one of the German restaurants. It was pretty busy so we had to wait in line. While in line, we talked with a couple from Florida. They were mainly there for the hiking. They were probably around our age. So we finally sat down to eat. The couple ended up on the other side of the restaurant. However, when it came time to pay our tab, the waitress told us that it had been taken care of. We looked over and the couple was gone. We found this ironic because a few days earlier, Brandon had stopped in a small town for a bite to eat on his way home from a trip. The waitress was around 8 months pregnant. Brandon had overheard her telling someone else that she was picking up as many shifts as she could because her husband had recently lost his job and they didn't know what they were going to do. So Brandon left her a very large tip. Then, a few days later, our tab was taken care of. Funny how things work.
Also, as we were waiting in line at the German bakery, I noticed a girl with white eyelashes like Ashlyn. I hate when people draw attention to her or ask me questions, but I stopped the mom. She said that the girl has vitiligo. Then I pointed out Ashlyn's eyelashes and that she also has it. We've never run in to someone else with it let alone a little girl around her age. I'm part of a support group in Atlanta but they are mostly African Americans. So this was kind of neat. Ashlyn even commented at bedtime about God making someone else special just like her.
It was starting to rain in Helen so we took the kids on a horse drawn carriage ride around the town. Brandon and I joked that the last time we did that, was our wedding day. Next we drove over to a place called 'Goats on the Roof.' The goats are on the roof. You can feed them by a bunch of different means. The kids mined for gold and had ice cream. All in all, it was a great day trip.
On the way home, the kids fell asleep. THey woke up and were hungry. It was Chloe's turn to pick where we ate, and she chose Wendy's. We stopped at one close to downtown Lawrenceville. The cashier looked really familiar and when she started talking, it hit me who she was. It was a girl I had taught seven years ago. She is in her senior year of high school. How crazy!
Then we walked up a few blocks to Helen. It was crowded because it is Octoberfest there. We stopped to eat at one of the German restaurants. It was pretty busy so we had to wait in line. While in line, we talked with a couple from Florida. They were mainly there for the hiking. They were probably around our age. So we finally sat down to eat. The couple ended up on the other side of the restaurant. However, when it came time to pay our tab, the waitress told us that it had been taken care of. We looked over and the couple was gone. We found this ironic because a few days earlier, Brandon had stopped in a small town for a bite to eat on his way home from a trip. The waitress was around 8 months pregnant. Brandon had overheard her telling someone else that she was picking up as many shifts as she could because her husband had recently lost his job and they didn't know what they were going to do. So Brandon left her a very large tip. Then, a few days later, our tab was taken care of. Funny how things work.
Also, as we were waiting in line at the German bakery, I noticed a girl with white eyelashes like Ashlyn. I hate when people draw attention to her or ask me questions, but I stopped the mom. She said that the girl has vitiligo. Then I pointed out Ashlyn's eyelashes and that she also has it. We've never run in to someone else with it let alone a little girl around her age. I'm part of a support group in Atlanta but they are mostly African Americans. So this was kind of neat. Ashlyn even commented at bedtime about God making someone else special just like her.
It was starting to rain in Helen so we took the kids on a horse drawn carriage ride around the town. Brandon and I joked that the last time we did that, was our wedding day. Next we drove over to a place called 'Goats on the Roof.' The goats are on the roof. You can feed them by a bunch of different means. The kids mined for gold and had ice cream. All in all, it was a great day trip.
On the way home, the kids fell asleep. THey woke up and were hungry. It was Chloe's turn to pick where we ate, and she chose Wendy's. We stopped at one close to downtown Lawrenceville. The cashier looked really familiar and when she started talking, it hit me who she was. It was a girl I had taught seven years ago. She is in her senior year of high school. How crazy!
Friday, September 27, 2013
We Should BE Halloween!
So the kids want us all to dress up as a family for Halloween. They don't have any real loves this year for a costume. Last year Chloe was obsessed with Little Red Riding Hood and Ashlyn wanted to be a SuperHero. So this year they have come up with the idea that we should just BE Halloween. Ashlyn kept saying she wants to be a bat so this will work, I guess. Chloe said she'll be a pumpkin, Daddy can be a ghost, and Mommy can be a witch. For some reason, Brandon thought that was funny.......
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Oh Chloe
So Chloe came home singing a song yesterday. I never heard it before. Of course she looks at me like I don't know a thing and says, "Moooooom it's from Pete the Cat. We read the book at school today." Then Ashlyn tells me about her Pete the Cat books that Ms. Williams has read. Then I remember that Ashlyn has an in-building field trip with the Pete the Cat author. I obviously don't teach Kindergarten and have not read a Pete the Cat book. Hence the immediate reservation I made for books at the Gwinnett County Library.
Anyways, Chloe pranced around the house singing "I'm walking with my four groovy buttons." She broke out in dance right before bedtime and I had to record it. Ashlyn walks in the room in the middle of it and announces that her leg hurts. Chloe immediately turns off her song voice and says hers does too. Sympathy pains I guess.
PS. Chloe still wears a diaper to bed just in case you see that in the video and wonder why:). Urologist says it is ok:)
Click Here: Oh Chloe you crack us up!
Anyways, Chloe pranced around the house singing "I'm walking with my four groovy buttons." She broke out in dance right before bedtime and I had to record it. Ashlyn walks in the room in the middle of it and announces that her leg hurts. Chloe immediately turns off her song voice and says hers does too. Sympathy pains I guess.
PS. Chloe still wears a diaper to bed just in case you see that in the video and wonder why:). Urologist says it is ok:)
Click Here: Oh Chloe you crack us up!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Updates
School:
Ashlyn:
She still LOVES school. She enjoys riding the bus when daddy is home(I enjoy it too). PE is her favorite thing in the world. She learned to hula hoop. I could never do it and we got a kick out of Brandon trying to this weekend. I got a cute email on Friday from the media specialist. They were in the library for a story and checkout. I can't remember the name of the book they were reading but it had to do with a box. At the end the media specialist was asking questions and she said that everyone kept answering literal questions. Then Ashlyn raised her hand and said she thought it was an imaginary box, which apparently it was. The media specialist said that it usually takes a lot of coaxing to get the kids to realize that. Ashlyn checked out one of the Biscuit "I Can Read Books" and is excited because she can read it to Chloe. Chloe, of course, said she would prefer me to read it because I do it faster but it's all good. While practicing some sight words at home, Ashlyn said that she had a test to see how many she could get. I asked her how many she got and she said she didn't get any. Why? Then she went on to tell me that she was waiting for a hard one and Ms. Williams kept showing her words like an, and, the, and is. She said she didn't know why she would ask if she knew those words. I had to tell her that Ms. Williams was asking her those because she wanted to see if she knew them because not everyone does. Then she said, "So that's why I didn't get a hard one? Is it because I didn't say the easy ones?" Yes, why yes it is......
Chloe:
Chloe also LOVES school. She adores Ms. Beth who is so sweet. I had to take Chloe to a dr. appt last week and got to go into her classroom for a few minutes in the middle of the day. The kids were so cute and so well behaved. Chloe says school is easy. As a matter of fact, Ms. Beth told me that Chloe will raise her hand and say "uhhhhh I already know how to do this!" I think that phrase will be coming out of her mouth for awhile. Beth told me that they were practicing writing their names but some kids were drawing pictures so she told them all to put their pencils down for a minute. Chloe didn't put hers down and when Beth walked over, she had already written Chloe, Ashlyn, Mom, Dad, Cat, Dog and was trying to write Pemberton. She even has better handwriting than Ashlyn. Beth told her to just keep on going. Their class has a private website where they post pictures, videos, notes, etc. It's really cute. So we were looking at pictures and I was asking Chloe what the names of the kids were. When she came to Nick, she said "There's my Nickey-poo." It was sooooo funny. I'll have to tell his mom. She will get a kick out of it. She teaches at McConnell Middle.
ME:
I am on day 21 of my 24 day challenge and am down 14 pounds. I feel great and can see the difference in clothes. I still have a ways to go but am finally feeling good. Work is going great. I love my students. My third graders are the same kids I had in 2nd so it was easy to jump in with them. However, in third grade I teach academic subjects so it has been an adjustment for some. Their parents are very supportive and like that their kids have to work and are being challenged. I teach the gifted resource model to my 2nd graders so it is always fun. This week they are doing some research online and learning powerpoint.
Brandon:
He is also nearing the end of our challenge and has dropped 24 pounds. He is on his last belt loop and his pants are hanging on him.
Ashlyn:
She still LOVES school. She enjoys riding the bus when daddy is home(I enjoy it too). PE is her favorite thing in the world. She learned to hula hoop. I could never do it and we got a kick out of Brandon trying to this weekend. I got a cute email on Friday from the media specialist. They were in the library for a story and checkout. I can't remember the name of the book they were reading but it had to do with a box. At the end the media specialist was asking questions and she said that everyone kept answering literal questions. Then Ashlyn raised her hand and said she thought it was an imaginary box, which apparently it was. The media specialist said that it usually takes a lot of coaxing to get the kids to realize that. Ashlyn checked out one of the Biscuit "I Can Read Books" and is excited because she can read it to Chloe. Chloe, of course, said she would prefer me to read it because I do it faster but it's all good. While practicing some sight words at home, Ashlyn said that she had a test to see how many she could get. I asked her how many she got and she said she didn't get any. Why? Then she went on to tell me that she was waiting for a hard one and Ms. Williams kept showing her words like an, and, the, and is. She said she didn't know why she would ask if she knew those words. I had to tell her that Ms. Williams was asking her those because she wanted to see if she knew them because not everyone does. Then she said, "So that's why I didn't get a hard one? Is it because I didn't say the easy ones?" Yes, why yes it is......
Chloe:
Chloe also LOVES school. She adores Ms. Beth who is so sweet. I had to take Chloe to a dr. appt last week and got to go into her classroom for a few minutes in the middle of the day. The kids were so cute and so well behaved. Chloe says school is easy. As a matter of fact, Ms. Beth told me that Chloe will raise her hand and say "uhhhhh I already know how to do this!" I think that phrase will be coming out of her mouth for awhile. Beth told me that they were practicing writing their names but some kids were drawing pictures so she told them all to put their pencils down for a minute. Chloe didn't put hers down and when Beth walked over, she had already written Chloe, Ashlyn, Mom, Dad, Cat, Dog and was trying to write Pemberton. She even has better handwriting than Ashlyn. Beth told her to just keep on going. Their class has a private website where they post pictures, videos, notes, etc. It's really cute. So we were looking at pictures and I was asking Chloe what the names of the kids were. When she came to Nick, she said "There's my Nickey-poo." It was sooooo funny. I'll have to tell his mom. She will get a kick out of it. She teaches at McConnell Middle.
ME:
I am on day 21 of my 24 day challenge and am down 14 pounds. I feel great and can see the difference in clothes. I still have a ways to go but am finally feeling good. Work is going great. I love my students. My third graders are the same kids I had in 2nd so it was easy to jump in with them. However, in third grade I teach academic subjects so it has been an adjustment for some. Their parents are very supportive and like that their kids have to work and are being challenged. I teach the gifted resource model to my 2nd graders so it is always fun. This week they are doing some research online and learning powerpoint.
Brandon:
He is also nearing the end of our challenge and has dropped 24 pounds. He is on his last belt loop and his pants are hanging on him.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Losing.....
The only time it's good to be losing is when you are losing weight!
So far I have completed 6 full days and I am down 7 pounds. I have not had a coffee or soda nor have I craved one. i didn't believe that would be the case when I started. I'm basically clean eating too. No processed, fried, or white flour. The first 10 days I won't have dairy. Brandon has lost 11. Why do guys always lose faster? It's not fair.
So I've tried some new recipes too. I had salmon over a bed of spinach cooked in the crockpot which is something new for me. I liked it but Brandon is not a salmon person. I had a chicken wrap that was awesome and is now my go to meal. I just took a boneless skinless chicken breast and tenderized it. Then I used a blackening seasoning and cooked it. I sautéed onions and mushrooms and also put fresh tomatoes (from the garden) and lettuce on it using a whole grain wrap. I also tried a chicken burrito recipe in the crockpot. Brandon said it was the best thing I ever made. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, salsa, sugar free tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. I ate mine over a bed of shredded lettuce with a little guacamole on top. Brandon ate it in a whole wheat tortilla.
So far I have completed 6 full days and I am down 7 pounds. I have not had a coffee or soda nor have I craved one. i didn't believe that would be the case when I started. I'm basically clean eating too. No processed, fried, or white flour. The first 10 days I won't have dairy. Brandon has lost 11. Why do guys always lose faster? It's not fair.
So I've tried some new recipes too. I had salmon over a bed of spinach cooked in the crockpot which is something new for me. I liked it but Brandon is not a salmon person. I had a chicken wrap that was awesome and is now my go to meal. I just took a boneless skinless chicken breast and tenderized it. Then I used a blackening seasoning and cooked it. I sautéed onions and mushrooms and also put fresh tomatoes (from the garden) and lettuce on it using a whole grain wrap. I also tried a chicken burrito recipe in the crockpot. Brandon said it was the best thing I ever made. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, salsa, sugar free tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. I ate mine over a bed of shredded lettuce with a little guacamole on top. Brandon ate it in a whole wheat tortilla.
 |
| chicken wrap |
 |
| Chicken burrito(I'll admit it doesn't look that great but it was!) |
 |
| a good breakfast--egg white omelet with onions and mushrooms covered in tomatoes |
 |
| salmon before cooking |
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Clipping Down
So the whole school has a behavior plan where every child starts on green and there are three colors below and three above. they have a clothespin on the chart with their name. They can clip up or down. It starts over each day. Ashlyn had to clip down one day this week and this is the conversation that I got.
She runs into my room and abruptly tells me she was on yellow today(and sounds rather proud).
Me: Why did you clip down?
Ash: I was talking
Me: Were you talking to Carter?
Ash: No I was talking to someone at my table.
Me: Who were you talking to?
Ash: I don't know their name.
Me: What was so important that you were talking about?
Ash: I was asking their name. Daddy said that I have to make one new friend a day so that's what I was doing.
Me: Why don't you try and make a new friend at recess.
Ash: Ok
She runs into my room and abruptly tells me she was on yellow today(and sounds rather proud).
Me: Why did you clip down?
Ash: I was talking
Me: Were you talking to Carter?
Ash: No I was talking to someone at my table.
Me: Who were you talking to?
Ash: I don't know their name.
Me: What was so important that you were talking about?
Ash: I was asking their name. Daddy said that I have to make one new friend a day so that's what I was doing.
Me: Why don't you try and make a new friend at recess.
Ash: Ok
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Advocare 24 Day Challenge and Kid Update
Soooooo Brandon and I decided to do the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I stepped on the scale today to get my starting weight and we'll just say it's not pretty. As a kid and throughout high school and into college, I was very thin. My parents didn't have junk food or pop(soda for you southerners) in the house. We only got that on special occasions like holidays or birthdays. We were always very active. I think I played every sport imaginable and my dad coached boys' sports so I was right there playing with boys all of the time(and beating them:). So where did that person's drive for exercise and health go??? I have no idea!! I've slowly let myself gain and gain. When I look in the mirror, I don't like what I see. I never feel comfortable in clothes. I have a wardrobe of clothes in my closet that don't fit. I can no longer blame pregnancy weight---it has been four years!!! So I'm going to try the 24 day challenge through Advocare. Brandon is doing it with me. We are planning our meals. I'll keep y'all updated......
AND OUR WEEKEND.....
The kids woke up on Saturday wanting to go to school. I'm glad they love it. Our favorite Chloe quote from Friday "I played in the kitchen, or dramatic play area. That's what Ms. Beth likes to call it." Today was a nice sleep in day as Ashlyn got up at 9 am and Chloe 11 am. Yes you heard me right. So no naps and in bed at 7:30 which has been the bedtime on school nights. I'm in for another busy week especially tomorrow as I have curriculum night for my gifted second graders and then would like to attend Ashlyn's Kindergarten curriculum night. Next Monday night, I have curriculum night for my gifted and accelerated third graders. This would be the only bad thing about teaching two grade levels. K-2 is usually one night and 3-5 another night for a lot of events. Oh well!!
Brandon is home this week so Ashlyn is thrilled to be able to ride the bus. Brandon likes the fact that this is his special time with Ashlyn. I like it because I can get ready for the day in my classroom without a five year old asking me 500 questions. Ashlyn says it's her favorite thing about a school. It's a win-win for all!
AND OUR WEEKEND.....
The kids woke up on Saturday wanting to go to school. I'm glad they love it. Our favorite Chloe quote from Friday "I played in the kitchen, or dramatic play area. That's what Ms. Beth likes to call it." Today was a nice sleep in day as Ashlyn got up at 9 am and Chloe 11 am. Yes you heard me right. So no naps and in bed at 7:30 which has been the bedtime on school nights. I'm in for another busy week especially tomorrow as I have curriculum night for my gifted second graders and then would like to attend Ashlyn's Kindergarten curriculum night. Next Monday night, I have curriculum night for my gifted and accelerated third graders. This would be the only bad thing about teaching two grade levels. K-2 is usually one night and 3-5 another night for a lot of events. Oh well!!
Brandon is home this week so Ashlyn is thrilled to be able to ride the bus. Brandon likes the fact that this is his special time with Ashlyn. I like it because I can get ready for the day in my classroom without a five year old asking me 500 questions. Ashlyn says it's her favorite thing about a school. It's a win-win for all!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
All About the First Day....
Some of my friends can't get a word out of their kids. Ashlyn likes to tell us every detail. So here goes in Ashlyn's words:
*Mrs. Williams is really funny. Actually she is hilarious. She read a book about a cat and a dog and the cat didn't listen. It was so funny. Everyone laughed. The cat talked while the teacher was talking and Mrs. Williams said that is a big no no.
*We sang funny songs. One was about peanut butter on your head, shirt, socks, shoes, and underwear. (We youtube-ed it and yes that was it). Then we sang a song about a monkey that falls to the ground, says chomp chomp and yum yum. (she showed us) Then it keeps getting faster and faster. Mrs. Williams can go really fast. These songs were all on the radio(I'm assuming CD).
*(At dinner...) We will, we will, rock you........ That was on the radio too.
*We read "The Kissing Hand" and then I drew this picture(see below). Chloe chimed in that she read that book too.
*Lunch....I was going to sit by Carter but he had a lunchbox so he got to sit at the table first. I had to go through the line. Some kid at my table said the chicken nuggets weren't good so I didn't try them. I don't like milk. I ate applesauce. Can you pack my lunch tomorrow??
*Gym---I had gym today. Aja was in there but Carter wasn't. (There are six specials and seven Kindergarten classes so Ashlyn's class splits between the six other teachers). I did the rock wall today. I couldn't get very high. We played with hula hoops. My teacher didn't tell us his name but he has a blue shirt. It was fun. It was raining a little so I got a little wet walking from the gym back to the school.
*I played with Carter in class. I didn't play with anyone else. (We asked if she could try and play with a new person tomorrow and her answer was no). I talked to people at my table though. One kid's name is Ashlyn but he is a boy. (It's Ashton)
*Ms. Cheryl is nice too.
*It's cold in my room. I need a sweater.
*We made rules for the classroom. I can't remember what they are.
CHLOE"S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
*"My teacher said the next time I want to tell a story, I need to raise my hand first."
*"Ms. Brittany is a little bit nice, but Ms. Beth is a lot bit nice."
*"I took a nap on a mat with fish on it."
*"I missed my sissy."
*Mrs. Williams is really funny. Actually she is hilarious. She read a book about a cat and a dog and the cat didn't listen. It was so funny. Everyone laughed. The cat talked while the teacher was talking and Mrs. Williams said that is a big no no.
*We sang funny songs. One was about peanut butter on your head, shirt, socks, shoes, and underwear. (We youtube-ed it and yes that was it). Then we sang a song about a monkey that falls to the ground, says chomp chomp and yum yum. (she showed us) Then it keeps getting faster and faster. Mrs. Williams can go really fast. These songs were all on the radio(I'm assuming CD).
*(At dinner...) We will, we will, rock you........ That was on the radio too.
*We read "The Kissing Hand" and then I drew this picture(see below). Chloe chimed in that she read that book too.
*Lunch....I was going to sit by Carter but he had a lunchbox so he got to sit at the table first. I had to go through the line. Some kid at my table said the chicken nuggets weren't good so I didn't try them. I don't like milk. I ate applesauce. Can you pack my lunch tomorrow??
*Gym---I had gym today. Aja was in there but Carter wasn't. (There are six specials and seven Kindergarten classes so Ashlyn's class splits between the six other teachers). I did the rock wall today. I couldn't get very high. We played with hula hoops. My teacher didn't tell us his name but he has a blue shirt. It was fun. It was raining a little so I got a little wet walking from the gym back to the school.
*I played with Carter in class. I didn't play with anyone else. (We asked if she could try and play with a new person tomorrow and her answer was no). I talked to people at my table though. One kid's name is Ashlyn but he is a boy. (It's Ashton)
*Ms. Cheryl is nice too.
*It's cold in my room. I need a sweater.
*We made rules for the classroom. I can't remember what they are.
CHLOE"S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
*"My teacher said the next time I want to tell a story, I need to raise my hand first."
*"Ms. Brittany is a little bit nice, but Ms. Beth is a lot bit nice."
*"I took a nap on a mat with fish on it."
*"I missed my sissy."
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| I guess this will be our first day of Kindergarten keepsake |
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Night Before Kindergarten....
I bought Ashlyn the book "The Night Before Kindergarten." We read it tonight. She wanted to know why all of the moms and dads cried. She thought they should be happy because the kids are in school.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Future First Grade Counseling???
Ashlyn assumes that Carter will do everything with her. Basically because they have been together so so long. I tried to break it to her over the past week that they probably would not be in the same class. Lo and Behold, they are in the same class.... Is this good or bad? Only time will tell:). I am so excited about their teacher though. She is fun, upbeat and has a real southern accent. I think Ashlyn(and Carter) will LOVE her. Oh, and if she gets out of hand, I'm in the building!!!
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| Ashlyn and Carter at around 14 months and at 5 years old |
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I've Been There a Million Times and Didn't Know.....
I've been to Tribble Mill a whole bunch of times over the past 8 years. We've done the walking trail, biked the bike trails, playground, picnic areas, etc. I had no idea they had this gem..... Back in May Chloe's class went on a nature hike and picnic to the 'waterfall.' I asked what kind of waterfall is there and they told me there is a trail in the woods. Well we ventured there yesterday with our neighbors. Sure enough, not far from the parking lot we came to a place where the water flows over the rocks. It kind of reminded me of Stone Mountain. The kids had a blast. Ashlyn, Jalen, and Aja had a blast sliding down the rocks. We only let them stay in one area due to the speed of the water on the far side because of all of the rain we have had. However Jalen and Aja somehow made it over there, started down the rocks, and had to be helped out by the two ten year olds that were tubing. They did get a few scrapes. Chloe, on the other hand, just watched and played in the little craters of water. There were tadpoles in there and she enjoyed watching them and playing with sticks. All in all we had a great time.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Falling Into Place....
As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I realize things have really fallen into place. Beginning with my job..... I wasn't sure I was ready to go back full time but did so Oct 7, 2012. I love my position and work with a great group of teachers. Every teacher on my floor(except 1) are around the same age and have around the same age children. They support each other and I couldn't ask for a better group to work with. At the faculty meeting, I found out that I would be on the leadership team. This is one week after I found out I would be coming back full time. A little surprised? Yes. This also means that I can't be displaced which may be why they put me in that position.
Ashlyn will be going to Kindergarten at the same school that I work at and it happens to be the same school that we are zoned for. Considering there are over 100 schools in our county, I'm pretty fortunate to be able to state that. This means that I get to pick her teacher. Well, I get three choices. This is also a big deal. Although she claims she is riding the bus, I hope that she will go with me. If not, I do have morning bus duty.
I had planned on keeping Chloe at CBA where she has been since she was one. We loved it there but it just wasn't going to work in my favor. Last year I paid a friend to take them to school, paid tuition, and then paid aftercare. I had to get them by 4:00 because aftercare doubled after 4. Frankly, it added up and we were probably paying more than daycare. Then there were the days that they didn't have aftercare and I had to ask a friend to pick them up....
All of the teacher kids at Cooper go to Kids Harbor and 15 of them would be doing Georgia PreK there. I felt like this was the natural fit but there was one problem. There was a waiting list and Chloe's name was way down the list. That's when my co-workers pitched in and started talking to the director. Chloe got in and will be going there this year. I met her teacher and she is very sweet. Her daughter was in third grade last year and was also very sweet. Chloe will be doing aftercare there but this time I won't feel rushed to get her.
A year ago today, I didn't picture any of this happening. I was simply a stay at home mom. What a difference a year has made.
Ashlyn will be going to Kindergarten at the same school that I work at and it happens to be the same school that we are zoned for. Considering there are over 100 schools in our county, I'm pretty fortunate to be able to state that. This means that I get to pick her teacher. Well, I get three choices. This is also a big deal. Although she claims she is riding the bus, I hope that she will go with me. If not, I do have morning bus duty.
I had planned on keeping Chloe at CBA where she has been since she was one. We loved it there but it just wasn't going to work in my favor. Last year I paid a friend to take them to school, paid tuition, and then paid aftercare. I had to get them by 4:00 because aftercare doubled after 4. Frankly, it added up and we were probably paying more than daycare. Then there were the days that they didn't have aftercare and I had to ask a friend to pick them up....
All of the teacher kids at Cooper go to Kids Harbor and 15 of them would be doing Georgia PreK there. I felt like this was the natural fit but there was one problem. There was a waiting list and Chloe's name was way down the list. That's when my co-workers pitched in and started talking to the director. Chloe got in and will be going there this year. I met her teacher and she is very sweet. Her daughter was in third grade last year and was also very sweet. Chloe will be doing aftercare there but this time I won't feel rushed to get her.
A year ago today, I didn't picture any of this happening. I was simply a stay at home mom. What a difference a year has made.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
A Jumping Good Time
Sky Zone was so much fun. I didn't know what to expect or what my four and five year old could do. I knew Ashlyn would do most anything but Chloe is hit or miss when it comes to things like this. Well they had a blast. Chloe had a few 'moments' but all in all it was a good time. We bought a groupon for (2) one hour jump passes for $15. It also came with two sodas. **My kids don't drink soda. Anyways when I got there and looked at the regular price of $10 for 30 minutes, I realized I got a good deal.
The kids had a blast. They had to jump in a square. There could only be one person per square. You can jump from square to square as long as it is empty. There is a dodgeball court for older kids which we didn't do. there is a basketball slam dunk area which we didn't do either. I tried to get Ashlyn to do it but she wasn't interested. She loved the area where you jumped into a bunch of foam blocks. Chloe did that too. An hour was enough time. They wanted to take a breather after 30 min and I told them they couldn't because they only had an hour to jump and then we would be done. Next time I would do it too. It is something that I could do with them.
Here are some videos:
The kids had a blast. They had to jump in a square. There could only be one person per square. You can jump from square to square as long as it is empty. There is a dodgeball court for older kids which we didn't do. there is a basketball slam dunk area which we didn't do either. I tried to get Ashlyn to do it but she wasn't interested. She loved the area where you jumped into a bunch of foam blocks. Chloe did that too. An hour was enough time. They wanted to take a breather after 30 min and I told them they couldn't because they only had an hour to jump and then we would be done. Next time I would do it too. It is something that I could do with them.
Here are some videos:
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
On a Brighter Note.....
I am constantly painting the girls' fingernails and toenails. I made a comment a few weeks ago about going to get it done at a salon. Big Mistake! They've been asking me nonstop when they could go. Soooooo, today was the day. I had done my research to find out which salon had kid chairs. They were thrilled. They picked out their colors and sat in their cool chairs. One of the ladies asked if I wanted to get mine done. I said no. Then she went on about how I should get mine done too and I need to pamper myself, blah, blah, blah. That's when I realized---yes I do everything for my kids but nothing for me. That's what my mom did too. You know what?? I'm ok with that. I like to see the looks on their faces when they do something new and exciting. Do I need a pedicure? Heck yeah. You should see my feet. Did I get one today? No. I happily sat with the kids while they got their nails done. I paid and left. Was the lady just trying to get my business? Probably but I saved a few dollars....
Prayers Needed......
A friend from high school is in need of prayers. She got married shortly after high school (more than 15 years ago). Over the past three years, they have been trying to adopt. They had three failed adoptions two of which they traveled to Texas for the delivery of the baby only for the birthmother to change her mind. I can't even imagine. They then changed their mind and were both willing to adopt a toddler. They got the wonderful news that there was a one year old up for adoption bc the mom had several kids and could not take care of him. They flew to Texas(again) and the little boy walked over to them and gave them hugs. He wouldn't let go of them. She described it as perfect and that the previous adoption failures were now a distant past for the pure joy they just received. They have had him for three months and life was great---or so they thought. They got a phone call from the adoption agency saying that the birthmother lied about the birthfather and that he wanted custody of the baby all along. A few days later, the birthfather and grandparents flew to PA and took the little boy back to Texas. Can you imagine the pain they must feel? I surely can't and my eyes well with tears just thinking about it. I'm praying for them that they find the strength to keep going through with adoption. There are many kids out there that need loving families that they can provide. I feel like God has bigger plans for them. Please add them to your prayer list.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Camp
I failed to talk about the kids going to the Country Camp last week. I was a little reluctant sending Chloe. I wasn't sure how she would do bc she would not be in Ashlyn's age group and she didn't know anyone going. Ashlyn, on the other hand, would be with her best buds at school, Carter and Colbie, along with a few kids from the mom's club. Well Chloe ended up knowing several kids in her group and some classmates from school were there. Because Colbie has a late birthday, she ended up in Chloe's group. This made Chloe very happy and Ashlyn not so much. Ashlyn knew several kids too.
All in all they had a great time. They loved telling me about all of the things they did--many of which I grew up doing in PA but they don't really have that opportunity where we live. Some of the things they did were: fishing, archery, swimming in a lake, mud pit, riding the bull, guest speakers about nature, slip and slides, rope course, and more. When I picked them up each day, they couldn't stop talking about the fun things they did.
They also begged to go next week which isn't happening. They will be going next year.
All in all they had a great time. They loved telling me about all of the things they did--many of which I grew up doing in PA but they don't really have that opportunity where we live. Some of the things they did were: fishing, archery, swimming in a lake, mud pit, riding the bull, guest speakers about nature, slip and slides, rope course, and more. When I picked them up each day, they couldn't stop talking about the fun things they did.
They also begged to go next week which isn't happening. They will be going next year.
Friday, July 12, 2013
A Tale of Two (Very Different) Sisters
I scored some great deals last year after Halloween as I hit up every Target in the area for 90% off costumes. Needless to say, the kids have a lot of dress up costumes ranging from Princess to Super Hero. Well that is exactly what my kids like to be---one a super hero and the other a princess. Here is how the night of imaginative play went.
Overheard from the next room while I was folding clothes:
CHLOE: (dressed in a Cinderella dress and glass slippers) Hey Ashlyn let's play Cinderella. I'm going to walk up the stairs and drop my shoe. You know the Fairy Godmother has already come and it's almost midnight. You be the prince and pick it up and see which girl it fits, okay????
ASHLYN: No I don't want to be a prince. I'm Superman.
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ASHLYN: Mommy can you go downstairs. I have more room to practice my flying there.
ME: What???
ASHLYN: I have on my Superman costume. I can fly if I get a running start. Let's go.
ME: OKay........
While downstairs, I took this video after several attempts at flying. After each one, she would yell, "Why can't I fly??" Of course, when I started the video she did not say that. Anyways, you will also notice that she is not wearing a Superman costume but she thinks it is.
Monday, July 8, 2013
This Week at the Pemberton's
Today we went to Everland Play by the Mall of Georgia. It is kind of like Catch Air and the kids had fun. I met a teacher friend and her daughter. Then tonight Brandon and I took the kids to see Monster University. It was a good movie. Chloe still doesn't sit through movies. She is good the first hour and then she is done. This is their third movie at the theater---well four counting the one my parents took them to in PA. So after the movie, I needed to stop at the grocery store for camp lunches. When I pulled in the parking lot I parked next to my neighbor Jason. He was in the car with the kids and his wife was inside. Well I see her walking and talking on her phone down the aisle and I jump in front of her. She screams a very loud scream!! The kids now think I could make it on Monsters. :)
The next three days the kids will be at a country day camp. I wasn't so sure when I signed them up but I think they are really going to like it. It also helps that they will be reunited with some friends! I have some house/yard plans to work on. I never thought in a million years that I would be excited to do that. Wow times have changed.
On Thursday evening we are going to a fiesta at a friend's pool. Friday is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A and we can't miss that. Then Friday night, some friends are passing through from Texas to North Carolina and will be stopping by. Saturday we have a birthday party at Everland Play.
So no----things have not slowed down at our place. I'm glad that the kids are busy and having fun this summer. The TV is not on--we are out and about and enjoying the last few moments before my kids are in Kindergarten and PreK(sniff sniff).
The next three days the kids will be at a country day camp. I wasn't so sure when I signed them up but I think they are really going to like it. It also helps that they will be reunited with some friends! I have some house/yard plans to work on. I never thought in a million years that I would be excited to do that. Wow times have changed.
On Thursday evening we are going to a fiesta at a friend's pool. Friday is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A and we can't miss that. Then Friday night, some friends are passing through from Texas to North Carolina and will be stopping by. Saturday we have a birthday party at Everland Play.
So no----things have not slowed down at our place. I'm glad that the kids are busy and having fun this summer. The TV is not on--we are out and about and enjoying the last few moments before my kids are in Kindergarten and PreK(sniff sniff).
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Busy Schedule Slowing Down???
We had a great time at the beach even though my kids had moments of not-so-stellar behavior. You can't expect them to sit through a Captain George's all you can eat crab legs for that long. I tried to offer another ice cream cone but that didn't work. Ashlyn loved the beach, ocean, swimming pool and is quite the fish. She swam the whole way across the length of the pool, did cannonballs, etc. Chloe played in the sand but then got mad because there was sand on her. She swam in the pool but didn't like water on her face. You get the picture? It was a nice week but we were ready to be back home since we spent the majority of June somewhere else.
So I thought things were slowing down. I guess not. We took the kids to Medieval Times Sunday night. The cleaning lady was to come on Monday so I decided to use our Stone Mountain passes and have some fun. Today went to see Cat in the Hat at the Center for the Puppetry Arts. I get a good deal because I book a group through the mom's club. So that was in the plans for awhile now. Then we ate lunch at the Varsity with friends and visited a bakery in Buckhead owned by one of Katie's friends who loaded us down with cookies, cakes, pimento cheese, and chicken salad for free:). Tomorrow is Chloe's four year check up which Ashlyn keeps telling her she's getting lots of shots. We shall see how that goes.
Then the fourth of July---We are going to a cookout at a guy's house who Brandon used to work with. They have a pool and everyone chipped in for big fireworks. Brandon bought some for at home and we set a few off tonight. I thought they would be excited but begged for sparklers. That would have been cheaper:). They did like them and we will be buying sparklers tomorrow.
So my at-home projects are on the back burner. I had summer plans of painting, redoing Chloe's bedroom, cleaning out the garage, working in the yard, etc, etc..... Did I mention I go back to work July 31?????
So I thought things were slowing down. I guess not. We took the kids to Medieval Times Sunday night. The cleaning lady was to come on Monday so I decided to use our Stone Mountain passes and have some fun. Today went to see Cat in the Hat at the Center for the Puppetry Arts. I get a good deal because I book a group through the mom's club. So that was in the plans for awhile now. Then we ate lunch at the Varsity with friends and visited a bakery in Buckhead owned by one of Katie's friends who loaded us down with cookies, cakes, pimento cheese, and chicken salad for free:). Tomorrow is Chloe's four year check up which Ashlyn keeps telling her she's getting lots of shots. We shall see how that goes.
Then the fourth of July---We are going to a cookout at a guy's house who Brandon used to work with. They have a pool and everyone chipped in for big fireworks. Brandon bought some for at home and we set a few off tonight. I thought they would be excited but begged for sparklers. That would have been cheaper:). They did like them and we will be buying sparklers tomorrow.
So my at-home projects are on the back burner. I had summer plans of painting, redoing Chloe's bedroom, cleaning out the garage, working in the yard, etc, etc..... Did I mention I go back to work July 31?????
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Oh Pinterest, you got me....
So I've been trying a few Pinterest things over the past week. I am no longer pinning and doing nothing. I am acting on it!!
1. Chloe wanted fish themed cupcakes. So I went to Pinterest. That was time consuming but easy.
1. Chloe wanted fish themed cupcakes. So I went to Pinterest. That was time consuming but easy.
2. I decided that I would do a search for goodie bags and found what I thought was a great idea. Candy filled balloons as the goodie bags. Sounds easy, right? WRONG! I tried several methods and ended up with the my holding the balloon open as wide as it could go and the kids stuffing it. Then I would blow it up. This took forever.
3. I've actually had time to do the kids' hair. So I decided to pin some cute kid hairstyles. This has actually been fun, I got lots of compliments, and fortunately my kids have always set still for hair. The fairy braid worked better on Ashlyn because she has thicker hair. The criss cross style picture was after VBS. I should have taken one earlier.
4. I saw a pin about a homemade foot bath. It was a mixture of listerine, vinegar, and warm water. I tried it tonight and I must say the dead skin came right off my feet. It's been a LONG time since I've gone to get a pedicure. I'll spare you the picture.
5. I tried a few new recipes but didn't take pictures. Pinterest is great when you have time. I'm sure I'll be back to pinning only soon.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Busy June
So we are finally back home. We had a great trip which included visiting several countries in Europe. We mixed in some fun, historic, and touristy things which included Anne Frank Museum, Nazi Prison, Heineken Museum, Diamond Museum, Chocolate Museum, Canal and Boat Tours, and a stroll through the Red Light District (for those that know what that is--it was just a walk through the street). It was a fun trip alone with the hubs. I wasn't sure how the kids would do without me but they were fine. We talked each day via Facetime and they hung up on us a few times because they were having too much fun. I guess that's better than crying. :)
This week the kids are doing swim lessons at Swim Atlanta and are having a ball. I was a little worried that Ashlyn was going to be with bigger kids but she is doing great. There are four girls in her class ages 6, 8, and 10. Ashlyn is keeping up with them. The water is four feet so it is above her head while the older two can touch so Ashlyn can't put her feet down while swimming. I think that has been good for her. When I am in the pool with her, she is in 3 ft and constantly puts her feet down. She is learning proper technique with her arms and I'm happy that I let the lady talk me into the grade school class level. Chloe is in the preschool beginner class. She has been blowing bubbles in the water and even went under. She is afraid of the water(well the going under/getting it in your eyes part) so this is a big accomplishment for her. When she had to jump in today, she stood and shook her head no to the teacher so she put her arms out to put her in the water. The second time, she jumped in. This was day 2 and they loved it. Yesterday they begged me to go to our pool so they could show me what they learned. Our weather has been horrible lately but we were able to sneak in an hour of pool time at our pool. I think they will be ready for the beach next week:).
Every evening this week the students have VBS at their school. Several of their friends are there and they are having a ball. The four and five year olds are together so Ashlyn and Chloe are in the same class. Chloe was a little upset that some of her friends were not in her class because they aren't four yet.
So we have had a busy summer so far. To top it off, we leave on Saturday for Myrtle Beach with my family. My parents rent a beach house every other summer and it just so happens to be this year so we will see them again. My brothers' families will be there too so it should be a good time.
Things should calm down in July but I do have things planned locally. We are going to see Cat in the Hat at the Center for the Puppetry Arts, will go to the Suwanee Fountains, Stone Mountain, and more. I have a feeling July 31 will sneak up on me. That is the day I go back to work. :(
This week the kids are doing swim lessons at Swim Atlanta and are having a ball. I was a little worried that Ashlyn was going to be with bigger kids but she is doing great. There are four girls in her class ages 6, 8, and 10. Ashlyn is keeping up with them. The water is four feet so it is above her head while the older two can touch so Ashlyn can't put her feet down while swimming. I think that has been good for her. When I am in the pool with her, she is in 3 ft and constantly puts her feet down. She is learning proper technique with her arms and I'm happy that I let the lady talk me into the grade school class level. Chloe is in the preschool beginner class. She has been blowing bubbles in the water and even went under. She is afraid of the water(well the going under/getting it in your eyes part) so this is a big accomplishment for her. When she had to jump in today, she stood and shook her head no to the teacher so she put her arms out to put her in the water. The second time, she jumped in. This was day 2 and they loved it. Yesterday they begged me to go to our pool so they could show me what they learned. Our weather has been horrible lately but we were able to sneak in an hour of pool time at our pool. I think they will be ready for the beach next week:).
Every evening this week the students have VBS at their school. Several of their friends are there and they are having a ball. The four and five year olds are together so Ashlyn and Chloe are in the same class. Chloe was a little upset that some of her friends were not in her class because they aren't four yet.
So we have had a busy summer so far. To top it off, we leave on Saturday for Myrtle Beach with my family. My parents rent a beach house every other summer and it just so happens to be this year so we will see them again. My brothers' families will be there too so it should be a good time.
Things should calm down in July but I do have things planned locally. We are going to see Cat in the Hat at the Center for the Puppetry Arts, will go to the Suwanee Fountains, Stone Mountain, and more. I have a feeling July 31 will sneak up on me. That is the day I go back to work. :(
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Away For a Week.....
Today Brandon and I are flying to Amsterdam for our tenth anniversary trip. Yesterday I left PA to fly back to Atlanta. Here is the difference between my kids:
Ashlyn: She spent Friday night crying because she didn't want me to go. She cried to the point of hyperventilating before bedtime. She was finally bribed with the chance of getting a pet lizard(because we don't want a dog and have tried fish). When I left on Saturday, she gave me hugs and kisses and was fine. No tears! YAH! However, she snuck her iPod touch to nap and called me via FaceTime without Grandma knowing. HA HA
Chloe: She was laying down in bed Friday night while I tried to calm Ashlyn down. She said, "This is way too loud. I'm going to bed." Then she proceeded to her room without being tucked in and went to sleep. On Saturday, my friend came to pick me up to take me to the airport. Chloe yelled bye and headed down into the yard to play. She came running back up and I asked her if she was going to give me a hug. She said, "No I forgot my shoes." Then she got her shoes and ran back down in the yard. I found out later that she got out of her room at nap to tattle on Ashlyn for calling me. :)
I know they will be fine staying at Grandma and Pappy's and have lots of fun things planned including an amusement park trip today with my brother's family. However, I haven't been gone from them this long. I'm hoping we all survive.
Ashlyn: She spent Friday night crying because she didn't want me to go. She cried to the point of hyperventilating before bedtime. She was finally bribed with the chance of getting a pet lizard(because we don't want a dog and have tried fish). When I left on Saturday, she gave me hugs and kisses and was fine. No tears! YAH! However, she snuck her iPod touch to nap and called me via FaceTime without Grandma knowing. HA HA
Chloe: She was laying down in bed Friday night while I tried to calm Ashlyn down. She said, "This is way too loud. I'm going to bed." Then she proceeded to her room without being tucked in and went to sleep. On Saturday, my friend came to pick me up to take me to the airport. Chloe yelled bye and headed down into the yard to play. She came running back up and I asked her if she was going to give me a hug. She said, "No I forgot my shoes." Then she got her shoes and ran back down in the yard. I found out later that she got out of her room at nap to tattle on Ashlyn for calling me. :)
I know they will be fine staying at Grandma and Pappy's and have lots of fun things planned including an amusement park trip today with my brother's family. However, I haven't been gone from them this long. I'm hoping we all survive.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
My Time at Corinth
Ashlyn and Chloe have gone to Corinth Baptist Academy since they were one. We have loved it there but next year will be different. Ashlyn will be in Kindergarten and Chloe will be doing Georgia PreK at Kid's Harbor with 13 other teacher kids from Cooper. Isn't that crazy??? Anyways, their last program at CBA was this past week. It was patriotic. They both did a great job. Chloe wasn't as loud as normal and kept looking around at everyone else. Ashlyn was the loudest person in her class. HA HA. Here are a few pictures beginning with my favorite.
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| Chloe getting ready to sing. |
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| These three have been together for the past three years. They are great kids and have great parents. I'll miss them being together although it is possible that Ashlyn and Carter are in the same class in Kindergarten |
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| I always think Chloe is small until I see her next to a few of her classmates. |
Thursday, May 16, 2013
You're on the Strawberry List
I don't know how or why but one day Ashlyn was playing with Brandon and told him he better stop it or she was going to 'put him on the strawberry list.' So now whenever someone gets in trouble (at school or home) she pulls out her list with the strawberry(that she drew) on top and writes down their name.
Anyone who knows Ashlyn knows what a picky eater she is. Not anymore! She is eating all sorts of new foods and liking it. Oh and guess what? Strawberries just happen to be one of them.
Anyone who knows Ashlyn knows what a picky eater she is. Not anymore! She is eating all sorts of new foods and liking it. Oh and guess what? Strawberries just happen to be one of them.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Ashlyn's Birthday Party
Ashlyn is five and everyone knows it. She keeps telling Chloe (and anyone else who will listen) about all of the wonderful things you do when you are five. To name a few:
*You get to go to Kindergarten
*You get to ride the bus
*You lose teeth in your mouth and the toothfairy comes
*You eat new food
*You take showers by yourself
*You go to public bathrooms alone
*Ride your bike without training wheels
etc. etc.
I don't know where she got some of these answers. I told her that 5 year olds don't whine, they always listen their parents, clear their dinner plates, clean up toys without being asked, and always have good manners. Somehow those didn't make her list. I will admit that I like the 'eating new food'. She used to be so so picky but has been eating all sorts of new healthy foods. Oh, and I don't let her go to public restrooms alone:)
For her birthday party, we went to the gym where the kids did games in the gym and rock climbing. It was a good time had by all. The parents even did some rock climbing. I guess this is where I confess to slipping on the wall and hitting the back of my arm on a peg which left a huge purple bruise.
*You get to go to Kindergarten
*You get to ride the bus
*You lose teeth in your mouth and the toothfairy comes
*You eat new food
*You take showers by yourself
*You go to public bathrooms alone
*Ride your bike without training wheels
etc. etc.
I don't know where she got some of these answers. I told her that 5 year olds don't whine, they always listen their parents, clear their dinner plates, clean up toys without being asked, and always have good manners. Somehow those didn't make her list. I will admit that I like the 'eating new food'. She used to be so so picky but has been eating all sorts of new healthy foods. Oh, and I don't let her go to public restrooms alone:)
For her birthday party, we went to the gym where the kids did games in the gym and rock climbing. It was a good time had by all. The parents even did some rock climbing. I guess this is where I confess to slipping on the wall and hitting the back of my arm on a peg which left a huge purple bruise.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Funny Prayers Again.....
Bits and pieces of Ashlyn's prayer tonight:
"Thank you Lord for all of the people in the world Lord even the ones on Jupiter and Mars."
"Thank you for my mommy, daddy, chloe, and shelby and everyone else you put in this world that didn't die yet."
"Can you please help Chloe to close her eyes when I pray?"
It was so hard to keep from laughing tonight.
Friday, May 10, 2013
A Few Laughs
1. Ashlyn had to get bloodwork to check her thyroid. With vitiligo, she could have a thyroid condition. Fortunately her tests came back normal. She has had bloodwork a few times and never cried. However she had it done at Children's with a popsicle in hand. This time the pediatrician said we could do it at the lab by the doctor's office if I felt she would do ok. If she screamed and threw a fit, they would have to send us to Children's. I took her to the office, she did great, no tears, just a little flinch, and then she watched it. On the way home, she asked when we had to go back. I told her we didn't. Then she asked how they were going to put the blood back in.
2. The last three nights Chloe has complained of her stomach hurting. We thought she was having sympathy pains because Brandon has been in and out of the doctor because his stomach hurts. The third night Brandon asked if she needed to go to the doctor. She said yes. Then he said that the doctor might have to give her a shot to make her feel better and she said ok. That's when we knew something was wrong. (or did we??) So on the way down the stairs that night, Brandon tells me I should probably go ahead and make an appointment. I'm almost at the bottom of the stairs when she calls me back up. I go in and she is crying about her stomach. She kept saying, "it's doing it again." I asked what was doing it again and she says, "It keeps making a grrrr sound and I'm hungry." OMG. I went and got her some crackers and she was fine. How embarrassed would I have been if I took her to the doctor for hunger pains? MOM OF THE YEAR
3. At dinner Ashlyn asked how old you are when you are in college. We said that you usually start at age 18. Then she states that she is getting married at 18. We told her that was too young. Then she says that Carter told her that his mommy said they had to wait until college to get married. Chloe then announces that she is going to marry Joshua and have a baby in her belly. Brandon jokes that she can't marry Joshua so Chloe says she'll marry Avery. Ashlyn says, "That's a good idea. Then you can have more babies." Brandon and I kind of looked at each other funny. Then Ashlyn adds, "If she marries Avery, they can both have babies." Oh of course. What were we thinking??
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Ashlyn is Ready, but is Mommy????
Kindergarten registration is on Thursday but I had to fill out some online paperwork the other day. Ashlyn will be five in a week and PreK is almost over. This led me to reflect on Ashlyn and all she has accomplished in her short life. I can remember yesterday being worried about her speech and getting her tested. Now she is reading. A year ago, I had to go on the field with her during Tball games, run the bases with her, etc. This year she is so independent. I stayed home with her the first four years of her life and worried she would be clingy. When people ask her if she is going to go to school with Mommy, she says, "No I am going to take the bus and meet her there."
I was fortunate enough to get a position at the school where Ashlyn will be next year. Does that make it any easier? Noooo. As a matter of fact, I have not even seen a kindergartener in the year I've worked there. My classroom is on the second floor in the tower and Kindergarten is on the first floor on the opposite side of the building. I will be the one crying next year as she runs to the bus stop with Daddy and I drive to "our" school alone. I will be counting the minutes with anticipation to see how her first day went. In a few short months, this will be a reality.
Where did the last five years go? My mom said time goes by so much faster when they hit elementary school. I sure hope not. I'm not ready for my babies to grow up.
I was fortunate enough to get a position at the school where Ashlyn will be next year. Does that make it any easier? Noooo. As a matter of fact, I have not even seen a kindergartener in the year I've worked there. My classroom is on the second floor in the tower and Kindergarten is on the first floor on the opposite side of the building. I will be the one crying next year as she runs to the bus stop with Daddy and I drive to "our" school alone. I will be counting the minutes with anticipation to see how her first day went. In a few short months, this will be a reality.
Where did the last five years go? My mom said time goes by so much faster when they hit elementary school. I sure hope not. I'm not ready for my babies to grow up.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Stone Mountain Mishap
So it is 'bring a friend' week at Stone Mountain so all of my friends with passes brought friends. We decided to have lunch on the lawn and then off to the bathroom. Before we could get to the bathroom, I hear Ashlyn screaming bloody murder. I look and her leg is twisted in a 'hole'. I use 'hole' lightly because it was not really a hole. Basically they took these short poles out of the ground so the maintenance truck could get through. THey never put the poles back in. Ashlyn was walking and then her foot went down in the hole and twisted. It is about 6-8 inches deep. So let's just say that it was a scene. Ashlyn screaming, police coming, medic coming with lights flashing, and all. I thought for sure i was making my first ER visit. The medic asked her to move her toes and she said she couldn't. She just kept begging to go home. She finally let him look at her ankle and he suggested that I go for the X-ray. Oh great! To make a long story shorter, we refused an ambulance ride to the hospital. I put in the stroller and we left. She had ice and was still crying. On the way out, we pass a kid in Ashlyn's class. We stop and talk for a minute--my hope being that she will get out and try to put weight on it so I can see how serious it is even though I am convinced already that it is broken. She won't even get out for Bradley! So we head for the car. Once we get to the car Ashlyn says, "Where are we going? I don't want to leave." Then she gets out of the stroller and starts walking. WHAT? SERIOUSLY? We just made a huge scene and now you are okay? She limps for a little bit and then she is fine. We end up staying and spending the rest of the day. Her shin is bruised and scraped up but I guess the ankle is fine.
The good news? The guy from Stone Mountain is giving everyone in my group passes until the end of the year. :) I guess that is better than me suing him:).
The good news? The guy from Stone Mountain is giving everyone in my group passes until the end of the year. :) I guess that is better than me suing him:).
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Chloe "Reading"
When we go to the library, Chloe picks out her books, goes to the table, and takes a picture walk. She loves to make up the story as she goes. It's usually quite humorous. This one isn't as funny as most but here is an example of Chloe "reading"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vpG_lGbASo
Saturday, March 23, 2013
I'm Old and Not Going To Be the Cool Mom!!
So over the past couple of months, a few things have happened that made me feel old......
1. As students were filing in to math class, a boy told me he 'got burned' in PE. I asked what they were doing that was so hot in PE. The class started laughing. They then told me what 'burned' means. I had to ask them to repeat it again because I didn't quite get it.....
2. It was pajama day at school. I have duty on the fifth grade stairs. All of these girls kept going up the stairs with what I thought said ID on their pjs. I finally asked the safety patrol what ID was. He said that is One Direction. I then had to ask who One Direction was. He asked if I was serious! OK, in the car, I am either listening to nursery rhymes, bible songs, or a Disney DVD.
3. I see fifth graders wearing high heels all of the time. High heeled boots especially. I've made the comment that they shouldn't be wearing that.
4. I've seen kids wearing stone wash denim and I wonder if it's coming back in style.
5. A 3rd grader made cookies for my birthday. When she gave them to me, I told her how sweet she was and then asked if her "mommy" made them. She said, "Yeah my MOM made them." I guess I'm too used to saying mommy around my own kids.
6. While filling out something online the other day, I had to put it in my birthday. It felt like I scrolled forever before getting to my birth year.
7. Several of my student's parents are younger than me.........
1. As students were filing in to math class, a boy told me he 'got burned' in PE. I asked what they were doing that was so hot in PE. The class started laughing. They then told me what 'burned' means. I had to ask them to repeat it again because I didn't quite get it.....
2. It was pajama day at school. I have duty on the fifth grade stairs. All of these girls kept going up the stairs with what I thought said ID on their pjs. I finally asked the safety patrol what ID was. He said that is One Direction. I then had to ask who One Direction was. He asked if I was serious! OK, in the car, I am either listening to nursery rhymes, bible songs, or a Disney DVD.
3. I see fifth graders wearing high heels all of the time. High heeled boots especially. I've made the comment that they shouldn't be wearing that.
4. I've seen kids wearing stone wash denim and I wonder if it's coming back in style.
5. A 3rd grader made cookies for my birthday. When she gave them to me, I told her how sweet she was and then asked if her "mommy" made them. She said, "Yeah my MOM made them." I guess I'm too used to saying mommy around my own kids.
6. While filling out something online the other day, I had to put it in my birthday. It felt like I scrolled forever before getting to my birth year.
7. Several of my student's parents are younger than me.........
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Odds and Ends
The kids start T ball next week. They will be on the same team. They are excited about it. Ashlyn had a little bit of a rough time last year playing. She wanted me with her on the field at all times. That was a little shocking and difficult with a traveling husband and a 2 year old. Fortunately a good friend would keep an eye on her while I HAD to be on the field. This year the tables will be turned as that good friend now has twin babies and a 2 year old herself while the other one plays ball. Unfortunately, our kids are not on the same team. Ashlyn doesn't seem to understand this. While trying to explain to her tonight that he is on a different team, she said she would just move teams. I don't think there is any trading in Tball so hopefully having her sister on her team will suffice. Here's to hoping I don't have to play the field this year:)>
Tonight we painted Easter sun catchers. When I told the kids I couldn't wait until tomorrow to hold up the suncatcher to the light, Chloe started crying. I asked what was wrong and she said that she didn't want the sun to come get hers. :)
The weekend dilemma is whether or not to go to the Easter egg hunt at the park down the road or the one at a nearby church. The nearby church egg hunt is dropping 20,000 eggs from a plane. Interesting and probably very crowded. I remember my childhood in a small town where there was one Easter egg hunt in the county. Now living outside of Atlanta, I could go to a bunch within a short radius of our house.
Kite day was today at school for Chloe. I couldn't go since I am a working woman:). Brandon switched his schedule around so he could go to kite day and eat lunch with the kids. They were so excited this morning, they could hardly contain themselves. Then after work when I picked them up, they couldn't stop talking about daddy coming to school. It was sweet.
My birthday was a few days ago. I got lots of love from my students. You want to know the difference between a 2nd and 3rd grader(both of which I teach)? 2nd graders all made me cards saying how much they loved me, loved my class, how sweet I was, and I got a lot of cute pictures of me (and they made me skinny). 3rd graders made signs for me and put them on my door. They consisted of "happy 29th bday ha ha," "happy 29th bday wink wink," and "happy 29th bday yeah right." Maybe I should request that I teach 2nd grade all day:).
Brandon was out of town on my birthday but got me a nice edible arrangement. Anyways, he called Monday night and was on speaker phone with the kids. He said, "Guess who has a birthday tomorrow." Ashlyn said, "Daniel and Joseph!!" Those are the twins in her class and yes we share the same birthday. Apparently theirs was more important to her than mine.
Tonight we painted Easter sun catchers. When I told the kids I couldn't wait until tomorrow to hold up the suncatcher to the light, Chloe started crying. I asked what was wrong and she said that she didn't want the sun to come get hers. :)
The weekend dilemma is whether or not to go to the Easter egg hunt at the park down the road or the one at a nearby church. The nearby church egg hunt is dropping 20,000 eggs from a plane. Interesting and probably very crowded. I remember my childhood in a small town where there was one Easter egg hunt in the county. Now living outside of Atlanta, I could go to a bunch within a short radius of our house.
Kite day was today at school for Chloe. I couldn't go since I am a working woman:). Brandon switched his schedule around so he could go to kite day and eat lunch with the kids. They were so excited this morning, they could hardly contain themselves. Then after work when I picked them up, they couldn't stop talking about daddy coming to school. It was sweet.
My birthday was a few days ago. I got lots of love from my students. You want to know the difference between a 2nd and 3rd grader(both of which I teach)? 2nd graders all made me cards saying how much they loved me, loved my class, how sweet I was, and I got a lot of cute pictures of me (and they made me skinny). 3rd graders made signs for me and put them on my door. They consisted of "happy 29th bday ha ha," "happy 29th bday wink wink," and "happy 29th bday yeah right." Maybe I should request that I teach 2nd grade all day:).
Brandon was out of town on my birthday but got me a nice edible arrangement. Anyways, he called Monday night and was on speaker phone with the kids. He said, "Guess who has a birthday tomorrow." Ashlyn said, "Daniel and Joseph!!" Those are the twins in her class and yes we share the same birthday. Apparently theirs was more important to her than mine.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Oops She Did It Again!
I think it will be a long time before I look back at this and think it's funny. For those that don't know, less than a year ago, Ashlyn and Chloe wrote all over my car with lava rocks. While I was yelling at Ashlyn, Chloe had snuck around and was writing on the other side. It was horrible. We didn't get it fixed right away. Then when we were in PA, we got hit by a hail storm and it left marks all over my car. So that's when we got it fixed. The insurance agent called me to tell me that it would be written up as vandals damaging my car. So my kids, ages 3 and 4, would be the vandals. When I picked up the car, the man asked what I would do if they did it again. I said I'd kill them. Well let's just say that was a strong word. Recently while outside talking to the neighbor, Chloe wrote on my car. It's not as deep as before but noticeable and deep enough that it can't be fixed by us. I calmly told her to go to her room (partly because I thought I was going to kill her). So I will be driving this car until it dies. I am not ready for anything new for my little vandals to damage:)
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Don't Let Your Kids Grocery Shop.....
So I was at WalMart for a few things. I usually don't get groceries there but needed milk and a few other things while I was there. So we go over to the milk section and I tell them to 'get the one with the pink lid.' I'm the only one at the house who drinks milk so I told them to get a small one. The next day I pour myself a small glass of milk while cooking dinner. I take one drink, run to the sink, spit it all, and proceed to throw up whatever was in my stomach. They picked out Buttermilk!!! OMG it was the worst thing I've ever tasted and even thinking about it now makes me gag.
Note to self: Inspect what they put in the cart......
Note to self: Inspect what they put in the cart......
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Power of Prayer....
I am sitting here thankful tonight that my kids know God and feel His love for us. I am amazed at their prayers and the way their little minds work sometimes. Somehow prayers always leave us chuckling. Here was Ashlyn's prayer tonight:
Dear God,
Thank you for my friends and my family. Will you please lay your healing hand on my friend at school Daniel? He threw up today at lunch and we had to move tables. It smelled really bad. Then I think they put the wipes in the trashcan in our room because it smelled in there too. Can you heal him so he doesn't do that again? Thank you for the snow today. Can you make it snow more so I can make a snowman? I've been wanting to do that. I know you can do anything because you are God and I love you.
Amen
It's so hard to keep a straight face during prayer time.
Dear God,
Thank you for my friends and my family. Will you please lay your healing hand on my friend at school Daniel? He threw up today at lunch and we had to move tables. It smelled really bad. Then I think they put the wipes in the trashcan in our room because it smelled in there too. Can you heal him so he doesn't do that again? Thank you for the snow today. Can you make it snow more so I can make a snowman? I've been wanting to do that. I know you can do anything because you are God and I love you.
Amen
It's so hard to keep a straight face during prayer time.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Am I raising teenagers???
So it was a good weekend. However I caught myself many times questioning whether or not my kids were teenagers. Here's the prime example:
Dress shopping for Easter and picture day at school: Every dress I held up, Chloe loved. Every dress that I held up, Ashlyn hated. She tells me she doesn't like my choices and that I just don't know what a pretty dress looks like. She also made comments that her friends wouldn't even wear that one. What, you are 4 years old!! When I told her that a certain dress was too fancy(looked like a flower girl dress), she said, "Seriously, mom? I am fancy!" Oh boy. So Brandon was on the other side of the store looking at something. When he came back, she dissed all of his choices too. So we went home with fancy.
Chloe is a three year old trapped in a teenager's body. We have said this for a long time. She is witty, sarcastic, and smart mouthed--all of which we are not proud of...... There are times where I have to try and keep a straight face while punishing her. For example:
We went to the movies. On the way out, Chloe had to go to the potty. I took her while Brandon and Ashlyn went to the car. We get in there and she won't let me go in the stall with her. So I stand outside the door. Nobody else is in there. Then an old lady enters the bathroom and goes in the stall beside Chloe. Obviously something didn't agree with her. This conversation ensues:
Chloe: Mommy are you going potty?
Me: (quietly) No
Chloe: What is all of that noise?
Me: Chloe just go potty.
Chloe: Wow someone has gas!
Me: Finish up and let's go.
Chloe: That's loud.
10 seconds later
Chloe: Someone stinks!
Chloe then comes out and we raced out of there not even washing hands. We get in the car and I tell Brandon what happened.....
Brandon: Chloe did someone have gas in the bathroom?
Chloe: For REAL!
I can't imagine what the teenage years will look like.
Dress shopping for Easter and picture day at school: Every dress I held up, Chloe loved. Every dress that I held up, Ashlyn hated. She tells me she doesn't like my choices and that I just don't know what a pretty dress looks like. She also made comments that her friends wouldn't even wear that one. What, you are 4 years old!! When I told her that a certain dress was too fancy(looked like a flower girl dress), she said, "Seriously, mom? I am fancy!" Oh boy. So Brandon was on the other side of the store looking at something. When he came back, she dissed all of his choices too. So we went home with fancy.
Chloe is a three year old trapped in a teenager's body. We have said this for a long time. She is witty, sarcastic, and smart mouthed--all of which we are not proud of...... There are times where I have to try and keep a straight face while punishing her. For example:
We went to the movies. On the way out, Chloe had to go to the potty. I took her while Brandon and Ashlyn went to the car. We get in there and she won't let me go in the stall with her. So I stand outside the door. Nobody else is in there. Then an old lady enters the bathroom and goes in the stall beside Chloe. Obviously something didn't agree with her. This conversation ensues:
Chloe: Mommy are you going potty?
Me: (quietly) No
Chloe: What is all of that noise?
Me: Chloe just go potty.
Chloe: Wow someone has gas!
Me: Finish up and let's go.
Chloe: That's loud.
10 seconds later
Chloe: Someone stinks!
Chloe then comes out and we raced out of there not even washing hands. We get in the car and I tell Brandon what happened.....
Brandon: Chloe did someone have gas in the bathroom?
Chloe: For REAL!
I can't imagine what the teenage years will look like.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Forgotten Funny
I have no idea how I forgot to add this funny to my last post. It is from my other kids(students in 3rd grade).
I was teaching reading and they were learning about problem/solution. I asked the students for examples. I got things like I spilled milk and had to clean it up, MLK Jr. fighting for civil rights, etc. Then one kid raises his hand and says the following:
Student: The problem is the man has erectile dysfunction and the solution is to take medicine.
Me: (blank stare and a million thoughts going through my head)
Another Student: Hey I've seen that commercial
Yet Another Student: Me too
Me: (Quickly changing the subject) Who can give me a problem/solution using Mary McLeod Bethune?
Glad that was 3rd grade and they didn't ask questions about it.......
I was teaching reading and they were learning about problem/solution. I asked the students for examples. I got things like I spilled milk and had to clean it up, MLK Jr. fighting for civil rights, etc. Then one kid raises his hand and says the following:
Student: The problem is the man has erectile dysfunction and the solution is to take medicine.
Me: (blank stare and a million thoughts going through my head)
Another Student: Hey I've seen that commercial
Yet Another Student: Me too
Me: (Quickly changing the subject) Who can give me a problem/solution using Mary McLeod Bethune?
Glad that was 3rd grade and they didn't ask questions about it.......
Funnies of the Day
Ash: Do we have bible school today?
Me: Yes
Ash: Good. It seems like a hundred days since we've been there.
Me: What did you do at school today?
Ash: I got a new book.
Me: YAY!
Ash: (Girl) got one too and said ha-ha-ha-ha haha at me.
Me: Well that wasn't very nice.
Ash: Yes that's what I told her and she did it again. I told her I got one too and she did it AGAIN.
Me: Well just ignore her. That's not very nice.
Ash: Yeah I know. I told her that it says in the Bible not to say that so she shouldn't. Does it say that in the Bible?
Me: Ummmmm I don't think it says those exact words.
Ash: Well it should Mommy.
Ash: Ms. Shuford told me to tell you that there would be a calendar next month.
Me: Did she just tell you? Why did she tell you?
Ash: I told her you were asking why we didn't have one this month. I asked her like everyday.
OH GREAT
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Loooooooong Evening
It was just one of those nights. We came home and made rice krispie treats. Ashlyn dropped the spoon in the butter/marshmallow mixture and I had to fish it out. I fed the kids dinner (that they didn't want) and then gave in and fed them PB&J hold the J. Then it was a "mommy get me" kind of a night. Some examples are but not limited to:
Mommy get me a
rice krispie treat
no I want rice krispies cereal instead
water
ice in the water
blanket
bear
markers
paper
book
kindle
pillow
Can we watch Scooby Doo?
No I want Sofia.
She hit me
Ashlyn's not being nice.
Mommy where are you?
That's just a sampling. I also decided to move some furniture around upstairs which probably wasn't the greatest idea with two kids jumping on everything I moved. Then I told them they needed to get ready for bath and Ashlyn said she wasn't getting in the same water as Chloe because she peed during nap. We haven't had that issue yet. They always bathe together and are pretty happy about it. So, after a lengthy conversation, I bathed Chloe and then Ashlyn got in and bathed herself. She didn't seem to mind that it was the same water nor did I mention that information. Off to bed next. Is it bad that I punished them for 'not being nice to mommy' tonight by telling them they couldn't have a book? As a teacher, I probably shouldn't punish them by not letting them read....
So now I sit here thinking that I need to clean up the kitchen, pack lunches and bookbags, check papers, get the laundry from the dryer, and who knows what else. I just don't have the energy. Did I mention that I had a rice krispie treat for dinner?
PS At least Ashlyn ended her prayer tonight with "Please let us have a better day tomorrow. Amen"
Anyone else have those nights?
Mommy get me a
rice krispie treat
no I want rice krispies cereal instead
water
ice in the water
blanket
bear
markers
paper
book
kindle
pillow
Can we watch Scooby Doo?
No I want Sofia.
She hit me
Ashlyn's not being nice.
Mommy where are you?
That's just a sampling. I also decided to move some furniture around upstairs which probably wasn't the greatest idea with two kids jumping on everything I moved. Then I told them they needed to get ready for bath and Ashlyn said she wasn't getting in the same water as Chloe because she peed during nap. We haven't had that issue yet. They always bathe together and are pretty happy about it. So, after a lengthy conversation, I bathed Chloe and then Ashlyn got in and bathed herself. She didn't seem to mind that it was the same water nor did I mention that information. Off to bed next. Is it bad that I punished them for 'not being nice to mommy' tonight by telling them they couldn't have a book? As a teacher, I probably shouldn't punish them by not letting them read....
So now I sit here thinking that I need to clean up the kitchen, pack lunches and bookbags, check papers, get the laundry from the dryer, and who knows what else. I just don't have the energy. Did I mention that I had a rice krispie treat for dinner?
PS At least Ashlyn ended her prayer tonight with "Please let us have a better day tomorrow. Amen"
Anyone else have those nights?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
"Abrahams Lincoln"
So I learned from Ashlyn that today is "Abrahams" Lincoln's birthday. She kept telling me he "got shoot" but she doesn't know why anyone would want to shoot someone else. She asked if he was being mean? How do you explain why a President gets assassinated to a 4 year old? Well, how do you explain why anyone would shoot someone?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgnsCo5uWVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgnsCo5uWVM
Monday, February 11, 2013
Skating with a Bully
The kids' school has had skate night all year and we finally made one. It was actually a good deal. It was $5 a kid and they gave me back $2 in quarters for games so it only came out to $8 total. At first, they didn't like it. Ashlyn was so excited to go "ice" skating and she thought there would be snow. Well it was roller skating and harder than she thought. The rolly thing that she is using is normally $3 to rent but was free with the school deal. So that helped. She did better the more she tried. She said she wants to go back.
Chloe, on the other hand, skated for a minute and then decided it was more fun to run around the rink in her socks pushing the rolly thing. Ashlyn wanted me to video her skating for daddy so I did. I didn't realize until watching the video that Chloe was knocking people down. Fortunately the boy in the video that she knocks down is a boy in Ashlyn's class. How I didn't see it while videoing is beyond me. She has really turned into quite the bully. I never dreamed that she would be our difficult child since her first two years of life were so easy going.... I can't imagine what the teenage years will look like.......
Chloe, on the other hand, skated for a minute and then decided it was more fun to run around the rink in her socks pushing the rolly thing. Ashlyn wanted me to video her skating for daddy so I did. I didn't realize until watching the video that Chloe was knocking people down. Fortunately the boy in the video that she knocks down is a boy in Ashlyn's class. How I didn't see it while videoing is beyond me. She has really turned into quite the bully. I never dreamed that she would be our difficult child since her first two years of life were so easy going.... I can't imagine what the teenage years will look like.......
Thursday, January 31, 2013
She's growing up.....
Chloe was making a Valentine card and asked how to spell Avery, a girl in her class. Ashlyn said, "Don't worry Mommy, I can help her." So she proceeded to spell her name sounding out the letters. Chloe wrote it down. She couldn't make an R so Ashlyn had to write it (out of place). It's so nice to see her progress in reading and writing.....
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On a side note, I spoke too soon yesterday about the fever. Chloe had a fever before bedtime. I think Ashlyn is all better. Chloe has a little more spunk in her too. In fact, they have been picking on each other all afternoon. Isn't that a sign of feeling better???
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Wednesday, January 30, 2013
On and Off Fever
Here is our fever schedule:
Sunday: Ashlyn
Sunday night 11pm: Chloe
Monday: Nobody
Tuesday: Ashlyn
Tuesday night: Chloe
Wednesday: Nobody
Hopefully this pattern stops at "nobody." I stayed home Monday and picked them up at school at 1:30 on Tuesday. Brandon stayed home with them today. My 2:00 math class is begging me to not miss any more days. It's my first run-in with sickness as a working mom.......
The thing that kills me is they play all day, run around, and act like nothing is wrong. Then comes the sporadic fever. Let's hope we can make it through the next two days and then relax on the weekend.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Chloe-isms
"Mommy, you are nice and sometimes mean." She said this because I wouldn't help clean up all of the toys she got out.
"Where is the Big Dipper? Does it hide in the morning?"
"Ms. Tubbs told me I fell out of the wrong side of the bed." I asked why. She said, "Oh I was not in a good mood when I got to school."
"I don't eat sauce anymore. I changed my mind."
"I don't play with boys and I told my friends they shouldn't either."
"I am boring." Again, she had to clean up her toys and didn't want to. She was trying to express that it bored her.
I can't think of any more right now but this kid has been cracking us up lately.
"Where is the Big Dipper? Does it hide in the morning?"
"Ms. Tubbs told me I fell out of the wrong side of the bed." I asked why. She said, "Oh I was not in a good mood when I got to school."
"I don't eat sauce anymore. I changed my mind."
"I don't play with boys and I told my friends they shouldn't either."
"I am boring." Again, she had to clean up her toys and didn't want to. She was trying to express that it bored her.
I can't think of any more right now but this kid has been cracking us up lately.
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Day Off--yeah right
I don't really consider today a day off work because I have been doing laundry and cleaning all day. I have an appt. for an oil change later which is always fun dragging two kids along. Chloe pulled out a glitter stick and wanted to make a pretty picture. Did I mention that there was more on my hardwood floor than on her paper? I have lesson plans to write and papers to check. Do I turn on the TV and let it entertain them while I get some things done? Does that make me a bad mother????
On a side note, I just signed up to run the Color Run on April 6 with a bunch of friends. I ran last night after the kids went to bed and I got some work done. That means that I was running at 11 pm. Obviously I can't be doing that during the week. Dare I get up early and run?
On a side note, I just signed up to run the Color Run on April 6 with a bunch of friends. I ran last night after the kids went to bed and I got some work done. That means that I was running at 11 pm. Obviously I can't be doing that during the week. Dare I get up early and run?
Monday, January 14, 2013
Raising a Cheater......
So let me set up the following two videos for you.....Ashlyn and Chloe got a lot of board games for Christmas. We probably spend an hour playing games each night. Chloe could care less if she wins or loses. In fact she'll walk away from a game, come back five minutes later, ask if it is her turn, then go back to what she is doing. Ashlyn, on the other hand, can not stand to lose.
So tonight, we were playing a match game. I was winning(we don't let them win:). It was her turn and she told me to close my eyes. I asked her why and she said she didn't want me to see which card she turns over. I closed my eyes but turned on the video on my phone. She never noticed until I said something. Then she got really mad--see video one.
She continues to cheat and I call her out again and whiny-I-can't-understand-you-bc-you-are-whining Ashlyn comes out. It was all I could do to keep from laughing. After cutting off the video, I explained that nobody wants to play with cheaters, cheaters never win, blah, blah, blah. See second video.
I thought I solved the problem. Then we went on to play Ants in the Can. She beat me the first game--she is pretty good at this game. The second game, I was winning and only had one ant left. She picks up her three remaining ants, puts them in the can with her hands, and yells that she won. I guess I am raising a cheater..............
So tonight, we were playing a match game. I was winning(we don't let them win:). It was her turn and she told me to close my eyes. I asked her why and she said she didn't want me to see which card she turns over. I closed my eyes but turned on the video on my phone. She never noticed until I said something. Then she got really mad--see video one.
She continues to cheat and I call her out again and whiny-I-can't-understand-you-bc-you-are-whining Ashlyn comes out. It was all I could do to keep from laughing. After cutting off the video, I explained that nobody wants to play with cheaters, cheaters never win, blah, blah, blah. See second video.
I thought I solved the problem. Then we went on to play Ants in the Can. She beat me the first game--she is pretty good at this game. The second game, I was winning and only had one ant left. She picks up her three remaining ants, puts them in the can with her hands, and yells that she won. I guess I am raising a cheater..............
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