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).
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