May madness

We brought the month in with a bit of madness.  Between softball games, baseball games, birthday parties, mother's day muffins and tea at the kids schools, end of the year parties, field days, family picnics and registering our little man for kindergarten I feel like I am losing my mind.  But the kids are happy so I guess that is what matters.

Tyler will graduate from preschool on Wednesday.  It is hard to believe that in August he will start kindergarten. I am still not 100% sure it is the right decision for him. I am worried that his lack of interest in school and learning is going to make for an interesting first year. I can only hope that he has a teacher with lots of patience.  I also hope she has a good sense of humor because he can come up with some doozies.

Rebecca has almost finished her first year in kindergarten.  It is amazing to me to look at all she can do.  She loves to read and says science is her favorite subject.  She clearly gets that last part from her daddy. She played softball this season.  She loved it. She wants to play again next year.  So far she isn't interested in trying any additional sports so I guess she will stick with just that.

And Jason... he will finish up his first year in preschool on Tuesday.  In July he will turn 3 years old.  That is the hardest thing for me to believe.  He is Mr. Independent and has at least 3 tantrums a day.  His screaming occurs so often I honestly don't think I hear it anymore. He thinks he is as old as his brother and tries to do everything Tyler does.


The hubby and I have been busy as well.  He put down all new floors in the first floor of our house.  It looks so good. I can't even describe how happy I am to be rid of the carpet. He also helped coach Rebecca's softball team.  She loved having her daddy as the coach. He has also been playing tennis.  As for me, I have been mostly busy trying to keep up with everyones activities. But I have managed to have lots of nice "me" time as well  as nights out with the girls.

Sale, Sale, Sale

So our big sale is over! It was great.  Extremely tiring, but wonderful.  I feel like I have lost about a week of my life.  It was such a blur.

Now we are all back to normal or our version of normal anyway.  The hubby and I celebrated V-day on Sunday.  We went out for breakfast and for a walk at the park sans kids.  Then we went to the bookstore to peruse and have a coffee.  It was extremely nice and relaxing. 

I woke up Monday morning to the little dude and little man being sick.  Yesterday, I took all 3 kids to the doctor.  All three kids had double ear infections and terrible colds.  The little dude also is wheezing so breathing treatments for him. Yuck! The Little Dude may get renamed the Drama King soon.  He "hurt" his foot yesterday.  He refused to walk all day and crawled everywhere. I figured he would forget but today he is only walking on the side of his foot. But at least he is walking.

This weekend is the Little Man's last indoor soccer game of the season.  And on Saturday evening he has his first baseball practice. The Angel has her first softball practice on Thursday night.  The cycle of craziness is starting all over again....

Snow Days 2011

Well for once the weather forecasters got it right here in Atlanta...

They predicted snow Sunday night, followed by sleet, followed by freezing temperatures, not to be better until Saturday.

I think we ended up with close to 6" of snow. For the first time ever my kids have sledded.  Two of them even seemed to really enjoy the snow.  I got to sled once.  The hubby got to a lot more. I will admit to being jealous. 

The Little Dude, he enjoyed it as long as he didn't have to walk in it.  He seemed scared to walk.  It may be because on Day 1, he fell down a lot.  In the picture below, he is crying.  But when I held his hand, he was fine.

It is now Thursday. The kids have missed 4 days of school. Don't worry, they haven't even noticed. Although I was asked once on Wednesday when they could play with their friends.  We had a happy hour playdate with some of our neighbors. Other than that, they are completely content to have their daddy home, drink hot chocolate all day and play.

I heard on the weather channel that the only place state in the country that doesn't have snow right on the ground right now is Florida.  Even Hawaii has snow.  I am contemplating a move to Florida...

Breakfast with Santa

On the first Saturday of winter break, my moms group planned a breakfast with Santa. It was at Lake Lanier Islands. It was a buffet breakfast where the kids got to go up, sit with Santa and talk to him.  We had a big group go around 50 people.  The event was great for the kids but not what us adults signed up for. Our service was also much less than desired. Here are some pics I took of the kids with Santa.

Christmas programs

All three of the kids had Christmas programs at the three different schools.  Even the Angel in Kindergarten had a Christmas party and her concert was earlier in the month. I am happy to report the school even had a Christmas up on display. So not all the fun has been taken out of school.

The Little Man was Joseph in his nativity play.  After his program (the kids sang songs in the worship space), his class shared milk and cookies, and had a book exchange. This picture is from following the event with the Little Man and Little Dude.

The Angels party was the same day. They had lots of activities to do.  We made reindeer and reindeer food (which we forgot to put out on Christmas Eve...oooops).  We made necklaces.  And the kids decorated cookies and had a snack. 

The following day was the Little Dudes program and party.  School was on a 2-hour delay that day because of ice and the Little Mans school was actually cancelled. His program was so cute. It is always interesting when the little ones perform. I don't think he actually sang any music but he didn't cry (like at Halloween) so I was happy with it.  Afterwards we went to his class for a pizza party.  They also had a book exchange.  

It was a fun time at all three schools. I am happy that I was able to attend it all.

We are back

We got back from Disney on Thursday afternoon. We ran out to the Angel's concert. Friday was her and her friends pool party. Today the Little Man had soccer, we went out to lunch, stopped by a friends house, decorated the tree, and did some Christmas shopping.  So sometime this week I will be blogging but not tonight. Tonight I am editing pictures in the hopes to get my Christmas cards soon (ha ha). Tomorrow I am taking the Angel to the American Girl store with a friend and her daughter and my mom. I am getting her a doll for her birthday. Yes, I have given in. I realized my kids really aren't as spoiled as I always fear they are. So for once, I am just going to get what she asks for without thinking about the how I shouldn't and the why not.

Oh Thanksgiving...you came too quickly this week!

Wow.As I am sitting on the couch typing this post, I am literary exhausted.

I have spent the last week with a sick, cranky 2 year old. One who will not leave my leg. He has been clinging to it when I am not holding him.  The hubby took him to our wonderful md (and I mean that sincerely) last week. He had double ear infections. So they put him on a heavy dose antibiotic.  Said antibiotic gave him such diarrhea that he developed the worst diaper rash I have ever seen in my 6 years as a mommy.  Yesterday I took the almost 6 year old to the md (more on that in a minute) and mentioned the problem to my md.  I didn't have the Little Dude with me and of course she wanted to see him. So back we went today.  And I found out he had developed a staph infection from the rash. Ugh! So I had to fill another script for him. Now he is taking two antibiotics. I am sure this will be great for the tummy.

Yesterday I took the almost 6 year old drama queen for her physical. She is doing well. Nothing to report. She is still tiny. But still on her own little 8% curve. The md. said she much rather her be on this end than the other. And especially since she eats well. So I was happy for that. We also were able to get her asthma diagnosis reversed because she hasn't had an "attack" in over a year. She was diagnosed at 1 year old and I have been trying to get the label taken off her chart ever since. I do think she has breathing issues when she gets a cold, but I am not sure she needs the asthmatic label. So I was very happy about that. The doctor was also able to give her the flu mist instead of the shot because of it. But she was up for a immunization of some sort. Yes, I should no what they gave her.  But I don't. I am not that kind of mom. I give my kids immunizations so that they don't get funky diseases. I respect the opinion of those who don't believe in them, but I am just not one of those people.  So anyway back the Drama Queen...as we are sitting in the room she tells me "Mommy, if I get a shot today I am not going to cry". I was like "yeah okay, why?". And she told me that now that she is 6, she can't be a baby and only a baby would cry when getting their shots. So I was a little shocked at this new attitude.  I mean she isn't one of the kids who I have to drag to the md., nor do we have to hold her down when she gets shots, or chase her around the room, but she definitely cries. But yesterday my trooper squeezed her eyes really tight to stop the tears and just smiled after the shot. I was in shock. And very proud of her!!!

On Monday, I started to feel my own throat getting sore. I started drinking tea and honey to ward off the sickness. I also had a milkshake to try and coat it. Which really just hurt my lactose intolerant stomach more than helped my throat. And yesterday as the day went on, my throat got worse and worse. By midnight when I could barely even swallow. I had taken 4 Motrin (800 mg) and felt like I was going to have to call in sick today. Ha ha, I know. I would have told the hubby but he was out at poker night with the guys and not even home yet for me to complain to. So instead I took some benadryl and prayed it would put me to sleep. Oh yeah and at like 11:30am, I tried to get seen by the md. because I was slightly worried it could be strep. The kiddos I babysit for had it last week and I had spent all day Monday with them. But of course I couldn't get an appt. until 5:30 on Wed. What a pain! But anyway, it must have been a nasal drip because the benadryl dried me up and my throat really isn't hurting anymore. But luckily, my kids wonderful md. took a look in my throat and ears and gave me a strep test when I was in the office. She said it seemed like I am coming down with a cold. Sometimes I wish God knew that there is no time for a cold in my plans until at least January. I mean, seriously?

So today, I took the Little Dude to the md. We were there forever. And then stopped at my friends house to pick up the kids. I had a glass of wine because she twisted my arm. After the kids cleaned up the toys, we headed on home to pack them up for a night at the grandparents.

The hubby and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some beer and wine for tomorrow. Then we came home and started prepping the food. I made an gooey butter cake from Paula Deen. I'll upload a picture later and a recipe.

While the cake was baking, I finished up all our Disney plans. I printed out our touring plans and made an itinerary with all our meal reservations and what not. I was supposed to pack tonight but I think I will as soon as I get up in the morning.

Then I have to finish all the prepping, insert the leaf into my dining room table, set the table, pick up the kids, and clean up the kids rooms, especially their bathroom. I also need to plan out the Black Friday plan of attack. P (the bf) and I are going shopping together. I don't think either of us know what the heck we are buying so I need to figure that out soon.

Okay I think I need to go to bed now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow and remember to think about all you have to be thankful for!

Am I smarter than a 2nd grader?

Although I passed the are you smarter than a 3rd grader test my SIL emailed me a couple of weeks back, I am not sure I am qualified for 2nd grade math (or reading for that matter). 

Today I watched my niece and nephew after school. My niece and the Drama Queen each sat down to the their homework.  After checking my niece's math homework (& yes I considered using a calculator), I was trying to explain how to solve the problem. It was something like 51 - 28, and I was shocked to discover that they no longer do math how we were taught.  She looked at me like I was insane when I tried to about carrying things over and crossing out a number.  She taught me their terminology nowadays to which I probably looked shocked. I even had to call my SIL to teach me so I could teach her.

I have to admit, I am a little nervous for when the Drama Queen gets to 2nd grade.  I told the hubby at dinner that I might need a tutor so I could teach our kids. He laughed at me.  But he didn't realize that  I was only half joking....

Labor Day Weekend

We kicked off the weekend in style. The boys and I went on the lake Friday with the grandmas,  Pop-pop, Aunt J and one of the cousins. We beached the boat, jumped out and swam.  The boys played in the sand and "swam'. We ate lunch on the beach and then got about another hour in the water before we had to head home for buses.  It was so nice and mostly relaxing.

I taught some friends how to make Gigi's meatballs and gravy on Friday night for dinner.  We had 7 kids playing in the basement (and 1 dog), while we all took on jobs in a line to prepare the dinner.  I made the meatballs, P diced up the herbs, and D opened the cans. D was tired...she ran 18 miles that day for marathon training.  Once the sauce was simmering, we all sat down to enjoy a glass of wine. I had also brought over some fabulous cheese from Costco for us to snack on. 

The hubbies trickled in as they got home from work.  We heated up the kids dinner first, pasta with butter sauce and Parmesan cheese.  Once they were back downstairs playing, the adults sat down to eat.  Then we had some cookie cake and dessert for D's birthday. Nothing too fancy since we were really celebrating on Saturday night with a couples night out.

Saturday was spent watching Clemson play.  Go Tigers!!! They won the game although it was like waiting for water boil, trying to get them to score.

After the game, we went out to 37 Main for D's birthday night.  A Bon Jovi cover band, Slippery When Wet, was playing.  There were 4 couples who went out to celebrate. We had dinner and lots of drinks.  Luckily we had planned to take taxi's home but ended up with a DD.  It was such a fun night. I had a great time.

Sunday was spent running errands before we picked up our babies from grandma and grandpa's house.  And then we went to my nephew's 4th birthday party.  It was a pool party which was a great time.

The kids begged us to have their cousins sleep over and since we had nothing planned for the next day, we did.  Monday was spent with our family and a couple of friends, grilling out while the kids played in the kiddie pool.  It was an early night since school was back in on Tuesday.

All in all a great weekend!

Happy Anniversary

Today is the hubby and my anniversary.  We were married 7 years ago. 

Funny story, my husband and I went to the same high school but never knew each other.  He is a year older than me.  My husband went to Clemson.  I met my husband the day after I graduated high school.  We were introduced by another friend because I was going to Clemson as well.  We started out as friends that summer. When we got to school we started dating casually for about a month or so.  We weren't serious or "exclusive" until the following spring.  Last week it was 14 years since we had our first date! How crazy is that. To say that I believe in fate or destiny is an understatement.

I am so blessed. I married my best friend. We are still as close (or closer) than ever.  If it wasn't for the minivan and its occupants, I'd swear we just got back from our honeymoon.  I hope this feeling of pure happiness lasts forever.

Two fun family events

The last two weekends we have done some fun family activities.

Two Fridays ago, we went to the Gwinnett Braves game. They are a minor league team whose field is right here in Buford.  We took the older kids and went with two other families.  First we met for dinner at Five Guys (yummy!).  It was looking a little rainy but we went over to the field to see if they were playing.  We got $5 tickets for the outfield. You can bring blankets to watch the game on a grassy hill. So that is what we did.  Actually the dads watched the game, kids and tried to see who could pitch the fastest ball.  The kids jumped in a bunch of inflatables and ran around.  And us moms, well we talked and watched the kids and the older kids (our husbands).  It was a really nice night. Completely low-key and a perfect way to end an otherwise crazy week.

See the daddies watching the game?

Then this past weekend, we took the kids to an outdoor concert in a neighboring town.  It was in the town park which is the city center.  The show was sponsored by a radio station. We got there early and had packed a snacks and drinks.  We met up with three other families.  We took our kids to one of the restaurants for dinner during the show. It was hot and we needed to get inside for some air conditioning. After dinner we went back to our blanket and chairs. The kids ran around and played with their friends while we waited for the headliners to come out.  Cowboy Mouth started at 8pm.  It was the kids first concert besides The Wiggles.  They seemed to love it. They were dancing and singing along as if they knew the words. So cute! We stayed for about an hour or so and then headed home so they wouldn't be up too late.  It was a great family event and cost barely anything. I want to take them to another show when the weather gets a little cooler.

Vacation or Obligation?

Every year, I take the kids on a trip to NJ to visit with family.  Some years this trip has served as our vacation.  The last two years, we have made multiple trips up.  The hubby dreads these trips.  He thinks the kids are bad, he hates staying at a million different houses and mostly just doesn't want to be in NJ. Normally I let him off the hook for at least part of the trip.  This requires begging another family member to drive one part of the 12 hours with me.  I may be crazy but I am not crazy enough to make the drive all alone with kids. 

In April my sister, Cat, had her first baby.  While I have been longing to come for a visit we waited until the baptism to make our trip.  And here we are.  For a long while, I was planning this to be a vacation. By that I mean, I was going to make lots of plans to take the kids to different day trips and places. But the hubby told me going to Disney is cheaper than these NJ vacations we go on.  So...we are going to Disney later in the year. But that is a story for another blog.  Anyhow I was telling my girlfriend all about these trips. You know how each day is reserved for a family member or friend visit.  She told me that I was not going on a vacation, I was going on a trip of obligation.  It never occurred to me in that way before, but she was right. 

So here we are. In NJ. On our obligation trip. Yesterday we visited with my grandmother (GiGi).  What a great visit we had.  Of course, there was the part of the visit where she thought Angel was going to be "sexy" for Halloween. Her hearing isn't all that good and when Angel told her "Jessie" she heard "sexy".  It was funny to say the least. We have the baptism coming up.  And then a day to spend with my girlfriends from growing up (and their kids for those who have them), a dinner with hubby's side of the family, a sleepover with the "girls", and a dinner with the rest of the high school clan.

Even though this is a trip of obligation, it is one obligation I am so happy I have!