May 30, 2009

We started out the morning at Carson's soccer game, which they won, 1-0! Yay! They were all so excited. The coach was the most excited, I think. Carson played goalie the last quarter and did a great job, sealing the win! These pictures were emailed by a mom of another player on the team. I missed the winning moment because I was taking Caleb and Jamie to the bathroom. So, I was glad to see the pictures of the happy kids! :)

After the game, Vic went to the office, and the rest of us went to the pool with Grammy. It was a great day to be at the pool, and we had lots of fun. We weren't the only ones who thought it was a great day to go for a swim. I have never seen so many people at that pool.

Tonight Vic brought home Zaxby's for us and this time they gave me my boneless wings! Well, sort of. I got buffalo chicken fingers, but that's close enough.

I will get pictures up soon from Caleb's last day of preschool program from yesterday morning. Summer has officially begun for Caleb!

May 28, 2009

Yesterday, Caleb and I had a great time at his preschool's park day. They went to a park in midtown with playground equipment and a water sprinkler play area. Caleb ran around for a couple of hours, mostly in the sprinklers and had a great time with his friends.

Today, Grammy, Caleb and I went to Jamie's park day at Memorial park on Tybee. Jamie had fun playing with her friends and Caleb had fun playing with the big kids. We all had lunch there under the pavilion. Shortly after that, Grammy, Caleb and I had had enough of the heat, so we left and went to Grammy's house.

Caleb made a sand art elephant while we were there. Jamie made one earlier in the week, and he wanted one like hers. After that, we checked Jamie out of school basically just because she wanted me to. I think she was trying to avoid nap time. The girl hates nap time!

Tonight Carson and I went to his soccer game. I left Caleb and Jamie at home with Vic because they were over tired and I didn't want to deal with them at the soccer field. He told me when I got home that he wished he had been the one who went to the soccer field. They were pretty cranky. I had a nice time at the soccer game, though. I got to chat with a friend in relative peace and Carson's team tied the other team 1-1. :)

May 26, 2009

Caleb and I spent the day hanging out and running errands. It was oddly quiet after having everyone home for 3 1/2 days. I got a lot done. I was able to go through and bag up clothes that Jamie and Caleb had outgrown and I culled out two trash bags worth of toys. I still didn't make much of a dent in the toys, though. These kids have way too much stuff!

Grammy picked Carson and Jamie up from school today. They stayed and played on the playground for a long time. I think the kids are very happy that the sunshine has returned! Jamie went to Grammy's house this afternoon, where she filled a little bottle with sand and decorated the top to look like an elephant. She was so excited about it. It is right next to her in her bed now. :)

Carson ran around with his friends outside all afternoon. He never even came inside the house until about 6:30. He came home soaking wet after a water war with his buddies.

I finally put up some pictures in our web album!

May 25, 2009

The kids slept in until 7:00 this morning, so I knew it had to be a good day. :)

Jamie and I painted our nails and then went to the mall for the morning. Jamie is truly in her element at the mall. She had a great time. She loved posing by the mannequins, and expressed her displeasure many times about some of them not having heads.

She got pizza for lunch, picked out a pair of shoes, a shirt, sunglasses for herself, Carson and Caleb, and big lollipops for herself and her brothers. She also helped me pick out a new pair of sunglasses. I ended up buying a pair that she found for me to try on, and I really like them.

Meanwhile, the boys also had a fun morning. They ended up going to the pool at the Y because that's what Carson and Caleb wanted to do. They had fun, and Vic said Caleb was giving some of the other kids tips on how to swim(even though he was wearing a life jacket).

Tonight we all went out to dinner with Grammy and Grampy. It was fun, even though I think I spent as much time taking Caleb and Jamie to the bathroom as I did at the table. I think Caleb went 5 times. Still, it was great to get to go out. Plus, Vic did the dishes and lots of laundry after they got back from the pool and while we were still at the mall. So, I have nothing to clean up tonight! Woohoo!

May 24, 2009

I woke up at 6AM to more rain today and to the sound of Jamie with a cough that sounded like a barking seal. I wasn't sure if it was her reflux, which usually affects her earlier in the night, or the croup. So, I stuck her in a steamy shower and gave her some Prevacid, just to be safe.

She was fine after about an hour, so I guess it was the reflux. Carson was doing better today too. He still has a sore throat, but he is definitely feeling better. He was pretty much back to his old self again today.

This afternoon, I wanted to get out of the house, so we all went to the happiest place on earth. No, not Disney World -- Target! I got the kids a slip and slide that we will try out when the sun returns. We picked up a few other things, but not much. We were really just there to get out of the house.

We don't have anything planned for Memorial Day tomorrow. Usually we have a cookout, but with Carson being sick, we just didn't put anything together this year. If the weather isn't too bad, Jamie and I are going to the mall in the morning and I think the boys are going to go put out crab traps and maybe do a little fishing. Carson wants to go see a movie, too, so we'll see if we can fit that in.

I will get those pictures up soon. Hopefully tomorrow. Right now it is time for some rest. I hope it is nice and cloudy tomorrow morning and the kids will sleep a little bit late. At least later than 6:00!

May 22, 2009

Poor Carson woke up with a fever and a sore throat this morning. So, he got to spend the day resting on the couch. He played DS and watched TV. I'm always amazed at how calm he is when he's sick. It's odd when he's not whirring around the house like the Tasmanian devil. I hope the poor guy feels better soon.

Caleb went to preschool and made good on his statement that he was not going to use the potty there. He also didn't have any accidents, though. Of course, we went straight from the preschool to the parent pick up line at Jamie's school since she had a half-day today, and as soon as we stopped in the car line, he had to go. So, he got to pee on a tree at the side of the drive.

This afternoon, Caleb and Jamie played and Carson rested. Oddly, no kids rang our doorbell except for a teenager explaining that she and the teenage boy who live next door were in our garage trying to catch and injured bird. I guess they got it, because when we went out to check it out a few minutes later, they were gone.

Vic was so nice to bring home Zaxby's for our dinner tonight, but they left out my order. Grrrrr. Well, they did give me my side salad. So, I was forced to eat healthy tonight. I hope it pays off at Monday's weigh in!

May 21, 2009

Today was a nice relaxing rainy day. Caleb and I stayed at home and read books, played with trucks, played catch, hide and seek and also played in the rain. I got a lot of laundry done, too. Even better, he stayed dry all day today! Yay! He still says he doesn't want to use the potty at school tomorrow(and he meant it yesterday when he said it), so we'll see. But he's making good progress. Our diaper days are almost over!

I forgot to mention in Tuesday's blog that Jamie lost a tooth at school. She was very excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy and is putting the money towards the swimming doll that she wants. Her savings got even bigger on Wednesday, after she came home from school missing another tooth. Two teeth in two days! :)

This afternoon the kids played outside in the rain with their friends for much of the afternoon. They all got soaked and had a great time.

Now I am going to go get some rest and enjoy the sound of the rain.

I will try to get those pics up sometime soon.

May 19, 2009

Caleb, Grammy and I got to go downtown this morning to watch Carson dance a Mexican Hat dance at the annual May Day celebration, which was held late this year because of CRCT testing in the schools. It was cool and windy, but as one of the speakers at the ceremony said, there were no gnats out! There was a very drawn-out ceremony, including a lady who spoke right after the school board president and basically shamed the school board for cutting the budget of the Massie Heritage Center, which sponsors May Day. So, that was nice. Then finally the dancing began. Carson was in the second group to dance, so we didn't have to wait much longer. He did a great job, and was super cute in his sombrero!

After his dance, the kids strangely disappeared to the buses for a lemonade and cookies break. When they returned, we decided to make a break for it. So, we told Carson goodbye and "Good job!", and went to lunch at Clary's. Caleb ordered a cheeseburger. I think that's the first time he's had a cheeseburger at a restaurant and it was almost as big as his head!

The rest of the afternoon was very quiet with a little rain here and there. Carson was able to play ball for a while outside with his friends, and Jamie and Caleb played with a friend inside.

We worked on potty training again today, with less success than yesterday. Oh well, at least he's on the right path.

These chilly days in May are very unusual, but I'm enjoying them because I know it will be miserably hot soon!

I will post pictures of our little hat dancer soon!

May 18, 2009

Today was the coldest day I ever remember having in May. It was rainy, windy and the high temp was 61. That's crazy for around here in May. It was nice for a change, though!

I dropped 5 kids off at the elementary school this morning and then Caleb told me he didn't want to go to school. He wanted to stay with me. I think he was afraid it was going to thunder. So, I took him home with me and we spent the day hanging out. We spent some of the day snuggling on the couch and watching Noggin. It was perfect for a rainy day.

Today Caleb declared that he is through wearing diapers. He wore big boy undies most of the day with only one accident. Yay! I am not sure how tomorrow will go, since we are going on a field trip with Carson in the morning, and I don't think there will be bathrooms there. We'll see. But I am so excited that he made good progress today. My diaper changing days are coming to a close after 8 years!

Time to go get Carson's clothes ready for tomorrow. They are performing a Mexican Hat Dance and the teacher has requested certain uniform clothes be worn that will look best under the Mexican costume. I can't wait to see this!

May 17, 2009

We had a nice, fairly quiet rainy day today. Vic had to work all day, so it was just me and the kiddos. Jamie had a friend over for a while and they made lots of artwork and played nicely with Caleb. Carson played with friends for a while and played games for a while.

We were pretty much inside all day because of the rain, and the kids got a little stir crazy by the end of the day. We did venture out to Publix this afternoon because we had to get flowers for Carson's teacher for tomorrow. Next week is teacher appreciation week and the kids are supposed to take something to their teachers every day this week. The room mothers set up the schedules. In Carson's class, tomorrow is flowers day. Jamie's teachers will be getting cards.

Even though the kids were cooped up inside most of the day, it was great not having to listen to the doorbell ringing 100 times or having kids running in and out all day. It ended up being a fairly relaxing day! :)

May 16, 2009

We started off the day at Carson's soccer game. They won for the first time ever(5-0), so it was extra exciting. At the end, the parents always make a tunnel for the kids to run through and we cheer for them. Today they were so excited they kept running in circles and going through the tunnel over and over. Even the other team got in on the fun!

After the game, Vic went to a fundraiser his company was having for the Fresh Air Home onTybee. He was in charge of working the grill. I stayed home with the kids and watched them run here there and everywhere.

Tonight, we got to take Grammy and Grampy out to Applebee's for Grammy's birthday celebration. We came home for cake and ice cream and had a great time celebrating with Grammy. I probably gained a couple of pounds tonight, but it was fun!

May 14, 2009

Caleb and I made a trip to Walmart and Publix this morning and picked up Subway for lunch. Caleb fell asleep on the way home and slept until time to pick up Carson and Jamie, so I had a very quiet afternoon and got some laundry done.

Jamie brought home kites she had made for herself and Caleb at school. They ran around the back yard flying them until they heard thunder and came running inside. Then they got out the new art supplies Caleb and I had bought at Walmart this morning and spent the rest of the afternoon making a lot of art work and a big mess.

Carson had a field trip downtown today. He reported that it was boring because they just learned all about James Oglethorpe and they already know all about Oglethorpe. They probably do know a lot about him as he was a pretty important guy around here. Maybe by the time he's in high school he'll be ready for a job as a downtown tour guide. :) Carson spent the afternoon playing with a friend and then finishing up his spelling homework.

I guess they didn't get to run around enough this afternoon because they were definitely not tired at bed time. I thought they would never go to sleep. As for me, I can't wait to get some rest!

May 12, 2009

Today was a pretty quiet day. I dropped Carson and Jamie off at school then Caleb and I went to Publix before I dropped him off for a fun day with Grammy and Grampy.

I ran some errands, including picking up some new food for Taddy, the frog with 9 lives, since Caleb dumped all of his old food out on the desk. After that, I helped set up for our last MOPS meeting of the year.

Carson and Jamie didn't get much time for playing this afternoon since Carson spent about 5 times as long complaining about his homework than he actually spent doing his homework, and Jamie did the same thing with cleaning up her room. So, it was a long afternoon. But they did get some playtime and wore themselves out so they were ready for bed tonight.

Time for me to get to bed now, too. I have to be up super early tomorrow to get ready for MOPS and get the house ready for the maid.

May 12, 2009

I kept Jamie home from school this morning because she had a fever. She was just fine all day, though, so she's going back tomorrow. She and Caleb had a great time playing after Caleb got home from school. She dressed him up in some of her old baby clothes. He was wearing a little sleeper as pants and a tiny purple jacket as a shirt.

We picked up Carson and Jamie from school, and there was just enough time for the kid shuffle to begin before some strong storms arrived. I ended up with two girls here with Jamie and Caleb and Carson was over at a friend's house. I ended up serving all the kids dinner and making a little "rain party" out of it. It finally let up about 6:00 and I sent the girls home and Carson returned.

Shortly after that, Carson discovered that Taddy had escaped from the tank. We thought he was a goner until Jamie saw him hop. So, Carson scooped him up in a cup and dumped him back in the tank. So far, he doesn't seem any worse for the wear. We were all very relieved that he was okay. Blue Blue the Betta, however, was less than thrilled to see his tank mate return.

May 10, 2009 Happy Mother's Day!

I had a very nice Mother's Day today. Vic got up early with Caleb, and he and Caleb made chocolate chip muffins for everyone. Vic said Caleb did it all. Vic just measured stuff out and Caleb did the rest. He loves to help in the kitchen, and is a good little chef. He's even good at cracking eggs without getting any shell in them.

After that, we went to Sunday school and then met Grammy for brunch. I ate too much, but it was so yummy!

We spent a quiet afternoon at home after that. Caleb took a good nap, Jamie played quietly and Carson played outside with a friend. So, I got some work done for the MOPS newsletter.

Later we took a walk to the neighborhood park where the kids had fun playing and digging in the sand.

Tonight Jamie and I went to Publix while the boys went to pick up barbecue for dinner. I didn't have to cook all day!

The kids all made cards for me and Carson and Jamie gave me cute gifts that they made at school. Jamie made me a bracelet and Carson painted a coaster for me and gave me some sunflower plants in a little pot that he decorated. Jamie made about 10 cards for me and also wrapped up a couple of her hair bows for me. They are all so sweet. I sure am a lucky mom! :)

May 9, 2009

Caleb got to go back to school yesterday, and I got to go with him for muffins with mommy day. It was fun, and Caleb was very happy to see his friends again.

This morning we went to Carson's soccer game. He did a good job, and even almost scored a goal once. They tied the game, 2-2. That makes two ties and two losses so far. They really want to win a game! Brent's friend came and brought her daughter. Jamie was so happy to have her to play with at the game.

I spent the rest of the day cleaning up, doing laundry and watching kids run here and there. Every kid who lives on our street was here at some point today. Carson got to go swimming at his friend's house for a while and then they had a water war. After that, he came home and all the kids played with water balloons. I hope they will all be ready for bed tonight. They should be worn out!

Vic got home from NC this afternoon. We were all happy to see him! He had a good time visiting with his friend. They rented Harleys and rode 230 miles on the Blue Ridge parkway one day and went fishing the next day. Sounds like it was the perfect vacation for him! :)

May 7, 2009

This morning we left the house early and I traded Carson for Caleb at Grammy and Grampy's house and then went to the school with Carson and Jamie. They headed off to their classes, and I spent the morning being a proctor for CRCT testing in a first grade classroom. The kids did a good job, considering the testing took about two hours with a fifteen minute break after the first hour. I was surprised how often first graders break the point on their pencil. Part of my job was replacing pencils when they broke. We burned through all the replacement pencils fast, and then I had to start sharpening them with an electric pencil sharpener that was not only super noisy and slow but had to be thwacked to get it to stop running after each pencil. It wasn't too bad, though. All the kids were happy that this was their last day of testing.

This afternoon we went outside and the kids played with their friends and had a big water war. The weather was beautiful today. It was good to be able to be outside, since we were stuck inside yesterday afternoon due to thunder.

May 5, 2009

Not too much to report today. Caleb is doing much better. I never did have to call the doctor since he woke up feeling so much better Monday morning. I knew he was improving when he did his usual arm tugging and "It's morning, Mommy! Wake up! Wake up!" at 6:30 instead of climbing in bed and snuggling up like he had been doing when he was feeling bad.

I'm glad he's doing better. We ran some errands today, including a stop to the dollar store where I picked up a little tube-type water squirter that is just his size. He always wants to play with the big kids with squirt guns, but we don't have one that is easy enough for him to use on his own. So, now he is armed and ready for the next water battle! He tried it out this afternoon and had lots of fun with it.

Late this afternoon we had some good steady rain. I sent all the neighbor kids out the door just before the bottom fell out. They had to run home. It is still raining a little bit right now, so I am going to go to bed before it stops. :)

May 3, 2009

Sorry I for my lack of blogging lately. Caleb has been sick, and I have been too tired to type at night!

This morning Vic and Carson and Jamie went to church and Sunday school. I stayed home with Caleb and he napped on the couch while I cleaned up.

This afternoon Carson ran around with his friends, and I tried to keep them out of the house as much as possible since Caleb is sick. Jamie went to the beach with Uncle Brent, his friend and her daughter. It was great beach weather today! After that, she went back to Uncle Brent's house to watch Shrek and decorate cupcakes. She had a great day, and was so tired tonight that she got ready for bed and chose a bedtime book without being asked to. That's amazing for Jamie because she usually will do anything to avoid bedtime!

Caleb was up and about a little bit this afternoon. He doesn't feel too bad as long as he's had Tylenol. He and Vic went for a walk, and I think he enjoyed being out for a bit.

I went to church by myself tonight since we were scheduled for evening nursery. So I went and not one child showed up in nursery. I stayed until 6:30 and then went to Publix to pick up some more Mucinex and Tylenol for Caleb and then home for dinner.

Time to get ready for bed now so I can face the dreaded Monday morning rush. I am hoping to get Caleb in to see his doctor tomorrow, since I think he may need an antibiotic. We are going out with friends tomorrow night, and I am so looking forward to a night outside of the house!