Our home computer died, unrecoverably dead. Which means my little bit of blogging is now none. I can't share any pictures. I can't share links all I can do is type on my tablet with one finger so this will be short. Not having the computer has been a blessing in some ways. Jay thought it would be a good idea to put all his passwords and some of ours, none of mine into a password generator program. That makes up difficult passwords so people can't hack you. You can access them from your computer but you don't know the passwords either it automatically puts them in. I won't let him touch my stuff with good reason because now that the computer is dead he can't access any of his stuff but I also can't access eBay or PayPal. The bright side is I am saving money not buying things. The bad part is I can't sell anything. I have a bunch of stuff that is summer clothes I need to sell but can not.
I do have my tablet and he his phone so that will have to hold us and have to do. However I will try to hen peck a few posts :)
Showing posts with label life as we know it. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life as we know it. Show all posts
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Spring cleaning- the pantry
Last week we had warm beautiful temperatures, then wind and cold warnings. Windchill's dropping back down to nothing back to the negatives. With the warm temps came open windows and spring cleaning, sorta.
It wasn't by choice. Some how a bottle of apple juice spilled in the pantry. It soaked the floor and everything on the floor. I found it not right away but the same day. So it had time to spill, leak and seap into stuff. wonderful. Cleaning the pantry was something that needed to be done but not something I had wanted to do that day. However now I was forced to. I started to get everything off the ground to clean up the liquid and I pulled a tower of cans the kids had stacked. They are always stacking cans so I thought nothing of it. But they had stacked this tower to hid that they had broke the sport beam holing up the shelf. It had actually been broke for a while and their dad and I just "band aided" it back together so it was so weak. I am actually surprised and impressed they thought to hold it up with cans. As I pulled the can out the shelf and everything on it came tumbling down. It was now an even larger mess, great.
I could not deal with it right then so I mopped up the juice and left it till the morning. Since the mess was everywhere the kids could not get to the laundry room so on top of the food and mess they through dirty clothes!
Right after coffee I tackled it with Smiley. He was eager to help. Sunday he had made a bank at church. They were supposed to do chores around the house to earn money for something. He helped me moves all the cans and boxes out of the pile on the floor. He helped pull the clothes out and take them to the washer. And threw all the trash in the garbage. As we were unearthing layers I would find all sorts of change. Everything I found I gave to him. And he was over the moon. He knows no difference between 1 cent to $10. The more coins he got the more money he had. After everything was moved I was able to sweep and mop the floor. We were surprised by their dad coming home mid day from work so in his time before going back we was able to attach strong railings to the wall. I can't say how wonderful that was! I did not even ask he just said since you have everything out I will fix it right. Smiley replaced all the boxes, bottles and can on the fixed shelf and in front of the bottom space. A kinda odd arrangement but as we watched him eagerly do it for more money Jay said "you get what you pay for". Well he is still cheap, and certainly cheaper than the older kids, but look like I would be redoing it soon. Still I was happy enough.
I did not organize the upper shelves. I had a lot of other things I had to do that day and did not want to get into a project I would not have time to finish. Which turned out to be a good thing because....
A few days later as I was getting some bread from the very top I knocked over powder chicken gravy, Sams club size, and it spilled everywhere on every shelf the whole way down. Ugh!! Smiley just cheered and said YES! Mom now we get to do it all again :)
It wasn't by choice. Some how a bottle of apple juice spilled in the pantry. It soaked the floor and everything on the floor. I found it not right away but the same day. So it had time to spill, leak and seap into stuff. wonderful. Cleaning the pantry was something that needed to be done but not something I had wanted to do that day. However now I was forced to. I started to get everything off the ground to clean up the liquid and I pulled a tower of cans the kids had stacked. They are always stacking cans so I thought nothing of it. But they had stacked this tower to hid that they had broke the sport beam holing up the shelf. It had actually been broke for a while and their dad and I just "band aided" it back together so it was so weak. I am actually surprised and impressed they thought to hold it up with cans. As I pulled the can out the shelf and everything on it came tumbling down. It was now an even larger mess, great.
I could not deal with it right then so I mopped up the juice and left it till the morning. Since the mess was everywhere the kids could not get to the laundry room so on top of the food and mess they through dirty clothes!
Right after coffee I tackled it with Smiley. He was eager to help. Sunday he had made a bank at church. They were supposed to do chores around the house to earn money for something. He helped me moves all the cans and boxes out of the pile on the floor. He helped pull the clothes out and take them to the washer. And threw all the trash in the garbage. As we were unearthing layers I would find all sorts of change. Everything I found I gave to him. And he was over the moon. He knows no difference between 1 cent to $10. The more coins he got the more money he had. After everything was moved I was able to sweep and mop the floor. We were surprised by their dad coming home mid day from work so in his time before going back we was able to attach strong railings to the wall. I can't say how wonderful that was! I did not even ask he just said since you have everything out I will fix it right. Smiley replaced all the boxes, bottles and can on the fixed shelf and in front of the bottom space. A kinda odd arrangement but as we watched him eagerly do it for more money Jay said "you get what you pay for". Well he is still cheap, and certainly cheaper than the older kids, but look like I would be redoing it soon. Still I was happy enough.
I did not organize the upper shelves. I had a lot of other things I had to do that day and did not want to get into a project I would not have time to finish. Which turned out to be a good thing because....
A few days later as I was getting some bread from the very top I knocked over powder chicken gravy, Sams club size, and it spilled everywhere on every shelf the whole way down. Ugh!! Smiley just cheered and said YES! Mom now we get to do it all again :)
Saturday, September 28, 2013
I am a little late in joining the instagram movement. I never joined mostly because of lack of an awesome phone. I never even visited it. I knew it would be something I like and would probably waist to much time on. And who needs more addictive apps in their life? My oldest son even kept saying mom you would love this instagram. What me to set you up an account? These kids know me all to well. Still I said no. And then chemistry happened. Yes difficult chemistry testing every mathematical fiber in my body and I needed to release my tension or scream. So one day in frustration over stoichiometry I put down the problems and pick up my phone and welcomed the word of instgram in to my life.
It has been fun. And with as many pictures as I take still I am not over loading the instagramers with these photos. I have resigned to posting 1 photo each day. And it has been easy and fun. They are not the cutesy pictures of my kids that I overload facebook with or the hundred pictures from one event that I over load my blog with but one shot a day into my life that is special to me. I do really like it! I like that it is 1 simple picture not posed, not always of kids, just some memory from that day. I am hope to take these photos from everyday and make an album.
A sneak peak....
But if you would also like to take a peak into my word you are welcome! Just click the little camera button and the follow. And sorry for the huge pictures I can't figure out how to resize them on blogger yet, like I said I am new to instagram.
It has been fun. And with as many pictures as I take still I am not over loading the instagramers with these photos. I have resigned to posting 1 photo each day. And it has been easy and fun. They are not the cutesy pictures of my kids that I overload facebook with or the hundred pictures from one event that I over load my blog with but one shot a day into my life that is special to me. I do really like it! I like that it is 1 simple picture not posed, not always of kids, just some memory from that day. I am hope to take these photos from everyday and make an album.
A sneak peak....
But if you would also like to take a peak into my word you are welcome! Just click the little camera button and the follow. And sorry for the huge pictures I can't figure out how to resize them on blogger yet, like I said I am new to instagram.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Going backwards
Rather than start from the beginning I am going to try and go backwards week by week to record my memories.
So this week from Monday July 29 to today Aug 2 here goes:
The older boys had soccer camp all week. The weather was wonderful and they did AWESOME. Greg and his team of 2 other players, 1 boy and 1 girl (skinniest thing I have ever seen. I was so worried anytime she would collide with people I thought she would break. I would have no trouble in saying I believe Smiley at 4 out weighs her. She was as old and tall as the boys which made it/her so scary skinny) but they came in first place completely undefeated and never a goal scored on.
Evan's team also 3 players came in second! Way to go both my boys.
The boys got first place for the patriotic attire on team USA day.
Faith came running to me today saying give me your toes. I looked at her funny and she kept repeating it, so I did as she wanted. She started painting them. haha. She loves to be like mommy. I paint her toes and she loves that, but she was truly happy to paint mine and hers today.
She picked Dora purple sparkly polish
She is very good
And look at this little one growing! She climbed on big sisters bike all by herself and wanted to go.
And here is one I found of Gregory that Evan took.
Pretty good if I do say so.
So this week from Monday July 29 to today Aug 2 here goes:
The older boys had soccer camp all week. The weather was wonderful and they did AWESOME. Greg and his team of 2 other players, 1 boy and 1 girl (skinniest thing I have ever seen. I was so worried anytime she would collide with people I thought she would break. I would have no trouble in saying I believe Smiley at 4 out weighs her. She was as old and tall as the boys which made it/her so scary skinny) but they came in first place completely undefeated and never a goal scored on.
Evan's team also 3 players came in second! Way to go both my boys.
The boys got first place for the patriotic attire on team USA day.
Faith came running to me today saying give me your toes. I looked at her funny and she kept repeating it, so I did as she wanted. She started painting them. haha. She loves to be like mommy. I paint her toes and she loves that, but she was truly happy to paint mine and hers today.
She picked Dora purple sparkly polish
She is very good
And look at this little one growing! She climbed on big sisters bike all by herself and wanted to go.
And here is one I found of Gregory that Evan took.
Pretty good if I do say so.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Poor forgotten blog
This summer on our "break" we have been busier than ever. We have been traveling, having lots of birthdays, many days of doctors visits, camps, cleaning, fighting fleas! and so much more. It has been fun but sometimes the challenge of being so busy are shackles to our spirit. Our family has always been a busily scheduled family. Many days we would run from soccer to swimming both after school and before bedtime. We kept a pace of everyday an activity many holding two or more for a while, before I had all 5.
Last year I slowed it down quite a bit. We dropped all sports besides soccer. We kept AWANAS but I stopped volunteering to release us from its obligation to be there to going when we can with out stress. That turned out to be a good thing. Unfortunately last winter hit our family hard with someone sick after another. Worst we ever had. I think we only made it to AWANAS or church seldomly during those months. I slowed everything down because now with 5 kids, including 2 toddlers and a tiny baby I realized how things were getting harder. It is not the amount of children but the young ages of them that is tough. Many challenges are just shuffling them from the car to a building. I wanted a little time to get used to it. In addition since I have gone back to school that cuts into the time I have available to take them places, and my studying took up so much time.
I enjoyed a bit slower pace with less traveling. I filled up the time with so much school work truthful it was hard to imagine how to fit in anything else and I was so thankful for days home I did not have to go anywhere. However the kids did not feel the same way. They asked all through the year if they could do swimming again. When is basketball, when is baseball, I want to try football, mom sign me up for lacrosse.
With summer we were all going to be home. I had plans and ideas of what summer would be like. But those rarely pan out. Months before school got out our calender started to fill up with many wonderful opportunities, events so many great things I am thankful for them all. And we had many other wonderful families reaching out to ask asking if we could send the older boys to camp with their children I was excited to have to boys get to participate with their friends too and that the families thought so much of the us and the boys they wanted them to be part of their childrens' summers also. But before we knew it every week was filled up but 1 and a half, yes we have just 1 week in August that we have nothing penciled in. There is so much that HAS to be done but I want to try not to do it that week.
It is right before school starts back up for me and the kids. It hopefully will be a nice way to spontaneously do what we like before school starts. Hopefully a nice week to unwind, hopefully. I have to say I am kinda looking forward to school starting though, this summer has worn me out.
I have also had some serious issues with my photo hosting sites. Which is another reason I have not been blogging to much but I am slowly working through them and the hundreds of pictures I would like to share and add stories too.
But till then here is the tiny team before church on Sunday.
It was cool enough I put the girls in litter covers but by afternoon it was far to warm to wear them . A cool front came in on Sunday and we have been enjoying a break from those 100 degree temps. It is a prayer answered too because the older boys are at soccer camp this week. Running around all day with no shade no relief so I am beyond thankful I had to sent them in hoodies this morning.
Last year I slowed it down quite a bit. We dropped all sports besides soccer. We kept AWANAS but I stopped volunteering to release us from its obligation to be there to going when we can with out stress. That turned out to be a good thing. Unfortunately last winter hit our family hard with someone sick after another. Worst we ever had. I think we only made it to AWANAS or church seldomly during those months. I slowed everything down because now with 5 kids, including 2 toddlers and a tiny baby I realized how things were getting harder. It is not the amount of children but the young ages of them that is tough. Many challenges are just shuffling them from the car to a building. I wanted a little time to get used to it. In addition since I have gone back to school that cuts into the time I have available to take them places, and my studying took up so much time.
I enjoyed a bit slower pace with less traveling. I filled up the time with so much school work truthful it was hard to imagine how to fit in anything else and I was so thankful for days home I did not have to go anywhere. However the kids did not feel the same way. They asked all through the year if they could do swimming again. When is basketball, when is baseball, I want to try football, mom sign me up for lacrosse.
With summer we were all going to be home. I had plans and ideas of what summer would be like. But those rarely pan out. Months before school got out our calender started to fill up with many wonderful opportunities, events so many great things I am thankful for them all. And we had many other wonderful families reaching out to ask asking if we could send the older boys to camp with their children I was excited to have to boys get to participate with their friends too and that the families thought so much of the us and the boys they wanted them to be part of their childrens' summers also. But before we knew it every week was filled up but 1 and a half, yes we have just 1 week in August that we have nothing penciled in. There is so much that HAS to be done but I want to try not to do it that week.
It is right before school starts back up for me and the kids. It hopefully will be a nice way to spontaneously do what we like before school starts. Hopefully a nice week to unwind, hopefully. I have to say I am kinda looking forward to school starting though, this summer has worn me out.
I have also had some serious issues with my photo hosting sites. Which is another reason I have not been blogging to much but I am slowly working through them and the hundreds of pictures I would like to share and add stories too.
But till then here is the tiny team before church on Sunday.
It was cool enough I put the girls in litter covers but by afternoon it was far to warm to wear them . A cool front came in on Sunday and we have been enjoying a break from those 100 degree temps. It is a prayer answered too because the older boys are at soccer camp this week. Running around all day with no shade no relief so I am beyond thankful I had to sent them in hoodies this morning.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
this and that
Good news and busy days, oh my the busy days.
Good news another semester behind me! Yes I finished this round of classes. I was so tired of them but I finished my finals, and I don't think I did to bad. I am taking some time off, not my choice. I would love to do a full summer but the classes I need are not offered and most are in agreeance that I could use a break So I will be taking one till the end of July!
Don't you love the turrets? Again why my kids call it the castles. This finished semester completes my first year. You can check out the story and more pictures of the beautiful campus here. Today I have been walking around smiling for the completion and a little lost about where to start on my ENORMOUS to do list. I am also just trying to breath. I can't even imagine what it will be like to fish my degree.
More good and busy events were to many hospital trips. Last week I took 3 kids to the hospital, 2 dentist visits with all in tow. That was horrible, but no cavities!
Evan had the first hospital trip.
A barium test to see why he has been having stomach aches. He was nervous but the doctors told him he was doing great and that helped. He later in the day went around saying I got an A+ on my test. (for his behavior) we have not received the results back yet. No news is good news right?
He loved that in his gown he looked like the statue of liberty. He even acted the part.
Crazy kid!
And unfortunately I still had to take two more girls to the ER. Saturday evening in all the rain we have been having my little ones wanted to go play outside. They love to run and splash in the rain. Smiley was playing with our baby cakes splashing in the puddles getting all muddy, having so much fun!
I was taking pictures, awe how cute! But notice that rock in Gracie's hand?
Yes she has two here but look at the smaller one in the left hand. Now you see it...
Now we are in the ER. Yes she then stuck that right in her mouth as she does with everything and as I went to get it out she swallowed it.
And if that was not bad enough...when coming inside Faithy slipped with her wet muddy feet on the tile floor and cracked her head hard. No blood, but a huge goose egg popped up and she kept crying.
I would like to say it was a two for one deal at the ER but that is not the case. It was two times over I was proved a bad mother in a matter of minutes.
I had to run both girls to the ER! Ugh it was not a nightmare but not far from it. I took them more on the side of precaution than panic, well except for baby, I was and still am worried about that rock. However a few xrays later the doctors said it will pass. OUCH! my poor baby. That is what I was worried about it tearing up her insides passing. I guess they are not to worried, maybe I shouldn't be so worried.
It was a long night. I had brought toys, thankfully.
Sometimes it helps being a seasoned mommy.
But Faith also found a closet full of teddy bears with hospital bands on, too cute. She kicked out her sister and made sure she took care of her bears.
Yes HER bears. We might now be in possession of two of these.
So many ups and downs and there is so much more. Do you really want to know? But the good news is all my kids are doing well. And I am on a school break!!
Good news another semester behind me! Yes I finished this round of classes. I was so tired of them but I finished my finals, and I don't think I did to bad. I am taking some time off, not my choice. I would love to do a full summer but the classes I need are not offered and most are in agreeance that I could use a break So I will be taking one till the end of July!
Don't you love the turrets? Again why my kids call it the castles. This finished semester completes my first year. You can check out the story and more pictures of the beautiful campus here. Today I have been walking around smiling for the completion and a little lost about where to start on my ENORMOUS to do list. I am also just trying to breath. I can't even imagine what it will be like to fish my degree.
More good and busy events were to many hospital trips. Last week I took 3 kids to the hospital, 2 dentist visits with all in tow. That was horrible, but no cavities!
Evan had the first hospital trip.
A barium test to see why he has been having stomach aches. He was nervous but the doctors told him he was doing great and that helped. He later in the day went around saying I got an A+ on my test. (for his behavior) we have not received the results back yet. No news is good news right?
He loved that in his gown he looked like the statue of liberty. He even acted the part.
Crazy kid!
And unfortunately I still had to take two more girls to the ER. Saturday evening in all the rain we have been having my little ones wanted to go play outside. They love to run and splash in the rain. Smiley was playing with our baby cakes splashing in the puddles getting all muddy, having so much fun!
I was taking pictures, awe how cute! But notice that rock in Gracie's hand?
Yes she has two here but look at the smaller one in the left hand. Now you see it...
Now we are in the ER. Yes she then stuck that right in her mouth as she does with everything and as I went to get it out she swallowed it.
And if that was not bad enough...when coming inside Faithy slipped with her wet muddy feet on the tile floor and cracked her head hard. No blood, but a huge goose egg popped up and she kept crying.
I would like to say it was a two for one deal at the ER but that is not the case. It was two times over I was proved a bad mother in a matter of minutes.
I had to run both girls to the ER! Ugh it was not a nightmare but not far from it. I took them more on the side of precaution than panic, well except for baby, I was and still am worried about that rock. However a few xrays later the doctors said it will pass. OUCH! my poor baby. That is what I was worried about it tearing up her insides passing. I guess they are not to worried, maybe I shouldn't be so worried.
It was a long night. I had brought toys, thankfully.
Sometimes it helps being a seasoned mommy.
But Faith also found a closet full of teddy bears with hospital bands on, too cute. She kicked out her sister and made sure she took care of her bears.
Yes HER bears. We might now be in possession of two of these.
So many ups and downs and there is so much more. Do you really want to know? But the good news is all my kids are doing well. And I am on a school break!!
Friday, April 19, 2013
April Showers...
We had been experiencing nice weather here in Pennsylvania. It was warm and sunny just beautiful. But a cold front was moving in. It is supposed to keep our temperatures in the 50's this weekend. Last week it has been bouncing in the 70's and 80's. So what happens when a cold front meets warm air? Thunderstorms and showers.
It all started with the rain blowing strongly in the door. The winds were strong the rain was warm soaking the room from the door to the couch and the kids jumped in front of it having some fun. But they wanted to go outside. I did not want them to go outside. They had had their *1st* baths of the night and they would get muddy. But the kept insisting. They started to strip! I love Smile's mischievous face. I had to crop the picture because by this point he was nearly naked!
I love this one as they have all linked arms. Lets just forget the fact they were plotting.
And all the sudden they burst out the door in a mob of 5 but mostly 4, I was able to catch the little one.
They ran around in the pouring rain like nobody's business.
Laughs, Smiles, Accomplishments
They ran until they found puddles.
Then came the puddle jumping!
Rain Tasting
And realization the temperature had dropped by 20 degrees.
And as soon as they burst outside they fled indoor to warm up. Maybe a bit of an overkill.
Then showers number 2. Lets hope that is all tonight.
I am sorry if any of the pictures are distorted in this post or any of them. i am trying to deal with that problem but it has been a very annoying battle.
It all started with the rain blowing strongly in the door. The winds were strong the rain was warm soaking the room from the door to the couch and the kids jumped in front of it having some fun. But they wanted to go outside. I did not want them to go outside. They had had their *1st* baths of the night and they would get muddy. But the kept insisting. They started to strip! I love Smile's mischievous face. I had to crop the picture because by this point he was nearly naked!
I love this one as they have all linked arms. Lets just forget the fact they were plotting.
And all the sudden they burst out the door in a mob of 5 but mostly 4, I was able to catch the little one.
They ran around in the pouring rain like nobody's business.
Laughs, Smiles, Accomplishments
They ran until they found puddles.
Then came the puddle jumping!
Rain Tasting
And realization the temperature had dropped by 20 degrees.
And as soon as they burst outside they fled indoor to warm up. Maybe a bit of an overkill.
Then showers number 2. Lets hope that is all tonight.
I am sorry if any of the pictures are distorted in this post or any of them. i am trying to deal with that problem but it has been a very annoying battle.
Monday, April 8, 2013
I am ready to put my feat up
Mercy some days are just so much running. I complained in winter about being trapped in the house because I forgot in spring how much running you do.
I left my house this morning just after 11 with the tiny team and finally settled back home after 7:30 with all 5 grump, tired, smelly, and excited kids! It was another doctor day. They come in groups like that we have apointments for everyone in a month then can hopefully go 3 more months till we do it again. Two more doctor visits and some labs to go and then we are done till July, with the exception of 4 needing dentist appointments again. Agh. I hate dentist appointments the worst.
Today was Gregory's turn on the table.
He looks like such a stick figure there. He is very skinny but this picture exgagurates it. However he has grown half an inch in the last three months. You could tell in his pant legs but I did not but it together. You know who else is in or going into a growth spurt is his youngest brother my Smile who I should call by cranky lately He is sweet and charming for the most part but if he is not getting his way it is tears and crossed arms. But I can not feed this boy enough right now. He by far out eats his brothers. He eat s and eats all day long.
I am so glad I did not forget my phone today to capture them NOT listening to me. They really were not on there best behavior. They jumped and screamed they were so wound up.
It could have nothing to do with the fact they had sugar at lunch?
Gregory asked if I could take him to Fuddruckers for lunch and of course I said yes. I had took Evan out last week he wanted a turn too. And Fuddruckers was so much better. We had a great time.
We sat in an Elvis booth. They had no idea who he is. Each circular booth has pictures hanging around it of famous people, things or places. They had pictures of Elvis in all sorts of clothes and places. They could not even tell it was the same guy in all the pictures. Oh well I don't care about Elvis either. The funny part was they were attracted to the picture of him in his ARMY uniform and Smiley kept yelling police man! And this area that the restaurant is in is heavily attended by police men on their lunch break. We drew many stares. Besides an elderly couple, and a real estate lunch, everyone else in the place were police officers.
More running, some errands those were not fun. And where I live the probability of getting stuck behind a tractor is high. Today the farmers were out spraying there fields with manure Isn't that lovely? And of course we get stuck behind a tractor.
We got to enjoy miles of the lovely smell at 10 mph.
But we got to make a quick stop at home to get ready for soccer because spring = soccer.
And it was a beautiful day for it. The temps were touching 80, it was blue and bright. They boys practiced, the tiny team and I played.
I wish I would have had more time to play but there was still a lot that had to be done and after all we will play again soon. It was just nice to enjoy the warmth. It was nice not to wear socks.
I left my house this morning just after 11 with the tiny team and finally settled back home after 7:30 with all 5 grump, tired, smelly, and excited kids! It was another doctor day. They come in groups like that we have apointments for everyone in a month then can hopefully go 3 more months till we do it again. Two more doctor visits and some labs to go and then we are done till July, with the exception of 4 needing dentist appointments again. Agh. I hate dentist appointments the worst.
Today was Gregory's turn on the table.
He looks like such a stick figure there. He is very skinny but this picture exgagurates it. However he has grown half an inch in the last three months. You could tell in his pant legs but I did not but it together. You know who else is in or going into a growth spurt is his youngest brother my Smile who I should call by cranky lately He is sweet and charming for the most part but if he is not getting his way it is tears and crossed arms. But I can not feed this boy enough right now. He by far out eats his brothers. He eat s and eats all day long.
I am so glad I did not forget my phone today to capture them NOT listening to me. They really were not on there best behavior. They jumped and screamed they were so wound up.
It could have nothing to do with the fact they had sugar at lunch?
Gregory asked if I could take him to Fuddruckers for lunch and of course I said yes. I had took Evan out last week he wanted a turn too. And Fuddruckers was so much better. We had a great time.
We sat in an Elvis booth. They had no idea who he is. Each circular booth has pictures hanging around it of famous people, things or places. They had pictures of Elvis in all sorts of clothes and places. They could not even tell it was the same guy in all the pictures. Oh well I don't care about Elvis either. The funny part was they were attracted to the picture of him in his ARMY uniform and Smiley kept yelling police man! And this area that the restaurant is in is heavily attended by police men on their lunch break. We drew many stares. Besides an elderly couple, and a real estate lunch, everyone else in the place were police officers.
More running, some errands those were not fun. And where I live the probability of getting stuck behind a tractor is high. Today the farmers were out spraying there fields with manure Isn't that lovely? And of course we get stuck behind a tractor.
We got to enjoy miles of the lovely smell at 10 mph.
But we got to make a quick stop at home to get ready for soccer because spring = soccer.
And it was a beautiful day for it. The temps were touching 80, it was blue and bright. They boys practiced, the tiny team and I played.
I wish I would have had more time to play but there was still a lot that had to be done and after all we will play again soon. It was just nice to enjoy the warmth. It was nice not to wear socks.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Maybe I take to many pictures of my kids?
Another doctor day was upon us. I had the four youngest with me today loaded them up and toted them off to the doctors. What a day! Disasters were happening from the beginning. I was not sure whither or not to send Evan to school today and pick him up for the doctors or keep him home causing less running for me but him missing an hour and a half in the morning. I left the decision up to him. And no that does not mean he will always stay home. My kids love school, Gregory always chooses to go to school and Evan it is dependent upon a lot of issues. But today at their school they were doing the Terra Nova test in grades 3-8 so I knew they would not be having monumental lesson plans for they younger kids either. In Pennsylvania, all public schools and some private take the PSSA. All the public schools in the area teach to the test. An enormous soapbox point for me. In fact the public elementary school the children are zoned for only teach reading and math during most of elementary school because that is what they are tested on. When I was teaching 1st grade Sunday school the kids knew they lived in PA but had no idea where it was on a map. When my husbands father died we had to give the class a geography lesson on where is PA, where is Washington State is and the difference between that and Washington D.C. It was an unfortunate eye opener, great kids terribly educated. I am so thankful for where my kids attend school. I love the school and the teachers. I can never say how blessed we are for there education. We value it so highly. Anyways so my kids take a different test called the Terra Nova Test, a standardized test that test in all areas of education. It is just a way for their school to show the world the kids are learning. Montessori is a completely different type of education, it makes so much sense. But it is too much to get into now. But quickly, Montessori does not test kids. Spelling test they do take each week in 1st-3rd but it is a little different. The grades they get don't really matter the teachers just want them to learn the words. For instance the children that can't sit there and write out the spelling words as dictated can take the test orally. Or they could show the kids a picture of the word and then they write it down. There are just so many options to see if the child knows the word and to help them spell it and their school will do which ever one works for all the children. Their spelling tests are not designed to pass or fail the child but to see if they are learning how to spell the word. And if they don't learn the words they continue working with them on it.
Since the school does not have test they do not expect the kids to pass the Terra Novas the first time because it is such a foreign concept to the children. Gregory took a pre test and passed it. Everything right. WOW! There is not pressure on the kids to pass just do what they know. And after 2 or 3 years taking the test the children all preform highly above grade level. Gregory took the real test this morning for hours which was his complaint. But unlike traditional schools these kids are allowed to stop and snack take a walk or what they need to refocus and continue. He still complained the test was long though. I don't know how he did I won't find out for a while but it does not matter that much to me because...
Every child is different and one test does not show their knowledge or potential.
But Evan chose to sleep in, ironically only a half an hour later than he normally gets up. And as I am a person who would love a good night of sleep, maybe someday?, I could understand his choice and why not. He even waved his brother off to school with the other children on the van. Okay maybe rubbing it in a little there.
What I did not know was somehow someone broke a 3 pound bag of berries I had for a pound cake disaster (you will not see me posting that recipe) in the fridge. When I opened it to get out milk for my coffee I saw a sticky, berry, huge, OMGoodness mess. Drop everything I have planned I now have to clean a fridge. Luckily it is a clean fridge, yeah me!! but this took half a roll of paper towels none the less plus a lot of bleach spray scrubbing and re washing over and over, 2 hours of over and over. I am glad Evan chose to stay home because I would have had such a hard time to drive out to his school and get him. God knows and he provides in the craziest ways sometimes. We were struggling with time.
But I got all four bathed and dressed cutely, because that matters so much as they are in diapers for the check up, but still. Sometimes as a mom you just want to present your best foot forward. My two March babies had their birthday check ups and both passed as super healthy and super active! It is never easy taking kids to the doctors lets alone the entire tiny team and Evan. Smiley came so the doctors would not hurt his sister. Awe!! Love those two! She still had to get shots which made her sick all night, good thing I was at school tonight :) sorry for your luck Dad. But he did not come to the fun fiasco we had all day so I guess it evened out in the end?
As soon as the kids got into the room they said mom take our picture. The nurse laughed. But I had forgot my phone or else I would have. It was all I could do to get us there on time with my hair still soaking wet from my shower I quickly jumped in before we left. I was braiding my hair in the lobby as we waited to be called in. Sometimes we do resemble a circus walking frantically into places but it is a small town and they know me so it is all good. The fact that the kids know I take pictures of everything about there lives make me laugh but happy. Happy because my memory sucks. And with out these pictures I would not always be able to remember. Without this blog I would not be able to remember. I hope they read it one day and learn about their lives. I blog for me, for the grandparents but also for them.
After the appointment I ran back home for my phone. And then back by the doctors office to pick up toy Smiley thought he left there which turned out to be under Gracie's seat!
Evan had asked if I could take him out for lunch today and of course yes. I was planning on taking him for tacos but I asked him where he wanted to go and he said Hoss it kind surprised me but where ever he wants that is NOT McDonald's is fine. It is a buffet steak house kind of restaurant out here. It is a chain out here but I do not no how far it extends. They had closed the one we used to go to and reopened a new one closer to the major highway cross section of 30 and 81. It was our first time there, in the new place. I actually did not like it but the 4 little ones did they had a good time and left with full bellies. And I left with lunch for 5 for $15 SCORE! (6 and under free.)
Gracie just ate apples she did not make too much of a dent in their budget
Faithy and salad, go figure. Smiley ate plates of fruit, jello, cheese, chips and some random stuff who knows. They seemed to like it.
But what they were are eating and waiting for was the ice cream. Evan had two bowls! I am sure his teachers were thanking me once I finally dropped him off for the last hour and a half of school, oh well.
Evan had a nice day at home and out to lunch and that was what was important. Every kid needs to feel special and once in a while missing a little school to have that I think is okay. You only have them for such a small amount of why not enjoy your kids every chance you get.
Since the school does not have test they do not expect the kids to pass the Terra Novas the first time because it is such a foreign concept to the children. Gregory took a pre test and passed it. Everything right. WOW! There is not pressure on the kids to pass just do what they know. And after 2 or 3 years taking the test the children all preform highly above grade level. Gregory took the real test this morning for hours which was his complaint. But unlike traditional schools these kids are allowed to stop and snack take a walk or what they need to refocus and continue. He still complained the test was long though. I don't know how he did I won't find out for a while but it does not matter that much to me because...
Every child is different and one test does not show their knowledge or potential.
But Evan chose to sleep in, ironically only a half an hour later than he normally gets up. And as I am a person who would love a good night of sleep, maybe someday?, I could understand his choice and why not. He even waved his brother off to school with the other children on the van. Okay maybe rubbing it in a little there.
What I did not know was somehow someone broke a 3 pound bag of berries I had for a pound cake disaster (you will not see me posting that recipe) in the fridge. When I opened it to get out milk for my coffee I saw a sticky, berry, huge, OMGoodness mess. Drop everything I have planned I now have to clean a fridge. Luckily it is a clean fridge, yeah me!! but this took half a roll of paper towels none the less plus a lot of bleach spray scrubbing and re washing over and over, 2 hours of over and over. I am glad Evan chose to stay home because I would have had such a hard time to drive out to his school and get him. God knows and he provides in the craziest ways sometimes. We were struggling with time.
But I got all four bathed and dressed cutely, because that matters so much as they are in diapers for the check up, but still. Sometimes as a mom you just want to present your best foot forward. My two March babies had their birthday check ups and both passed as super healthy and super active! It is never easy taking kids to the doctors lets alone the entire tiny team and Evan. Smiley came so the doctors would not hurt his sister. Awe!! Love those two! She still had to get shots which made her sick all night, good thing I was at school tonight :) sorry for your luck Dad. But he did not come to the fun fiasco we had all day so I guess it evened out in the end?
As soon as the kids got into the room they said mom take our picture. The nurse laughed. But I had forgot my phone or else I would have. It was all I could do to get us there on time with my hair still soaking wet from my shower I quickly jumped in before we left. I was braiding my hair in the lobby as we waited to be called in. Sometimes we do resemble a circus walking frantically into places but it is a small town and they know me so it is all good. The fact that the kids know I take pictures of everything about there lives make me laugh but happy. Happy because my memory sucks. And with out these pictures I would not always be able to remember. Without this blog I would not be able to remember. I hope they read it one day and learn about their lives. I blog for me, for the grandparents but also for them.
After the appointment I ran back home for my phone. And then back by the doctors office to pick up toy Smiley thought he left there which turned out to be under Gracie's seat!
Evan had asked if I could take him out for lunch today and of course yes. I was planning on taking him for tacos but I asked him where he wanted to go and he said Hoss it kind surprised me but where ever he wants that is NOT McDonald's is fine. It is a buffet steak house kind of restaurant out here. It is a chain out here but I do not no how far it extends. They had closed the one we used to go to and reopened a new one closer to the major highway cross section of 30 and 81. It was our first time there, in the new place. I actually did not like it but the 4 little ones did they had a good time and left with full bellies. And I left with lunch for 5 for $15 SCORE! (6 and under free.)
Gracie just ate apples she did not make too much of a dent in their budget
Faithy and salad, go figure. Smiley ate plates of fruit, jello, cheese, chips and some random stuff who knows. They seemed to like it.
But what they were are eating and waiting for was the ice cream. Evan had two bowls! I am sure his teachers were thanking me once I finally dropped him off for the last hour and a half of school, oh well.
Evan had a nice day at home and out to lunch and that was what was important. Every kid needs to feel special and once in a while missing a little school to have that I think is okay. You only have them for such a small amount of why not enjoy your kids every chance you get.
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