Pony Party Time!

Happy Birthday a little early Miss-O!

This weekend we are going camping and having O's party at the campground. I have been taking on the tradition of making the kids' cakes. Not sure when this started and I guess I'm neurotic enough not to stop!

Miss O picked My little pony party and here is the cake that I just finished today.

This cake will have to travel a few hours with the help of G&G Roberts.

Miss O smiled and liked her cake when I showed her.

This is made with the reference of Family Fun Birthday Cakes Book edited by Deanna F. Cook.
I couldn't find sour tape, so I found yogo roll-ups for the mane. Milk duds for eye and nostrils, rope licorice for eye lashes and smile........

DAY 9 = Turning Point!

Today was a turning point. C-man woke up and declared that he was going to be good today. I clarified his statement and told him that he has been good in school. I asked him if he was going to feel good today and he said yes. So this morning was a positive morning.

The walk to school was pleasant. We even found 16 Cicada shells that molted on one tree! I don't think those cicadas know what great positive influence they brought to C-man. He said he wanted to tell his teacher about the 16 Cicada shells. From that point on in the walk; he repeated his mantra, "16 Cicada shells, 16 Cicada shells."

He repeated this until he entered the classroom. His teacher complimented him on his good mood. He told her immediately about the 16 cicada shells that he found on the tree. He counted them all by himself. He told her the cicadas had molted.

Then he was off, busy finding his new table placement. I had to call to him to say good-bye.

That was it! Just took 9 days for C-man to get everything processed.

Thank You!

Hewo? Aunt Booke, Unckie Bent, Ayex, Jake, & Emma?

Thanks for the cool puwse, phone, and cama!

I took it to the gocey stow today and I yooked cute!

say CHEEEEEEEESE!
Just getting home from the grocery store.

Still Miss U!

Thursday night, Miss-O and Daddy were playing in the kids' room while C-man and I were snuggling and watching the Olympics. She found C-man's underwear and actually put them on all by herself! Paul brought her in to show us and we all had a nice giggle! She's got a great sense of humor......and maybe she's just trying another coping mechanism to remember C-man when he's gone all day at school! (next time honey, try to put on his clean underwear!)

It's been a teary week.....

It's been quite the week for C-man. I hope that this week will get better for him.
Monday: He had a good day.

Tuesday: He told me he cried at recess, but then he just stopped.

Wednesday: He cried when I dropped him off, and then he reported that he cried at lunch.

Thursday: He cried on the sidewalk to school then he stopped and said, "I guess I'm not as sad as I thought I was." Then he cried off/on all day. The teacher sent him to the nurse's office because he felt like he was going to throw-up since he got himself so worked up. No fever. The teacher then talked to him and settled him down.

Friday: He cried before leaving the house, I told him it's his last day and he replied "FOREVER?" "no honey, just for the week." He cried at the beginning of school and got the other kids crying. So the teacher took him to the guidance counselor and after he talked with her and read a book, he came back to class and he said he was going to have a good day and he did!
(The guidance counselor is magical! I wonder if she has a book out or will sell her secrets?)

After school on Friday, he told me he liked school better than home......whatever frame of mind he needs to have to keep him going and liking school is fine with me, I won't take any offense by it!

So we are praying for courage and strength this week for C-man.

My New Personal Trainer

Thanks Lover, C-man, and Miss-O for the great cards and for the Wii fit. This is a cool device. It clocks, my weight, height, BMI. It also senses my balance, tells me if I'm standing on one leg more than the other and will help develop my core. Lord knows that this can help my back. It has Yoga, Strength training, balance games, and aerobic exercises........we'll see if I can get to my target BMI in the next 3 months!

Thanks to all who gave me birthday wishes yesterday. It was a pretty normal day. Miss O and I had a girl's day and went shopping and she took me out to Bennigan's for my favorite Kilkenny's salad.

On my way to school yesterday morning, I was thinking that never in my mind would I think that I would be spending my 32nd birthday walking my son to school while pushing my almost 2 year old in the stroller. God is so good! He also provided me a wonderful husband that's very supportive, helpful, and loving! Can't ask for better gifts than these!

Miss U!

Miss O climbed up to C-man yesterday at breakfast and snuggled up with him and C-man snuggled back. She also wanted to call him on the phone yesterday. I think it's finally sinking in that he's gone for the day and that she's starting to miss him.

Goin' to the Farm

This past weekend, we went up to see G&G Mehmen. We love going to the Farm!

We had a lot of great experiences and most importantly had fun and relaxed!

We husked the corn so that My mom and I could freeze corn.

The kids spent most of their time on the swings and in the sand box. Here's C-man showing his art of pumping! He started to that this summer and he's pretty proud!

"The Rock" one that I used to play on as a child and now C-man can climb up it without difficulty.

Cousins at play! Miss O was getting a push from Jady and C-man and Jeremey was adjusting the swings.

Miss O warmed up to Papa and was feeding him a "nack."

Other fun things we did on the farm.

• hung out on Papa's new deck that he made
• Had a camp fire and grilled hot dogs
• helped Grandpa build a new basketball hoop
• Helped Grandma with corn
• found the rocking horse and rode on it
• found zucchini & tomatoes in the garden
• ate fresh lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, corn and zucchini from Grandma's Garden
• Rode the four-wheeler with Daddy
• Rode on the skid-loader with Grandpa
• Saw a crop-duster up close but in the air
• enjoyed Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Paula, Uncle Rob, Jeremey and Jaydin.
  

First Day of School

Ready to Go!

Here's C-man taking his official 1st day of school picture! He was excited and nervous.

I could tell when I gave him a hug and told him that I loved him and that I was proud of him and he told me that he loved me and that he was proud of me too....then he giggled and said, "I just said I was proud of you, Mom." When I left the classroom, he looked a bit petrified. He later told me that he almost cried but didn't. Later, when I saw him at lunch time, he gave me a thumbs up and that's all I needed to know that he was okay and comfortable in his settings.

He was excited to see old preschool friends; Deylin, Luke and Kaylynn at the playground.

Paul, O, & I went to pick up C-man after school yesterday. He said he liked school. He had a good day. We do good/bad part of the day and everyone has a turn to talk about their day. He said the good part was when he drew picture of him and Daddy and he even drew the sky and the grass! He didn't have a bad part. (yeah!)
He thought he didn't have to go until Wednesday, but I had to give him the news that he'd be going to school everyday!

Kindergarten Jitters

So it's not really C-man who has the jitters, it's his Mommy.

I have the feeling like I did before I went on stage for school play; excited & nervous and in the end I'd be okay once in the swing of it.

This afternoon, C-man and I will be meeting his teacher, his room, ride on a school bus, and eat ice cream. That will be fun and we are looking forward to it.

Since I blindly signed up to be Homeroom Parent, I will be meeting other parents and the kids as they come through the classroom. I have to collect party funds and find volunteers for the party. My first approach is going at it gently by having sign-up sheets. Second approach will be more assertive by calling them. *cough, hack* From a previous blog, you know how much I LOVE the phone!

I called my older sister for some "Kindergarten Mommy Anxiety" advice today. She said it's like a virus and it will just have to run its course. So I'm just going to bear down and embrace it. She also mentioned that this ""Mommy Anxiety" will relapse again in 6yrs, then 3yrs after that and then 4yrs after that.........rest assured; she provided me something a good friend of hers provided her.

Philippians 4:13
"I have the strength for everything through Christ who empowers me."

(Paula, I have it written on a paper & on my refrigerator now. Thanks Big Sister!)

"I'm So Pretty, Oh So Pretty!"

"LISTICK!"

Guess who found Grandma Roberts' purse?

Guess who found Grandma Roberts' lipstick?

Step 1: Apply the "Listick"

Step 2: Pucker up and say cheese with those pretty lips!

Snip, Snip

SNIFF, SNIFF, DAB, DAB

I'm dabbing a little tear right now. My little girl got her very first hair cut. It was a hard decision to let those long baby wisps be snipped off; but I knew that she was outgrowing her "baby-mullet." No more piggy tails for awhile.....but she looks so cute now!.....

and....grown up!

BEFORE FRONT VIEW

BEFORE BACK VIEW

AFTER FRONT VIEW

AFTER BACK VIEW

Do the Zoo!

Instead of going to the State Fair this summer, we came up with an alternative decision. Something that is fun, has animal, cheaper and not shoulder to shoulder with people; the zoo! I love the zoo here, it takes about two hours to go through, add a half hour if we eat there and then home in time for Miss-o's nap.

This is a precious picture of C-man making sure that Miss-O gets to the train station. He told me he was afraid she'd run to the river, so he asked for her hand and she held on.
Playing at the New Kingdom Playground.
Hang on tight! Also another photo at the New Kingdom Playground.

Mommy's secret Highlight of the trip would be...........the Tortoise, rather the two of them.
C-man says, "Look Mom, that Turtle is trying to climb over the rock. Hey Mom, that rock looks like another turtle." I look over and the turtle on the top starts to moan....oh, dear! Usually the Tortoise is not even moving, this was the most action I'd ever seen out of the turtle. So I just comment that the turtle must be having a hard time getting over the big rock and left it like that.....no need to explain things so soon! Mommies and Daddies were giving each other a knowing smile and chuckle as the kids were excited to see the turtle make noise......mother nature at its best!

GO USA!

Gymnastics

Last night we watched USA Gymnastics and the kids got inspired! Oh, the spirit of the Olympics!
At first, Miss-O saw the floor exercises and I heard her say, "My do that too." and she flipped over unto the hard wood floor and into the TV stand..OUCH! Then Big Brother showed her how to use the pillows on the floor and tumble and somersault on them. Then the show began. C-man figured out a way to do a head stand and so Miss-O wanted to do one too with the help of Big Brother. So here are the picks of our future Olympic gymnasts.......may their dreams always come true!

Good News!

• I found out that my Manager is going to okay me being a clinical instructor for two days out of the week.
• I found out that I'll be an instructor on 3E in the hospital that I work at already.
• I found out that I'll be working with LPN students.
• I'm still working 7a-2p, but will get 15 hours for each day due to paperwork.
• Now, I'm just waiting for my mentor to call me and get things coordinated.......time is ticking away and I haven't heard anything yet....not sure how much work I'll have to put into pre/post clinicals until He/She gets a hold of me and we have a meeting.......

Yeah Me!

I took a risk tonight! Something small, but a big deal to me. Never have I thought to go to a movie by myself. In fact, I don't know if I've ever seen someone go to a movie by themselves. Or I just wasn't paying attention. I guess I've always thought of going to a movie with someone or a group of people. A time to share with someone else. I've never had the courage to go by myself; how pathetic would I be? OR, how sad am I?

Well, I was talking with a co-worker and she said that she does this every now and then. She pampers herself for the day. She says that she gives herself a mani/pedi, then goes to a movie all by herself.

She gave me a whole new outlook on going to the movies per uno. So, I was inspired and thought that I would give it a shot. It would be some "me time." without the grooming, I don't have time for all that pampering quite yet. Well, I wasn't sure how to implement this challenge until it all just fell into place.

I was just finishing up on the audio book: "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" when I saw a preview for #2 on TV. Wow! This was my chance to try my challenge. I made up my mind on the date. Had a wonderful Father-in-law that watched the kids, and went!

So, now I'm having post-single-movie-celebration!

By the way, cute movie! I cried and laughed and cried some more..............ahhhhh, it was worth the $11.75..............(movie & drink)

Murphy's Park

I see you!
Mr. Tricky man
Land Ahoy! Miss O is steering the big playground ship.
Mr. Monkey, climbing on the monkey bars.
Snow cones for a cool-down snack.

Our Illusions

Look what C-man can do, flip himself right over.....so flexible! Do I see painted toe-nails?
That's where C-man got his ability. Mommy can do it too! Wow, her back must feel much better.....and look at those skinny legs!

C-man and I were being goofy this morning and discovered a great illusion for the camera!

GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FUN, GOOD FOOD!

WE WENT TO A DIFFERENT WADING POOL TODAY, THIS ONE IS SOMEWHAT NEW AND SERVES FREE FOOD FOR LUNCH! HERE'S C-MAN & E-MAN CHECKING OUT TRANSFORMERS. THEY'VE BEEN TOGETHER SINCE C WAS 15 MONTHS OLD. THEY PLAY SO WELL TOGETHER AND WHEN WE GET TOGETHER, THEY START OFF WHERE THEY LEFT BEHIND. C WANTED TO GET TOGETHER BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED. WE'RE HOPING FOR SOME TIME TOGETHER DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK.
THIS IS MISS O BEFORE OUR DEPARTURE, LOVE HER PIGGY-TAILS TODAY!
THIS IS LITTLE A-MAN, HE LOVED THE WATER AND WAS VERY ADVENTUROUS TODAY. MISS O STAYED CLOSE BY MOMMY, MOMMY THINKS IT IS BECAUSE IT WAS A NEW PLACE AND NOT A COMFORT ZONE FOR HER.

I GOT MY "KAREN FIX" THIS MORNING, A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE FOR A GOOD 5 YEARS NOW. SINCE I WENT PART-TIME, IT IS HARD TO SEE HER AT WORK AND CATCH-UP.

I ADMIRE KAREN SO MUCH! SHE IS SO GOOD AT GETTING OUT AND ABOUT WITH HER BOYS. I'M SOMEWHAT OF A 50%HOME-BODY/50%OUT-OF-THE-HOUSE-BODY. SO SHE INSPIRES ME TO GET OUT AND DO THINGS WITH THE KIDS.

It's not summer without corn-on-the-cob!

Sunday Night's Menu:

Hamburgers on the grill

Fresh Stand Tomatoes

Fresh Stand Sweet Corn

Strawberries

Miss-O finally dives into her first corn-on-the-cob this summer.
C-man goes to town on the cob, he loves it and will eat many ears!

Worth the Wait!

Our 3 hour travels on Saturday was a nice one....when it was time for lunch, O yelped out a bit...and when we were almost at our destination, she started to yelp....otherwise it was nice.....but once in awhile, I would here, "Are we there yet?" from C-man.

It was all worth the wait!

We visited my dear friend, Jeanne and her daughter Natalie. We cooled off at the pool. The kids played and played. Jeanne and I talked and talked.

I got my "Jeanne Fix" ! It was so nice to catch up. The kids always enjoy each other too!

It was worth the drive and we'd do it again anytime!

C-man and Natalie hiding in her "hiding spot" I found them and they were surprised!
Miss O loved all of Natalie's toys and babies.....and the Tigger chair.

Summer Days

Lazy, Crazy, Hazy Dayz of Summer!

We've been enjoying our Chicago visitors this past week. C-man and O, G&G Roberts, Aunt Cindy, Liz & Dave all went to see the Hot Air Balloons on Wed. night.......Thursday, the kids played in G&G's pool in the backyard. Friday, we went to the wading pool in the am and had a picnic lunch there....Friday night, we had a nice dinner that G. Roberts made and hung out, played and chatted.

Aunt Cindy and Liz
"murin" was enjoying the water and the toys.....
Dave and C-man playing catch.
Time to spray off and stay cool!
Yum! Picnic lunch....gogurts are refreshing!