Jingle Bell 5K

A friend challenged me to start running a few months ago.  We found an online program that uses interval training to get you started...I've posted about it before.  So Dec 6 was my first "race."  Actually, we took a group of 17 women (plus a few kids and Jace) to either run or walk the 5K.  It was cold and it snowed for a while.  We even had a little freezing rain or sleet (I don't really know what the difference is).  The run was WONDERFUL!!!  I absolutely LOVED it!!  I ran way more than I thought I could, only walking a few times here and there.  I don't know my exact time yet but I finished in about 35 minutes!!  I totally surprised myself.  I finished 117th overall...I don't know how many there were in the race though.

Along with walking, Jace was our photographer...

I have just passed mile marker 2 I think at this point...I was feeling a little worn out but a friend was just a  little ahead so I worked to catch her!  Yeah!
This is not all of us but several of us got together for a picture!  It was so much fun!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We had a wonderful thanksgiving this year!  The entire Young side of the family except Heather and Lauren (who both had to work) were together!  It was SO SO SO much fun!!!

Grandma and Grandpa came down and gave the boys their Christmas gifts while they were visiting.  The boys loved it.  

Just a little funny!

So, I gave each of the big boys a piece of chocolate from their Trick or Treating after lunch.  They are slowly eating it and Maverick comes up to me with teeth all coated with chocolate.  Even his words sound sticky!  He says "Mommy" and then waits....I look at him and smile.  He holds up what's left of his chocolate bar and says "...this...is...great."

I have to say I agree!

The Cutest Pirates EVER!!!

So trick or treating is tonight...which I just learned this morning so I frantically finished their costumes today.  We got all dressed up and ready to go early so we could go outside and get some pictures in the daylight.  Oh my goodness, they are just stinkin' cute!!!  Of course, I may be biased...but I dare you to argue!!!  

Farmhouse Biology!

Today, Aiden asked if we knew how a rooster loves a hen.  We answered no, we don't.  I was curious to where this was going but not so sure I wanted to know what he thought.  Oh well, nothing like plunging in.  He tells me that the rooster jumps on her, like this.  He then jumps with both feet forward a few inches.  Nanny asked where Aiden learned this and he said, "I can see him do it out in the yard."  For those of  you who don't have chickens in your yard...this is the mating style of chickens.  The rooster jumps on a hen's back and grabs her comb (the red thing on the tops of their heads).  It only lasts a few seconds but it is disturbing (or it was for me the first few times I saw it).  I actually thought he was attacking the hens the first few times and would chase them and make him go away...oops!  Aiden has apparently noticed and drawn the conclusion that is how a rooster loves a hen!

And people think you have to have a book to learn!

New exercise goal!

OK, I am going to start this with a disclaimer...I HATE running! I have never liked it. I even got doctor's notes in high school so I wouldn't have to run the mile in that physical fitness thing we did every year! I HATE IT!!! With that being said, my friend, Cherish, has challenged me! She found a website called www.c25k.com What on earth is that...well it stands for Couch to 5K. Can you guess what that means?....yep, I have started running! Yesterday, in fact, was my first day. From this website, I downloaded music to use on my walk. I think they call it "interval training." So I walk for a while and then when the little door bell sound rings I am supposed to jog. Yesterday, I jogged 7 minutes out of a 25 minute workout. It wasn't so bad! Although after typing that it makes me think of "Pavlov's dog."...that's his name right? Next thing you'll know I'll ring a doorbell and feel the sudden urge to start jogging!! So if you see me running away from someone's door...ring the bell again...I'll go back to a walk...it's in my training!

The goal is to be able to run a 5K this spring. The website says you'll be ready in 9 weeks...so that gives us a few extra. I'm realistic...if I make it AT ALL I am going to need a few extra weeks!

So, we'll see how long I last with this running thing. Maybe longer than one would think since I have a horrible competitive streak and I don't want Cherish to "beat" me...I have to at least try to keep up!

The Unplanned Day!

Yesterday I didn't have any MAJOR plans for the day. I was just going to clean up the house and get laundry taken care of and have school with the boys. And I wanted to get ready for my first Book Show (since the first 2 didn't go well). But I got 2 emails early in the morning that changed all that.

The first was about a chest freezer that someone wanted to give away! Yippee! Now we have a freezer that is empty and since the other one is FULL and deer season is just starting that is a blessing!!

The second was about a pear tree that is LOADED with pears and the owners don't want them and are getting tired of picking the rotting ones out of their yard! Yippee, again!! I called the family and asked if we could get some in an hour or so and they said sure...on one condition...that we take the whole tree! haha! I said I would gladly take the whole tree but it wouldn't fit in my van! So off we went with my mom to pick pears! And holy smokes were there A LOT of pears. We ended up canning 28 pints worth and have some left over for eating and baking with. Unfortunately the ignitor on my oven just quit working so I can't bake right now...but they will last until it is fixed. In the process of picking pears Aiden and Maverick made a new friend!

Then, I got ready for the book party and it went FABULOUS!! Amy (the hostess) had 9 guests and we had a great time!! The food was great and all was figure friendly...thanks, Amy!

Talk about not the day I had "planned" but so much better for it!!

Maverick's Trick at Nanny's house

Nanny had all 3 boys this morning while I went to a meeting. Halfway through the morning she started smelling something hot. She asked the boys over and over...do you smell something to which they answered "no." She didn't get too excited about it but kept looking for whatever the problem was.

Then she found it.

Maverick had put one of his favorite plastic cars on a light bulb! And what happens to plastic when it gets hot...it smells hot and it melts. Oops! Car is ruined...not sure about the lamp. But the quilt hanging on the quilt rack just a few inches above the lamp did not catch fire. So I guess we'll be thankful for small blessings...and Maverick!

Whew! It has been a LONG time! I have been really busy trying to get started with Usborne Books! My first two parties did not go exceptionally well....mine was on parent teacher conference night (Oops...didn't know that!) and my second hostess got the flu! :( But things are rolling now and I am excited and know it has to get better (afterall...it can't really get worse.)

Anway, things are going really well around here. We lit the first fire of the season in our wood stove last night and it was SO cozy. I just love the wood heat!

Well, I don't really have anything else going on. I will try to be on here more often again. Sometimes I have a hard time getting blogger to let me post at all so I quit cause I'm so frustrated.

Later!

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

What:  My Usborne Books Kickoff party!

When: Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 pm

Where: my house

Why: To kick off my business and help you build your home library with wonderful books!

You can check out my site at www.bookschick.com.

At my website there is an option to email me.  I can give you directions that way since this is a public forum.  Let me know if you can make it and how many friends you are bringing!  I can't wait to see you!

For anyone interested in booking a party, visit my site and send me a note or let me know however it works for you.  I can give several hostesses DOUBLE FREE BOOKS in the next couple of months!!!!  You could get everything you need for your Christmas gifts for  your family members.  It is a great deal!!

See you on Thursday!

ONE MORE POST!!!

Cause I am SO EXCITED!!!!  I am going to a party tonight and was trying to find something that fits right...and in searching I found my favorite "skinny jeans."  So just to torture myself a little...I tried them on AND THEY FIT!!! Not the kind of fit that you lay down on the bed to get them to button and then they stay buttoned and don't cut off any circulation as long as you stay standing or laying...where sitting is impossible.  They actually fit and I am leaving the house in them.  Granted, they have a little stretch...but that isn't cheating...it is using your resources wisely.  Here is a picture of a "happy in her skinny jeans" me!!!!!

Aiden can Add?

OK, I know I am posting a lot today but this is just unbelievable to me.

At lunch today I was going over the concept of "one more."  As in "what is 1 more than 1?"  "what is 1 more than 2?"  Pretty simple.  Then we were talking about the number of corn dogs they were eating.  Aiden ate 2 and Maverick asked for 2 and is looking at the second one.  I asked Maverick to eat his other corn dog and he told me Aiden could eat it.  I said Aiden did not need to eat three corn dogs in one meal.  So I said Aiden already had 2 corn dogs cause 1+ 1 = ?  and Aiden said 2.  Then I started asking...

2+2 =

3+3 =

2+3 =

5+5 =

3+4 =

3 + 4 is the ONLY one Aiden didn't get right on his first answer.  He even kinda looked at me like I was dumb for asking these questions.  I have NO IDEA how he learned this.  I was debating doing a math curriculum with him this year.  A part of me wishes I had gotten it cause he is apparently ready...but another part of me thinks WHY?  He is learning how to add with NO curriculum at all!  So I'm going to keep doing nothing in the math area...and then "test" him in a few more months...maybe he'll be able to do algebra!  lol

I only wish his table manners were as "advanced" and self taught.

A NIght Outside!

Last night on the way home from church, Aiden asked if we could look at the stars when we got home.  It was a beautiful clear night so, although it was a bit chilly, I said I thought that was a great idea. 

We got home and put Griffin in his bed since he was already asleep and isn't quite big enough for stargazing.  Then Shane, the big boys, and I all laid on the front porch under a blanket and looked at the stars.  We saw a couple shooting stars, a few more airplanes, and talked about what stars are and how far away they are and all that.  We talked about constellations but didn't find any because it would be hard to point them out to the boys at this age.  We saw the Milky Way.  

It was a nice way to end the day!  A memory to keep for a long time!!!

Weight Loss Challenge!

So I weighed in this morning and I lost 2 lbs this week.  Yeah!!  That makes my TOTAL weight loss percentage 6.8%.  I will take that!!  I am close to getting in the next "decade" down and I am thrilled with that.  I was actually in that lower decade for 2 days earlier this week but didn't stay there.  :(   Overall, I have about 10 more pounds to lose.

I have walked about 1 mile every morning before Shane leaves for work.  It is wonderful!!  I listen to music, walk, and watch the sun come up.  It gives me time to myself to start the day and I find I have much more patience than I did before.  But it is not unending which is what I really need but it is better!  This morning I started a 10 minute pilates set after my walk and Maverick "caught" me and wants to do exercises so we'll likely do another later.  I LOVE pilates!

The "bad" news is that none of my jeans fit anymore.  I have saggy  butt in every pair I own but I don't want to buy new pairs cause I am hoping to skip a size...so I am wearing a belt and dealing with saggy butt.  I still have a few shirts that fit ok.  My friend Cherish bought me a shirt last spring that says "Before Kids...whine was a beverage."  Unfortunately, at that time it should have said, "Before kids...I may have been able to wear this shirt and not look like a tube sausage."  I have yet to wear it out of the house.  It has become something of a "goal shirt."  Well, I tried it on Tuesday night and I could wear it with a pair of looser fitting pants (but not big enough to create bulk) if I weren't going to sit, eat, or maybe breathe.  Believe it or not...that is an improvement so I am getting there!

OK, this has become much longer than intended!  The point is...the weight loss challenge is going great!!!!!

I did it!

On the day the stock market dropped more than it ever has in history....

I ordered my kit to start selling Usborne books!!

Ok, so the timing may be a little scary but I am still so so so excited!!!  I have wanted to do this for a year and a half and I am so pleased to finally be able to move forward with this.  So if any of you are in need of a book or would like to have a party, just let me know.

If you've never heard of Usborne Books at Home, you can visit my NEW website at www.ubah.com/Y2288   

Yeah!  There is a link to email me on my page also.  Can't wait to to hear from all of you and set you up with a party.  Oh and my first 20 hostesses can get a special prizes!

                   

Back to Normal!

I enjoyed posting about Hearts at Home last week and sharing what a wonderful ministry it is for moms.  But I have to say I am glad to be back to my normal ramblings today.

Last week was another week of "milestones."  Aiden turned 5.  How is that even possible?  He has grown so much and gotten so big.  It is unbelievable!!!  He also has given up on naps...although I am hoping for one today after a late night and an early morning.  I really do kinda enjoy the quiet time with him...but I also enjoy some quiet time alone.  

I also started getting up at about 6 (when Shane gets back from  his bike ride) and going for a walk.  I go a little over a mile.  My only day "off" is Sunday for now until I get the habit established.  Today I actually walked and jogged.  I just love it (well not the jogging part yet but I've been told that you start liking it eventually)!  I listen to music and watch the sun come up.  It is a great way to start the day.  My energy is so much higher all day!!  My house is even cleaner since I've started walking...are the two related?  I don't know and I don't care!

And Griffin is weaned.  He was only nursing at night before bed and Wednesday night after church he just didn't seem to care.  So I just gave him a little sippy cup of milk and that was the end.  He hasn't nursed since.  It is a little bittersweet.  He is my last baby and now he is getting so big too.  But there are new and different stages to start enjoying.  And the joy of wearing a real bra again is just wonderful!!!  It changes a woman I tell ya!  Anyway, Griffin is also walking a lot now.  They are still hesitant steps but he is trying to get around that way.  So sweet!  

We started learning about the first day of Creation in school.  So we studied light, opposites (as in God separated light and dark), different ways people have lit their homes through history, etc.  Aiden is also doing some handwriting.  Maverick wants the "power to read" but I told him I won't sit down and teach him that until he poops in the potty.

As far as my weight loss goes I lost 1.6 lbs.  Not great but I'll take it.  The "2nd week slump" on Biggest Loser was encouraging.  Some of those people didn't lose any and they worked LOTS harder and have lots more to lose.  So I am just keeping at it.  I"ll get there.  I confess that I weighed this morning and seem to be doing pretty good so far this week....I hope I keep going!!

So that is the wrap up of last week and all that is going on.  Later!

AND THE WINNER IS....

Ok, first a disclaimer...I know I didn't post about Hearts at Home the last couple of days. I just got too busy. Again, if you would like to go...I will be going (with Cherish) and you are invited. It is well worth it. If cost is prohibitive, they do offer "scholarships" I think.

Secondly, to check out Hearts at Home and their ministry visit their website at www.hearts-at-home.org.

OK...now for the winner...

Harried Harris Mommy- Congratulations!!! Maverick drew your name out of a hat for me. Email me and I'll give you the link and you can choose your book!

And we'll be back to regular posting this week!

Some FAQS about Hearts at Home

according to me...

You can check out all they have to offer at their website www.hearts-at-home.org. 

The national conference is in Normal, IL.  This is where I attended.  They also have conferences listed in Grand Rapids, MI and Rochester, MN.  There is also an international Mom's Day Out!

This year's national conference (well, the next one) is March 13 and 14 at Illinois State University in Normal, IL.  I will be going so if any are interested...let me know...the more the merrier!  

A few notes about the conference.  No children are allowed...even nursing babies.  Although this made me sad because I couldn't go last year, it is nice to have a place where there are no children and you can just be with other moms.  We got lunch at the conference both days.  It was a nice picnic lunch.  We got a "fast lunch."  You have less time to eat and we sat on the floor in a hallway (with a BUNCH of other people) but it was fine.  There is a slow lunch option but then you miss a class each day.  We figured we can go out for a nice lunch another time.  It was perfect.  There is also dinner served before the Mom's Night Out if you choose that option.  We did and I think I would again.  The food was pretty good (lasagna I think) and it meant we were right in the building and could choose good seats.  Many leave and go to a restaurant for dinner though.  Parking is rough but they work hard to make it work.  Everyone is so friendly.  The classes offered are on a WIDE range of subjects so there would be something for EVERYONE!!!  If you can...you really should go!!!

Well, Griffin is upset with me for one reason or another so I need to go.  

But before I do...DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE CONTEST!!!!

Getting the Giggles!! Another Hearts at Home post!

OK, so first a disclaimer...I am stealing a thought that Cherish (her link is in the left column) shared last week.  It is not SPECIFICALLY about the conference either.  It is about having fun with other moms.  My friend Cherish, another mom Kindra and I all decided to go up a day early and do some shopping.  I had just found out I was pregnant with our third child and wanted some new maternity pants (even though I couldn't wear them yet).  And who couldn't use a day walking mindlessly through a mall...although I enjoy the food court more than the stores most of the time.  

We checked into our hotel and met an interesting character at the front desk.  He was very feminine and had only one front tooth...but it was centered instead of like he was missing a tooth and it was huge.  This is mean but picture Larry the Cucumber.  It was very distracting as he spoke and while we were getting directions to the mall, Cherish got the giggles.  Not just little giggles but SERIOUS giggles.  She finally had to walk away.  You know the giggles that you just can't shake.  After we got outside we all collapsed in a fit of giggles.  People walking by probably thought we had all gone crazy!

But, although the poor man (who was dubbed Snaggletooth by another lady that we knew in our hotel)should not have been the target of our giggles, it was great to just laugh.  So often as a mom, I feel like I am constantly putting out fires of one kind or another,   Share your toys, do to others as you would have them do to you, leave the baby's face alone, share, where are you, did you poop in your pants, share,  eat your dinner, don't spit, no bubbles in your cup, blah, blah, blah...and I laugh and play with my kids too.  I laugh at the same knock knock joke OVER and OVER even though it wasn't funny the first time, I compliment all their little accomplishments like wiping all by themselves and FINALLY eating their lunch, we celebrate each day that we can.  And I do fun things with other moms...but rarely without at least one of my kids if not all three.  But to really "let myself go" with no one to take care of but me.  It was like coming up for air and was so refreshing and fun!!!

I guess the point of this is that although I learned a lot at Hearts at Home...taking the time for FUN with just other moms, who appreciate the same jokes as you do, is another wonderful blessing of Hearts at Home. And how often do we really get that chance to just get the giggles and enjoy them without having to try to set a good example.

DON'T FORGET to enter the contest.  The question is posted in yesterday's post.

Hearts at Home!

Two years ago, I was invited, for the first time, to attend Hearts at Home.  I had been to Women of Faith and I loved that.  But this was a little different.  It wasn't just for women...it was for moms.  Moms who stay at home and those who don't.  It was for all moms who want to raise healthy, happy, well-rounded, Christian children.  It was for moms who feel stretched thin and stressed out.  For moms who have everything all put together on the outside but are falling apart on the inside and for those of us who it is apparent some things are falling apart.  It is also for the perfect mom who does everything right and really needs no help (hey, the rest of us need someone to roll our eyes at right?)  Moms of boys and girls; only children and many and multiples.  Happily married moms, not so happily married moms and single moms.  Moms of babies, moms of toddlers, moms of preteens, and although I don't know for sure, moms of grandbabies (AKA grandmothers).  It was described as a work conference for moms, a place to learn skills to make me better mom.  I was interested, very interested and my best friend Cherish and I decided to go.

It was a weekend away.  Things were scheduled for a Friday and Saturday...although you can attend just one of the 2 days.  Friday night was  "Mom's Night Out!"

We registered for both days and chose the classes that we were interested in.  I picked some on disciplining young children and chores, building marriage relationships, starting mom's Bible studies, etc.  When we got our schedule we found out what workshops we got in to.  Although, honestly, if I didn't get into one I REALLY wanted...I went anyway and skipped the one I was "assigned."  I think there were 4 sessions each day along with the main sessions with everyone together.  

It was a WONDERFUL weekend.  I learned a lot and have forgotten a lot of it too.  But we laughed (sometimes till we cried), and we just cried some too.  We sang and worshipped.  We talked to other moms.  And we shopped...oh I forgot to mention the TWO HUGE ROOMS full of booths to buy things....Hearts at Home stuff, books for kids and for us, shirts, jewelry, cards, so much stuff!!!  

So this is the first post of a whole week of posts dedicated to Hearts at Home.  I am going to write each day (I hope) something about this wonderful ministry.  

Also, Hearts at Home is sponsoring a CONTEST on my blog!  So I have a question for you.  Leave a comment with your answer and you will go into a drawing for a Hearts at Home book.  Here is your question.

**If you had a whole free afternoon and you had showered and needed no extra rest and your house was clean and you had some extra money that you could afford to do something...what would it be?  Where would you go and what would you do?  And would you go alone or with friends?**

From the mouths of babes!

So this morning we were getting dressed and Maverick was putting on his "tank top undershirt" and it got stuck like this on his head.  And he looks up and says..

"Look, I'm Jesus."

Apparently, he has noticed the head coverings of Bible times.  Maybe on his coloring pages in Sunday School.  

My weekly weigh in!!

So I weighed in yesterday but with lots of outside stuff going on I didn't share.  I lost 6 lbs last week.  Before we all get too excited about it though I should make 3 disclaimers.  1. I weighed in on different scales.  2.  I ate enough Mexican food last week before weighing in to feed a small elephant for the day.  3.  Last week I weighed fully clothed (the other library patrons were thankful I'm sure although no one said anything...so rude LOL) after eating supper.  Yesterday I woke up, peed, and weighed in my underwear (hey...clothes have to weigh SOMEthing).  

But all in all I lost 6 lbs.  And I'll take it.  My biggest accomplishment I think for the week is that I walked EVERY day.  I am not sure how far I've been going but I got out and I walked and I never missed.  Even yesterday I was irritated about something and instead of eating (which is my normal response)...I went for a walk.  I have also counted all my calories all week!  Yeah!

Of course, we are going to the fall festival tomorrow so.........things aren't looking good for the weekend.  They don't exactly have a diet "Carnival" food stand!

Trouble with Rhyming!

Today at lunch Aiden started rhyming words.  Boat, goat, float, soat (I mentioned this is not a word), etc.  Then I said "What is something you wear when it is cold outside that rhymes with those words?"  His eyes lit up and he answered, "Jacket!"  I told him that you wear that outside in the cold but it doesn't rhyme.  He looked at me and said "Oh yeah,...coat."

So we got there.  I don't think he listened to the entire question before answering.  He was just so excited!  LOL

A New Goal!

So last week, with a couple friends, I joined a weight loss challenge.  It is 10 weeks (I think).  It ends the week BEFORE thanksgiving (whew!!!)  We weighed in for the first time on Thursday night after eating a huge Mexican meal and drinking lots of water.  We wanted our first weigh ins high, right!?!?!?!   There are 5 of us on the team, all with different specific goals.  We have names ourselves "The Wannabes!"  Why? you may ask.  Well, it is simple.  Although we all have different specific goals we ALL "wannabe" skinny!!  Ha, ha...thanks MamaGene for the inspiring name!

Since then I have been tracking calories on sparkpeople.  It is a great site where you can log the food you eat and it tracks your calories for you.  I can also track other important nutrients...calcium, iron, fiber and a number of others.  It helps you set goals for amounts of water to drink and everything.  I even get an example menu (which I rarely follow but it gives me ideas).  I also enter all the exercise I do each day....walking, gardening (today) and Pilates for cardio.  And it gives me strength training 3 days per week (which is the goal I chose).  It is a great site and is REALLY helping me.  

Also, this is a site where I find recipes to try.  Some are healthy and others are not but it has all the nutrition info included.  You can also use a recipe calculator on that site and you type in your favorite recipe and include number of servings and it tells you your nutrition info for each serving.  It is very handy.  

Several of us on the team (well, I know Cherish and I) are watching Biggest Loser on Tuesday nights too.  It is fun to watch and is inspiring.  I am so glad I have not gotten as unhealthy as some of the contestants and it is makes me appreciate the relatively easy job I have to get healthy and slim again.  

Anyway, like Biggest Loser, I will be weighing once a week (on Thursday) and I will report my losses (and hopefully NO gains).   Unlike like Biggest Loser though, there will be no pictures of me in a sports bra, so have no fear to visit again.  Your eyes will be protected from that!

The beginning of the end...

in more ways than one!

I breast fed all 3 boys for some length of time.  Aiden for almost a year, Maverick for 5 months and I am pushing a year with Griffin.  After a discussion with Shane last night, we decided that I would start weaning Griffin.  I have been thinking about it for while but he is just now 10 1/2 months and I didn't want to do it too soon.  The doctor says I need to nurse him till he is a year but I am just ready to give it up and I think he is too.  He has only been nursing before nap and before bed.  If we are out and about he skips the nap-time one with ease.  So I am cutting that one first.  Today was the first day and it has gone great.  He went down for his nap easily with a cup of milk and then some rocking and, of course, Puppy blanket.  He is sleeping peacefully.  Yeah!  I am planning to have him weaned by around the start of October...only a month earlier than recommended...not too shabby.

The other end isn't as exciting for me.  Aiden seems to be giving up naps altogether.  It makes me sad because  a little quiet time for me during the day makes for a much happier mommy.  That makes me feel a little selfish BUT who doesn't need a break.  It is also hard cause he doesn't play quietly very well and I feel like I am telling him to be quiet for the WHOLE afternoon while the little guys are sleeping.  But he is growing up and I guess this is to be expected.  He is sleeping in a little longer but that doesn't help me cause the little guys still get up at 6:30 or so.  I am going to start adding a little to his school day while the little boys are napping....some handwriting and bigger boy memory work (like his address and phone number).  I am also trying to read Charlotte's Web aloud.  Once I get it settled in my brain that he isn't going to nap, I think it will actually be nice to have some time with him to do big kid stuff.

I guess both things are an indication that my little guys are growing up and becoming big guys.  It is sad and exciting all at the same time.  I guess I just need to get ready for the next chapter!

Cherish is having a contest!!!

My friend Cherish is having a contest at her blog for moms and moms to be.  If you fit in that category, go check it out.

http://edexploitsszkldyn.blogspot.com/

I will be having a similar contest starting next week!!!  Make sure you stop in and leave a comment for both of us!!!

A day in the life!

So today we did another day in our curriculum.  Just in case...we are using Weaver Interlock.  Today we started our second week worth of lessons.  It went really, really well.  We started with learning about the Trinity.  I have to say last night as I was reading over the lesson I was thinking...really?  The trinity for preschool and kindergarten boys.  But I decided to plunge ahead anyway.

So we started the morning (after getting dressed and brushing teeth) with a walk and bike ride on our new road (see precious post).  It was great.  When we got back home, we did calendar time.  It didn't go too well.  I think Aiden is getting bored with it.  I am going to continue it for Maverick though.  Anyway, I let them play for a while before calling them to the table where I had a bowl and an egg for each of them.  I asked both of how many eggs they had in their hand (both answered 1).  Then I asked them to crack their eggs into their bowls.  Luckily both have practice at this.  We counted the parts of the eggs (3=yolk, white, shell).  We discussed the fact that although there are 3 parts they each still only had 1 egg.  Then related that to the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.  Oddly enough, I think they kind of understand it.  Then because I just couldn't waste 2 eggs, we made peanut butter cookies.  Again reinforcing the idea of 3-in-1.  Peanut butter, sugar, and an egg (3 ingredients) make peanut butter cookies (1 finished product).  They had a blast!!!  We also discussed that although there are many parts to our family, we are still just 1 family group.  We drew pictures of our family.  Maverick didn't do this so much but Aiden drew most of us.  The catch is that in his picture many of the people are "pooping"...his description.

We did some exercises in groups of 3 (jumping, hopping on 1 foot, toe touches, etc).  We are working on memorizing our address but it isn't going so well.  I am planning on making sock puppets one of these days to help learn that but today isn't looking like a good option since naps were pretty much non-existent.  

While Maverick was laying in his bed crying (after he woke up Griffin), Aiden did some pages in his handwriting workbook and practiced writing his name. He did very well but we need to work on making lower case letters in his name.  He writes them all in capital letters.  

Now things are disintegrating fairly quickly...could it be from no naps?...and they want to watch Hermie...so off I go to plug them in for a little while!!

Although this afternoon has been a bust overall...it has been a pretty great day!!!

He Did It!!!!

This morning Griffin took his first few steps.  He has moved his foot before and we called it ONE step...but this time, he was taking some steps!!  I am so glad we got it on video!!!  He is getting so big!!!

The New Road!!!!

Having fun as we were just getting started.

Racing off into the sunset.

Griffin is having a great time in his stroller not bouncing on the big rocks!!

We've been waiting for a blacktop road for several summers now...and we finally got it.  Last night the boys, Shane and I all went on a walk/bike ride on our new blacktop road.  Actually, it wasn't possible before for the boys to ride bikes on the big gravel.  So this was a great and fun first for us!!

Here are some pictures of the nice time!!!

Oh, the places he'll sleep!

I just got these pictures of Griffin in the last few days and thought they were funny!!

He fell asleep sitting on the floor. If you look carefully you can see his toes peeking from behind the puppy blanket. I just can't imagine being able to sleep in that position.

The swing is always good for a quick nap!

OK, this picture looks like he is reaching for his cup...but I just didn't get it taken in time. He fell asleep with his mouth resting on the sippy part of the cup at lunch. The picture was taken at the time the cup slid away from his face! So funny!!

Maverick's third birthday!

Maverick turned THREE on September 7. I can hardly believe it. He is getting so big! We had some friends over to play and have cake and ice cream (and Nanny and Pappy came too). We invited Colby and family, Grant and family, and Starr and family. Starr couldn't make it so we had a house FULL of boys. Colby has 2 brothers and Grant has 1 brother. HOLY SMOKES!!! It was a lot of fun for everyone I think!!!

Of course, Maverick asked for a HE-MAN cake. I thought that was just lovely. I was hoping to get to make a baseball cake or something easy...but NOPE, not for Maverick. So I googled "how to draw he'man" (thanks Cherish for the tip), and then did the best I could.

Here is the He-Man cake all finished! (He-Man's hair got a little out of control and big...but oh well,what can ya do?)

Maverick is thrilled with his cake...and he knew it was HEMAN without being told. Whew! What a relief?!?!?!
Aiden made a Happy Birthday Banner for Maverick and he liked that too.
Here he is getting ready to open gifts! Of course, he is all smiles now too!!!

It was a wonderful birthday party!!! I just can't believe he is three already!!!

PS. I don't have many good pictures of his friends who came and I don't have permission to put them online anyway!

My young "men"

Today the boys were playing out on the deck. They had out their picnic stuff and had a restaurant. One was serving and the other was ordering, etc. They both had lowered there voices to be "men." It was hysterically cute. They asked to eat lunch out there and I said ok. The Little Tykes table was already out there.

So I made them each a little individual size pizza and lemonade. To continue the game I took them their drinks and food and "served" them like a waitress complete with a "Here ya go, sir." This is how the rest of the conversation went.

Me: Here is your pizza, sir.
Aiden (in his man voice): Thank you, woman.
Me (stifling a giggle): You're welcome. Here is your pizza, sir.
Maverick (in his best man voice): Thank you, woman.
Me (stifling a giggle again): You're welcome, sir.

I then run into the kitchen to giggle and get Griffin and my lunch, which we ate inside. The sliding door was open so I could hear the big boys outside. And I hear Aiden say (again, in his man voice)....."That's sooome woman!" (emphasis on some).

Oh, I did the silent laugh SO HARD!!! Aiden (and Maverick too with help) orders and is very polite in restaurants and he never calls anyone "woman," but I think we will work on practicing this skill at home too. Geez, I just need him to call a waitress "woman" or even worse a waiter!!!

Friday Night Game Night!

We have been playing games every night or every other night. We play all different games...the boys get to pick. Friday night Shane helped them pick and we played a game we haven't played much before. It is called Rivers, Roads, & Rails. We have had it for a long time but have never played much cause they didn't get it. Friday night they got it and we had a great time.

Griffin floated from lap to lap and under the table. His personality is shining through and he is getting so big. He kept taking my tiles and when I tried to take them back to play he would squeeze real tight and SQUEEEEALL! It made him angry! It was really kinda funny although I am sure I will be changing my tune later.

Labor Day Weekend!

We spent a fun filled 3 1/2 days at "Family Camp" at Cuivre River State Park near Troy, MO. Matt and Janie (my aunt and uncle) and their family planned it and we all went and had a great time. I didn't carry my camera around much but I will have a few pictures soon. Maverick and Aiden played their first game of kick ball and had a great time. And we all went down into a cave. I wasn't sure the boys would like that since it was mostly crawling on your belly but they did great. My uncle Doug got pictures of them down there...I'm hoping to get digital copies of those tonight.

I'll get some pictures on here soon. There are some other things I need to update too but I am way behind on my household chores and can't sit here and do a long post when I need to be doing other things.

More to come later......

House full of Helpers!

This morning I asked the boys to help me fold sheets and towels. Often they are great helpers (for a 2 and 4 year old) and they like to do it. Today their imaginations got the best of them and they had "bean-bag races" and then just got all crazy with a couple pillow cases. They were laughing and having a wonderful time!! It was such a fun and happy sound and I still got the towels and sheets folded. We buy all these toys and today, like many days, they dont' get played with...instead it is something simple like a pillow case that provides the most fun and laughs!!!

Front Porch

So the porch is mostly finished. We need to cut one side of the flooring off flush with the posts, clean up, do some flower beds, and stuff like that....but it is done.

This was Shane's first "big" building project and he did a fabulous job. We have been working on it for several days and the first half it was raining or drizzling which was nice (note: sarcasm). The porch is great though and I am gonna LOVE decorating it. I already have a head full of ideas.

I've been tagged!

So I typically don't like to play tag as there is running involved but since this game doesn't require any exercise...I'm game. Aubrey from Just Me & My Boys tagged me.

Here are the rules.
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules to your blog.
3. Write 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on there blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

OK...so rule one and two are already done.

Here are my "6 Random things."

1. If I am not listening to Contemporary Christian Music, my favorite singer is Frank Sinatra by a landslide. I can't even think of a second place.

2. As a teen I never wanted to have children. My life plans were to be a single (maybe married SOMEDAY) business woman living in a city. Or trying to become a country music star and living in a trailer on the road most of the year. Oh how things change.

3. My husband's oldest half-brother is a Staley. I still feel a little weird going to his house and seeing "Welcome to the Staley's" on the door. Just for the record he and Shane have different dads...I did NOT marry my cousin.

4. I would love to live in Europe for a while someday...specifically France.

5. I love to cook but hate to follow recipes. Sometimes things are good and at other times...not so much.

6. I don't want a "real job" if I can avoid it. I love staying home and being with the boys (most days). I love it so much that we intend to homeschool them. I do hope to start selling Usborne Books as soon as the baby stops nursing. Should be in the next couple months...if you want to book a party...let me know!!! I'm sure I'll post about starting when I get to it.

and 7. I don't follow rules very well....

I did an extra thing about myself and will not be tagging 6 people...are they kidding? I will be tagging two. (still did better than you, Aubrey lol). See I don't follow rules well!!

Jace @ Son of Jace and Cherish @ The Edwards Exploits....TAG YOU ARE IT!!

"One upon a Time"

Shane is off work until after Labor Day (except for next Thursday he has to put in his last day at NAL) and we are having a great time. Right now we are building a front porch (post with slide show to come when it is finished). It is going to be a wonderful few weeks.

This morning we were enjoying breakfast all together as a family and Maverick says, "One upon a time there was a bagel monster" I prompted him to finish his story. But he didn't want to so we went around the table and finished it together. It went something like this...

Maverick- "One upon a time there was a bagel monster"
Shane- " and he loved to eat his bagel with"
Aiden- "jelly"
Me- "but one day he decided to try something new so he put"
Maverick- "meatballs on it."
Shane- The bagel monster really"
Aiden and Maverick -"liked it!"

I think we'll be telling stories in this way many times. It was fun!

Impromptu Bath time!!

To start this story I want to send a shout out to the Harris Family for the great green beans. I got 12 quarts out of that batch (although 3 didn't seal....*sigh*). Thank you!!

So while we were visiting with the Harris' when they gave us some green beans, the boys (all 6 of them) were playing in Tristan and Colby's room. Amy and I were sitting in the nearby family room keeping an eye on them. All was going well and then I looked again and Griffin was gone. We knew he hadn't gone far so we started looking for him...Colby (who is 2) found him and I was quickly on Colby's heals. Where was Griffin?

Playing in the toilet that Aiden had just used and not flushed. Thankfully he had only peed. But Griffin was wet to his armpits and his whole front was soaked. Amy and I were totally grossed out and I was kinda screaming "He's playing in the toilet!" Amy asked if I wanted to give him a quick bath and I said "Yes, I do." With 3 boys ages 5 and under I am sure the rim was not quite clean enough to suck on so I tried not to think about that while I was scrubbing his arms and chest. I didn't think he would like having his mouth washed out with soap.

Note to self...Keep all bathroom doors closed and latched!

He's scared of What?!?!?!?!

Maverick is scared of ants, earth worms, hair on his hands, and many other harmless things. He screams like someone is torturing him if any of these things are near him. We have found something he loves.........................................................SNAKES!!

We moved our front steps with the help of pappy's tractor and found a little snake (a garter snake, I believe) under them. Pappy caught him and the boys got used to him and the snake calmed down a little...then maverick wouldn't leave it alone. He would play with it and then put it down to catch it again.


Yes he even held it up against his nose. The head is hanging near his armpit in the above picture.
Griffin thought the snake was cool but we were afraid he would squeeze too hard or worse, try to eat it!
Aiden was a little less sure about playing with the snake. But after a while did hold it all by himself. It was never close to his face though.

I am just thinking "This is great! I am likely gonna have a snake in my house someday as a pet. Why didn't I get a girl?" lol!!!

The Three Little Pigs!

Aiden and Maverick's new favorite story in "The Three Little Pigs." They want to read it ALL the time. They act it out each taking turns being the wolf and getting to chase the "little pig" from "house to house." Recently I found some pieces to use on the flannel board to tell the story and they LOVED it. They retold the story over and over illustrating with the flannel board. It was so sweet.

I have so many flannel figures and shapes and letters and numbers all jumbled together in a box. This weekend at Walmart I am going to get an accordian file thing-y to organize them all in. It is hard to play with them when you can't find things.

Our flannel board will be a part of our schooling this year too...so it needs to be organized so I know what I have (cause I am really not sure about all of it) and can find it when we are learning about the subject or doing the story. Right now it isn't gonna be very useful.

A Little Morning Miracle!!

Actually, 2 of them.

Miracle #1:

We have been playing this new "game" in our house. I made it up after both big boys disappeared 2 days in a row. Aiden hid from his Sunday School teacher and we thought he had snuck out a door by the boys bathroom and was in the parking lot or something. And Maverick came back in the house the next day without telling me while we were all inside. Both times neither boy responded to people yelling their names. So now we play the "Here I am" game. First we talked about how important it is for mommy (or daddy or nanny or pappy or their teacher) to be able to find them. So we have been practicing...I say "Aiden", he says "Here I am." Maverick is learning the same thing. We practice all the time. Sometimes I can't see them...sometimes they are right in front of me. So this morning Aiden wasn't in the same place he was when I went to the bathroom. I said his name and I heard "Here I am" with NO pause. I only said his name once. Yeah!!! He is getting it!!

This leads to Miracle #2:

He was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. It is often a fight to get them to brush their teeth. Never has he done it all on his own....until today. He was in there on his stool, with his toothbrush, with just a little toothpaste, brushing away. I usually have to remind him to brush and not just chew on the toothbrush. But he did it and he did a great job!

New Job!

Well, Shane will be leaving North American Lighting. He has been working there for 5 years and it has been a great job and a blessing to our family. He started working there when we were desperate and it has been great!! That is actually a good story...and one I should share...it is an amazing testimony of how a family can be blessed if you put your faith in God...I'll try to do that this week. But he has been presented with an opportunity that he just had to take.

He will be starting his new job Sept 2 (the day after labor Day) but he just accepted it yesterday. The company is in Effingham so it will cut his commute in HALF!! Yeah! Time is so valuable and I am so glad that he will be able to spend less of it driving! Not to mention the cost of gas!!

And we go there a lot. Everything is in Effingham...Walmart, doctors (ours and the boys), dentist, Walmart, eye doctor, decent restaurants, Walmart, etc. The boys and and I are in Effingham regularly so we'll be able to meet him for lunch. It is just sooooo exciting!

There are not many job's in his field in this area that come available. There aren't many, period, but to catch one is kinda hard. We are so glad that he was able to find this one. Of course, any new thing is nerve-wracking, but it is still exciting! He will still be programming but a different kind than he has been doing. I don't really understand it much but he will be learning new things...that is never a bad thing either.

I just hope the transition goes smoothly.

Griffin's prayer!

Yes, Griffin is only 9 months old (only?....the time has flown so fast). Anyway, today at lunch he fell asleep in his high chair. I was in the kitchen getting more food for my apparently starving children and didn't see him nod off. Then Maverick pipes up..."Mooommmmyy! Griffin is praying!"

That holler of course woke Griffin up and he was very confused about what all the excitement was for...but he dozed off again in no time!

FINALLY FINISHED!!!

I bought this fabric 2 years ago, I think. I found the map of the USA and then I found the World map. I decided to put them together and make a 2 sided map blanket. All was going great until I got to the binding of the outside edges...which I hate doing! It has been in my closet for more than a year I am sure laughing at me cause I can't get it done. Well, last night the big boys went camping with daddy and pappy and I went to a friends house to get this blanket finished....and I did! It is really a neat thing and a simple map...perfect for "where is..." questions with little guys. The boys are thrilled and have found where we live (on both the USA and world maps), we've found Great Uncle George and Grandma and Grandpa Young, and Zeke Huber in Germany. We found Australia (Hello Raphaela) and Brazil and France, of course. I am glad to have it finished FINALLY!!!

Shaving cream "fun"

Today I put a bunch of shaving cream on the boys Little Tykes table for them to smear around and play and have fun. (hint: it also cleans all the crayon and marker and stuff off of the table but I don't think you can use it on wood). Anyway, I thought it would be great fun for all! Maverick was less than thrilled with the shaving cream on his hands and after like 45 seconds, he wanted to wash his hands. I should have known since the kid will go through several napkins per meal if we let him. Anyway, Aiden had fun and the table was clean...now they are playing playdo.

Spaghetti Time!

Griffin has decided that he is pretty much done with most baby food. He will let me sneak in a bite here and there but he wants to eat what we are eating and he wants to do it himself. He does pretty well and seems to eat pretty much anything.

What I want to know is why it is cute when he looks like this after a spaghetti "experience" but not me? And contrary to what one may think from looking at these pictures...he did actually eat some. Yummy!