Its hard for me to believe that summer is just around the corner! NGU's graduation is a week from tomorrow. Man, this year has flown by! Silas goes to school until the first week of June. So, its causing me to think about what we are going to do to keep busy this summer. Busy and sane!
I've decided that I am going to make a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Here are some of my ideas:
Movie day. We have 2 theaters here that have FREE movies Wed, Thurs, and Fri. Free for kids and parents!
Library
Craft/baking/letter writing - stuff like playdough, simple crafts, making cards/packages for people
Swimming lessons, practice - we can use the NGU pool at certain times
Family Movie Night - this is always a BIG hit. And if we have it scheduled maybe they won't beg for it every night. I heard about a great idea. Let them earn some money throughout the week and then they buy a ticket and snacks and take turns manning the snack bar, being ushers, etc.
NO TV Days - I am serious about this one. I want days when they know there will not be TV, cartoons or anything. We have to have other things planned so they see there are better things to do.
Playdates, fieldtrips - we have wonderful parks, a new children's museum about to open up, and plenty of friends to play with.
Housecleaning - I think this is important. We are going to have responsibilities daily and weekly.
My goal is to not let my kids be bored, and myself to be frustrated. I'd LOVE to hear some more ideas I can implement into our schedule. I haven't made it out, but when I do, I'm going to put it up for the kids to see.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Strawberries
It must be spring because Strawberries are in!! I bought some local ones on the side of the road yesterday. Luke and Hattie were so happy! They'd eat themselves sick on strawberries. They were REALLY good ones too.
Well I forgot that my bible study was having a little brunch to celebrate the end of the Amazing Collection. So, at the suggestion of my mom, I decided to bring the strawberries. Luke saw I had them rinsed and packed and he wanted some. Here is how it all went down:
Me: No Luke. We are going to share these with my friends. We can get more.
Luke: NO! I WANT THOSE STRAWBERRIES. I WANT TO EAT THEM.
Me: Well, not these. We'll get more.
Luke: No. NO (stomping his foot). Those are MINE.
Me: I'm sorry buddy. We are taking these to bible study.
Luke: (pointing his finger at me and narrowing his eyes at me) I hope your ladies SHOKE on those strawberries.
WHAT???? I tried to hold it together and not bust out laughing. I said, Luke, that is NOT a nice thing to say! Where in the world did he learn to say that kind of thing? I have no idea!!
Well I forgot that my bible study was having a little brunch to celebrate the end of the Amazing Collection. So, at the suggestion of my mom, I decided to bring the strawberries. Luke saw I had them rinsed and packed and he wanted some. Here is how it all went down:
Me: No Luke. We are going to share these with my friends. We can get more.
Luke: NO! I WANT THOSE STRAWBERRIES. I WANT TO EAT THEM.
Me: Well, not these. We'll get more.
Luke: No. NO (stomping his foot). Those are MINE.
Me: I'm sorry buddy. We are taking these to bible study.
Luke: (pointing his finger at me and narrowing his eyes at me) I hope your ladies SHOKE on those strawberries.
WHAT???? I tried to hold it together and not bust out laughing. I said, Luke, that is NOT a nice thing to say! Where in the world did he learn to say that kind of thing? I have no idea!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Circulation
Today at the breakfast table Luke started crying. I was trying to ignore him as I fed Millie. But he kept crying, "My leg...my leg hurts...". I really thought he was using it as a ploy to get down from the table. Then Jody walks in the kitchen and Luke says, "My foot is tin-ga-ling. My leg hurts..."
Jody says, "You foot is asleep. You're sitting on it. Straighten it out."
It reminded me of what Silas used to say. He used to say something like this, "Man, my foot must have been so tired, because it fell asleep!".
Jody says, "You foot is asleep. You're sitting on it. Straighten it out."
It reminded me of what Silas used to say. He used to say something like this, "Man, my foot must have been so tired, because it fell asleep!".
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Fifths Disease
Maybe we have been living in a hole but I haven't heard of Fifths Disease until recently. Its a "common" childhood illness. Its called Fifths because it came down the line, like third, fourth, fifth. Measels, mumps...there were four and this is the Fifth (I know, what a creative name!). Its not a big deal as illnesses go, as far as I can tell. Its like a really bad cold. Runny nose, headache, swollen glands, "slapped cheek" look, low grade fever, sore throat and rash. But some people's symptoms may be so minute one doesn't even know they have Fifths.
Well, we do! I am pretty sure all my kids either have it or have had it of late. It typically lasts 1-3 weeks in children, much longer (Like months to years in adults). No wonder I feel like we have been wiping noses like crazy all month! Its as if these symptoms are describing my kids!!!
Hattie has been very pitiful this week. I thought it was Strep again. But the doctor said its Fifths and Bronchitis. Her symptoms come in waves. She'll be fine, running around, laughing and then like a balloon deflating, she'll just slump over, cry and complain about different pains. She told me today, "This disease is biting my heart." Hmmmmm. Interesting description.
I think we are on the tail end of it!
Well, we do! I am pretty sure all my kids either have it or have had it of late. It typically lasts 1-3 weeks in children, much longer (Like months to years in adults). No wonder I feel like we have been wiping noses like crazy all month! Its as if these symptoms are describing my kids!!!
Hattie has been very pitiful this week. I thought it was Strep again. But the doctor said its Fifths and Bronchitis. Her symptoms come in waves. She'll be fine, running around, laughing and then like a balloon deflating, she'll just slump over, cry and complain about different pains. She told me today, "This disease is biting my heart." Hmmmmm. Interesting description.
I think we are on the tail end of it!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
We had such a nice Easter. I love that we can freely celebrate the risen savior. I know that I can celebrate this every day, but there is something special about a holiday. Although I must admit I'm a little Easter-egged out!! We hunted several times. At our church easter egg hunt, my parents had a little one, we had our Easter bunny hunt and then a fun one after lunch. I will be thrilled to pack those suckers UP!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
One of Each
This was taken on Silas's birthday last month. We had lemon-poppy seed muffins for breakfast. He looks so sweet and happy!
Hattie is very proud of her NGU cheerleader outfit! Isn't she beautiful? Notice all her necklaces.
This is Luke being punished because he stuck his tongue out at me. Look at his lil'kins, Goliath. He LOVE that thing. Best 8 buck I have spent on him!
And look at this doll baby! Some sweet friends sent Millie Grace this outfit, we got it in the mail today. So cute!!!Check out my sister's post for some fun old Easter photos.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
ER
I haven't faithfully watched NBC's ER drama for the last 15 years like my sister Holly has. She even loves the reruns. But Jody and I have watched it semi-regularly for the last few years. I must admit I was little sad tonight as the final ER ended and there was no "stay tuned for scenes from next weeks ER". Was it a 3 hour thing? I don't know. I thought it was supposed to start at 8pm eastern. I didn't turn it on until about 9:45. But we got to enjoy that last little bit. It was pretty good. PLUS - Dr Tracy (don't know the last name) intern is a friend of ours...it was cool seeing her on TV this season - great job Emily Rose!
Did you watch it?
Did you watch it?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fools
I decided that I would give my kids a little taste of April Fools today. It was pretty funny. Once I got the ball rolling, the phrase of the days was "April Fools Mom!"
I told Silas he didn't have to get up because there was no school. He laid back down in true belief. I was kind of sad to make him really get up!
I colored everyone's cereal milk with food coloring. They LOVED it!
My dad called and disguised himself as the Easter Bunny. The kids thought it was really my mom. It was SO funny. Luke really thought the Easter Bunny was calling him!
Silas even pulled one over on Aunt Joy at the supper table. He fell off the bench and she thought he was really hurt.
I also was a part of a prank at the college with some girls who will remain anonymous until they are ready to reveal themselves. I have pictures and everything. It REALLY made me miss my roommate Jill. It was pretty funny!
What about you? Did you play any jokes on anyone or get one played on you?
I told Silas he didn't have to get up because there was no school. He laid back down in true belief. I was kind of sad to make him really get up!
I colored everyone's cereal milk with food coloring. They LOVED it!
My dad called and disguised himself as the Easter Bunny. The kids thought it was really my mom. It was SO funny. Luke really thought the Easter Bunny was calling him!
Silas even pulled one over on Aunt Joy at the supper table. He fell off the bench and she thought he was really hurt.
I also was a part of a prank at the college with some girls who will remain anonymous until they are ready to reveal themselves. I have pictures and everything. It REALLY made me miss my roommate Jill. It was pretty funny!
What about you? Did you play any jokes on anyone or get one played on you?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Nice things
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ode to Silas
My first born is 6! I can't believe it! Silas is such a smart boy. He always has been. He LOVES reading/being read to. He love building things and playing with things that can be put together. Already in his short life he's had so many adventures. Maybe that has fueled his wild imagination. We see him as a leader and we pray that God will develop those qualities in him as he grows. I never would have imagined 6 years ago that I could love a little boy so much!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Survivor
Although Jody would love to be on CBS's Survivor, the real survivor in our family is Millie Grace. Seriously...she's amazing! Such a trooper.
Today we ran errands all morning. Millie fussed here and there a few times but I would just stick the pacifier back in her mouth. She stayed in the carseat for about 3 hours. When we got home I took her out of the carseat and there was POOP everywhere. POOR THING! Obviously she was trying to tell me and I wouldn't listen.
Luke dumped her out of a chair on the porch today when I wasn't looking. She fussed but got over it quickly and smiled at him when he apologized.
She's on a four hour feeding schedule (except at night). And even when its been over 4 hours she doesn't cry really. Not like Luke did when he was a baby...boy was he demanding!
I wish you all could hold her and see her. She's so cuddly and smiley. She loves to be warm and close.
If you are ordering a baby pray that s/he is like Millie Grace!
Today we ran errands all morning. Millie fussed here and there a few times but I would just stick the pacifier back in her mouth. She stayed in the carseat for about 3 hours. When we got home I took her out of the carseat and there was POOP everywhere. POOR THING! Obviously she was trying to tell me and I wouldn't listen.
Luke dumped her out of a chair on the porch today when I wasn't looking. She fussed but got over it quickly and smiled at him when he apologized.
She's on a four hour feeding schedule (except at night). And even when its been over 4 hours she doesn't cry really. Not like Luke did when he was a baby...boy was he demanding!
I wish you all could hold her and see her. She's so cuddly and smiley. She loves to be warm and close.
If you are ordering a baby pray that s/he is like Millie Grace!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Bedtime Rules
We are pretty strict about bedtime here at our house. Jody and I decided early on in our parenting that getting enough sleep is not only important for our kids but also for the parents! Once the kids go to bed its mommy and daddy time uninterrupted.
I have a few funny things regarding recent bedtime happenings after I share our typical bedtime routine. I know that this routine isn't doable for everyone. I talked to another mom from Hattie's preschool class the other day. Her husband doesn't come home in the evenings until 8:30 or so. But it definitely works for us! Everything in our routine is subjectible...it depends on what we have been doing, like church activities, or something like that. So these times are give or take 15 minutes.
Jennings Bedtime Routine
6:45 Bath
7:00 Brush teeth, pj's on
7:15 Read books (usually everyone picks their own book and we read all together)
7:30 Each to their own bed, pray, lights out
Jennings Bedtime Rules
1. You are not allowed out of your bed for any reason. Permission can be given to use the bathroom.
2. Call backs are for emergencies. (Jody says this sounds like we are MEAN parents, but come one. You all know that stalling at bedtime can result in NUMEROUS call backs for random, unimportant things)
Recent Bedtime Happenings
Silas: He told me one day recently that he has the earliest bedtime of any one in his class. WHY?? I told him that he is also one of the smartest little boys I know and that is because people who sleep more learn better. He liked that answer. I also told him that Gage and Emma have the same bedtime he does. That really satisfied him.
Hattie: She "sleeps" with SO many odd things in her bed. We have had to make a new rule for her. She can't take any more books or toys (or shoes or purses...) to bed with her until the ones that are in the bed currently are put away.
Luke: He is the one who has challenged us the most on the staying in your bed rule. The other night, Hattie called me. I said, "this better be an emergency" as I walked in. Luke popped up out of Hattie's covers and said in a funny innocent voice, "I just wanted to snuggle!" I sent him back to his room and laughed my way back down the hall.
Millie Grace: Is starting to fit herself into this bedtime routine right along with everyone else! Yay!! She goes to sleep around 7pm or so, I wake her to feed her one last time before I go to bed around 10-11pm and have been waking her up in the mornings around 7. Hattie is happy to finally have a roommate!
I have a few funny things regarding recent bedtime happenings after I share our typical bedtime routine. I know that this routine isn't doable for everyone. I talked to another mom from Hattie's preschool class the other day. Her husband doesn't come home in the evenings until 8:30 or so. But it definitely works for us! Everything in our routine is subjectible...it depends on what we have been doing, like church activities, or something like that. So these times are give or take 15 minutes.
Jennings Bedtime Routine
6:45 Bath
7:00 Brush teeth, pj's on
7:15 Read books (usually everyone picks their own book and we read all together)
7:30 Each to their own bed, pray, lights out
Jennings Bedtime Rules
1. You are not allowed out of your bed for any reason. Permission can be given to use the bathroom.
2. Call backs are for emergencies. (Jody says this sounds like we are MEAN parents, but come one. You all know that stalling at bedtime can result in NUMEROUS call backs for random, unimportant things)
Recent Bedtime Happenings
Silas: He told me one day recently that he has the earliest bedtime of any one in his class. WHY?? I told him that he is also one of the smartest little boys I know and that is because people who sleep more learn better. He liked that answer. I also told him that Gage and Emma have the same bedtime he does. That really satisfied him.
Hattie: She "sleeps" with SO many odd things in her bed. We have had to make a new rule for her. She can't take any more books or toys (or shoes or purses...) to bed with her until the ones that are in the bed currently are put away.
Luke: He is the one who has challenged us the most on the staying in your bed rule. The other night, Hattie called me. I said, "this better be an emergency" as I walked in. Luke popped up out of Hattie's covers and said in a funny innocent voice, "I just wanted to snuggle!" I sent him back to his room and laughed my way back down the hall.
Millie Grace: Is starting to fit herself into this bedtime routine right along with everyone else! Yay!! She goes to sleep around 7pm or so, I wake her to feed her one last time before I go to bed around 10-11pm and have been waking her up in the mornings around 7. Hattie is happy to finally have a roommate!
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