Friday, November 02, 2007
Trick or Treat~ Just for you Mom
Grandma didn't have much to say when we told her we weren't going to be around for Thanksgiving last year (or possibly this year ;) or a couple of years ago when we went to Tampa for Christmas, .. but as soon as we said something about staying in our new neighborhood for trick or treating this year, things got a little heated. Sorry Mom.
I just wish I had put down the wine glass for a little longer to take more pictures. The night flew by and I can't remember having such a good Halloween night, it was more of the kid and Adult version this year. After treating was done we had a little block party a couple house up and everyone brought a dish and grilled hot dogs, and lots of different kinds of special treat drinks for the adults. I actually saw my 80yr old neighbors doing Jello shots, I knew I was going to like it here. It was certainly not our traditional Halloween, but I think your gona have to fight me on this one Mom!
I just wish I had put down the wine glass for a little longer to take more pictures. The night flew by and I can't remember having such a good Halloween night, it was more of the kid and Adult version this year. After treating was done we had a little block party a couple house up and everyone brought a dish and grilled hot dogs, and lots of different kinds of special treat drinks for the adults. I actually saw my 80yr old neighbors doing Jello shots, I knew I was going to like it here. It was certainly not our traditional Halloween, but I think your gona have to fight me on this one Mom!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Identity Crisis
I have written before that I do not have a constant name for any of the kids. Logan I call LJ, Xander, Logan J, Alexander Logan J~ when really mad. Well I guess this is now wearing off on the him. ~Yes you can blame me for screwing them up in the long run.
At the beginning of the school year we visited Logan's class room and knew that the question of what he goes by was lingering, Of course I would explain his legal name is Alexander but he goes by Logan. Well not this time, we got to his class room and he informed us that he wants to be called Alexander now, not Alex, not Logan but Alexander. I asked him if he was sure. Being that no one has ever called him Alexander but me ,when I get mad at him. He insisted, and so he started the first grade (again) at 7yrs old not even knowing how to spell his name. That's right he had never even spelled Alexander before. I wasn't going to argue with him for it was his name. There was also another Logan in his class so I figured it would make it easier. I didn't even consider at that moment he was completely changing what he is called the rest of his life.
Side note/story~Last week, I had a Monday from Hell. By 10A.M I had over 10 phone calls, I had a migraine, Lilly the Baby I watch had already had 3 very messy diapers, Annika was being whiny and then I got a call from school saying that Logan, opps Alexander had fallen at recess. I said O.K. and thanked them for calling and thought nothing else of it. Then it was time to get Abi ( which by the way now goes by Abi Reece) to school. I grab Lilly out of bed to get to school on time and she is once again a mess, I have to completely change her and know that we are now probably going to be late. I step outside and of course it starts to rain ( I usually just walk up). I throw everyone in the car, which is anything but just throwing them in when you have to get a car seat put in. I finally get her to school and of course see them shutting the door just as we pull up. That means I have to get everyone out of the car get let in to the building and go sign her in at the office, get a name tag, drag three kids through the whole school (one who is in a pumpkin seat that is way to heavy to be carrying her in). As I got out of the car I remembered that Logan's glasses he left and brought them in so he could come and get them in the office.
While I was signing Abi in I could here the principle in the back room talking to some one but not hearing any responses , it sounded just like the conversation I had just had on the phone, (asking if he was dizzy, did he have a head ach, any big cuts?) I asked if that was Logan from Mrs Beitings class back there? the Secretary went and asked and responded with a no. With in the next couple of minutes I asked them to call down to Logans class to let them know I had dropped off his glasses. Over the intercom the Sec. calls down and asks them to send Logan up for his glasses. "Logan?" the teacher asks. "Logan, doesn't wear glasses!" Opps, I look like an idiot, for I don't even know my own kids name. I'm sorry Alexander's glasses are here. "Oh, Alexander is up there, in the office isn't he?" replied his Teacher. Of course! Alexander is talking to the principal 10 feet from me!
Alexander pulled one over on them for he had a head ach and a little dizzy, until the minute we hit our front door.
At the beginning of the school year we visited Logan's class room and knew that the question of what he goes by was lingering, Of course I would explain his legal name is Alexander but he goes by Logan. Well not this time, we got to his class room and he informed us that he wants to be called Alexander now, not Alex, not Logan but Alexander. I asked him if he was sure. Being that no one has ever called him Alexander but me ,when I get mad at him. He insisted, and so he started the first grade (again) at 7yrs old not even knowing how to spell his name. That's right he had never even spelled Alexander before. I wasn't going to argue with him for it was his name. There was also another Logan in his class so I figured it would make it easier. I didn't even consider at that moment he was completely changing what he is called the rest of his life.
Side note/story~Last week, I had a Monday from Hell. By 10A.M I had over 10 phone calls, I had a migraine, Lilly the Baby I watch had already had 3 very messy diapers, Annika was being whiny and then I got a call from school saying that Logan, opps Alexander had fallen at recess. I said O.K. and thanked them for calling and thought nothing else of it. Then it was time to get Abi ( which by the way now goes by Abi Reece) to school. I grab Lilly out of bed to get to school on time and she is once again a mess, I have to completely change her and know that we are now probably going to be late. I step outside and of course it starts to rain ( I usually just walk up). I throw everyone in the car, which is anything but just throwing them in when you have to get a car seat put in. I finally get her to school and of course see them shutting the door just as we pull up. That means I have to get everyone out of the car get let in to the building and go sign her in at the office, get a name tag, drag three kids through the whole school (one who is in a pumpkin seat that is way to heavy to be carrying her in). As I got out of the car I remembered that Logan's glasses he left and brought them in so he could come and get them in the office.
While I was signing Abi in I could here the principle in the back room talking to some one but not hearing any responses , it sounded just like the conversation I had just had on the phone, (asking if he was dizzy, did he have a head ach, any big cuts?) I asked if that was Logan from Mrs Beitings class back there? the Secretary went and asked and responded with a no. With in the next couple of minutes I asked them to call down to Logans class to let them know I had dropped off his glasses. Over the intercom the Sec. calls down and asks them to send Logan up for his glasses. "Logan?" the teacher asks. "Logan, doesn't wear glasses!" Opps, I look like an idiot, for I don't even know my own kids name. I'm sorry Alexander's glasses are here. "Oh, Alexander is up there, in the office isn't he?" replied his Teacher. Of course! Alexander is talking to the principal 10 feet from me!
Alexander pulled one over on them for he had a head ach and a little dizzy, until the minute we hit our front door.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Something strange is happening around here...
Today I noticed how different our little life has become living in the still new house.
For example, we are now typical surburbanites (yes it did put a line under that word that I ignored it).
~Before in the old house we used to sit on the front porch and watch the cars speeding by our house. Today in the new house we look at each other and wonder which one is going to scream at the car that just dared to go 20MPH down our street to "SLOW DOWN!".
~Before in the old house we couldn't believe that the 14 (maybe 15) year old girl across the street was aloud out with her boyfriends . Today we let our 7 year olds "girlfriend" sleep on his bedroom floor.
~Before we (O.K me) called our neighbors the liquor hounds for sitting on there deck and drinking beer each night (of course they are in there 60's but still not right to say). Today it is unusual if we are not in our back yard (or sometimes front) with friends, each with a drink in toe, .
~Before it wouldn't be unusual for me to go 2-4 days with out talking to one single person outside of my immediate family (if I wasn't working), I mean no one. Today, even when I have a temperature of 103 degrees, I had at least 7 people at my house (or in my back yard) and it was considered a quite day.
~Before in the 7 years we lived in our old house I can think of maybe 5 times we had anyone, including family come over for dinner and all of those times were for a Birthday, play date or Holiday. Today, I think some of my neighbors and friends, family have eaten here as much as I have.
I am so glad we found this house, it has really brought us out of a ditch. We are so much more active and social, I would have never in a million years thought this would be were I would be sitting even a year ago.
The kids seem to be thriving, no complaints (yet) about school. We have fallen into a good routine, and I am just waiting for life to slow down.
I am embarrassed to say that the first day of school pictures are complete crap. Someone switched the mode on my Camera and I didn't notice with trying to get them out the door, so I got nothing, O.K close to nothing, I'll put them up for a couple of days and then they are coming down, I can't even bare to put my name on them, I am a horrible Mom and I promise to make them act like Tomorrow is there first day of school again and improvise.
For example, we are now typical surburbanites (yes it did put a line under that word that I ignored it).
~Before in the old house we used to sit on the front porch and watch the cars speeding by our house. Today in the new house we look at each other and wonder which one is going to scream at the car that just dared to go 20MPH down our street to "SLOW DOWN!".
~Before in the old house we couldn't believe that the 14 (maybe 15) year old girl across the street was aloud out with her boyfriends . Today we let our 7 year olds "girlfriend" sleep on his bedroom floor.
~Before we (O.K me) called our neighbors the liquor hounds for sitting on there deck and drinking beer each night (of course they are in there 60's but still not right to say). Today it is unusual if we are not in our back yard (or sometimes front) with friends, each with a drink in toe, .
~Before it wouldn't be unusual for me to go 2-4 days with out talking to one single person outside of my immediate family (if I wasn't working), I mean no one. Today, even when I have a temperature of 103 degrees, I had at least 7 people at my house (or in my back yard) and it was considered a quite day.
~Before in the 7 years we lived in our old house I can think of maybe 5 times we had anyone, including family come over for dinner and all of those times were for a Birthday, play date or Holiday. Today, I think some of my neighbors and friends, family have eaten here as much as I have.
I am so glad we found this house, it has really brought us out of a ditch. We are so much more active and social, I would have never in a million years thought this would be were I would be sitting even a year ago.
The kids seem to be thriving, no complaints (yet) about school. We have fallen into a good routine, and I am just waiting for life to slow down.
I am embarrassed to say that the first day of school pictures are complete crap. Someone switched the mode on my Camera and I didn't notice with trying to get them out the door, so I got nothing, O.K close to nothing, I'll put them up for a couple of days and then they are coming down, I can't even bare to put my name on them, I am a horrible Mom and I promise to make them act like Tomorrow is there first day of school again and improvise.
Monday, August 20, 2007
It was fun while it lasted...
Two more days til back to school. I really don't look forward to much of going back to school. I guess getting a break from Logan will be nice but he really doesn't take much of me anymore any way. Actually the extra hands to help will probably be more soarly missed than anything. He really is a good kid. This summer I have heard many of the neighbors saying that things in there house are changing because they see how much responsibility Logan can do there is no reason their 4/7/18yr old (mentally slow) can't do the same. List of things I can think of that he has helped with lately, Take Garbage out and cans in from curb, waters flowers, WetJets the floors, Helps vaccum, brings down all the laundry to the laundry room (even my pile which is larger than him at times) Cleans windows and Mirrors (and uses more than half the bottle of windex in doing so). Trims flowers/bushes usually when we don't want him to. (O.K this is sounding like a Macer Mayer book). Today he helped feed our newest little member of the house Lillie who is 8 months old and we have every day from 8-4p. After much thought on what to do this year with Logan in school we decided to repeat 1st grade, I'm still not sure this is 100% the right choice but I went with my gut.
So the craziness is about to begin, I get Lillie each day at 8am Logan has to be at school by 9Am, Lillie's schedule alone keeps me on my toes, on top of getting the rest fed and changed and cleaned up an starting it all over again, Abi will only be in half day Kindergarten so she goes from 12:45-3:45. and then Lillie gets picked up around 4-4:30, Homework gets started along with Dinner and I am off to work until about 1 AM then trying to "Hurry" to sleep to start it all again.
I am trying to hold on to Delta but I don't see it much longer if we're lucky Christmas, but probably more like October, then again I said that when I started back in Nov 2 years ago too.
As for Abi, I am still nervous to see how she adapts to Kindergarten, the other day we went to Lunkin to play and it was packed, we were with friends but she made friends with an adorable little girl and they best buds for the day, when we left I said to her how happy I was that she made a friend, she looked up at me batted her long lashes and shrugged her shoulders and said "I know, I was just practicing!". I don't know if she could get any sweeter lately, I am going to miss not having her around as my little girl all day, but I know she is ready to spread her wings, she is so much older than her age already but she's still my little Princess.
As for Annika, life in the new house has been like living everyday at Chuckee Cheeses or something, the girl never sits still. She constantly wants to ride her bike, be with the neighbors and have people around (wonder where she gets that, ). She now loves having the baby around during the day and the fact that she is now so grown up she can help. She likes to help with anything in the kitchen and if you say the word she takes off for her stool like a bandit. She has also become very articulate and even corrects me at times, for example I will often say that I have to sit down and feed the baby her bottle, she does not like that at all, She quickly corrects me and say's "Your not feeding her! that's a bottle, she is drinking!" just like that. A little to smart that one.
Next post lots of school pictures I'm sure, and this time we don't have to have a uniform on! Yea, more shopping.
So the craziness is about to begin, I get Lillie each day at 8am Logan has to be at school by 9Am, Lillie's schedule alone keeps me on my toes, on top of getting the rest fed and changed and cleaned up an starting it all over again, Abi will only be in half day Kindergarten so she goes from 12:45-3:45. and then Lillie gets picked up around 4-4:30, Homework gets started along with Dinner and I am off to work until about 1 AM then trying to "Hurry" to sleep to start it all again.
I am trying to hold on to Delta but I don't see it much longer if we're lucky Christmas, but probably more like October, then again I said that when I started back in Nov 2 years ago too.
As for Abi, I am still nervous to see how she adapts to Kindergarten, the other day we went to Lunkin to play and it was packed, we were with friends but she made friends with an adorable little girl and they best buds for the day, when we left I said to her how happy I was that she made a friend, she looked up at me batted her long lashes and shrugged her shoulders and said "I know, I was just practicing!". I don't know if she could get any sweeter lately, I am going to miss not having her around as my little girl all day, but I know she is ready to spread her wings, she is so much older than her age already but she's still my little Princess.
As for Annika, life in the new house has been like living everyday at Chuckee Cheeses or something, the girl never sits still. She constantly wants to ride her bike, be with the neighbors and have people around (wonder where she gets that, ). She now loves having the baby around during the day and the fact that she is now so grown up she can help. She likes to help with anything in the kitchen and if you say the word she takes off for her stool like a bandit. She has also become very articulate and even corrects me at times, for example I will often say that I have to sit down and feed the baby her bottle, she does not like that at all, She quickly corrects me and say's "Your not feeding her! that's a bottle, she is drinking!" just like that. A little to smart that one.
Next post lots of school pictures I'm sure, and this time we don't have to have a uniform on! Yea, more shopping.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
No more Babies.
Annika turned 3 this week. I thought I would be sad to say that I have no more babies or even toddlers in the house but I'm not. I love my 3 year old. Even when she wakes me up with a Dora pinnate in my bed (Man, if I could just get a tape of her saying Dora Pinnate you would melt). I love when she whispers she "Lubs me" out of no where. I love seeing how pure and carefree she is that she can dance like a crazy womana in the middle of a festival, with absolutely no worries. I love trying to keep up with on her new bike and not have to push a stroller. Most of all I love that I can see so much of me in her but know she is 100% her own. Strong, Sweet, Independent, Smart, Vibrant and Caring. She makes me smile every day, for that I feel very blessed. Happy Birthday my 3 Year old little Monkey!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Second Grader?
This past year has been stressful with Logan being in first grade. I questioned in the begining of the year if I should of held him back in Kindergarten just because he was a little behind and more or less just young. He would sit and space out and (go figure) not listen as well as he should of. I should of listened to my gut reaction. Homework that should of taken 15-20 minutes was taking at least an hour. Well we made it through and he did pass first grade. (barely) Actually the only thing he got a D in was Religion ;) blame that on us. We just shouldn't of had him in a Catholic school that we would fight over who had to go to the special services that Logan would be in. After going to a very non-traditional church, sitting through a traditional Roman Catholic service was torture. Horrible and hypocritical I know. Every other class he made great improvements in. Spelling test's he would Ace, as long as I would spend hours each week with him. Math would take twice as long as it should of and he still has no concept of Money, But can read a clock and add and subtract fine.I know Logan is on the young end of his class. I know we will have issues for years to come. Logan is smart, I have no doubt about it but he has a auditory discrimination issue just like his Father. He hears what he wants to and focuses when he wants to, if he is not pushed he will do nothing. This drives me nuts but I can also see that Erik has learned to live with it and is what most would consider successful in his job and life. I love Logan so much that just like most Mothers would do anything in the world to protect him. So I'm stuck, do I push him and spend much of our time and family time working on catching up all year, just to have him on track and get average grades. Do I hold him back a year and hope that he isn't bored and that it builds his self esteem that he thrives? I guess the answer is simple, just hard to come to. It was so much easier when he didn't know anything. The hardest part is trying to explain to him why after a whole year of working our butts of he has to repeat the 1st grade. Being a Mom sucks sometimes.
On the other end, the first week of first grade (really the first month) Logans cried almost everyday. It was killing me, and I felt guilty for even going out with the girls and doing things. I had to walk him to his room each morning. The last week of School, Logan cried almost every day, he knew he wasn't going to be in that school next year, and probably not see most of the people again. He was crying for already missing his friends and Teacher. The other day while I was out getting stuff done with the new house I was late getting back to meet him at home after school. We had a big POD (or as he called it a trailor) sitting in the driveway empty I called him and he said he was sitting in the trailor relaxing. I found him eating a yogurt, drinking a juice box with his feet kicked up as above. (note the phone on the table) he is a true boy scout I guess always prepared.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
New Abode
This is (half of) our new back yard! We have closed on the house and been painting, cleaning and getting ready for the move. First we are off to Florida, (which the kids think the whole state is named Disney). For a quick and I'm sure crazy weekend visiting Aunt Kris and Kevin, and Great Grandma, then on to Disney, with some friends. I have been looking forward to going for years and haven't been since I was about Logans age.
I Love the new house and am excited about getting into it. My favorite points are the fact that we have a real kitchen that I like to be in. That we don't have to fight over the bathroom when we all have to go at the same time. The backyard that I can lock them in and a street that is safe to ride bikes on and neighbors that seem great.
I am VERY thankful that we sold our house so quickly (4 DAYS!) if all goes well we will be closing on it with in the next couple of weeks.
I have been pinching myself lately, life is good, hectic but good.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Curly girl
What can I say about Anni. There are no words to describe how vibrant and verbal she has become in the past couple of months. I no longer have a baby in the house. Potty training is in full bloom and going great (knock on wood). Life is going pretty well my crazy 2yr old. I love watching her at this age. She is so different than the other two were but at the same time I see each of them in her. I often look at her and see my baby pictures (with out the extra chub ) and think she has more of me in her by far. Her crazy curly hair that by mid day is frizzy and staticy. Her blue eyes that can draw you in and make you give her just one more handful of M&Ms. She is still a blankie and baby girl which she must have with her each night along with a growing list of other things (an ugly old squirel of Eriks, Her new Dora doll Grandma gave her for being potty trained).If there was a list of things that she loves, Chocolate would have to be up near the top (I told you she was like me;) along with singing and dancing. I keep telling myself to get the video recorder on her and send a shot of her dancing and shaking her booty to the Ellen show. She has an incredible memory and knows the words to many of the High School the Musical songs Logan sings. I have known for the past year that she understands so much of what I am saying, it is funny now to hear it coming out in her many of the things I say, and shouldn't be saying.
The Sweetest boy in the world.
Logan has a hard school year. It's been hard to put a finger on what exactly is the problem. I have always known he is a smart kid. He loves learning, he just loves learning what he wants to learn. When he doesn't want to learn it he completly zones out. He is like a Mexican jumping bean being tied down at times. All in all he is a happy kid, I don't have to fight with him to go to school or get up in the morning. He comes home with a smile on his face and talks about his friends and Teacher often. If he is out sick from school he demands to me that he IS going to school Tommorow! When it is time to actually do the school work/homework is when the teeth pulling begins. He would be happy if he could just go to school for the social interation and forget about the rest, except maybe art/music/ social studies and science.
In January we found out he did not pass the school eye exam so we brought him to an eye doctor and were floored by how bad his eyes were. I felt horrible I hadn't noticed how hard of a time he must of been having. He is now required to wear glasses 100% of the time besides when just playing. He doesn't mind them and has had a pretty easy time transistioning to them (besides forgetting to put them on before school! and leaving them home).
I still believe I have one of the sweetest boys in the world. He loves his sisters with all of his heart. He is so easy going, and gentle. He loves nature and trying new things to eat. His teacher says that she wouldn't trade him for anything, even if he is twice the work. I feel the same way most days. I remember when I first brought him home from the hosptial a feeling of falling in love again for the first time feeling, I still do.
Checker Queen
Abi has become obsessed with Webkinz and Checkers for the past couple of months. This is how I find her most mornings (afternoons, and evenings too). My sister asked me how she gets around Webkinz when she can't read yet, and I told that she can read, or memorize what she needs to know. She really is pretty darn good, on Webkinz you play against other kids or the computer and she has given up on playing with the kids because once she starts beating them they quit.
I know girls are supposed to be smarter or more advanced than boys, but she amazes me every day with the things she knows. I could put her in Logans class right now and she would probably be passing. She knows basic (and some not so basic) addition and subtration, Can spell and sound out most simple words (Mom, Dad,Stop,Car, Zoo,Cat, Dog, Logan). Besides book smart the girl loves to play soccer and swimming and gymnastics. We went to the pool on Monday after a VERY long break and she is a complete fish. I can't wait til this summer, next year she is off to Kindergarden the begining of school life and I think she will thrive at it~ once I have removed her from my leg.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Absent..
I have tons of pictures and stories that I have wanted to update... but I can't get into my Hello account because they switched to be hooked up with Yahoo which I can't remember any of my passwords (or even what email address it goes to). So It may be a while..
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