Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Going swimming with the kids

This past Monday we decided to spend the afternoon swimming at the Y. All the kids were loaded up into the van except for Reece. We waited and waited. Finally, out comes Reece dragging a suitcase. I questioned him as to whether he knew that we were just driving 10 min. away from home to go swimming. He understood that, but he felt that he needed to bring along a suitcase full of books for the "long" trip. That's Reece for ya!
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Sunday, February 24, 2008

Dinosaur Exhibit

We took the kids to see the Dinosaur Exhibit, in downtown Raleigh, this weekend. Austin has recently been rattling off various facts concerning these creatures so we thought it was time for a "Dinosaur outing".



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Math is Fun

One of Reece's Math lessons had to do with recognizing what a cup, quart, and gallon are. It also dealt with estimating size and mixing colors. Reece had so much fun and Lindsey wanted to join in as well.



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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Growing up

Just yesterday Lindsey and I were all cuddled, on the couch, reading some books. After we were done I gave her, at the very least, her 1000th hug for the day and was telling her: "I want to keep you just like you are forever and ever and ever." She had to inform me that: "Mommy, I just can't stay this way forever. I can't help growing. You'll have to leave some day and I'll have to have the babies." I guess she is currently loving life, yet planning for her future ambitions as well. Oh, Lindsey, don't grow up too fast!
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Sleep


Because of a dear friend/mentor, who encouraged Brian and I to go to a baby scheduling class before Austin was born, we have always benefited from wonderful sleep. Austin slept through the night at 8 weeks, Reece at 7 weeks and Lindsey at 6 weeks. Thank you Connie and Babywise! Yep....we were "those" parents that would only get their child from the crib if they woke up with a "Ga, Ga, Goo, Goo". If they cried, we KNEW they simply needed to go back to sleep. We always put our babies to bed when they were fully awake and aware of their environment. The second we had them in the hospital, my eye checked the clock and started them on a 2 1/2-3 hour feeding schedule. And when 4 other friend's babies were born, on the Akron worship team, we all did the scheduling. Worship team parties were fun in that we would put our babies in the pack-and plays, they wouldn't cry and when questioned we would all say: "Of course they go down happy. They are Babywise babies".

All this to say, even now, we enjoy those benefits as our children "put themselves to bed" (what our most recent babysitter said). The ONLY downside I have seen is we have kids that seem scared to actually get out of bed. I remember when Austin was 4 and we heard him crying in bed. We checked him out and he said that he didn't go potty before going to bed. We had to explain to him to PLEASE get out of bed if he needed to go potty or throw-up or if the house were on fire.

Reece, the other night, had to go potty at 5a.m. and he made sure to wake me up and ask if he could go potty. He must have said my name several times because Brian woke up too and heard me say: "Well......go then!" Unfortunately I never went back to sleep. Oh.....how to teach a 4 year old that he doesn't need permission at 5a.m. because I never fell back asleep and we all paid for that the next day! :)
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Sunday, February 17, 2008

Adult Valentine Party

It is an annual tradition (a first for Brian and I) that the guys, of our Life Class, throw the women an elegant Valentine dinner. The guys spent a good portion of the day shopping, decorating, and cooking for that evening dinner. They had a rose for each of us, candle lit tables and even our names at each seat. They served caesar salad, filet mignon, chicken, garlic toast, baked ziti, and chocolate fondue for dessert. Oh yes, and we can't forget the yummy appetizers that you see Brian greeting us with at the door. This is an annual event, but we may vote to have it be monthly. :)



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Saturday, February 16, 2008

Exchanging Valentine Cards


Exchanging Valentine cards was absolutely hilarious. The Mom's decided to hold the bags as the kids went around dropping cards in the bags. This was not the easiest concept for the little kids to get. I think the kids were still having a ball, but the moms might appear a tad bit stressed. I left our bags on the grass so I could step back and take some pictures. All in all, everyone went home with a bag full of cards and treats. It was a great time with everyone!


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A Suprise "treat hunt" in the backyard

After we read a couple books about God's love and Beth helped us sing some songs, the kids were "let loose" to find a treat bag in the back yard.




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Party Pictures


Here are some more kids decorating their Valentine bags and frosting their cupcakes with all of the moms helping out.

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Party Pictures


I got pretty busy once the gang got here, but I did try and snap a few pictures. Jen (pictured in the top photo helped with one group of kids) Beth (in the second picture - along with Laura) helped with another group. The little ones oftened wandered into other groups or went looking for Mom's or went back for a second cupcake, but we did try to rotate among the various craft stations.



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The Party Arrives


In order of pictures: 1) The first few kids arrive ready to get the party started. 2) The cul de sac is invaded by mini-vans and other family-mobiles. 3) The babies come cause they want to party too. 4) And more and more kids come - a total of 19 kids along with their moms.



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Valentine Party Preparations


This year I decided it would be fun to invite the kids, from our Life Class, over to our house for a Valentine Party. The day of the party the kids woke up to balloons every where. Then Brian took them away for the morning so I could get the house set up. We had four craft stations around the house including a "decorate your own cupcake station."



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Monday, February 11, 2008

The Oldest


Austin said a couple of things today that just crack me up, yet is so typical of our oldest child. Today, during English, I needed a simple sentence that used the word "blood". So I told him, "Your blood is red." The second it was out of my mouth, I knew I was going to hear quite a discussion on blood for a child who has always enjoyed human anatomy books. Austin said, "Actually Mom, your blood isn't really red. It is the 250 red blood cells that are in each drop of blood that makes it red when the blood comes into contact with oxygen." He went on a little more in correcting my limited knowledge, but that is the gist of it. Yes, I will be more careful when choosing sentences.

This past week Austin was responsible for the grocery list as he, Daddy, and Reece went to get groceries. Tonight he went to pick out a curtain rod for his room and then he had to help his Daddy with the tools and getting the curtain rod up. I complimented him on being such a big boy and a great helper to all of us. His relply was: "Yeah, Mom, being the oldest can really be a hard life." Oh....did I laugh cause this poor kid has it "so rough" in the responsibility area. I must say that he really beams when given these jobs that we feel only the oldest can handle. So....all in all I think he likes being the first born.
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