a car like this?:

Yep--we did!

**K was dressed for a human video at church where she played a d*em*on! We don't typically let her go around like that--in case you were wondering.

Labels: Family, Kids

It was so nice on Monday to have my aunt and uncle from Missouri here to visit. They got here around 11 am, and stayed the night with us. They were on their way to Florida to visit with my dad and stepmother. I think they really enjoyed watching our younger two play. My uncle said, "Kids just don't play like that anymore." The twins got an inexpensive (relatively speaking) video camera for Christmas, and have had more fun recording all their many escapades outside. On Monday, they were videoing our neighbor boy going down several of the hills in our area (not on roads) in a wagon (that's as close to sledding as southern children get). It looked a little dangerous to me, but, hey, it wasn't my kids in the wagon (kidding). Actually, A. and M. did go down a few times, but I made them wear a helmet. Anyway, the kids had a great time showing their great-aunt and uncle all the videos they had made that day. I made Pioneer Woman's Lasagna and a yummy apple pie. I know the pie was a hit, but I'm sure my aunt didn't care for the lasagna! I was sitting there thinking, "Yum, this is so good." (I'm on Weight Watchers, so I hadn't eaten like that in 2 weeks!) And she was barely eating it. I hate that I didn't make something she enjoyed--I know she liked my pie though! :) Now, onto another subject: K. is having a rough time with her knees right now. She has actually been pretty stressed out about the whole thing. She will be having an MRI today to try to determine what is going on. I don't think I've ever written about it before, but she has been having knee pain for nearly 3 years. We have been to the doctor, and been to the doctor, AND BEEN TO THE DOCTOR, only to hear that it's patellar tendinitis, or she just grew too fast, etc. She's been through physical therapy a couple times as well. Anyway, her knees have really acted up lately--I think because of basketball practice, so we decided to quit letting the doctor on base blow us off, and told them we wanted to see a specialist in town. They agreed, and the civilian doctor thinks she has something called Osgood-Schlatter disease--which is what I thought it was 2 years ago. Anyway, the MRI should determine what is going on, and we will see the doctor on the 29th to hear the results. I'm just praying for answers. If it is Osgood-Schlatter's--which is not serious, there is no cure--she has to outgrow it--usually by the age of 18, but there are some things she can do to ease the pain. Needless to say, we are all anxiously awaiting the 29th of January. She's most worried about not being able to play basketball again. That's the irony of Osgood-Schlatter disease--it most often strikes the most active children--and they sometimes have to stop being so active--until the 'disease' resolves. Your prayers are coveted!

Labels: Family, Kids

They both really worked hard--and I put in a little time myself helping them get all the stuff together, and supplying an idea or two. I was never so glad to see a project finished, but we are pleased with the end results.

Yesterday, on the way home from school, M. announced that she had made a 100 on her diorama. I looked at A. through the rear view mirror, and he looked so sad. He said, "I got a 72." I immediately slammed on my brakes, and very indignantly said "What?" That's crazy!" Oh, how the kids laughed. He got a 100 too--he just thought it would be funny to make me sweat a little! The brat.

Labels: Kids

After a few moments, when the fire was going really good, I said, "Do you smell smoke?" The kids said they didn't so I thought it must be my imagination. I didn't see any so I blew it off. A few minutes later, though, found A. doing this: Yes, he would be fanning the smoke alarm because the NOISE--it was killing our ear drums. We had forgotten to open the damper so the room was slowly filling with smoke. We sat for the next 20 minutes shivering with the windows and doors open to get all the smoke out. I also had a nice thin layer of ash on my furniture. We really had a good laugh about it though, and had to call daddy to tell him what had happened. His first fire was definitely memorable.

Labels: Kids

We live on a one acre lot that is mostly wooded. We just love it here, but all those trees do produce a lot of twigs, branches, and pine cones that fall to the ground with regularity--and the leaves?--let's just not talk about the vast quantities of leaves B deals with every year. Because of this debris, the twins have to pick up a garbage can full of twigs, etc., on a regular basis. They really hate this job, but recently found a clever way around it--at least, they were hoping. Before B left one day, he told A and M that since it had been a good while, they needed to pick up two cans of sticks that day. They were extremely bummed because they had plans to play the day away. One of them, I'm not sure who--I could guess though, came up with what they thought was a wonderful plan--a way to get off easy. The picture below tells it all: B laughed when he saw the two cans of sticks waiting for him on the kitchen counter--but A and M, the poor overworked children, still had to go out and do what they knew he meant! Poor babies.

Labels: Kids

The new year has been a good one for us so far. B. started school on the 7th. I can see that this is pretty much going to dictate our entire year. B. has studied for hours everyday this week. He has been getting home around five or six, heading straight to the computer, and working there for 5 or 6 hours. It hasn't been bad for the rest of us--he's been home, and that's always nice. I don't think the noise of the house is bothering him, so it seems to be working. He has taken a couple breaks for racquetball, and lunch with a friend. He's been listening to the Read-Aloud that K. is doing a little at a time for the family--huge Peter Pan family here. She is reading "Peter and the Secret of Rundoon" -- which is the third in a series about the life of Peter Pan before the actual story of Peter Pan. Does that make sense? K. has read all three of the nearly 500 page books aloud to us over the past year or year and a half. I have to admit, though, that I rarely listen--it's just not my thing. It's something the kids are really enjoying with their daddy. Though I do get quite cracked up with the constant, "Daddy, are you awake? What did I just say? Daddy, keep your eyes open!" Anyway, I know that B. is stressed by the sheer amount of the work he has to do for 3 classes. I am praying that he will not be overwhelmed, and that all will fall into a good rhythm for him. The kids are back in school. The twins have an ocean diorama project due in a week that I am truly dreading. I hope we can get those put together Sunday. I have to go buy "oceany" things today. They had quite a fright yesterday as tornadoes were everywhere in our area yesterday. They had to sit in the hall for an hour or more while the storms passed. I hated being away from them. I am not scared of these storms anymore, but I know the kids still are bothered by them. I have a healthy respect for them, but I don't panic when the sirens go off anymore--it happens too often around here for that. I went and picked them up a few minutes early--as there was a little break in the storms. A school several miles away was struck, and the little community will be recovering for awhile. We have a lot of friends that were affected by this, but thankfully everyone is OK. You might have seen the picture of the school bus on top of the school! -- That's crazy. Actually, what is really crazy is that the wind hardly blew at our house, and the rain wasn't that torrential either. We are leaving this afternoon for our third JBQ/TBQ match of the year. We always look forward to our little trip--for the quizzing--and the shopping. The younger ones will be seeing the new Veggie Tales movie this weekend. That is sure to be fun. I joined Weight Watchers online this week--for their free one week trial. I don't know if I will continue or not. We'll just have to wait and see how that one goes...

Labels: Family, Kids

Daddy's a proud papa:

I had more pictures to post, but blogger suddenly decided to get stubborn on me. Anyway, they are out skinning it right now and getting ready to take it to the butcher. And let me just say I am a very proud momma, even though I'm not the hunting type of person. My son's smile went from ear to ear. My son also has a terrific daddy, who just happened to have a migraine all afternoon while they were out. (Thanks to everyone who has been checking on me--I'm fine, and I appreciate your concern! I'm feeling the love!)

Labels: Kids

We have just finished up the twin's second project of the year. Y'all--I'm having a hard time with this. I guess I'm just used to being in control of their schedule. The projects and all the crazy homework are going to cause this momma to lose her mind. I really am trying to handle the switch from homeschool to private school. I have kept my mind open, but when homework is taking two to three hours a night--it's just gone too far. I am seriously considering pulling the twins out after Christmas. High school for K is going great--I have zero problems with it. I am just feeling so sorry for my babies who have to go to school all day, and then do homework all evening. I really felt like this was right for our family this year--I prayed about it a lot. Maybe I haven't given it enough time? Anyway--I will stop whining, but if you think about it, say a word or two in prayer for me. I am posting a couple pictures of A and M with their mammal posters for science. I think they did a great job. B. printed out all the pictures for them, I bought the poster board and letters, and they decided where everything would go, and put it all on. They have to give a 2 minute oral presentation on them this Friday.

Labels: Kids, Private School

We had a great weekend. I think the kids really had a lot of fun with their bowling and ice-cream. B and I bowled too--I even bowled a 130 game. We won't mention that the gutter guards were up--ahem... Unfortunately, we used our 35 mm camera for their party--heaven forbid, but I actually like it better than the digital one. I haven't gotten the pictures developed--and don't have a scanner, so I can't show you those. So sorry... I do have some pictures from their actual birthday on Monday. I had the forethought to use the trusty digital, so I could post some pictures for posterity!

The traditional birthday span*king, again.

Note 1.* This is the first year the twins have shared a birthday cake. I made it--as though you couldn't tell!

Note 2.* We had Mexican soup for their birthday dinner per their request. You can find the recipe here.

Note 3.* We got them each seasons of their favorite shows. A's face really lit up when he saw the first two seasons of Daniel Boone. They also received a ridiculous amount of money, some other gifts, and a BAM card!

Labels: Family, Kids

On the way home from school yesterday, A. asked me about how long it would take to get home. They had a television show they were hoping to catch. I said it would probably be two minutes. When we pulled into the driveway, it had been exactly two minutes. A. said, "Mom, you must be a sidekick!" I just kind of looked at him trying to figure out what he was talking about. Then, I heard his sister, M, say, "A, it's psychic--not sidekick. P-S-Y-C-H-I-C." I just had to laugh--how cute was that? Tomorrow, we are headed out of town with a couple car-loads of kids for the twin's birthday party (their actual birthday is Monday, the 17th.). We are taking them all bowling and then off to Cold Stone for ice-cream. They have looked forward to it all week. After we get home, we are all going to another birthday party for one of K's best friends. Sunday, after church, we will be attending Mandalyn's daughter's 1st birthday party. We are one big party family, yes ma'am! But, I am beginning to wonder if everyone was born in September. It certainly seems like it around here. We've enjoyed it. My birthday is tomorrow--the big 3-9. B. took me out to eat tonight--our only opportunity. We had a very nice time--short, but nice. Have a great weekend.

Labels: Just Me, Kids

My son informed all his friends Wednesday night at church that he was "definitely being home-schooled next year!" This did not shock me in the least. I knew that he would be the one most likely to feel that way. He has had such a lot of homework, and he finds that to be quite inconveniencing. Imagine my shock when ,Sunday night, he said, "I can't wait until tomorrow." I asked why, and he replied to me: "Because I'm going to school." My only thought was --who are you and what have you done with my son? I have a feeling he and I will both be going back and forth all year on what to do next year!

Labels: Homeschool, Kids

We were driving home from church last night, listening to some good music, and talking about what had happened in classes that evening, when a nice white pickup truck pulled up beside us in the passing lane. I didn't think much of it at first, but the truck stayed even with us, so I looked over--no one else was paying attention. What I found was a truck full of guys waving and honking. You know, like they were flirting or something. Whatever. Anyway, I smiled and waved and they went on. My youngest asked what those guys were doing so I told her that they must have seen something they liked--(my teenage daughter was up front too--by the way) . She said, " What? Were they blind? Can't they see you're old and married?" And that, my friends, says it all, don't you think?

Labels: Kids

I wish that I could tell you that A. is completely well. He's not. He did sleep 10 hours last night without coughing--that is progress. His asthma statistics were not as good today as yesterday, so the NP put him on an antibiotic. Who knows if he really needs this, but he did have a lot of green goo coming out of his eyes this morning. If the cough stops quickly, we will know this was bacterial. If not, maybe he will be pre-treated for the ear infection that sometimes follows bouts like these. He is taking 6 medications at this point, and that's enough to make anyone feel bad. He's not quite himself today, but after 9 days of almost constant coughing, who would be? Bless his sweet heart. Anyway, please continue to pray--I'd appreciate it so much.

Labels: Family, Health/Fitness, Kids

I wanted to show a picture of my little southern belle. NOT! When my little girl is home, she usually looks just like this--what you can't see is the DIRT! She always wears the military hat outside and is barefoot when possible.

Labels: Kids

I have three things to update you on today.

• First, we have decided to cancel the summer vacation in Gatlinburg and have re-scheduled for the first week of October. The kids will be on Fall Break then, and will only have to miss a couple days of school. I feel good about the decision, and have already made plans to do a couple things with the kids that are semi-local. I am looking forward to us all being together for vacation in the fall.
• Secondly, we got the kids achievement test scores back on Wednesday. Yay! My kids all did well. Sometimes, I wonder what in the world I worry so much about! There were some minor gaps in a couple subjects for one of my children, but we have devised a plan to take care of that this summer! I'm excited about that. They will be ready when August comes and it's time to head off to school--ahem...for the very first time.

• And thirdly, it is time to discuss the past week's successes and failures in the May Day Weight Challenge. Start weight: 137.9 This week: 137.1

I am not completely sure about my weight loss, but think it is down 1/2 pound. My new scales aren't as great as I thought they would be. I was very good this past week with my eating--in spite of a special Mother's Day German chocolate cake and my husband's birthday key lime pie. I stayed under my calorie goal except for 2 days--and I had exercised on one of those. I was able to exercise 4 times. I am running/walking and going to Curves.

Labels: Homeschool, Just Me, Kids

We had a lovely time yesterday. The kids really enjoyed the movie--B. and I thought it a little lame! I did like the way they wrapped everything up though--and it did have a positive message of "not giving up"! You can read a great review of it here. (Meet the Robinson's) The kids are heading out to Homeschool PE in a couple hours. This program at the YMCA has been such a blessing to our family. PE is the thing my kids look the most forward to all week. The leader is a precious homeschooling mom who takes fitness very seriously. She is very sanguine and loves to make everything fun for the kids. We are sad that we will not be going back after this year. Anyway, every year in April, we have the Home-school Olympics. The kids are broken down into different teams --and they compete against each other in various games--many traditional Olympic games--like javelin throwing and the long jump! It's a blast for the kids all month long. The older kids are the team captains and they paint a lovely banner to represent their team and they come up with their own team cheer. In the past, the teams have been named things like "Crete", "Troy," "Sparta", and "Athens". This year, for a change, they picked names of mountains--the Matterhorn and K-3 are two that were chosen this year! At the opening ceremonies, we have the running of the torch ( a real torch that was actually carried in the Olympics), the presenting of the teams, their banners,and their cheers--and an opening basketball game. The closing ceremonies are the greatest though. This is really made into a big deal. We sing the Star Spangled Banner, the kids always perform a human video of some sort, and the gold, silver, and bronze medals are given out in each category. Every child gets a medal and their faces are always beaming. I am so glad that we have been blessed to be a part of this program for 4 years now. I know it will be one of my kids most precious memories from our years spent home-schooling. I have no earthly idea why this picture posted this way--oh well!

Labels: Homeschool, Kids

Labels: Kids

After achievement tests and a totally unplanned lunch at Backyard Burger with daddy, we took a spontaneous trip down the road to Tupelo, Mississippi! We decided we needed some new Easter duds and headed out! This had to be a whirl-wind trip because we were leaving town at noon and had to be back in town by 6 pm. We had a fine time shopping for new spring clothes--well, except that time in the dressing room when I had to face the fact that I needed a larger size in my dress--you can only suck in so far, you know!On the way there we pulled off at the Elvis birthplace exit. I am such an Elvis fan and I know it is not hip and cool to be an Elvis fan, but I can't help it. It's in my genes. K is a big fan too, only she prefers to keep it a secret--oops, guess I screwed that up! Sorry K.

Labels: Family, Homeschool, Kids

This is A after one of his basketball games! He looks worn out to me--almost like he's so tired he could fall asleep right there in his chair. Here is a picture of M with Seth Franco, the former Harlem Globe-trotter that performed at our Upwards ceremony. I think they kind of look alike! Is it just me?

Labels: Kids

So, this was the week I had put aside to review the school year and prepare for achievement tests. I, of course, am the only one in the household nervous about this. Not one single child has the decency to be concerned! All three kids will be going to school next week in order to take the SAT. Our private, Christian school has very kindly let us do that a couple times now. Every year, I am a nervous wreck (in a joyful kind of way, of course) and pack as much review into the week as I can. I go to BAM (Books a Million) and buy the practice test books for their respective grades and we go through the whole thing. I am able to see areas they are weaker in and the ones they are excelling in. Of course, all this ever really tells me is what I already knew about each child. One struggles with math and spelling, another struggles with parts of speech, etc. When you are a homeschooling mom, you tend to know these things pretty easily. And with just a week, there isn't much time to do anything about the weaker areas anyway. So, I must just leave it to the Lord, knowing that I have done my best and it's too late to fret now. If I was going to fret, I should have done it much, much sooner! :) I will feel so much better Monday when I know there is nothing else I can do. I will get up early, drive them to school (good practice for next year), pray for them on the way, drop them off, and leave it all in God's hands. Which is exactly what I should be doing at this moment--leaving it in God's hands, I mean!

Labels: Homeschool, Kids