An update on the resolutions

So at the beginning of the year, I made 5 resolutions. I decided to revisit these and see how I was doing with them. Here's where I stand - 1. Drink more wine - Thank you to my good friend Valli. She's keeping me honest on this one. For my birthday, she gave me wine glasses and a bottle of sweet white wine. I've been enjoying the sweet white every now & again. Not too bad. A little different from my beer, but doable. Valli said she'd start me slow with the sweet and move me along. So since I wasn't drinking any and have now finished 1/2 the bottle, I'd say so far so good on this one. 2. Reconnect with old friends - Just had my 20yr reunion. It was wonderful! Had such a good time. Saw friends I really hadn't seen in 20 years. I've been reconnecting with some of them on Facebook prior to the reunion. I feel so fortunate having grown up in a small town. Going back for my class reunion felt more like a family reunion! 3. Run 5 races - Well, I missed the first race I'd planned on running, but have completed 2 so far. Feeling pretty good about running the 5Ks now. I've even been running 5K for a workout. Who knows, I might do a 10K by fall, maybe even a 10 mile. We'll see. 4. Have colonoscopy & mammogram - Haven't done it yet, but will get it done this summer. Need to have a kid free day with a ride available. Much easier to do in the summer. 5. Date night once a month - I knew this would be the hardest. I think we've actually done better than I thought. They haven't been "just us" date nights, but we've made it out 3 out of 5 months and this one isn't over yet. It's been nice. Makes me want to try harder. So all in all, I think I'm doing pretty well - as I finish this entry and this glass of wine.

Busy, busy bees

We've been so crazy around here lately with activites, meetings, work and school that I haven't had any time to blog - barely time to sleep! So I'm going to be doing a bit of back-blogging today to catch up. When I looked at my last blog date I couldn't believe it's been almost a month already. It doesn't seem like it's been that long since it happened. I'm ready for summer with the hope of things slowing down just a little bit - fingers crossed - but it is already filling up with things too. I guess we've finally hit that stage of constant "on the move" and it probably won't be slowing down for the next 10+ years from what I hear. Anyway, better get to back dating, documenting all the fun we've been having while going crazy!

Play ball!

We have two ball players in the family this spring - a tballer and a softballer.

Brett started playing tball for the first time and seems to really be enjoying it. His team is called the Naturals. Their first game was today and it was hilarious! I'd forgotten how funny these little ones are when they don't have any idea how to play. The batting team was trying to field their own balls, even after just batting. But Brett did great! Hit the ball and even made it to first with no problem. He got to play first base and short stop today. He didn't play in the dirt too bad either - always a plus. Here are some shots from todays game.

Watching & waiting for his game to start

Ready to play

up to bat

Kate is playing machine/coach pitch for the first time this year. Her former coach, Connie, isn't coaching this year, but she got us hooked up with some good ones. Coach Kelly has really taken an interest in Katelyn and has been working with her to learn to catch - her favorite! We haven't had any games yet, but looking forward to watching them play!

Coach Kelly giving her some instruction

down and ready

Let's Play Ball!!

It's a Jungle Out There

Katelyn's school musical was tonight. She's been so waiting for this moment since last fall when we went to see the 4th graders perform their musical. She's knows all the songs, all the moves and everyone's lines. Brett and I are pretty familiar with all the songs too - whether we want to be or not. This was a combination of 2nd & 3rd grades, so most of the speaking parts went to 3rd graders. It was a hit! The kids did so well. Mr. Kindle, the new music teacher, has really done a great job this year with the kids and the musicals. They are entertaining & only last about 30 minutes - perfect!

CoCo & Poppa made it to the big performance too

and one more with a cute little brother

Camping Out

Our Brownie troop was invited to go camping this weekend. About half of my girls were able to go, so we met out at Camp Prairie Schooner for a night of fun (hopefully). As the girls arrived, they were assigned chore groups. They got to help build the fire, cook and clean up. Since this was our first official camp out, I was learning also. One of my Brownie moms is the leader of a junior troop & they were the ones doing the teaching/mentoring. We started with some games and soon got the fire going. Katelyn's team was in charge of fire building first.

There were a lot of songs sung, dances danced and laughs laughed.

We even got to go Spider Sniffing. I can't tell you about that though. It's a secret society. Next time we are camping, I can take you though and get you inducted into the society also. The girls did great, had fun and slept well through a very loud thunderstorm. Thank goodness for lodges and the wiseness of a leader to plan it there for our first - thanks Tiffany! We had one mishap. A leader of the other troop fell off the stoop & sprained her ankle. Of course it was a Friday night about 10:30pm when I had to take her to the ER, at Truman Med Center East of all places. I'll just say, it is a very, very interesting place to people watch! Saw my first "Tweeker" - cool! The next morning we got up bright and early to start cooking breakfast -

the worst part of camping in my opinion. It takes so long to do and you are so hungry by the time it finishes and it never tastes very good.

We moved on to build edible fires - fun

make gorp - tasty - and go on a hike.

The camp had a neat treehouse the girls stopped in on the hike to eat their gorp.

Brett's Spring Program

Brett's preschool put on a Spring Program last night. Each class sang a song or two. They also had the cutest little slide show for each grade level. Brett has really enjoyed preK since switching into his new class. There are only 9 kids and they all really get along and like each other.

He has two best buddies in his class - Isaac

and Dylan

and a girl friend, Sophia. He says he just wants to be her friend, but she told him he had to be her boyfriend or nothing. So, according to him, he's pretending - to be her boyfriend - so they can be friends. Too funny!

Harry Potter, Harry Potter, Harry Potter!

Around here, that's all we talk about, watch, play, dream. Brett is obsessed! Over spring break, ABCFamily had the first 5 movies on. I DVR'd them so he could watch. Of course, I thought we would watch them once or twice. I was so very wrong. We have watched them all (all 5 of them) at least 4 times. We have to watch at least one every day. At this point, I'm thinking I should just go buy the ones we don't already own or I'll never have enough DVR space again.

We now own a LEGO Harry Potter Quidditch set - bought with his own birthday money. So we play that while watching Harry Potter.

I'm not saying this is a bad thing. I love Harry Potter. Love the books. Love the movies. Love the imagination and creativity it took to create this wonderful world of Wizards & Hogwarts. And I love that I get to share it with my little Harry.

My only concern came today when he told me (in complete seriousness), "Mommy, I need a new wand - a REAL one - so I can do real spells and make things float and stuff." Will he be crushed when he figures out that's not possible?

Big day for my Big Boy

It was 5 year old shots day for Brett today. I wasn't sure how much warning to give him. I mentioned something last night, very casually, making light of the whole thing. He asked a little bit. We moved on. This morning we trooped off to the doctor. Dr. G, of course, was impressed by our little Mr. Personality. But then again, why wouldn't he be? Brett took deep breaths, walked heel-toe, ran "super fast" down the hall - did all the tricks he needed to do. Then it was time. He was very brave. Had to have a finger stick for blood. Handled that well. Talked to the nurse the whole time. Dropped his pants for the shot in the thigh. Only said no & covered his thigh with his hand once. Took that one like a little man too. Quick shot to the arm, watching the whole time. Not a whimper or an ouch, nothing. The nurse left us a pee cup, papers and walked out of the room. That's when it started. A pout of the lip. A quiver of the lip. A big crocodile tear sliding down his cheek. When I asked him what hurt, his leg or arm. He shook his head and said through tears, "My Finger". Awww, my poor, sweet baby :(

Do you have the fever?

Overheard from other room today:

K:Brett, do you have Bieber Fever?
B:What?
K:Do you have Bieber Fever?(with more emphasis)
B:Do you? What is it?
K:(frustrated) Yes! Do you like Justin Bieber?
B:(simply) I like his music, but I don't like him.
K:Why don't you like him?
B:I don't know. I just don't like him.
K:Cause he gets all the girls. (giggle)
B:What?
K:Never mind. (giggle) Have you ever met Justin Bieber?
B:No.
K:Then how do you know you don't like him?
B:I don't know. Have you met Justin Bieber? (innocent & highly inquistive)
K:No.
B:Then how do you know you do? (again, simply stated, no saracsm)
K:(exasperated) I just do! I have Bieber Fever!
B:Oh, then I do too.

What a Beautiful Day!

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!
Sitting Bull

Breakin' - Spring Breakin' that is

After all the work on Monday to start off our break, we got to have some fun time. Monday night, Katelyn had a friend spend the night. Lots of playing, laughing and movie watching.

Tuesday afternoon we headed to CoCo & Poppa's for loads of spring break fun.

There was card playing, puzzle assembling, checkers

Looney Toons watching

joke telling, scary bear story telling, tongue twister talking

Dancing - wild & crazy dancing

cooking, baking, tons of eating

Lots of playing, running, swinging, fire building and most important grandparent bonding.

Spring Break has begun!

Spring Break officially started yesterday. This is what we woke up to

SNOW!?! Are you kidding me? It was just 65 degrees yesterday. This was not the way we planned to spend our break.

So we did some spring cleaning instead. Look how excited they are about it

We started with this

Kate & I got started on her room. Brett was supposed to be starting on his. He decided to do this instead.

Then he would go to his room & bring back all the things he was playing with. I told him if he was going to do exactly what I told him not to do to quit doing it right in front of me. So he went to his room & shut the door - so I couldn't see. Thanks.

Things were going slowly, but when Katelyn realized her friend didn't get to come over to spend the night until we were done, things picked right up. We finished her room about 3:30, just in time to go get her friend. Here is our finished project.

So while we were working hard on her room, this is what Brett did to his.

More stuff drug out and spread all over the floor - thanks again, Brett.

So by the time I got all of his done, it was bedtime. I had to take after pictures this morning because I was beat!

The best part of all this cleaning was the piles, boxes and bags of give away stuff I collected.

Whew! Now to get this to goodwill.

That's my job

Lots of snuggles and hugs and kisses going on around here this morning, making up for lost time I guess. Brett spent a long weekend with my parents and didn't come home until Monday night. I was gone all day Tuesday for clinicals. He had school yesterday. So today was make-up time. It doesn't hurt that it's cold again this morning so we keep each other warm. As we are sharing kisses & hugs and lots of "I love you, I love you mores", I say, "You are so sweet."

His response, "I know. That's my job."

Of course it is. And he does it so well.

Trying out

There is going to be a musical in April performed by the 2nd & 3rd grade classes at Norfleet elementary (Kate's school). She is so excited! I think we all know the songs and lines we've heard them so much. She is trying out today for King Leo the lion, the lead. I am so proud of her! She never even hesitated when we asked if she was going to try out. Of course she was and of course it would be for the lead. She said she'd be happy with any of the parts, which made me feel a little better about the results. She is such a performer and not a bit shy about it. Something so unlike me or her daddy at this age. Will keep you posted on the outcome - keep your fingers crossed!

some things never change

The neighbors have been gone for a little over 2 months now. It's been so quiet around our cul de sac. As the weather has gotten nicer, we've been able to get out our play things. This is the first time (ever) toys have stayed in the exact same spot we've left them and not gotten broken or destroyed by others (who weren't even supposed to be messing with them).

That changed today.

Logan came over today while his dad was working on the house. Katelyn tired of playing with him and came inside. I looked out & saw him swinging on the trapeze, jumping on the trampoline, kicking the soccer ball around. Within a short time, Steve saw Jenna(sister) beating the crap out of him in our backyard.

I guess it's good to know some things never change.

It's also good to know that they will be leaving soon and going back to their house & we'll be back to quiet cul de sac (after we go find the soccer ball).

Lines

"A kiss and a hug and a bucketful of love. That's what you get for loving me!" No wonder he gets away with so much.

Picking up a napkin that I folded in 4 he says, "Do you know what makes this special? It was folded by the most special person in all the world, YOU!"

"Sometimes you make me want to strangle you. Do you know how I'll strangle you? (he gives me a huge neck hug) I'll strangle you with my love." That one is a little creepy.

Where does he come up with these? I think we are in trouble, especially when he gets to be a teen. He's got more lines at age 5 than Curtis Floray (and for those of you who don't know Curtis, that's a LOT!)

A day of rest (and catch-up)

After all these birthdays and parties, today I finally have absolutely nothing I have to do, nowhere I have to be. Thank goodness!! I'd really just like to sit here on the couch and veg. But, I guess maybe I should put away the dishes (from Monday's wash), put the dirties in the dishwasher and reorganize all the stuff I threw (hid) in closets right before party time. At least I've gotten the blog caught up with entries and pictures from all the excitement.

Celebrating at school

Brett got to celebrate his birthday at school along with his friend, Ellie, who he also shares a birthday with. We brought pizza, chocolate milk and cookie cake. I think they liked it. Nine 4&5 years olds ate almost 3 medium pizzas!

The birthday kids

Brett & his buddies - Dylan & Joseph

This little cutie is Sophia. Her mom told me today that Brett is her boyfriend. But shhh, don't tell him. He doesn't know - it's a secret!

He's a Whole Hand

You turned five today. Last night you were so upset about getting older. When I put you to bed I said good night (for the last time) to my four year old boy. You got very sad and started to cry. You told me you didn't want to turn five. You wanted to turn two. "Why?" I asked. "Because then you would still hold me and sing to me", you said while sitting on my lap. "But that's what I'm doing right now", I said. "You used to dance me around", you cried. I understand why you cried, I miss those days too. But being five is going to be so much fun. You are going to learn to ride a 2 wheeler with no training wheels, get to play t-ball, swim and go off the diving board with no help and start kindergarten.

I wish I could have spent all day with you on your birthday, but I guess we get to spend most days together - at least for a little while longer. I'll cherish them while we have them - even if it means playing wii or star wars or play doh. And remember, you'll always be my baby and I'll hold you and sing to you as long as you'll let me. I love you birthday boy! You are the sweetest thing I've ever known.

Happy Birthday Kate

You turned 8 today. Usually the night before your birthday you are sad and don't want to get older. Not this year. You were so excited - you were giddy! You actually said, "I don't think I can sleep. I'm so excited! I might just have to stay up until midnight so it will be my birthday!" I told you the story of the night you were born and you just wore a permanent grin on your face as you fell asleep.

When you woke up, you asked for birthday pancakes - big ones - with a candle. So that's what you got. And another round of "Happy Birthday to You" while you did this silly little dance.

This was the first year that you've been in school that you've gotten to have a birthday on a school day. This year they even had your "Friendship" Valentine party on your birthday. Can it get any better than that?! I'm so glad I got to come to school and celebrate with you.

After school you had dance and didn't even complain about going because you knew we were heading to Pizza Street afterward (your choice). What a great birthday - and Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday to my sweet 8 year old - I love you bunches!