End of the week

So, it seems that it is getting harder and harder to keep my posts current. I promise that I will do better in the next few weeks. We've been so out of sync since Mason has been on Spring Break. Soon, Mallory and I will have Spring Break and I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished that week. We've been busy these last few days. Mason has been at my mom's house visiting. Mallory was so excited to go see him yesterday. She was even more exciting about spending time at Nanny & Papa's house. She gets to "rule the roost" when she's there. Nanny is making her Easter dress, so Mallory thinks she can get it done in one day.

They went to Christian's mom's house this afternoon. Mallory was all excited. Christian said that Mason cried. He just wanted to go home. He likes to be at home, and he's out of his routine. I know this change has been hard for him, so I'll be glad for him to get back to school. Mallory just wants to be wherever Mason is going to be. They are so cute together.

I miss them when they aren't here. I feel guilty for just watching TV or not doing the dishes. Its nice to spend some quiet time with Christian, but I like the routine of the kids, too. Oh well. We'll be back to normal soon.

End of the week????

It was supposed to be a fairly easy week. Since we've had kids, I've not know a time when I just had one child for a long period of time. Alyssa was with us when Mason was born. Then Mallory was born shortly after Alyssa left us the 1st time. Then the girls came back and we had four. Then it was back to two.

So, I was thinking it might be a fairly easy week this week. Mason is on Spring Break this week and next, and was scheduled to go to my mom's for a good part of the week. I was planning on getting my consignment sale stuff sorted and tagged. I wanted to get a good jump on my end-of-the-school-year project (which will take me a long time to do). I needed to plan my sister's birthday gift. So much to do this week.

Well, life doesn't always turn out the way you plan. Mason came home from Christian's mom's house on Monday evening. He seemed fine and was playing with the other kids at the ball field. Then he wakes up early on Tuesday morning with a giant fever. I called the doctor right at 9:00 to see if I could get an appointment. They could see us at 10:15. I decided to get breakfast and Mason wanted bacon. He scarfed down three pieces of bacon and two pieces of toast (I don't know where it goes!) So I called the nurse back and told her what happened. We decided to give this "whatever" another day.

So, this morning he gets up with a high fever again. I called the doctor back at 9:00 and they could see us right away. Without a doubt, he tested positive for strep throat. He felt awful all day and barely got off the couch. However, by dinner he was showing signs of improvement, and ate a pretty good dinner. He seemed his typical self by bath time, but was ready to go to sleep.

Its quiet in my house (for now!), so I should be getting a jump start on those things I mentioned.....Nah.

So busy!

We've been so busy this week, I haven't had a chance to post on my blog. I look at it almost everyday, but I have barely had time to breathe this week. So, I'm giving you a recap...

Monday was a typical day of school, the park, homework, dinner and bed. The day goes by so fast that I can barely remember it.

Tuesday was St. Patty's Day. Conyers was having a small (and I do mean small) parade in honor of the day and Ann Marie invited us to watch the parade and have dinner at her house. I'd never had corned beef and cabbage, which apparently is a traditional Irish meal. Ma made dinner and it was very good. Different, but good. The kids just enjoyed playing in the great afternoon sunshine. It was a beautiful day!

Mallory and Gracie

Silly Mason!

Bike Races!

Wednesday was typical of Monday, but Mason had his first Upward soccer practice. I wasn't really enthused about going but he really wanted to play. So, Mallory and I sat on the bleachers while his coach kicked the ball around with him. He did good, and was very tired when it was over.

Thursday was early release day at school, for Newton Co. and GCA. We met all of our friends at the park for a picnic lunch and playground time. I wish I could say that I had pictures, but it was so busy, I didn't have time to take any. There were 5 adults and 12 kids. Many little ones to keep up with. Later that evening, Emily and Delynne, and their children, came over for dinner. It was an improptu supper and the kids played for several hours in the back yard. The kids did great, dinner was good, and everyone was tired at bedtime. That, to me, constitutes a fantastic day!

Friday was a very special day. We drove to Dauset Trails to let the kids see all of the animals. It was a very neat place. First, the admission is FREE! Second, they have a very nice facility that was very clean. Thirdly, there were lots of different kinds of animals to see. Everything from a bobcat to a farm pig. I think the kids enjoyed the farm area the most. We had a picnic lunch and then finished the rest of the animal exhibits. The kids really did love getting out and running the open acres. I know my kids were in their element, and had a great time!

Penny showing the girls the snakes in the cage. Yuck!

Aubrey, Ava, Ayden, Reese, Mallory and Mason checking out the goats

Ava and Mason at the chicken coup--bock, bock!

Reese, Mason, Ayden, Mallory, Brendan, and Ava stop to pose on this weird-shaped tree. Cute kids.

Mason petting the goats!

What a beautfiul girl!

This is just a glimpse of how we keep busy. I'll finish telling you about our weekend at my next post. Until then...

Rainy Day blues...

The last couple of days for me have been rainy. I mean, yes, it has been raining a lot. But I just haven't been in the mood to do anything these last few days. Going to the preschool on Monday was the last thing I wanted to do, and then I really needed to clean house when I got home.

So, I drummed up all of my inner-energy and started dusting. When I got started, the kids wanted in on the action. So I gave them each a rag, and showed them how to take the "gray stuff" off of the white baseboards. They loved it!!!! Most of the house got clean baseboards, and I gave them a learning activity. It actually became a competition!

Well, after dusting, I definitely needed to vacuum, and I could tell I was picking up momentum. So I felt really good after running the vacuum. Then.......I was over it! I've washed clothes, but now they need folding. Maybe I'll drum up that vibe tomorrow......after my nap!

MASON MADE THE "A" HONOR ROLL!!!! As previously stated, he got his report card at the meeting earlier this week. He came home with his ribbon this afternoon, but had no idea what it was for! It has the name of the school and "A Honor Roll" on the top! He might not know what it is, but his dad and I are terribly proud! Way to go, Mason!!!

Mason got a hair cut today, and we gave him a "summer" hair cut. So I wanted to show it off, because I think it makes him look so different. I called him into the kitchen this afternoon so I could take the pictures. This is how he arrived. He had one of Mallory's headbands around his head (it was purple!). I burst out laughing and then yelled for him to take it off. His sweet reply was, "Mom, Samson wore a headband in the Bible! Except his was red!" He must have seen that picture in his little kid Bible. I guess that Mason forgot that God told Samson not to cut his hair!

So, walla! He're is Samson with his new haircut!

Indy's helper - what was her name?

Indiana Jones - eat your heart out!

Mallory - doing her most favorite thing in the world!

Mason showing off his hard work in the yard

Just some cute pictures of the kids in the yard, enjoying the Spring-like weather! Enjoy!

Great Improvement!

We went to our first Parent/Teacher Fellowship tonight at Mason's new school. I was expecting it to be a time for us to gather with the other parents and get to know each other. It was held at a local church and it was more like an awards ceremony. They recognized kids who made the honor roll for that quarter, gave quarterly Star Student awards, and talked about upcoming events. It is mandatory for each child to attend, with atleast one parent.

When we arrived, Ms. Janie asked for Mason to sit with her, and she collected her whole class on the front row. I was secretly relieved, because I had Mallory with me too, and didn't know how they would handle sitting in church for a long time. Plus, it didn't start until 7:00, so I knew they would be sleepy.

I did not know that Mason's class would be performing for this evening's services. (Sorry, Mom! I didn't have my camera.) Again, I thought this was a "get-to-know-you" kind of gathering. Anyway, his class recited the entire Lord's Prayer, including the verse reference. And they recited the books of the Bible. Who knew!!! I had no idea that Mason was learning all of that in class. I knew that they had Bible stories and that they learned scripture. But it just didn't click.

He did great, but was a little embarrassed. Thus, he acted a little silly. But that was okay. He did great for his first time!

Also, he got his first report card. He got "E" for excellent in all of the academic areas. He got "G"s for Good in behavior. His teacher commented that he had made tremendous improvement in just 25 days, and had a great desire to learn. I couldn't be more proud!!

Getting ready for Spring!

Mallory resting after the parade!

Mallory in line for the umbrella parade!


Every year during the month of March, we teach the kids about the different seasons. Especially about Spring and all the things that happen during that season. We kick of this month by having an Umbrella parade. The kids dress up in their rain gear and bring their umbrellas. We march around the preschool and let the kids show off their stuff. Its really cute!

Know anybody hiring????

I need a job. (No, not really!) But if Mason keeps eating like this, he's going to need to get a job to help pay for groceries. I made his favorite meal last night for dinner. Chicken legs! He ate three legs and a helping of rice. Technically, he was still hungry when he got down from the table, but I wouldn't let him have any more chicken. I didn't want his stomach to hurt. Since he couldn't have chicken, he just got down from the table.

However, he did stop to tell me that he wanted chicken in his lunch box for lunch today. So, I got up at 6:30 this morning to put chicken legs in the oven for his lunch. He was so excited! When I picked him up from school, Ms. Roberts burst out laughing. She said she had never seen a child so happy about their lunch. She said he literally ate both chicken legs in a matter of minutes.

Now were home from school, and he's already had one snack at the park. He just asked me to make him some chips & cheese because he was "going to starve before dinner"!

I just wonder where it all goes!

Pay it forward!

So, I'm following my friend, Delynne's, pay it forward concept. She does something for me, I do something for someone else. So, for the first three people that comment on this blog, I will do a personal favor of your picking. Babysitting, cooking a meal, typing a resume, you name it!

The catch is that you have to pay it forward also. Before you can comment on my blog, you have to blog or send an e-mail out with a pay it forward deal. Then you can comment to recieve your gift/favor. The first three people win!

Delynne, you're on!!!!!

What to do now???

I'm finished with the Twilight series. Can you hear the tear drops? You get so engrossed in the books that you feel like you become a part of the story. Then when the books are over, you feel left out. Like the characters moved away and didn't ask you to go with them. Oh, well. I'll have to be patient for the movie. Hopefully we can plan a Twilight party and see the movie with friends. I now have Ann Marie hooked and Emily is starting them soon.

Now I just have laundry and dishes to keep me going. Somebody suggest something, quick!!!!!!

Another successful night!

I love my Supper Club! My friends that come over are just like family to me. I love how Ma and Roy always disagree. They are so funny! Ann Marie and Tom are so easy going, and the kids play well together.

Last night was at our house and I made BBQ. It was yummy! So yummy, that Roy had two helpings, the kids each ate two sandwiches and most of dinner was gone by the end of the night. I slow roasted a pork butt for 10 hours with some liquid smoke on Thursday night. Then on Friday afternoon, I reheated it for about 45 minutes and pulled it right off the bone. Then I added some Sweet Baby Ray's and whalla! It was fantatstic!!!!!!

We played cards until 11:00 last night, and I won!!!! I think its the first time ever. I wasn't even trying hard. It just seemed like every hand came to me. It took us 16 hands to finish the game, but it went by so quick.

Mason and Mallory didn't last all night. I had to put them to be about 9:30, and they went right to sleep. No complains! I guess Geegee wore them out when they were at her house. They had such a good time with her!

Not so fast, I'm feelingggggggggggg, ugh!

Mallory's class went on the playground today with the Pre-K class. Normally this is never a problem. However, Mallory was trying to keep up with the "big kids". She found herself on the tire swing with two of the older girls. I think she was on there longer than she really wanted. So she finally stumbles over to where Emily (her teacher) is standing with the other teachers, and promptly throws up on the ground at Emily's feet!!! Then she vomited again as they were leaving the playground. Oh, yuck! Mallory was really quiet when Emily brought her upstairs, but when we got in the car, she realized I had treats. My Girl Scout cookies were delivered today, and as any female would say "Mommy, can I have one of those chocolate chip cookies?" Thats my girl!!!!!

Thanks, Emily, for taking care of my baby! I know you love her!

A little discipline is all I need...

Ms. Roberts, Mason's new teacher, is doing a wonderful job with Mason at school. I can tell that she really loves teaching (she should after 38 years) and she loves her children. Last Friday, Mason did not have a good day so she put a note in his backpack. We talked about it this weekend, and I reminded him when he was dropped off yesterday. She was quick to tell me at pick-up that he'd had a wonderful day.

So today at pick-up, she said he had a "so-so" morning but he had gotten better through the day. Mason immediately looked at me and said, "I got a good demerit today, Mom." It was so sweet, and Ms. Roberts just cracked up!

My heart belongs to my husband, my soul belongs to Edward!

So, I'm definitely a Twilight addict. Sandy started reading these books about two months ago, and made fun of herself that she couldn't put the books down. She saw the movie three times and was mad when she couldn't see it a fourth time. So, reluctantly, I asked my friend Melinda to loan me her books. I figured "what could be so interesting that you can't put it down to make dinner?"

Well, I finished the first two books (there are four in the series) within two days. The first book was just shy of 500 pages. The second book was almost 600. I finished the third book Sunday night at midnight and it had just over 600 pages. I started the fourth book yesterday morning, and I should have it finished by tonight. It has 726 pages!

Whew! I have, however, managed to keep up with the laundry and make dinner every night. But every spare second I get, I've got my nose in the book. I'm not sure what I'll do when I finish reading it. Sandy is bummed that she doesn't have anything to read now, and I'm sure I'll be in the same boat.

The movie comes out on March 21st and we're looking for a place to have a Twilight viewing party. Just us girls! There are about 6 of us that have read the books and loved them. Supposedly the writer was going to publish 4 more books, from another characters perspective, but that has been placed on hold. We'll just have to see if they make the other three movies!Gotta go read!!!!!!

A gift from God...

Winter snow 2009 - The kids had a great time! We went out when it first started to cover the ground. The kids (and us) couldn't get over how big the flakes were as they hit the ground. Mason only wanted to hit us with snowballs, and Mallory would have eaten every snowflake that fell! She would pick up handfulls, and act like she was going to throw them. Instead, she'd take a big bite! Yuck!

After a short while (and four sets of gloves later), we convinced the kids that they would freeze to death if they didn't come back inside.

I want to be a ? when I grow up...

Last Friday was Community Helper day at the preschool. Mallory had been saying that she wanted to be a teacher. I didn't quite catch on to what she was talking about until I remembered that we had to dress up. She wanted to wear her cheerleader costume and "pretend" to be a teacher. But I talked her into wearing one of her uniform dresses, my old glasses, and a pencil in her hair bun. When asked, she wants to be "a teacher, just like Ms. Emily". If I could have found a dark wig, with a short bob cut, I would have put it on Mallory.

We paraded the kids through the school and around the church (before it started raining). I think it was my favorite parade! Also, Mallory was the only "Teacher" in the school!