Last week, we were at our friend's house and Caitlyn was being a stinker. She was climbing on the coffee table, and I asked her to stop. Here's how it all went down:
Me: Cai-Lo, you need to get down off the coffee table please.
Caitlyn: ***nothing***
Me: Caitlyn! Get off the coffee table, please!!
Caitlyn: No!!
Me: Excuse me?!
Caitlyn: (quieter this time) No, ma'am.
How can you possibly get mad at that?
October 29, 2008
One of Those Days =)
I've been a crabby, grumpy mommy lately. I feel like every night when I get the kids to sleep I have wasted yet another one of their infinitely short childhood days being a crab. Why? Simply put, I am stressed- stressed about money, stressed about our student loans, stressed about our credit card debt...just stressed! Why, why, why? The thing is, I know it will work out- it ALWAYS does. I just want to quit wasting my time stressing about it. Stressing won't solve anything, and I honestly don't need an ulcer in my 20s- I'd rather wait on that one.
In honor of my crabby self, and partly because one of the thousands of e-mails that made their way down the family e-mail tree touched my heart, here are some alternative ways to look at our situation-
*rather than stress because my kids are too loud, I will rejoice that they have the ability to run and scream.
*rather than yell or get aggravated because my husband is sooooo laid back, I will rejoice that he allows me the freedom to pursue my own interests, and that he fully and unquestionably trusts my judgement.
*rather than feel upset about our credit card debt and student loans, I will rejoice that my husband and I were afforded the opportunity to receive wonderful post-secondary educations, and I was able to be home for our children during their formative years.
*rather than complain about my 1006 square foot home, I will remember that the vast majority of the world's populous has neither indoor plumbing nor actual floors in their homes- I am blessed.
When I visited Mexico during the summer of 2000, my "friend"- an American girl can never spend an extended amount of time in a foreign country without making herself a "friend", right? Oh single life- I am SO glad you are a distant memory!- and I rode la ruta-the public transportation buses- all around the outskirts of Cuernavaca. While the countryside was breathtakingly beautiful, I was shocked when he told me that, yes, people-families!- really did live in those teeny tiny tin sheds dotting the hillsides. These were structures you would feel guilty housing your chickens in, much less your children. And yes, that really was flannel in the windows, and no, they do not replace it with glass in the winter.
And a mere 8 years later, I have the gall to feel sorry for myself because my fully climate controlled house is "small" and "crowded".
Poor me...
I am so glad my stresses are due to a "numbers game" rather than actual, real, life-threatening danger.
In honor of my crabby self, and partly because one of the thousands of e-mails that made their way down the family e-mail tree touched my heart, here are some alternative ways to look at our situation-
*rather than stress because my kids are too loud, I will rejoice that they have the ability to run and scream.
*rather than yell or get aggravated because my husband is sooooo laid back, I will rejoice that he allows me the freedom to pursue my own interests, and that he fully and unquestionably trusts my judgement.
*rather than feel upset about our credit card debt and student loans, I will rejoice that my husband and I were afforded the opportunity to receive wonderful post-secondary educations, and I was able to be home for our children during their formative years.
*rather than complain about my 1006 square foot home, I will remember that the vast majority of the world's populous has neither indoor plumbing nor actual floors in their homes- I am blessed.
When I visited Mexico during the summer of 2000, my "friend"- an American girl can never spend an extended amount of time in a foreign country without making herself a "friend", right? Oh single life- I am SO glad you are a distant memory!- and I rode la ruta-the public transportation buses- all around the outskirts of Cuernavaca. While the countryside was breathtakingly beautiful, I was shocked when he told me that, yes, people-families!- really did live in those teeny tiny tin sheds dotting the hillsides. These were structures you would feel guilty housing your chickens in, much less your children. And yes, that really was flannel in the windows, and no, they do not replace it with glass in the winter.
And a mere 8 years later, I have the gall to feel sorry for myself because my fully climate controlled house is "small" and "crowded".
Poor me...
I am so glad my stresses are due to a "numbers game" rather than actual, real, life-threatening danger.
October 27, 2008
Cammy-isms
Every night we wish on our star. Tonight I started our wish:
Star light, Star bright
The first star I see tonight.
I wish I may I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight
I wish.. I wish...
We have a rule that we are not allowed to tell our wish "because if we tell, it won't come true!" I tell them. I was saying the rhyme and got to the "I wish" part, when Cam reminded me of the rule. I assured him that I would not reveal my wish! Because I really, really want my wish to come true! He told me that he hopes my wish comes true, and that he hopes that I wished for another baby! The following conversation ensued...
Me: Another baby, hmmm...I don't know if that one's gonna happen any time soon buddy!
Cam: But Mom, we need another baby in our family!
Me: Why Cam? We already have 4 kids, and Caleigh's still a baby.
Cam: But Mom, we need another baby because you have 2 meemees (our word for breasts). If you have two meemees, you need two babies to feed.
He explained it like it made all the sense in the world. Kids, kids, kids... =)
Later, he told me he did not want me to fall asleep in his bed because when I sleep in his bed I look like look like a monster. I asked him what he meant, and he told me that when I sleep my head looks like a flying dinosaur and it scares him. *singing* I feel pretty, oh so pretty...
Poor kid! Or is it poor me? Who knows...
Caleigh Bug =)
Caleigh had her 4 month well child check up this morning. She weighs a whopping 11 lbs 4 oz! She's in the 10-25th percentile for everything (weight, height, and head circumference), so she is well-proportioned, but small. Oh well, we'll keep her =)
John took some vacation time off from work to focus on some projects for school, so it will be nice to spend some time together! We went on a real live date on Saturday. We were invited on a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt with some other couples. Our team came in 4th place (out of 5!) and had a lot of fun! After the hunt, we went out to eat. I love being at a restaurant and hearing kids screaming or seeing them throw food on the floor- or in their parents' hair- and knowing that mine are HOME! The little things really do make me happy.
Just a quick funny- you know how Dora pauses after she asks questions?...pause...
John took some vacation time off from work to focus on some projects for school, so it will be nice to spend some time together! We went on a real live date on Saturday. We were invited on a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt with some other couples. Our team came in 4th place (out of 5!) and had a lot of fun! After the hunt, we went out to eat. I love being at a restaurant and hearing kids screaming or seeing them throw food on the floor- or in their parents' hair- and knowing that mine are HOME! The little things really do make me happy.
Just a quick funny- you know how Dora pauses after she asks questions?...pause...
October 26, 2008
Sleep, Glorious Sleep
Tonight was one of those nights where if motherhood was a pass/ fail test, I think I would be in dire need of a remedial course. The kids and I shared a lovely day together, complete with two hours at the park, plenty of peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and more crayons on the floor than you can shake a stick at (well, not that you'd want to shake sticks at crayons, but you know...).
After returning from the park at around 6:30, I was pretty sure that the kids were just about ready to start winding down and get ready for bed. I figured I would let them watch a show while I sat with a cold glass of chocolate milk to recharge before bath time. Apparently, by the time we were ready to start the night time routines (bath, book, Go Diego Go, SLEEP!!!!) they were already overly tired- you know, the overly dramatic, talk a mile a minute, ignore any semblance of reason type of tired. I decided to salvage the evening by cutting my losses and skipping straight to the SLEEP portion of our nightly routine. I turned on a kid friendly movie and laid them down. After an hour, it became increasingly obvious the kids were tired beyond reason. In desperation, I pulled out the parental trump card- I loaded them into the car and took them for a drive. After 30 minutes of hearing their near-constant fighting, bickering, and whining all concentrated in an area roughly the size of oh, perhaps, one Jeep Grand Cherokee, I implored them to stop fighting, sit still, and go to sleep. The squawking crescendos, along with my stress and aggravation level, until...cue Handel's Hallelujah Chorus...SILENCE! Glorious Silence!
I know one of these days, I will think back and wonder why I let myself get all worked up over the kids' refusing sleep. One of these days, there will be much bigger fish to fry- drugs, peer pressure, basketball coaches... but for now, here's a tribute to sleep...
Collin has always slept like this- isn't he just precious!
Cameron and Collin snoozing in Nanny's car- Love it!
Daddy and Collin- what a sweet heart!
Caitlyn snoozing in her seat- Check out those little rolls!
My little Collin Bug =)
After returning from the park at around 6:30, I was pretty sure that the kids were just about ready to start winding down and get ready for bed. I figured I would let them watch a show while I sat with a cold glass of chocolate milk to recharge before bath time. Apparently, by the time we were ready to start the night time routines (bath, book, Go Diego Go, SLEEP!!!!) they were already overly tired- you know, the overly dramatic, talk a mile a minute, ignore any semblance of reason type of tired. I decided to salvage the evening by cutting my losses and skipping straight to the SLEEP portion of our nightly routine. I turned on a kid friendly movie and laid them down. After an hour, it became increasingly obvious the kids were tired beyond reason. In desperation, I pulled out the parental trump card- I loaded them into the car and took them for a drive. After 30 minutes of hearing their near-constant fighting, bickering, and whining all concentrated in an area roughly the size of oh, perhaps, one Jeep Grand Cherokee, I implored them to stop fighting, sit still, and go to sleep. The squawking crescendos, along with my stress and aggravation level, until...cue Handel's Hallelujah Chorus...SILENCE! Glorious Silence!
I know one of these days, I will think back and wonder why I let myself get all worked up over the kids' refusing sleep. One of these days, there will be much bigger fish to fry- drugs, peer pressure, basketball coaches... but for now, here's a tribute to sleep...
Collin has always slept like this- isn't he just precious!
Cameron and Collin snoozing in Nanny's car- Love it!
Daddy and Collin- what a sweet heart!
Caitlyn snoozing in her seat- Check out those little rolls! 
My little Collin Bug =)Thank you, Lord for these little ones.
October 25, 2008
Oh happy day!
Cameron is wearing short socks! I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but believe me- it is! One of his little quirks is his love of routine. When he was little, we had to drive to daycare using the same route. Now, he HAS to wear shorts, his black shoes and LONG SOCKS every day, no matter the weather. At bed time we have to watch Go, Diego, Go and he sits in my lap until he gets tired, then he lays down on the floor with his blanket and pillow and crashes out. I could go on, but I won't...
I'll just say thank goodness we are expanding our horizons!
I'll just say thank goodness we are expanding our horizons!
October 24, 2008
October 22, 2008
Love and Logic
When I worked at the boys' school last spring, I was introduced to Love and Logic. I really, really wanted to buy the book because it made SO much SENSE! Well, when I searched for it on the internet, and between the book and shipping, it was just a tad bit too expensive for me. Our local library also did not have it, so I added it to my mental list of things I want "one of these days". Well, fast forward a month or so... One day, the girls and I decided to stop by Goodwill to see if they had anything worthwhile (99.99% of the time they don't, so it's a safe way to relieve my "shopping" impulse). I glanced at the many books waiting for new homes, and guess what was sitting there waiting for me....any guesses...just one? Okay, okay, I'll tell you- my very own copy of Parenting with Love and Logic! (Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you?)
I have slowly implemented love and logic into our lives, and am very happy with the results. My children are very well-behaved, but we do have our fair share of power struggles. Actually...let me rephrase that, Collin and I have our fair share of power struggles. If you know how my dad and I interacted while I was growing up, Collin and I experience that same dynamic- two very headstrong people under one roof is not pretty AT ALL! I have found that by giving him choices, our tempers rarely flare and life is much less explosive.
Thank you Love and Logic!
October 21, 2008
New Playlist- Welcome Christmas
The weather is cooling off (by "cooling off" I mean my children must now wear a light sweater with their shorts in the morning=o) ), so it is starting to feel like the holidays! This morning I updated my playlist with some favorite sounds of the season. So turn up your speakers and enjoy! If you can think of any other classic songs to add, drop me a comment and let me know!
Enjoy....
Enjoy....
October 19, 2008
Today was so fun and relaxing. We slept in for the first time in a loooong time, and rather than rush around trying to get ready for church, we decided just to embrace the moment and stay home. I cleaned the kitchen and got the kids some breakfast while John went to Wal Mart and bought some stuff for nachos. When he returned, we watched the game and just relaxed as a family. It was so nice to spend the day snuggled in a quilt surrounded by my kiddos. I needed that!
After the game, I took the big kids to the park and let them play and get some fresh air. We came home and watched some old cartoons on Boomerang (looove that channel!), and now we are about to have our baths and get ready for bed.
Just a funny- when I was typing that last paragraph, Collin was reading over my shoulder. He came to the part about getting baths, and scampered in to the front room and said "Cammy, Cait! We're about to get our baths!" I just love having a reader in the house! He's so sweet! I love my Collin Bug!!!
After the game, I took the big kids to the park and let them play and get some fresh air. We came home and watched some old cartoons on Boomerang (looove that channel!), and now we are about to have our baths and get ready for bed.
Just a funny- when I was typing that last paragraph, Collin was reading over my shoulder. He came to the part about getting baths, and scampered in to the front room and said "Cammy, Cait! We're about to get our baths!" I just love having a reader in the house! He's so sweet! I love my Collin Bug!!!
October 18, 2008
Random
How do you know when you have found your religious "home"? You know what I mean, right? The place where you attend church on Sunday and you look forward to going, are excited to see other members of the congregation, and just feel comfortable.
I was talking to one of the ladies I worked with last spring, and she was telling me that she attends one of the local "cowboy" churches, and that each Sunday her children actually get mad at her for taking too long to get ready to leave for church. In other words, her children actually LIKE going to church each Sunday. What a concept. I want that.
I want to actually enjoy church, rather than attend simply because I feel like it's something I "need" to do. Or do simply to avoid being stalked my the missionaries (but that's a whole other topic!). I want to feel like I belong, rather than simply feel like a number or someones obligation- just another "to do" to check off the list. Where do I find that? I enjoy some of the concepts preached by my organized religion, but I don't feel "at home" there. I don't look forward to Sundays. There have been times in my life when I have been really gung ho about my religion, but right now I just feel "blah" about it. I rarely leave feeling uplifted and closer to God. Usually, I leave feeling like a failure. Like I'll never quite be good enough for their version of Him. It runs really counter-intuitive to my own ideas about Him, and I have a hard time reconciling my ideas with theirs.
My cousin posted a link to a beautifully written article. In it, the author mentions a bible study group offered by her congregation for women in her same, very sensitive, situation. My religion would never offer something like that. Basically if it's not a play group, scrap booking, or possibly a book group (with books approved by the male leadership, of course!) we women don't really need it now, do we? Reminds me of when I was a teenager and we girls would do these stupid "learn to sew!", "go visit a lady who just had a baby, so you can see how to take care of babies!", or "let's play with makeup!" type activities. Meanwhile, my dad, who was in charge of the young men's group, would borrow MY raft to take the boys on overnight RAFTING TRIPS! Those who know me know exactly how I felt about being stuck learning to sew or do my makeup while my dad had my raft lent out to some random idiot boy from church. When I was in leadership and suggested that we should try to do a day long rafting trip or hike, it was never "in the budget" or other such nonsense. Gag me. I guess we'll do another variation of the craft, makeup, or baby theme....
I can feel this going off track, but I guess my point is I want to find a church where I feel accepted, loved and valued as I am. I want to leave feeling uplifted and closer to God. I want my children to enjoy attending the meetings on Sunday. Is that too much to ask?
I was talking to one of the ladies I worked with last spring, and she was telling me that she attends one of the local "cowboy" churches, and that each Sunday her children actually get mad at her for taking too long to get ready to leave for church. In other words, her children actually LIKE going to church each Sunday. What a concept. I want that.
I want to actually enjoy church, rather than attend simply because I feel like it's something I "need" to do. Or do simply to avoid being stalked my the missionaries (but that's a whole other topic!). I want to feel like I belong, rather than simply feel like a number or someones obligation- just another "to do" to check off the list. Where do I find that? I enjoy some of the concepts preached by my organized religion, but I don't feel "at home" there. I don't look forward to Sundays. There have been times in my life when I have been really gung ho about my religion, but right now I just feel "blah" about it. I rarely leave feeling uplifted and closer to God. Usually, I leave feeling like a failure. Like I'll never quite be good enough for their version of Him. It runs really counter-intuitive to my own ideas about Him, and I have a hard time reconciling my ideas with theirs.
My cousin posted a link to a beautifully written article. In it, the author mentions a bible study group offered by her congregation for women in her same, very sensitive, situation. My religion would never offer something like that. Basically if it's not a play group, scrap booking, or possibly a book group (with books approved by the male leadership, of course!) we women don't really need it now, do we? Reminds me of when I was a teenager and we girls would do these stupid "learn to sew!", "go visit a lady who just had a baby, so you can see how to take care of babies!", or "let's play with makeup!" type activities. Meanwhile, my dad, who was in charge of the young men's group, would borrow MY raft to take the boys on overnight RAFTING TRIPS! Those who know me know exactly how I felt about being stuck learning to sew or do my makeup while my dad had my raft lent out to some random idiot boy from church. When I was in leadership and suggested that we should try to do a day long rafting trip or hike, it was never "in the budget" or other such nonsense. Gag me. I guess we'll do another variation of the craft, makeup, or baby theme....
I can feel this going off track, but I guess my point is I want to find a church where I feel accepted, loved and valued as I am. I want to leave feeling uplifted and closer to God. I want my children to enjoy attending the meetings on Sunday. Is that too much to ask?
Good One!
Collin and Cameron tend to fight just a little, teeny, tiny bit. They are coloring right now, so I can hear them talk to each other. A few moments ago, they were getting a little worked up with each other and Cameron yelled at Collin, "You color out of the lines!"
I don't know where he finds such insults!
I don't know where he finds such insults!
October 16, 2008
Interviews!
John is on his way to an interview right now. My stomach is in knots. I don't think he'll get this one- heck, I'm not even sure what type of job it is! But I'm still nervous for him. Interviewing is so nerve wracking! I have his resume on several job sites, and am hoping it pays off. I set a goal to apply for at least 3 jobs per day for him- he simply does not have the time to commit to a job search right now, so hopefully this will help him out a bit. I'm just nervous because he is just starting out, and it seems like everyone who is hiring wants 2+ years experience. I know once someone gives him a chance, he will knock their socks off- it's just finding a person who's willing to give him that chance! He could always do Wal Mart management for a couple of years to gain a little bit of "professional" experience, but I think he is ready to move on. I honestly don't care as long as he doubles his salary some time in the next 60-90 days =)
I got an email from my advisor regarding a job at a high school about an hour from here. It looks promising, but I am a little concerned about the commute and about the girls. Their school district has early head start (preschool for 3 year old children), so hopefully Caitlyn would be able to attend class with them. I think it would be good for her! My major concern is about Caleigh Bug. I've never had a child that young in full time daycare, so it really stresses me out to think about someone else taking care of her all day, every day. I guess I should not get ahead of myself- I haven't even been called to interview, but I'm a Rhodes, so I worry about EVERYTHING!!!!! Between that and the insomnia...=) (or is that a Weddle trait?)
I guess I'll open the door, and if it's meant to be, the Lord will lead me through it. He has never lead me astray before, so I really doubt He would start now. I just need to remember Psalms 23 and Proverbs 3. If I was a scriptural scholar, I'm sure I would know more, but those are my main two that tend to solve all my problems...
October 15, 2008
Drooling...
I knew it was coming, but I didn't realize it would be quite like this! I've been spending the past couple days drooling over real estate in the Phoenix metro area. I knew the market was going to crash, but never imagined 5 bedroom 3 bath homes for less than 130k would be as common as they are! The data suggests the market is still in a slight decline, and has yet to "bottom out". All these homes...less than 5 years old...real granite countertops...stainless steel appliances...tile floors...two stories...drool... Although we won't be in a position to buy for a couple years from now, I have a feeling we will be buying at just about the right time.
October 14, 2008
The kids were really excited about the new Sponge Bob being advertized on TV, so we wasted, I mean, spent part of our evening watching it. It was classic Sponge Bob (that should say enough, right?). Sponge Bob's friends were calling him "idiot boy", so guess what I've heard nonstop since 8:30/7:30 central? Thanks Sponge Bob- Love ya', Man!
October 13, 2008
Well, well...
We had a fun weekend =) Saturday John and Collin went to the University of Tulsa vs. SMU game. One of John's childhood friends' father is the head of security at the University of Tulsa, so he gave John the tickets. Collin liked the game, but the part I've heard about the most is the "spanish McDonalds" where "everyone was talking in Spanish except me and Da Da!". Anyone who knows North Dallas knows there are no "spanish McDonalds"es (is that the proper plural- hmmm...doubt it...oh well) anywhere near the SMU campus- perhaps a "sushi McDonalds" or a "gormet, organically fed and free range beef McDonalds" but not a "Spanish McDonalds", so I have no idea where the heck they stopped =)
Sunday was spent watching football and preparing for the week. We watched the Red River Rivalry- University of Texas won. Hook 'em Horns!
We also watched the Cardinals Beat the Cowboys. Ugh...it feels wrong even typing that. Do I take this as a sign to move back to AZ? Or do I simply take it for what it is- a sign of the apocolypse...you know along with the crash of the world's financial markets and all the other calamities that occured this week:
October 10, 2008
****Sorry- I just could not stand seeing the "e" and the end of "shoooooose"****
This morning, as I always do, I drove the kids to school. Usually when I pull into our parking spot Cameron and I have a conversation that goes something like this "MOOOOOMMMMMM! TIE MYYYY SHOOOOOOOOES! TIE MYYY SHOOOOOES! TIE MY SHOOES! TIE MYYY SHOOOES! TIE MY SHOES! TIE MY SHOES! TIEMYSHOESTIEMYSHOESTIEMYSHOOOOOOES!!!!!!!" So I ever so calmly* walk to his side and tie his darling little shoes. This morning, however, was different! Instead of beckoning me to tie, he implored me to WAIT! "I CAN DOOO IT!" he kindly informed me, and proceeded to spend the next 5 minutes deftly fumbling with his laces until they vaguely resembled a pair of lopsided bunny ears**. I didn't dare touch them. I didn't dare! Nor did I inform him that his beloved, newly bunny-eared shoes appeared to be on the wrong feet. No, my friends, some days it is best to revel in life's small victories.
*ok, not THAT calmly
**apparently, his teacher got sick of tying 21 pairs of shoes several times a day and conducted a week long shoe tying seminar- I imagine it was kind of like professional development for kindergartners minus the nice resort and daily per diem allowance.
See Ashley, you're not the only failure in the bunch- it MUST be genetic =)
This morning, as I always do, I drove the kids to school. Usually when I pull into our parking spot Cameron and I have a conversation that goes something like this "MOOOOOMMMMMM! TIE MYYYY SHOOOOOOOOES! TIE MYYY SHOOOOOES! TIE MY SHOOES! TIE MYYY SHOOOES! TIE MY SHOES! TIE MY SHOES! TIEMYSHOESTIEMYSHOESTIEMYSHOOOOOOES!!!!!!!" So I ever so calmly* walk to his side and tie his darling little shoes. This morning, however, was different! Instead of beckoning me to tie, he implored me to WAIT! "I CAN DOOO IT!" he kindly informed me, and proceeded to spend the next 5 minutes deftly fumbling with his laces until they vaguely resembled a pair of lopsided bunny ears**. I didn't dare touch them. I didn't dare! Nor did I inform him that his beloved, newly bunny-eared shoes appeared to be on the wrong feet. No, my friends, some days it is best to revel in life's small victories.
*ok, not THAT calmly
**apparently, his teacher got sick of tying 21 pairs of shoes several times a day and conducted a week long shoe tying seminar- I imagine it was kind of like professional development for kindergartners minus the nice resort and daily per diem allowance.
See Ashley, you're not the only failure in the bunch- it MUST be genetic =)
October 9, 2008
October 8, 2008
Aced another one...
I just got home from my Virology exam and I feel like I aced it! Woohoo! John has the kids, so I'm home alone for a bit. Double Woohoo!! Maybe I'll do something really fun- like watch a movie and fold laundry! Rock on! (seriously, that really is my idea of fun- if I'm really feeling wild, I'll go to Sonic and pay FULL PRICE for a large vanilla coke to drink while watching said movie and folding laundry....yup, I told you I was wild and crazy!)
We went to playgroup today, and the kids seemed to have a lot of fun =) I think I'm getting the hang of this whole "stay-at-home-mom" thing. I'm almost ready to take my camera to walmart and transfer my pictures to a cd so I can post my recent ones- having 3 month old pictures is driving me insane. I'm just glad we splurged on the 2 gig memory card =)
Here are a couple of fun pictures- they're old, but I still love 'em!
Here's my little Collin Bug. This was our 2nd Fall here in Texas. We went to the pumpkin patch and took some cute pictures
This is how I still picture my kids- they are growing up way too FAST!
This was from the first time I ever attempted Chuck-E-Cheese by myself =)
My big little princess =) Look at those chunky little legs!
I love going down memory lane =)
We went to playgroup today, and the kids seemed to have a lot of fun =) I think I'm getting the hang of this whole "stay-at-home-mom" thing. I'm almost ready to take my camera to walmart and transfer my pictures to a cd so I can post my recent ones- having 3 month old pictures is driving me insane. I'm just glad we splurged on the 2 gig memory card =)
Here are a couple of fun pictures- they're old, but I still love 'em!
Here's my little Collin Bug. This was our 2nd Fall here in Texas. We went to the pumpkin patch and took some cute pictures
This is how I still picture my kids- they are growing up way too FAST!
This was from the first time I ever attempted Chuck-E-Cheese by myself =)
My big little princess =) Look at those chunky little legs!
I love going down memory lane =)
Cuteness...
Collin woke up this morning and drew his teacher a beautiful picture of a sunset. He is so sweet.
The first thing Cameron asks when I wake him up each morning is "Where's Caleigh?" I tell him and he wipes the sleep from his eyes and runs to her side and gives her good morning kisses!
Caitlyn loves Cinderella! She calls it "The Mouse Show". She doesn't seem to care about the prince or Cinderella-she only cares about the little mice and sweet birds.
Caleigh likes The Wonderpets! I was holding her and she was fussy and trying to turn her head, so I set her down where she could see the TV and she calmed right down =)
The first thing Cameron asks when I wake him up each morning is "Where's Caleigh?" I tell him and he wipes the sleep from his eyes and runs to her side and gives her good morning kisses!
Caitlyn loves Cinderella! She calls it "The Mouse Show". She doesn't seem to care about the prince or Cinderella-she only cares about the little mice and sweet birds.
Caleigh likes The Wonderpets! I was holding her and she was fussy and trying to turn her head, so I set her down where she could see the TV and she calmed right down =)
October 7, 2008
We are famous!
Tonight the kids and I went to the park to blow off some steam before bedtime. I noticed several ambulances, firetrucks, and police officers at the park and wondered what happened. The officers had a BBQ grill, so I figured they were simply having a departmental picnic, and decided to stop and let the kids play. We got settled in and one of the officers approached me. I thought he was going to get after me for allowing the kids to climb on the slide wrong or something (yeah, I'm that much of a goody two shoes and really did think they would get after me for something that stupid...remember, I WAS raised in an LE family, so I know how crazy those dang rooks are!). Well, apparently tonight was Texas' Night Out, and we were the ONLY civilians in the ENTIRE park! The officer invited us over, and the firemen, policemen and EMTs loaded the kids up with all the coloring books, pens, pencils, stickers, and other knickknacks they could carry! It was so cool! The officer and I talked for quite a while about night out, and he invited me to bring the kids by for a tour of the new fire and police complex. Since we were the only ones there, the reporter from our local newspaper took several pictures and told me we would be in the newspaper! Too bad I was all scuzzed out from a long day at home! Oh well! It will be fun to see the article.
Besides that, today was pretty uneventful. The kids have a half-day tomorrow =) I am so excited to spend some extra time with my boys! Also, I have my first Virology test tomorrow! I'm excited!
I also took some time to write about my family. I love them so much! The pictures I put up are a little old, but as soon as I find my camera cord I really will post new ones!
Besides that, today was pretty uneventful. The kids have a half-day tomorrow =) I am so excited to spend some extra time with my boys! Also, I have my first Virology test tomorrow! I'm excited!
I also took some time to write about my family. I love them so much! The pictures I put up are a little old, but as soon as I find my camera cord I really will post new ones!
John Kelley
I love this guy! I don't say it nearly enough, but I am so glad he is my husband. It is wonderful watching him with our children- he has them absolutely hooked on fishing! No matter how busy his schedule is, he always makes time for the kids and me. He works 40+ hours per week along with his full time school load, and has done this for years. The average day, he leaves for work at 545a, works a full day at a less than desirable job, comes home, studies for a few hours, then heads to class for several hours and returns home sometime after 900p, studies a bit more, then heads to bed and repeats it again the next day. I am excited to see him finish this first part of his schooling. He has worked so hard on it!
He is kind hearted and really laid back- he really balances me out! I love my Hunny Bunny!
Collin Rhodes
Collin is a great kid! He is exactly like me, but he's a boy (which, if you knew/know me, is just a technicality- I was/am a total tomboy). He's athletic, intelligent, and just a tad bit stubborn. Now that I have Collin, I can totally empathize with my dad- it's really hard raising a mini-version of yourself!!
He loves swimming, and is "one of the guys" with the lifeguards. It's fun watching him and the lifeguards doing tricks off the diving boards at the pool- they treat him like he's just as old as they are. Collin is a great big brother, and is often my "right hand man" while John's at work or at school. I love my BugEBoo!!
Cameron Casey
This is my Cammy! I LOVE this picture from his birthday this year. Every year, I let the kids pick what type of cake they want and what toppings they want on it. Cammy always picks chocolate frosting with M&Ms, and he enjoys it thoroughly =) Cam doesn't like people singing "Happy Birthday" to him or for people to watch him blow out his candles, so we try to be sneaky!
He's a pretty mellow fellow-takes after his dad. And, he gives the best hugs ever! I love snuggling with him in the evening and reading stories to him. I love my Cammy!
Caitlyn
This picture says it all! Caitlyn is our little firecracker!!!! Oh. my. Gosh- she's a nut! She thinks she is one of the big kids, and is constantly trying to keep up with her older brothers. So far, she has chipped her front tooth and fractured her tibia while trying to keep up with the boys. She chipped her tooth in a skateboarding accident, and her tibial fracture resulted from a trampoline accident (she hyperextended it while jumping with Collin and Cameron-oops!) We have since stopped allowing her to jump on the trampoline with them =) She is such a great big sister to Caleigh- she loves giving her kisses! She can be a sweetheart when she want to, but can also be such a little stinker. My boys are pretty quiet and reserved, but Caitlyn is LOUD and WILD!!!! She's so fun! I love my Catie Sue!
Caleigh Elise
Caleigh is our baby girl. She is 3 months old, and such a joy in our lives! She was my smallest baby- she weighed 7.13 (or 15...I don't quite remember), and she is taking her time gaining weight. She's so sweetnatured. She started smiling and cooing at me when I hold her. I missed all those baby gummy smiles! Caitlyn and I painted her toenails a couple days ago- it was so much fun! I was never much of a "girly-girl", but now that I have my two girls, I am learning to be one =)
If I could, I would sit and hold her all day, every day. Whenever I feel stressed out or am having a hard day with the other kids, all I have to do is sit and hold her for a few minutes and all my troubles melt away. I love my little Caleigh Bug!
October 4, 2008
Operational Changes
To: All Current and Future Members of the Bryant Household
From: Mommy
Re: Changes in Operating Procedures
To Whom it may Concern:
Please be advised of several changes to our standard operating procedures that are effective immediately.
First, all family members old enough to play with toys, cut paper, color, or an any way demark, mess up, or otherwise deface familiar property are now responsible for the immediate remediation of such defacement, mess making, and toy/ cut paper throwing. This is a revision of the current procedure 2.1b which states "mommy is the only one who may clean messes". Apparently, this procedure was voted into place after mommy's last visit to the hospital upon the arrival of Caleigh. As I was not present when this procedure was instated, I am rescinding it and demanding it stricken from the familial record.
Second, all family members possessing the ability to speak must do so. Failure to speak in tones pleasing to mommy's ears (ie whining, yelling, and/or screaming) will result in an immediate dismissal from mommy's presence. Please be advised this is for your own safety as I have very little patience for such nonsense, and nothing unlocks my inner psychopath quite like the sound of whiny and/or loud and obnoxious children.
Finally, arguing with mommy regarding clothing choices, hair styles, and personal hygiene issues will no longer be tolerated. You may not wear the same socks, underwear, dirty shirt, and/or pants you wore yesterday. While I am aware you did not pee on the aforementioned clothing items, and I am very proud of you for staying dry last night, the fact remains they are still dirty. This simple fact necessitates a thorough washing and drying of said clothing items before you will be allowed to wear them again. In addition, your hair must be combed every day before school. I am not aware of any case studies linking parental hair styling with death or serious illness. In the event such research is discovered, I will immediately revise this procedural change. Daily bathing is imperative. Proper bathing procedure includes a thorough washing of one's hair with shampoo. Failure to include shampoo in the hair washing procedure will result in an immediate return to the bathing apparatus and mommy's assistance in carrying out proper hair washing procedure. One of these days you will thank me that you are not the smelly kid at school, but for now it will be in your best interest to simply comply with my requests.
Thank you for your time and attention to these changes. Any questions or concerns can be addressed during normal business hours.
Best Regards,
Mommy
From: Mommy
Re: Changes in Operating Procedures
To Whom it may Concern:
Please be advised of several changes to our standard operating procedures that are effective immediately.
First, all family members old enough to play with toys, cut paper, color, or an any way demark, mess up, or otherwise deface familiar property are now responsible for the immediate remediation of such defacement, mess making, and toy/ cut paper throwing. This is a revision of the current procedure 2.1b which states "mommy is the only one who may clean messes". Apparently, this procedure was voted into place after mommy's last visit to the hospital upon the arrival of Caleigh. As I was not present when this procedure was instated, I am rescinding it and demanding it stricken from the familial record.
Second, all family members possessing the ability to speak must do so. Failure to speak in tones pleasing to mommy's ears (ie whining, yelling, and/or screaming) will result in an immediate dismissal from mommy's presence. Please be advised this is for your own safety as I have very little patience for such nonsense, and nothing unlocks my inner psychopath quite like the sound of whiny and/or loud and obnoxious children.
Finally, arguing with mommy regarding clothing choices, hair styles, and personal hygiene issues will no longer be tolerated. You may not wear the same socks, underwear, dirty shirt, and/or pants you wore yesterday. While I am aware you did not pee on the aforementioned clothing items, and I am very proud of you for staying dry last night, the fact remains they are still dirty. This simple fact necessitates a thorough washing and drying of said clothing items before you will be allowed to wear them again. In addition, your hair must be combed every day before school. I am not aware of any case studies linking parental hair styling with death or serious illness. In the event such research is discovered, I will immediately revise this procedural change. Daily bathing is imperative. Proper bathing procedure includes a thorough washing of one's hair with shampoo. Failure to include shampoo in the hair washing procedure will result in an immediate return to the bathing apparatus and mommy's assistance in carrying out proper hair washing procedure. One of these days you will thank me that you are not the smelly kid at school, but for now it will be in your best interest to simply comply with my requests.
Thank you for your time and attention to these changes. Any questions or concerns can be addressed during normal business hours.
Best Regards,
Mommy
October 3, 2008
Thinking out loud =)
Not much is going on lately. John's Aunt Edres and his uncle (Farmer Barney) are in town from Pima for the weekend. It is great to see them! They are so fun =)
The kids are enjoying school. The first 6 weeks is over, so we get report cards on Wednesday. The school has all their information online, so I already know they are both doing well, but it will be nice to see it on paper.
Caitlyn and Caleigh are fun to have at home. We have playgroup on Wednesdays. It's an adjustment only having one class, but I'm trying to enjoy it and live in the moment.
John is almost done, and I'm getting antsy. I'm filling out applications for him all over the place (otherwise known as DFW Metroplex and Arizona). I'm pretty sure we'll move closer to the metroplex for a year or two. Life's pretty much one big question mark right now. I've applied for a couple of positions in AZ. I have John's applications in for several positions in Arizona as well. I have applications in at several districts in the Metroplex and John also has applications in with several companies in the Metroplex. I guess the ideal situation would be him finding something else SOON and me going back to work next year. Caitlyn starts Pre-K next year, so we will only have one child in full time daycare. We will not be rich any time soon, and we have a TON of credit card debt, but I think we will be able to get out of credit card/ vehicle debt in 2 years and have a nice down payment for a house saved in another year or two after that. I keep crunching the numbers using a debt repayment calculator. It's fun to plan and set goals about paying off our debt =) Ideally we would have finished school, purchased a house and THEN had 4 kids, but I've always been one to do things my own way. I guess it has worked out ok because we did not get caught up in the subprime/exotic mortgage mess and the housing bubble in AZ will have long since burst by the time we are ready to purchase our own home.
On a lighter note, I love Tina Fey's Sarah Palin character!! Check her out here and here! Also, if you are Mormon or grew up around Mormons you have to check out TAMN. She's a satirical character and the author totally hits the nail on the head with her. Everyone knows a goody two shoes Mormon girl like TAMN.
The kids are enjoying school. The first 6 weeks is over, so we get report cards on Wednesday. The school has all their information online, so I already know they are both doing well, but it will be nice to see it on paper.
Caitlyn and Caleigh are fun to have at home. We have playgroup on Wednesdays. It's an adjustment only having one class, but I'm trying to enjoy it and live in the moment.
John is almost done, and I'm getting antsy. I'm filling out applications for him all over the place (otherwise known as DFW Metroplex and Arizona). I'm pretty sure we'll move closer to the metroplex for a year or two. Life's pretty much one big question mark right now. I've applied for a couple of positions in AZ. I have John's applications in for several positions in Arizona as well. I have applications in at several districts in the Metroplex and John also has applications in with several companies in the Metroplex. I guess the ideal situation would be him finding something else SOON and me going back to work next year. Caitlyn starts Pre-K next year, so we will only have one child in full time daycare. We will not be rich any time soon, and we have a TON of credit card debt, but I think we will be able to get out of credit card/ vehicle debt in 2 years and have a nice down payment for a house saved in another year or two after that. I keep crunching the numbers using a debt repayment calculator. It's fun to plan and set goals about paying off our debt =) Ideally we would have finished school, purchased a house and THEN had 4 kids, but I've always been one to do things my own way. I guess it has worked out ok because we did not get caught up in the subprime/exotic mortgage mess and the housing bubble in AZ will have long since burst by the time we are ready to purchase our own home.
On a lighter note, I love Tina Fey's Sarah Palin character!! Check her out here and here! Also, if you are Mormon or grew up around Mormons you have to check out TAMN. She's a satirical character and the author totally hits the nail on the head with her. Everyone knows a goody two shoes Mormon girl like TAMN.
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