Thursday, October 30, 2008

Getting better

We are on the upward swing-I hope. Everyone is feeling better today. Carter is cool and fever free this morning. Katey and I are both still suffering with cold symptoms, but are feeling better- I am upright and teaching school today. Laurel is feeling better as well. Now we are hoping we don't face round two with Tim and Matthew.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The reason I hate when someone gets sick!

So it started with Katey and a cold. Yesterday I came down with it. Last night Carter spiked a fever and was hallucinating. He kept telling Tim that Katey was being hurt when she was asleep in her bed. He said Indiana Jones was in the house and so was Matthew Crabb (one of his friends who moved away). He is still running a temp of over 102 this morning. This morning Laurel doesn't feel well. It's 4 of 6 down. This is why I am a germophobe. We never have an illness in the house that only takes one out. Its like a house of cards, once the germs attack the place falls apart. I have to go take care of my little boy. Say a prayer for him, he is miserable.

Monday, October 27, 2008

I have a hot

This morning as they sat down to breakfast Laurel and Matthew were arguing over who would sit by Katey. I explained that they needed to give her some space, especially with regard to their food because Katey has a cold. Matthew looked at me and asked "Katey has a cold?" Katey chimed in "No, I have a hot." I have no idea why she said that (she isn't running a fever or feeling hot). Maybe on a cool morning having a hot sounds better.

Friday, October 24, 2008

A day in the "big" city

Today the children and I went to Paducah to see a performance of Seussical at the Carson Center. Just before exiting the interstate I heard a loud "thump" followed by a sort of clicking sound that didn't stop as long as the van was in motion. I pulled off the exit and got out and checked in the back of the van- I thought maybe the stroller had fallen over and that was causing the noise. I didn't see anything so I drove on to the Carson Center. When I got there I decided to check further so I got down and looked underneath the van and found the inside sidewall of our rear driver's side tire had failed. Tread was missing and there was a piece hanging off, thus the noise. I called Tim who offered to come help, but really needed to work. I was unsure about what to do, but my friend Deborah who was at the play with her kids was willing to help me out. She travelled with me to Walmart, watched my kids-and hers- while I checked the van in, took us all to Hobby Lobby while they were replacing the tires, took us back to pick up the van, and watched kids again while I paid. Had she not been such a good friend I would have spent two hours wandering around Walmart with four kids. I am very thankful for her tonight!

After the van saga we all went to Bob Evans. It was Carter's reward for learning to ride his bike without training wheels. The really cool thing was that part of the cast of Seussical came in. The kids got to talk with them and learn a little about the show.

Then we did the rest of our "big city" business- for you non-small town people this means going to places we don't have in Murray and getting things we would otherwise have to order online or do without. By 4:30 pm I was over running around, the kids were ready to go home, and Katey had just had her second potty accident for the day (she is doing well, but today was a struggle- who knew the INSIDE of rubber rainboots could hold that much fluid?!!? Luckily that fact saved me from having to apologize to store employees in two locations).

It was a long day, but I am feeling blessed that we did not have an accident due to the tire failure. It was also good to be reminded how great it is to have good friends, how blessed we are to be able to afford to pay for sudden expenses, and how cool it is to homeschool so you can bump into people you just saw in a performance on a school field trip!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

So I am finally posting something

Sorry folks, life is hectic.

Camping was fun this weekend. Carter learned to ride without training wheels. Katey had only one accident all weekend. The weather was beautiful. I think I could be one of those retired people who work and live in the campground. It was great to see the kids spend hours gleefully playing in a gully near our campsite. No TV, no phones, no crazy weekend racing around town from one thing to another. We did all the typical camping things and only got really cold one night. It was a good weekend. We worshiped at the campsite around our fire because it was chilly on Sunday morning and we didn't want the kids to be uncomfortable at the campground service. The kids thought it was really cool that you could have "church" while drinking hot chocolate and sitting by a fire.

We came home for a going away party for our friends, the Crabb family. I have mentioned this before- can you tell I am dreading their leaving? I am thrilled for them and God is truly blessing their new situation, but selfishly I really don't want to see them go. The kids played together today and really enjoyed their last time together. It was sad when Laurel prayed tonight that she would see them again. Someday, I promise.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Joys of Freedom and a Day on the Farm

She was out of bed and ready to play at 5:30 am. We spent the day at Fall on the Farm on the MSU campus. Here are some pics. I am too exhausted to give more details! I'll let the kids blog about it tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

She's out

So she climbed out again. At least its only at naptime so far. Tomorrow I will have to try something different. A new system will have to be implemented. Today I tried letting Laurel play with her in their room after she came out and did not want to go back to bed, but that only prompted demands from the boys to get to play as well. There was nothing quiet about "quiet time" today.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Milestones

Katey climbed out of her crib during nap today. It is almost a year later than the other kids, but still I have been dreading the day. I am hoping she won't do it again. I know what you are thinking, but give a girl some hope! Four kids, one Mom, no naps...yikes!

She also achieved a milestone in potty training. Laurel gave all the details on her blog and she and Matthew would both love comments. I created blogs for both of them last week to use to narrate each day about what they did in school and to write about whatever they want. Their blogs are private, but they would love to share their thoughts with family and friends. Email me directly for an invitation that will allow you access if you would like to read their thoughts.

A fun weekend

We enjoyed our weekend. It was Homecoming at MSU so we were busy with activities. We left home at 9:00 am on Saturday morning and got home at 7:00 pm. A long day, but lots of fun. We went to the parade, piano lessons, tent city, and the ballgame. MSU soundly defeated Tennessee Tech so we all enjoyed cheering and watching Racer 1 gallop around the track. I was reminded that I was no longer in Big Orange country as people in the stands cheered a losing score for UT multiple times. Katey decided she enjoyed the bathroom...we made multiple trips. She is doing very well so I can't complain. Yesterday we went to church and small group and spent the evening trying to rest up so we could begin our week. It is going to be a busy week with soccer, school, and packing for a camping trip next weekend. We also have to prepare to say goodbye to our friends, the Crabbs, who will leave for Iowa early next week. We are all really going to miss them and so that part of the next few days will not come easily. Hope everyone has a good week!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Our school pics

We went to Patti's restaurant while my parents were in town and I took the opportunity to take our "school pictures". Here's a little slideshow of my smiling children.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Potty report-skip it if you don't want the details

I spent most of the day in the bathroom with Katey. Thankfully Mom and Dad were here to help with the other kids. She did well and loves being a "big girl". There were several accidents, especially after nap when all novelty to the whole potty thing had apparently worn off. Multiple times minutes after sitting on the potty she would go on the floor. I do have to say having hardwood instead of carpet makes the process much easier this time and eases my frustration. However tonight before bed she did potty in the "big potty" in the kids bathroom. For some reason this was terribly upsetting. We finally figured out she was upset that she didn't use her little potty (I had left it downstairs). Oh the drama of a two year old girl.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

He kicks the ball!!!

Two major milestones in our house today. First, Laurel and Matthew learned to play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on the piano. Their first song- a big accomplishment for lesson 3. They held a concert tonight for Papa and Nana. Second, Carter played soccer and today he really played. He actually made contact between his foot and the ball on multiple occasions-usually going in the right direction, was happy to play, and paid attention to where the ball was. A tremendous improvement and we were so proud to see him enjoy himself and contribute in a positive way to the team. Matthew and Laurel did well, too. It was a good day.
Tomorrow after church we head to Patti's to celebrate my Mom's birthday and then on Monday POTTY TRAINING begins. Next week is our "break week" for school so I am taking the opportunity to give more attention to Katey and hopefully help her make the big step into being a "big girl." Yes, you'd think with #4 this would be no big deal, but quite frankly I have never figured this whole thing out. They have each been different and with the exception of Matthew (who trained himself) it has been a difficult road each time. I have high hopes and a few concerns about this round. I am going the no "pull-ups" route so pray for me as cleaning dirty undies could possibly rank as my most hated thing to do and I will have to remind myself to be patient! I am sure enough hilarity will occur that at least one post will result...stay tuned.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Too much twang

At LBL last weekend the radio selection was limited. We were, however, able to pick up a bluegrass station. Our kids now love it and request it every time we get in the car. We have too much twang going on. Don't get me wrong I am not writing off the genre. I like Allison Krauss and Nickel Creek is enjoyable as well, but if its twangy I have to pass. Apparently my children like a little twang. Katey has a favorite. Tonight she was singing along in full voice, with her best twang, to "I Know I'm Saved." At least the message is a good one. Here's a link to a website where you can hear a clip of that song off the album (scroll down and click the music note next to #6) if you want to experience the "twang" for yourself- imagine a two year old singing along...loudly.

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7734598

Let's hope its just a phase. My Dad will enjoy it when he comes to visit this weekend. They can all sit around and listen to the twang together.