Erik's Teeth...
We saw the dentist this morning...Erik will not have to get braces in the new year. Just a retainer for 3 months to pull the tooth back a bit. The orthodontist will use the retainer to pull back BOTH of Erik's teeth. We go next week to make the impressions for the retainer, then a 2-3 week wait for it to arrive, then visits every 3 weeks or so to adjust the retainer.
Erik was relieved to learn that he won't be getting braces...tho he was quite excited at the notion of having yellow and purple rubber bands to show his support for his Minnesota Vikings...
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Here's our not-so-little 4 month old. He weighs 18 lbs now! Started cereal today. I think he liked it. The kids were a bit disappointed...I think they thought he'd eat a whole bowlful of cereal!
Everson is ever bit the 3 year old in this picture. Now that he's 4, I doubt he'll do such silly things anymore...ha ha.
Emma, Stephanie and Madison in their Nutcracker Party Girl costumes shortly before the curtain went up. These 2 girls are Emma's closest friends here. Homeschooled and in her ballet class, they see each other many hours every week.Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Why Erik?!?!?
First, the cleft lip. Then the allergies. Then the fractured and extracted front teeth. The double-hernia surgery...
Well yesterday, Erik, Ellie and Everson were playing some new game on the trampoline. Erik came running in the house with blood streaming from his mouth. Trying not to FREAK OUT, I assessed the situation, while trying to understand what happened. Apparently, this new game entails Erik jumping and diving to tackle Ellie. She jumped out of the way while Erik was in the air. He hit the net and one of his front teeth (you know, the ones that JUST grew in this summer) hooked on the net of the trampoline as he fell. The tooth was jerked into a new position and is sticking out.
So we went to the dentist this am. This 'injury' did not damage the nerve (as far as he can tell). But we have to go back in 2 weeks to reevaluate. Oh, and the timeline for braces has been moved up...likely to 2008...thanks to this 'injury'. I'm to keep him on a soft food diet for a few days and give him ibuprofen to keep the swelling down. Forgot to ask about basketball - which starts tomorrow. Gotta go make our follow up appointment and ask about a mouthguard. Will keep you posted.
How's Erik in all of this? Relieved that the tooth wasn't pulled. Wondering what color rubber bands he'll pick for his braces...green, red, purple/yellow alternating for the Vikings...decisions decisions.
First, the cleft lip. Then the allergies. Then the fractured and extracted front teeth. The double-hernia surgery...
Well yesterday, Erik, Ellie and Everson were playing some new game on the trampoline. Erik came running in the house with blood streaming from his mouth. Trying not to FREAK OUT, I assessed the situation, while trying to understand what happened. Apparently, this new game entails Erik jumping and diving to tackle Ellie. She jumped out of the way while Erik was in the air. He hit the net and one of his front teeth (you know, the ones that JUST grew in this summer) hooked on the net of the trampoline as he fell. The tooth was jerked into a new position and is sticking out.
So we went to the dentist this am. This 'injury' did not damage the nerve (as far as he can tell). But we have to go back in 2 weeks to reevaluate. Oh, and the timeline for braces has been moved up...likely to 2008...thanks to this 'injury'. I'm to keep him on a soft food diet for a few days and give him ibuprofen to keep the swelling down. Forgot to ask about basketball - which starts tomorrow. Gotta go make our follow up appointment and ask about a mouthguard. Will keep you posted.
How's Erik in all of this? Relieved that the tooth wasn't pulled. Wondering what color rubber bands he'll pick for his braces...green, red, purple/yellow alternating for the Vikings...decisions decisions.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
NUTCRACKER CRAZINESS!
So this weekend begins our final descent to the Nutcracker Production. V-E-R-Y long rehearsals for Emma beginning today. We are supposed to move props into the Theater this afternoon...with bazillion-miles-an-hour winds :0 We'll keep you posted and I'll try to take some pics during dress rehearsal.
So this weekend begins our final descent to the Nutcracker Production. V-E-R-Y long rehearsals for Emma beginning today. We are supposed to move props into the Theater this afternoon...with bazillion-miles-an-hour winds :0 We'll keep you posted and I'll try to take some pics during dress rehearsal.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Snow?
We were expecing 3-6 inches of the white fluffy stuff overnight. But alas, the temps did not drop enough, so we got a good, soaking rain. The kids were disappointed to wake up to rain instead of snow. But it did snow a bit when we were coming home from church. It's 39* here right now.
Thanksgiving was fun...and cold. It was warmer in NY than here...there's just something WRONG with that! We had my mom, step father and stepbrother over, along with a friend and her 6 children. Their dad is an Air Force chaplain and is currently deployed to Qatar. So we had a total of 11 children and 6 adults! It was a great time.
Emma was on one of our local news channels on Friday. She and another cast member were promoting The Nutcracker. She did a FANTASTIC job. One more week until we move into the Auditorium and begin the daily 5 hour rehearsals before the curtain goes up. I'm really enjoying Nutcracker this year...mainly because my only responsibility (other than getting Emma to/from rehearsals) is to sell the DVDs! Quite a difference from being in charge of props last year!
Erik starts basketball practice in a week. He's been practicing this fall with Doug's jr high team. Doug's team is 1-3 and he's still having a good time with them ;-)
Had Erik's birthday party yesterday. He invited 7 boys and they brought new unwrapped toys for Erik to donate to Toys for Tots. They had a great time...even though it was cold and rainy and they had to be inside...the...whole...time. One thing he really liked was the special cake I made. It was made from a mix, but one specially formulated for folks with egg, milk and nut allergies. I wasn't sure what the guests would think. Erik was thrilled that they ALL liked it! "Nobody ever wants to eat my allergy food. I can't believe they liked it!"
That's all for now.
We were expecing 3-6 inches of the white fluffy stuff overnight. But alas, the temps did not drop enough, so we got a good, soaking rain. The kids were disappointed to wake up to rain instead of snow. But it did snow a bit when we were coming home from church. It's 39* here right now.
Thanksgiving was fun...and cold. It was warmer in NY than here...there's just something WRONG with that! We had my mom, step father and stepbrother over, along with a friend and her 6 children. Their dad is an Air Force chaplain and is currently deployed to Qatar. So we had a total of 11 children and 6 adults! It was a great time.
Emma was on one of our local news channels on Friday. She and another cast member were promoting The Nutcracker. She did a FANTASTIC job. One more week until we move into the Auditorium and begin the daily 5 hour rehearsals before the curtain goes up. I'm really enjoying Nutcracker this year...mainly because my only responsibility (other than getting Emma to/from rehearsals) is to sell the DVDs! Quite a difference from being in charge of props last year!
Erik starts basketball practice in a week. He's been practicing this fall with Doug's jr high team. Doug's team is 1-3 and he's still having a good time with them ;-)
Had Erik's birthday party yesterday. He invited 7 boys and they brought new unwrapped toys for Erik to donate to Toys for Tots. They had a great time...even though it was cold and rainy and they had to be inside...the...whole...time. One thing he really liked was the special cake I made. It was made from a mix, but one specially formulated for folks with egg, milk and nut allergies. I wasn't sure what the guests would think. Erik was thrilled that they ALL liked it! "Nobody ever wants to eat my allergy food. I can't believe they liked it!"
That's all for now.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Back from our trip off the face of the earth...
Not really, just busy. Seems most of my computer time lately is with one free hand...the other, holding Elisha. It's not very easy typing with one hand ;-)
Here's a glimpse of the last 3 weeks:
My stepbrother, Jason, visited for a week. He is a Marine and just finished his SECOND 6 month tour in Iraq. The kids loved spending time with their Uncle Jason. Erik even tried on his pack filled with tools Jason used to break down doors, etc when he would 'sweep' neighborhoods...It was HEAVY.
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Then my Aunt Lou and Uncle Ed came down to TX for a long weekend. They were only here in S.A. for 2 nights, but we spent a whole day with them. I think they enjoyed the 3 ring circus that is my life. I haven't seen them since Everson was an infant. It was a great time. I think the kids especially liked being treated dinner at Olive Garden!
Two days after they left here, my brother, Dhamon rolled into town. He spent a week here catching up with family and playing with my kiddos. Here's a pic of Dhamon and Erik playing HORSE. Emma suggested that they play ESOPHAGUS if they wanted their games to last longer LOL. They had a blast with Uncle Dhamon...and Grandpa Quale. My dad drove into town 3 days after my brother...in my brother's truck with a special bed that he has had in his garage for us since BEFORE we moved here over 2 years ago. It didn't fit in our moving truck...so he brought it down himself. They left on Saturday.
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Here's Everson on his new bed...did I mention that it's a WAGON?!?!? There's even real wheels!
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Oh and Elisha continues to be a sweetie. He loves the kids and is quick to flash a smile for them.
Not really, just busy. Seems most of my computer time lately is with one free hand...the other, holding Elisha. It's not very easy typing with one hand ;-)
Here's a glimpse of the last 3 weeks:
My stepbrother, Jason, visited for a week. He is a Marine and just finished his SECOND 6 month tour in Iraq. The kids loved spending time with their Uncle Jason. Erik even tried on his pack filled with tools Jason used to break down doors, etc when he would 'sweep' neighborhoods...It was HEAVY.
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Then my Aunt Lou and Uncle Ed came down to TX for a long weekend. They were only here in S.A. for 2 nights, but we spent a whole day with them. I think they enjoyed the 3 ring circus that is my life. I haven't seen them since Everson was an infant. It was a great time. I think the kids especially liked being treated dinner at Olive Garden!
Two days after they left here, my brother, Dhamon rolled into town. He spent a week here catching up with family and playing with my kiddos. Here's a pic of Dhamon and Erik playing HORSE. Emma suggested that they play ESOPHAGUS if they wanted their games to last longer LOL. They had a blast with Uncle Dhamon...and Grandpa Quale. My dad drove into town 3 days after my brother...in my brother's truck with a special bed that he has had in his garage for us since BEFORE we moved here over 2 years ago. It didn't fit in our moving truck...so he brought it down himself. They left on Saturday..jpg)
Here's Everson on his new bed...did I mention that it's a WAGON?!?!? There's even real wheels!.jpg)
Oh and Elisha continues to be a sweetie. He loves the kids and is quick to flash a smile for them.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Update on Erik:
We saw the pediatrician this am then went across the street to the hospital for more IV antibiotics and a steroid push. Now we are home! The swelling/infection seems to be responding to this course of treatment, so we are not going to any more doctors...unless the bugger flares up again. We have 2 more days of steroids and antibiotics. Erik is feeling great, and in fact is at his acting class with Emma this afternoon. On to normal life!
We saw the pediatrician this am then went across the street to the hospital for more IV antibiotics and a steroid push. Now we are home! The swelling/infection seems to be responding to this course of treatment, so we are not going to any more doctors...unless the bugger flares up again. We have 2 more days of steroids and antibiotics. Erik is feeling great, and in fact is at his acting class with Emma this afternoon. On to normal life!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Peritonsillar Abcess...and Erik
On Monday, Erik started to complain of a sore throat. By Tuesday, I looked in his throat and was AMAZED at what I saw: swollen tonsils, but one was SO SWOLLEN, that it went ACROSS the 'dangly thing' in the back of his throat! So I called the dr. The nurse asked how long he's had the symptoms. When I said 24hrs, she said, let's make an appt for Wednesday, and cancel it if he feels better. If anything, his throat seemed to get more swollen and painful as Tuesday went on.
Wednesday rolls around and I pack up my FIVE children to go to the drs. She takes one look and is concerned. She leaves the room to call an ENT. She returns. Rather than rush to surgery, which has been the traditional treatment, they decide to take an aggressive with drugs treatment first. Because of age/weight/required dosages, Erik needed FOUR BIG HUGE PAINFUL shots...in his rear end. Dr. S offered to admit Erik to the hospital to take the drugs with an IV. She said if it was 1 or 2 shots, she'd recommend we take care of it in the office. But FOUR is a LOT for anyone, especially an 8 year old!
So we go to the van, get the stroller, and walk ACROSS THE STREET to the hospital. This time, we're on the 1st floor. Elisha was born on the 2nd floor. We are admitted to a room and the FIVE children start to watch the Disney Channel. We get the pre-IV numbing cream for 30 minutes, then the IV, then the STEROID push and antibiotics. TWO HOURS after walking in the door, we leave.
We're home now. Taking MORE antibiotics and steroids. We go back to the dr tomorrow at 9. We'll do the hospital thing AGAIN, then likely go see the ENT to have the abcess drained...surgically.
We'll keep you posted.
On Monday, Erik started to complain of a sore throat. By Tuesday, I looked in his throat and was AMAZED at what I saw: swollen tonsils, but one was SO SWOLLEN, that it went ACROSS the 'dangly thing' in the back of his throat! So I called the dr. The nurse asked how long he's had the symptoms. When I said 24hrs, she said, let's make an appt for Wednesday, and cancel it if he feels better. If anything, his throat seemed to get more swollen and painful as Tuesday went on.
Wednesday rolls around and I pack up my FIVE children to go to the drs. She takes one look and is concerned. She leaves the room to call an ENT. She returns. Rather than rush to surgery, which has been the traditional treatment, they decide to take an aggressive with drugs treatment first. Because of age/weight/required dosages, Erik needed FOUR BIG HUGE PAINFUL shots...in his rear end. Dr. S offered to admit Erik to the hospital to take the drugs with an IV. She said if it was 1 or 2 shots, she'd recommend we take care of it in the office. But FOUR is a LOT for anyone, especially an 8 year old!
So we go to the van, get the stroller, and walk ACROSS THE STREET to the hospital. This time, we're on the 1st floor. Elisha was born on the 2nd floor. We are admitted to a room and the FIVE children start to watch the Disney Channel. We get the pre-IV numbing cream for 30 minutes, then the IV, then the STEROID push and antibiotics. TWO HOURS after walking in the door, we leave.
We're home now. Taking MORE antibiotics and steroids. We go back to the dr tomorrow at 9. We'll do the hospital thing AGAIN, then likely go see the ENT to have the abcess drained...surgically.
We'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
I get the hint...you are all checking my blog daily wondering what's going on here...Finally Angie has the NERVE to comment on my LACK of blogging. Seems like most times I get on the computer I have only one hand free...holding/feeding Elisha limits my ability to type ;-)
So since having Elisha 8 weeks ago, we:
*Had Nutcracker auditions
*I facilitated a Homeschool Association meeting for 40+ moms
*We traveled to NY (1900+ miles with a 3 week old!)...while there attended a wedding, visited with MANY friends and relatives, went to an amusement park and a zoo
*Visited the Memphis Zoo on the way home to see the Pandas
*Got back to kids ballet, nutcracker rehearsals (Emma has 3 parts), drama class and running
*Doug started coaching a homeschool boys jr high basketball team 2 nights/week
*Attended a seminar/luncheon with the president of the Texas Homeschool Assn.
*I facilitated another HS assoc meeting (these are monthly)
And we JUST started back to school this week!
So we are a B-U-S-Y family of 7! I'll try to get back to updating more frequently. Check in with us and let us know how your fall is progressing.
So since having Elisha 8 weeks ago, we:
*Had Nutcracker auditions
*I facilitated a Homeschool Association meeting for 40+ moms
*We traveled to NY (1900+ miles with a 3 week old!)...while there attended a wedding, visited with MANY friends and relatives, went to an amusement park and a zoo
*Visited the Memphis Zoo on the way home to see the Pandas
*Got back to kids ballet, nutcracker rehearsals (Emma has 3 parts), drama class and running
*Doug started coaching a homeschool boys jr high basketball team 2 nights/week
*Attended a seminar/luncheon with the president of the Texas Homeschool Assn.
*I facilitated another HS assoc meeting (these are monthly)
And we JUST started back to school this week!
So we are a B-U-S-Y family of 7! I'll try to get back to updating more frequently. Check in with us and let us know how your fall is progressing.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ellie's Birthday Party
We celebrated Ellie turning SEVEN a few weeks early...due to the pending arrival of another child in the family. So on Saturday, we had a dozen or so kiddos over here for some water fun and home made ice cream sandwiches. I think the kids had a great time...and I enjoyed the low-key-ness of the day. I had Doug helping, my mom made the ice cream sandwiches, Emma and 2 of her friends (older sisters of Ellie's friends) ran some of the games. All in all, it was 90 minutes of fun for the kids.
Ellie asked her friends to bring gifts to send to her Uncle Jason (my TX stepbrother), who is serving his 2nd tour in Iraq. So we collected 48 pairs of socks, 153 packs of gum and 15 boxes of powdered drink singles for the Marines. She was quite excited to receive so many goodies to send to her Uncle and the other 7 members of his unit to thank them for fighting for our freedom.
Monday, July 23, 2007
In case you were wondering....
...Why I haven't updated the blog, "I" was wondering how long it would take for s-o-m-e-o-n-e to call or email and ask WHY I haven't updated. Sometimes I wonder if a-n-y-o-n-e out there actually reads this thing ;-) or if it's worth my time to keep updating ;-) The winner is my college chum, Karen, who lives in Metairie, LA. Karen emailed me today wondering if I had had "Elvis" early and was too busy to update :-0
Rest Assured...I AM STILL QUITE PREGNANT. Less than 3 weeks to the due date...which we all know is a joke when it comes to these Armstrong babies. My dr has assured ME that she won't let me go more than 1 week past the original due date. So, no later than 8/18.
So what has been going on here:
FINALLY stopped school last week. Have a few loose ends to button up, primarily a 4-week radish-growing study the kids are doing w/Doug. After almost a year of school, we are ALL ready for a nice long break. Not planning to start back up formally until October. Want the time to plan Ellie's 7th bday party, have a baby, pack and travel to NY for Megon's wedding, then come back to get used to having FIVE children...and all the activities of the older 3 (ballet, Nutcracker, running, AWANA).
FINALLY received Emma's standardized test scores. After 5 years of homeschooling, we decided to have Emma take a test to see how she's learning (but more to see how her MOM is doing as a teacher...grin). She did REALLY well on the test - her first actual test ever. Language Arts, Math, Social Studies (NOT history knowledge, "Which of these people is celebrating Kwanzaa?" no kidding), Geography, Science, and Reference Materials. Essentially, I was affirmed as teacher to my children. Emma scored well above her 4th grade level in just about every subject and right on grade level with a couple. The most outrageous score, though was her vocabulary...10th grade level...must have something to do with the 1000s of pages of books Emma has read over the years (another bibliovore in the family to join Aunt Buffy and Grandma Maureen LOL). Anyhow, it just helped me to see where I need to concentrate in the coming year and affirmed what I already knew about Emma's abilities.
Doug offered to coach a jr high boys basketball team this year for our homeschool association. He's really looking forward to doing this, Erik is h-e-a-r-t-b-r-o-k-e-n that he's not old enough to play. Doug has assured him that he can be the Ball Boy LOL.
Everyone is still running. Haven't been going to practices. They are at 7:30am and this old pregnant momma can't seem to get it together to make it out the door that early ;-)
Emma and her father made a deal regarding running: to prove her dedication to ballet, she could be excused from running IF she practiced ballet for 1 hour each day. The first day, she woke at 5:30am...and did her workout. We told her we appreciated her committment, but a 5:30am workout was unnecessary ;-) But she is still working out. AND she asked if she could still run in races...but run with Ellie, Everson, or a friend who is just starting out and much slower. So she ran with Ellie this past Saturday and the coach commended her for running with her sister.
Erik is trying to break a 7 minute mile. This past weekend, he ran 7:09...so he's getting painfully close. The painful part is mostly on Doug, though...Doug runs with Erik and sets the pace for Erik to get these times...
Friends from church had a baby shower for me and "Elvis" yesterday. It was very fun for the girls to go. I was overwhelmed at the # of ladies there. And overwhelmed at the volume of diapers we now have ;-)
Kids have Music Camp at church this week. They'll perform the musical Sunday night. Emma has a leading role, Erik has a small part and will sing in the choir, as well as Ellie. So this week will be a lot of Mommy-Everson time. He has GREAT plans for the week. I'm hoping for some naps ;-) We'll do some baby shopping, though. Everson really wants to give his baby brother his Lambie...I think we'll get something different.
Not much more to update. I'll post some pictures this week as well. Feel free to let us know how you and your family is doing...
...Why I haven't updated the blog, "I" was wondering how long it would take for s-o-m-e-o-n-e to call or email and ask WHY I haven't updated. Sometimes I wonder if a-n-y-o-n-e out there actually reads this thing ;-) or if it's worth my time to keep updating ;-) The winner is my college chum, Karen, who lives in Metairie, LA. Karen emailed me today wondering if I had had "Elvis" early and was too busy to update :-0
Rest Assured...I AM STILL QUITE PREGNANT. Less than 3 weeks to the due date...which we all know is a joke when it comes to these Armstrong babies. My dr has assured ME that she won't let me go more than 1 week past the original due date. So, no later than 8/18.
So what has been going on here:
FINALLY stopped school last week. Have a few loose ends to button up, primarily a 4-week radish-growing study the kids are doing w/Doug. After almost a year of school, we are ALL ready for a nice long break. Not planning to start back up formally until October. Want the time to plan Ellie's 7th bday party, have a baby, pack and travel to NY for Megon's wedding, then come back to get used to having FIVE children...and all the activities of the older 3 (ballet, Nutcracker, running, AWANA).
FINALLY received Emma's standardized test scores. After 5 years of homeschooling, we decided to have Emma take a test to see how she's learning (but more to see how her MOM is doing as a teacher...grin). She did REALLY well on the test - her first actual test ever. Language Arts, Math, Social Studies (NOT history knowledge, "Which of these people is celebrating Kwanzaa?" no kidding), Geography, Science, and Reference Materials. Essentially, I was affirmed as teacher to my children. Emma scored well above her 4th grade level in just about every subject and right on grade level with a couple. The most outrageous score, though was her vocabulary...10th grade level...must have something to do with the 1000s of pages of books Emma has read over the years (another bibliovore in the family to join Aunt Buffy and Grandma Maureen LOL). Anyhow, it just helped me to see where I need to concentrate in the coming year and affirmed what I already knew about Emma's abilities.
Doug offered to coach a jr high boys basketball team this year for our homeschool association. He's really looking forward to doing this, Erik is h-e-a-r-t-b-r-o-k-e-n that he's not old enough to play. Doug has assured him that he can be the Ball Boy LOL.
Everyone is still running. Haven't been going to practices. They are at 7:30am and this old pregnant momma can't seem to get it together to make it out the door that early ;-)
Emma and her father made a deal regarding running: to prove her dedication to ballet, she could be excused from running IF she practiced ballet for 1 hour each day. The first day, she woke at 5:30am...and did her workout. We told her we appreciated her committment, but a 5:30am workout was unnecessary ;-) But she is still working out. AND she asked if she could still run in races...but run with Ellie, Everson, or a friend who is just starting out and much slower. So she ran with Ellie this past Saturday and the coach commended her for running with her sister.
Erik is trying to break a 7 minute mile. This past weekend, he ran 7:09...so he's getting painfully close. The painful part is mostly on Doug, though...Doug runs with Erik and sets the pace for Erik to get these times...
Friends from church had a baby shower for me and "Elvis" yesterday. It was very fun for the girls to go. I was overwhelmed at the # of ladies there. And overwhelmed at the volume of diapers we now have ;-)
Kids have Music Camp at church this week. They'll perform the musical Sunday night. Emma has a leading role, Erik has a small part and will sing in the choir, as well as Ellie. So this week will be a lot of Mommy-Everson time. He has GREAT plans for the week. I'm hoping for some naps ;-) We'll do some baby shopping, though. Everson really wants to give his baby brother his Lambie...I think we'll get something different.
Not much more to update. I'll post some pictures this week as well. Feel free to let us know how you and your family is doing...
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Second-Annual Father's Day Water Fight
The kids had been looking forward to this day since last year's impromptu water fight, which the girls lost. They decided that it needed to be an annual tradition. The boys had a title to defend. The girls made their own water balloons (with mom's ziploc bags...) and even filled up some pots from mom's pantry... But alas, the girls came up empty-handed once again. How can we even begin to compete...when DAD has the HOSE!!!
Everson is the fastest double-water-gun shooter in the west...and he even has sound effects!
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Can you tell that Emma is NOT pleased with the outcome of this event...Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rain rain go away.
In case you were wondering...
We only received about an inch of rain last night here at the edge of the desert. The extreme weather occurred to the east of us by a few hours. Tho we live at the edge of the desert, we are above our annual rainfall total of, I think 18", and my mom tells me that she hasn't seen things this green, lush and tropical here for 20 years...and THIS is the summer I pick to be pregnant in W.TX!!!
In case you were wondering...
We only received about an inch of rain last night here at the edge of the desert. The extreme weather occurred to the east of us by a few hours. Tho we live at the edge of the desert, we are above our annual rainfall total of, I think 18", and my mom tells me that she hasn't seen things this green, lush and tropical here for 20 years...and THIS is the summer I pick to be pregnant in W.TX!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Not too much to report...
A lingering cold is making it's way through our house. Started w/Emma, moved to Everson, then I woke up this am feeling congested w/a sore throat...
Ran a race benefitting the local Children's Miracle Network yesterday am. Naturally, Doug, Emma and I wore our "Team Armstrong" shirts. People thought it was funny - our own racing team shirts...was quite a privilege to say WE were running for our nephew, Wonderwill. Uncle Doug ran his fastest race...6:44...for the MILE! I was quite proud of him. I think the Team Armstrong shirt made him run faster.
Been fighting with our pool all week. We got it last summer from our neighbor for $25...so we're trying to make it last as LONG as possible. Has a BIG hole in the blow-up-floating-ring-thing. Been trying to patch and patch and duct tape over the hole a-l-l w-e-e-k l-o-n-g, not wanting to get rid of the pool, and not really wanting to spend the $$ on a new one. TODAY, Doug bought some epoxy and worked his magic...seems to be holding up. Yippee!!!!
No major baby news to report. Only 16lbs gained to date...5 in the last 2 weeks...mostly h2o though. My ankles have completely disappeared, I can barely fit into my sneakers, and am stuck wearing flip flops most of the day. You can actually press your finger into the top of my foot...pick it up...and watch the indentation slowly fill back up with fluid. It's really really strange...5th pregnancy and the 1st for this experience!
Emma is off to see the Nancy Drew movie with a friend this afternoon, Ev and Doug just returned from an errand, and I need to get dinner going.
A lingering cold is making it's way through our house. Started w/Emma, moved to Everson, then I woke up this am feeling congested w/a sore throat...
Ran a race benefitting the local Children's Miracle Network yesterday am. Naturally, Doug, Emma and I wore our "Team Armstrong" shirts. People thought it was funny - our own racing team shirts...was quite a privilege to say WE were running for our nephew, Wonderwill. Uncle Doug ran his fastest race...6:44...for the MILE! I was quite proud of him. I think the Team Armstrong shirt made him run faster.
Been fighting with our pool all week. We got it last summer from our neighbor for $25...so we're trying to make it last as LONG as possible. Has a BIG hole in the blow-up-floating-ring-thing. Been trying to patch and patch and duct tape over the hole a-l-l w-e-e-k l-o-n-g, not wanting to get rid of the pool, and not really wanting to spend the $$ on a new one. TODAY, Doug bought some epoxy and worked his magic...seems to be holding up. Yippee!!!!
No major baby news to report. Only 16lbs gained to date...5 in the last 2 weeks...mostly h2o though. My ankles have completely disappeared, I can barely fit into my sneakers, and am stuck wearing flip flops most of the day. You can actually press your finger into the top of my foot...pick it up...and watch the indentation slowly fill back up with fluid. It's really really strange...5th pregnancy and the 1st for this experience!
Emma is off to see the Nancy Drew movie with a friend this afternoon, Ev and Doug just returned from an errand, and I need to get dinner going.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
A RECORD-BREAKING DAY!
This is one of those days I wish I had my camera with me. We had a road race this morning. Everson and I sat this one out, so it was just Doug and the older 3 kids running. Doug ran with Emma and Erik. Erik has been trying so hard to break 7 minutes and this race was his fastest yet. In fact, all 4 runners on Team Armstrong had personal best times...
Drum roll.....
Doug 7:00 (he says he still wasn't working hard...)
Erik 7:13 (down from a 7:30)
Emma 7:43 (down from 8:12)
Ellie 11:31 (somewhere around 12:00)
I'm quite proud of my runners! On Tuesday night, Emma and Erik competed in the Hershey's Youth Track Meet. We took them, simply for the experience of racing on a track. They each ran a 400-meter race, one lap around the track. Erik came in at 1:33 and Emma ran a 1:25. I agree with our running coach...they get this from their FATHER ;-)
This is one of those days I wish I had my camera with me. We had a road race this morning. Everson and I sat this one out, so it was just Doug and the older 3 kids running. Doug ran with Emma and Erik. Erik has been trying so hard to break 7 minutes and this race was his fastest yet. In fact, all 4 runners on Team Armstrong had personal best times...
Drum roll.....
Doug 7:00 (he says he still wasn't working hard...)
Erik 7:13 (down from a 7:30)
Emma 7:43 (down from 8:12)
Ellie 11:31 (somewhere around 12:00)
I'm quite proud of my runners! On Tuesday night, Emma and Erik competed in the Hershey's Youth Track Meet. We took them, simply for the experience of racing on a track. They each ran a 400-meter race, one lap around the track. Erik came in at 1:33 and Emma ran a 1:25. I agree with our running coach...they get this from their FATHER ;-)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
CAN I HAVE A RIDE?
On the weekends when Doug has errands to run, I often say, "Who are you taking with you?" Usually, I get to run errands a-l-o-n-e ;-) These opportunities even extend to our own yard with lawnmower rides... When Everson heard the mower start up and ramble around the yard, he ran to the driveway and in his little 3 year old voice said over and over and over again, "Daddy, can I have a ride with you?" I was busy cleaning the pool, and Doug was mowing. It might have taken 5 minutes for us to realize that he wanted a ride...then Ellie appeared at the edge of the yard with the same chant for her turn. I'm wondering if they'll be this enthusiastic about the lawnmower when they are 14 and it's their JOB to mow the lawn...of course, by then, little Elvis will want to ride along with THEM...
On the weekends when Doug has errands to run, I often say, "Who are you taking with you?" Usually, I get to run errands a-l-o-n-e ;-) These opportunities even extend to our own yard with lawnmower rides... When Everson heard the mower start up and ramble around the yard, he ran to the driveway and in his little 3 year old voice said over and over and over again, "Daddy, can I have a ride with you?" I was busy cleaning the pool, and Doug was mowing. It might have taken 5 minutes for us to realize that he wanted a ride...then Ellie appeared at the edge of the yard with the same chant for her turn. I'm wondering if they'll be this enthusiastic about the lawnmower when they are 14 and it's their JOB to mow the lawn...of course, by then, little Elvis will want to ride along with THEM...
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Garage Sale giddies!!!
This week we are working on cleaning out dresser drawers. Emma has taken it a step further by cleaning out her 'toy cubbies' in her closet...and filling a box with items she is planning on selling in our garage sale.
Garage sale? What garage sale? Who said we were having a garage sale? My last garage sale was just about 2 years ago...right before we moved from NY to TX. I'm NOT a fan of having garage sales - especially while pregnant.
HOWEVER, I'm NOT ABOUT to tell the kids that tidbit ;-) If they want to scale down...by all means scale down ;-)
Just this morning I received an email from our homeschool assoc about a fundraiser. There is a group of our h.s. teens raising money to attend Worldview Camp (www.worldview.org). It seems that the camp has a week in the fall, here in TX, for homeschool students. I've looked at it and would love to send my own kiddos there...when they're old enough.
Anyhow, the teens are asking for items to be donated to their garage sale to go towards their fees for camp. Guess what I told my kids....
I took their eagerness to get rid of STUFF and paired it with their eagerness to HELP OTHERS, and suggested that they DONATE their stuff to the teens...it also came with the news that I was NOT having a garage sale before next summer...well then, let's give it to the teens so they can go to camp! As I type, the girls are in the boys room...going through their toys and putting things they want to get rid of into a box.
Erik's only request..."Mom, as a reward for giving our stuff away, can we go to the sale with, like, $5 to spend? Maybe I'll find some legos..." Ahhh, let's get rid of stuff, so we can get more stuff...
This week we are working on cleaning out dresser drawers. Emma has taken it a step further by cleaning out her 'toy cubbies' in her closet...and filling a box with items she is planning on selling in our garage sale.
Garage sale? What garage sale? Who said we were having a garage sale? My last garage sale was just about 2 years ago...right before we moved from NY to TX. I'm NOT a fan of having garage sales - especially while pregnant.
HOWEVER, I'm NOT ABOUT to tell the kids that tidbit ;-) If they want to scale down...by all means scale down ;-)
Just this morning I received an email from our homeschool assoc about a fundraiser. There is a group of our h.s. teens raising money to attend Worldview Camp (www.worldview.org). It seems that the camp has a week in the fall, here in TX, for homeschool students. I've looked at it and would love to send my own kiddos there...when they're old enough.
Anyhow, the teens are asking for items to be donated to their garage sale to go towards their fees for camp. Guess what I told my kids....
I took their eagerness to get rid of STUFF and paired it with their eagerness to HELP OTHERS, and suggested that they DONATE their stuff to the teens...it also came with the news that I was NOT having a garage sale before next summer...well then, let's give it to the teens so they can go to camp! As I type, the girls are in the boys room...going through their toys and putting things they want to get rid of into a box.
Erik's only request..."Mom, as a reward for giving our stuff away, can we go to the sale with, like, $5 to spend? Maybe I'll find some legos..." Ahhh, let's get rid of stuff, so we can get more stuff...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
On Saturday, our running group had the first race of the summer. Doug and all 4 kids competed. Here are Ev and Doug before the race began. Over Doug's shoulder is Anton...a high school runner who comes to our races and some practices. He's one of the fastest kids around and Everson talks about beating Anton all the time. He boasts at home about how he's faster than Anton. In this particular race, Everson did in fact beat Anton. Ev ran 1 mile, and Anton ran 3....jpg)
"Here I am turning it on and burning the last part of my race," says Erik. Far behind him is Anna, with whom Erik runs...until the last bit of the race, when he 'turns it on." Erik's time for this race was 7:45.
Here come Everson and his dad for their 12:39 mile! This time could have been faster if Ev hadn't fallen and walked for a minute or 2. He crossed the line with much cheering!
At the end of each race, medals are awarded. Our coach put Everson on the table and asked him to tell everyone how old he was...Everson replied, "Thirteen." Coach is trying to show Everson how many fingers he needs to hold up. We're quite proud of our little runner. The coach proclaimed to the crowd that the running genes definately came from his FATHER. ;-)
I've been told that I need to put more pictures of the boys on the blog...so here we are. We put up our pool last weekend, and here is the first swim. Everson is quite fearless...he has NO PROBLEM putting his ENTIRE HEAD under the water. NOTHING like his older siblings when they were 3 years old.
Erik is helping make a whirlpool. A fun activity that all 4 kids get into.
Everson is not too happy with me in this picture. I had just woken him up from his afternoon nap. I think he wanted to sleep longer.
I HAD to take a picture of this lego spaceship. Can you guess which of my 4 children made it? Everson made it. He even pointed out the "shooter things" and "de place where de fire comes out".Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Today the girls had their hair cut for Locks of Love. They each had 11" of hair cut off in honor of their 3 year old cousin Will, who is battling Leukemia. It was Emma's 2nd time doing this and the first for Ellie. They were so excited to finally have short hair...and they knew that their Daddy would be sad to see their long locks go. Now we can just imagine their hair on some other little girl's head...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
SACB Spring Student Showcase...
Here's Ellie with some of her friends from Ballet. The lighting wasn't great in their dressing room...but I'll be getting a class photo soon...hopefully I'll remember to put it on the blog.
Emma was sharing a chair with these 3 other girls. Directly behind her, w/a girl in her lap, is one of Emma's closest friends, Maddie. These girls had a blast on stage this weekend.
Mackenzie is a friend of Emma's from church, who just started taking ballet classes this spring. Now that the recital is over, it's time to get the girls their much-anticipated haircuts for summer...we've measured their hair and Emma and Ellie should both be able to get 11-12 inches of hair cut off for Locks of Love. I'll be SURE to post pics of that.
Here's Ellie with some of her friends from Ballet. The lighting wasn't great in their dressing room...but I'll be getting a class photo soon...hopefully I'll remember to put it on the blog.
Emma was sharing a chair with these 3 other girls. Directly behind her, w/a girl in her lap, is one of Emma's closest friends, Maddie. These girls had a blast on stage this weekend.
Mackenzie is a friend of Emma's from church, who just started taking ballet classes this spring. Now that the recital is over, it's time to get the girls their much-anticipated haircuts for summer...we've measured their hair and Emma and Ellie should both be able to get 11-12 inches of hair cut off for Locks of Love. I'll be SURE to post pics of that.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Third Trimester!
I've finally made it to 28 weeks. Just 12 weeks to my DUE date, but we all know that means NOTHING when it comes to these Armstrong babies LOL. With my kiddos born 12, 12, 10, and 5 days overdue, I'm not anticipating "Elvis" to do any different. I have to admit, though, I'm really hoping for this one to come a week or so early...so our trip to NY for Megon's wedding would'nt be TOO difficult to pull off ;-)
Had my drs appt this afternoon. Her first words to me were, "Well, I see you've finally put on some weight." Giggle. Snort. I've been quite proud of the fact that my weight gain has been so minimal. Just 10 lbs to date. My dear, loving, sensitive, great-with-words husband reminded me recently, "Don't worry, you'll be packing it on in the 3rd Trimester." Thanks Dear.
The girls have their dance recital this weekend. 2 performances. Friday and Sunday. Emma shared that she was a bit nervous. Then we counted all the times she's been on stage for ballet...2 recitals in NY, 2 performances here last year. Not to mention SIX Nutcracker performances...then she realized that she had nothing to be worried about. Ellie is very excited herself. I'll try to get some pics over the weekend.
How are you? We'd love to know how y'all are doing ;-)
I've finally made it to 28 weeks. Just 12 weeks to my DUE date, but we all know that means NOTHING when it comes to these Armstrong babies LOL. With my kiddos born 12, 12, 10, and 5 days overdue, I'm not anticipating "Elvis" to do any different. I have to admit, though, I'm really hoping for this one to come a week or so early...so our trip to NY for Megon's wedding would'nt be TOO difficult to pull off ;-)
Had my drs appt this afternoon. Her first words to me were, "Well, I see you've finally put on some weight." Giggle. Snort. I've been quite proud of the fact that my weight gain has been so minimal. Just 10 lbs to date. My dear, loving, sensitive, great-with-words husband reminded me recently, "Don't worry, you'll be packing it on in the 3rd Trimester." Thanks Dear.
The girls have their dance recital this weekend. 2 performances. Friday and Sunday. Emma shared that she was a bit nervous. Then we counted all the times she's been on stage for ballet...2 recitals in NY, 2 performances here last year. Not to mention SIX Nutcracker performances...then she realized that she had nothing to be worried about. Ellie is very excited herself. I'll try to get some pics over the weekend.
How are you? We'd love to know how y'all are doing ;-)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Thought I'd put some pics on the blog.
Ellie is the Tin Man in her Camp Broadway Kids play of the Wizard of Oz. It was a class for homeschoolers only...during public school hours.
Everson is trying his best at being the best superhero he can be.
Emma has been working all year on her splits for ballet class. Often she is sprawled on the floor trying to get her splits perfect. Doug and I have marveled lately at how TALL and long Emma is getting. Here's a great example of her growth this past year...
Thursday, May 10, 2007
From the National Weather Service
(or, another day in the life of a West Texan in the spring storm season)
A FEW FUNNEL CLOUDS MAY BE VISIBLE ACROSS THE BIG COUNTRY...CONCHO VALLEY...AND HEARTLAND THIS AFTERNOON...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED DEVELOPING SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ACROSS THE NORTHERN AREAS OF WESTCENTRAL TEXAS.
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WITH VERY COLD AIR ALOFT IS MOVING SOUTHEASTWARD ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS THISAFTERNOON...CREATING CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OFFUNNEL CLOUDS. FUNNEL CLOUDS MAY BE OBSERVED WITH THIS ACTIVITY AS IT DEVELOPS AND MOVES SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA.
THESE FUNNEL CLOUDS...ON RARE OCCASION...MAY BRIEFLY REACH THEGROUND AND BECOME A WEAK TORNADO WITH WINDS GENERALLY UNDER 60 MPHTHAT CAN DAMAGE LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES...CARPORTS...AND AWNINGS...COMPARABLE TO A STRONG DUST DEVIL.
IF YOU OBSERVE A FUNNEL CLOUD...SEEK SHELTER INDOORS. LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE URGED TO RELAY REPORTS OF FUNNEL CLOUDS TO THENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE
(or, another day in the life of a West Texan in the spring storm season)
A FEW FUNNEL CLOUDS MAY BE VISIBLE ACROSS THE BIG COUNTRY...CONCHO VALLEY...AND HEARTLAND THIS AFTERNOON...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED DEVELOPING SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ACROSS THE NORTHERN AREAS OF WESTCENTRAL TEXAS.
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WITH VERY COLD AIR ALOFT IS MOVING SOUTHEASTWARD ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS THISAFTERNOON...CREATING CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OFFUNNEL CLOUDS. FUNNEL CLOUDS MAY BE OBSERVED WITH THIS ACTIVITY AS IT DEVELOPS AND MOVES SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA.
THESE FUNNEL CLOUDS...ON RARE OCCASION...MAY BRIEFLY REACH THEGROUND AND BECOME A WEAK TORNADO WITH WINDS GENERALLY UNDER 60 MPHTHAT CAN DAMAGE LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES...CARPORTS...AND AWNINGS...COMPARABLE TO A STRONG DUST DEVIL.
IF YOU OBSERVE A FUNNEL CLOUD...SEEK SHELTER INDOORS. LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE URGED TO RELAY REPORTS OF FUNNEL CLOUDS TO THENATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE
Monday, May 07, 2007
Wild Weather
Here's a picture of some hail Doug brought in the house after our 20 minute rain/hail storm last night:
And yes, it makes a LOUD noise as it hits the roof of the house...and the tin roof of the carport. And it bounces like a superball when it hits the pavement.
So we're watching the skies, waiting for the next band of thunderstorms to begin. As I type, the skies are darkening, and there is the distant sound of thunder (or 'funger', as Everson calls it). At the latest report, this could carry on until Wednesday. Maybe then I can take down the special 'hail screen' that we put up on our living room windows to protect them from the projected quarter-to-golfball-size hail we could be getting ;-)
Somehow, preparing for a snowstorm in NY was less stressful than the uncertainty of this weather...
Here's a picture of some hail Doug brought in the house after our 20 minute rain/hail storm last night:
And yes, it makes a LOUD noise as it hits the roof of the house...and the tin roof of the carport. And it bounces like a superball when it hits the pavement.We're in for some rough weather over the next few days. Tornado warnings and flash flood warnings abound. The tornado sirens were even tested yesterday - tho they are usually tested ONLY at noon on the first of the month ;-)
Last night, the weather finally rolled in. We were in the yard watching this enormous storm front make its way toward us. Lots of lightning, with little wisps of clouds dipping down from the front...the stuff tornadoes grow up to be. A rope tornado was spotted about 20 minutes from us...close enough for me!
So we're watching the skies, waiting for the next band of thunderstorms to begin. As I type, the skies are darkening, and there is the distant sound of thunder (or 'funger', as Everson calls it). At the latest report, this could carry on until Wednesday. Maybe then I can take down the special 'hail screen' that we put up on our living room windows to protect them from the projected quarter-to-golfball-size hail we could be getting ;-)
Somehow, preparing for a snowstorm in NY was less stressful than the uncertainty of this weather...
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Our new trees...
I forgot to take a picture today, so I'll add one tomorrow (if my pregnant mind doesn't forget).
We've been talking about planting some trees in our huge yard...mostly b/c we crave the SHADE in the hot months. About a week and a half ago, my mom drove up with 2 trees, a non-fruit mulberry and some other kind of tree. You know I have a black thumb, so the names of the trees just aren't important ;-) What I do know is that they are fast growing and drought resistant.
Anyhow, it has taken quite an effort to get them into the hard-as-a-rock-clay-filled ground we have here. Doug did all the work and planted one tree (the mulberry, I think).
Well, the GIRLS thought that our trees needed names. The planted tree is named Steve. I thought to myself, "That's cute, we did recently take a book from the library about a tree named Steve."
I was wrong. They named the tree for STEVE NASH. Who is he? You can quickly ask your sports-minded spouse, coworker, or friend...I'll wait... Turns out, Steve Nash plays for the NBA team the Phoenix Suns. Do you get this? MY GIRLS named a tree for a NBA player!!! The kicker is that they know that Erik can't stand Steve Nash! They delight in their choice of a name for a tree. They named the other tree Dwyane Wade...a player for the "Miami Heats".
Okay, much basketball has been watched in this house since February...Erik can't wait for the weekend to watch more playoff games. I can take that. But the fact that MY GIRLS know some of these players just kills me!
For the record, Erik wants us to buy and plant another tree. He wants to name it Joakim Noah.
I forgot to take a picture today, so I'll add one tomorrow (if my pregnant mind doesn't forget).
We've been talking about planting some trees in our huge yard...mostly b/c we crave the SHADE in the hot months. About a week and a half ago, my mom drove up with 2 trees, a non-fruit mulberry and some other kind of tree. You know I have a black thumb, so the names of the trees just aren't important ;-) What I do know is that they are fast growing and drought resistant.
Anyhow, it has taken quite an effort to get them into the hard-as-a-rock-clay-filled ground we have here. Doug did all the work and planted one tree (the mulberry, I think).
Well, the GIRLS thought that our trees needed names. The planted tree is named Steve. I thought to myself, "That's cute, we did recently take a book from the library about a tree named Steve."
I was wrong. They named the tree for STEVE NASH. Who is he? You can quickly ask your sports-minded spouse, coworker, or friend...I'll wait... Turns out, Steve Nash plays for the NBA team the Phoenix Suns. Do you get this? MY GIRLS named a tree for a NBA player!!! The kicker is that they know that Erik can't stand Steve Nash! They delight in their choice of a name for a tree. They named the other tree Dwyane Wade...a player for the "Miami Heats".
Okay, much basketball has been watched in this house since February...Erik can't wait for the weekend to watch more playoff games. I can take that. But the fact that MY GIRLS know some of these players just kills me!
For the record, Erik wants us to buy and plant another tree. He wants to name it Joakim Noah.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
A Texas 'thang'
So I'm really not feeling that great. This cough has me up all night and now my entire upper body hurts from the forceful coughing. After a big coughing jag this morning, Ellie decided to make me a card. She started cutting the paper a la making a snowflake, then started decorating it. At the bottom, in large letters, she wrote, "Git Well Momie"
Here's the thing...as I'm working with her on her reading, we keep running into the proper pronunciation of the word 'get'. We often butt heads on it...I know it's hard to imagine butting heads with her ;-) Her plain and simple explanation is, "Mommy, if we say 'git', then why is it written 'get'?" I have to keep explaining to her that in Texas, people pronounce words differently... I'm starting to think that phonics doesn't really work here in the Lone Star State.
The kids have already begun to naturally use words like, y'all and fixin' to. Doug says 'preciate it on a regular basis. I think it's a losing battle. Poor Everson and baby Elvis haven't a chance down here...they're bound to speak Texan!
Then there's Erik, who came home a few months ago from church wanting to tell us that he knows who God's #1 enemy is...Satan...that's pronounced Cy-tin...
So I'm really not feeling that great. This cough has me up all night and now my entire upper body hurts from the forceful coughing. After a big coughing jag this morning, Ellie decided to make me a card. She started cutting the paper a la making a snowflake, then started decorating it. At the bottom, in large letters, she wrote, "Git Well Momie"
Here's the thing...as I'm working with her on her reading, we keep running into the proper pronunciation of the word 'get'. We often butt heads on it...I know it's hard to imagine butting heads with her ;-) Her plain and simple explanation is, "Mommy, if we say 'git', then why is it written 'get'?" I have to keep explaining to her that in Texas, people pronounce words differently... I'm starting to think that phonics doesn't really work here in the Lone Star State.
The kids have already begun to naturally use words like, y'all and fixin' to. Doug says 'preciate it on a regular basis. I think it's a losing battle. Poor Everson and baby Elvis haven't a chance down here...they're bound to speak Texan!
Then there's Erik, who came home a few months ago from church wanting to tell us that he knows who God's #1 enemy is...Satan...that's pronounced Cy-tin...
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sickness
Well 1/2 of our family is sick right now. Erik seems to have come down with the high fever-headache-sinus thing that Emma had last week, while Ellie and I have the congestion-painful-deep-chest-cough thing that Doug had. We'll fare it alright, just unplugging from some activities for a couple of days to recover.
On a homeschool note, I'm still pursuing starting a new coop here for the fall. One that has a higher standard of classes than the one we've been in for the last 2 years. I want science (looking at a NASA program and a Civil Air Patrol aerospace program - all for elementary students, art and perhaps even music. Had some disappointments in our coop this year, so thinking to branch out and start fresh. Was also just asked to take over our homeschool assoc. monthly Mom's Night Out meetings for the coming school year. Much to chew on...with a new baby and the craziness that is The Nutcracker.
Need to get some kids moving this morning.
Well 1/2 of our family is sick right now. Erik seems to have come down with the high fever-headache-sinus thing that Emma had last week, while Ellie and I have the congestion-painful-deep-chest-cough thing that Doug had. We'll fare it alright, just unplugging from some activities for a couple of days to recover.
On a homeschool note, I'm still pursuing starting a new coop here for the fall. One that has a higher standard of classes than the one we've been in for the last 2 years. I want science (looking at a NASA program and a Civil Air Patrol aerospace program - all for elementary students, art and perhaps even music. Had some disappointments in our coop this year, so thinking to branch out and start fresh. Was also just asked to take over our homeschool assoc. monthly Mom's Night Out meetings for the coming school year. Much to chew on...with a new baby and the craziness that is The Nutcracker.
Need to get some kids moving this morning.
Monday, April 16, 2007
So today is Doug's birthday. Not sure if I'm allowed to post his age...cause he's sooooooo old ;-) At least he's still in the 35-39 age group at our races ;-) I'll post a birthday picture later this evening. We're celebrating low-key, cause Emma has been sick all weekend, Everson seems to have injured his foot and won't bear weight on it...he's crawling around the house. I guess if this keeps up I'll have to take him to the dr tomorrow. He DID run a mile yesterday...wonder if that has something to do with it... He received a really great gift from Sam and Angie and the kids, I'll post a picture of him with it once he opens it.
Hope you northeast friends/family are enjoying the weather ;-)
Hope you northeast friends/family are enjoying the weather ;-)
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Wacky Weather
So earlier this week, my children were in their swimsuits, putting on sunscreen, and playing in the kiddie pool...today we have freezing rain and temps hovering around freezing! And tomorrow promises to be like today. The weatherman last night said we'll be 35-40 degrees BELOW our average temperature for this time of year. And then late next week, we're supposed to be back near 80!
Took the older 2 to the dentist yesterday. Erik's **new front teeth** seem to show some mineral deficiency...yet none of the other kids show the same thing. So a mystery to solve...b/c of his food restrictions...were the teeth damaged when he fractured the baby teeth 7 years ago...why just his teeth and not the others...The younger 2 go to the dentist in a couple of weeks.
Inherited an infant car seat, boppy, portable baby swing and a bag of baby boy clothes this week...oh and a double stroller!
Speaking of baby...the kids have named our little guy Elvis John. They are telling everyone that's his name ;-) It's cute, but Doug and I have decided that they do not in fact get a vote in naming their little brother.
Two weeks of our coop left. Thinking about starting a new coop for the fall. One that's open to more families and has more structure than the one we're in.
Running club is going well. The kids will be competing in the Hershey's Meet for kids in early June. Our coach wants Emma to run the mile and the mile relay...so in a few weeks, she'll start practicing with some other girls her age for the event. They'll be running on a track and using the baton! She's quite excited. Erik, because of his age, will only be competing in a 1/2 mile race, I think. The both should do well, as their times for the mile are getting faster and faster...Erik's best time is 7:30, and Emma's time is 8:12. I think our coach has plans to turn them into runners...little does he know that Emma plans to be a dancer and she can't wait until she starts pointe - because she'll have to stop running so she doesn't develop the wrong muscles...the things she thinks of in her quest to be a dancer and a dance teacher ;-)
That's all for now...needing to do some baking, since it's cold today.
So earlier this week, my children were in their swimsuits, putting on sunscreen, and playing in the kiddie pool...today we have freezing rain and temps hovering around freezing! And tomorrow promises to be like today. The weatherman last night said we'll be 35-40 degrees BELOW our average temperature for this time of year. And then late next week, we're supposed to be back near 80!
Took the older 2 to the dentist yesterday. Erik's **new front teeth** seem to show some mineral deficiency...yet none of the other kids show the same thing. So a mystery to solve...b/c of his food restrictions...were the teeth damaged when he fractured the baby teeth 7 years ago...why just his teeth and not the others...The younger 2 go to the dentist in a couple of weeks.
Inherited an infant car seat, boppy, portable baby swing and a bag of baby boy clothes this week...oh and a double stroller!
Speaking of baby...the kids have named our little guy Elvis John. They are telling everyone that's his name ;-) It's cute, but Doug and I have decided that they do not in fact get a vote in naming their little brother.
Two weeks of our coop left. Thinking about starting a new coop for the fall. One that's open to more families and has more structure than the one we're in.
Running club is going well. The kids will be competing in the Hershey's Meet for kids in early June. Our coach wants Emma to run the mile and the mile relay...so in a few weeks, she'll start practicing with some other girls her age for the event. They'll be running on a track and using the baton! She's quite excited. Erik, because of his age, will only be competing in a 1/2 mile race, I think. The both should do well, as their times for the mile are getting faster and faster...Erik's best time is 7:30, and Emma's time is 8:12. I think our coach has plans to turn them into runners...little does he know that Emma plans to be a dancer and she can't wait until she starts pointe - because she'll have to stop running so she doesn't develop the wrong muscles...the things she thinks of in her quest to be a dancer and a dance teacher ;-)
That's all for now...needing to do some baking, since it's cold today.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Here's Emma in front of her 6 boxes of goodies collected for Will's NC oncology clinic from her birthday and our coop...just under 500 happy meal toys are in the bottom 3 boxes!
The 3 kids just sorted this pile of goodies collected Wednesday night at our AWANA club. It was another 62 happy meal toys, 129 packs of stickers, 107 boxes of bandaids and 32 hats! Now that Will is moving to NY, we have ANOTHER oncology clinic to collect goodies for with the other kids birthdays!
Here's a picture of Erik, taken this afternoon...Notice anything different?!Tuesday, March 20, 2007
It's a BOY!
The girls were initially disappointed...until it dawned on Emma that THEIR room would still have just 2 people in it, while the boys would have to make room for one more ;-) Erik seems stupefied with the whole thing. I think he is still getting used to the idea that we're having another baby, and isn't sure what it will be like to have another little brother.
On all counts, the ultrasound went well. We even got to see little E suck his thumb, take it out of his mouth, and start sucking it again. Very cool.
Shoppers...start your engines!
What I forgot to mention is that since last summer, Everson has been telling me that Jesus had a baby brother for him. He was quite insistent up until January. At Christmas time, knowing I was pregnant, I asked Ev if Jesus still had a baby brother for him. He said yes. I asked him how big his brother was. He made a small circle with his fingers and said, "Him's about dis big." Hair stands up on my neck. A week or so later, Doug and I were pondering boy/girl names. We usually have a family name for a middle name, so we were kicking around possibilities. I suggested John, after Doug's grandfather who passed away last fall. Within a couple of days of that conversation, I asked Everson if Jesus still had a baby brother for him. He said yes. I asked him what's the baby's name. He said, "Him's name John."
So when it comes to the future, and prophecy...look no further. Everson seems to have a direct line to God ;-)
BTW, we haven't decided on ANY names...we're open to all reasonable suggestions.
The girls were initially disappointed...until it dawned on Emma that THEIR room would still have just 2 people in it, while the boys would have to make room for one more ;-) Erik seems stupefied with the whole thing. I think he is still getting used to the idea that we're having another baby, and isn't sure what it will be like to have another little brother.
On all counts, the ultrasound went well. We even got to see little E suck his thumb, take it out of his mouth, and start sucking it again. Very cool.
Shoppers...start your engines!
What I forgot to mention is that since last summer, Everson has been telling me that Jesus had a baby brother for him. He was quite insistent up until January. At Christmas time, knowing I was pregnant, I asked Ev if Jesus still had a baby brother for him. He said yes. I asked him how big his brother was. He made a small circle with his fingers and said, "Him's about dis big." Hair stands up on my neck. A week or so later, Doug and I were pondering boy/girl names. We usually have a family name for a middle name, so we were kicking around possibilities. I suggested John, after Doug's grandfather who passed away last fall. Within a couple of days of that conversation, I asked Everson if Jesus still had a baby brother for him. He said yes. I asked him what's the baby's name. He said, "Him's name John."
So when it comes to the future, and prophecy...look no further. Everson seems to have a direct line to God ;-)
BTW, we haven't decided on ANY names...we're open to all reasonable suggestions.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Thought it was time for a new look on the blog.
Check back on Tuesday...I have an ultrasound appt and should find out for sure how this baby will break the boy/girl tie. And for the first time...we will be letting folks know what we're having! Why? Well, it is our 5th child...and I either gave away or sold of all our baby stuff when we moved LOL. So you'll know just what color to buy when you see something on sale...hint hint.
Check back on Tuesday...I have an ultrasound appt and should find out for sure how this baby will break the boy/girl tie. And for the first time...we will be letting folks know what we're having! Why? Well, it is our 5th child...and I either gave away or sold of all our baby stuff when we moved LOL. So you'll know just what color to buy when you see something on sale...hint hint.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Can you locate Emma? She's buried among 493 Happy Meal Toys that were collected from our coop and her birthday party. My digital camera was not cooperating with my 14 year old photographer at Emma's party...fortunately a friend had her camera and she is burning a cd for me. I'll put a slide show together as soon as I get the pics.
We had 15 girls enjoying 3 spa stations: pedicure, manicure and facial. There was lots of laughter and ticklish feet. We had a brief devotional with the girls about Inner Beauty and then decorated mirrors to remind us to reflect God with our lives. Her party yielded 76 toys (13 happy meal toys), 25 hats, 29 boxes of bandaids and 43 packages of stickers. We collected items from our coop 2 days before Emma's party. Our grand totals are: 493 Happy Meal toys, 50 assorted toys, 70 boxes of bandaids, 57 hats, 58 packages of stickers and a $30 Walmart Gift card (which we used to buy hats). We were also given $85 to help with shipping. We have about 7 boxes to mail off to North Carolina!
AND in 2 weeks, our AWANA club is collecting items for the clinic! Emma's still amazed at the support of her mission. She thought her tea party for the homeless shelter was big...and this surpasses it all!
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