the Zoo Crew

Put Your Feet Up

2012-02-11T08:06:00.007-05:00

When David and I moved into this house, I had my stuff and he had his. And I made him get rid of a lot of his. Except his beloved recliner. "But it's like thirty years old!" he'd say. Sounds like it's time to go to me. But we kept it. It was upstairs for a long time. And then I talked him into finally getting rid of it (like 5+ years later). We had it out on the front lawn. Then once again, he went into his spiel about what a great chair it was and how much he loved it. "Okay let's put it on the back porch for now," I sighed.

My mom came to visit not much later and I started to complain about D's icky chair. Mom just looked at me and said, "Let the man have his chair." Sometimes it just takes a different point of view to see things differently and to change your mind. And I decided yes, if it means that much to him, let him have it. He works very hard, picking up over time, for us that if he wants to relax at the end of the day in his beloved recliner then so be it. But he had to get a cover for it.

Now someone else loves it too and takes her naps in it.
(In fact she's taking a nap in it as I type this!)

Why Not?

2012-02-09T14:13:00.001-05:00

At the top of Caroline's Christmas list this year was an American Girl doll. Even though Caroline seems mature for her age, I don't think any four year old is ready for a $100 doll. Luckily some friends had told me about Target's look alike doll for much less, so that's what Caroline received and she was very happy. Surprisingly Caroline received the exact same doll in the Schanding cousin Christmas gift exchange. Caroline however was ecstatic shouting, "Twins!" She named her girls Kara and Karabelle in honor of the cousin who gave her the twin. Interestingly Caroline decided that her twins' birthday would be in January. She made me mark it on the calendar. And she insisted on a birthday party. Which just happened to all fall on MLK day.

Kara and Karabelle with their party dresses on.

Caroline and her girls.

David thought of decorating our own individual pizzas for the birthday meal.
Mmm-mmmm good!

Caroline and I baked a birthday cake. David and Caroline wrapped presents for the twins. Kate decided that it was her piggy bank's birthday too.

Band-aids! Perfect gift for a doll!

I never thought of having a birthday party for dolls, but we had a pretty good time.

Note

2012-01-31T08:24:00.001-05:00

Naturally, all parents are excited to hear their child's first words. Something I didn't anticipate was the joy I would feel seeing my children's first written words. I remember bursting into tears the first time Jonah wrote, "I love you mommy." Caroline loves to color, draw, and spell (something she must get from David), and leaves little notes for us to find. I found this one on the front door coming home from work. One of the best birthday presents I ever got.

Me & D QT

2012-01-13T18:14:00.016-05:00

Instead of material gifts for Christmas, D and I decided to treat ourselves to a get away trip. Sans children. We looked at flights and such, but decided to pick a city large enough that would be interesting to visit and close enough to drive to. We chose Indianapolis. Large, close, and neither of us had visited. So we dropped off the kiddies with Grandma and Grandpa (Thanks Don & Paula!) and off we went.

The first day we spent downtown. It was snowing pretty heavily and was pretty darn cold. That's what we get for planning a getaway in January. However I thought the snow just made it all the more pretty.

Both of us in Monument Circle, the center of downtown Indianapolis. Very cold and snowy!

D outside of the Colts Grill. We didn't eat there though. Interestingly there were news crews everywhere. We thought they were there because of the snow but found out later some Colts manager was fired. There are tons of shops and restaurants downtown. We had plenty of good food and drink and fun.

The second day we went to the world famous Indianapolis Museum of Art (according to Indianapolis everything there is world famous). It was huge and wonderful. Admission was free (but parking $5). Located there also was a wonderful restaurant (with full bar) where we had lunch. We spent the whole day there.
It was beautiful! I don't know if David just tries to appease me or what, but he always seems very interested in our art museum trips.

They had lots of old, famous art. Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Degas, Matisse, etc.

...and lots of lesser known, very interesting art. There is an entire floor dedicated to modern art, which inspired lots of debates between D and myself.

Also the museum is located on one hundred acres of grounds with outdoor art at different places. It was cold but sunny, so D and I braved a walk around and didn't regret it.

Later we had some fun with a night on the town of which I didn't get any pictures. Indianapolis also has lots for kids such as a very famous children's museum, zoo, parks, and more. I'd love to go back with the kids. In the summer next time though.

Seeing Santa

2011-12-19T13:55:00.004-05:00

Almost exactly one year ago, I took the girls to a birthday party at a place in Lexington called Monkey Joe's. They love the place, but not the character. When the six foot Monkey Joe walked in to the party room, my girls became hysterical. I'm not exaggerating. Kate flew into my arms and Caroline wrapped herself around one of my legs, both of them sobbing and crying. They hated characters.

So a week ago when my mom wanted to take the girls to see Santa, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm not one of those parents who force my kids to see Santa while they scream and cry (ok, unless it's David). As it turned out however, Caroline was okay with it and actually enjoyed seeing Santa. Kate on the other hand wouldn't go within ten feet of him. Oh well. We got a pretty cute photo of Caroline with Santa anyway.

Christmas Program 2011

2011-12-14T12:56:00.009-05:00

Yes, the girls' daycare is located within a church, Crestwood Christian Church. They also have an after school program for elementary school kids. These kids acted out Twas the Night Before Christmas in between the smaller kids songs. It was super adorable! Kate's class performed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (her favorite!) and Caroline's class did Up on the Rooftop.

A scene from the play. It was a packed house!

Jonah insisted on doing his homework by the light of his cell phone. So studious!

Kate being a reindeer.

Caroline mastered those sticks!

C & K were both thrilled that Grandma & Grandpa could attend.

I don't know why Kate's licking her coat.

Three Years Today

2011-12-13T12:07:00.006-05:00

Born on her due date! Well to be fair, Kate had three due dates. December 13th, 16th, and 19th. At the beginning of my pregnancy no one told me which was the official due date. And so every time I went in for a prenatal check up, the nurse, ob-gyn, and I would have a discussion about how I had three due dates. On Friday December 12th, the doctor and I decided to go ahead and schedule my induction for December 16th. Once again I had hoped that I would go into labor on my own but it wasn't looking good. And I had been very concerned at the time that if we waited too late I would be in the hospital during Christmas, which I really didn't want to do because of Jonah and Caroline.

So the very next morning, Saturday December 13th, I began having contractions around 4am. I had had lots of contractions for weeks so I didn't really give them much thought. I remember David asking me if he should stay home from work and I told him to go, that I would call him if they progressed.

The contractions didn't stop. But didn't get any worse either. Later that morning I decided to walk Caroline to the playground to help pass the time. (You know I can't remember where in the heck Jonah was. Maybe at a friend's?) While we were at the playground the contractions started to get stronger and closer together. I got worried and decided we better get back home quick, and even cut through our neighbor's yard to get back to our house.

We got back and Caroline was hungry for lunch. So I decided I'd make us lunch (I know now that they won't let you eat once you go to the hospital) and put her down for a nap. We ate lunch okay but when I started to put her down for a nap the contractions started to get really strong and painful. I would have to stop, hold on to something, and just breathe. I started to pray too. C finally went to sleep and I called David. Come home. NOW! The contractions were only ten minutes apart but extremely painful. I remember he kept calling me back to make sure I was okay but I couldn't even talk while I was having a contraction. I remember I just whisper screamed at him JUST HURRY!

He finally got home and wanted me to call the doctor. No I hadn't called him yet. The funny thing about contractions is that in between them I felt perfectly fine, so I didn't think I should call yet since they were still ten minutes apart. CALL, David insisted. So I did. I told her that my contractions were only ten mins apart but extremely painful. Is this your first? she asked. No third. Uh you better come to the hospital and let us check you out. Once again our good friend Phil came to watch the kids so we could go to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, they signed me in, hooked me up, and discovered I was 8cms. Wow! This was going to be quick. The nurse asked if I wanted an epidural. Isn't it too late? I asked. I've never had one. What?! Oh you have to have an epidural, said the nurse. Sounds good to me! So I got an epidural ASAP and almost immediately after I had to push and out came Kate. We were at the hospital for less than two hours. The dr told me that Kate had been in the posterior position also called "face up" or "sunny side up," and that if she hadn't been we never would have made it to the hospital. Thank goodness for D!

And so my sweet little Christmas baby Kate Noelle was born. My smallest baby at 6lb 9oz and 19 ins. with black hair and super dark eyes. Beautiful. And then the real parenting adventures began! Happy Birthday Kate!!! We love you very much!

C's First Post Request

2011-12-10T21:46:00.005-05:00

David and I really like to spend one on one time with each of the kids, when we get the chance. It's nice to be able to focus all of our attention on each one while spending some QT. So this year I had the idea to see a show at the children's theater with each preceded by lunch downtown. Caroline and I were going to see Madeline's Christmas. When I first told her about this, she asked if Kate could go and I thought maybe I messed up, but then she grew increasingly excited about sharing a special Mommy and Caroline day. So exited that I was extremely flattered. We had a wonderful lunch, a great show, and an amazing day together that I'll always remember.

As Caroline points out, we saw Madeline's Christmas. I got her the book beforehand so we were familiar with the story.

Us! I'm not very good at taking our own picture.

Shhhhhhhh! It's starting! This performance was actually in the Lexington Opera House which was very nice, I thought.

Caroline and Madeline!

Can't wait to see Goodnight Moon in May with Kate.

Playmates

2011-12-08T05:39:00.009-05:00

In lieu of shopping the girls and I decided to visit the UK Arboretum to celebrate Black Friday. The day was too gorgeous to waste inside some crowded, insane store. I've always been surprised by how much they love the arboretum. No playground equipment, just nature. There is an old, massive tree cut up into sections with some sections completely hollow that the girls just loved to play in.

They quickly came up with a fun game of building a fire.

They were playing so well together that I actually became kinda bored and wished I had brought a book or magazine to read. What?! My girls were playing so well together, without my supervision, that I was bored and wanted something to read. Oh hallelujah! I have been anxiously awaiting this moment for so long! This happens at home sometimes but never in a public place before.

But then suddenly we were attacked by a wild animal!

Katie Quote

2011-12-06T19:29:00.003-05:00

Kate: Mommy, sissy stuck her tongue out at me!
Me: Well tell her I'm rubber and you're glue and whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.
Kate: (Directed at Caroline) You bounce! And you stick!

Turkey Day

2011-12-06T10:05:00.008-05:00

I have the greatest family-in-law in the world. I mean it. I'm not just saying that because they might read my blog. D is one of six kids, and when we all get together it's big and loud and funny and a guaranteed awesome time.

Bella, Madelynn, and Caroline decorated a gingerbread house. And quickly devoured it. Not kidding. The whole thing.

Some of the gang. "Uncle Greg, show us that game on your ipad again!"

Kate passes out from all the excitement.

She looks just too tempting for Henry!

Cuzins! There's actually a few missing. Jonah always has a good time, despite being greatly out numbered.

The girls loooooooooove their Aunt Amy!

Can't wait to see them all again!

Update

2011-12-02T08:40:00.002-05:00

I can't believe December is here! Decorations are up. Only four broken ornaments so far. This year Kate's having a hard time understanding the concept of the advent calendar- only one chocolate a day until Christmas. Final exam next week and then Christmas break! ...the last one of my life I think. Now just eagerly awaiting for the season's first snowfall.

Caroline Quote

2011-11-06T09:14:00.003-05:00

Caroline: "I need to finish my booze."
Me: "You need to finish what?!"
Caroline: "I need to finish my booze." Holds up piece of paper with Boo! written on it.
Me: "Ooooh! You need to finish your boo's."

Evening Entertainment

2011-11-06T06:31:00.003-05:00

Who needs TV when we have the girls? They come up with the craziest "games." At their school the teachers apparently tell them to "crisscross applesauce, bubble in your mouth, hands in your lap." So that's what they're ordering us to do with cakes as a reward for obeying. No one might find this funny but we think it's hilarious. I'd like to post more of these but Caroline often gets angry when we try to record them. Beware the wrath of Caroline!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-03T02:27:00.006-05:00

Caroline and Kate both decided to be Rapunzel this year. Well Caroline decided to be Rapunzel, so then Kate decided she had to be Rapunzel too. Twisted is by far their favorite movie. Jonah did not dress up again. Every year the girls' school has trick-or-treating and a costume parade in the gymnasium. This year I volunteered to help out. The kids are so darn cute and everyone has a blast.

Here's some of Kate's class. Kate rather her enjoyed her friend Gable's toy guns. The princess with a gun. Um okay. Gable's mom told me that he's rather smitten with Kate. So cute! Notice the southern belle. Her parents had to pick that out. What two year old knows what a southern belle is?

Aaaah she got me!

Some of Caroline's class. Isn't the lil' skeleton awesome?!

The annual porch pose. No Jonah. : ( He took off for a friend's house as soon as he got home from school. I was surprised that I actually got Kate to wear the wig for trick-or-treating, because she had refused to wear it before.

The girls' good buddy Alex came over to trick-or-treat with them. Scary ninja! Alex was so cute. He's allergic to peanuts and asked at every house if the candy had peanuts. Poor guy!

Need more candy!

We have way too much candy now. Last night I think I started a new post-Halloween tradition of making candy bar cookies where you just chop up whatever kind of candy bars you have and bake in cookies. Yum! Here comes the holiday weight.

Funny Guy

2011-11-01T14:15:00.004-05:00

The other night I asked David and Jonah if they had any idea how to replace the toilet paper roll, since I'm pretty sure that I'm the only one who has ever done it in our seven years of living in this house. They both said that they knew how, but I remained skeptical.

The very next day I found this...

David is such a comedian. Keep doing it!

Visiting Fam

2011-11-01T13:56:00.004-05:00

Recently my Aunt Deb and cousin Shannon came to visit all the way from Colorado. Shannon recently became engaged (Congrats Shannon and Tim!), so Shannon wanted to spend some bonding time with her future flower girls and usher.

While they were here we got to attend one of Jonah's football games, Keeneland, and pizza at Pazzo's on UK campus. We had a blast and really wished Colorado wasn't so far away.

Also Shannon was thrilled to help out with the annual jack-o-lantern carving duties.

Great job!

We are all so excited to attend the wedding in Steamboat Springs, CO in August. Can't wait!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T17:41:00.004-05:00

Jonah and his cousin Caice recorded this "Zombie Survival Guide" video a few years ago. I never posted it because it's just a little slow pace. If you get a chance, you have to check out the comments on You Tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPAHvFYjQpA. People really take this zombie stuff seriously. We've had to delete a few of the comments due to profanity. Geez! They're just kids!

300th Post!!!

2011-10-24T12:55:00.005-05:00

Leaves!

What fun!

Alright kids, now pick 'em up.

Good job!

First Field Trip!

2011-10-22T07:37:00.008-05:00

I've always tried to and loved to chaperone Jonah's school field trips. Even as he's gotten older it seems to mean a lot to him. So I was pretty bummed to realize that I wouldn't be able to chaperone Caroline's very first field trip because I had clinicals for nursing school the same day. Well, I figured that Daddy would just have to step up to the plate and that it would be a good bonding experience for them. So D volunteered and passed the criminal background check in order to do so. Caroline's teacher was actually happy to have a Dad volunteer. I guess that doesn't happen often. She assigned D two girls to his group to transport and chaperone... Caroline and her buddy Emma C. (There are 3 Emma's in her class.) I don't know if all the volunteer parents had only two in their groups or if the teacher gave a "dad" lighter duty.

Caroline and Emma C. in our party van on the way.

Safely at the destination!

There's D! What is that expression?!

Caroline's K-4 class.

Hayride!

Havin' a ball!

Caroline had a wonderful time and very much enjoyed having her Daddy there. David had a good time too and said that he would volunteer to chaperone a field trip again. (He was actually quite nervous before hand.) And he was quite taken with Emma C. who turned out to be quite a cutie. I'm very proud of D and his new found chaperoning talent. Good job Daddy!

Happy 6!

2011-10-18T19:22:00.005-05:00

Yes it's been six years since our wedded day of bliss. Happy anniversary to us! It's very difficult for us to schedule a date with a babysitter and our amazingly hectic schedule. We had been wanting to see the Bodies exhibit so finally managed to schedule a time, with a sitter, that happened to fall on our anniversary. Yay! The exhibit people made us pose for this picture, which D was not very happy about. Trying to mooch more money, he believed. I'm sure, yet we still enjoyed the exhibit. And had a very nice anniversary date. Love ya honey!

Happy Belated Birthday!

2011-10-17T11:16:00.009-05:00

Yes big D had a birthday. His forty-first! So we had just a little fiesta for him.

I made a brownie cake. I have an all new respect for cake decorators. It's not easy writing with icing. Of course my handwriting stinks anyway. Well it tasted good!

Then we had lots o' games. Like a pinata...

...and then a little Pin the Nose on the Daddy. Thank you Vanna, uh Caroline!

The blindfold freaked Kate out so we didn't make her wear one. She won.

All in all everyone had a good time and David had another good birthday.

JB's First Football Game

2011-09-19T13:42:00.004-05:00

Last week Jonah played in his very first football game. He's always wanted to play football, but I made him wait until middle school. Luckily he's on the Wildcats team, or I don't think David would attend. Okay he'd go but I don't think he'd cheer. His first game was against the Cardinals. We won this one. 42-7 I think.

Tailgating before the game. I wouldn't let David bring any Bud Light.

Jonah is #24.

A clip...

That's not me yelling, "Hit him!" or "Get 'em!" I found it a little awkward to cheer like that. I've been trying to teach Jonah his whole life not to hit or get anyone. Luckily, Jonah didn't get hurt and had a good time. The girls had a good time too...

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!?!?!

2011-08-31T19:26:00.006-05:00

My Future's So Bright...

2011-08-30T15:46:00.003-05:00

Flashback Friday

2011-08-26T16:12:00.001-05:00

I Got My Eyes On You!

2011-08-25T07:25:00.003-05:00

I have to admit. It scares me a little bit when Caroline does that.

Twinkle Toes

2011-08-24T07:30:00.004-05:00

At the dentist's office Kate refused to wear shoes. The other night she refused to take them off. So she went to bed wearing her light up princess snow boots. Whatever. Go to bed!

Awwwww. My little sweet pea.

No Cavities!

2011-08-23T06:10:00.002-05:00

Last week Kate went to the dentist for the first time. After first arriving Kate was bouncing around so much like a little monkey I thought there was no way she would sit still for a cleaning. But after seeing how it's done by big sister, Kate behaved as good as gold for the hygienist and dentist and received a clean bill of health. Well her teeth did. Notice she refused to wear her shoes for the entire appointment. So totally two...

Vacay 2011 - Part III

2011-08-22T12:02:00.010-05:00

Boy! Dave and I finally figured out how to get the photos off my phone. So here are some random photos I had taken.

First seeing the beach.

I don't know what in the heck Caroline is doing here. I guess she was afraid her shorts would get wet?
In the evenings the girls would play soccer with their cousins Ryan, Gio, and Dylan. They had a blast together. After we left, the girls kept asking, "Where are the boys?! Where are the boys?!" I wish we lived closer and could see them more often.

Go Kate! David is convinced the girls are going to be soccer stars. We'll see!

At the end of our trip I realized that I did not get one picture of Jonah. The whole vacation he was totally into being an adolescent and going off and doing his own thing. So I took this picture of him in the van on the way home. To prove he was with us on our family vacation!

What Time Is It?!

2011-08-19T16:59:00.001-05:00

Football time! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Chillin'

2011-08-18T14:04:00.004-05:00

I always loved bean bag chairs when I was a kid, so I got these for the girls awhile ago. Same color of course. I never thought to use them on furniture.

Someone else loves bean bag chairs too!

Handy Dandy

2011-08-17T12:12:00.002-05:00

Daddy's latest project...

Good job Dave! We can't wait until we can get him a wood shop.

First Day of 7th Grade

2011-08-12T07:13:00.004-05:00

Jonah leaving with his best bud Michael to catch the bus. They were so excited! And posed eagerly for pictures on the big day.

Okay. Maybe not.

Katie Quote

2011-08-10T12:51:00.002-05:00

Me: Kate, how old are you?
Kate: Three. (She keeps insisting she's three. No matter what we say.)
Me: You'll be three on your next birthday. When is your birthday?
Kate: December.
Me: That's right. What do you want on your birthday cake? (Princesses?, Dora?, ...)
Kate: Candles.

Vacay 2011 Part II - DISNEY!

2011-08-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Yes we made it to the Magic Kingdom. I would never recommend taking a two year old to Disney. But Disney was only an hour and a half drive away from the resort we were staying, so we went! Both the girls love, love, love the Disney princesses. Jonah didn't go with us to Disney but went to a water park at Sea World, Aquatica, with my mom's husband. They didn't care to see the princesses. Although they loved Aquatica and had an awesome time. That's why Jonah's not in any of these pictures.

The girls were thrilled when they saw Cinderella's castle. Although you can't tell from Caroline's expression here. That's my nephew, Dylan, sitting next to Kate. Kate would regularly get angry throughout the day because she wanted to go into the castle and wake up Cinderella she said.

There's a smile!

First we saw a music show put on by all the characters right in front of the castle. The girls loved it, and Daddy picked them both up to see better. I did take Kate from him after I took this pic. One down side of the day was that it was unbelievably hot. I have know idea how those character people wear those costumes and dance around in that heat. I kept expecting one of them to pass out.

Nothing like sweet, sugary, sticky cotton candy on blistering, hot, sticky day!
Mmmmmmmm...

Here comes the parade!

Mickey and Minnie!!!

While we were waiting for the parade to begin, a couple asked if I would watch their stroller while they went to get drinks and of course I did. Turned out the couple were employees at the park. They told me that if our girls made a heart sign to the characters in the parade that the characters would do it back to them. But only in the particular spot that we were in. So Caroline did and it worked! All the characters made the heart sign back to her and some would even walk right up to us and shake our hands. Caroline was beyond thrilled! That was really, really neat. I even managed to get a photo of it...

Here we are going into "It's a Small World." Have to do that ride.
We all loved it. Except maybe David.I've talked before about Kate's love of animals, and particularly horses. She saw this merry go round and went nuts. She had to ride it. And when the ride ended she freaked. We ended up taking her on this ride like three or four times. Lol!

We had gotten there around noon and left at about 8. Just in that time we were all exhausted. All three kids passed out as soon as the car started. Very happy.

Caroline Quote

2011-08-04T08:05:00.002-05:00

Caroline: Who is he? (Pointing to a dollar bill.)
Me: George Washington. He was our first president. Do you know who our president is now?
Caroline: Jesus?

Vacay 2011 - Part I

2011-08-03T11:30:00.011-05:00

For our vacation this year we went down to Jacksonville, FL again, where my mother and brother's family still live. Thanks to my mom we all stayed together in a condo at the Hammock Beach Resort not far from Jax. It was awesome. To say the least.

View from our balcony. We lucked out. The weather was fantastic.

Playing on the beach. This year Caroline loved the beach.
Kate hated it. Jonah always loves it.

Hmmmm. Which should I use?

I don't know why but we didn't bury David.

Lots of fun at the pool. Everyone loved the pool.

More to come...

Brutally Honest

2011-07-02T13:04:00.002-05:00

Caroline: Mommy, you have big, fat legs.
Me: Yeah I know. I hope you have Daddy's legs and not Mommy's.
Caroline: Me too.

Normal?

2011-07-02T07:44:00.003-05:00

Caroline's new preschool teachers asked me just the other day if Caroline normally snores. During nap time that day, she was snoring extraordinarily loud and they were concerned that she was getting sick. Oh yes, I answered without hesitation. She most certainly snores. Sorry future Prince!

Just Silly

2011-06-27T08:58:00.003-05:00

Daddy's Day

2011-06-19T18:40:00.002-05:00

Hope you had a chillaxin day!

Homerun!

2011-06-18T06:45:00.007-05:00

This spring Jonah completed his final season of little league baseball. Little league continues only to the age of 12, after which the players move on to the Babe Ruth League- here in Lexington since the middle schools do not have baseball.

The league awards all the 12 year olds a Louisville Slugger bat with his or her name engraved on it.

Jonah was awarded a trophy for "Best Sportsmanship." Yay Jonah!

Jonah and the girls pose outside of the Lexington Legends baseball field on Western Little League night. We all had a great time!

Lil' Miss Diva Goes to Ballet Class

2011-06-16T12:33:00.004-05:00

Caroline was just as excited to start taking ballet as she has been for her birthday or Christmas. She was also thrilled to see that her friend Beatriz from preschool would be attending the class.

Let the Negotiations Begin!

2011-06-14T10:43:00.004-05:00

Grad Night

2011-06-12T19:36:00.011-05:00

I think most daycares move kids up to the next level when each child turns a year older. At least that's how Jonah's did it. The girls' school does it a little differently however. They keep all the kids together throughout the year and move them up at the same time the first of summer. And then every May they have a graduation ceremony in which all the kids participate.

Everyone gets dressed up....

Kate's class....

(Oops! Somehow I recorded this sideways!)

Caroline's class...

The K-4 kids all wore caps and gowns to receive their diplomas while a slide show of the kids' baby photos was played. It was very cute and I even got a little teary eyed to which David said, "They're not even your kids!" No, but it was a painful reminder of just how quickly they grow up. Caroline will already "graduate" next year, and I know from Jonah that time goes by even faster once they start elementary school. I am so grateful the girls are able to go to such a caring preschool!

Katie Quote

2011-06-11T06:51:00.004-05:00

David: Kate. You are as cute as a button.
Kate: I not a button!

That Little...

2011-06-10T14:00:00.004-05:00

Looks like someone in our house has been secretly getting a hold of my camera and recording video footage.

Jonah studying...

Dinner time maybe? Funny coincidence that you can just barely hear David and I debating which of us got less sleep the night before. A conversation we have a lot more than I would like.

The culprit's little feet...

Word-Full Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:10:00.002-05:00

I came across this poem at my Granddad's house around the time Jonah was a baby. The title is Big Brother but I think it could easily be Mommy and Daddy. As a parent I have always found it inspiring and I hope you all do too.

Big Brother

Author: Unknown

My little eyes
are watching
All you say and do
And when I grow up
big and tall
I want to be like you.

My little ears
are listening
To everything you say
I am learning how
to grow up
To be like you
someday.

So be careful how
you teach me
To be the person
that you are.
You’re a knight in
shining armor
You’re my brightest
shining star.

Caroline Quote

2011-05-20T07:35:00.000-05:00

David: Do you want to play an instrument like Bubby when you get big?
Caroline: Yes.
David: What instrument do you want to play?
Caroline: The microphone.

Animal Lover

2011-05-18T08:21:00.004-05:00

I've begun to realize that Kate is becoming my little animal lover. Well don't get me wrong. Jonah and Caroline absolutely love animals too. Kate however seems to be a little more passionate about it.

On our trip to Keeneland I took this picture of the girls watching a horse just on the other side of the fence. I didn't get it on video, but Kate then threw her hands up to the air and began to desperately cry, "I want to touch it! I want to touch it!" I think a trip to the horse park this summer is in order.Then just this past week David discovered a bird's nest in the bushes that run along our back yard. Just a few feet from the ground, where the girls could see them easily, were four baby birds. We kept our distance while the momma bird repeatedly flew in to check on and feed her babes. However whenever the momma bird would leave the nest, Kate would have this reaction...

I think it's very sweet. I wonder if she's going to become one of those kids that regularly brings home stray animals. Uh oh.

Rain! Rain! Go Away!

2011-05-17T06:34:00.003-05:00

Handy Dandy

2011-05-15T10:51:00.004-05:00

Oh did I fail to mention that David whipped up this playhouse for the girls? Well he did. Good job Dad!

Show!

2011-05-06T18:32:00.003-05:00

This week the girls' classes have been having all sorts of horse racing activities to celebrate the upcoming Louisville Derby. In particular Kate's class has been having some pretty serious foot races. Everyday the teacher would tell me how Kate would get totally into the races but only be able to finish fifth at best. Pretty good considering Kate is the very youngest and smallest in her class. Yesterday they had the final competition. The racing grand finale! The Derby! And Kate with all her might performed her personal best and finished THIRD!!! Winning a third place ribbon!!!!! I think Kate may very well have inherited her father's ferocious competitive streak.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T17:08:00.002-05:00

Lexington Tradition

2011-04-22T09:23:00.007-05:00

Keeneland. Like everyone else who has been, we love it. And since it's only open two months a year, April and October, you have to go when you get the chance. And yesterday we got the chance. We decided to take the girls, who also loved it. Although taking small children is a somewhat different experience than when we used to skip class in college and go. (Oh wait I never skipped class!) Kate in particular loved the horses, crying out in desperation at one point, "I want to touch it! I want to touch it!" So if you haven't been to Keeneland, GO!

Here they come!And there they go....

See you in the fall!

Say What?!

2011-04-16T07:17:00.002-05:00

Four Years Today

2011-04-06T20:37:00.006-05:00

Since I went two weeks overdue with my first, my #1 question to my new ob-gyn's office in KY was "How long will you let me go before you induce?" "Oh we never let anyone go over 41 weeks," the nurse replied. Sounded good to me. I was still hopeful that I would this time, with my second, go into labor naturally. Especially since I started feeling contractions around 20 weeks. I even went to my doctor's office at one point to make sure I wasn't experiencing preterm labor. With Jonah I never experienced a contraction until I was induced, just some Braxton Hicks tightening. My due date of April 3 came however with no delivery, and I was scheduled for induction on April 10.

On the evening of April 6, I grew very excited as my contractions grew stronger and more regular. I didn't want to say anything to David until I was sure, so he went to bed while I timed my contractions. Around midnight, the contractions increased to 5-7 minutes apart. It was time I decided. I woke up David. Called the doctor's office. Called my mother-in-law Paula to come on in from Radcliff. Called our friend Phil to sit with Jonah until Paula arrived. Grabbed our packed and ready suitcase and headed to the hospital where they checked me in without delay. And then the contractions just stopped.

My nurse told me I had two choices. Go home, or wait until morning when my ob-gyn could order an induction. Since I was already past my due date, we were already at the hospital, and Paula had come to help with Jonah, David and I decided to go ahead with an induction. Around 10am they started the pitocin. At about 12pm the doctor broke my water, after which the doctor and David watched the announcement of the new UK head coach Billy Gillespie. Sometime between 2:30 and 3, I told the nurse I couldn't take the pain any more and wanted an epidural. Even though I managed to not have one with Jonah, it seemed more painful this time. She checked my cervix and stated, "Well you're only 4cms dilated." I said I didn't care and wanted the epidural. NOW!

What happened in the next 30mins to an hour was just crazy. What seemed like very little time after the nurse left to order the epidural, I remember asking David why did I feel like I needed to push if I was only 4cms. Then I remember screaming and David yelling in the hall for our nurse, any nurse to come and help. A nurse aide came. She looked down to check my progress, saw the baby crowning, and started screaming for my doctor. The delivery room suddenly came alive with medical personnel running around franticly trying to get everything ready. With one foot in a stirrup and one leg hanging off the edge of the table, the baby came. Quickly. I remember someone yelling to the anesthesiologist coming down the hall, "Nevermind too late!" The doctor actually joked that it was a good thing I was induced or I would have given birth on Nicholasville Road. Funny. My nurse just kept repeating, "I just checked her. She was only 4 cms!"

Regardless of the chaotic and painful delivery, everything was better when they put my little Caroline Mae in my arms, so small at 7lb 2oz and 19ins. She was born on Good Friday, and it was truly good. They took me to my room from the delivery room and was immediately amazed to see snow falling from my window. One of those beautiful, peaceful snowfalls. Two days later we took Caroline home to join our family on Easter Sunday morning. The best and most memorable Easter of my life.
Happy Birthday Caroline! I love you so much!

Early Celebration

2011-03-29T04:31:00.008-05:00

In lieu of a birthday party this year, I took Caroline and Kate along with my very best friend, Kellie, and her two girls, Sofia and Amelia, to the Disney Princesses on Ice show Saturday. (That's when the girls destroyed the house btw when I was trying to get us all ready to go.) If you didn't know already, little girls LOVE princesses. Just as I was amazed how Jonah innately loved sports, cars, and guns. The girls love babies, the colors pink and purple, and princesses. Even before they can talk, it's weird. Anyway Caroline was thrilled to attend for an early birthday extravaganza.

Before the show.

I can NEVER get them to look at the camera at the same time.

That's all the photos that I managed to get at the show. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to manage two hyped up toddlers, our coats, my purse/diaper bag, and souvenirs? Forget pictures.

After the show, David and Jonah (no they didn't care to see the princesses) met us at our favorite pizza place, Mellow Mushroom, for dinner and birthday cake. Barbie kinda got tilted in the box but Caroline still loved it.

Our fam and Sofia.

Here's Kellie! Trying to help me get some pics.

And Amelia! Ain't she cute? She and Kate were born one week apart.

I think Caroline had a very nice 4th birthday celebration. Even if a week and a half early.
Amber! What's your rate for following around a mom who has her hands full and take photos?

Final Four Baby!!!!

2011-03-28T12:16:00.004-05:00

In honor of our glorious UK basketball team, the Zoo Crew will repost our celebrated UK flag changing ceremony...

Dedicated to Dave.

Better Housekeeping

2011-03-27T07:46:00.004-05:00

This morning while on Facebook I saw photos of our friends Jen's adorable new nursery and Melissa's beautiful new living room. And I felt inspired. Inspired to show off the destruction that two little girls can create in a matter of minutes.

Here's the girls' room. They were "playing" in there while I took a shower.

Somehow, somewhere Caroline got a hold of a permanent marker. Believe me I don't just leave those lying around. But she managed to get one while I was in the shower. And of course the only place to use a sharpie is on the walls and furniture.

After I got out of the shower and freaked out about the mess in the room and the marker, the girls went upstairs to play while I got dressed. And in just minutes....

Yeah. Nothing is quite the same after you have kids. Especially the house!

Field Trip

2011-03-18T11:25:00.010-05:00

This week I have been on spring break. Spring break means something totally different as a returning adult college student with kids than as a 21 year old college student. This week I've cleaned the house, got caught up on laundry, and got out the girls' summer clothes. Yippee. But I wanted to do something fun, so Wednesday I surprised the girls with a trip to the Newport Aquarium. I've wanted to visit the aquarium forever, but David just grumbles about it being too expensive. So after he left for work, the girls and I and the GPS were on our way.

I never realized that the aquarium was located at this awesome riverfront plaza. Thank goodness we had the GPS. It was very confusing to find! I was very impressed with the aquarium. There were a bunch of these aquarium tunnels where fish, turtles, sharks, etc would all swim overhead. It was very cool. Unfortunately however the girls were very afraid of many of the animals. And Kate was terrified of the tunnels.

I had to coerce Caroline into petting just this painting of a shark.

Now these giant Japanese Spider Crabs even freaked me out. They were creepy!

There was a room filled with tanks of jellyfish. I thought it was awesome. Kate did not.

The girls did love this interactive wall screen of jellyfish that when you "touched" would swim away. I thought the aquarium was very kid friendly.
I think the girls favorite part of the entire aquarium was getting to see Nemo.

We will definitely go back again. And I'll make sure Jonah gets to go. I think he'll love it as much as I did. Maybe I'll even manage to talk David into going. We'll see!

Lil' Diva

2011-03-17T17:06:00.005-05:00

Caroline has grown to DRIVE ME CRAZY lately regarding clothes. She only wants to wear certain outfits that fit a certain way. I've tried letting her pick out her clothes the night before. I've tried giving her a choice between two outfits. I've even taken her shopping so she can pick out her clothes. But in the morning she freaks out if she's not totally happy with her ensemble. Generally her outfits look a little something like this...

A sort of creative, eclectic look. She's the same way with her hair. She wants a particular hairstyle to complement her look. This day she insisted on a more demanding style...

I have no idea how I'm going to survive until she's eighteen.

One Month Late

2011-03-09T18:43:00.009-05:00

I was looking for a picture to post today for a Wordless Wednesday when I came across these photos that I totally forgot about from Valentine's Day. This year David wanted to have a formal family Valentine's Day Dance. So we did.

We threw up some decorations.

We had some drinks and snacks and fancy napkins.

David insisted that everyone dress up.

He even wore his good suit.

Then we had a lot of dancing.

We had a lot of fun. We eventually got Jonah to join in too, even though he really fought us. I think he had a good time too. Amazingly David still manages to surprise me sometimes.

Happy 12th Birthday!

2011-02-24T15:17:00.004-05:00

Twelve years ago today my baby boy was born. I actually thought that I was having a girl. I had a pretty normal pregnancy, so I only had one ultrasound. At that ultrasound the baby wouldn't cooperate no matter how hard the tech shook my belly. Then she said, "I'm about 90% sure that you are going to have a girl." When I told family and friends that, they went nuts buying girl stuff, especially my mother. Her name was going to be Chloe Elise. Imagine my surprise when the doctor said, "You have a beautiful baby girl! Wait a minute..." Luckily I already had the name Jonah Benjamin picked out. That 10% chance of a boy kept nagging at me. I heard the name Jonah on A Baby Story (which if you are a woman whose been pregnant you have watched) and then heard the name again later the same day in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. So I guess it was fate...

I carried that little boy in my belly for 42 weeks! His initial due date was January 19 but was moved to February 9th after the ultrasound. After Jan 19th however I kept thinking any day now, any day now, any day now. It seemed like an ETERNITY. They don't even let people go that long anymore, thank goodness! They induced me in the morning and after 15 long, non-epidural hours (I had wanted to try and go au natural.) at 2:42 am my baby was born weighing 8lbs 1oz. I'll never forget when the nurses put him in my arms and I said, "Hi Jonah. I'm your mommy." It was love at first sight. I love you Jonah Benjamin. Happy birthday!

New Additions

2011-02-20T19:21:00.003-05:00

That's right! The Schandings got a new car! (Did that title grab your attention?) Well, new to us. David sold the Rav 4 and we bought his sister's mini-van. The Schanding family will be travelin' in-style!

It's even got one of those cool built in, flip down dvd players with cordless earphones. Just call it the Schanding party van. Woot! Woot!

We also got a hammock. We party and then we relax. Is spring here? Oh please, please yes!!!!

Mommy + Daddy Get Out

2011-02-07T18:35:00.011-05:00

It had been three years since David and I have been away overnight sans children. THREE YEARS! So I decided we were way overdue a grown-up trip, just in time for our good friends' annual Super Bowl weekend trip to Gatlinburg, or more commonly known as the "ski trip" (but with no skiing). Let me just say, I HAD SO MUCH FUN! Woo hoo! The girls stayed with Grandma Paula and Grandpa Don (thank you so much Don and Paula!) and Jonah stayed with his best buddy. The kids were fine and had a good time. It will NOT be another three years for David and I to have QT sans kids.

The View

Like Dave's new tats?

The Big Poker Game. I prefer Left, Right, Center myself.
The whole gang. Aren't we silly?

Quote of the Day

2011-01-29T10:04:00.002-05:00

"Kate, Tinkerbell has boobies!"
~Caroline

Happy MLK Day!

2011-01-17T19:05:00.006-05:00

Today was an eventful day in the Schanding household. We all had the day off. So we made a trip to the mall where Caroline got her ears pierced for the first time. Personally I think baby girls with pierced ears are absolutely adorable but some people find it tacky. I decided to wait until Caroline asked to get her ears pierced. Today she asked. Or agreed to anyway.

Here she is picking out her first pair of earrings.

She sat on my lap for the big event, and they pierced them at the same time.

She was quite upset after it happened and cried for several minutes. Luckily an icee helped melt away the pain.
Also today big boy Jonah got his first pair of glasses. Here he is fleeing out the front door while I tried to get his picture. I thought he would hate them but he's too excited to be able to see.

I don't know what any of this has to do with Martin Luther King but it made for a memorable day!

For Sale

2011-01-15T19:09:00.004-05:00

Rav 4 2007 for sale. 36k mile. Perfect for growing family. Tell your friends!!! Love it but ready to expand to minivan.

Doh!

2011-01-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

I came across this photo on my new camera. I guess I'm not doing such a great job of guarding our electronics. Those are Kate's little piggies btw. Lil' stinker!

So We Think We Can Dance

2011-01-03T08:58:00.003-05:00

The holidays always makes us Schandings want to dance. Here's a sample of a traditional holiday kitchen dance off. We always dance in the kitchen. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure where Jonah was for this episode. Probably at a friend's house.

Happy New Year to all our friends and family!

Toyland

2010-12-28T08:26:00.003-05:00

Oh here are bits of Jonah's Christmas program on my phone. One of those trumpet players is him. I think. I'm really proud of him for sticking with the trumpet.

and

Technical Difficulties

2010-12-23T08:03:00.008-05:00

Our little angelic looking girls are actually tornadoes of destruction, probably like most children. I've lost count of how many Christmas ornaments they have broken, plus two snow globes, plus my camera, plus our laptop in just the past couple of weeks. The ornaments can be replaced and luckily we will be able to repair our laptop, but my camera is toast. And at the worst time! Kate's birthday and the holidays. Fortunately my mom became the hero of the season by getting me a new camera for Christmas. I didn't get it however until after Kate's birthday and the girls' Christmas program at school so I've had to use my phone.

Our laptop...

Kate's class dressed like angels for the program. I have no idea how they got 12 two year olds to keep those costumes on.

Kate and her class.

My phone was not able to take very good pics at all during the show. It was too dark and far away. I thought I should have asked Phil to borrow his camera. Luckily David got it all on video.

Caroline passing by our pew on the way to the stage.

Kate's class on the stage performing. All the angels came out looking like a blinding white light.

Caroline and Kate in their Christmas dresses given by their Great-Aunt Deb after the program.

The show was so adorable! The teachers and kids did such a great job. I've learned my lesson though. From now on I'm guarding our electronics like Ft. Knox.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T14:52:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T12:07:00.001-05:00

Two Years Ago Today on Her Due Date...

2010-12-13T10:19:00.011-05:00

Happy Birthday
Kate Noelle!!!!!!!
Our Christmas Angel.

104 Days

2010-12-06T06:03:00.002-05:00

A couple of months ago I was driving home when I passed this little Dora kitchen on the curb that someone had tossed. What?! I slammed on the breaks, backed up, and hauled it in. I had thought for a long time that the girls would have a blast with a little plastic kitchen in the backyard for cooking their dirt masterpieces. David and I did give it a good scrubbing to sanitize if from "other people" germs before putting it in the backyard for the girls. Of course they loved it immediately. Now they have an official mud pie and stone soup kitchen. Kids having a great time playing in the backyard is a very, very good thing. How many days until Spring?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-24T12:13:00.000-05:00

Picky Picky

2010-11-21T07:41:00.003-05:00

Jonah and Caroline have been horribly picky eaters. I thought I was doing something wrong until Kate came along. She'll pretty much try anything and loves fruits and vegetables. Jonah was the worst but has gotten somewhat better since entering puberty. I've looked on all kinds of parenting magazines, websites, and books on how to get your picky eater to eat and try more foods. I've tried sneaking fruits and veggies into other food, like mixing a little veggie baby food with marinara sauce. I swear my kids know. It gets really frustrating.

Awhile ago I came across these chopsticks for kids and thought they looked like fun. I always loved eating with chopsticks when I was a kid and still love Asian food. The other night I made fried rice with broccoli and carrots and got out the chopsticks for Caroline and Kate. They both loved them which I expected. What I didn't expect was that Caroline even ate the broccoli and carrots. Score!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Even Kate can do it!

Artsy Fartsy

2010-11-20T18:40:00.005-05:00

I love, love, love, when my kids start going to preschool/daycare and bringing home artwork. When Jonah was small I put a bulletin board up in his room to pin up a lot of his art and class work, besides putting it up on the fridge and everywhere else. So now I've done the same thing for the girls. They puff up so proud when I pin up their work and tell them how awesome it is. It's so cute. To me these are masterpieces.

Caroline's & Kate's

T-Day Luncheon

2010-11-17T18:23:00.004-05:00

The girls' daycare had a family Thanksgiving lunch today. Jonah's elementary school, Clays Mill, used to also. The food was so much better at the girls' school. Luckily today was David's day off and he was able to go, so I sat with Kate and her class and David sat with Caroline and her class. Kate's teacher told me that they have to seat Kate so that she can see Caroline or she gets really upset, since they have lunch at the same time. Awwwwwww!

Kate and her friend Madison.

Daddy and Caroline.

Caroline and her friends Jordan, Beatrice, and Ava.
We had a wonderful lunch with the girls, even though they got upset when we had to leave.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-09T19:33:00.002-05:00

Two for One

2010-11-03T17:23:00.005-05:00

The girls had a good time trick or treating Sunday. Here's our annual photo of kids in costumes on the front porch with jack o lanterns.I swear Caroline needs an agent.

Jonah passed out candy with his buddies. Too big to trick or treat. I think he may have regretted his decision after he realized he has no candy stash to last him until Christmas.
Earlier that day we had a good-bye pookie ceremony. Caroline has always loved her pacifier, which David nicknamed pookie when she was still a newborn. With Jonah I was a "good" mommy and got rid of the pacifier when he was 18 months. But when Caroline was 18 months, I was expecting Kate and said forget it. Let her have it. So she has. We tried to get rid of it when she turned three but it didn't work out. So we decided to try again on Halloween. I figured she'd be too worn out from the day's activities to miss it much at bed time. It's been three days now and I think this time is for good. Good-bye pookie! And good job Caroline! She's growing up. (Ouch! Small pain in heart of mommy.)

World Famous Equestrian Games

2010-11-02T17:51:00.006-05:00

Has anyone heard any word on the success of the Equestrian Games? It seemed like a bunch of overrated hoopla to me. We did see people, or tourists, taking pictures of things like the castle on Versailles Road. But nothing else really. I love Lexington and think it's a great city, so I hope it faired well with the visitors.

Jonah's class was lucky enough to be able to attend the games, like many of the local schools I think. He borrowed my camera for the occasion. I found the pictures he took rather interesting.

An SUV in the middle of a lake. Neat!

A cool car. I guess.

A helicopter!

Oh okay. Here's a horse. Jonah really did go to the Equestrian Games.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T07:58:00.011-05:00

This is the first year we didn't make it to an orchard to pick out our pumpkins. It just never worked out. We've had other fun holiday happenings to attend though.

We went trick or treating at the Louisville Zoo with the girls' cuzin' Henry. Caroline decided to be Snow White this year. Kate didn't have her "official" costume yet.The girls pose with Henry in a yellow submarine. I don't know what a submarine has to do with Halloween.

Caroline got to pose with a few of the princesses. Who needs Disney World?!

Move it Supergirl!
On Friday the girls' school had a costume parade and trick or treating. Thankfully I was able to leave clinicals to make it just in the nick of time.

Caroline and her class.
Kate. She loves to wear her big brother's old cowboy boots so she's a cowgirl this year.
The girls together. Jonah's getting too "old" to participate in the Halloween activities this year. I did take him and his best friend to see Devil at the movies. This year he's going to pass out candy instead of trick or treating.

Lemonade Out of Lemons

2010-10-30T16:25:00.007-05:00

One of my big concerns about going to nursing school and the girls starting daycare full time has been that they will be sick a lot and I'll have to miss class. My clinical time I really can't miss I have to make it up, and I have no idea when I could make it up with my already crazy schedule. Well Caroline has promised to deliver. Our good friend Jennifer has already come to my rescue twice and has sit with a sick Caroline so I could attend class, including this past Tuesday. Caroline was fine by Wednesday morning so I got her and Kate ready and shuttled them to school. But the daycare informed me that Caroline was not able to attend until she was fever free for at least 24 hrs. Grrrrrrrrrr! So Kate stayed and Caroline and I left.

At first I was going to take Caroline with me to class. But then I just imagined Caroline trying to sit still for 75 minutes. Not going to happen. Luckily I only have one class on Wednesdays, so I decided to skip it. I haven't missed a single class yet, and I can get the notes from one of my nursing friends. We were going to spend some bonding time together. Mommy and Caroline Day! Where should we go? Hmmmmm. Well to the mall of course!

We had lunch and sat at the high lunch counter.

Caroline loved these mannequins with purple hair and insisted I take her picture with them.
We had to hit the Disney store and picked up new shirts for Caroline and Kate.
After the mall we stopped by Barnes and Noble where they were having a scarecrow display. Caroline wasn't crying. I think the sun was in here eyes.
I hated missing class but I really enjoyed my day with Caroline. I tried to talk her into getting her ears pierced and came really close. Maybe next Mommy and Caroline Day.

Groovin'

2010-10-14T19:33:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I think Caroline steals the show around here. Well Kate's personality is really starting to come out more and more, as you can see in the following video. Please ignore my annoying laugh. I just think it's so hilarious that she takes it all the way to the floor. Where did she learn that?! I don't remember that episode of Dora.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T07:21:00.001-05:00

Timone

2010-10-04T16:55:00.006-05:00

Caroline's preschool class has a pet monkey named Timone. Every weekend one of the students get's a turn to take Timone home. The student and his/her parents fill out a page of Timone's journal sharing with the class of how Timone spent his weekend. They can also include pictures. Here are some snapshots of Timone and our weekend together.

Shopping for shoes at Target.

Reading books with Daddy.

Bedtime snuggles with Caroline.
We can't wait to see you again Timone!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T20:41:00.001-05:00

Last Week

2010-09-18T06:54:00.006-05:00

David's birthday was this past Monday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!! Can you believe next year he'll be celebrating the big 4-0?

Our five year anniversary was yesterday. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!!! Wow time flies!

I can't even begin to put into words how much I love and appreciate my amazing husband. I know, I know. I complain about little things like how much sports he watches or leaving little hairs in the sink or leaving his dirty socks in the middle of the floor but I am very aware that these are LITTLE things. David is a wonderful father and an amazing husband. I am extremely fortunate to have him in my life.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T10:17:00.001-05:00

Boo Boo

2010-09-10T19:47:00.004-05:00

This past spring I told David that I had a strong feeling that one of the kids would end up in the ER before the end of the summer. Caroline and Kate in particular are constantly getting hurt. Well I was right. Isn't it still officially summer? Caroline's preschool called today because she had gotten hurt. She tripped and fell into a door while running in the gym and wouldn't stop bleeding. So off to the ER we went.

Before

After six stitches
It was a pretty awful experience but lots of stickers and a popsicle from the nice ER tech helped make everything better.

Are You Ready for Some Football?!

2010-09-04T12:19:00.002-05:00

Well of course David sure is. Time for our annual tradition.....

Next year we won't hold the ceremony during Kate's naptime. Live and learn.

Dedicated to Amber Scott Thomas.

Dentist

2010-08-28T06:34:00.002-05:00

We all had our check ups at the dentist recently. Caroline had her very first check up and behaved wonderfully. The dentist had good news and bad news for us. The good news is that not one of us had a cavity and she verified that Jonah does not need braces. Yay! The bad news is that Caroline has an extra long piece of skin from her upper lip to her gums that extends all the way down between her front teeth which will have to be clipped at some point or she'll always have a gap. And she'll need braces. Not really that big of a deal. You win some you lose some.

Computer Geeks

2010-08-22T18:46:00.003-05:00

Can you believe Kate's already playing computer games? Fisher Price.com has games for babies. They basically just have to hit the keyboard to make something happen. I hope my kids are computer whizzes. So they can figure stuff out for me!

Her Majesties

2010-08-20T01:12:00.004-05:00

Just the other day Jonah complained that Caroline is way too girly. And boy is she ever! She likes me to give her a mani/pedi a couple of times a week. She LOVES jewlry. She wants me to fix her hair a certain way with a certain picked out accessory. She only wants to wear dresses and takes forever to make up her mind on which one. Oh and deciding which pair of shoes to wear with the dress that she finally picked out is just as excruciating. Plus she has to pick out Kate's outfit too, a dress of course. I don't know how long Kate will go for that. Sometimes it can be frustrating, especially in the morning when we have somewhere to go. But for the most part I really love it. I keep trying to talk Caroline into getting her ears pierced. I just wish I had a fortune to spend on little girl clothes and shoes.

Princess Caroline and Princess Kate
The castle prince daddy (that's what Caroline calls him) built for his princesses.

New Schools

2010-08-11T14:51:00.009-05:00

My baby started middle school today. Here he is with his best friend Michael before walking to the bus stop. Jonah is very excited to get to ride the bus now. Jesse Clark has a dress code so that the boys have to wear shirts with collars, shirts tucked in, and belts. And no hoodies. They were not happy that I made them pose for a photo.

They were also not happy that the girls and I followed them to the bus stop. And taking more pictures. Here Jonah is telling me to stop. Once I saw that there weren't any other parents at the bus stop. I hung back. A little.
But I did take more pictures. Here they are getting on the bus.The girls also started a new daycare/preschool this summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Crestwood Christian Church. Next week they start full time M-F. I've been working more at the hospital and hopefully next week I'll be accepted into the nursing program at the local community college. Right now I'm alternate #21. Keep your fingers crossed for me or say a little prayer. Here are the girls in their school shirts. Caroline is such a ham!

First Portrait

2010-08-07T08:59:00.000-05:00