A Fun Weekend

 
 
 
 
We were excited to be with our neice and nephew and their family this past weekend. Jamie and Kennedy had a blast hanging out with us. They arrived around 12:30p and got to stay until 6p. We were all pretty tired afterward, but it was definitely worth it. Uncle Brad was sore from playing baseball and Gavin was impressed with himself being able to hit the ball without a tee. They also entertained themselves on a waterslide and bubbles. Taten missed his naptime and its taking a couple of days to get him back on track.

I was amazed how much Gavin and their little brother, Jimmy Wayne, look alike in physique and stature. They were born in the same month and same year (Nov. '02). Gavin shared his bike with JW although we found out he can't steer well. Deb (their Mom) made him get off after a few close calls. He was having fun and that's what matters. Ha!

We topped off the weekend last night by going to the drive-in with friends and seeing the new flick "Wall-E." It's interesting and just remember it's really for the kids. Wasn't Brad and I's top favorite for a Pixar film. Taten stayed behind with Grandma and Gavin was exhausted when we got back around 12am. He had lots of fun, though, and I know he'll want to do it again soon.

This week is our last week of Tee-ball and we get a few weeks off before starting VBS at FCC. Hope you all had a great July 4th.

Daddy and the boys

 
Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

A Baby!!

 
Don't anyone freak out, this one isn't ours. Ha! We have new neighbors. A Robin set up her home above our front porch and low and behold, she's had 3 babies. Gavin informed me of this a couple of days ago. The only thing is the mama is very jittery. So everytime we open the front door or are just in the front room, you can hear her flying out. Hope you enjoy our fun little pic.

Them Mormons can Build!

 
 
 
 
I took the boys back to the family farm during Memorial Weekend and we went to Nauvoo, Original home of the Mormons until they were driven out. Bummer, eh? The temple was rebuilt not too long ago and of course, it is impressive. Got a shot of the boys with Mississippi behind them. Yes, a new generation of river rats are in the making. :o) Oh yeah, Gavin lost tooth #2 while we were visiting my Grandparents. I pulled it out at their house and Grandma was nice enough to give us an extra pill box to put it in. Ha! He got a $1 and spent it at the Dollar Tree on some light sticks. So exciting.

Gavin the Brave

Just a quick update. Yesterday morning I took Gavin in for the dreaded Kindergarten physical and of course, that came with 4 shots. The poor kid. He took the first two w/out crying. However, I could see his face getting red as he was fighting to hold back the tears. I reassured him it was ok to cry and let it out. Which he did immediately. We got the last two done in the other arm and he took a minute to settle down. I would be lying if I said I was a total rock. I did not cry but definitely had the tears welling up in my eyes. Anyway, that's it. He's done with shots until 6th grade and ready for the big 1st day of school in August at Westview. Today, he's talking like it was such an exciting thing that he had his shots yesterday. He's not afraid, though, to admit it did hurt and he cried. Man in Training . . . :o)

Seeds and a Roundup

Yesterday was such a downer day thanks to the on-going rain and cool temps. Not sure if spring has made it or not. Anyway, I picked up Gavin from a playdate, and he began asking me an interesting question. "Mom, what are we made of?" In which I proceeded to ask him more, wondering in which regard he meant. He said, "Before there were mommies, what were we made of?" I explained a little bit of how God made the 1st man and woman out of dirt. He then goes on asking about us. "What were we made out of?" I just went on to answer, "We're made out of seeds." Of course he was curious if they were like flower seeds and I answered, "yes." I then changed the subject. He's asked stuff like that before and I'm hoping I don't get that kind of question again for a LLOOONNNGGG time. Whew!

On another note, Brad and I took Gavin to his new school, Westview. They had a Kindergarten roundup in which new children coming in could see the classrooms and the teachers. It was very good, and he saw a couple of children he all ready knew there. It sure would be neat if they shared a classroom to make the transition easier. However, I know he'll have no trouble making friends. I cannot believe Gavin is old enough to attend Kindergarten. Anyway, it ended with ice cream served to all of the parents and kids. On the way home, I told Brad how strange it will be when he's there everyday. Then when Taten goes on to preschool, there will be no kids in the house for a short period of time. Might be harder than I thought. :o|.

Today the sun is shining and it's a little warmer. Hoping to get out and enjoy the day. Hope you all have a great weekend. :o)

More Crazy Photos

 
 
 
 

Wild Boys at Play! Send Reinforcements!

 
 
 
 

Hangin' out with Livy Jane

Last Saturday we had the opportunity to help Dan and Jennifer while they made their big move to Urbana. We watched Livy, going on the big 2 this month, and we all had a great time. Brad loaded up Taten and Livy in the bike trailer while Gavin rode his own 2-wheeler. The weather was great and of course, they all had a good time getting out some energy. After about 10 minutes Livy started to say "Out, out." Guess she got bored.
Later, though, she was ready to do it again. I hopped on my bike and rode with them all .





Gavin and Dad stopped long enough to pose for me.




Who couldn't love those faces?!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Praise the Lord we got confirmation today Gavin will be attending Westview right down the road from us. Whew! Now we can sit back a little bit and take breather there. We're excited for him and he'll be attending with the neighbor girl and another student from his preschool. :o)

Toothless Wonder

It's official! Gavin was brushing his teeth this morning and the bottom tooth finally popped out! How exciting. He told me the going rate from the tooth fairy is $1 per tooth. Boy, who would have thunk it? I later took him to school where he showed his teachers and friends. As we were speaking to them, he said that if we leave a note beside his pillow with the right words on it, the tooth fairy will not take the tooth. She'll let him keep it. Boy am I glad we had that conversation. Ha! Our baby's growing up . . .

A Dedication to the Wagner's

Not sure how they decided to this, but since they did, thought we'd better dedicate these pics to the Wagner's since they just moved to Akron. Brad and Gavin were looking in the mirror. So don't let the spelling confuse you all. Anyway, these pics are for you, Curt, Sara, and Ali. Enjoy!!

Book Review "The Glass Castle"

I was talking to my mom the other day saying how I felt I was a failure at parenting and for the life of me could not figure out what was wrong with Taten, if there was anything I can do, etc., etc. Previously, she had loaned me a book called "The Glass Castle" and had asked if I read it yet. Of course, I said no. Who's got time? Anyway, she reassured me I needed to read it and it would change my whole outlook on life. Boy was she right. I picked it up and read it within 5 days time.

The book is by Jeannette Walls and is classified as a memoir. She recounts her dysfunctional life growing up with parents: her Dad a drunk and her Mother who had no maternal instincts. Their lives are constantly on the move with her Dad's obscure ideas about life and her mother's views that everything is an adventure and new opportunities. They find themselves living in shacks with, not only cockroaches and other "bugs", but large river rats, stray animals, etc. The ironic thing throughout the whole book is that her parents had several opportunities before them to get them out of their destitute situation, but they don't. Jeannette and her older sister and younger brother evolve from children going along with the ride to becoming parents to their own parents. You all have to read this book. You'll love it. If you do pick up a copy, I'd love to discuss it with you.

This book does have language in it, but it's straight forward and is an easy read. It's better than TV. :o)

Our Boys . . . The saga continues :o)

Our dear Taten boy. What can you say about him? He's going through the fun-loving stage of the "Terrific Two's" as I'm trying to put a positive spin on it. I have dedicated a verse to him (1 Samuel 16:7) which says ". . . Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." NIV. He's throwing temper tantrums daily, everyday. In my impatience and frustration, I look at him and see this unruly child going crazy, but I realize that God knows his heart and know what's happening with him. That thought gets me through the day when Brad is at work and when we're all winding down for the night. Bedtime has been a struggle lately but it's slowly getting better. It's not great, but getting better. I've been using different tactics and trying hard to share them with Brad. Since Taten has a strong threshold for pain, we're finding spanking and smacking his hands really doesn't work. On to the next! Ignoring him as he cries and reassuring him brother is there when it's bedtime seems to be helping. He's definitely finding his independence and trying hard to show us as best as he can. He says more words these days, too: Blankie, Paci (Pacifier), Poopie, Puppy, Movie, and so-forth.

We are also excited to report Gavin has a loose tooth. Won't be long and the tooth fairy should be stopping by within the next week or so. He's pretty excited and knows it's a sign of him growing up. We'll be looking forward to reporting it.

We hope you all are having a great week. Brad is preparing to move into high gear with the mowing season and I've told some others, I'm preparing for single parent-life. Brad gets so busy with work we're going to be working in some lunch dates here and there in order for him to get to see the boys and likewise. Whew! You all have a good one . . .

Speaking Spanish

Last night we had a funny experience. As I say, never a boring moment. Ever since Brad has had his "Mexican help", he comes home speaking new words, phrases, etc. So, Gavin knows the word "Hola." Well, now Taten knows it. Brad and I listened as Taten repeated the word over and over again, laughing hysterically. I guess our family is becoming "bilingual." Ha! :o)

Gavin absolutely needed his goggles and so here are some fun pics. I had to edit to make them "family friendly." Ha!

"I'm swimming for my life!!"

Saturday, we went to Junior Sports 101 and Taten was good as gold. It was a Christmas Miracle!!

Gavin and Ethan are hanging out. They're best buds!