Well, today marked the end of summer swimming lessons and I wanted to share the pictures and video that I took this morning. Carson and Emma had a great time and did their best. Emma passed Level 1 and Carson will repeat Level 2 again next year. I was amazed by the difference in the levels. Level 1 they just get used to being in the water and getting their face wet. Level 2 they have to swim 15 feet without assistance using 2 different strokes. They even recommended that Emma could repeat Level 1 again because there is such a big difference between class. If they weren't following the American Red Cross guidelines I would think it was a ruse to get more money out of us!
The funniest thing happened yesterday as we were getting ready to begin Carson's lesson. In our usual fashion, I dropped Gabi and Emma off with their respective teachers and got them settled. Then we went to Carson's teacher and as usual I instructed him to take his shirt and shoes off. The next thing I know, Carson is taking his trunks off as well! At about the same time as "Yikes!" was coming out of my mouth he realizes what he is doing and quickly pulls them back up! He looked at me laughing and said..."Mommy, my brain isn't working right today!" Boy, I'll say it wasn't. When we got home and were unloading he was so proud that he remember to gather all of his things and bring them into the house! He said, "Mommy, I think my brain is working now!" Have I told any of you that we are praying daily for his kindergarten teacher to have patience.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A week of single parenthood
Well, I am certainly glad that this week is coming to a close. Dana was in Fargo, ND all week on Kum & Go business. That means my tag team partner was gone, leaving me with the four kids. I do my best to keep the ship afloat, but I know we end up looking a bit like the Titanic when he comes home. I was just thankful that all sporting activities are done for a bit so I really didn't have a lot of running around to do.
Carson and Emma started swimming lessons this week. They are both doing a great job. Emma was so proud to tell me she put her face in the water. I think Carson spends his 30 minutes telling his teacher to "watch this". I had to remind him that he was there to learn stuff.....not show what he already knows. God help his kindergarten teacher.
Jordan and Abbey are counting down the days to school. They are both ready to get back and socialize on a more regular basis. We shopped for supplies this week. Abbey spent a couple of days at the pool and Jordan spent a lot of time at the state baseball tournaments. Our boys made it to the semi-finals. We lost our semi 4-3 to Harlan.
We spent last Sunday in Panora with Bill and Karen enjoying the lake and family. We love to be invited as we always have a great time. It is so relaxing and the kids love the beach and fishing. Their hospitality can't be beat.
Dana's 25th class reunion was this weekend back in Cherokee. I stayed home with the kids. Thought he could use a weekend to himself after all the long work days in Fargo. Plus it cheapened up the trip without five others in tow. I did miss seeing our friends and hearing Dana giggle like a girl. It sounds like it was great fun with the few people that turned out. It's always the same ones and thank god it's the ones he wants to see! Lots of laughs, memories, hugs, karaoke, beverages, and one classmate "blowing chunks" as it was relayed to me. (No, it wasn't Dana.....but if you will notice in the photos he does leave his name tag on so he remembers who he is!)
This next week we are preparing for our annual trip to Crest Lodge on Table Rock Lake. Once again I am busy making lists and piles of things we absolutely can't live without while we are gone. Good thing we tow a boat and are taking an extra car this year. Lots of extra space to pack stuff. Jordan is heading off to UNI for a basketball camp. Dana will again be gone for one night with work. (I swear, it is always right before we leave.) And Carson and Emma finish up with swimming lessons.
I might not get anything posted before we leave for vacation but there will be lots to tell when we return. Enjoy the montage of some summer fun over the past few weeks and Dana's crazy classmates.
Carson and Emma started swimming lessons this week. They are both doing a great job. Emma was so proud to tell me she put her face in the water. I think Carson spends his 30 minutes telling his teacher to "watch this". I had to remind him that he was there to learn stuff.....not show what he already knows. God help his kindergarten teacher.
Jordan and Abbey are counting down the days to school. They are both ready to get back and socialize on a more regular basis. We shopped for supplies this week. Abbey spent a couple of days at the pool and Jordan spent a lot of time at the state baseball tournaments. Our boys made it to the semi-finals. We lost our semi 4-3 to Harlan.
We spent last Sunday in Panora with Bill and Karen enjoying the lake and family. We love to be invited as we always have a great time. It is so relaxing and the kids love the beach and fishing. Their hospitality can't be beat.
Dana's 25th class reunion was this weekend back in Cherokee. I stayed home with the kids. Thought he could use a weekend to himself after all the long work days in Fargo. Plus it cheapened up the trip without five others in tow. I did miss seeing our friends and hearing Dana giggle like a girl. It sounds like it was great fun with the few people that turned out. It's always the same ones and thank god it's the ones he wants to see! Lots of laughs, memories, hugs, karaoke, beverages, and one classmate "blowing chunks" as it was relayed to me. (No, it wasn't Dana.....but if you will notice in the photos he does leave his name tag on so he remembers who he is!)
This next week we are preparing for our annual trip to Crest Lodge on Table Rock Lake. Once again I am busy making lists and piles of things we absolutely can't live without while we are gone. Good thing we tow a boat and are taking an extra car this year. Lots of extra space to pack stuff. Jordan is heading off to UNI for a basketball camp. Dana will again be gone for one night with work. (I swear, it is always right before we leave.) And Carson and Emma finish up with swimming lessons.
I might not get anything posted before we leave for vacation but there will be lots to tell when we return. Enjoy the montage of some summer fun over the past few weeks and Dana's crazy classmates.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Going Down in Flames!
I got some really great pictures off the back of the boat of the kids tubing and Jordan attempting to wakeboard. Of course, Dana and I are experts when we are in the boat! We know that he is going to get it someday, but for now.....we are having a great time watching him learn!
Monday, July 21, 2008
A vacation for 6!
Wow, time slips away when you are having fun. We've been back from our first vacation for a week but for some reason it has taken us (well, me) that long to get things caught up here and the ship back on course. I know many have heard me say it before but I really need a vacation after the vacation. And this wasn't even "the big one".
We did have a great time at Big Cedar Lodge. That place is so special to us for reasons many may not know. (A story for another time.) Our accommodations were awesome. The pictures we took don't do it justice. Our cabin described by Carson....."it had a moose in it and swirly steps. It had a bathroom with a really big tub and TWO things that you wash your hands in and a potty with it's own door. And there was a kitchen by the bed."
The lake was really high down there, as is the case in much of the Midwest. But, it was debris free. You just needed to make sure you went a little wider around the points. We had a little trouble getting the boat off the trailer. We had to back in pretty deep and I swore we were going to have to bail out the suburban.
The weather cooperated fairly well. We got a hard rain Saturday night well after dark so it didn't ruin any of our plans. There was so much we could do there but most of our day light hours were spent on the boat, tubing, attempting the wakeboard, crossing back and forth between the Missouri and Arkansas borders on the lake, and finding the best cove to anchor in. We all got our dose of Vitamin D, some more than others. (Those of us are mostly through that wonderful peely stage.) Our evenings were spent enjoying the moose in our cabin (named Marty by Jordan)and playing mini golf.
Emma turned 4 officially on Sunday the 13th and was so excited to get a Fancy Nancy doll and her Posh Puppy to go along with her. She loves the Fancy Nancy books and dressing like her. There was no birthday cake or large pomp and circumstance. Just our family spending time enjoying each other.
Well, for the most part enjoying each other....imagine 6 people 14 hours round trip in the suburban, 5 days in a 1 room cabin with 1 bathroom, and 5-6 hours a day spent on a 25 foot boat. Ok, so there was a little screaming and a few moments when I wanted to leave some of them on the Arkansas side of the lake. Heck, I'm only human.
I put together a vacation photo montage. And no I won't be in any of it. I'm the one behind the camera. Am teaching Dana how to use my SLR so for now enjoy things through my eyes.
We did have a great time at Big Cedar Lodge. That place is so special to us for reasons many may not know. (A story for another time.) Our accommodations were awesome. The pictures we took don't do it justice. Our cabin described by Carson....."it had a moose in it and swirly steps. It had a bathroom with a really big tub and TWO things that you wash your hands in and a potty with it's own door. And there was a kitchen by the bed."
The lake was really high down there, as is the case in much of the Midwest. But, it was debris free. You just needed to make sure you went a little wider around the points. We had a little trouble getting the boat off the trailer. We had to back in pretty deep and I swore we were going to have to bail out the suburban.
The weather cooperated fairly well. We got a hard rain Saturday night well after dark so it didn't ruin any of our plans. There was so much we could do there but most of our day light hours were spent on the boat, tubing, attempting the wakeboard, crossing back and forth between the Missouri and Arkansas borders on the lake, and finding the best cove to anchor in. We all got our dose of Vitamin D, some more than others. (Those of us are mostly through that wonderful peely stage.) Our evenings were spent enjoying the moose in our cabin (named Marty by Jordan)and playing mini golf.
Emma turned 4 officially on Sunday the 13th and was so excited to get a Fancy Nancy doll and her Posh Puppy to go along with her. She loves the Fancy Nancy books and dressing like her. There was no birthday cake or large pomp and circumstance. Just our family spending time enjoying each other.
Well, for the most part enjoying each other....imagine 6 people 14 hours round trip in the suburban, 5 days in a 1 room cabin with 1 bathroom, and 5-6 hours a day spent on a 25 foot boat. Ok, so there was a little screaming and a few moments when I wanted to leave some of them on the Arkansas side of the lake. Heck, I'm only human.
I put together a vacation photo montage. And no I won't be in any of it. I'm the one behind the camera. Am teaching Dana how to use my SLR so for now enjoy things through my eyes.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
It's a Celebration!
Last night we had Emma's birthday celebration. It was so much fun! I know Emma had a great time. The reason I could tell was the hugs I got when the night was all over were THE BEST!!
Stacey and her family were able to come for the fun so Emma's cousins, Jake and Camille, joined in celebration. We enjoyed our time with them as we don't get to see them enough! The boys played the Wii and the girls did girl things.
Four of Emma's friends joined her and Camille for a Pretty Princess Balloon party. Daniel Poe, owner of Creations With a Twist, came and entertained the girls with his awesome balloon artistry and fun games like Pass the Poison Apple, Jasmine's Musical Magical Carpet Ride, the Limbo, and a balloon relay. And thanks to Aunt Stacey we played The Princess and the Pea before Daniel got here. Each princess got a crown made especially for them and then at the very end, Daniel surprised them each with a special balloon princess that they were able to take home with them. He was so great and even us Mom's had fun watching him.
Emma received lots of fun gifts from her friends, clothes to dress up like Fancy Nancy with, a Barbie, some Polly Pockets, and other cool dress up clothes and jewelry. She also received some "sparkle shoes" made special for Emma by Julie. She couldn't wait to "go to Target" so she could wear them! (Guess I should find another place to shop!)
Anyway, the event was a success! I had better start thinking about ideas for next year. This one will be hard to top. Enjoy the pictures from the party.
Stacey and her family were able to come for the fun so Emma's cousins, Jake and Camille, joined in celebration. We enjoyed our time with them as we don't get to see them enough! The boys played the Wii and the girls did girl things.
Four of Emma's friends joined her and Camille for a Pretty Princess Balloon party. Daniel Poe, owner of Creations With a Twist, came and entertained the girls with his awesome balloon artistry and fun games like Pass the Poison Apple, Jasmine's Musical Magical Carpet Ride, the Limbo, and a balloon relay. And thanks to Aunt Stacey we played The Princess and the Pea before Daniel got here. Each princess got a crown made especially for them and then at the very end, Daniel surprised them each with a special balloon princess that they were able to take home with them. He was so great and even us Mom's had fun watching him.
Emma received lots of fun gifts from her friends, clothes to dress up like Fancy Nancy with, a Barbie, some Polly Pockets, and other cool dress up clothes and jewelry. She also received some "sparkle shoes" made special for Emma by Julie. She couldn't wait to "go to Target" so she could wear them! (Guess I should find another place to shop!)
Anyway, the event was a success! I had better start thinking about ideas for next year. This one will be hard to top. Enjoy the pictures from the party.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy Fourth of July!
Well, today was spent cleaning up the mess from the 4th of July and the party wasn't even at our house. Our neighbors had a fabulous party last night and we all had a great time. Lots of yummy food, adult beverages, fabulous fireworks, and a ton of kids dressed in their Independence Day best. I won't bore you with details and will let the pictures do the talking.
Things are slowing down a bit in our house. With Carson and Abbey's ball seasons over we aren't being torn in three different directions. I cherish the few weeks every year that this happens. Jordan had 3 games this week. They lost 2 of them. They were a bit off at the beginning of the week. He pitched the Carlisle game and came out strong with 3 strikeouts on the first 3 batters in inning 1. The next few innings he was pitching well, but they were hitting off of him and our defense seemed rusty. Carlisle has a really short outfield fence (aka..a short porch) and he had 2 guys hit home runs off of him. It broke my heart to see his shoulders slump down and his head drop each time it happened. He didn't give up and we are proud of that. He also executed an excellent double play that game too! Grandma Sump was there to see his great efforts. The coaches have been playing him at first base, which is quite a change for him. I think he likes it. We will wait and see where that leads.
Abbey spent some time at the pool this week. Always great on a hot day. She also makes many trips to the library to pick up new reading material. She loves to read many different genres. Abbey is a Youth Leader at her school and she received a letter this week of the opportunities for her to continue to work on her leadership skills. A lot of it has to do with Character Counts! and helping the 6th graders adjust to middle school life. We are so proud of her dedication to the improvement of herself, her school and her community.
Carson and Emma are just enjoying the summer. Ahhh, to be a kid again! They had a blast last night running around with all of their friends, watching fireworks, and thanks to one of our fabulous neighbors, watching a few movies outside projected on our neighbors house. I do have to say that their diet last night consisted of chips, cupcakes, cookies, juice boxes, Rolo's and Hershey's Kisses. Dana and I caught Carson sneaking over to the goody table under the cloak of darkness to get more chocolate. Who knows how many times we didn't see it happen. Emma was so kind to share a coat with the neighbor girl last night as the sun went down and the air turned cool. It was her brother's winter coat, but it was effective. You will see them both in winter coats watching the movie and the fireworks. We are just proud that she has a caring soul.
Dana and I are busy preparing for the first of our two trips to Table Rock Lake this summer. We are starting to round things up and make our don't forget lists. I love vacation but I hate getting there. Besides getting ready we are squeezing in 3 baseball games, Dana traveling out of town on business one night, and Emma's birthday party. We are down south for her birthday so we are having some kids over to celebrate before we leave. I am sure we will get it all done but I will be darn ready for some relaxing on the boat.
Well, enjoy the photos of a really fun neighborhood July 4th party!
Things are slowing down a bit in our house. With Carson and Abbey's ball seasons over we aren't being torn in three different directions. I cherish the few weeks every year that this happens. Jordan had 3 games this week. They lost 2 of them. They were a bit off at the beginning of the week. He pitched the Carlisle game and came out strong with 3 strikeouts on the first 3 batters in inning 1. The next few innings he was pitching well, but they were hitting off of him and our defense seemed rusty. Carlisle has a really short outfield fence (aka..a short porch) and he had 2 guys hit home runs off of him. It broke my heart to see his shoulders slump down and his head drop each time it happened. He didn't give up and we are proud of that. He also executed an excellent double play that game too! Grandma Sump was there to see his great efforts. The coaches have been playing him at first base, which is quite a change for him. I think he likes it. We will wait and see where that leads.
Abbey spent some time at the pool this week. Always great on a hot day. She also makes many trips to the library to pick up new reading material. She loves to read many different genres. Abbey is a Youth Leader at her school and she received a letter this week of the opportunities for her to continue to work on her leadership skills. A lot of it has to do with Character Counts! and helping the 6th graders adjust to middle school life. We are so proud of her dedication to the improvement of herself, her school and her community.
Carson and Emma are just enjoying the summer. Ahhh, to be a kid again! They had a blast last night running around with all of their friends, watching fireworks, and thanks to one of our fabulous neighbors, watching a few movies outside projected on our neighbors house. I do have to say that their diet last night consisted of chips, cupcakes, cookies, juice boxes, Rolo's and Hershey's Kisses. Dana and I caught Carson sneaking over to the goody table under the cloak of darkness to get more chocolate. Who knows how many times we didn't see it happen. Emma was so kind to share a coat with the neighbor girl last night as the sun went down and the air turned cool. It was her brother's winter coat, but it was effective. You will see them both in winter coats watching the movie and the fireworks. We are just proud that she has a caring soul.
Dana and I are busy preparing for the first of our two trips to Table Rock Lake this summer. We are starting to round things up and make our don't forget lists. I love vacation but I hate getting there. Besides getting ready we are squeezing in 3 baseball games, Dana traveling out of town on business one night, and Emma's birthday party. We are down south for her birthday so we are having some kids over to celebrate before we leave. I am sure we will get it all done but I will be darn ready for some relaxing on the boat.
Well, enjoy the photos of a really fun neighborhood July 4th party!
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