Finally Recess

Fishing and a Snowman

2012-01-15T12:03:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we hung out on Big Bear Lake. Caitlyn worked hard on a snowman even though the snow really wasn't cooperating.

There were enormous pine cones.

Here is Caitlyn with her cousin Peyton. They have enjoyed one another so much.

Brent loved fishing and reeled in the first big fish.

That is until he had to wait a long time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Skiing

2012-01-14T16:42:00.001-06:00

We have been visiting Jeff's dad, brother, sister and all their family in CA. Since they live on the top of a mountain we took this opportunity to teach the kiddos and me to ski.

After two days I finally conquered the bunny hill. I'm sure I could have managed the greens if we were skiing another day. Caitlyn did awesome and Brent was great at snowboarding. More pics to come on the other camera.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Merry Christmas and a very Happy, Happy break

2011-12-29T18:21:00.001-06:00

We have thoroughly been enjoying our vacation from school and this Christmas season. Each Christmas season just keeps getting better and better!

This year, Brent got a electric racetrack and 2 race cars from Santa. It takes up almost our entire office and makes Brent and Jeff extremely happy!!! Caitlyn got a Fur Real Pup with a leash from Santa. Just what we needed, a 4th puppy! Luckily it is not real.

Our family gift has been a Kinnect system. It has been so much fun and very entertaining. Who knew there was a video at the end of each game or adventure! Brent is even able to do the games on his own, especially football which he has played for about 2 hours at one time during the break. I might need to put some limits on this game. But it is so fun and we are moving and exercising for sure.

My big gift for Christmas was the Iphone 4S. It took me a while to figure it out but I have finally adapted to the change and I love it. I do need some help though. I used to upload pictures from my Android phone directly to my Blogger account with Picasa and it was so nice and easy to blog and add pictures. I haven't found a way to do this with my phone yet. If anyone is using an Iphone and uploading pictures directly, could you please let me know which app you are using? The less cords the better, right?

We took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge on Christmas Day. It was a total surprise to me too! Brent keeps asking when we can swim so this was right up his alley.

I hope everyone is enjoying this time of the year! Happy New Year!

Opening Season

2011-11-13T22:25:00.000-06:00

We went to the deer lease last weekend for the much anticipated opening weekend. We were up long before the sun and in the deer blind, as you can tell by the sunlight in the picture.

This man lives for the hunting but thankfully he really enjoys taking his family with him even more!

Brent ran up to me when I picked him up from school yelling, "We are going to the deer lease!"

The kids love using their own binoculars to check for deer.

They love climbing all over us also! It is a tight fit but quite cozy!!

Afterward we checked the camera on the feeder and then trekked footprints on the way back to the truck.

Caitlyn even found a shed antler!

We rode four wheelers for a good chunk of our afternoon. Check out Caitlyn our her own four wheeler.

She is a wild woman on it too! She loves to get off the rode and drive through the trees, over branches and through the creeks that of course are dry.

Brent still loves to ride with daddy! Smart choice!

In the afternoon, we were all pretty snoozy in the blind. I love how the kids snuggle and check out how Caitlyn is holding Brent's hand. I hope they are sweet like this forever!

Jeff let them ride in the back of the truck from the blind down to the feeder. We had the back window open and Brent kept leaning in and saying, "Dad, we sure are having fun back here!" It's the little things!

It's Tricky to get these little Treats up on the blog!

2011-11-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

But better late than never!

Presenting my Leopard and Thomas the Train makes a comeback in 2011!

I normally let them have a piece of candy and then there sweet loot is out of here. This year I broke down and let them check it out and indulge for a week. Okay, so WE all did!

Even my little man is big enough to let a big bowl of candy sit on the table and not get into it. When we got back from passing out candy the kids were able to pass out candy to the other kids. They had the best time passing out candy!

We had a great time walking around the neighborhood with our dear friends. It's pretty cool when your close enough to your friend's kids that they run up and grab your hand to walk too. Priceless!

Great night!!!

World Series Excitement

2011-11-08T20:33:00.000-06:00

Jeff was got to go to the World Series on Sunday night and I was so jealous. Somehow I got lucky and got a ticket on Monday night. I worked some quick magic and rearranged a hair appointment and whipped up a babysitter and we were off!

Thank you Ryan for giving me a ticket! Sunday night was an all boys night.

It was pretty cool to the FOX sports booth live after seeing them so many nights on TV.

Check out the logo on the World Series.

Here we are: Jeff, Ryan, Me, Haleigh, Preston, and Tyler

We were up high but it didn't matter the atmosphere was amazing. Highlights: Winning the game, hearing the crowd sing the American Anthem together, hearing the crowd sing God Bless America even louder together, walking downstairs after the game chanting "Rangers" together and feeling the togetherness of the crowd. It was a pretty cool night!

Fall Carnival

2011-11-08T19:59:00.000-06:00

Each year we go to our neighborhood sponsored fall carnival. This year two of my highlights were: 1) having daddy with us, seems like he is usually still hunting and 2) seeing Brent color. He was serious with his pumpkin!

My toothless wonder had to have her cotton candy.

And get her picture taken with the fireman, but this year Brent would have nothing to do with the fireman. Boo!

The ponies were a big hit again!

And Brent was brave enough to ride too! The bounce houses were also a big hit as well! The weather was obviously beautiful as you can see with Brent in shorts!

Happy Fall!

Friends, Bikes, and Boots

2011-10-07T12:15:00.001-05:00

We found Brents jersey, socks and shin guards. It was in his Thomas the Train box. Now, why didn't I think to look there?

I love capturing moments like this one. Brent and Caitlyn eating a snack in between a bike ride with their buddy Mason.

I love to take the kids on a bike ride while walking Sadie and Dixee. We normally just go around the block and I'm so glad that the kids have gotten so good on their bikes. This time Jenn and I took all our little ones minus the dogs to the park. It was a long jaunt, but overall the kids did really well!

Brent is all the way in the front. He is becoming pretty fearless on the bike and relies on his brakes a little too much for this momma. I would really like for him to take it much slower. He is my baby after all.

I captured this shot of my little hunters in training as they were helping daddy unload the trailer after a day at the ranch. They had a fun day hunting dove, fishing and playing around. Aren't they the cutest? I know, I'm just a bit prejudice. But seriously, check out those boots.

All I want for Christmas

2011-10-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

Caitlyn sported this cool looking smile for weeks. She even got her first grade pictures taken with a sweet, snaggle tooth smile. Daddy commented that she would look "silly". She was so concerned. When she got her pictures back you couldn't even tell and she look adorable. She said, "See mom, my teeth look normal!"

Another side note about picture day. We were getting out of the car, walking into the school building and I hear my 6 year old say to herself, "Next year I'll be in 2nd grade so I'll be able to wear make-up on picture day." Woah! Slow down there child!

We finally convinced her to let daddy pull the snaggle tooth. He took one piece of floss and barely touched it. That tooth fell straight out! Tooth number 4!

About 3-4 days later Caitlyn loses the other top tooth! Tooth number 5. She lost in school and didn't even come by my room to show me. Little stinker! She looks so adorable and she catches me off guard every time she smiles because she looks so different.

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth!!!!!

Brent's Open House

2011-10-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

This week Brent has been sick since Sunday. Jeff was out of town at the deer lease and it seems to always happen that my kid(s) will get sick when he is away. Brent has had a sore throat, scratchy voice and fever, all viral. He seems to be on the mend! But he sure has been fun to snuggle with - the only perk of a sick child.

Above is a picture of Brent standing in his classroom where all of his classmates have been measured.

Check out my little man's art work! I love all the hand prints. The green and orange hand prints were used in a lesson of big and small. His teacher's hand was the big and his was the small.

This is where he sits at the table to eat and do crafts.

Story time and music time spot! I love that he already sits "criss cross apple sauce"

They were growing plants so of course he wanted to pose with it and his "goofy smile."

Miss Lauren is an incredible and sweet teacher.

And we love Ms. Rosie. Caitlyn had Ms. Rosie when she started at GL so long ago when Brent was 18 months and she was 3.

And this is how Brent shows Ms. Rosie and Ms. Lauren that he is present in the morning.

This was the first Open House that Brent was really able to show me things without me having to prompt him on everything. It was really fun!

2011-09-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

Well we've gone and done it again. We lost our soccer jersey, socks and shin guards. Who does that? Did I mention on my blog earlier that we lost Caitlyn's tap shoes. I'm usually pretty organized. If you've never been in my house, I'd describe it as the opposite spectrum of the hoarders, striving to be organized even better. My daughter has a box for all her dance stuff and a bag to transport everything on the actual day. Brent has nothing. Can you see the problem? I could just kick myself.

We did the coolest project in my classroom this week (2nd grade). We are doing habitats and my class researched the ocean. I had 5 groups. 1) Animal research: Seagull 2) Make a robotic Lego seagull 3) Ocean research 4) Background artists for the presentation board 5) Make the PowerPoint Ya'll they did such a great job. Next week we get to Skye our project with another 2nd grade class in our district. Pretty cool!

We got a new fence this week and it looks amazing! No holes or falling boards. Only disappointed parties are the dogs.

Caitlyn lost both of her front teeth this week. Tooth fairy visited twice this week! She looks so adorable, different and big. Pictures coming soon. We have been reading a LOT of Junie B Jones books. She has wanted me to read to her and has resisted reading but she is finally started to read to me, herself and her brother. Of course there are a lot of, "what is this word mom?" I am beyond proud of her. I'm working so hard to enjoy every single minute, knowing that it is flying by.

Brent is in a crying phase. He may be very happy one minute, but will break down in tears the next. Luckily for me I can usually snuggle him (if he isn't in trouble) when he cries. Um, maybe that is supporting the problem and keeping him a baby. Okay, okay, I will fix that. He also kisses me and wipes it off. Boo. Or will check to see if I have makeup on before he will kiss me, "No, is that makeup on your face?" Crazy boy!

Another soccer game tomorrow. Pray that we will find our jersey or be able to buy a new one tomorrow. Go Lions! ROOOOAAAARRRRRRRR

A little bit of this and a little bit of that!

2011-09-26T21:58:00.000-05:00

My oh my, I have tried and tried to get pictures of my phone for weeks. It was working perfectly and now it won't work. It won't upload to Picasa and won't upload through the trusty cord. UGH with a big GRRRR! I finally got it to work by sending lots of emails to myself. So therefore this blog is random.

Jeff has been doing lots of upkeep on our house. Baseboards, painting, caulking, just the basic stuff one has to do to keep the house in tip-top condition (I'm so glad he notices these things, cause I do not!). He is so good to get the little ones involved to.

So we got them suited up in daddy's work shirts so they wouldn't get their clothes messed up. We really didn't need to go to all the trouble because they got side tracked pretty quickly. You know: balls, bikes, sand, play structure, dirt, etc!

We went to see my parents over Labor Day. I got to take this picture while we were shopping. Papa loves to play with his girls. And they were all having a great time, just a bad picture.

Brent got a balloon bouquet delivery for his 4th birthday with a crocodile attached. This is his new favorite animal to sleep with. He loves to run up to his soccer coach, Coach Doug (whom he adores) and tell him that he is 4. He tells him this every time he sees him! LOL

I love relaxing with my kiddos on the weekend. Usually pictures are always of something that we are doing.

I like that in these pictures we are relaxing! As Brent says, "Cozy!"

2011-09-21T22:31:00.000-05:00

It's time to figure out what my sweet darlings are going to be for Halloween! I love this picture. Brent was almost 2 months old and went through 2 outfits in 2 hours. And the glitter that filled my house from this costume, well... you can imagine. I remember it well.

Brent wants to be a Candy Corn. Hmmm. That comes in a girl costume only, so I think we are going to push the football costume! HA Caitlyn wants to be Jasmine. She just loved her at Disneyworld. I guess that means we need a black wig!

Things are getting better at the Rickert House. Writing works wonders. Dishes and laundry are on the upswing and there is a plan to do meal planning this weekend. Jeff is even on board to help with meal planning and grocery store shopping. I pray that it lasts for a while! He really does help me a lot (between hunting trips!!!)

He is fired up about some new tires and I'm trying my best to get on board and be excited. YAY! But it is just not a new pair of shoes.

Hope things are going well at your house too!

Venting!!!!

2011-09-20T19:28:00.000-05:00

I am apparently boycotting the grocery store, meal plans and saving money the last two weeks. I must stop this nonsense ASAP. I must find balance. I'm sick of eating out but I'm not sure that I have reached my limit so badly that I will sit down and meal plan. Isn't that just the ickiest task ever? I even have a dear friend that cooks out of her house down the street. Her meals are fabulous and I haven't been ordering! What is wrong with me?

To justify myself we do have soccer on Monday at 6 (dinner hour), pick up Caitlyn from dance on Wednesday at 5 (dinner hour) and this week Brent's open house on Thursday at 6:35 (dinner hour). It seems like fast food is the way to go. I did serve my children chicken fingers and carrots on Monday and overhead them say "this is scrumptious" LOL! I rarely leave work before 5:15 because there is so much to do and then still I cram a ton in a bag to bring home. I kinda feel like a walking zombie these days.

The plus side of not cooking is you don't have to empty and fill the dishwasher everyday! And I did get a new closet. But don't get too excited. It is just my loveseat!

Ugh! Life is crazy, but good!

Turning 4

2011-09-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

Brent Tyler is 4 now! Caitlyn was so sweet and wrapped up presents(that she already owned) to give to him. I loved her sweetness to give.

She made birthday hats!

This was our birthday boy on the eve of his big day and the only picture I could manage to get of him in his birthday crown from school. I love how our kids love to snuggle with Cali. In fact, Brent always gives Cali a hug each day.

Sunday we had a party with Brent's friends. We had a pinata!

It was fun to see the kids take a swing at it!

Then we let them take a whack at it without their eyes covered!

The kids waited so patiently.

And then they had their sweet success!

Brent is having a great time telling everyone that he is four. Hard to believe my sweet little baby grew up so fast!

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Brent! Happy Birthday to you!

I love this sweet smile.

I hope all his wishes come true.

They had cake and continued to play at the spray park. I think everyone had a great time.

A weekend with Mimi and Papa

2011-09-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

It always starts with pancakes!

It was nice enough weather to eat outside on the patio also.

Which meant Brent could start pulling the wagon around the yard in his pj's while we were still enjoying our coffee!

He pulled it up the stairs, down the hill and everywhere! (Sorry for the bad picture quality on this one cause the smile was to die for in this picture)

The kids found the microphone and guitar and put on a show for us!

It was so fun to watch them jam out!

We went into Tulsa and went by my old middle school, (which has been torn down and rebuilt), high school and one of favorite places to eat. We found these trains on the way and Brent had to have his picture taken by it.

More jamming out, in fact a lot of this took place this weekend!

I'm so thankful that my parents let me sleep in a little bit because these rockers do not sleep late.

They do however love to get up and help cook breakfast.

And I'm pretty sure that Papa loves having little helpers around! (More pics coming of our weekend later!)

Happy Hunting!

2011-09-04T22:30:00.000-05:00

Folks, it is finally hunting season AGAIN! This might not mean much to some or even most. But in my household there is one person that is always happy, even relieved when September 1st roles around each year. He actually said to me this week, "I've been waiting all year for this weekend."

Um, really, because he just hunted in April - 5 months ago. Oh well, he is a big kid at heart.

Jeff took Brent with him on Thursday morning to hunt and they had a blast! Our new puppy Sadie(1 yr) is doing a great job hunting but sadly this is Cali's(13 yrs) first season not to hunt.

Going back in time

2011-08-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

Check out my little ladybug. She had to be 2 in this video and Jeff still had the white Dodge. Boy, boy, boy and to be "boing, boing, boing" Right? She was so little and now she is so big. How did it go by so fast?

Hoopster

2011-08-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

Another sideways video and you are thinking grrr! But again it is super short. This was from April or May when we could hang out outside. Check out my babies dribbling skills!!! It is always fun to sit outside and watch the kids play.

Caitlyn Four-wheelin'

2011-08-25T19:09:00.000-05:00

Sorry that you might feel a bit off while you watch this but it is very short and so worth it. Jeff took the kids to the deer lease and Caitlyn finally got the hang of her four-wheeler. She loved it. She rode it around camp and followed daddy on his four wheeler to many of the guys deer stands. Even though Brent is in the video asking to ride it, he didn't care to ride a four-wheeler alone.

Soccer

2011-08-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

This week we started soccer practice.

Brent was so excited to put on his shin guards and cleats.

Brent actually did a really good job for this being his first time to ever play.

Their coach was really good and patient and taught them so much.

The coach even said that Brent had good foot work! Now if we can just get him to follow and not just say the first rule of the game, "never touch the ball with your hands". Our little guy kept picking it up and moving it where he needed to. Luckily at this age, first day it was a-ok!

First Grade

2011-08-22T21:10:00.000-05:00

Caitlyn started her first day of school at her new school today. Her daddy took her to IHOP and thankfully was able to bring me a coffee because I left mine on the counter at home. Whew! He saved me or the kids, could be either ones. Haha! Last night she told me she was nervous and scared but today after school she immediately said she loved it. She already had teacher friends to play with after school. I sent her in a kindergartner and when she came to my room after school she even looked like a first grader.

Her teachers name is Mrs. Huffines and we are ready for a great year. I've been nervous about having to change schools and I don't know why, my social butterfly did just fine!

Me on the other hand - UGH! Just like normal I have been working like crazy. Beginning of school is a workout. My feet are screaming at me, my brain is on overload but I know it will simmer down very soon. My class of 20 is so sweet and my room organization has come together real nice.

Last quick note, Caitlyn cracked me up when she opened up the dishwasher and looked at me and asked, "Are these clean or dirty?" My baby girl is growing up and I'm enjoying every little bit. Love her.

Florida Last Day

2011-08-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

This picture was really taken the day before at Craker Barrell. But I overlooked putting it into the post. I loved how close we were to the game of checkers. The kids waited so patiently for their turn to play. They don't know the rules of the game but there sure did have fun and it made the time go much faster!

Today we couldn't spend any time at the pool or on the beach because everyone was fried.

I had brought clothes to take family pictures at the beach and knew today would be the best day for it. It was still early in the day but it was overcast luckily.

We had to be out of our condos by 10 am and had the rest of the day to figure out what to do.

After taking pictures we went to the movies. The kids saw the Smurfs with their daddy.

I love, love, love this picture!!

Zita and I saw The Help. I had read this book and couldn't wait to see it. Whether you read it or not it is a must see. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and I will have to own it.

Jeff was a little disappointed that not everyone was looking at the camera in every shot.

These our perfect memories to me.

Perfect still shots of the day.

I can still remember the sounds of the oceans. Holding my little man and seeing his mouth wide open in the picture is just a bonus!

Jeff took about 20 pictures of Caitlyn and I and this was the best. It was so windy and she was all done.

It was a very memorable trip.

Everything worked out just like we planned or better!

Our plane left at 8:00 and we arrived to our home at midnight. Home is always a great place to be!

Florida Beach Day 3

2011-08-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

This was our longest day at the beach. It did ~~rain~~ pour while we were there but we were eating during that time and we were able to make a go of it for the rest of the day. Check out the sand castle here and Caitlyn's "pose".

Jeff really got into hunting for shells too. We brought them all home and Jeff made holes in the good shells. We are making a shell necklace for Caitlyn and that was Jeff's idea. So sweet!

These guys had so much fun and it was so beautiful. Although we reapplied twice everyone got burned really bad on their backs. I felt so awful for not being a better mom (sad face).

Caitlyn is decorating the tops of the castle with shells. Unfortunately their moat never held water.

This is the view from our tent/chairs. Very nice day!

Beach Day 2

2011-08-15T21:58:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning we slept in, got around slowly,and went to breakfast at a leisurely pace. We got to the beach around 11:30 or 12:00 and it was perfect considering how fast paced we had been going the previous days.

We had the best time playing in the water,

hunting for shells,

and building sand castles.

I love the feel of the ripples in the sand in the shallow part of the water. You can see it in the water here.

I love the different colors and textures of the beach.

I love these two beautiful children.

We had so much fun at the beach but it only lasted 30 minutes. The storm came in fast and furious.

Jeff told me to snap this picture as we were on the way to the car. We made it in perfect timing and didn't get soaked which would have been gross to be sandy and soaked.

We were going to try to go to our pool at our condo that evening but I think it rained most of the day. It was so nice to go back and take a nap. We ended up ordering pizza I think, doing laundry and doing a lot of nothing. We were definitely on the R&R portion of our vacation.

Disney World Day 4 (Last Day)

2011-08-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Our last day we went back to the Magic Kingdom. There is so much to do there and it is so much fun, magical!!!

Many pictures were taken with this haze on it because of the humidity, I guess, especially in the morning.

We spotted Pluto right away and it was a short line too!

I love how the workers greet you when the park first opens with Mickey gloves on.

I love this picture especially because my kids rarely pose. Priceless.

We were in a rush to get to breakfast with Pooh and Friends. It was delicious and we were starving. Piglet was the first to come by.

Brent couldn't get to Tigger quick enough.

Wowzer!

We waited a long time for Pooh and I wish the picture had turned out better.

Eeyore came by twice and had a fun autograph.

We flew on the Magic Carpets

Went in Tom Sawyers Tree House (I think that's right?) And then it started to rain again and kept raining hard. In fact, it rained so much that my shoes were getting slippery and I was beginning to think I might fall. Sure enough I did, holding Brent. That makes 4 falls total this year. I think I might have a problem, yikes!

We still had lots of fun and rode as many rides as we could that were out of the rain.

It would clear up for a while and it did make it much more pleasant outside. The tree sculptures around the parks are amazing too!

Here is the incredible guy who made this happen and who was the best sport taking pictures, going ahead and getting fast passes for us and pushing the stroller. I love him so much! Here we are leaving the park but we will be back.

Here is our drive back to Ft. Lauderdale. It was long and Jeff and I wish we could have slept as peacefully as these three.

Caitlyn is holding the toy that her brother and she bought at WDW. She got the Aristocat and I'm not sure but I think she talked him into the Lion King, but he loves it.

She was the last of the 3 to give it up.

Grandma bought fun coloring surprises for the kids. Brent impressed us all with coloring abilities. He has grown so much. It was a long 4 days but so very worth it. We packed in a lot and enjoyed every last bit of it.

Disney Word Day 3 Part 3 (Swimming & Dinner)

2011-08-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

We tried each afternoon to head to the pool. Today the kids were able to stay the longest and they had games too.

One of the games was to dive for these things.

Our guys love to swim.

And you can always find Brent jumping and diving into the pool no matter how shallow. Luckily he is still scared of deep end!

Everyone went down the water slide except Brent. He really wanted to and he would go up the stairs and almost do it but in the end he would walk back down. He finally sat here and waited for dad, grandma and sissy to come down. His expression was so sweet and nervous.

Here are the fearless 3 getting ready to slide down.

I love this picture of Caitlyn.

I got a hunch that Brent just might come down because it was just Caitlyn and him at the top. She had gone and I thought, I better get my camera ready and sure enough here he came. He did it one more time and loved it but of course by then it was time to go.

We got ready to go out to dinner at the Floridian Cafe. We were excited to be able to ride the monorail to this resort as well and we had heard wonderful things about this property as well.

From first sight it did not disappoint. This is where you walk into from the monorail and directly across the way they have a full band playing with a grand piano. Beautiful.

We chose to walk down the grand staircase and of course I made Zita pose but lost the rest of the family somewhere.

Here is a pose of the staircase looking up.

We had a wonderful dinner and for dessert the kids had worms in dirt.

Yummy or yuck - you choose!

I love pianos and especially grand pianos so I had to get a picture here.

Lastly Caitlyn and her daddy danced while the gentleman played one of the Disney ballads on the grand piano. It was such a fun evening. Jeff and Brent were able to hit up the pool again when we went back to the hotel but Caitlyn was sick from all the sweet foods we had been eating all day. She did feel better by the next day.

Disney Word Day 3 Part 2 (Bone Yard)

2011-08-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

I found more picture!!! At one point in the day, Jeff and Zita decided to ride a ride that would take 50 minutes. I thought it would be best to take the kids to Dino Land. There was only one ride open this year for them to ride. I rode with them but had the perfect opportunity to take a picture before getting on.

During our wait we happened upon a Bone Yard, which is a play area for kids. It was a perfect place to wait and besides being disgustingly hot it was really nice to just sit and hang out and talk to other parents. I met a mother that brought her family over for 4 days from England. I thought that was a crazy short visit to come so far, wow!

I rescued these two cuties from jail and even gave them water. Don't they look so hot!

We had no idea how far the Bone Yard went but Caitlyn discovered this wonderful part at the end of our time. It was so cool here. They had a digging portion set up and did I mention that it was so nice and cool here?

After going and going for 3 days already this play time was much needed!

Disney Word Day 3 Part 1 (Animal Kingdom)

2011-08-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite parks. It is so beautiful and reminds me a lot of the San Diego Zoo in some ways. We started this morning with breakfast at The Tusker House with Donald and some of his very special friends.

Their breakfast was fantastic and our waiter was hysterical! Brent liked Mickey this morning and couldn't wait to get a picture with him today, go figure.

But he would have nothing to do with Daisy!

Goofy was a big hit!

Then we went on a ride through the Kilimanjaro Safari. This is a big favorite and we both times we have gone here first.

We saw hippos (which is hard to see in this picture)

giraffes,

elephants and so many more elephants.

We walked through another section and saw beautiful fish, birds making nests, gorillas and believe me have photos to document it all.

There is also beautiful stone work all around the park. During these pictures we were actually taking what little bit of cover we could find while waiting in line for the "It's Tough to Be a Bug" adventure because it was pouring down rain.

Brent was being so patient while those over 48" rode the Maharajah Jungle Trek roller coaster. It turned out to be Caitlyn's favorite ride even though it goes backwards at one point. Her exact words were, "It's Awesome!" The ticket handlers loved her and kept giving her a fast pass to ride it over and over. After 4 times we had to give them away to some one else. We couldn't make this little guy wait any longer even if it was going by so quickly!

The park is centered around this Tree of Life

Here are my licensed deep sea divers.

If you need a Jungle Guide just call! Don't be scared!

Jeff is always looking for a good fishing partner, I think he found one that won't even talk.

We were able to end our day with a beautiful parade.

Disney's parades are the best

At this point of the day I was running out of room on my camera and going back and deleting pictures while taking them. Very fun and stressful all at the same time.

There are more pictures to come of our wonderful day!

Disney World Day 2 Part 2

2011-08-13T20:44:00.000-05:00

We were honored to be able to take Caitlyn to the Castle in the center of the Magic Kingdom to eat at the Royal Table restaurant with the princesses.

Here is her Royal Invitation. I love how BIG they do everything here.

Cinderella is signing her autograph book as we enter the castle.

Then she took her picture with Cinderella and our whole family took a picture with her also.

Our prince and princess were given wishing stars, a wand and a sword.

First we met Sleeping Beauty! Notice the prince laying down because she was a girl. He loved pointing out when they were getting closer but would duck out of reach.

Ariel was a big hit! We love her red hair.

Belle stayed and talked to Caitlyn probably the longest. She talked about reading which was a big hit at our table!

Jasmine was the last to stop by.

We let the kids play at the Laughin' Place while I cooled down from near heat exhaustion.

We caught a parade and Disney's parade are extremely magnificent!

I love getting pictures of my kids watching and waving.

Capturing their little faces is amazing. People were so generous and during both parades we watched people made a way to get our kids to the front without us even asking.

We were so much happier in our double stroller today and we worked our spray fans like crazy all four days.

We are ending our day in these pictures.

Jeff was so good to let me stop and take as many pictures as I wanted. Last time we went to Disney I lost all my pictures. I am so thankful to get a second chance.

We went back to the hotel and went swimming. I think the kids were there for about 20 minutes before it just started pouring down. This didn't stop them because their grandma and dad are such great sports but the lightning stopped them.

It rained every day from then on out but we were still able to enjoy the fireworks from the beach at our resort. Brent fell asleep during the fireworks show.

Caitlyn and I had a few photos to pick up at the gift shop and she wanted to take a few photos.

This was her favorite pose of the vacation. I think she could fit right in this scene. There were a ton more but obviously this post is already picture heavy!

Disney World Day 2 Part 1

2011-08-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

We started our day by riding the monorail to the Contemporary Resort to have breakfast with Mickey and the gang.

We saw Goofy first!

Then Mickey came around and oddly enough Brent did not want to be in the picture with him.

He really did like seeing Donald even though this picture didn't capture it very well.

Caitlyn loved seeing Minnie and loved her high heeled shoes. Brent refused to get his picture taken with any girls the entire time at DW.

He loved Goofy and ran to him for a big hug, so cute!

Pluto was so cute interacting with the kids.

We made it over to Magic Kingdom before it opened for the day!

They put on a show before they open the gate and it is so magical!

Isn't my princess so adorable?!!!!

We spotted Pinocchio right away and added him to our collection of autographs. Brent was very particular about who he would have sign his book and take a picture with.

This picture was taken bravely after a Toy Story ride. Some of the rides scared Brent so much and he would be so brave during the ride and then break down and cry afterward. He really did great overall.

We rode race cars. Mom and Caitlyn won!!!

Rode Dumbo!

And of course rode the Carousel.

And all of this was before lunch.

Walt Disney World Day 1

2011-08-13T17:50:00.000-05:00

This was another early day. We left our condo at 5 AM and drove 3.5 hours to Orlando. We stopped at Denny's and had breakfast before we arrived at Walt Disney World.

We stayed at the Polynesian Resort and again we were blessed in that they had our room ready early.

We were greeted with many "Aloha's" and the scenery is amazing! I would highly recommend this resort.

At Disney World there are Mickey's hidden everywhere. Brent was actually really good at finding them. He would be running along very fast and stop and point them out and then keep going.

We quickly headed over to Hollywood Studios. And it was HOT!

We had lunch with Handy Manny.

Oso and two other characters from Little Einsteins.

Check out these adorable cuties. They were such troopers today. We didn't get a stroller but quickly realized that we would need a double stroller for the remainder of the week.

We watched the funniest Star Wars shows.

Saw 3D shows, rode rides and had a blast! We had dinner at Wolf Gang Puck at Downtown Disney.

These babies were wore out every night. But they enjoyed every, single minute of the day!

Disney Surprise

2011-08-13T17:38:00.000-05:00

It was so difficult to keep this a surprise. Both Jeff and I had slipped up a couple of times. Luckily for us our children have selective hearing! It was such a treasure to be able to give our children such a magical surprise!

Florida Day 1

2011-08-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

This day began super early. Our flight began at 6 AM! Our children were awesome on the flight. Thank goodness for technology.

We were able to check into our condo early and catch a nap before picking up Jeff's mom at the airport. This is how I woke up from my nap. Isn't this foot the cutest? I love that Brent's toes still curl. I couldn't resist taking a picture.

We picked up Zita and headed straight for the beach. Gorgeous!

We found a fantastic pizza place with an excellent view.

This is my kind of guy! He takes me on wonderful vacations!! And he is super cute.

Jeff and his mom! Now notice a little guy in the background, the rule was just to walk in the water and not get wet.

So far so good.

Looking for shells

We found tons of shells!

You might not be able to tell in this picture but we took home two very wet children. Naughty but super fun!

All things sports!

2011-08-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

Our little guy loves sports. He loves basketball, baseball, soccer, sootball (football), swimming, and golf. He also loves singing, dancing and playing on the piano. I think he is very well rounded! I might be a bit prejudice.

This spring we had our first opportunity to put Brent into an organized sport. He was in t-ball. They had 4 weeks of practicing drills and then played games the last 2 weeks. It was very easy going and such a nice, learning experience.

Here is Brent on 2nd base. There were almost more parents on the field than kids. It was rather comical and sweet!

Here is Brent at bat. Look how small he looks.

Brent gets to take swimming once a week at his daycare. Here he is in the middle of the kids with his hands clasped and so excited to be in the pool. They wait on the sidelines and move down the side until their turn to swim.

Brent has a smaller basketball goal in the backyard but he loves getting to play in daddy's big goal in the front. It is still a huge stretch for him but it makes his day.

Ham's Orchards

2011-08-04T15:27:00.002-05:00

Jenn and I had heard a lot about Ham's Orchard. We wanted to go last year and didn't make it. We made sure to go in June.

We got wonderful peach ice cream early in the morning, 9:30 to be exact. I've never done that as a mother. The kids loved the place. I must admit, I was not as impressed. Maybe I came at the wrong time of day. Maybe I have heard so much and thought there was more to do. But it was kind of a big let down.

Oh well, the company was fantastic!

The entertainment was fantastic!

And we had the whole place to ourselves!

And if you like to shop for vegetables and fruit to take home they have a darling little shop. I would just suggest not to take these two cuties with you!!

It's a Zoo around here!

2011-08-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

My all time favorite picture!

We have been to the zoo a lot this year! Mainly before the HEATWAVE of 2011.

My second favorite picture!!!

Jenn and I love to torture ourselves with fun and crazy outings!

These little buddies love each other.

This particular outing was with daddy. He is the fun one because he always lets the kids do the extra stuff like feed the birds and ride the ponies!

Not sure why Caitlyn's picture did not upload but she was able to ride all by herself!

And we always end with a ride on the carousel!

My new classroom

2011-08-02T17:17:00.001-05:00

This summer I have slowly been moving into my new classroom. I will be teaching 2nd grade at our neighborhood school.

It is dauntingly bare in these pics. I should have taken pics when all my boxes were stacked against this wall. There were 85 of them.

All of these boxes and fun supplies are not mine, but the kids have enjoyed playing with them. I am hoping they will be gone by tomorrow!

Notice there are no student desks, teacher desks or file cabinets, etc. I thought this would be tough to move in without that stuff but it has actually made it easier. I have managed to focus on just putting away my stuff and not worry about what the set up will look like.

I am looking forward to a good year. I will post pics soon of how far my classroom has come.

Rewind to some very special holidays!!!!!

2011-08-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

In June, we celebrate the fathers in our lives. My children have the best daddy ever. We took him to Chiloso before church and then I don't remember what else because it has been too long. I'm cracking up right now at myself.....

This is a typical picture. One child is happy and one child is upset. Jeff loves to come home from work and take the kids swimming, or pick out a kids movie to watch with them. He takes the kids to Pancake Friday (IHOP) once a week during the school year until they go to big school. Since Caitlyn has gone to big school he and Brent have gone to Chiloso almost every morning to grab a burrito.

In June, Jeff and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. It is hard to believe that we have been together for over 12 years. Time flies. I look forward to next 10 years together!

Goodbye Kindergarten - Hello First Grade

2011-08-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

We love Mrs. Penton! She was the absolute best fit for Caitlyn in Kindergarten. It is so hard to believe that Caitlyn is finished with Kindergarten.

I am freaking out that she is going into first grade because that means she will be leaving elementary school before I know it. I know that sounds crazy but you just don't know how fast Kinder went. It was unreal.

She is reading and writing better than I expected. In fact I can't even spell anything out to keep things from her anymore because she catches on so quickly. Life is changing but for the better!

Random Summer Fun

2011-08-01T13:40:00.001-05:00

We made mini pizzas together

Done extensive bike riding in the evening so it was only 98 degrees!!!

Had lots of fun around our town and with our newest puppy, Sadie!

Enjoyed our pool. Alot!

Gone to the library every Monday. Caitlyn is now old enough to go golfing with Jeff and they have enjoyed that!

We have hung out at our neighbors house, who is sadly not in this pic but we are at his house.

Enjoyed Starbucks!

Practiced golf and taken driving lessons!

We have hung out in our backyard a lot too! Using the sprinklers and catching rays! Even though it is hot we have actually been outside alot this summer. It has been a great summer. I don't want it to end.

Time with Cousins

2011-07-31T20:07:00.001-05:00

Aunt Kari came to visit this summer!

One of the many things we did while she and the girls were here was visit Ikea! Brent is modeling this great lounge chair you can buy their for I'm sure a low price!

We had lunch!

Then we threw caution to the wind (or Happy Meals over our heads)and after several days we changed plans and decided to go back with them to Mimi and Papa's house!

We played dress up, swam in the hot tub and just had a bunch of fun!

This was my sister's prom dress, which came up to her knees. Kinda crazy!!!

Breakfast outside!

Brent talked Papa into taking him for a ride, a very hot ride in the backyard.

The best fun was always in the water. Sprinklers have been a lot of fun this summer!

When there is nothing else to do why not sit and play Angry Birds!

Our Staycation

2011-07-30T12:59:00.001-05:00

We recently had the privilege of being guests at the Hilton Harbor. We got to stay in a beautiful suite.

Everyone got such a kick of how well Brent could swim.

We swam, swam and swam. The kids love their goggles so much and now daddy has a pair so he can go under water for longer too! In between swimming we ate and went to the movies and saw Winnie the Pooh.

Vacation and Best buds

2011-07-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

We are going to the beach in one week! Grandma is meeting us there. We can't wait. What these sweeties don't know is that we have a surprise for them and we can't wait to tell them!!!!

And check out these cuties! Dixee (8) is on the left, Sadie (1) is on the right. They now play together and thankfully even rest together! It is a full house but I am thankful for 2 sweet helpers.

Tubing on the lake

2011-07-29T12:43:00.002-05:00

Caitlyn, Kenley, Brent, Jacob

We were able to get out on the boat this summer with our good friends the Koetters. The kids had a blast even though this picture might not show it!!!

Jeff and Brent

We really enjoyed swimming in the lake. The kids loved jumping off the boat into the water!

Kenly and Caitlyn tubing

Circus Fun

2011-07-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Last night we surpised the kids and took them to the circus! We were able to see an elephant paint up close in the pre-show and we had great seats. Brent wasn't that much into it and kept asking if it was over. Caitlyn loved the entire thing and didn't have a favorite! I loved the trapeze, elephants, tight rope and motorcyle acts. I didn't ask Jeff his favorites. Oops!

Sadie Girl

2011-02-27T17:50:00.000-06:00

Sadie, our 8 month old puppy, has been away at training since January. She came home for the weekend and she is doing so awesome! (Sorry, this post is long but it is mostly pictures!)

This weekend we have taken her for a couple of walks.

Here is my ~~baby~~ little boy on his bike. He went all the way around the block on his big boy bike. I guess there is no turning back. Tricycle will probably be the next item to go!

It is pretty impressive to see your 6 year old walking your 8 month old lab, especially if you saw her walk 2 months ago. Caitlyn has a new found love for hunting now and I think her dad is trying to hold back his excitement just in case she changes her mind.

Here's my crew, minus Cali, we tried to bring her but she was a little too sore on this beautiful morning.

I think Sadie is even cuter now then she was before she left. She is definitely calmer!!

LOVE

I think I can! As we got home, he rang his bell - so stinking adorable!

Dixee, Sadie and my precious love Cali. Gosh she looks old in this picture. She is my very first dog as an adult.

Susan, all these pics of Sadie are for you. Well and for me too, since she went back to hunting school today.

It sure was fun to have her home.

Now that she is so far along in her training she can start coming home on the weekends and we won't mess her up!

We have a great running area right down the street. We found it for sledding and it is great for dog and kid running! We went twice this weekend to hang out with Sadie's brother who lives down the street - a whole new kind of play date! HA

Sadie is on the left and her brother, Griff is on the left.

Here is a family pic, so to say! Jenn is the proud owner of Griff. These puppies were worn out!

Caitlyn's 6th Birthday Party!

2011-02-27T14:45:00.000-06:00

We had waited a long day for Caitlyn's birthday party. It was originally planned for Jan. 30th, but Caitlyn woke up that Sunday morning very sick. We had already planned not to take Brent to church that day and had made other arrangements for him during the party since he had the flu, but then at 5:00 Caitlyn was sick too. It ended up being only a 24 hour stomach bug, but we had to make the painful decision to cancel the party. Caitlyn didn't even cry, which shows just how sick she was.

Anyway, back to the party day! We were so ready to have the Par-tay!!!

Caitlyn wanted her party at the Rise Gymnastics place. It was a great place to have it. There were wonderful to work with!

We were so glad that Brent was able to join us too.

Just a few of Caitlyn's sweet friends! Aren't they adorable!

They all had a chance to fly! Forgive the spots on my camera, it was from the lighting.

Brent loved jumping - shocking, huh?

5 of her friends were able to stay the whole time. Unfortunately many of her friends had schedule conflicts today. But it was the perfect of amount of FUN.

They enjoyed so many fun games and free time.

And the cake was yummy to

Happy Birthday my sweet girl! My how you have grown up so fast.

Fluff

2011-02-24T21:44:00.000-06:00

This week has entailed 3 nights of online training. Unfortunately when I have to bring home work this makes me tired, cranky and takes me away from family. I fill rushed and like my time is sabotaged. I am so thankful to be on the last half of this week and to be able to cross it off my list. And of course, to be a better teacher also!

Tonight I needed to change all the sheets on the bed and I was thrilled to have a little helper. Caitlyn was a super, sweet helper. She loved every minute of it. It was so much fun to fluff the sheets with her. I just hope she continues to love it as the years go on. Ha!

She brought home her first writing papers tonight. Jeff and I are thrilled with them. She wrote about her dance recital and our trip to Great Wolf Lodge. They were so good. In fact, if I wasn't so tired I would take a picture and post them here, but...

Caitlyn's Kindergarten Valentines Party

2011-02-14T16:06:00.001-06:00

Caitlyn's Valentine party was on Friday this year. Monday's really aren't the best party days. I was able to sneak down for her special party.

They had some kind of pink floats and a heart cookie. Just the perfect amount! Especially since her box was completely FULL of candy.

Her class was so calm on this party day and on their Christmas party. Love it!

This is Caitlyn's teacher, Mrs. Penton. We adore her!

Making Music

2011-02-09T20:47:00.000-06:00

During our one our many days off last week we turned up the music and danced. Pretty soon, I began to make the kids my famous Kraft Mac n Cheese. I was shaking the box to the music and then everyone wanted a musical instrumental.

I dug out a couple cans and wooden spoons for drums.

Caitlyn quickly added a pluthera of other "instruments" and traded in her wooded spoons for spatulas.

Her musical act would change with each song. Her talents are many, she plays the spoons also!

Her final act! Her "shaker"

Brent wasn't into playing instruments right away. Instead of using the two small cereal boxes as drums or musical instruments he would rather kick them in the air to the music. I love this picture that shows the great action.

Brent did finally get into the playing the drums as his final act though.

It was a great time. The music was so loud and we had such a great time!

Sledding and Gaming

2011-02-04T22:15:00.000-06:00

When I was kid one of the best surprises was when my mother would wake me up in the morning and tell me it was a snow day. I would look out my window and see 3-5 inches or so and remember thinking it was the best day ever.

Today, I got to surprise my children with snow outside. It was already a canceled day of school and our 4th day off, but my little ones didn't know it was supposed to snow. And I had no idea it was going to snow 6+ inches.

The snow was a powdery mix and perfect for sledding. This was our first sledding adventure and we had a perfect time.

Brent had a great time. He had a hard time getting back up the hill at first, but when he finally figured it out, he would be so proud and say I made it to the top! Check out his snow covered gloves. He didn't care. He didn't complain not one time!

Here is Caitlyn and a friend sledding down a hill. We had a number of sledding apparatus's (sp?) and each one was so much fun!

We brought the top of our recycling container and I was a bit worried about how it would work. It was the fastest and one of the top in demand to slide down the hill!

Caitlyn and I are getting ready to go down the hill.

Here we are at the bottom!

At one point, my best friend Jenn went down on the same lid and was going so fast she almost wiped out Brent but instead picked up Brent, threw him in her lap and they continued to the bottom. Thank goodness for her fast moving and thinking. Wish I could have gotten that on camera!

To get up the hill took a lot of work. The snow was packed down very good and it was very slick!

Brent also enjoyed running and jumping in the snow!

I love how they love each other so much! Even after 4 days of togetherness!!!

Down, down, down!

Here goes mom, fast first! That green floaty, was super fast and I went so fast right into all those bushes! Awesome.

I was kind of dreading bundling up the kids and getting out in the cold. I mean it is a lot of work. But I had just as much fun as the kids and I did get to wear my snow boots! I am ready to go again tomorrow.

When we aren't playing in the snow, we are playing board games.

Brent has gotten very good at this Thomas the Tank Engine game. It helps him recognize dots on a dice without counting them, numerals to 4 and matching. Not to mention, waiting his turn and being happy for others when they win. Oh yes, Caitlyn can still work on that too.

This is what I call a good time and what memories are made of.

Maverick Maniacs!

2011-02-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

Jeff took Caitlyn to the Mavericks game for her birthday. They got our dear friends seats and were able to sit court side. It was easy to spot her on tv with her red hair and purple outfit. Jeff said she enjoyed dancing! This is one of her typical new poses, which is actually better than one of her other poses, not smiling. Unfortunately later this night/early the next morning she got sick with a stomach bug and we had to ~~cancel~~ postpone her birthday party.

We took the kids to the Mavs game on Monday night. We had seats in the nosebleeds fthis time. This was Brent's first time and he couldn't wait to get into the arena. I tried to get a cute picture of the two of them with no success, no smile and blurry.

Here was our view. Much different from Caitlyn's view the other night (which was her first time to the game).

Our dear friends decided at the last minute not to use their floor seats so Jeff and Brent got to use the court side seats. Brent was pumped up! Or should I say, Jeff was pumped up! Brent was really into the game. He cheered when the right team made a basket, knew when to yell defense and was into the game the entire time.

Jeff bought him the jersey the other night when he brought Caitlyn. Brent was so proud of it and wanted to wear it the entire weekend. We would only let him wear it to school and he was telling all of his teachers about the game. When Jeff picked him up from school, he ran out saying, "I'm so excited!" Caitlyn would have nothing to do with the jerseys, they were for boys!

At half time the girls kicked the boys out of the court side seats. Even far away from the court Brent loved the game and was into every bit of it. Jeff loves that his boy loves football, baseball, basketball and of course hunting! I guess he will have to get into pedicures real fast too!

Caitlyn of course loved dancing and making silly faces on the camera!

She is so silly! It was a fun night and we planned a late night out perfectly because we had the next day off of school to sleep in.

Random: A Dog, puppy and a wolf

2011-02-03T12:28:00.001-06:00

Jeff was so proud of Caitlyn's drawing of her dog. I love this picture of Caitlyn too!

Cali, our yellow lab, does not our new puppy Sadie. Cali is 11 years old and enjoys sleeping all day, so any bother in her world is quite upsetting. This picture is priceless and dated (oops!)

Check out this cute little wolf. I love these slippers that his daddy got for him. They have been an essential these past couple days plus they howl!!

Six Wonderful Years

2011-02-03T12:14:00.000-06:00

Caitlyn Faith turned 6 last week. Every birthday I say the same thing, "It is so hard to believe!" The years have flown by so quickly.

Cailtyn is such a fun loving girl. She absolutely adores her brother. She loves to dress up and dance. She loves to play Barbies, write cards to everyone, color and make crafts. She is a pro at the computer and my cell phone! She is picking up very fast on reading and loves to do homework (which she doesn't have but makes up). She will play football with her daddy and Brent and she can still tackle Brent just about every time. She is pretty responsible for a 6 year old and I am so proud of her!

She has made these past 6 years the best years of my life.

A Few New Things

2011-02-02T15:13:00.000-06:00

We've had some opportunities that we'd rather not have had. We just had to buy a new hot water heater and now a new garage door. UGH! Oh well. At least we were able to get this door replaced the day before the temperatures plummeted into the teens. And on the plus side our new door is much quieter!

Teddy Bear Sleepover

2011-02-02T12:56:00.001-06:00

Caitlyn has been studying about bears in Kindergarten. They invited all the kindergartners back to school last Thursday for a Teddy Bear Sleepover.

Jeff took Caitlyn. First they measured their teddy bears.

They drew pictures of their bears (or in her case her dog). Jeff took that picture on his phone. She did a really good job so imagine that in your head! They estimated how many gummy bears in a jar on their table. They ate teddy bear cookies.

They wrote their teddy bear a note. Caitlyn's said, Bear don't be scare of night.

Their teacher read them a bedtime story.

And then they put their beds to bed. The next morning they had to go to the gym first so they wouldn't wake their bears.

But the bears had other plans! They didn't sleep. When the kids walked in the music was blaring and I've never seen kids so quiet and in such awe!!!

Caitlyn told her Mimi later that the bears ordered pizza and had popcorn.

They obviously made a wreck of the room.

Caitlyn's bear/dog was on top of the cabinet. Her dog told her that he didn't make any of the mess but that he just got of there and watched.

There were bears hanging from the ceiling too.

The kids ~~got~~ had to clean up after their bears. Caitlyn loved it and will have memories for years!

Great Wolf Lodge 2011

2011-02-01T20:56:00.000-06:00

We took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge a couple weekends ago and boy did we have fun. It was amazing to realize though that the last time we were there we had to have a play pin and high chair for Brent. This time he slept in a bunk bed, ate in a regular chair and didn't even wear a life jacket. Caitlyn was even tall enough for some of the big slides with inter tubes and she loved it!

Caitlyn and Brent loved every minute of it! Slides, splashing and tons of swimming.

Caitlyn even loved the hot tub - to which I said, "yes!!!!"

Both of children are becoming quite comfortable with under water swimming! And I must say that it is nice not having Caitlyn cling to me anymore in the pool.

When I asked Brent what his favorite part of the water park was he said it was going underwater!

This was Caitlyn and Daddy after going down one of the bigger water slides. After I talked her into going down one the first day, her first words when we finished were - let's go again!!!

Brent loved running and jumping in the wave pool!

Daddy thought it would be fun to treat Caitlyn to getting her nails done. I love that he is so thoughtful!

Brent found out 2 things. Going down on his tummy was fun. Getting a running start was not so good.

Its my blog, I can cry if I want to

2011-01-30T17:01:00.000-06:00

I just want everyone to be well. I've been sick, coughing for about 7 weeks now, rib and back aches. Brent has flu and on the day of Caitlyns party she wakes up at 5 in the morning throwing up. I want to scream about how its not fair. I'm so tired of cleaning sheets the day after I did it. Or mopping the day after Kathleen came. I know it could be so much worse and that's why I'm thankful to have a place for my pity party, cause here I go again.

Freedom from my cough

2011-01-17T15:20:00.000-06:00

I am so thankful for this long weekend. I have not done much of anything except rest, but I have really needed it. I have had the worst cough for about the last 6 weeks. I have just been so run down from it. I mean, who knew a cough could make you so tired that you would need to come right home and go to bed? But with some rest, steroid shot, antibiotic shot, antibiotics, dozens of cough pills, 2 bottles of Robitussin, 2 bottles of Tussinox, cough drops and tons of prayer it looks like I am over this dreadful cough.

Jeff bought me the Keurig coffee maker for Christmas. This is the best gift! Since I am the only coffee drinker in my home it makes perfect since! It makes it so easy to drink the unlimited supply of tea with honey too. This should be an essential in everyone's home.

This weekend I am going away with a friend to a scrap booking retreat and I can't wait. I will just have to secure a box big enough to take my Keurig with me!

Snowball Fight

2011-01-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

Caitlyn randomly said yesterday as we were watching some TV program (not the news) that all the people all on TV were fake except the weathermen. I found that statement to be so funny. I knew that one day she would find out that sometimes weathermen are wrong but today is not that day. They predicted 2-4 inches of snow and we got it.

We received about 2-3 inches in our area. It is always so much fun to get snow when you have little children. It accumulated pretty quickly and Caitlyn went outside to check it out ASAP!

As soon as Brent and Daddy got back from the deer lease the word of the day was Snowball! The kids would make a snowball, run at you, throw, and scream "Snowball!" Luckily their aim is as bad as mine and daddy was unloading and not playing!

I just love this picture of true happiness. You might have to click on it to make it larger but the smile shows pure joy and you can tell she is jumping up and down.

It was so fun to see everyone's pictures on FB and posts on their blogs of their children playing in the snow today.

Bowling last night

2011-01-07T21:59:00.000-06:00

These pictures are really bad because of the lighting in the bowling ally and the fact that phone was almost dead and so it automatically took off the flash. But still cute!

Caitlyn did awesome and I just barely beat her! Whew!

Brent had so much fun. It is exciting to get to a stage when the bowling game moves along quickly!

Whooping Cough 2011

2011-01-04T18:42:00.000-06:00

It seems like every other year I get a really bad cough that lasts about a good month, or as I prefer to diagnose it as the whooping cough. Don't worry though, because I still don't get any extra attention around here. Okay, I have put my violin down.

I really do feel sorry for those friends and family members that have to be around me and hear my awful cough. It is quite annoying. Luckily it does not seem to be contagious, so I can still get around but it does wear me out and the minute Jeff gets home tonight I am going to bed!

I leave you with sweet pictures of my kiddos playing mini-golf with my extended family in Branson. We had to have a married person, college-aged or close person and pre-school age person on our team to make it fair. Hole 4 was played shooting the club like a pool stick (up hill), hole 8 was kicking it, hole 12 was backwards and hole 12 was blind. My uncle is very inventive. Our team came in 4th and had a great time! I think we had 5 teams total (56 out of 69 family members were able to be there this year!)

My New Love!

2011-01-03T21:40:00.000-06:00

Just 5 minutes ago (and a day now), I figured out how to upload pictures from my phone, through Picasso (a website) and then to my blog. It took about 30 seconds. I did not have to go through my camera, find the number on the card reader or find the cord (that's a whole other camera). Now I will abandon all real camera's and go with my EVO! Real Love!

Um, actually now that I think about it I should look back over those sermon notes from this morning. Oops!

Here is Caitlyn ready for church this morning in her gold shoes, gold purse and check out the beautiful necklace! Thank you Aunt Claudia.

Check out Brent! It took him exactly no time to figure out how to ride this big boy bike. Goodbye tricycle!

Not really sure what this post was about but it is kind of fun to get back on the blogging bandwagon! Wonder how long it will last....

Goodbye 2010/Hello 2011

2011-01-01T15:53:00.000-06:00

What a year! It flew by super fast. Today on the way to lunch Jeff and I reflected on our highs and lows of the year.

We both agreed that our high was Caitlyn starting kindergarten. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed taking her to her first day of school and I just love having her at school with me every day. It is just a blessing to be a teacher and getting to see my sweet girl every day. She is beginning to read. everything. It is so. stinking.cool!!!! I love it!!

My low was losing Aunt Betty this year to cancer. We saw her at the Fourth of July and 2 months later she passed away. I still don't think that has truly set in, especially since we haven't gotten back to Missouri yet.

We did add two family members this year. A really cute brown chocolate lab puppy who is now 6 months and still a little CRAZY (Sadie)!! And most recently, like last week, we adopted our friends dog (also the daughter of Chauncey and Cali). Our friend was moving into an apartment so we now have a beautiful black lab, Dixee. Dixee is now sleeping with Caitlyn at night and in her words, "is a little wild". Caitlyn is very excited about the new sleeping partner even though she ripped off Piglets eye and she thought is was "adorable" when she put her outside this morning and she started playing with Sadie. This new transition will make it easier on Cali (age 11) because the stairs are too hard on her shoulders and she really needs to start sleeping downstairs.

We started the morning off by opening up a lot of games: playing Operation, making a cake with the Easy Bake, playing some kind of game on the Connect Four (might take some time to get that concept), tea parties and so much more! Then we went to the best restaurant ever, Chiloso. Which is probably my newest tradition - start every year eating my first meal from Chiloso! I guess I can never go out of town over the New Year!!

Lastly, it is pretty cool to hear that Caitlyn gets the whole concept of the months and years. Yesterday was December today is January. Yesterday was 2010 today is 2011. Thank you Mrs. Penton!! But then there is "tomorrow is Janaury, my birth month" Thank you Papa! We have a lot of celebrating to do. Can't believe my baby will be 6 this month.

Happy New Year to all. I hope this is your best year ever!!! And no matter what happens, Brent would say (in kind of an old man voice, Texas drawl) "Ahhhh, it's okay."

Spoiled Rotten

2010-09-19T21:34:00.000-05:00

I turned 26 this weekend boy did I get spoiled! My class surprised me with a beautiful cake and then had flowers delivered. To top it off they brought in lunch from Chiloso's - Yummy!

I was testing students all day Friday. So when the flowers arrived I asked the little guy I was testing, "Did you know about the flowers?" He said with the most assured smile, "Yes, I planned it!" So stinking cute!!!!

Saturday, Jeff sent me to the most fabulous spa for the entire day. I had a massage, body wrap, pedicure, lunch, and had my hair shampooed and styled! That evening, Jeff and I went to the most amazing dinner at Charlie Palmers. It was phenomenal.

I could not have asked for a better day. I have the best class, family and husband to celebrate turning 26 with!

Things to Make My Life Easier

2010-09-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

Life is hard but when we find things that can make our lives easier I think we would share the wealth! I fully believe the motto "Work Smarter and not Harder". So here are some things that are making my life easier. Some cost money and some you probably already know, but for giggles and grins here goes!

With Caitlyn starting Kindergarten we have been picking out her clothes on Sunday night for the week. We pick out everything down to panties, shoes, socks and bows. I will not allow her to stray from this outfit for any reason because I do not want to start any habits. Sunday nights can be challenging when we are getting everything ready for the week (including dance clothes) but I am so thankful every morning when she brings her clothes down or comes down already dressed. I'm just wondering why I don't do this for myself yet?
Just last week I started ordering 2 meals a week from a lady that makes homemade meals in her home. I had heard about her last year and pondered doing this but felt like I needed to be making meals for my family. Honestly, that didn't happen very often and we ended up going out to eat or "the bewitching 5 o'clock hour" (when everyone wants your attention, the dog, the kids, the meal, the mail, the laundry, the phone, someone at the door, etc) happened at our house while I tried to make dinner and it wasn't pleasant at all. I ended up stressed and on top of that I had dishes to do and papers to grade and was extremely tired. All I really wanted to do was play with my children. Buying a couple meals a week allows me to do this. I come home, warm up the oven and hang out with the puppies and the kids. It is so much more relaxing and the dinners are fabulous! This is a great business endeavor for stay-at-home moms!
I bag up carrots, goldfish, veggie chips, grapes, and any other snacks that I can for easy grabbing during the week for lunches and snacks.
I make lunches and prepare snacks and water bottles at night.
Keep shoes in a basket at the front door until we can put them in the right place every couple weeks. We can always find shoes in our closets or at the front door and we don't have to search all over the house or trip over shoes.
Work from a list
As I'm working or cleaning downstairs and I find things that belong upstairs I put them on the stairs and vice-a-versa upstairs. Then when I make a trip upstairs I always make sure I don't go empty handed and if I'm really lucky they have already made their way upstairs without my help!

Things I try to do and would really help me out if I did them on a regular basis:

Clean off the counter every night
Do the dishes every night
When I think of it, do it, right then!
Put the laundry away immediately.
Do a load of laundry every day.
Stay off the computer until after 9:00.

What are your tricks to save you time and make your life easier? I would love to know!

Happy 3rd Birthday Brent

2010-09-09T22:19:00.000-05:00

It doesn't seem long ago that we rushed to the hospital to have Brent.

But today my baby turned 3 years old. WOW! He his a a walking, clearly talking, sweet baby boy that is (PTL!) potty trained.

He is checking out his independence more and doesn't really care to hold my hand as much. He can do "everything" himself and it is no longer his favorite thing to give me hugs and kisses (they are now quick and let's get it over with. BOO!) But if I take him to the deer lease and let him run and play all day long, he will be so tired that he will snuggle and sleep with me around the campfire and I love that!

For his birthday we took him to Chuck E Cheese and of course he loved it. His favorite thing to do there is play football, basketball or ski ball. Do you see a theme with this boy? He could really care less about opening his presents because all he wanted to do was play. But we ~~forced~~ convinced him. He got 2 new trains for his track, a Toy Story Lego set, a sand box in the backyard, a new basketball that is coming, and a book from Grandpa and Grandma. He is a very blessed boy.

Caitlyn was so excited to celebrate Brent's birthday all day! These two precious angels also got to enjoy homemade chocolate chip cupcakes from our dear friend Miss Jenn.

Happy Birthday Brent!

Aunt Betty

2010-09-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

Aunt Betty in her element (cooking a big breakfast for everyone)

Jeff had lost touch with his great Aunt Betty and Uncle Sunny for the majority of his life. I remember sending them an invitation when we got married but they were unable to make it to our wedding because they lived in Australia at the time. They recently moved to Missouri on a beautiful farm with deer that attracted Jeff and tractors and barns that Brent adored. But even more than all these things we all just loved Aunt Betty.

She was strong and dynamic. Outgoing and funny. She lived to take care of others and could flat run circles around me and a handful of others at the same time.

Her cooking was phenomenal. She insisted on making everyone's favorite at each meal and she made the best jam that she would send home with us every time she came. It did not matter what time of day or evening we got there she would get up and offer us something to eat. I'm not just talking about a snack or a sandwich but a complete meal.

She loved her babies

We played cards late into the night and between each meal (and she won 9 out of 10 times), we drove into Branson and shopped, and we stayed up late into the wee hours talking.

She would repeat stories sometimes but I didn't mind. I would just take it all in. I loved hearing about Jeff's family and how important family is to her. I enjoyed when she pulled out the photo albums and we found a few pictures of Jeff when he was little.

Uncle sunny and Aunt Betty at the annual 4th of July celebration

She bottle fed calves when needed

She insisted on having the children come and stay with her for a week in the summer and she came to see us too and went to the Great Wolf Lodge water park. She loved the rides!

Our final picture at Great Wolf Lodge

Aunt Betty and Uncle Sunny loved each other so much. They didn't just live together but you could see their love. They checked in on each other throughout the day and doted on each other. I loved seeing their love.

Aunt Betty lived fast and furiously and she died the same way. She was diagnosed with lung cancer the week before July 4th. Sadly, she died 2 months later on Labor Day. Jeff and I are still in shock. She was an amazing person and we wish we could have reconnected with her earlier. We are beyond grateful that we had these years with her.

Caitlyn had a hard time with Gigi and Chauncey dying so Jeff and I were nervous about telling her. She only asked if Uncle Sunny would still live at the farm with the the barn and immediately started talking about Chauncey. It does make it kind of tough because we are not going to Missouri at this time because Aunt Betty did not want a service so we will go to Missouri when things settle down to check on Uncle Sunny. I'm sure it will be more real for Caitlyn at that time and actually for me too.

Time Flies

2010-09-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

So much has been going on around here. I'm amazed at how fast time flies.

Caitlyn has lost her first tooth and is watching daily for new tooth to grow in (which is happening).
Sadie is already learning to go to the door and ask to go outside most of the time! Yippee!
Brent turns 3 tomorrow. Wow! Talk about flying time.
Caitlyn started school two weeks ago and is doing really good. She knows both word walls and already knows who she is going to marry. Not bad for just starting school. Haha!
Hunting season has finally started for Jeff again. At least one of us is thrilled.
Brent is potty trained. I was almost beginning to think that wouldn't happen.
Teaching a grade level the 2nd year at the same school is sooooo much easier and I love that.
Our family took our first hunting trip together (all four of us) this weekend and we stirred up a lot of dust.
We have enjoyed a Rangers game with great seats even if it meant melting, literally!

Fundraiser for sweet baby Brynn in China!

2010-08-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

One of my teammates is adopting a baby and will be bringing her home from China at the end of the year sometime. Below is a post from her blog that gives each of us an opportunity to support them in bringing Brynn home. You can check out how cute Brynn is and the story of her adoption here.

Did you know there are hundreds of millions of children worldwide who have lost one or both parents.

Every 14 seconds an AIDS death leaves another child orphaned.

Approximately 88 million orphans live in Asia.

Approximately 45 million orphans live in Africa.

Approximately 14 million orphans live in Latin America & the Caribbean.

Approximately 1 million children live in public care in Central and Eastern Europe

More than 800,000 children pass through America’s foster care system each year.

These statistics do not even include the UNKNOWN children living orphaned both here and abroad that go uncounted, unnoticed and unloved.

Quoted from the girls at 147millionOrphans

In a few short months there will be ONE LESS orphan!

Brynn Olivia Ai Xin will be a daughter and sister, she will be the loved member of a family.

Please join with us in our first fundraiser to help bring Brynn home!

All of the proceeds will be going towards our "mandatory orphanage donation fee". The week before we leave to get Brynn, we are required to wire $6,000 to the Pingdingshan City Social Welfare Institute. This money is required and will go towards Brynn's past care expenses and towards the babies who remain behind.

Fundraiser Details

We were selected to be a part of the Hip Mom Jewelry Adoption Fundraiser.

Click here to order your necklace today!

You have to enter our family code MCINTIRE10 for us to receive the credit.

The code needs to go in the area that says "discount coupon". It will take $1 off the order and then you will know it worked. You can also put it in the comments section.

Please help us spread the word by posting this information on your blogs and facebook pages, forward it to your email list, and tell all your friends! We are praying that God will use this fundraiser to help us bring Brynn home!

http://hipmomjewelry.com/ The fundraiser only applys to necklaces ordered under the Adoption link.

Back to the Grind and catchup

2010-08-16T21:28:00.000-05:00

Today was my first day back and surprisingly getting up at 6:20 am was not too difficult. I can attribute that to my wonderful children who have kept me on schedule ALL summer long though. It was a good day back and fun to see all my co-workers.

Today, I finally found a new dance studio for Caitlyn. We have been fortunate to have a dance teacher come to the daycare during the day and teach her but now that she is going to Kindergarten we have to find another place. I had no idea how hard it would be to find an open spot at a good time in a good area that I wouldn't have to drive all over town for! Today I finally found it!! She will dance 45 minutes every Monday. Now we have to buy new shoes (ballet and tap) and I'm sure she has out grown her tights too. She keeps getting soooo tall.

Our precious Sadie (chocolate female lab puppy) is home now and doing so good. Brent keeps saying, "She's adorable." We have started feeling her teeth more and Brent is a big fan of that though. It is cute to see Sadie attacking Brent because I know she isn't hurting him. He is laughing so hard, not sure if he likes it or not. She is breaking us in good with all her puppy accidents! Caitlyn keeps bringing her toys from her room and saying that she doesn't like them anymore and Sadie can have it. She is so sweet!

Caitlyn and I have been reading a chapter book together, Ramona and Beezus. It brings me so much joy to know that she can comprehend and finds enjoyment in reading.

Caitlyn lost her tooth. My baby! She is 5-1/2. I can't believe it. I will have to tell more about it because what she wants to do with her tooth fairy money is a post in itself!

Sadie's Charming Fate

2010-08-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

We brought our new puppy home yesterday at 7 weeks. We are so excited because she is the cutest, spunkiest little thing. She was born on June 27th and is chocolate.

Sadie was the first pick of the litter

Her name is special. On AKC papers a dog must has 3 names (Sadie's Charming Fate). One of Jeff's best friends growing up had a yellow lab named Sadie and he learned a lot about training and hunting dogs from Scott and Sadie. Sadie and Chauncey (our first lab) got to hunt together too.

Her middle name Charming, was in Chauncey's full name Sir Charming Chauncey. Fate is important too but I won't make it public on this blog.

Every time she kisses Brent it is the cutest thing because he says, Momma she sdoes (love)s me. Caitlyn was determined to call the puppy Chauncey when we brought her home, but she has forgotten and become completely smitten with the new puppy.

This is night we picked her out

Our first night went surprising well, she slept until 6 am until she started whining like crazy. Whew, I forgot about that!! I just got to clean up her first accident and she is running around like a spaz, but did I mention she was super cute?

Good, real good

2010-08-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

I always look forward to the summer because I desperately need a break and I long to spend uninterrupted time with my children. But the adjustment period at the beginning of the summer is always so tough.

It always takes us about 2-3 weeks to work out all the kinks and get used to being around each other 24/7 again and throw in a couple vacations and that gets us into July. Now out of nowhere they've called me up and tell me I have to be at school in one week. What's up with this? I just got my act together, we are in the best groove and I'm loving this life.

We have gone to the water park almost each Thursday, to a secluded neat park in the early (for me) morning hours, eaten lunch with dad, played and shopped with our neighbors everyday, had picnics in my classroom, played choo-choo trains, dressed up, read chapter books, played Barbies, tossed footballs, rode bikes, swam and swam and swam some more. It has been the absolute best summer.

This summer we have finally potty trained Brent and Caitlyn has her first loose tooth. Jeff has taken both kids to the deer lease TWICE by himself! And they will go back again during hunting season!! This is all big stuff baby!

When I first held my Caitlyn and Brent I fell in love and I just couldn't imagine that each day I would fall in love more and more. It just keeps getting more and more fun. WOW!

It is sad to see this summer come to a close but it has been good, real good!

Salute to Fallen Soldier Jerod Osborne

2010-07-14T16:12:00.001-05:00

My friend and neighbor Jenn and I loaded up the kids and took them out on State Highway 66 between 2:30 and 3:30 today to wait in the 99 degree weather during nap time because a fallen soldier from Rockwall was coming through on his way to Rest Haven. We defiantly wanted to show our support.

It was about 45 minutes before we saw the motorcade but the kids did a nice job of waiting. Before we came up to the street I explained to Caitlyn about soldiers, wars, respect, honor and many more questions. It took so long to explain it all to her because I was trying not to choke up. She has such a hard time with death (Gigi and Chauncey). She did really well about that but cried because of the fear of loud noises of the motorcycles when the motorcade actually took place.

About 5 minutes before the motorcade got to us a man pulled up and joined us. He was so nice and took pictures. It was so helpful, considering we had our hands full with our little guys.

Brent made me so proud and waved his flag so sweetly. It was a life changing event to honor Jerod Osborne. He was just 20 years old. Just a boy. He was killed by a roadside bomb while serving as a U.S. Army combat medic in Afghanistan. It is truly amazing to see what our fallen military receive and deserve.

Another day at HFalls

2010-07-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

We had a blast at Hawaiian Falls again today. I remembered my camera today!

Brent finally got brave enough to go on this slide. Last time he was aiming for it and the big bucket of water dumped and he would have nothing to do with it.

We came home tired and unfortunately a bit burned under the eyes. I forgot to reapply sunscreen. I can't stand when I forget to do that. We usually only last about an hour at our pool but we will go for about 3-4 hours at the water park. Big difference. Anyway, nothing better than a long nap after a day spent in the water!

Bedtime Funnies

2010-07-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

Bedtime can be cuddly, full of giggles or just flat out miserable and with tons of protesting. Tonight was a night full of giggling.

We started the evening brushing teeth and jumping all over the bathroom. Then Brent and I hid from Caitlyn in bed. It was so cute because he would say, "Shhh!" and then start giggling like crazy.

Caitlyn finally picked out a book to read and then we got busy reading. It was a dictionary book I'd had since my childhood. Brent would listen, think about it, then stop me by putting his hand on my cheek and say, "Mom, let me tell you something." He would be back a couple of words wanting to add his thoughts. I would say yes or the correct response and get back to where we were in the book.

This kept going on to the point that I was tickled and Caitlyn was ticked. I had to add in "Brent be quiet, just listen." To which he would reply in a whisper voice, "Okay, I'll listen." Then the cycle would start again.

Caitlyn's response in all this, "Mom, put him to bed. Put him up!"

How could I get mad when he was patting my face so sweetly?

12 Puppies

2010-06-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

We are getting a female puppy out of this precious litter. This momma dog had 12 puppies between Saturday and Sunday. Wow! There are 6 girls and 6 boys.

They kind of look silly right now with their eyes shut and they don't even make much of a sound besides grunting. But aren't they still just adorable!

I know two little ones at my house that are going to be in puppy heaven! Who am I kidding, they already are!

Toy Story 3 and a Carnival of sorts

2010-06-27T09:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning Jenn and I took the kids to Bounce House sort of Carnival right up the street. It was incredibly hot and our little ones would only get in the original bounce house of jumping, no slides or fancy obstacles. Which is a good thing because I would probably have to go through it and get them out. It was only about 96 degrees at the time so we only lasted about 20 minutes and then head to Chick Fil A and it's literally cool indoor playground.

Last night Jeff and I took the kids to Toy Story 3. They both unbelievably adorable in their 3D glasses (so wish I had my camera). They both did so well in the movie and were very into the action. At one point Caitlyn even screamed out! Ha! I love the idea that toys could have a life after kids leave the room and have relationships, but wouldn't it be great if they took the initiative to organize themselves too. Or maybe that is really why our toys are ALWAYS mixed up!

Last but certainly not least our puppy was born last night. The momma dog had 5 females and 4 males. So we will bring our newest addition home on August 14th!!