Anxiety

Carleigh has been exhibiting signs of anxiety. It all started after the pig attack in June. Lately, she is afraid of most animals, new things, and being separated from Mommy. Last night at church, the teachers said that Carleigh whined for me the majority of the time. Normally she never whines or does anything that the teachers have commented on. A couple of nights ago, she wanted me to tuck her in bed for the night and not Matt. I hope this isn't a long stage she is in. We had already dealt with separation anxiety when she was about 18 months ago. Is it coming back again? She is also waking at night and very fearful. *sigh* I have to go back to work in 2 weeks and have been talking up Memaw staying with her. Normally we call her Mammaw but Carleigh has been calling my mom Memaw lately. She is excited for Memaw to put her down for a nap and we might have her come over the day before I go back full time to go over the schedule and routine.

Where has the summer gone to????

Busy Days

On Tuesday, Cody, Carleigh and I met my former co-teacher Theresa and her two boys at Ft. Liberty Playland. I have been wanting to go there for awhile, but never got around to doing it. (We had a second grade party there 8 years ago and I thought it was a neat park.) This park was very close for my friend so it worked out well. We met early, thankfully as the heat was steaming up in the 90s. Ick!

I plan on taking the kids again, but with more adults. You can really lose a child or two because the playground is a wooden fort with lots of hiding places and slides that come out near the bike trail. Carleigh kept hiding and Cody stayed in the shaded parts which caused my heart to skip a beat when I couldn't see them. The kids had a blast and we ate lunch there.

Afterwards, the kids and I went to my classroom.

Today, I went to my friend Jen's house and we had a fun time. The kids loved playing her daughter and of course exploring her house! I now have a few gifts in mind for Christmas!

Tomorrow is therapy day and my last Bible study night with the Beth Moore series. I have learned so much about the Psalms of Ascent. It is amazing how many connections the Israelites and modern day society have in common. I will truly miss the study.

Friday afternoon, my sister, mom and I are heading for Indianapolis for the WOF Conference. It will be a great time to reconnect with my sis and mom as well as diving into the Word and hearing some awesome singing!

Ft. Liberty Playland

The best parts of the park

Cody enjoyed walking up and down the steps and exploring the inside of the fort the best. Of course, he also enjoyed swinging and didn't get sick!! Woohoo! He was LAUGHING while swinging! Carleigh enjoyed hiding from me which was caused a few scary moments for mommy!!

Carleigh and C are two weeks apart. Carleigh is the older of the two. Cody and C enjoyed swinging on the tire swing together also.

Playing in my classroom

After our playdate on Tuesday, I decided to go to my school and start working in my room. I didn't get quite as much done as I hoped. Cody LOVED my globe and was constantly spinning it. Carleigh caught me engrossed in my storage cabinet and dumped three of my math manipulatives tub. It took me 10 minutes at least to pick all the shapes, counting rods, and coins! They also enjoyed running in our gym while I was talking to another teacher. This is why I go and work in my classroom in the evenings!!!

My New "Toy"

Well, my laptop finally arrived today! Woohoo! I now have wireless internet and can surf the web anywhere!! It is so cool! Cody and Carleigh are fascinated by it. Carleigh knew it was a computer before I opened the box. She shouted "computer." They are learning about it and looking but not "touching!" My old 5+ year old computer will be there new computer and I plan on loading preschool games on it for them.

I also have a webcam/camera and the kids and I had a BLAST taking pics as well as making silly videos.

This will come in handy for my school work.

Why didn't I buy one sooner????

Fun at the Fair and Other Ramblings

We decided to take the kids to our county fair today. It was so hot, but we really wanted them to see the animals and such. The first barn had animals like rabbits, turkeys, hens, roosters, pigeons, etc. I saw one ENORMOUS rabbit! Whoa! It looked like it had been on steroids! It was bigger than an old fat cat and it was bigger than my sister's Yorkie Terrier! They LOVED the small animals barn. So then, we journeyed to the pig barn.

WELL, I wanted to see how Carleigh would react to seeing a pig again since her pig attack at Parky's in mid June. The first time she saw a pig, she JUMPED in my arms. And that was no exaggeration! She got this look of terror on her face and then jumped right at me. I had to carry her through the whole barn. She calmed down and looked at the pigs (of course safely in Mommy's arms). One pig was so cute, he was laying down and oinking rather loudly. I told Carleigh that the pig was talking to her to which she hid her face in my shoulder!

After a late nap, we went to a teacher store and a dollar store (gotta love that everything is a buck!) so that I could get a few essentials that I didn't order from the websites. We brought back McDonalds for the kids and Cody DEVOURED a whole package of apple dippers and ate the majority of Carleigh's bag as well. That kid LOVES apples! I have to buy a dozen every week! He will eat it down to the seed! I am happy that he loves fruit, but sometimes that is all the he wants and well, too much fruit can cause some digestion issues!!

Yesterday my laptop was supposed to arrive, well, they apparently tried to deliver it and I couldn't hear them in the back when Carleigh was taking a nap. ARGH! I was so looking forward to getting it set up and NOW I have to wait until Monday!! And I had to change the playdate that I had scheduled, but luckily my friend was open to do it on Wednesday. We have two play dates this week: Tuesday at a park and Wednesday at my friend's house. Thursday we have therapy and Friday I have to get ready for my Women of Faith Conference.

My mom, sister and I are going to the Women of Faith Conference in Indianapolis Friday evening - Saturday evening. I have never been to one and am excited to attend. Some of my favorite authors/speakers and Christian singers will be there. Matt will be a single dad from Friday at 4:30 - late Saturday night. My sister had originally planned to go with her mother-in-law and friend, but both backed out so my mom and I received free tickets (worth $60 a person). Woohoo! I think my sis, mom and I need this "women" time to reconnect and just have a good time. I plan on bringing some board games and card games, and possibly my laptop for Friday night fun in the hotel. Of course I will be bringing the camera!!

I will also be working in my classroom Tuesday and Thursday nights this week. This will make one busy week and my head is just spinning on all the things that are happening in August: weddings, school events, back to work, transitions, etc. Whew!

Carleigh loves to smile, pose and say "cheese" when I have my camera out. I guess I have taken too many pictures.

Cheap Thrills

I received a package of teacher stuff today (not not my laptop yet!) Cody and Carleigh had a BLAST playing on top, in and under it. It is so cute to see them playing together with Carleigh being the boss of course.

Carleigh funny: Carleigh heard a noise from the garage across the street and started running around the room shouting "Oh gosh! Oh gosh! Oh gosh!" She is just too funny! I am always looking forward to whatever funny little phrase she might say. And whatever she says today, Cody will repeat tomorrow.

Dandelions

While Cody was finishing up his nap, Carleigh and I were outside enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather we are having! (low 70's, sunny, puffy white clouds, blue sky) Carleigh picked up the "flower" as she calls it and started to blow all the wispy seeds all over the yard. She continued to go from place to place picking all of them up and proceeding to blow them all over the yard. I don't know if Matt showed her or someone else, but it's so cute to see her do such big-kid things!

We walked over to our large tree in our front yard that has beautiful green ivy growing up its trunk. Carleigh then decided her back itched and started rubbing her back on the tree's trunk. I have no idea where she learned that! The only thing I remember is seeing a "Curious George" cartoon where George scratched his back. Then, she picked up a stick and began to hit the tree while saying "Hi-yaaw!" She just cracks me up!!

She did well today on the potty except for #2 issues, but I have heard that is the hardest to do! Hopefully, we are progressing ok. I would like to see her fully potty-trained before preschool begins after Labor Day.

Mommy and Me Time

I decided that both Cody and Carleigh need one-on-one time with us. So, tonight, it was Carleigh's time with me and Cody hung out with Matt. Carleigh and I sat at her Disney Princesses table and we working on her "Let's Pretend" theme preschool workbook. She did really well. She can match stickers to pictures well. I also started working on scissor practice with her. She loves to cut, but hasn't mastered opening the scissors with one hand. After she cuts, she has to put the paper down and open the scissors with both hands. I am also trying to help her identify her first and last name. She knows her first name but not her last name. She can now pronounce her last name. That is a good start. She LOVES individual time with me and I notice her behavior is much better. Hmmm...maybe there is some jealousy?!!

Tomorrow is Cody's turn to have time with me before church. I am also trying to wor Cody on coloring and using a pencil. He sat on the potty chair!!! We were like WHOA!!! Should I try it with him? I just may! It would be so nice to have both potty trained!!

Success!

We have been trying off and on all summer to get Carleigh interested in potty training. I have been looking at different strategies and I came to the best technique of bribery!!! Carleigh loves nickels and pennies and dimes. So everytime that she goes in the potty, she gets a nickel. I kept talking it up today and she peed in the potty this morning! Of course I praised her and made it such a big deal! And she got her shiny nickel!! Wooohooo! This is just one small step in potty training, but it is one step. I am so proud of my girl!! Of course, Cody saw all the commotion and I hope this sparks his interest also.

Updates

Friday night, I went to second grade GAP (Get Acquainted Party) held at Harbin Park. I thought it was going to be really hot and humid, but due to the breeze and trees, it wasn't so bad. Six of my students were there and there were a few new students who haven't been assigned a class yet. It went well and I got to know the parents probably better than the students!! The kids were too busy playing the relay games and playing on the playground! The parents presented my co-worker and I each a beautiful batch of red roses.

On Saturday, I decided I had had ENOUGH of the bleached blonde and so I went shopping with my sister to find the perfect shade of DARK blonde. Matt took the kids to a cookout while I had my afternoon of shopping and fun. I am much happier with my color now and eventually, I will pick a slightly darker shade or go very light brown. My parents, sister and I went to Cracker Barrel that evening and I ran into one of my students from this past year and his family. He also has a little sister who is in my class this year. Her dad was embarrassing her saying that she is the worst of the two in a joking manner!! Poor thing!!

Today, I ordered two big purchases. One thing I HAD to order was a new cellphone. I did something totally stupid and ruined my cellphone. Ask me what I did and I will tell you! So, I ordered a new one and will still have my old number. I should get it later in the week.

My second purchase was a laptop computer. I was debating on what to do as far as computer-wise, and then I saw my niece Brittany's laptop and all the capabilities as well as having wireless internet and I was hooked! I ordered a laptop with wireless internet, built-in webcam/digital camera, and a few other software programs that I need for school purposes. Of course I had to find a stylin carrying case and a wireless mouse. (I can't go without a mouse!!) I must admit, it was so much FUN ordering the new computer and picking out what I wanted. My computer is over 5 years old and is starting to get slower and slower...Now, I plan on using it for a learning tool for Cody and Carleigh...hence, it will be the GAME computer. They will be on cloud 9 for sure and I will love being able to check my email in bed or outside or in the van or on vacation!! Wooohooo! I can't wait for the delivery truck to come my way and this is way much more exciting than the school orders I just made for my classroom.

The final look

My sister helped me to tone the blonde down and we went with a darker blonde. I really like this one as opposed to the first look!

Before and After

Here is a shot of me BEFORE my hair was highlighted tonight. And then after. Ok, it is a bit too much highlights...I am feeling like Marilyn Monroe right now and I am hoping it darkens quickly!! This is a big change for me and I am not big on HUGE changes!!

Routine, Hair cutting, etc.

The kids and I have gotten into a very smooth routine during the work week. Cody and Carleigh thrive on a schedule and I have noticed better behavior with both when there is predictability on what we will do each day. At the beginning of the summer, Carleigh refused to take naps (due to an easy-going babysitter during the school year), but after a few days with the MOM in charge, she is taking naps without major tantrums.

Lately, Carleigh and Cody want me to play "Ring Around the Rosie" with them. This gives Cody the spinning stimulation that he always seeks and Carleigh just loves to dance. I have got to get that girl into dance because she loves to try to do what I can do when dancing.

I got a haircut last night and Cody REALLY noticed it. He came up to me, sat in my lap and started lifting up my hair. I talked to him about Mommy getting a haircut. I am also getting highlights tonight and will promise to post a pic tomorrow. This of course fascinated Carleigh because she is obsessed with "cutting" these days.
Apparently, she thinks the bug play tweezers are scissors and she has been going around trying to cut everyone's hair! Poor Codeman has been bothered to no end! She sneaks behind him, and then "cuts." Most of the time it scares him as well as annoying him. Who wants their hair pulled at with tweezers? Luckily his hair is too short for Carleigh to get a good grasp.

Next week, Carleigh and Cody are going to get scissor practice, but will be highly supervised by Mommy. They need this practice before school starts in September, however, I have been dreading it due to Carleigh's strange fascination with hair cutting!

Tricycle

Carleigh has mastered the tri-cycle. She loves to ride on Cody's tri-cycle and that means we need to a) get her one or b) buy her a small bike with training wheels. We are leaning toward option *b.*

This is what we did late this morning!

This and That

We started on the potty train again with Carleigh. It started on the wrong foot because I introduced her panties and she ran away and said "I don't want it!" After putting them on her, she refused to wear shorts. I am ok with that as long as we are inside the house. She was shivering and scared on the potty. Yikes! Hopefully it will go better as the day goes along!

I have my laundry room organized for the most part. I just need to do a few more things this evening and that room will finally be organized and clean. Most of my house is all organized and clutter free! It's such a good feeling! I want the house to be organized and clean before heading back to school in mid-August.

Lately, when I am singing a song, Cody chimes in on the last few words. He has been putting THREE words together these days! He can say "More cookie or insert food please!" "Thank you, your welcome" "how ya doing? (Reminds me of "Joey" from "Friends!" He can also echo back what you say like I was talking about the ocean to which he said "ocean!" I think his speech therapist at school will be blown away in September!

Carleigh is very curious/fearful of noises. She says in a cute little whisper "What's that?" "What's that noise?" Sometimes, I think she "fakes" being scared for attention purposes. She is definitely a drama girl!!!

Movie Night

We started a new tradition for our family last night which we dubbed "Movie Night Fridays!" Our goal is to have a movie night at least twice a month although we hope to do it every Friday night with drinks and popcorn. Carleigh LOVED it! Cody also sat down and watched the movie. We watched "The Wiggles Magical Adventure" which is a full-length movie. Toward the end, they got restless, but that's ok for a 3 and 4 year old! Everyone had a fun time!

If I were a car, I would be...

I'm a Ford Mustang!

You're an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. You're not snobby or pretentious, but you have what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Cody's Haircut

Doesn't he look like a different little boy? I also think it makes him look older! Also, I told him to come to the spot where I took the picture and smile. I was floored that he actually listened and followed my directions! And he was looking at me....I guess I am just so proud of him because I can hardly ever get a good shot of him!!

Day 1 - Sunday

We began our trip after church on Sunday. We had to stop at a pharmacy to pick up some medicine for Carleigh's mosquito bites (we think she might be allergic to them) and then we journeyed to Matt's sister's house to pick up a few who were riding with us. Jesse, Raygan, and Devon rode down with us and Riley, Devon and Raygan rode in our van on the trip home. We arrived at our hotel around 5pm. We checked in, ate dinner and then went swimming. We were all excited for our mini-vacation. Cody slept well and we didn't have to do much to get him to fall asleep. Carleigh fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow!

Swimming

Everyone had a fun time swimming in the pool at our hotel. It had a nice shallow end where they could reach the bottom (it was 2.5 feet deep there) and it went to 7.5 feet deep. They swam and swam and Cody did not want to get out!

Playground and Golf

Our hotel had a little playground and 3-hole mini golf. Carleigh loved the golf whereas Cody enjoyed the playground.

River walk

Matt, Dennis (Matt's dad), Cody, Carleigh and I took a scenic walk along the river. Thr trail began behind our hotel and went for 3 miles. Luckily for us we started at the almost midway point and walked to the beginning and ended at our hotel. We walked for a mile and that was enough for everyone! Carleigh was making silly faces after we rested from our walk.

Day 2 - Monday

Day 2 of our trip started out on the wrong foot! It was pouring when we left our hotel for day 1 of Holiday World. When we got there, the rain started coming down harder. It was nice to have free ponchos that the park provided but it was not fun waiting over 3 hours for the rain to stop so that we could ride and have fun. We started riding rides despite the rain. On one pic, you can see Carleigh wearing her rain poncho. Cody refused to wear his and was soaked. Luckily the rain finally stopped and I had extra dry clothes for the kids to change into. We stayed until after 8pm and the kids had a blast after it finally stopped raining! We crashed in the hotel room for the remainder of the evening. My footsies were killing me from all that walking!

4th of July section

Cody and Carleigh enjoyed the canoeing ride as well as the Salmon run ride as the rain was slowing down.

Cody and Carleigh enjoyed all the rides. Raygan, Devon, myself and Ryan enjoyed the Reindeer games where we flew up and down like we were reindeers!