4 going on 14

The kids and I went to breakfast with my mom and then off for shoe shopping. Kohl's did not have their sizes which was frustrating because I had a wonderful coupon for big savings. Grrr! Off to the next shoe place and they did have the right sized but with a hefty price. They were having a buy one, get one half price which helped. Cody got the Sketchers with headlights and they are race car shoes. Really cool!

While looking for light-up shoes for Carleigh, she finds silver flip flops with heels. She puts them on and walks around the store. I couldn't find the light-up shoes in her size, but I found the cracker jack style which was really cute and at a decent price. Her shoes became half-off and I got them for less than $20! When I told her that we were not getting flip flops, she threw a fit of course.

We walk up to the checkout and while I am paying for them, she goes BACK to where they were and also picks up another pair and brings them to me. After paying, we walk back and put them back. She cries again and I saw the price tag which was $20 and that was on CLEARANCE! No way would I buy flip flops for $20!! I don't even buy sandals for myself for that price!! *sigh*

Methinks I have a teenager on my hands too early!!

Today

These are a few shots of what we have been doing today. Carleigh has been coloring and Cody of course has to watch his favorite show (much to my dismay). It's sunny right now and we may go outside before the rain comes later....We might have to have a picnic on our porch. If you have been to my home, you know about our screen porch. It is wonderful because it is screened (no bugs, yay!), is carpeted and is long and big enough for the kids to play outside. We are supposed to be getting fencing that will gate in our side and back yard and we cannot wait! The kids love the outdoors, but often, it is just too dangerous to be outside with the semi trucks that go down our street. Hopefully the fence will be up before the end of the summer so we can enjoy our yard!

Staying Productive

Today, the kids had OT/PT and on the way back, we were in a near accident when some driver decided to come into my lane without looking. Luckily the Lord was watching over us and I swerved and slammed on my breaks. My heart was absolutely racing! There was a car behind me and cars behind the other driver as well, it couldn't been a lot worse.

Matt had to work an extra hour late (of course I get the news AFTER I put the kids in their car seats!). After I picked him up, we grabbed dinner and we went to my school. Matt and the kids played on the playground for a bit and I worked in my classroom. The kids LOVE my school playground as it has two different playgrounds (one made exclusively for our preschoolers) and it is off of the beaten path with no other kids around. We decided to make it a Tuesday evening thing. Matt and the kids will go with me and I won't feel so lonely in the school by myself. Monday is my GAP (Get Acquainted Party) for my grade level. It is a pool party at a family's home. So I will get to officially meet some of the kids in my class there as well as talk to parents whom I have had some of their siblings in the past.

Wow! I have only 2 weeks of summer left! It goes by faster each year!

Working in my classroom

This evening, I started the Back to School work in my classroom. Before I checkout for the summer, I have to batten down the hatches due to a summer day camp using my classroom for one week in June. (Things can get stolen and damaged and has happened in the past!)

Because of this, I literally have to put my classroom back together again in late July, early August each year. Tonight was the first night and I am actually starting later than I usually do. From here on out, I will work in my classroom 2-3 evenings a week when Matt is home and I am child-free. I was looking forward to working in my classroom after the two stress-filled days I have had! Going to work actually would be more pleasant that what I was dealing with.

I cleaned out and organized 2 out of 4 of my desk drawers which were a total disaster! Now I need to clean and organize the bottom drawers and I will feel better!! I also got out my "Back to School" decorations and other things as well.

The only bad thing is that I am by myself and it can get really "creepy!" I always park the van near the side entrance and dart out to the van! I plan on going tomorrow night and Matt may go with me and let the kids play on the playground. He can also help me haul out some trash to the dumpster, plus I will feel a little safer.

Cody had a pediatrician appointment today and things are going well with his meds. He had to get 2 shots which didn't make him happy. Poor guy! The first shot took him by surprise and he didn't even flinch. The second shot made him angry and he clapped his hands and started to cry. From that moment on, he wanted out of that place and went to the door demanding to leave!! Cody definitely knows what he wants!!

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

I absolutely love this song! Whenever I need to hear this song, it just appears on KLOVE. I have struggled with various issues and am trying very hard to overcome them with the help of the Lord, diving into His Word, and love of music.

Lyrics | Chris Tomlin lyrics - I Will Rise lyrics

Chris Tomlin - I Will Rise lyrics | LyricsMode.com

Another Trip to a Park

Today, I decided that a trip to a park was a must! Two gloomy days of rain and just blah made us all a little crazy, so we spent most of the day out of the house! We visited a "new" to us park near my old elementary school that I attended Kindergarten - 5th grade. It brought back a gazillion memories (like when I observed there last November!).

Cody and Carleigh enjoyed having my niece Brittany (their ONLY cousin on my side of the family) with them.

It was such a beautiful day!

Having fun with Brittany

Cody and Carleigh LOVED having Brittany with them at the park. In fact, they fought and cried over who would get to hold her hand, have her help them out, and you just name it, and they wanted Brittany to be there for them.

Sibling Love

Rainy Day Antics

Yesterday, it rained the ENTIRE day! Ugh! We all were growing very bored so, what does a mommy do? I got out the nail polish and did manicures and pedicures! Of course Cody mostly watched, but he wanted his toe nails painted. So I painted his big toes only!! LOL! Luckily it is light colored polish with just a little bit of glitter!

Carleigh of course loves glam and also enjoys wearing dresses and skirts. The only thing she doesn't like is having her hair fixed, but alas, that is not an option. I am debating on getting her hair cut, but can't make a decision yet.

Yesterday we were talking about the upcoming school year. I was telling them that Cody would be going to Kindergarten in the main building and Carleigh would be in Cody's old preschool room with his teacher Miss Ellie. Well, later on in the day, Carleigh said " I want to go and see my Allie." Allie? At first I thought she said "ouie" like a boo-boo. Then she said "I want to ride the bus and go see my Allie." Oh! Allie = Ellie! She is sooooo ready to go back to school. Even Cody cranes his neck and shouts when we are out and he sees a school bus!

Today is very gloomy, so Carleigh and I are working on writing her name and making strokes and then Cody and I will work on writing as well.

A trip to the Dentist

I am embarrassed to admit that Cody and Carleigh haven't visited the dentist before today, but there is quite a story behind it all. Well, most dentists do not take the kids' insurance AND/OR does not take new patients. I was in tears this summer trying to find a place (that was not extremely too far) that would take them. I finally found a place in Mason, actually Children's Hospital branch at Mason was accepting new patients and got us in the next day!

I decided it would be in my best interest to take my mom to help me manage aka corral the two. It was the best thing since I had a lot of paperwork to fill out. Cody instantly found the wire beads and spinning toys. This kept him quite busy until they called us back. Cody then became angry that he had to leave the toys, thus throwing himself into a bad mood.

Well, since it was his first visit and he was not cooperative at first, the dentist just looked at his teeth and did not clean them. The dentist said he has VERY healthy teeth and to keep up the good work with brushing!

My mom was with Carleigh and she didn't want to get in the chair at first, then the hygienist (spelling?) talked to her calmly and up she went. She let her clean her teeth and did a great job! My mom then took Cody out and I stayed with Carleigh while they gave her a fluoride treatment and the dentist came in and looked over her teeth. No cavities!! Yay! She did such a great job! They do not have to come back for another 6 months. Yay! Whew! So glad that it is over!!

Now, no more appointments until next Monday! Yay!!

All About Carleigh

What can I say about Carleigh? Well, she is truly one-of-a-kind girl. She loves to help out! She helps her teachers, her daddy and me. She has the cutest smile and the best hair ever.

She is VERY strong-wiled and stubborn. It is Carleigh's way or the highway (or so SHE thinks)! She has become quite the talker. In fact, she rode home with my sister from a restaurant recently and Connie said that she talked NON-STOP! When they arrived back on the street, she said to Connie "Oh, we're back home again."

She is really creative and has become fascinated with cameras and taking pictures. She found an old disposable camera and now goes around taking our pictures. She also loves to go to parks. She would go right now if I would let her! LOL! She loves to swim although we haven't much opportunity this summer due to the weird cool weather.

She can be very loving and very mean at times (just to her big brother). She tries to look out of for "her Cody" most of the time.

Carleigh has really come out of her shell thanks to preschool. She is quite going, sometimes a bit TOO outgoing, but it makes her personality.

She LOVES school and cannot wait to go back soon. Her favorite shows are "SpongeBob," "Dora," "Wipeout," and "Jack's Music Show." She is into princesses now and her new backpack has princesses on them. She is doing REALLY well with potty training and is officially trained! She has made AMAZING progress in all areas and I am so proud of my daughter!

Ft. Liberty Playland

Yesterday, we decided to take the kids to a wonderful wooden fort-like playground. I have been there often for school events plus Cody and Carleigh enjoyed coming last year with friends.

It is amazing how unseasonably cool the weather has been for July! The high was 70 yesterday, and most everyone were wearing jackets (except me because I am hot-blooded!). Who would think we would have THIS weather in the middle of July?!!

Cody and Carleigh thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sandbox, exploring the fort, playing on the swinging and hanging around their cousins.

We had quite a full day with fun at the park, lunch with Matt's family, I went shopping with my sister, dinner at Friday's with my family and then more shopping after dinner.

My dad bought Carleigh the original Candyland game and we had fun playing it for the first time last night. Of course I let Carleigh win! Since she likes this game so well, I plan on buying more preschool games so that we can have Game Night once a month or so. I love this new stage Carleigh is going into!

Playing in the sandbox

Carleigh really enjoyed playing in the sandbox. Castles and other creations were built!

Enjoying the slides

Having fun at lunch!

Carleigh had fun playing with Raygan.

Go Bananas

Today, we went with some of my friends and 13 kiddos to Go Bananas which is an indoor inflatable place for kids. Cody and Carleigh had a BLAST! I realized that I didn't have my camera after I got there. (It was a crazy morning and I had to go back and get my backpack after going to the bank.)

Carleigh could climb up most of the inflatables like nobody's business and every time she would get better.

Cody has almost NO upper body strength. I decided to go up the BIG slide pushing him up and we slid down together. He LOVED it! So, I encouraged him to go by himself (I was starting to not feel good, dizzy, and too out of shape) and although it took him a long time, HE MADE IT!!! I was so proud to see him up at the top and the little grin on his face as he slid down the big slide! It made my momma heart sooooo happy!

I definitely will have to take them again, although I really need another adult to be with me because they run to opposite parts of the place and I cannot keep an eye on both!!

Both are now blissfully taking a nap from a fun morning!

All About Cody

This post is devoted to my sweet, extra-loving little boy. (The photos above were given to us at the end of the year by his preschool teacher. Enjoy!)

Cody is my little angel. I call him angel all the time because most of the time, he is sweet, loving and well innocent! When you meet Cody face-to-face, you will first notice his amazing smile and then you will get the biggest hug and lots of kisses you will ever have in your life! Seriously, he is THE love bug!

Just this morning, he was watching his favorite show on tv, standing next to his little sister and hugging her WHILE watching tv. One of these days I will capture it on film! He usually runs up to her and says "Hi, CARL -LEIGH!" The way he says his sister's name is just too cute. He loves to hug and kiss her to no avail. That is just the way my little guy is.

His favorite show of all time is "SpongeBob" (much to my dismay). If he is upset, all I need to do it turn it on one of our numerous Nick channels or pop in a dvd and viola...we have a happy boy again! He also loves to watch "Yo Gabba Gabba" and "Dora and Diego." You will not find him more than 15 feet away from his beloved piano...the only toy he TRULY loves. He LOVES LOVES LOVES to take rides on 4 wheelers or dune buggies and you literally have to pull him off of it.

He loves to chime in with songs or phrases from his favorite shows. The cutest thing he does is that he will hold his hands up in the air and asks "Where did _______ go?" and his cute little face looks perplexed.

He understands more than you think and he will just amaze me when I ask him about something and he knows EXACTLY what I mean.

We are at the beginning levels of potty training (now that Carleigh has it mastered) and boy we hope this isn't painful. I think he really wants to wear big boy briefs and would love to get this mastered before Kindergarten begins in August.

I just KNOW that God has such a special plan for this special boy. He has such a tender spirit and everyone who comes into contact with him gets wrapped into his charm. (I wish I had that charisma!)

I think my mommy's heart bursts every time he says "Hi Mummy!" (no we're not British) and then hugs/kisses me.

I know I have been BLESSED to haven been chosen to be his mommy.

Van Troubles

Sunday afternoon, Matt noticed that we had a dead battery. So my brother in law came and gave it a jump and we had no further troubles with the battery. Fast forward to this morning. We take Matt to work and then head to the hospital for OT (occupational therapy). When we get out to the van and I try to start it, the battery did it AGAIN! Argh! I HATE it when this stuff happens. So I think we will be needing a new battery.

Thanks to a great father-in-law who came and jumped our battery, we were rescued and came home. Of course I was going to run to the store, but that will wait until this evening when Matt is home and we get this battery situation taken care of. And wouldn't you know it that my mechanic aka my dad is out of town on vacation this week! It figures!!

In about a month....

In about a month....Cody will be gearing up for Kindergarten.

In about a month....I will begin a new school year with a new class of second graders.

In about a month....Carleigh will begin her last year of preschool with a new/old teacher that Cody had last year.

In about a month....long hours and stress will begin again.

In about a month....our lazy summer days will be over.



When I saw Walmart had their school stuff out, I gave a big sigh and then resolved to the fact that my summer is half-way over. I love my job and know that the Lord called me to teach. I love the anticipation of a new class with new possibilities and shiny faces, however, I love the non structured, lazy summer days.

This week, I need to get my "teacher" mind on and get some work finished like getting my ACSI certification renewed with lots of paperwork , plus order a few things that I will need for my classroom and let's not forget SCHOOL SHOPPING for 3 people: Cody, Carleigh and I! Cody and Carleigh need new shoes (Can you believe Carleigh wore ONE pair of sneakers ALL YEAR without damaging them?), school supplies, some clothes, and I need some teacher clothes.

Home Sweet HOME!

This morning I could have hugged the nurse when she came in and said we could go home! Yay! Of course, then I had to figure out HOW we would get home since Matt had the van and we were not expecting to go home this morning. Mom made a few calls and my sister's mother-in-law aka our landlord offered to come and get us. My mom, Brenda, and Carleigh made the trip down.

Cody did not like the electrodes coming off and had his hair washed with alcohol..think nail polish remover. He cried and cried, but when he discovered he was free from the electrodes, annoying backpack, and "his leash", his attitude changed dramatically. (I really think he was depressed this morning because he wouldn't get out of his bed this morning.)

When we arrived home, he RAN into the house in search of his treasured piano and once he found it, he rejoiced and kissed it! LOL!

We are ALL glad to be HOME and this momma isn't going anywhere for the rest of the summer. Back to reality of appointments plus getting ready for the upcoming new school year.

A Very Boring Day Two

Day two started early for me but Cody didn't wake up until 8am and that was when the nurses starting coming round and checking out his vitals. I caught the first episode and pushed the button and a nurse was in this room in 2 seconds! I haven't heard anything if it was normal or not.

The day was VERY boring! We didn't have any special visitors like dogs or anything. Then, my mom, sister, Brittany and Brenda came up and visited in the evening. It gave me a moment of getting out of the hospital room, visiting the cafeteria and talking with adults. It was what I REALLY needed. I was bored out of my mind on Day 2!

This morning, I caught another episode and we are waiting to see the neurologist and see when we can leave. I hope we can leave tonight. I need a good night's sleep! Carleigh has been missing me big time and she will be coming up with Matt this evening.

Cody has been very quiet and subdued. Not sure if a little depression is setting in or his spirit is down because he cannot leave this confined space. I told him that we on our last day and hopefully he understands that. He kisses every nurse or aide that comes into the room. He is such a love bug!

Hopefully my next post will be filled with good news!

The First Day

Cody was VERY confused, but it was really hard for him to understand why he was in the hospital. By the time that Memaw and Papaw Schmidt arrived, he was back in a normal groove.

I must say that I have so much compassion for parents who have children in the hospital for conditions like cancer or who are critically ill. I do not know how they do it day after day. They will (from now on) be in my prayers!