Notes from School

It has been a quiet first 6 weeks of school. We really didn't hear a PEEP out of anyone from the kids' school except for the school nurse (not going to comment on HER). So when I got a phone call AND a note on the SAME day, I was a bit frustrated and annoyed.

On a lighter side, their teacher mentioned that Cinderella has been bringing extra money for a snack and was checking with us if that is what the extra money is for. Ummmmm WHAT?!! She has been sneaking into our coin jar and taking money to get a fruit roll-up or who knows what?!! So, we busted her and she replies "Oh, I'll get popcorn instead." She totally missed the fact that she was taking money that was not hers and sneaking it to school. Oh boy! Why do I have a bad feeling that this is just the BEGINNING of it all?!!!

Wordless Wednesday

A sneak peek at...

Mr. C's new "music" themed bedroom! This is a work-in-progress! We are slowly finding and hunting for musical decor. My sister found these beauties on her race trip for a few weeks ago (please excuse the glare from the flash) in western Indiana. I plan on looking for something unique at Canal Days as well. I have my eyes on several cute bedding styles, but the price gave me sticker shock! I have never been a true decorator, but I am enjoying this! We finally decided on a big boy theme that can last him through the teenage years and (possibly) beyond!! And for family members who need Christmas ideas, I have quite a few ideas for Mr. C...just ask! It's amazing that I actually have ideas since this boy does not play with typical "boy" toys like action figures or video games.

If you know of any home decor sites that have music themes, please let me know!!

Love Bug & Encouragement

Mr. C has been adding a few phrases to his language skills and everyone is enjoying it. He can now be seen putting his arm around you and getting close to say " I love you -----" It's amazing and super sweet! He knows EXACTLY when I need to hear it. Of course not EVERYONE is thrilled as Cinderella pushed him away after he told her. Gotta love siblings!!

At church yesterday, I was having a quite a morning dealing with difficult kid behavior. While waiting for the service to begin, my Pastor came over and gave me a bit of encouragement that I have no doubt was inspired by God. It's great when the Lord speaks to you and calms your frazzled spirit!!

Talking Birthday Cards & Odds and Ends

Two of my students gave me birthday cards where two little characters are saying "Happy Birthday" and have a dialogue of sorts. Well, my own kids LOVE them! It is keeping them entertained all afternoon! Of course hearing them open and close them constantly is a bit annoying but at least they are getting used!!

My class surprised me on Monday morning by singing "Happy Birthday" and gave me quite a nice birthday with lots of gift cards and gifts! Wow! I was very surprised and appreciative of everything. I am sooooo looking forward to doing a little shopping and eating this weekend!

If you follow me on Facebook, you might have seen my status update about Mr. C and his piano conversations. Again today, he told the bus driver that he can't wait to get home to his piano. Well, he was eagerly waiting me to open our side door. Upon reaching his beloved piano, he AGAIN hugs and kisses it and says "Oh how I love you!" Oh my boy is such a piano lover!! I can't wait to finish his musical bedroom!! Some of it will be Christmas and birthday gifts with a few things thrown in when I can afford it. I love decorating!! It's so much fun!

Awana is going great and of course with the late evening, all we have time for is dinner, Awana, baths and bedtime. The games are fun and exhausting! Carleigh fell asleep 5 minutes after getting out of the bathtub and into her pajamas. N*I*C*E!!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Everyone needs a Hug!

Conversations with Cinderella

On Sunday, my sweet Cinderella and I were sitting on the couch just snuggling when she was looking at my wedding ring. She asked me how I got it. I told her that her daddy gave it to me when we got married. Cinderella then responds by saying "I want to get married Mommy!"

Lately, I have been noticing how mature her conversations are getting and how very "typical" her attitudes toward her brother are getting. Apparently Mr. C made her mad and she yelled and said "Mr. C.....you are NOT my friend anymore!" And then she proceeds to stomp her little foot! (It is very hard not to laugh when I see this!)

Mr. C was ignoring her bossy request and was busy playing with his piano (surprise, surprise) and she came over to me and says "Mommy, put that piano away!" (We do this when Mr. C gets upset with the piano.)

Boy, I have a sneaking suspicion that this is just the BEGINNING of it all.....

Pony in the yard

I looked out my window this evening and saw two ponies in my next door neighbor's front yard. You just NEVER know what you will see on our quiet street! Of course this isn't the first time we have had horses on our street. Our neighbors have horses and his son (who is the new owners of the two ponies) have horses not too far from our lane. However, this was the first time that little ponies have been on the street.

I told the kiddos that there were little horses on the street and they made a bee-line for the front door. Cinderella yelled for one to come over and she brought one over to our yard. Mr. C had to hug him of course. There is no creature that stands a chance against the hug-meister!

The kids loved them and I fear that Cinderella will want one for a pet!!

Fall is Coming!

Fall is my favorite season! I love the falling leaves, the change of the season, the colors, smells and much, much more! It's the season of festivals, shopping, and pumpkin pie! This season will be no different for us. We plan on going to several corn mazes, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and lots of good food!

One event that I look forward to EVERY year is Canal Days at Metamora, IN. Metamora is a very old, quaint town established in the canal days and has a still working canal with a boat to take a small trip down. I have rode that canal boat many times (not a good time to do it during Canal Days though!) On Canal Days, there are HUNDREDS of vendors who sell anything you want: food, perfume, clothing, gadgets, purses, crafts, toys, etc. I like people watching and shopping. I have often seen dogs being strolled in custom-designed strollers and even more oddities while there. Pumpkin rolls, puppies, and other items can be found there usually as well. It's a tradition that my sister and I usually go together. Oh we cannot wait to go again this year!

What are your favorite fall traditions??

Sharing my birthday

I am often asked how I feel about sharing my birthday every year. I think it is really cool that I was born on my mom's birthday! I think it is pretty special. How many people can say that??

I have often entertained that one of my own children would be born on my birthday which could have happened if I did not miscarry in February. It's going to be a bittersweet day, but I am so thankful for all the blessings I do have and am trying not to focus on the heartbreak and loss. I don't often share my struggles on my blog because I want it to be a positive, uplifting place to share photos and our special times in my family's lives.

Sweet Serenade

Today was another long day with another doctor appointment. After a tiring day, I like to relax. While making dinner, I began to hear a keyboard playing and my sweet, charming little boy sings me the sweetest serenade....as he tapped the keyboard, he began to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." It was so cute and one of his "firsts." This just re-affirms that I really need to find a piano teacher for him. And of course his Christmas present this year will be the BOMB! Oh, I can't wait to see him open THAT present!!

And on to more bragging.....Mr. C was weighed at the doctor's office today and has gained THREE pounds! In less than 3 months, he has gained 3 lbs! My skinny boy is gaining weight and getting taller! He is 45 lbs and just 1/4 of an inch from being 48 inches. He has come a LONG way from the 4 lb 12 oz and 16 inches long premie!!

River Days 2011

Yesterday, we went to River Days which is starting to become a tradition. My brother-in-law's bluegrass band played and we decided to go for that as well as the rides, food, and let's not forget.....FIREWORKS! Codeman has quite an addiction to fireworks. He watches them on tv, but he really enjoys it when he can see them live. We were up the bank exactly across the river where they were setting them off and we got QUITE the show! They were absolutely breathtaking! Of course when the first one went off, Cody was sitting in my lap and leaped in the air with fright. Yes, they were THAT loud!! But that didn't stop my little guy.....no he just covered his ears and enjoyed it!! It was a really fun time!!

Dragon Coaster

WARNING

All photos that I post here of my children are the personal property of myself. I am getting the works to have them copyrighted with a stamp for "A Family Created By God." Do not download or print these photos for any personal use without the permission of me, Jennifer. Just an FYI, I have a tracker on this blog and have been noticing my children's photos have been downloaded by a viewer. Unless I give you permission, you do not have permission to download or print or use pics from this blog. Be forewarned!

Mystery Creatures

I don't know if it is age (getting almost middle aged.....eeeek!) or someone sneaked him in, but we have a Dr. Seuss character (not Cat in the Hat) but some crazy furry creature in our midst. Matt picked it up yesterday and said...."What is THIS?!!" I know that *I* would not have bought that creature, but it was bought at Kohls. We have so many stuffed animals so we never know when or HOW they arrive. No one could give me an answer as to how or who gave us the wildly furry creature. And if you are reading this and know how we came to have this furry friend as a part of our family, please leave a comment.

This is not the first time that I have found toys that I have no idea how they arrived in our house. And it's so easy to be overwhelmed by toys!!

Wordless Wednesday - Little Miss Braids

Recent Pics

I'm posting pics from our cookout at my niece's new house yesterday. The weather was cooler today and we stayed indoors due to the wind. It was a very yummy cookout and we were all sleepy and lethargic due to overeating!!

Happy Labor Day!

I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day! We are taking it easy, doing some house chores, and then having a cookout with my family to celebrate my niece's birthday. The best part is that the temps have cooled down and we will be able to enjoy the outdoors today!

It's Birthday Month!

It's September which means only ONE thing......BIRTHDAY MONTH! Today, it's my niece Brittany's 22nd birthday! On the 15th, my mom and I will be celebrating our birthdays. On the 20th my sister will be celebrating her birthday. Oh and my friend Shannon has a birthday a week after mine. My sister also has her anniversary on the 25th. December must be quite an interesting month! LOL!