I have the pleasure of having one of my nephews, Carson, over to spend the night with Jenna tonight. I have now given the 15th warning of 'go to bed' and I don't think it is going to work, either.
Jeremy has been on the mission trip since Saturday, and boy do we all miss him. Jenna asks each morning, "Is Daddy coming home today?" She was quite glad to hear that tomorrow is the day this morning.
Jenna did an excellent job as flower girl in Cynthia's wedding. The wedding was beautiful. Jen very dutifully spread 3 to 4 petals every 4 steps. It was very methodical. She squirmed until Nana saved us with a LifeSaver (how appropriate), and then recessed out with the ring bearer with perfection. The cutest was the reception where she danced with the ring bearer. It made all the other dancing stop as everyone stopped to take pictures and video the cute little duo. He even spun her and tried to dip her, but she wasn't going for a dip.
Hudson had the pleasure of staying with Nana and Pawpaw White while we were doing the wedding. He still smiles and tells me about the "big cow" complete with arms spread apart to indicate big.
Yesterday I took the kids to Mom and Dad's to spend the night so she could keep them while I worked today. They were so ready to go! So, I had a restful, relaxing evening on my hands until 9:30 when my neighbor called. She suspected she had a dead chihuahua in her closet, and I assured her I would come to check. She was gone, alright. So, I stayed to let her break the news to the teenage girls, and then returned to help dig the burial plot. It was odd, but emotionless.
Well, it is time for warning #16, which will result in the end of Sleeping Beauty and the removal of flashlights. I'm glad they're having so much fun.
6.21.2006
6.15.2006
Squirrels Beware!
I took the kids to the park yesterday for our outing, and rather than play on a single piece of park equipment, they chased squirrels. I think the game was mutual, and the squirrels had a good time too. Jenna was the pointer; she would yell, "Squirrel!" and off they would run. They actually got close a couple of times, which made me nervous since I've seen what one of those cute little critters did to Gig'em when she caught one.
We have busied ourselves with too much fun. I experienced finger painting with Hudson for the first time - he was a mosaic of color and quite proud of himself. Jenna loves photography, with my digital camera, so it stays put up very high out of reach. Hudson continues to prove himself to be technology saavy (he dipped Jer's cell phone in a glass of water today). Hopefully quick action by me (pulling the battery off and slinging the water out) will save it. Otherwise, our bill for replacing church electronics will continue to mount (we'll add this to the cost of replacing the screen to the laptop after he dropped it).
Well, we haven't gone swimming yet today, and we're off to the resort next door. After all, we can't go a whole day without a swim!
6.11.2006
Too much fun!
I just can't express how much fun this summer is proving to be.
Friday, at the conclusion of my 1 hour run (yes, 1 hour) I saw a garage sale just a road over from us with a lot of very girlie looking items, so I thought it would be fun to do something different and let Jenna shop all on her own (she has very good taste, so turning her loose in any store is scary). She had a ball, and we came home with a small box of 'stuff' for her money. One of her prize items was a pair of skates that strap on to tennis shoes. We had to take them on a trek down the road to her friend Marley's house. It was a long short block. She did finally get the concept of scooting her feet and not just relying on Mom and Dad to drag her or try to walk. Well, upon time to return home, she wanted to skate back, and we weren't into that. She stood, arms crossed, lips pouted, refusing to come with us, so we told her "Bye" and started walking. Hudson was right with us, jabbering and laughing and playing until he noticed Jenna wasn't with us. He turned, saw her, and ran to her. Half way he crossed his arms and pouted his lips and went and stood beside her. It was so cute I started laughing, and then Jeremy did. Our two kids were standing firm, arms crossed, lips pouted, and the little one didn't even know what he was fighting for!
Hudson decided tonight on our night swim that he wanted to swim without floaties. Jenna is doing great on her swimming, so I guess he's up for the challenge. So, we took them off and he delightedly jumped off the step - and he sunk. We brought him up, cheered, and he decided he liked it. So, he did it again, and again, and again. He won't kick, won't move his arms, just jumps and glides until he sinks and we bring him up. He never choked, so he's figured out how to hold his breath. It scares me to death, but with 4 adults in the pool each calling children, it has minimal risk. Still, soon mommy was demanding all floaties back on!
Church is still going well. I think we had around 300 today, and several people joined at new member's class today. Jacki joined, she feels called to get our single's ministry up and going. It is amazing to see people find a need and fill it - we don't have to do everything any more. Actually, there is so much going on, we can't even participate in everything! Rock on!
Friday, at the conclusion of my 1 hour run (yes, 1 hour) I saw a garage sale just a road over from us with a lot of very girlie looking items, so I thought it would be fun to do something different and let Jenna shop all on her own (she has very good taste, so turning her loose in any store is scary). She had a ball, and we came home with a small box of 'stuff' for her money. One of her prize items was a pair of skates that strap on to tennis shoes. We had to take them on a trek down the road to her friend Marley's house. It was a long short block. She did finally get the concept of scooting her feet and not just relying on Mom and Dad to drag her or try to walk. Well, upon time to return home, she wanted to skate back, and we weren't into that. She stood, arms crossed, lips pouted, refusing to come with us, so we told her "Bye" and started walking. Hudson was right with us, jabbering and laughing and playing until he noticed Jenna wasn't with us. He turned, saw her, and ran to her. Half way he crossed his arms and pouted his lips and went and stood beside her. It was so cute I started laughing, and then Jeremy did. Our two kids were standing firm, arms crossed, lips pouted, and the little one didn't even know what he was fighting for!
Hudson decided tonight on our night swim that he wanted to swim without floaties. Jenna is doing great on her swimming, so I guess he's up for the challenge. So, we took them off and he delightedly jumped off the step - and he sunk. We brought him up, cheered, and he decided he liked it. So, he did it again, and again, and again. He won't kick, won't move his arms, just jumps and glides until he sinks and we bring him up. He never choked, so he's figured out how to hold his breath. It scares me to death, but with 4 adults in the pool each calling children, it has minimal risk. Still, soon mommy was demanding all floaties back on!
Church is still going well. I think we had around 300 today, and several people joined at new member's class today. Jacki joined, she feels called to get our single's ministry up and going. It is amazing to see people find a need and fill it - we don't have to do everything any more. Actually, there is so much going on, we can't even participate in everything! Rock on!
6.07.2006
Lovin' Summer
I am lovin' summer. Perhaps that means I'll actually start blogging again. Sorry to those of you who do try to keep up with the family through this. I promise to do better, at least until August 15, and then I'll need a way to relieve my agnst - just kidding.
Well, in the three days of summer we have enjoyed, we have gone swimming 5 times (no lie), crafted 6 different craft projects (we're talking glue, scissors, paint, you name it), and left 4, yes, 4, loads of laundry in the floor to be folded. I might have to fold them tomorrow since we're having company for supper. I don't know who's having more fun, me or the kids.
Monday I barricaded the end of the driveway with the car so that I could pull weeds in the front flowerbeds with my helpers. My helpers are easy distracted, so I gave them chalk, bubble guns, and cheerios. Hudson had never chalked before, and I negelected the necessary information for my appointment with the crab grass that is taking over, and he was quite proud of his lime green chalk on Daddy's maroon truck. Good thing chalk just washes right off. He wasn't too impressed with the chalk, but Jenna has re-discovered her love, and now she can actually make letters. So, for those of you who used to be amazed at the chalk outlines of little bodies all up and down our sidewalk in Garland, there are no more homicidal outlines, now we have a barrage of letters - some spelling words, others just beautiful creations. Hudson prefers to 'ride' on the motorcycle or play in the car (keys out, windows down, emergency brake on) or scoot around on his 'motorcycle/tricycle.'
H is a talking machine. He can say anything he wants to. Of course he still prefers fits and screaming, but we're getting there. He is cute as everything and irresistible to all. This is beginning to get to big sister now. Jenna is amazing, absolutely amazing. There is nothing she can't do.
Jeremy is wonderful - still managing to figure out problems before they happen, planning, and having fun. We spent a couple of days dirt biking (me four-wheeling) in Gainsville with church friends two weekends ago (and I still have the bruises and poison ivy to prove all the fun). We arrived at the 'bunkhouse' and I saw a variety of dirt bikes and four wheelers - seriously, there were about 10 dirt bikes and 4 four wheelers. These people were serious - there were trails everywhere, some with names like 'dead man's drop' that looked appropriately named. I was only thrown off/jumped one time, which I considered a success considering I had never ridden an ATV, and Jeremy came home with no broken bones. One guy went home with a dislocated shoulder, but that was the worst. The funny thing is these hosts were twice our age and they were the wildest riders! I knew it would be a long trip when, at midnight, David, the host husband said, "Okay, is everyone comfortable? Good, open the windows, we can't run the generator all night." Are you kidding me? He wasn't. It was fun. Some of our roommates were funny guys and we laughed for a while before drifting off.
I am adjusting to summer life (and loving it) and already beginning to think about next year. I'll teach Jrs., AP Jrs., and Srs. next year. I love British literature (Srs.) but not the attitude that seems to accompany Seniors. It will be fun because I had some good kids this year! I am seeing a lot of favoritism, cynicism, and negativity, so that is bothering me. I guess part of it is that I have always been one of the favorites and on the 'inside' but managed to incorporate everyone and not make anyone feel left out while that is not the case here. There are many deliberate, hurtful actions and words that I'm praying for wisdom on how to react. That could be your prayer for me...
Well, in the three days of summer we have enjoyed, we have gone swimming 5 times (no lie), crafted 6 different craft projects (we're talking glue, scissors, paint, you name it), and left 4, yes, 4, loads of laundry in the floor to be folded. I might have to fold them tomorrow since we're having company for supper. I don't know who's having more fun, me or the kids.
Monday I barricaded the end of the driveway with the car so that I could pull weeds in the front flowerbeds with my helpers. My helpers are easy distracted, so I gave them chalk, bubble guns, and cheerios. Hudson had never chalked before, and I negelected the necessary information for my appointment with the crab grass that is taking over, and he was quite proud of his lime green chalk on Daddy's maroon truck. Good thing chalk just washes right off. He wasn't too impressed with the chalk, but Jenna has re-discovered her love, and now she can actually make letters. So, for those of you who used to be amazed at the chalk outlines of little bodies all up and down our sidewalk in Garland, there are no more homicidal outlines, now we have a barrage of letters - some spelling words, others just beautiful creations. Hudson prefers to 'ride' on the motorcycle or play in the car (keys out, windows down, emergency brake on) or scoot around on his 'motorcycle/tricycle.'
H is a talking machine. He can say anything he wants to. Of course he still prefers fits and screaming, but we're getting there. He is cute as everything and irresistible to all. This is beginning to get to big sister now. Jenna is amazing, absolutely amazing. There is nothing she can't do.
Jeremy is wonderful - still managing to figure out problems before they happen, planning, and having fun. We spent a couple of days dirt biking (me four-wheeling) in Gainsville with church friends two weekends ago (and I still have the bruises and poison ivy to prove all the fun). We arrived at the 'bunkhouse' and I saw a variety of dirt bikes and four wheelers - seriously, there were about 10 dirt bikes and 4 four wheelers. These people were serious - there were trails everywhere, some with names like 'dead man's drop' that looked appropriately named. I was only thrown off/jumped one time, which I considered a success considering I had never ridden an ATV, and Jeremy came home with no broken bones. One guy went home with a dislocated shoulder, but that was the worst. The funny thing is these hosts were twice our age and they were the wildest riders! I knew it would be a long trip when, at midnight, David, the host husband said, "Okay, is everyone comfortable? Good, open the windows, we can't run the generator all night." Are you kidding me? He wasn't. It was fun. Some of our roommates were funny guys and we laughed for a while before drifting off.
I am adjusting to summer life (and loving it) and already beginning to think about next year. I'll teach Jrs., AP Jrs., and Srs. next year. I love British literature (Srs.) but not the attitude that seems to accompany Seniors. It will be fun because I had some good kids this year! I am seeing a lot of favoritism, cynicism, and negativity, so that is bothering me. I guess part of it is that I have always been one of the favorites and on the 'inside' but managed to incorporate everyone and not make anyone feel left out while that is not the case here. There are many deliberate, hurtful actions and words that I'm praying for wisdom on how to react. That could be your prayer for me...
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