Workin' hard...

Drew loves school soooo much, he asks for homework every night (boy, do I hope it stays like this!!). He comes to homework room with Extra Edition to my classroom after school some days. We had to talk about how when he needs me in there, he has to raise his hand because I might be working with another child. It only took him about one day to pick up on this! So...now at home when he does his daily homework (from workbooks that we've gotten from the Dollar Tree or Walmart), he raises his hand when he needs me or Craig. We think it is cute of course. He uses anything available for a desk, even though he has a Fisher Price desk in his room. After we got our new computer, he used the computer box for a desk! He does work very hard to do neat work, and is somewhat of a perfectionists I guess you could say. If he messes up, he doesn't even think about a way to fix it. He gets so upset with himself. We are working on this by reminding him that no one except God is perfect. I hope he always keeps his drive to be successful!!

Our sick little girl...

Last weekend (this actually began Saturday), Mikayla was not acting quite like herself. When she woke up from her nap, I noticed that she felt warm. I asked her what hurts and she said "my tongue". I asked her to stick it out thinking she might have that hand, foot, and mouth disease (very contagious infection that leaves lesions/sore spots on your child's hand, feet, and mouth) because Drew has picked that up before from daycare. Not seeing anything that looked abnormal in her mouth, I asked her to point where she hurt. She pointed to her neck, so I asked "your throat hurts?" and she said yes. So, I went ahead and gave her tylenol for the pain and because she felt warm. Then, Saturday afternoon, she played with Drew like she always does so we thought maybe she was not going to need to go to the doctor. Then, we knew that something was surely not right when she did not want to get in the tub Saturday night. She had curled up in the recliner with her thumb in her mouth (she is not even a thumb sucker!). When we asked if she wanted to get in the tub, she would cry and say "no". This is not like her because normally if we say anything about the tub, she begins undressing!! We did manage to talk her into getting into the tub, then it was off to bed (though she didn't sleep well at all). Sunday morning, we decided since Drew and Mikayla were still asleep and I wanted to hear our associate pastor's last sermon at our church (he has been called to become the pastor of another church here in town), that Craig would stay with them while I went to preaching (9am-10am). When I got home, Mikayla was still asleep. I checked her and she was still warm. Craig took her temperature while I called the doctor. Thankfully our doctor's office is open until 12 on Sundays, which is one of the reasons that we chose them as our children's pediatrician. Her temperature was 101 and they could see her at 11:10. So I get her ready, and she and I took a trip to the doctors while Craig and Drew stayed here playing in the backyard. The doctor checked, and sure enough, Mikayla had strep throat. She was trying to tell us!! The doctor said we could do a one-time shot, or she could take Amox. 2 times a day for 10 days. When she said that, Mikayla said Mooommmyy" in a crying voice, and that was all it took. So we have been on Amox. since then. The good news is Mikayla was soooo much better by Sunday night, and was back to her old self by Monday morning.

Our little readers...

Drew reads his book to his daddy and Mikayla!

Drew brought home a book today from his 4k preschool class. The title is What Is It?. This is a book that has 8 pages and uses a repetitive sentence throughout. Each sentence starts with This is a... and then it has a picture of the word. Drew can read this book by himself!! I read the title and first page (a technique that we use in my kindergarten class), and he picked right up on the repitition. Pretty good for a boy who just turned 4, even if I do say so myself! :) We are SO proud of him. Mikayla wanted to get in on the celebration (of course), so we let her "read" the book also! She is really good at "reading" the pictures, which is the first step in the reading process. We celebrated for her as well!

Run Drew, Run!!

Drew pushed Mikayla up this small hill in her little car. Then he pushed her down the hill, and ran in front of her! She laughed the whole time.

Can't talk now, mom, I've gotta go!

Playing

Drew pushes Mikayla in her little car. She just puts her feet up and rides. What a good big brother! That's what I call royal treatment.

The great outdoors...

Drew loves driving Mikayla in his jeep. Mikayla just sits back and rides, smiling the whole time! Here they are riding around daddy's building!
Drew and Mikayla swing on their swing set. Drew knows how to pump his legs (go Drew, go), and Mikayla watches, determined to learn!
Drew and Mikayla love playing outside. Since we had our backyard fenced in 2 years ago, we don't have to stay right behind them the whole time. Don't get me wrong, they are never outside unless we are out with them, but it's not like we have to worry about them running in the road! This afternoon as soon as we got home, we all went outside. I LOVE sitting on our new deck. In fact, I have new pictures of our deck to post, pictures that show our new patio furniture! Drew and Mikayla LOVE everything about being outside. They play in Drew's jeep, swing on their swingset, enjoy snacks at their picnic table, ride in the wagon, play in daddy's building, etc.

Bath Time!

Drew and Mikayla love getting in the bathtub! Anything that has to do with water...Mimi and Poppi's swimming pool, their little swimming pool, the bath tub, the sink, sprinklers...anything! They (especially Drew) prefer for me to put them in the tub instead of daddy because I let the water get deeper. Drew and Mikayla say they are swimming in the pool when I fill up the tub! Well tonight, Craig got them in. So...I grabbed the camera!

Playin' around

Tonight Aunt Jen Jen (my sister) came over to eat supper with us! Since Craig had the camera taking pictures of the deck, we decided that we would take a few more! Here we are just playin' around!

Jennie and my angels and me and my angels snuggle to take pictures! Drew really didn't want to take these pictures because he was watching Lion King II that his Nana sent him! So....Jennie and Mikayla took another one!

Mikayla loves wearing this wig! When we put it on her at Walmart, we had to get it! We added it to her dress-up closet. Doesn't she look cute?

Craig in his Halloween costume! LOL I told him that people were going to think those are his REAL teeth! LOL We thought this was too funny, I just had to post it!!

Bigger Deck at Last!

We have had a wood pile in our backyard for over a year waiting on my daddy and Craig to extend our deck. We had a deck already at our back door, but it was all one level and about 5ft. off the ground! We wanted a lower deck so that we could sit on it while we were out in the yard with our angels! There was nothing wrong with the deck we had so daddy and Craig decided that they would leave it and only add-on. They decided to add another large area, but to build this part closer to the ground like we wanted.

They started the deck extension on Labor Day, and have finally finished! Now, instead of one level (all high), we have two levels with a third level that is the connector between the two larger levels! It looks great! The reason the child gate is on the side is because we decided at the last minute to add another small area there for our outdoor trash cans. We wanted to keep Drew and Mikayla away from that part until it is finished. (The main, sitting area is completed!)
The next thing we would like to do is get an umbrella table with chairs to put on the lower level. Right now, we have chairs and Drew and Mikayla's picnic table on it. We enjoy sitting on the deck while watching Drew and Mikayla play (before, when the deck was so high, we would sit in chairs in the yard while they played)!

Drew and Mikayla love sitting at their picnic table on the deck as well. When we ask Drew who built the deck, he says "Poppi, Daddy, and me"! Mikayla says "I build it". Both of them did help a little. We are just glad that it's finally finished, and we can enjoy it for many years to come!

Smile Mikayla...

Mikayla was playing with the toys you see around her, and I wanted to take her picture. I wanted her to smile, but you can see that this is not a smile. This is the face she makes when she's annoyed! She grits her teeth (this kinda makes it look like a smile), and she raises her eyebrows. It is one of the funniest faces that she makes.

It's like she was thinking, mama I am trying to play!!

Halloween already!

We went to Walmart tonight so that Drew and Mikayla could show us what they wanted from Santa. Can you believe they already had Halloween costumes out? It shouldn't have surprised me though because Halloween is only a little over a month away. Well Drew has been saying that he wanted to be the red Power Ranger, and sure enough, they had that costume tonight. We went ahead and got the costume. We knew that he would get some play time in it between now and Halloween. We also found one for Mikayla tonight. It is a pretty ballerina costume. They had a purple one and a pink one, and they both came with the shoes. Even though purple is my favorite color, and that is the one I wanted her to get, we let her choose. I couldn't believe it when she chose the purple one, usually she loves pink! So...here they are trying their costumes on tonight once we got home. Mikayla's is a little big, but I think it will be okay by the time Halloween gets here.

Chuck E. Cheese's

Look at our pilot!! Future basketball star!


Drew and Mikayla love Chuck E. Cheese's. If fact, that's where Drew had his 4th birthday party!! These are pictures from when we went a week after Drew's birthday. He had his four year old check-up and had to get 4 shots that day. Since I took him by myself (and I had Mikayla with me), I told him that if he would be a good listener while we waited to be seen, then we would go to Chuck E. Cheese's that night for supper. Sure enough, they were both soooo good. Now when it came time for the shots, Drew said "I'm ready to go mama". And he cried a little, but I couldn't blame him. While Dr. Berry checked him, I sat in the chair holding Mikayla and Drew sat up there like such a big boy all by himself. Then, when he was getting shots, I stood up and held his hands (also had to hold him still) and Mikayla sat in the chair all by herself like such a big girl. Of course, by the time we had gotten to Chuck E. Cheese's that night, those shots were all but forgotten! They had so much fun playing on the slides, and on the "rides". They also love to play the games! Drew loves Chuck E., but Mikayla just likes to watch him. She doesn't want to be close. When we ask her what Chuck E. Cheese does, she says "clap, clap, clap". They had a great time, and so did we!

A new experience!

Last night Craig had to go for a sleep study. It was our first night apart since we have been married, and in fact, it was the first time I'd ever been by myself all night. I wasn't really by myself last night either, of course, my angels were here. Like my daddy said, "you aren't alone, you have Drew and Mikayla with you". That was very comforting, what could they do if something happened? They were depending on me!!

I was a little nervous about this. I mean, I've never stayed alone when all I had was ME to worry about! With my 2 precious angels, I surely didn't want anything to go wrong!

Well, as you can see my 2 angels and I made it through the night just fine, and I am a better person for it. It was a great confidence booster. I know that any future times we are by ourselves, we will be okay.

I depended greatly on my faith in the Lord to get me through last night. I knew that no matter what, He would protect us! It would have been very easy to pack up my children and spend the night with my parents, or to accept my sister's offer to stay with us. (Not that she would be much help, just kidding Jennie!) I had a calmness in my heart that everything would be okay!

Craig had to leave while I had our angels in the bathtub. After that, they watched a little cartoons, and we read some bedtime stories. Then it was time for them to get to bed.

Then I thought, "what do I do with myself?" So, I got on the computer for a little while and talked to my sister. Then I worked on some school stuff, and went to bed!

All in all, I thought the night went very well. I feel prepared if I ever need to do that again!

Pleasantly surprised!

Well PTA/Open House went really well last night! Better than we expected actually. Since Drew does not have a nap anymore, he gets really tired in the evenings. We thought that this would not combine well with a PTA meeting, but we were pleasantly surprised! Drew sat and listened, and Mikayla was a good listener as well during the meeting. When they dismissed the teachers to their classrooms, Mikayla had a hard time. She started crying mommy, mommy, mommy. Craig said that everyone was looking at them. It was not long before the chorus started singing, and she calmed down. She loves music. Craig took Drew and Mikayla to Drew's classroom and visited just a few minutes and then he brought them to my classroom. Since I was still visiting with parents, he had to find ways to keep them busy - so to speak! They did a really good job of listening, and I was so proud of them! I know that it is hard for Drew and Mikayla to share me with my students (they are at the age where it is "my mommy"), but they were very respectful as I visited with them and their families!

PTA/Open House

Tonight is our first PTA meeting of the year and it is also Open House. As a teacher, I am used to these, but it is our very first one as a family. Since Drew began 4k this year, we are all going. Craig is not real sure of this!! Since I will be in my classroom visiting with my parents, he will have to take Drew and Mikayla to Drew's classroom by himself. Trying to get where you are supposed to be with 2 children (2 years apart) can be tricky, but I am sure everything will be wonderful.

This gives us a chance to let Drew know how important his education is to us (I will probably visit in his room a minute before I leave), and it gives him a chance to show off what he has learned so far. I think the closer it gets, the more excited Drew (and Craig) get! I know I can't wait!!

Our wonderful friends!!

Tonight, we went to Rick and Angie's house. We always have so much fun and many laughs when we are together, and Drew and Mikayla love to play with their daughter Morgan.

They had us over to cook out hamburgers and hot dogs. As soon as we got there, Drew and Mikayla headed straight to find Morgan of course. (This was after Mikayla said "there's my Rick"!) They played in Morgan's room for awhile, then we went upstairs to play in the playroom. After that, Drew decided that he wanted to go outside and jump on the trampoline and Morgan graciously agreed! Angie, Mikayla, and I also went outside since Craig and Rick were already out there at the grill. We were all able to see the inside of Morgan's beautiful play house.

We didn't stay outside long. Morgan and Drew were ready to come back in and play, and Angie started getting the condiments ready for the burgers. Mikayla stayed outside with Craig and Rick since she wasn't ready to come in. It wasn't long though, and Craig and Rick came in with Mikayla laying her head on Rick's shoulder. I wished I had my camera!!

After we ate dinner, we had dessert and the adults talked while the children played. They were all so well behaved, they really get along well! Before we realized it, it was after 11:00. Boy, time flies when you are having fun!!!

We started to get Drew and Mikayla ready, helped pick up toys, and said goodbye. Drew and Mikayla both were crying when we left. They did't want to leave Morgan. They both had so much fun tonight! Craig and I also enjoyed ourselves, and we can't wait to get together for dinner again (it's our turn, our house next)!

Breakfast with Mimi

Yesterday, we had grandparents breakfast at our school for kindergarten, first and fifth graders to celebrate Grandparent's Day (coming up Sunday). We surprised Drew yesterday morning by telling him that Mimi (Poppi had to work) would be going to his school with him to have breakfast.

Mimi picked Drew up from our house and off they went. They arrived at the school where I was anxiously waiting for them. I met them as soon as they got out of the car. I was able to get a picture of Drew with Mimi at the door of our school before they went in. Then Mimi purchased their tickets, and we went into the cafeteria. I showed mama (Mimi) and Drew where to get in line, then I told them to enjoy their breakfast. (I had to get to my classroom before the bell rang.) Mimi said that she and Drew would come down to my room before they left to tell me bye. (Since Drew is in the afternoon 4k class, Mimi was going to take him to pre-school after breakfast.)

After a great breakfast of pancakes, saugsage, and milk (juice, tea, and coffee for adults), Drew and Mimi came down to my room. Drew saw my easel and thought that he would get to paint. After I explained that he couldn't because I had to teach my boys and girls, he was ready to go to pre-school. He gave me lots of hugs and kisses, and told my class bye. The children also said goodbye to my mom. Then they were off - headed to pre-school!

Drew and Mimi both seemed to greatly enjoy the grandparents breakfast. Mimi, Poppi, and Drew are already looking forward to next year!

Check-ups

Today we had a Dr. appointment scheduled for Drew and Mikayla. Drew had to have his ear checked again to make sure the ear infection that he had approx. 10 days ago had cleared up. We scheduled Mikayla's two year check-up for the same day, as that makes it much easier on all of us!!

First the nurse weighed Drew and Mikayla. Drew went first, he loves standing on that scale. Then she asked me to take off Mikayla's shoes so she could stand on the scale. Well then of course you know Drew had to take his shoes off too and stand on the scale again!! Monkey see, monkey do!

It is so funny to see how much they change. I remember when Mikayla was first big enough to stand on the scale (instead of laying or sitting on the baby scale). She did not want to stand on it at all. I would have to squat beside her and hold my hands right near her like I was holding her. BUT...the last few Dr. appointments she has had, she has gotten right up on that scale like a big girl grinning to whole time. She is such a big girl!!

Then the nurse took us into our room and asked if Drew's ear was better. We told her he finished his medicine to clear the infection, and that he sure was acting like he felt a lot better. He has been right back to his old self. FULL OF ENERGY!!! Then she measured Mikayla to check her height and asked about any concerns I might have. After that, she said that she was finished, and that the doctor would be right in. She also told Drew and Mikayla not to let her forget to give them their stickers. If you don't have to get shots, she gives them to you as you leave. YEA NO SHOTS TODAY!!!!! Boy, was I happy to hear that. So was Mikayla! She doesn't have to have anymore until she turns 4!!!

It was just a minute or two before the Doctor came in. First he checked Drew. This was great because Mikayla was already a little upset, (it was long ago she was in there for immunizations and she remembered!) and she was able to watch what the Dr. was doing to Drew. He checked Drew's ears, throat, nose, chest, and back and said everything looks great! Drew was such a big boy while the Doctor checked him. He sat so still and quiet, and this was great for Mikayla to see. He is such a smartie!

Next it was Mikayla's turn. She did okay as he checked her chest, back, eyes, ears, nose, and throat. But when he layed her back to check her stomache, legs, and get a better look at her throat, she started getting upset. She thought, because she was laying down, she was going to get a shot. Isn't it amazing what they remember! Even though her doctor, of course, has never been the one to give the shots. She is such a smartie!! After he finished her check-up, he said that everything looked good and that she was a healthy 2 year old! Unless she gets sick, he will see her back in a year for her 3 year old check-up!

We were thrilled with the great reports we received from the Doctor today! We pray that they both stay healthy so that we don't have to go back until next year!!

Labor Day!

Yesterday, we had so much fun! We didn't go anywhere, we just enjoyed the special time that we shared as a family! Craig (daddy) and Drew went outside in the morning. Daddy wanted to get some work done before it go too hot, and Drew loves being outside with him. Then, Poppi surprised us by coming over to work on our deck! He and daddy got to work on the extension that they have been planning for over a year. We have had a deck that was only one level. We had been wanting to add-on a level to make the deck bigger, and to have a part of the deck closer to the ground!! It wasn't long after they got started that Mimi called and said that she could cut Craig's and Drew's hair! Well since Craig couldn't go because he was busy working on the deck, I took Drew and Mikayla to get their hair cut! They love when Mimi cuts their hair. They sit up in the chair like such a big boy and girl (with the stool of course)! They sit still and look in the mirror!

After we got their hair cut, we went to get some lunch from MacDonald's! This is Drew and Mikayla's favorite place to eat of course. They love chicken nuggets and french fries! We picked up something for Daddy and Poppi as well and brought it back to the house. They enjoyed their lunch and got back to work on the deck. After Drew and Mikayla ate their lunch, they swam some in their swimming pool. Then, it was time for Mikayla to come in for a nap. Drew stayed outside with Daddy and Poppi to help with the deck! You should see him with the tape measure, pencil, and hammer!

After Mikayla's nap, Uncle Ted and Lauren came over to visit. Uncle Ted "helped" with the deck project and Lauren played with Drew and Mikayla! They rode in Drew's jeep and Mikayla's tractor. They also played on the swing set.

It wasn't long before Ted suggested that he get some barbeque to bring back "since Craig wasn't gonna cook anything"! He called Aunt Laura and told her to come over for supper. We had pulled pork sandwiches and chips out in Craig's building while the men watched the Florida State game! It was a nice little picnic, and the kids had a ball!

We had a very busy day yesterday! Daddy and Poppi had a very productive day! They got a big part of the deck addition finished!

Ragball!!

Here Uncle Jon Jon helps Drew fix his hat to get ready for the big game!!

Poppi, Uncle Jon Jon, and Mikayla wait for the start of Drew's very first Ragball game!

Drew played his first season of Ragball this past spring. Ragball is a cross between t-ball and coach's pitch. The rules state that coaches are to pitch three balls to each batter first. If they do not hit either of those, then they put the ball on a tee. They do not keep scores, outs are not counted, and every child gets to hit at least once in each game. It is mostly to teach them the fundamentals of the game. Drew really loved this and played very well. He played on the Diamond Backs!! At first (their first two games), he did not like when someone else on his team would get the ball when they were playing the infield. We had to explain to him that baseball is a team sport, and that he (most of the time) will not get every ball! Once he understood this, he was much better. He liked to bat, and he always liked to slide into home!! The first time he did this, everyone made a big deal about it. So of course, he thought he had to do it every time he batted! At the end of the season, his team had a nice reception at Mr. Gatti's where every player received a trophy! They also received a nice goody bag from the coach! It was a wonderful experience and we hope that Drew will want to play again next year!

Cherished Sunday Moments

Today, we got up early to go to church. It seems the last few Sundays that we are not getting up early enough, as we are entering after the choir has started singing. I was really trying hard to do better this morning!! After Craig and I were almost ready, we got Drew and Mikayla up and started getting them ready. We were out the door by 8:40 (our worship service begins at 9, with Sunday school starting at 10:25) and I was thinking this is great we will be there before the choir enters. Wrong, by the time we took Mikayla to the nursery, we still entered the sanctuary after the service had started. We will have to move a little quicker next Sunday!!

Our choir was not singing this morning. Instead we had a mini concert by one of the singers from the group Annoited Witness. Boy, could he sing!! Drew went with the other children to children's church. He likes this a lot!! It makes him feel like a big boy when he gets to go into the sanctuary with us and then leave with the other children.

After the service, we all gathered in the fellowship hall for coffee, juice, or chocolate milk. Then it was off to our Sunday School classes. Drew goes back upstairs to Ms. Betty's class, and Craig and I go into the nursery to teach the 1's and 2's class. Well Lisa and I really teach the class, Craig offers his assistance as well.

After church on Sundays, we go to Mimi and Poppi's house for Sunday dinner. Drew and Mikayla love going to Mimi and Poppi's house!! Uncle Jon Jon, and Aunt Jennie were there as well. It is a nice for our family to spend this time together.

After dinner, Drew and Mikayla played trains (they love Thomas the Tank Engine) with Poppi and Jon Jon. Then they played hide and seek with Jennie for a little while before she had to go to work.

Then it was time for us to head home. Drew and Mikayla usually take a nap on Sundays once we get home from Mimi and Poppi's. Mommy and Daddy take advantage of this and catch a nap as well.

After our naps, we went outside to play. Drew and Mikayla love playing outside. We didn't come in until it was almost dark and the mosquitos started to bite. Those pests love Drew and Mikayla, I guess because they are sooooo sweet!

Drew and Mikayla were really worn out tonight, and it didn't take them long to go to sleep!! What a busy day!

TGIF!!!

It's finally Friday!! I am looking forward to this 3-day weekend to spend with my babies. We don't have any special plans, but who knows what we might do! You never can tell with us. We have been known to just jump in the car and go. With gas prices I don't think we will do much going for now. We shouldn't complain though. It could be MUCH worse! Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina!!

So Proud!!

Homework room for k4-first grade for our after-school program is in my classroom each afternonn.I was surprised when Drew came in yesterday and, with a smile on his face, said "Mommy I have homework!! I was so glad that he appeared to be happy about this.

I told him he could sit beside me so that I could help him. The note on his clipboard said to bring a picture of something red from a magazine tomorrow. If we didn't have access to a magazine, he could draw a picture of something red. Since we use magazines in my 5k class for the same sort of activities, I gave him one and told him to look for something red. While he was looking, I was helping other students. It wasn't long before he had found a red pocketbook. I gave him a pair of kid scissors and had him cut it out. He picked up the scissors and got to work. He did a great job cutting the top and bottom of the picture. He had a little trouble figuring out how to cut the side where the binding is (a pretty common problem for four year olds). I showed him one time how to turn the magazine and he finished cutting his picture out.

I also had him write his name and the color word red (they have been working on red this week) and blue. He enjoys writing, so he loved this. I think it makes him feel like a big kid!!

I was so proud that he was able to complete his first homework with minimal help. He really is such a BIG BOY...so independent!

Miss Mikayla also continues to make us proud every day!! Today was her first day of preschool at daycare. She marched right in ready to start! She loves learning new things. Today, she made a beautiful picture that we added to our fridge. She will be working on colors, shapes, vocabulary, etc.

We talked about what she did at school today. We sung some of the songs that they sung in class and she started laughing and singing with me. I know that she loves it! She already enjoys telling her colors, and she loves counting to 10.

After school today, I was singing the color songs with Drew, helping him learn to spell color words and Mikayla started singing. She can now sing the red song and the purple song. She thinks everything Drew does, she MUST do.

She is so independent as well. Her new response to everything is "I DO IT!". We get this when we try to put her shoes on, when we try to buckle her into her car seat, when we try to help her wash her hair or brush her teeth. She likes to be a BIG girl!!

Cherishing these moments...