Thursday, October 30, 2008

To Party or Not To Party

As I have mentioned before, I love any excuse to get our friends together. Birthdays are a perfect reason!!! Our two youngest have birthdays about six weeks apart and this year, we decided to combine their parties. At four and two, they don't know the difference and many of the same people would be coming to both. So, to free up one extra fall Saturday, we scheduled the past Saturday as the day of festivities. My parents were coming down for the Atlanta race, my sister and brother-in-law were planning to join us for the day and my in-laws were also travelling over. In addition to about 25 other people, we were planning for a houseful. I was so excited!!!

What are the few words that you don't want to hear the day of a big party? "Mommy, I don't feel good." Yep, that was the phrase that woke us up Saturday morning, six hours before the party. We watched Trinity for a few hours and then made the decision - call off the party. It took a few emails and a few more calls and the party had been officially postponed, except for the family. After a bit more caring for Trinity, we decided to make the trip to Scottish Rite Urgent Care center. She had been screaming in pain and we were concerned about possible appendicitis. We got right in with a nurse and after a quick test, we soon found out that she had strep. Definitely not something we wanted to pass on to anyone else. She received a shot in at the center and what a difference just a few more hours made. From not being able to move to enjoying watching her siblings open their new gifts (and quickly wanting to play with their new things).

The newly-adjusted family party was attended by the grandparents as my sister made the decision to not chance getting strep (I don't blame her a bit!!). We had the song, the candles, the cupcakes and gifts. What more could you want? It was a nice family time. We missed you Ashley and Jeff, but we'll get with you hopefully soon.

Yummy cupcakes for the birthday kids!!



















Xander's gifts of trucks!!



















Kalyn's gifts of books and Littlest Pet Shop!!



















Just to be on the safe side, all three kids and I stayed home on Sunday. However, I didn't want that to be an excuse for the kids not to have their Bible study time, so we did our own study at home. A few years ago, I purchased a book called The Play and Pray Bible. What an amazing resource. It is filled with various Bible stories and then activities, songs and crafts to do along with the story. We read about parable of the lost sheep then played games with cotton balls (as sheep), decorated socks to be sheep puppets and colored sheep coloring pages telling each other what we loved about them. It was a great morning.


Pigs A Plenty


I am very thankful that my husband is very supportive of my (our) desire for me to stay home. He works very hard to provide for our family (in many ways) and I truly appreciate that. One of the benefits of not having a job - outside of the home - is that I am sometimes able to go in and assist Trinity teacher with her class. Last week, I got just that opportunity. I was quite excited about it!

The class had been instructed to bring in a small pumpkin and various decorating accouterments in order to turn ordinary pumpkins into fancy pigs, to flow along with the book Pigs A Plenty, Pigs Galore. It was such a treat to see Trinity's class in action. I got to put names with faces and get a feel for the class. We had such fun creating a pig parade outside the classroom door!!!


Berry Patch with Xander

Have I bragged on our MOPS group lately? Again, we have a great special events coordinator who is continually looking for fun things to do with preschoolers. Teri - you are awesome!!! Last Monday, she scheduled a time at the Berry Patch Farms. We were given an extra long hay ride, a chance to wander around the pumpkin patch, two mini-pumkins or gourds and some apple cider to top off the morning. Since Trinity and Kalyn were in their respective classes, it was just Xander and me. What a great way to spend a fall morning.


Except it was cold. Not just cold, but brisk, windy cold. BRRRRRRRRRRR chill to your bone cold. It cut our wandering in the patch down a bit and moved our picnic lunch into the car, but it was still fun. Poor Xander had been fighting a runny nose for over a week at this point, so the extra wind and wipes did nothing to help soothe his face, but he enjoyed it none the less. He pretended to drive the tractor, mooed at the cows, and had a blast picking out his pumpkin.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Saturday Songs with the Sugar Beats

I'll say it again - what a morning!!!

About a month ago, we got a fun call from Cyndi, one of our "friends" at the Picture People. (We've been going there since Trinity was born and have built up quite a photographic friendship with a few of the current photographers.) Cyndi told us that a group called the Sugar Beats was putting on a small concert of 80's hits and they were looking for some kids to dance along with the group. She said that the kids would need to be dressed up in 80's garb, and she had immediately thought of our kids! After a bit of chatting about it with Craig, we quickly said yes - count Trinity and Kalyn in.



So, over the past month, I've been playing around with their costumes - what could they wear to look, like, totally cool while spending as little as possible. After some trial and error, we ended up with what I have to say were some, like, totally awesome outfits.


There ended up being 5 other kids there and the "rehearsal" was quite nerve-wracking. They had the singer there teaching the kids the words to the chorus lines and trying to get them ready for the show. However, their singing was as loud as a whisper and there was not a foot-fellowship to be seen. Would they move and sing during the concert?


Our kids did great!!! It turned out only being a singer, Andy, with his guitar, singing three songs from the Sugar Beats CDs. Trinity danced and sung her heart out. Kalyn was not excited about being out there in the beginning, but she made it back up on stage and became quite the trooper. She did her own thing, but looked cute doing it, so that got points with the crowd. She was able to get a few words in there when she felt like it though. Trinity even ended up winning the "best costume" awarded of a big set of Sugar Beats CDs. I am so glad that we allowed them to be a part of it and got completely into it!!!

Even Xander got into the music by playing drums on the empty chair next to him.






































Every great rock star needs a cup of ice cream after a show!!

Theological Thoughts of A Three Year Old

The car is always a great opportunity for some interesting discussions. Here was one the Kalyn and I had coming home from some errand running (with Kalyn in this story, you know it's gotta be good) -

Kalyn: Mommy, you need to change my calendar. (stay with me)
Me: No I don't sweetie, it's not the end of the month.
Kalyn: What happens at the end of the month?
Me: Nothing really. That's just the time we change the calendar.
Kalyn: Is Jesus coming down at the end of the month?
Me: I . . . don't think so.
Kalyn: But why does Jesus always stay up there, in heaven, and He doesn't come down here? I want to see Jesus!!
Me: Well . . . to see Jesus, you have to die and have decided to follow Him.
Kalyn: (after a slight pause, but said with great conviction) I have decided to follow Him. I want to follow Him. (another slight pause) Why am I STILL here? I WANT TO SEE JESUS!!!! (Now add a few tears to the conversation.)

I continue on to tell her if she was in heaven with Jesus, that I (and Xander and Trinity and Daddy) would miss her very, very much. We then move into a "game" where she would add one person to the heaven group and who would miss them then.

I simply and humbly pray that her desire, her cry to see Jesus and be with Him will just grow stronger as she grows. Then I think, when was the last time I cried out, with such conviction, want and tears, to see Jesus, just to be in His presence?

Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.
Mark 10:15

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Boosterthon Fun Run

What a morning!!! Today was Trinity's Fun Run event. Some of you may already know about this (because you sponsored Trinity on her run), but let me fill in the blanks for those who may not know what this is. We know that along with the fun that comes with being elementary school student, we know that fundraisers come right along side. We are not big fans of going up and asking people to buy things (that they probably don't need) to help Trinity get a special prize (which is something she needs even less). This year's fund-raiser was on a completely different plane and we loved it!!!!!


The Boosterthon is not only a fund-raiser, but a chance for the students to study fitness and character traits. Their battle cry for the event is DREAM BIG!! Each day, working up to the fun run, they study a different character trait: D-diligence, R-responsibility, E-enthusiasm , A-ability, M-make a difference. During that week, the students contact people to either sponsor them per lap or give a flat donation. Then the day of the event arrives. The Boosterteam is there with a great field and an amazing atmosphere. Plus, parents get to show up to encourage each one of the students on the run!!!


So, Kalyn, Xander and I loaded up in the car, complete with shades for the mid-day sun and went out to cheer on Trinity and her friends. We were so proud of her. She did so well and kept going until the end. The run lasted 30 minutes and she completed 27 laps!!! Way to go, Trinity!!! A HUGE thank you to all those who supported her on her trek - you'll be getting a special thing very soon!! Her school ended up obtaining sponsors from all 50 states and 29 foreign countries!!



The first graders and kindergartners get ready to start the run!!























The first lap was a fun walk lap - then off to the races























Trinity checks in with her principal and her teacher for her lap check off





























After the race is over, there are still some smiles
(before they head off for their celebratory popsicle)
























Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Camping Weekend

Our church is a great supporter of missions - sending people out from our church to serve others and tell others about the love of Jesus. To help support the people who go on these mission trips, we hold a missions auction each year in the spring. The fun and unique thing is that it's not an auction of things, but an auction of opportunities for fellowship. This year, we wanted to contribute to it.

We are a camping family. We love it!!! We love the idea of getting out in the middle of nature, away from the rat race of the everyday for a break every so often. Putting this love of camping together with another one of our camping families, we created a camping item for the missions auction. We would provide the food, the tent, the location - all the winner needed to do was show up. This weekend, we got to fulfill the bid and enjoy a weekend up at Lake Allatoona.
One great thing about this trip was that we were already pretty good friends with the family who won the bid. They are truly a very sweet family!!! It's a family with three youth girls - the eldest whom we have used a number of times as a sitter for our kids. It was such an amazing weekend. The kids were out of school on Friday, which allowed us an extra day, since we had to be back at church on Sunday morning plus it was less than an hour's drive away (great when the gas prices are high).


Let me not mislead anyone. Thursday afternoon did not start off quite as smoothly as I would have liked. As I began unpacking, I realized that I had forgotten to pack the chicken that we would need for dinner on Saturday night. Not a big deal, I just called the third couple coming up (the ones who were helping us put on this trip, not the ones who bought the auction) and asked them to bring some extra chicken. Major problem avoided. Then I began to get the things together for the chili we would be fixing that night. But where are all the spices that I measured out on Wednesday afternoon? Oh, those would be in a bag. On the floor. Of our kitchen. At home. Not good. Nope, not a good thing.

Insert major freak-out episode here.

Now bring in my calm husband. He tries to calm me down and tries to think of various options. Option 1: We can serve everyone hot dogs - we had brought a few for anybody who didn't want the chili. Option 2: We can see what spices we have in our camper stash, see what we're short, then call the family who won the bid and ask them to pick up the main ingredients that we forgot. We choose to go with option 2. Did I mention how glad I was that we were already good friends with this family?

After this big fiasco, the weekend went on pretty smoothly. Except for a close encounter that Xander had with the street. It only lead to many tears, a busted lip and a scraped up nose, but he pulled through it like a trooper. I realized that I didn't get a close up shot of the injury, but we have the memories and I'm sure it's not the first time that we'll have some bruisers.

We were near the lake, which brought some fun playing with rocks, wading in the water and a new remote control boat that Craig got before we left (let me say that "it's not just a boat, it's a boat that has a fishing line attached to it so you can play with your remote control toy AND fish - all at the same time!" emphasis NOT mine, just imagine the voice and inflections of a flashy used car dealer here.) Unfortunately, the past years of drought was very evident in the lake. We had to walk over the do-not-swim-past-this-point floatation marker to get to the water. We were near the playground - which was great for the kids. The recently expanded (thanks to the drought) beach provided the perfect sandbox. Over all the camping weekend was great!!!

Nothing like yummy smores!!!




















And relaxing camp fires!!!




















It's game time!!! Dominos & Monopoly (it's Bobby & his financial advisor)















Fun at the lake!! (Yes, Trinity does live in a musical)




















Playground excitement!
(Bobby and his family got separated and after a few calls back & forth, they were reunited)



Monday, October 13, 2008

AWANA Nights

Wednesday nights means AWANA in our household - Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed. It's a great program that encourages students to learn scripture and have fun doing it. Each Wednesday night is a different theme night at our church. It varies from the small theme (penny night - to support AWANA missionaries) to full out night (imitation night - where you dress up like a leader).

Last week was Bible hero night and we had a blast dressing up for it. Kalyn was quick to decide that she wanted to dres up like the princess that rescued Moses from the river. Trinity had a few more ideas floating in her head - from Queen Esther to Ruth to Mary. She finally decided on Mary. We had a blast "using our resources" (i.e. looking in the church costume closet) for a great mary outfit and dressing up a former bridesmaid dress for a true Egyptian pricess outfit. Here are the results -


Sunday, October 12, 2008

Xander's Birthday, Part 2

So last Monday was Xander's birthday and due to our crazy, busy schedule, I'm just now getting a chance to blog about it. Kalyn and Trinity were at school that day, so we had the morning just to ourselves.


We began our day with our annual stuffed animal picture. My sister gave each one of our kids a big stuffed animal when they were born (actually she gave Trinity a big bunny for Easter just after she was born, but it evolved into a big animal for each kid) and we take pictures with them and their animal for the first month (or that was the goal) of their first year and then around their birthday each year. It's just fun to have one constant in each of their pictures to see how they've grown.

That morning, we headed to the doctor for his 24 month check-up. Unfortunately, it came with two shots, but he was quite the trooper and was done with the tears by the time we left the office. Here are his "stats":
height: 33.5 inches (for the 31st percentile)
weight: 23 lbs, 3 oz (for the 4th percentile)

We then headed to Target for a last minute gift purchase (gotta love the stage where you can buy their gifts right in front of them and they are slightly clueless) and to lunch at Chick-Fil-A. It was yummy, but I think he was more excited about the balloon he received as we left the store.


















That afternoon (after naps) we all went outside for some fun family time in the backyard. Xander had a blast playing ball, riding in his car and swinging in his swing. All fun boy things that he enjoys doing.












After a bit of time out there, we headed back inside for the gift-opening ceremonies. Xander received a couple of puzzles from the girls - which he was very excited about. However, when he tried to pull out one of the pieces and couldn't due to the plastic keeping the pieces attached, he turned to Craig and said, "broke." He also received a tool set - what good boy doesn't need a drill, hammer and screwdriver!! But, it wasn't long before the girls were swarming over the tool set.


















For dinner, we headed to McD's for a yummy (and easy) dinner. After dinner, we headed back home for the birthday song and a piece of cookie cake.


































It was a very busy day. Between all the celebrations, we fit in Trinity's school conference and I had to head to handbell practice at 6:30. All-in-all, it was a great day. After all, any opportunity to celebrate a birthday is a great day!!!