Papers, papers everywhere

We seem to have an issue with papers...projects the kids do, the newspaper, mail, junk mail, stuff from church, bills, coupons, a tree or two from Fidelity (they send me very faithfully stacks of papers that make NO sense to me), I am actually going bonkers trying to come up with a way to harness everything. We don't have an office and that is part of the issue, so the kitchen counter, table, computer desk whatever gets cluttered with all of the above. I feel like I am a pretty organized person but the papers are taking over! I guess I am just bitter because it is 1:20 am and I am still cutting coupons from like 6 papers ago, 1/2 of them are expired. I think I'll go to bed.

Family Camp

Family Camp is held at Somerset Beach Campground every year. We just spent the week "camping" with most of Trent's family. I use the term camping very loosely as Trent's parent had a room at the Applewood Lodge. Air conditioning, a real bed and our own bathroom is our camping experience. I know, really roughing it, but I'm just not much of a camper. His parents volunteer for the week and my wonderful sister in law was gracious enough to offer to keep the girls while Trent and I worked the beginning of the week. I stayed out there Wed-Sat and we had so much fun. I feel blessed that my kids were able to spend the week there.
Luckily she can just jump in the lake to clean off!
Playing in the sand is a big part of the day
Sawyer, Cecily, Ally, Wittaker, Lanie, Grammy and Roarke

Saturday was a yucky rainy day, we had planned on staying but the rain sent us home, it gave me a head start on laundry and getting back to life.

The best of the week:
The beach and the beautiful weather
Bible school for the kids
Time with family
Nightly Church service
Learning how to play speed Scrabble
Catching up with friends
The worst of the week:
Hoards of attacking mosquitoes!

Our Vacation - Texas 2008

Thursday the 26th...
Lanie woke up about 7:30, she is my early riser always! Since she was up Ally and I both were up also, we are sharing one room. Our biggest issue last night where everyone was going to sleep. We could have two rooms, two beds, but the girls wanted me with them so we have 1 room, 1 bed and an Aerobed. Who is sleeping with mom? Since we couldn't agree the girls got the bed and I ended up on the lovely Aerobed, at some point in the evening we all ended up on the air mattress and the lovely bed was empty.
We get up to see what's happening, Lanie sees the pool and decides she is ready for a swim at 9:30, I think we got out of the pool around 7:00 - FABULOUS 1st day of vacation.

Friday the 27th...
More swimming, more relaxing. It is HOT here and sitting in the sun actually sets your skin on fire. Dinner time rolls around and I am so excited, we're in Texas, I bet we'll eat something yummy! Nope, the kids choose Cici's Pizza ~ Yuck, not my favorite place.


Saturday the 28th...
Absolutely beautiful day today, of course we spent the morning and afternoon swimming and went to see King Fu Panda in the evening. My brother Corey was home and spent some time in the pool with us, the girls loved that. I'm sure he will appreciate the picture with the pink swimming cap popping up here.

Sunday the 29th...
We were planning on church today but everyone is exhausted and slept in so we didn't quite make it but had a great day just relaxing and catching up with the family.
Monday the 30th...
Grandma had to work until about 12:00 and Grandpa had a Doctor appointment. We were planning on going to the water park, Hawaiian Falls but Grandpa had an issue with his foot and wasn't able to get wet:( One of the things we do every year is go to Chuck E. Cheese, aka germ central, so that is what we did today.

Tuesday the 1st...
Spent the day at Hawaiian Falls with Grandma. We had a fabulous time. Both girls were so adventurous by the end of the day going right down the biggest slides. They both loved the lazy river and wave pool. Lanie wasn't a huge fan of the bucket that dumps like 5000 gallons of water over the entire kid section every 10 minutes or so, can't say that I blame her.


Wednesday the 2nd...
Grandpa had a meeting at work today and Grandma worked today also, so my friend Wendy and her kids came over to enjoy a little pool time. The kids have a sleepover with just Grandma outside on the porch, I was not invited.
Thursday the 3rd...
Woke up around 7:30 surprised to not find Ally in our room. Her and Grandma made it all night in their outdoor tent! We got ready and headed to Sam Moon in Dallas, the girls made out with new jewelry and accessories thanks to Grandma.
My cousin Garrett and his wife Emily arrived today from Arizona. My Aunt Tammee and Uncle Dave moved to Texas a couple years ago and live in Longview about 3 hours from my parents. We had lunch and spent a couple hours in the pool, yes we have logged a lot of hours in that pool! Ryan and I took the girls to see Wall E, another great movie. Lanie made it about 15 minutes into the movie and she was out. Both girls are going to be needing a vacation from their vacation.
Friday the 4th...
Spent the day just lounging around. We swam a bit, napped a bit and just hung out. We are all pretty worn out. We went to the fireworks in the evening and just had a great time! Tomorrow we leave, very sad, but we will be happy to see Trent.



Saturday the 5th...
Today we leave. We started the day with breakfast from McDonalds and went swimming of course. Eric surprised the girls with bumper boats for the pool, they had a fantastic last day in Texas.

Making Waffles

My brother Ryan and Lanie made Belgian Waffles for breakfast, she was super excited to help!

Thankful...

I realized that I began this post but never actually posted it. I am thankful for so much but here is a quick rundown...

My God and our freedom to worship
My kids and husband, I am so blessed to have them
My friends and family
My job
My small group and their ability to challenge me
My church and a pastor that inspires me
My freedom and the people that put their lives on the line to protect it
Silly things: the internet, reality tv, my cel phone, chocolate, Starbucks

Random Thoughts...

~Not a fan of the cold weather but I am sooo looking forward to the Christmas season. We have so much already planned and I am getting pumped to put up our tree on Friday...
~Is it really almost dark at 5:30 each year around this time? As I type I am pretty much sitting in the dark, and it is 5:27, I think I need to turn some lights on...
~For how much longer will the girls think it is funny when they "toot"? It usually brings on genuine laughter and fun...
~Right now Ally is playing the piano and singing her heart out, maybe someday this will allow me to retire:)
~Lanie is grounded from Gracie for chasing her around the house, the poor dog has to hide under the couch to escape her sometimes...
~Ally is standing over my shoulder asking me "I see my name, are you typing about me again? What are you saying about me, tell me tell me tell me"...

If a 4 year old did my hair...

3 Things I Love About...

Have you seen the new campaign around town - Name 3 things you love about your husband or wife?

I wanted Trent to know my top 3...

I love you because you love me for me
You are the best dad
I can't imagine my life without you in it

Thursday TV

I am so excited to get home tonight and watch TV. Thursday is always a struggle because we usually get home late, I have about 500 different things I should be doing and I have to get the kids in bed before 8:00 to make Ugly Betty. But, I so look forward to Thursday night TV, my biggest struggle is that Grey's and the Office are on at the same time. Last year I bought The Office episodes on itunes, this year I guess NBC is putting them online for free, works out good for me. Luckily, I haven't allowed myself to get into any new shows, I just don't have the time.

I guess you know you are hooked when you think that the characters are part of your life and you get confused about the TV world vs the real world. Last week I woke up thinking the world was going to be under siege by a group of wrongly accused military members then I remembered it was just from an episode of the UNIT (Trent's favorite show). I have found myself so wrapped up in The Hills you would think Lauren, Audrina, Spencer and Heidi were actual people in my extended circle of friends.

I know that I watch too much TV sometimes and get a little too wrapped up in stupid shows but is it ok every once in a while?? Deep down I know the answer and I could find many more productive things to do with my time but I guess that is something I will just have to work on. We could probably have a good comment section if you want to list some of the embarrassing shows you watch, I will admit I got wrapped up in Gene Simmons, Family Jewels the other day and found it fascinating!

My kids Are Only...

My kids are only 4 and 6, who knew how much we would have to juggle for them already. We have Ally in the Western School District because we feel that is where we want the kids to go to school. Since Lanie is only in preschool she is at Sharp Park Academy through Jackson Public Schools (our actual district), hopefully next year they will both be at one school with Western. But anyway here is our shuffle today
5:45 - I get up, for those of you that know me you know how much I am loving that
6:15 - Get Ally up
6:50 - Leave the house, our friend Micki takes Ally to school
12:30 - Trent takes Lanie to School, then heads to work
3:30 - Our friend Renee picks Lanie up from school
3:30 - Ally rides 2 different buses to get to my cousin Brandi's
4:30 - Brook picks up Lanie to take her to Brandi
5:30 - I pick up both kids from Brandi to take them to a birthday party

So today alone my kids have been with 4 different friends that have helped to get the kids where they need to be. And this is just today my mother in law and my friend Kim are involved in this whole shuffle on Monday's. We also work around ballet, Wed night church, soccer, art class and bible study. Are we too busy, most of the times I think yes and life would be much simpler and more difficult at the same time if I didn't work but right now this is where we are.

Thank you to all my friends without you I don't know what we would do but we couldn't have our kids where they are with out you. When I hit the lottery next week you won't be forgotten!

A tough job....

Today I worked in Ally's class. Mr Archer had me do a project so I just got to sit on the sidelines and watch the kids interact. I found myself laughing, smiling and feeling a bit anxious as I watched these 1st graders.

Some of my observations:
The gambling table...One of the groups of 4 boys were playing a game with math cards. They were betting on who would win. When they caught me watching they so proudly told me whoever won the game got Skyler's quarter for popcorn. As I said really, Mr Archer got wind of what was going on and shut down the operation. Skyler put his quarter back in his pocket and they continued playing.

The looks of wonder...You are Ally's mom??? Most of the kids couldn't quite put us together they just looked at me inquisitively and said ok...

The bickering...Maybe it was because it was Friday but there was one group of 4 girls that couldn't quite go for more than a minute or so without picking at each other "She's making faces at me" "She's talking too loud" She's not doing what she's supposed to Mr. Archer" "Can you tell her to stop it" "I don't want to play with you I'm playing with her" - On more than one occasion Mr. Archer would have to interrupt the group of kids he was working with to squash the issue. A threat to stay inside at recess and talk about getting along seemed to slow the girls down.

Anyway all you teachers out there you do have a tough job and I for one appreciate your efforts, keep up the good work...