Fall, Y'all

Flynn & Gabe at EP's Fall Frenzy, 2009

Spidey & Tink want to wish you the funnest, chilliest, most colorful fall...

Daisies

Hopefully many many pictures will follow...

Because I have something wrong with me, where I feel the need to be IN CHARGE OF every single thing we do, I volunteered to start another Daisy troop at Flynn's school. I wasn't thrilled with the troop (& leader) she was assigned to, so I (w/ another Daisy mom I teach with) decided to start a new one.

So, the thrill began. FLYNN COULDN'T BE MORE EXCITED. Actually, I have never seen her more excited about anything she's been involved with. And really... what could be more up her alley?: CRAFTS and SINGING.
Last night, I told her that I already signed us up for the Mother-Daughter camping trip for March.
I THOUGHT SHE WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO FALL ASLEEP ON ACCOUNT OF HER EXCITED STATE.

This is already more than I bargained for. Consumes even more of the small amount of free time I have.
But my girl is happy... and that's all that counts.

Things I Love about Fall

• Leaves...the color
• the smell... like if "crispness" had an odor
• not hot, not cold (unless you live in MO)
• orange
• pumpkins
• hay
• fires
• camping
• Peanut's Great Pumpkin
• getting out the big yard blow up thing
• the kids' excitment when we pull out the "Fall Tub"
• orange & brown
• orange & black
• the house being cold when you wake up
• long sleeves
• memories of when Jeff & I were falling in love

(we started "officially" dating in Aug., so in those fall months, he was courting me, big time)

• apples & candied apples
• scarves

Who Knew She'd be the Particular One...

Our easy-going girl, has become quite set in her ways.

Like how she told me (on about the 4th day of school), that she didn't want me meeting her at the bus anymore. "Wait in your classroom, and I'll walk there."

"Kiss me, then I'll kiss you, then kiss my hand, & I'll kiss yours."

"Let ME carry the umbrella."

"Don't go in the bathroom with me."

She even acted ugly Friday when Daddy surprised her (w/ G in tow). She whispered to me (because everything is in a whisper), "I don't like that. I don't want you to be there when I get off the bus."

This may have bothered me before...but now I'm too busy for things to bother me. And I just chalk it up to my "baby girl" mastering her independence.

Hysterest-o-scopy (or something like that)

That's what I'm having done tomorrow. It's a pre-req to "ablasion" (sp?). At least for my dr. Who wants to rule out cancer, before the chance of "masking" it.
Eesh.

If I'm cleared, I will be going back for ablasion. Last year, I may have balked at this, as it pretty much permanently assures no more babies (as if the vesectomy didn't?!!). But now, I say, let other people have those babies. I'll just hold them, ooh & ahh over them, then go home & have an uninterrupted night of sleep.

Sickety Sick Sick

After 8 days with a fever, Gabe's parents FINALLY took him to the dr. How ridiculous, right? (don't ever let it be said that we 'run' our kids into the dr for every little thing).

Turns out, he has an ear infection. The drainage started on Wed. & by Sat. it was infection. Ear Infections: Flynn, 0; Gabe, 5. Sheesh.

Now he's just plain old crabby. And who could blame the boy. He went from fevers to nasty tasting medicine.

Sick Ward

Stock in Tylenol & Motrin.......................................................................$50
Using a sick day........................................................................................$55
Loss of sleep..........................................................................................sanity
Flynn & Gabe letting me snuggle & hold them all day?.......PRICELESS

The Sick Ward

So we've gotten hit. Started with Flynn. I noticed her feeling feverish & acting particularly crabby on our way to school. I had our school nurse check her temp & she said it was normal; yet, 10 minutes later, HER school called that she had 101-something.
Papa promptly picked her up. And so the challenging process began ("Will you pick her up?" "Can you get a sub for tomorrow?" "I'll go today if you can keep her tomorrow.") Which made me thankful, again, that this wasn't something we were challenged with during their baby years.

So, Flynn tested negative for the rapid flu test. This would include SWINE flu which her buddy, Carter, is currently plagued with. I'm not sure I believe the diagnosis. She continues to feel bad, sleep lots, & run an occasional fever.

This meant our weekend plans being canceled. Can I say that I'm not sure I minded? I managed to get to go to zumba & switch over both kids' closets.
Now that's progress.

Meanwhile, we're supporting the families of the creators of Motrin & Tylenol.

Soccer Kids

My soccer kids are tearing up the field (sometimes literally, but "Gabe quit picking up mud"-Coach Ken, is a whole other blog post ;)

Last Saturday, Flynn scored 4 goals. And yesterday, Gabe was a fraction away (let's just say he assisted a goal to Austin who is good at tapping it in at the last second).

One of their favorite movies, ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS, has an old-school cartoon (one I probably enjoyed back in the 80's) that features a soccer game season, where the 'munks cheer, "Beat 'em, Beat'em, BEAT'EM!!".

So that's Gabe's war cry.

Flynn has really turned on her enthusiasm, but even more surprising is her aggressiveness. She's even pulled on a jersey or two. I'm sure that BFF Madelyn (also a go-getter on the soccer team) is a great contribution to Flynn's assertiveness.

It takes up every Saturday morning.

And there's no way I'd rather spend it.

See You Later, Flynneeeee

Flynn has a boyfriend. His name is Carter. Carter is the son of my neighboring teacher. She's awesome. I am just surprised to find myself imagining her as my daughter's mother in law.

So, they were sweet to each other from the word go kindergarten. They held hands as they waited in line to board the bus. And now, weeks into their school career & they're buddies... Flynn encourages Carter to get a 'green card' (indicating a day full of following rules); and Carter encourages Flynn to not be so shy & quiet.

Today, Carter reported to me that Flynn had been "kissing on" him. His eyes twinkled at my misbelief. And apparently my laugh of shock was a green light for their smooching, as I had to give a stern rule of "no kissing on the lips".

And right after I broke up the lip lock, I shook my head.

And then started thinking of if my grandbabies will be towheads with blue eyes... or brown eyes beauties.

And Carter yelled out to Flynn, right before he & his momma walked out of the door, "See you laaater Flynneeeeee."

Soccer Mom

Now I am an official soccer mom. BOTH my kiddos are playing this fall. The beauty is that they're both on the same team. An advantage to having your babies dangerously close.

Here are some shots to give you a sampling of the cuteness.

Whistlin' Dixie

Guess what the girl learned in Kindergarten?
To whistle!
And whistling she has been... and whistling.... and whistling...
She hasn't stopped. She whistles morning...and night... in the store, and in the bath.

She's darn good too.

I'd Be Lying

If I said that I don't miss those days... of laying in bed with my babies... of watching videos from my bed w/ them by my side. Lazy trips to the grocery store, when everyone else is at work.

Man... do I ever miss them.

Most of all, I miss being here all day with my boy. And he misses it too. So much so, that one of his all-time favorite activities, being w/ his Papa, isn't even appreciated anymore.

You see, my boy... he's a DAYCARE DROP OUT. He straight quit the joint.
We let him of course, because we weren't sure it was the best place for him. And for now, while he spends his days at Papa's, hanging w/ Pa & Uncle Loreny (while we wait to surface to the top of the waiting list of a certain daycare), I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that he's being cared for by 2 of his favorite men.

But Bubs?, He tells it best in his own words:

"Momma?, Me just wanna be at home with you."

Me too Bubby. Me too.

Happy 4th Birthday, Gabe

My Baby Boy, the morning after you joined our family, 2009

Dear Gabriel,

Where do I begin? Except to tell you that if nothing else, you've taught me the lesson that time goes by far too quickly.


There hasn't been a milestone of yours that stayed long enough... there hasn't been a stage that you went through that lasted as long as I wanted it to.


You've proven that your Momma is mushy & that I'm actually a real softy.


And there are lots of reasons you've stolen all our hearts....





You still love Spiderman & have already claimed it as your Halloween costume.


You love cars & all things with wheels.


You have a penchant for tools.


You love your Momma.





You hate day care. You actually already "dropped out."


You don't like being away from your Momma.


You dislike being petted on uninvited.


And don't ever want to get your hair cut.


You just finished with speech therapy & went from 2 word sentences to us not getting a word in edgewise.


You love your sissy & hit her in the same breath.





You absolutely love church. If you think we're headed there, but aren't, it brings tears to your eyes.





And boy, are you handsome. Everyone who sees you & your Daddy, know exactly where you get your good looks. You tower over the others your age but can't keep your pants up with that skinny waist.





You have your Momma's sweet tooth & are the recipient of everyone's sneaky chocolate-giving.





You have my heart. You always will. And you make me proud every morning when you stumble out of bed & my heart bursts.





And if my love keeps growing with every year, I better have an ocean-full.





Happy 4th Birthday, to my Baby Boy,


Love,


Your Momma

Gabe, July '09, Not too sure about this posing-with-princesses thing

Touch of Magic

This is just a teeny tiny portion of the photos we have to preserve the awesome memories we made on our Orlando trip.

What fun. And I'm quite certain that the kiddos aren't forgetting anytime soon.

I'll share more later. But for now, here's the line up:

SUNDAY 2nd day of driving, arriving at our AWESOME condo (thx PeePaw & Gammy), swimming, a wicked trip to walmart, & a late bedtime.

MONDAY a trip to the beach. the kids' first time in the atlantic ocean & a parking ticket.

TUESDAY a trip w/ the WHOLE family to SEA WORLD, BREAKFAST w/ ELMO (compliments of Aunt Stef), & swimming again.

WEDNESDAY a time share schpeal for cheap disney tickets, an afternoon/evening trip to the magic kingdom.

THURSDAY another trip to the magic kingdom...rain again.

FRIDAY a trip to DISNEY'S "Quest" (a pimped out dave & busters)...downtown disney...rainforest cafe.

SATURDAY tie-dying shirts, swimming, downtown disney, the mall, late bedtime as we say goodbye to vacation.

A Week Of Firsts

Holy cow. It's rapidly approaching.
My baby girl, leaving the nest, leaving Momma Bird, & spreading her little kindergarten wings.
You didn't think I could have this milestone approach & not blog & cry about it, did you?
Also leaving his Momma Bird is my little Baby Bird. You know, BABY Bird. The one who wants to stay in his Momma's nest - like - forever.

Also a first is Momma leaving her own nest & going back to the schoolhouse. Momma Bird is soo excited about this.
Not excited: Baby Birds not being with her everyday. All day.
Well, kind of.
Sort of.
Don't get the wrong idea.

Okay, so last week was the first week back in the classroom .... meetings, getting the classroom ready.
Bubs starting day care.
PS Bubs hates it.
PPS Bubs told everyone yesterday @ his party (& everyone today @ church) that HE LOVES HIM'S NEW 'CHOOL.
Him does NOT like it. Trust me. Just ask me. Just ask his teachers. Just ask everyone within a 10 mile radius on Friday when the teacher pealed him from my leg & shielded her ear as he shrieked,
"MOMMA!!!!! MOMMA!!!! DON'T YEAVE ME!!!!"

Then ask me again... about how I went to my car & cried. And cried. And cried.

We'll get through it tho! It's the summer of the Perrys! And all those times we were passed up for this & that, it's all sand in that hour glass. The times have come to us now.

I want to "publicly" (is a private blog ever considered 'publicly'?) give God all the glory for how He directs our paths. How he keeps them straight. And how He not only considers what's best for us -- but He does what's best for us.
Thank You Father for doing that.

Birthday Boy

Ever had someone blog in reverse? That's what I'm going to do.

The party ended w/ some water balloon'ing.

It's good to have a BFF.

It's really good.

It's also good to appreciate cards & really enjoy your gift-opening session.

Especially when you have good help.

Looking good (hot, red cheeks, chocolate frosting, summer boo-boo scars) is also essential.

A "pida'man" greeting card is much appreciated.

Hello, anyone there?

family...and friends who you love like family.

"Catch me Momma" (because even when you're almost FOUR, you still need to be caught).

Got some help (from God) blowing out the candles.

fan club.

an out-of-this-world birthday.

Can't Believe My Boy

is going to be 4.
I just can't believe it.

Right now his favorites are
pirates (thanks to Disney World)
legos "yegos" (thanks to the Lego Store at downtown Disney)
Handy Manny (thanks to last year's gift from the Bartosch fam)
Spidey (altho he seems to be fading fast)

He wants to play soccer. fight bad guys. love on his momma. hang out with papa, peepaw, grammy, & nana. pretend he doesn't love getting tickled by "de grls", go to church, play with the zustiak's marble works, wear the same colors as daddy, & brush his teeth.

He goes to sleep with the body pillow over him & a pillow on his face for good measure.

His feet stink like his dad's.

He likes movies. And cars. And movies about cars.

He cries when I leave him. He doesn't like strangers. And people who don't follow the rules.

Green (or blue) is his favorite color. And he wants to know why boys don't paint their fingernails.

He loves babies.... wants to hug them briefly, then go about his business.

Can't stand anything warmer than room temperature, tomatoes, pepper, olives, & peas.

Never looks straight at the camera when you're taking his picture.

And he's going to be FOUR.

'Tis the Season

For much busyness...
Why the lull in blogging you ask?
For starters, this was our June calendar. And that wasn't even everything.

I passed this beauty this morning (the kidney stone, not the dime!)
This girl LOVES to be on the go, see her smiling face from all the busy activity!

Here is is tubing for the first time. We spent a day on the pastor's boat with the EP staff.

And Bubby, who was raring to go from the get-go.

Race for the Cure, in memory of my Grandmother (Flynn's namesake), who died at 28

Racing for the Cure

Not-SoSuper A

My girl's 2nd recital

My first niece to graduate

The INFAMOUS "Blue Horn" (which made it to the ceremony, against the rules)

Field Trips with great friends

And a few days/nights with this little sweetie & her baby brother

Of course, a day @ the zoo

And lots of other fun memories...

Packing for Vacay

Things overheard as I started to pack us for Orlando:

Who is Shamu? Is he the one that wanted to eat Dorie & Nemo's Dad?

We goin' to Sea World?

Maybe we can all wear green to Sea World. We can wear orange to Disney.

I want to wear the Hannah Montana pajamas.

I don't like how jean shorts feel.

What's Disney look like? Like those singing dolls?

Going Private

I'm going to have you email me again if you'd like to be added to the approved list of readers.  My email can be found on my profile.

If I do (have time) continue the blog, it will be private.  Or I might just start writing all thoughts back into notebooks for the kids (like I used to).

I'm sure you understand!

Time Flies

when you're having fun too busy to stop & enjoy it.

I so want to enjoy it.  So, we admittedly do squeeze in swimming... and park playdates... and visits with friends...

Gabe's hair was professionally cut & styled.  So, as we drove home I beckoned back to him behind me, "Bubby, you're hair looks soooo handsome."

Without a second passing by, he responded, "You handsome too Momma."

My hair has been straight now, for several days, apparently a style that doesn't sit well with my last born.  Today, while sharing a breakfast of scrambled eggs he peered across the table at me & asked, "Where your curly hair at Momma?"

And speaking of hair, he must've thought that the stylist was going to give him some curl... he asked while I was strapping him into the car seat, "Why my hair not look like Shelby's?" (Shelby is his cute little preschool girl friend, with beautiful natural curls)

Today while I plunked away on my lap top, looking out the glass patio doors at Jeff & Flynn, I thought about how lucky they are.  To have such a great dad.  A dad who is more than happy to throw a play place ball up on the roof, for it to roll off into the anticipating arms of a girl who is excellent at catching.  I'm quite certain she's inherited my skill love of the game.

Did I tell you that Gabe attended VBS with best friend Trey last week?  Oh, I didn't tell you?  Oh, I haven't blogged in two weeks?  Sorry.

Anyway, yes, he went & had a ball.  His favorite part? (besides playing with a classroom full of unfamiliar toys)  joining the singers on stage for worship time.  Who knew he had it in him.  It's no surprise that at least one of my off-spring is a ham.

Flynn has 2 days of summer school left.  She's disappointed, I am relieved.  She pretended she was a plinko chip (hello PRICE IS RIGHT) & plinko'ed through the arched bars of the slide approach on the playground.  We wouldn't have known, except I noticed that the underside of her arm was blue from just below her elbow all the way to her arm pit.  Then saw her forehead had an abrasion.  Then she was quick to point out the knot on the side of her head.  The most upsetting part? -- she was not taken to the nurse.  Was not given extra attention, or even ice.  And later on, in the bathroom, she wet a paper towel for her own head.  She said that she cried, but "Ms Amber" said she was fine.

I always thought head injury was cause for concern.  Silly me.

Exciting times ahead folks.  Our family is on the brink of so much change it gives my insomnia a reason to work over time (note, post written at midnight).

I hope the sheer need to write as therapy overrides the lack of writing time.  And that prozac comes in a salt lick.

Swimming & Having a Brother Who is Braver Than You

Yesterday we spent the ENTIRE afternoon swimming w/ "Madamine" & Matthew @ Jan's pool.  

Today I took the kids swimming to the Arnold Indoor Rec Pool.  

The kids had so much fun both days (I relished in the non UV rays today, but the kids don't care if they're in 100 degrees or 80).

Yesterday, when I was in the pool, the skids were having a hard time jumping form the sides...until I got out to get a drink.  Then they were jumping in w/o seond thought to Amanda.  Then off the diving board to Jan.

Today, Gabe made it up the step of the play structure & down the slide into an amount of water taller than him a trillion times before he convinced Flynn to go up w/ him.  She took his hand, & with her hands covering her eyes, he led her up the steps through the 'scary' sprays of water.  They even somehow synchronized their slides down (on the double slide), so that they could keep their hands held all the way down.

They repeated this for over 30 mins until it was time to go.  But it was the best 30 mins of the year.  And if that means complete harmonious play for them, then I will immediately start the reconstruction of the basement into a water park.

They Keep Cracking Us Up

Before I tell this story, here's background info...

Uncle Yoren = Uncle Loren; Uncle Loren = My brother

Uncle Yoren is a hunter, with a lot of deer heads to show for his hobby.

Okay, let me proceed.

I was getting the kids together to take to my Dad's who was watching them for me while I went to an interview.

In an attempt to get Gabe to get his hat, I reminded him, "Papa will like it!"

His response, "Uncle Yoren yike it too.  Uncle Yoren yikes REINDEER."

And as if that didn't have me rolling in the floor enough, Flynn (who hears all, sees all) interjected with,

(imagine a voice here, an octave higher than her usual range)

"He SHOOTS them!"

Things I Miss

• smelling my hair (now it's too short)
• looking down at my kids feet & seeing baby feet
  
• nursing my babies
  
• sleeping in on weekends
  
• camping
  
• having a flat tummy
  
• baby socks
  
• not thinking twice about eating white carbs
  
• bubble gum ice cream
  
• restaurants having "small" drinks (now it's medium & up)

Ratted Out by my 2nd Born

I've made it abundantly clear that lately we are busy busy busy.

And so with that busyness comes the inability to do everything, including Gabe's speech homework.

And so, I may or may not have had to have him do it IN THE VAN between summer camp & therapy.  Not my usual forte for reviewing & practicing new material...at all.

Oh well so I think.... at least it will be done & his therapist will be none the wiser...for all he knows, we put Gabe's speech & all involved, as our top priority.

That is, until Mr. Jacob asked for Gabe's homework, took it out of his folder, & began looking at it.

My boy, who usually lacks for words, was quick to report,

"Me did it in my car."

Bubs Goes to Day Camp

Our baby boy is making as big of steps as his sis.  This week he is signed up for Day Camp @ the Y.

One of his challenges right off the bat was an "Icky boy who is mean."  I agree Bubs, icky people are everyone's challenge.

I remember the icky boy at mustard seed.  He came home referring to him only as the icky boy.  And I convinced him to learn the boy's name...which turned into us praying for the boy... which turned into us spelling Icky Boy's name with fridge magnets & many conversations about Icky Boy.

It's hard tho, to be 3.  And to smash crumbs into the carpet & have your card turned.  And hard to follow the rules only to see Icky Boy break them.

Bubs...Life's Lessons.  There are Icky Boys everywhere.

If You Think that Kitten on Shrek 2 Was Cute,

Then I dare you to look at these faces & not melt into a puddle...

At about 7 pm

every night, I start getting exhausted. To the point that my 'brain feels dizzy' & I think that at any moment I could pass out.

But when you're a mom, you don't just get to go to bed when you're tired.  7 begins the whole night time process which means several several more hours until I get to go to sleep.

I get things ready for the next day.  Backpacks, lunches packed, papers looked at, signed, homework done, etc.

Get outfits laid out.  Make plans for who goes where, when, & how.

Get everyone medicated, bathed, snacked & down to sleep.

Then I start my work, church work, website work, housework (in that order).

And the mountains of laundry.  The piled up counters.  Mail, bills, coupons....

All I want to do is go to sleep.  Get much rest.  And wake up ready to tackle a NON-busy day of playing w/ my cute kids... and watching them love life.

Wouldn't that be nice? 

Eeny Meeny

Flynn just finished Day # 2 of SUMMER INSTITUTE (aka summer school) @ the school we have tentatively planned for her to attend kindergarten.

We go into everything with apprehension considering all that's on the line each time she's not in our care.

This step was a little easier since Hot Hubs is also teaching summer school in the same building.  He talked to the teacher ahead of time & at the pre-summer summer school meeting, each teacher was epi-trained.

That didn't stop Daddy from checking in on Flynn during her lunch time again today.  He found her sitting next to a cute girl ("with glasses momma... the glasses have lots & lots of colors on'em") who happened to be eating a ham-cheese sandwich.

Jeff was a tad worried.  He leaned over & whispered to her,

"You sure you want to sit here?  Would you rather sit at a table by yourself?"

Flynn wasn't sure.  She gave each option thought, "Well, yah... well..."

Remember, that new friend... and all those colors in her cute glasses, I mean, that's quite the decision.

So, like any reasonable 5-year old, she went with a completely well thought out decision making process,

"Can I do eeny meeny miney mo?"

We Did Some Scratching but it didn't Itch

Happy Seven Years Hot Hubs...

7 years ago today

Last night

(still in love!)