October Weekend

I just love the mont of October and we have had a very fun and busy one! I hate to see this month coming to a close in a week! This weekend has been filled with fun just like the last several!
Friday afternoon after school Colby had a birthday party for a little girl in his class. I thought a Friday afternoon birthday party was kind of a neat idea. Get it over with haha! It was 4-6 at a local bounce place. Although I did honestly think about skipping it b/c I do love my LAZY fridays but we skipped his last class party so I didn't want to become anti-social plus I knew he really wanted to go! I think its important to get to know the parents and kids he's with 5 days a week! Now that Lindsay is older and enjoys outtings too I brought her along. A year ago I probably would not have but I knew she would enjoy it. I had hoped to only stay an hour but we ended up being there the whole time. Lindsay ran around and didn't cling to me at all which was super nice! She used to be scared of the inflatables! I was able to visit mostly with Nijel's mom. I was a little disapointed in some of the parents discussing the teacher and school issues. I just don't believe a birthday party with that many people around is the time to do that! Anyway we stayed the whole time and the kids had a blast! We got home around 6:30 and had to still feed them dinner b/c my crazy kids refuse to eat at b-day parties! Afterwards we did let them stay up and watch The Lego Movie after bath. It was a tiring day but a good one!
Saturday Austin was off which is awesome! Its been so nice to have him home on Saturdays lately! Lindsay's little school had Family Day at the pumpkin patch that day. I wanted to go and suport the school and church that has helped our babies for the last 5 years! We had a lazy morning since we didn't have to leave until 10:30. The kids watched Planes and Austin and did some things around the house. The kids had a blast at the Festival. They loved just running through the pumpkins and playing games. They also got to pick and paint a pumpkin. There was a cake walk and Colby won! Ofcourse Lindsay had to have her cupcake too and she actually ate the whole there where Colby only took a couple bites! They also jumped in the bounce house and just enjoyed the scenery. We stayed a little over an hour. After we left we went to Moe's a new place to eat. Again fun just to eat and hang out as a family. After lunch we came home to watch football and rest. We hung out for a couple hours inside then the boys got busy doing outside work. Well all went out around 4 to carve pumpkins and decorate for Halloween. Again more fun family time! I hope our kids always remember these days! They are so special! Especially as they are growing SO fast!
Sunday Austin had to go back to work so it was just the kids and I. It was the first Sunday in awhile we were able to just go to first service and come home. So we are enjoying a long afternoon at home. We will play outside later and also work on school stuff at some point. This weekend has been fun but not too teribly busy so I feel like we are rested before the school week!
This week there will be lots going on with our regular routines on top of Farm Day, Halloween Parties, and Trick or Treating!!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

So Lindsay had her very first school field trip today! She did the Aurora pumpkin patch! I cannot believe she is old enough for this b/c I remember Colby's 2 fieldtrips there so well! Anyway ofcourse I signed up to be a chaperone. I dropped her off and went to visit my parents since the field trip began at 10. Sadly I think this will be her only preschool pumpkin patch field trip b/c they do it every other year. Colby got one at 2 and 4.
When I arrived she was so excited to see me. Her class was lining up and we walked out to the patch. The kids sat down on the sidewalk to wait for all the other classes to get in line then the lady who is in charge of the children's ministry at the church talked to them about the pumpkin patch. Afterwards they were allowed to walk around and play for a little while. She loved this part. She just ran through the pumpkins and would stop and look at them every now and then. Her class is 8 girls so they were all so adorable. Especially she and Stella though who always wear the little smocked outfits. Lindsay was able to wear her pumpkin dress from the last 2 years. It fit as a top this year. Its a 9 month dress and has lasted us from 10 months now through 2 1/2 years. I really think we might be able to squeeze her in it one more time next year =)
Next they gathered all the kids under a blanket to read a few fall stories. Lindsay got a little antsy during this time. She kept saying she wanted juice. After the storytime they took a class picture then went to make a craft. She seemed to really enjoy the craft time. She loves her some arts and crafts! I also got to visit with Stella's mom during this time. Its so funny b/c they all thought Stella and Lindsay were cousins b/c they were dressed sorta alike. After the craft they got apple cider and powdered donuts. Ofcourse she loved this too! Once the field trip was over and the class went back Lindsay and I picked out our pumpkins. Usually Colby would have wanted to stay the whole day but I figured Lindsay would 1) want to leave with me 2) I wanted to get home early so we would have time to eat lunch and hang out before picking Colby up that afternoon!
That evening we also had Chickfila night for Calvary. This was the first one of the year. I was sorta dreading going b/c I thought it would mean 3 straight nights of us being gone. I knew we should go though and I knew Colby would BEG to go! It ended up going well. We got there at 5 and left by 6 so I think we missed most of the chaos.
Lifegroup got cancelled for Tuesday and I skipped Bible study in order to grocery shop so thankful we had a sort of rest day in there!
Many things still to look forward to: Church, haircut, b-day party, and family day at Lindsay's school! Fall is just so busy but fun!

Pumpkin Patch & Sunday

So we were finally able to take the kids over to Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch. This is something we have talked about doing since Colby was 1. We went to the Strawberry Patch in the spring and the kids had such a great time we knew we had to go back! So Austin was off this Saturday which like NEVER happens so we wanted to do something fun with the kids! We gave Colby a few options and he chose the Pumpkin Patch. We also invited Austin's parents and sister and nieces.
We got the Patch around 10ish. There was a lot of people! We had no idea it would be so busy but it was big enough that we neve really felt crowded. The kids really enjoyed playing on the country type stuff. They enjoyed the swings and running down hills. They also had this little Haunted Nature Walk that was really cute! We spent some time looking at the animals and checking out all the sights. The kids loved all the different playground equipment. While they were playing and jumping on the haystacks though Colby started feeling nauseous! I dunno what the deal is with this boy getting overheated! I know it didn't help either that he had donuts for breakfast and no protein. That's when it seems to happen most. I am wondering if he has low blood sugar? Anyway he sat down in the shade and drank some water and started feeling better again. They went on to play on the see-saw. Well all was well until the see-saw came down on Colby's legs. Poor baby he must have been seeing stars! So after that it wasn't long before we decided to go. It was approaching noon and the meltdowns were coming! They kids went and picked out their pumpkins and it wasn't long before they were all happy again!
We left the Patch and went to eat at Chime's. It was a long lunch but it was nice to visit over lunch. The kids were really well behaved too thanks to being entertained by their cousins. I love seeing how they connect. Maggie and Colby seem to connect really well. They are the closest in age and Maggie is more of a tomboy so she and Colby love running around and playing together. Shelbi and Lindsay connect the most b/c Shelbi is the oldest and seems to "mother" Lindsay. Anyway it was great seeing everyone!
Afterwards we drove home and hung out here the rest of the day. It was a low key evening.
Sunday Austin was off again which was nice. We spent the morning at church. I had to work in the preschool again. We had 8 kids which wasn't too bad. It was a lot less hectic then the week before! After church we came home to rest. That afternoon at 4 we had to be back for the church work day. It was a really great turn out. Austin worked with the guys on the baptistry and Lindsay and I worked with some of the ladies cleaning the preschool classrooms. Colby was upstairs with the children. I think they also put them to work. Even though it made for a tiring and short afternoon I think its important for us to help take care of our church/school. I think it was also important for our kids to see and help in that as well.
It was a very busy weekend full of many wonderful things! This week will also be filled with field trips, school events, errands, church stuff, etc!

First Quarter Conferences and Awards

So today has been a super busy day for us! It started out with Awards day for Colby. I was so proud of him for making Alpha Honor roll this quarter. Last year he only made Honor Roll once and it was Beta. I really don't care that much if he gets these everytime or not but he has worked so hard and I have seen such a maturity in him that he def deserved it! Austin and my parents were also present for the Awards.
After awards we had to bring my van in and get the rental van. So glad to finally have that ball rolling! Its been bugging me all week driving the van! Although I know things could be so much worse. So after that Lindsay and I had to go back up to the school bc I had offered to help count money for the cookie dough orders. We did this with my friend Stephanie. Lindsay behaved so well for the hour and a half we had to do this. It was tiring but I was glad that I was able to help. Afterwards we had Parent/Teacher Conference. Even though Colby had all A's and he makes an A in behavior I still like to meet with the teacher and just hear how he's doing socially and academically at school. Its also a good time to get to know her as well. She basically said he's doing great! She said she can already see huge growth in him and that he's really well mannered in class. She did say he is quiet and she is working with him to be a little more outspoken. All in all I felt great after the meeting. I really feel like Colby has learned and grown so much in a year! I really love his teacher! Colby seems to really love her too! I really feel like I like her philosophy of teaching. Last year his teacher was firm but fair. He learned a HUGE amount and I am glad he had last year but this year not that she's not firm and not teaching them but I feel like she is focusing on the whole child and not just reading and math. It seems like she is trying to teach them how to work in groups and how to talk in front of the class. That afternoon I was really ready to relax. The evening was nice just the kids and I. We watched Aladdin and had our Friday night tradition of popcorn! It was really lovely especially after a crazy busy day!

1st Grade & Weekend

So today I was able to hang out with Colby's class for a little while. Being a former teacher I guess I jump at any chance to go hang out with my kids at school! I was only able to do this a couple times last year due to Lindsay being home more and really I tried to volunteer but with a teacher and an assistant they really never needed much help. This year I told the teacher who is a first year teacher that I would love to come hang out with the class and help out. I let her know that Lindsay is in school 3 days a week so I have a few free hours. Anyway she said she would love to have me help out and contacted me this week about Friday. I knew it would work 10-11:30 b/c that would be perfect while Lindsay was in school. Anyway I am always excited to help out and get to see my kids in their school atmosphere.
So Friday morning was a busy morning for me. Drop Colby off, drop Lindsay off, go drop colby's book bag off at my parent's house (he was spending the night) then go up to Colby's school. They were doing Show and Tell book reports today so I was able to listen and watch them all do that! It was cute getting to see all the first graders report about their books. That lasted the whole hour so after that we went down to lunch. I stayed for that as well. It brought back so many memories eating lunch with his class. It was fun visiting with them all over lunch though!
So Friday afternoon was relaxful with just my girl. I missed Colby and our normal Friday traditions but I did enjoy special time with just Lindsay. We picked up Cane's on the way home from school as a celabratory lunch then came home and ate and napped. That afternoon we had a low key night. We played outside and watched Alice in Wonderland.
Saturday morning was nice not having to rush off anywhere. We got a few things done around the house then left to go get coffee before picking up Colby. Coffee is our "thing" She loves the coffee shop! I do believe she would pick that over typical kid places like donuts, mcdonald's, chickfila. So we picked Colby up and headed to the park. We had plans once again to meet up with friends. We met our friends Tammy and Logan and Melody and Nijel and Mia. I felt bad b/c the time before it was all younger kids so I think Colby was a little bored. This time I wanted to make sure we invited his best bud. The kids had an absolute blast and it was so awesome getting to visit with other moms. Its so nice now that my kids are ages that we can sit and visit at the park. They pretty much do their own thing with little help from me. We stayed at the park 2 hours which NEVER happens! I was glad for some active and free play and outdoor time for my littles! I loved to see them using their imaginations and muscles! Anyway so we headed home around noon. We were looking forward to a quiet afternoon of football and resting. Well unfortunately on our way home we got rear ended. Talk about a bummer! It was ok though the man was super friendly and right away admitted fault and it wasn't bad just a dented/scratched bumper and back tailgate. It could have been much worse! I have tried to view this as a life lesson for not only austin and I but for my children too. A few years ago I would have totally freaked but I know God allowed this to happen for whatever reason. We are so blessed to have a nice car to drive around in and if we have to be inconveinced for a few days it will make us appreciate our well taken care of safe vehicles that much more! That afternoon was spent on the phone with insurance people and watching football. Not what I had hoped but we still had a nice day.
Sunday thankfully austin was off. We all went to the late service together. I was asked to fill in for someone for the late service. It was nice to have a slower paced morning and not to have to rush off somewhere. I taught the preschoolers and we had 12 children so it was quite an active morning! I did take the 6 youngest ones out though to the Playroom which worked out well for them to burn off energy. After church we went with some friends to get po-boys. Lindsay was in a foul mood all morning which made my stress level go through the roof! I think she was just hungry and tired and out of sorts with us going to the late service! It was def not something I could do every week! We enjoy getting home at 11! Anyway that afternoon was nice we had a little time to relax and hang out outside. I love weekends and cherish my time with the littles!
Upcoming: This week is going to be a busy one with school and church activities! Also with trying to get the van fixed! Lindsay has school pictures and Colby has awards and conferences!

The Weekend Story

Friday we woke up to stormy weather and Austin feeling really really bad. He was nauseous and dizzy. He wasn't sure if it was a stomach virus or something he ate or what! It was actually a little scary for us! Anyway at that point I decided that I might just keep the kids home from school. With not knowing what was going on with Austin and bad weather I had told myself I would just let Colby sleep and if he slept too late to go to school well we would just skip! Well sure enough he slept until 8. We skipped school and just enjoyed a slower paced morning. I figured since his "perfect attendance" was wrecked from getting checked out the day before it was WHATEVER at that point! I ended up taking the kids to Target with me since that is what I had planned. I enjoyed just hanging out with them. We bought Colby's halloween costume and a few fall items for them both! We came home and Austin still wasn't feeling well. He finally decided he should see a doc. My parents brought him to urgent care b/c we felt it best for me to stay home with the kids and get them fed and rested for naptime. Anyway Austin got home around 2:30 and we all just chilled. It turned out he had a really bad ear infection! poor guy! The kids and I were able to play outside. Oh and Colby and I did Math and Phonics at home which I really enjoyed teaching him from home. Honestly I wish we could do part time school like maybe a 4 day week and I would homeschool 1 day a week. I love learning with him and its fun just to get my teaching out that way! That evening we all got out to go pick up Chickfila for dinner. After dinner the kids had their baths then we let them stay up for Friday night movie. This week was Ariel's Beginnings. I chose it for Lindsay b/c she is Ariel obssessed!
Saturday we woke up to gorgeous fall weather. I had decided the kids and I def needed to get out and enjoy the day! I have been dying to go back to the Farmer's Market ever since Stephanie and I went a couple weeks ago! Since I ran out of time during the week I figured it would be a fun Saturday activity and fun to bring my parents along with us. I think the kids enjoyed it especially Colby. He was a big help counting out the right amounts of fruits and veggies to put in our "box". It was such a beautiful fall day for this too! I just love the energy and excitment fall brings!! After the market we decided to also take the kids to the mall. This was another "fall" activity I wanted to check off our list! Its always been tradition to take them out there to see/ride the train. Well Lindsay has never ridden the train I don't think. She's always been to scared. Well finally as I thought she would atleast ride it with Colby he decided now he was TOO big to ride it! Oh my mommy heart broke! I cannot believe my baby boy is saying he's too big for certain things!! Anyway I thought they both might changed their minds after seeing how fun it would be. NOPE! Neither one! I guess when you have been to Disney things like this just seem too boring for my world adventureres. But they did still enjoy looking at all the decorations so that made it worth it! Afterwards we made our usual stop into the Disney Store. The grandparents decided to buy the kids a little treat. Colby got a plane and Lindsay got more princesses! I also got some Ariel shoes for my sweetie to go with her Halloween costume. I figured since we bought the costume at low cost we could spring for some fancy shoes! After the shopping we went to eat in the Food Court. Again this is always a treat for the kids. We had just had chickfila though so we opted for Subway. After eating we headed back home. Colby had a playdate and there was a lot of good college football to be watched =) It was nice having a couple of quiet hours with Colby being away with a friend. I am so happy he has a buddy to go play with on Saturdays! We picked him up around 5 and came home and had dinner and watched more football!
Sunday Austin was off which is always great! I had childcare though so we didn't get to sit together in church. We had about 8 or 9 preschoolers and most of them were 2 year olds so it was a little crazy. I always enjoy teaching them though and love having that time to interact with Lindsay and her friends. After church we ate lunch at BWW and then came home to watch the SAINTS game. Colby was invited to a b-day party at 1:30. But I had a couple issues with this: 1) I didn't agree with the theme (Zombies?) and 2) I really prefer not to do Sunday afternoon parties b/c we try to focus on Worship, Rest, and Family on Sundays. Plus honestly at 1:30 after church really wasn't my ideal time to go hang out at the park with a bunch of 6-7 year olds anyway haha! And Colby never even asked to go! The afternoon was nice we were able to spend time outdoors and go for a walk!
I feel very refreshed after the last 3 days! It was nice having the kids home for an extra day added to the weekend! I think that "mini vacay" will help us from hitting fall burn out! This upcoming week is back to our busy routine of grocery, Bible study, lifegroup, school, Wednesday church!

A week of Blessings

So after a hard week last week I feel like this week has been so wonderful! Its been a full and busy week but I love this time of year!
Monday-Grocery shopping and then a family dinner outside that evening of hamburgers and fries! Love having Austin home on Mondays and having a big family dinner and having it outside on a nice fall night was added bonus! Oh and both kids had school!
Tuesday-I had Bible study and Lindsay went to my parent's. Austin was home but he worked around the house painting. That evening we had lifegroup. It was a great ending to our series on work. I love going and learning and fellowshipping with friends!
Wednesday-The kids had school. I came home and worked around the house and relaxed. It was a blessing to be able to have a low key day since Wednesday nights are crazy busy! We really enjoy being back at church though! The kids have a blast running around with friends! Its also been a sweet blessing having my parents back at church with us and seeing them mid-week like that! Our preschool class had 4 kids but I am really loving this time with them to truly get to know them and teach! Its been wonderful so far!
Thursday-Lindsay and I went to the library that morning. It was fun looking for books with her. This was something Colby and I did a lot when he was in that 1-3 age range so I am enjoying teaching her about the library and instill a love for books. We picked out a bunch of books to read over the next few weeks! Afterwards I had a meeting at chickfila for Children's Ministry! It was fun having Lindsay alonge. I want her to love serving in the church too so its neat to have her around for some of this! I felt blessed getting to meet with Laekan and Tammy. Such a pleasure to serve our Lord and work with preschoolers with these ladies! So that afternoon right after getting home I did get a dreaded "text" from Laekan. As soon as she arrived back on the church campus she got word Colby was throwing up. So I had to rush up there to pick him up. I worried we might be starting with a stomach virus! It ended up him just getting overheated at recess. I have to admit I loved having him home early! Honestly I wish every Thursday was early dismissal like that! It made our afternoon/evening feel so much longer. We didn't have to rush through homework and dinner.
Friday we woke up to stormy weather and Austin feeling really really bad. He was nauseous and dizzy. He wasn't sure if it was a stomach virus or something he ate or what! It was actually a little scary for us! Anyway at that point I decided that I might just keep the kids home from school. With not knowing what was going on with Austin and bad weather I had told myself I would just let Colby sleep and if he slept too late to go to school well we would just skip! Well sure enough he slept until 8. We skipped school and just enjoyed a slower paced morning. I figured since his "perfect attendance" was wrecked from getting checked out the day before it was WHATEVER at that point! I ended up taking the kids to Target with me since that is what I had planned. I enjoyed just hanging out with them. We bought Colby's halloween costume and a few fall items for them both! We came home and Austin still wasn't feeling well. He finally decided he should see a doc. My parents brought him to urgent care b/c we felt it best for me to stay home with the kids and get them fed and rested for naptime. Anyway Austin got home around 2:30 and we all just chilled. It turned out he had a really bad ear infection! poor guy! The kids and I were able to play outside. Oh and Colby and I did Math and Phonics at home which I really enjoyed teaching him from home. Honestly I wish we could do part time school like maybe a 4 day week and I would homeschool 1 day a week. I love learning with him and its fun just to get my teaching out that way! That evening we all got out to go pick up Chickfila for dinner. After dinner the kids had their baths then we let them stay up for Friday night movie. This week was Ariel's Beginnings. I chose it for Lindsay b/c she is Ariel obssessed!