The week of sickness and not much going on....

So this week has been an overall quiet week. I've had a lot of downtime which has been nice. I've had my regular routine things like grocery shopping, Bible study, Wednesday night church, teaching music, and scouts but that's been about it. I feel like we've settled into our fall routine and currently we aren't nearly as stressed/tired as we were a couple weeks ago. We've been busy but not SO busy that we are overwhelmed by it. The school was supposed to have WalkAThon on Friday but it got cancelled due to an overwhelming number of students/teachers coming down with the flu. I was sad but also relieved to have a quieter day. I will be going up there shortly though to bring Colby's class pizza. That should be fun! I hope to get a peek at both of them. Its always fun to see them in their school atmosphere. So with everyone sick I also haven't seen much of friends which is a downer though. I am looking forward to a fairly quiet weekend though. The boys will probably be going to Hattiesburg for the football game and Lindsay and I will hold down the fort here. I am looking forward to girl time and also the quiet that comes with that! We've been praying hard that we stay well and also that the illness stops and everyone who has gotten sick quickly heals! Next week things hopefully will be a little more normal but they also have fall break so it will only be a 2 day week for us! 

Lessons and Weddings

So Friday started in the most awful way. Well actually it started nicely but quickly went downhill. Colby woke up in the most terrible mood and I ended up letting loose and screaming at him for 10 minutes straight. I ofcourse felt so bad later on but when he has a bad attitude and is disrespectful it just gets to me. I was also hormonal though so I am sure I was more edgy then normal. Well anyways we pulled it together and tried to salvage the morning before getting them to school. It was Lindsay's Career Day! She was so excited. She looked adorable. She chose to be a "boat person" aka sailor girl. After dropping the kids off I had to go by Aurora and drop off a recipe and also pick up Colby's scout book he had left the night before. Then I had to go by the grocery and get a snack for Lindsay b/c of course Friday was also her snack day. I felt bad not being more prepared but with the crazy of the week that was all I could do! I got that dropped off to the school then CAME home! It was so amazing to spend the day at home. I really try hard to schedule one day a week where I come home. It really helps my sanity but also I can be productive around the house. I've realized that God blesses me with those days and I need to use them. I have also learned the importance of being still and having slow days. 
That afternoon I looked forward to having the kids home and us not having anything on the agenda! The kids were in great moods and I just enjoyed our time together. I cooked tacos that night for dinner and Austin got home in time to enjoy that with us. After dinner we played outside for a bit then came in to watch our movie. We decided on The Good Dinosaur. 
Saturday it felt amazing as always to sleep in a bit. Even though I really only slept until like 7:15 it was still nice to slow down. The kids and I had a pretty lazy morning. We were able to even work on school work. Colby had a very light amount of homework so we focused on his reading and questions then I even had him do some language review. I am trying to keep up with that but not make him feel like he's doing work all the time. Lindsay also worked on letters and phonics. She loves doing school papers so its not a struggle at all with her. She enjoys it so much! We took it easy and then had lunch around 11:30. Austin also got home about that time. We had a 2:00 wedding to attend and had a babysitter coming over so we tried to spend the morning straightening up around the house and also getting ready for that. 
Katelynn our babysitter arrived around 1 and we headed out the door. The wedding was for Stephen and Courtney. Stephen is our children's pastor so it was important that we go for this. The wedding was very sweet and pretty and the reception was nice too. It was also nice to get away for a few hours just the 2 of us. We got home right at 6 which was in time for some good college football games. I was pretty exhausted that night so by the 3rd quarter we headed the kids off to bed and we were actually in bed early ourselves as well. 
Sunday we were all so happy to not have any major plans other than church. We went to first service. I have so been enjoying my time back in church. After many years of serving in various children's ministry roles its been so good for my spirit and soul to be back in church. This is not to say that I don't want to get back involved. I am actually hoping to talk to our children's pastor next month about starting to teach every other Sunday upstairs. Anyway the study of Joshua has also been amazing and so impactful! After church the kids wanted to go to New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood. It was a yummy lunch then we came home to watch the SAINTS play. It was a great game! We enjoyed our afternoon around the house. We got some work done but also relaxed and hung out as a family. We had breakfast for dinner and then took a walk! 

Another Week full of Fun and Busy

Wow so here we are another week almost under our belts! I feel like they are flying by! Anyway Monday started our week out well with Austin being off! I went grocery shopping then came home. He and I spent some time together. We took a walk then came home and hung out. He picked up salads for us for lunch so we ate those and watched tv. I love stay home/low key days with him! That afternoon he picked up the kids. I enjoyed a little bit more of quiet before the crazy! Colby had a lot of homework so I worked with him on that while Austin cooked. That night we had a nice home cooked meal of ribs, mac n cheese, green beans, corn, and corn bread. We were able to spend time outside as well! I love our Monday afternoons b/c the rest of the week is always crazy! 
Tuesday it was back to routine. I had Bible study and the kids had school. It was a good morning learning and fellowshipping with the ladies. I am also thankful for the couple hours I have by myself at home after. That evening Austin worked late but he didn't go to his Men's Group so he was home a tad earlier than normal. The kids and I had a low key night though and also again enjoyed some outdoor time. 
Wednesday was full on BUSY! So the kids had Parent Visit Day at their school. I always enjoy this day. I cannot believe this was my 5th one. It was Colby's 5th and Lindsay's 2nd. My mom also joined us again this year since Austin had an interview that morning. I hate for the kids to feel left out so it works out well that they can both have an adult visitor for the entire morning. We started the morning in Assembly. I tried to go back and forth to both their tables and see them and their friends. Fortunately both of their tables are near each other so that made it easy. Well once it was time to split off into their classes I went with Lindsay and my mom went with Colby. We started the morning with Chapel. The Chapel was very cute. Kindergarten has chapel downstairs with the preschool still. My mom got to see Jumpstart Chapel. After that we went back to the kindergarten room for class. During that time my mom got to see Colby in class and in computer to take a math test. Lindsay's class worked on phonics. I enjoyed watching all the ways her teacher is teaching them how to read. They sounded out blends and then had a chance to make words with some cut out letters they had on their desk. It was fun and interactive! After that they went to library and Colby's class went to PE. My poor mom got to go to PE with both of them. Library was fun...their theme this week was camping so she read "Going on a Bear Hunt" with them and they played a couple games after that. Once that was over it was time for my mom and I to switch. From there she got to go outside with Lindsay's class for PE and I went upstairs to see Colby's class in action. During their class time they reviewed math. They did a Mad Minute then played a game. It was fun just seeing the class in action. I really love his teacher and classmates this year. They all just seem so sweet. After that his class went to library. Again they read "Going on a Bear Hunt" and a couple other books I hadn't heard but they all were about outside or camping. I think some of the kids were a little bored but I think it was a nice downtime for them. I think even big kids like being read to. By the time that was over it was time to say goodbye. I was able to sneak a peek at Lindsay too before I left. It was a fun morning but I was exhausted when I got home. Not to mention I got home around 12 and then had to eat and I felt like most of my day was gone. I did appreciate my parents getting the kids though b/c that extended my day a bit. That night we had church. The kids are always excited about that even though it makes for a long day. I am glad they love going to church. They also love the friend time. They both lucked out and had their best friends there that night. Such a blessing! I taught the girls class. That night we combined k-5th grade. I felt like they "got" the lesson and things went well. I can tell though some of the 5th grade girls are "over jumpstart" its the same look/feeling you get with the 5 year olds in clubhouse. They are just bored and ready to move on to something else. 
Thursday another full day! Well I got asked that morning to sub instead of teach music. I was a little disappointed but figured it would be fine. And it was there were no major issues all morning until the end. I subbed the 2-3 year old class. Its basically got 2 1/2 year olds up to early 3s. Well there are still several in there wearing diapers so I had to change 2 dirty diapers which really isn't my thing! UGH I couldn't do that every day! Anyway the kids were cute though and mostly well behaved. At the end of the day though I had the kids in circle time and they were all doing so well. Well the class across the hall uses the little potty between my room and the other room. Well kids were coming back and forth so I didn't think too much of it. One little girl from my class said she had to potty but then she said someone was in there so I was just like wait until they get out. Finally she went in so I assumed whoever was in there was finished and out. Well in the process her mom came to get her. Well I really didn't know any of the parents so I was like oh she's in the potty. Well then she came out and behind her came another little girl from across the hall. That little girl had her panties and shorts down to her ankles and acted completely oblivious. Well I felt so bad that I seemed so flustered when that mom got there. So after she left I was making sure her little girl didn't leave anything and then I am trying to usher the little girl back across the hall. Well as I cross the room I see water everywhere in the bathroom and it slowly seeping under the wall. OMG she flooded the bathroom. So I quickly got the director and got all the kids across the hall so they wouldn't slip down. Whew! That was quite a way to end the day. I was so anxious to get home and relax after that. I didn't have long before it was time to go get the kids. We came home and did homework and I started on their dinner. It was scout night. Well the night before Lindsay didn't sleep well and she hadn't been eating well so I really felt like she needed a night home. I had told her if Austin was able to get home in time that she would stay home with me. We usually all try to go to Scouts since it is a "family atmosphere" but I felt it was in our best interest to stay in. I was so thankful! She and I caught up around the house then I worked on Bible study while she played then we just kinda relaxed and hung out until the boys got here. Well they got in and Colby was in an awful mood. Apparently he had forgotten his book there and Austin was telling him the importance of responsibility and he got all upset. Anyway from there I was definitely ready to get them all to bed! LONG day! 

Aquarium Field Trip and Best Buddies

Friday was quite a fun day for my little man! Colby had his first Field Trip of the year tot he Aquarium. I was excited to get to go hang out with him and his classmates. He went to the Aquarium I think his kindergarten or first grade year. Anyway this one was much different! We got there right at opening time. Actually I was there about 9:45. Once we got everyone lined up and counted all the chaperons and such we went on in. There were also 4 other school groups around that day. We went in and our little group I was assigned consisted of Colby, Noah, and Zachary. All 3 boys were great and I had no problems. For the first part of the day we stuck pretty close to Mrs. G's group. We had an hour to browse the first floor and part of the second floor. She had also given them clipboards with questions on it for them to answer. I liked the idea to keep them focused instead of just thinking they were there to run/play. At 11 we had to meet back outside and go to the IMAX theater. The kids were all excited to go to the Concession Stand. I was proud of Colby. I told him for this field trip he could bring his own money if he wanted to buy something. He stood in line and bought an Icee that with his own money. The IMAX movie was very good and it was enjoyable to just sit and enjoy. After that the kids got their lunches and we set off for the Food Court so that they could eat. I was worried when we got up there and there were no tables left b/c the other school groups were also eating as well. Well luckily after about 5 min some groups starting getting up and leaving so we were able to find some tables. Our little group had to be at separate tables but it was so noisy in there I just wanted to eat my lunch and move on. Once I felt like all the boys were finished we got up to go see the rest of the aquarium. One of the boys wanted to check out the gift shop upstairs so he went ahead and purchased a toy otter there. He was short about 90 cents so I gave him a dollar. I just have a soft spot I guess for 9 year old boys! We then finished up the rest of the exhibits upstairs. We went downstairs where the large viewing tank is and we stumbled upon a crowd and noticed that it was almost feeding time! I texted their teacher so she and her little group would also come down. It was a nice, informational time. I also enjoyed the time to just "sit". The boys did start getting restless though by the end. Once the presentation was over I let them go to the big gift shop downstairs. Well that took up the rest of the time. Colby ended up picking out an aquatic truck. We also chose a little purple penguin for Lindsay. Once everyone finished shopping I had them gather by the fountain. They all met up at 2 and we parted ways. I was so tired after the morning but also thankful for such a fun morning with my boy! Its not often he and I get to hang out like that so I really enjoyed it! He's so funny! I drove over to my parent's house to visit for about 30 min since I got across the bridge about 2:30. I wasn't going to sit in carpool and hour but I also didn't want to come home. Anyway I had a nice little visit with my parents. From there I picked up the kids. We came home and I think were all exhausted. But we had Colby's friend Nijel coming over! Luckily we had about 2 hours of quiet before he arrived. He and Austin got here around the same time. We had pizza then sent the kids outside to play. They had fun riding bikes and running around! i was happy to see them get their energy out! once they came in they got cleaned up and put on pjs. We started the movie. The boys wanted to watch a "Wimpy Kid" movie so that we did. I think everyone enjoyed that time. After the movie we had them brush teeth and go to bed. It was about 9 so we instructed the boys that they could stay up until 10 then they had to turn off the lights and try to sleep. Well by 10:30 they were still awake when we got ready for bed. I am not even sure what time they actually fell asleep but I'm pretty sure it was after 11. 
That morning they were all up bright and early! I rolled out of bed at 7 and it was full on busy! We cooked breakfast for them. Austin made pancakes and bacon. While we cooked we let them play on the iPad for a bit. Nijel had brought his tablet. I didn't mind them playing for an hour but I really didn't want that to consume them the entire time. So after breakfast we had them clean up the room and make their beds then they got dressed and went outside to play. Austin and I got everything cleaned up then we all got ready to go to my parent's house. I thought that taking them over their to swim would be good. I knew we really needed to get them out the house to expel some energy. Also I knew it might be our last time to swim this season. Well we got there and Colby pouted almost the entire time! I got so angry at him! I probably handled it all wrong b/c its obvious he was hurting but I was so frustrated b/c we did all this for him and it was only his friend and little sister playing and having fun. I had many stern talks with him and finally one clicked. I made him go apologize to everyone and shortly after that he was back playing with his friend. I think it was a combination of tiredness, hunger, and just missing Nijel. I used to do the same stuff as a kid...if something set me off and I started pouting well It was hard for me to get out of that funk. I really felt so bad for him. Recently during another lecture and talk with him I figured out that part of his bad attitude since that day is b/c he misses Nijel. I guess being around him compounded in his head the fact that they aren't at the same school anymore. Well the day ended up being salvaged. We had lunch with my parents then brought Nijel home. We spent that afternoon resting, cleaning, and watching some football. We all really enjoyed watching the MS State/LSU game that night! GO DAWGS! 
So Sunday Austin was off again. It was sure nice to have him with us the entire weekend. So we got up and ready for church. The service was good... Austin had to count though so we took separate cars and the kids and I came home after first service. Again we were anxious to watch the SAINTS game at noon. We had a relaxing afternoon. Football, outside time, naps, and getting ready for the week! It really was a great day and weekend. 

A Much Better Week

So after a few rough weeks I feel like we are finally clicking and things have improved greatly! The month of August was so stressful with getting back into school routines and Lindsay's surgery! I just felt like I was going non-stop. I felt already burnt out and we had only been in school a month! 
We are fully into our fall routines now but I think we have all adjusted! 
Monday Austin was off...he and I spent the day together. It felt really good to have the day with him. We went out to the Scout store to get Colby's stuff for his upcoming year as a Webelo. We then went grocery shopping. We got home and worked on some projects around the house and just enjoyed hanging out. Its really nice to have him home on a week day. That evening we had a nice night. He grilled steaks, we had mashed potatoes, and green beans as well. The kids played outside a lot and then there was a SAINTS game on tv. It was all around just a fun fall day/night! 
Tuesday it was back to routines! I had Bible study though. I was glad to be back and not have to leave out early this week. We are doing a 3 leader study and its been really great so far! That afternoon I was able to have some time around the house which is always helpful before picking the kids up. Tuesday nights are pretty low key which I like. Austin has Men's Group and I honestly kinda enjoy the quiet nights with the kids. I made jambalaya then we went for a walk. They were pretty much ready for bed by the time he got home. 
Wednesday was an amazing day for me! It was my dream Stay at home Mom day! I love when I don't have anything going on on a Wednesday. I went to SAM's first thing then came home. I changed into my workout clothes and took Allie for a walk. I wish I could do this more mornings but I am always excited when the stars align and I am able to do it. I got home and had a very productive day of housework and lesson planning. I also got to rest! I used to feel very guilty about napping but I have learned that God gives me quiet days and I need to use them. I rested up so that when the kids got home I would be ready to hit the ground running with them. We of course had church. Its hard sometimes to head off at night like that but the kids love it and I love being there. Its refreshing to see everyone then to be upstairs in Jumpstart. Lindsay's little friend Maribelle from school was there so it was nice to see her playing with a school friend. Colby mostly hung out with Makyrin and Ella. Our little group of girls is so sweet and I enjoy getting to know them as well. 
Well Thursday was a Marathon day for me! I had first off had music class. I am really loving being back with my preschoolers! Its exhausting but it really is something I enjoy doing. So far I feel like things are overall going so much smoother this year too! I have been able to accomplish a lot with them in just 2 weeks. They have already learned so much! After music class I ended up meeting some friends for lunch. It was a blast! Its not something I would want to do every week since I treasure my time at home but it was fun to catch up with some mom friends over lunch. It was a great stress reliever! After that I came home for about 2 hours before it was time to head out to go pick up the kids. Thursday afternoons are always crazy b/c we have to get through homework, dinner, and then be out the door by 6 for scouts! We made it though. Even though its a lot I really am glad for my boy to be back in Scouts. Colby is a Webelo this year! Its crazy to think he's in his 4th year of scouting. Its been so great for him though! We have 10 boys now in our den! They mostly went over "rules and guidelines" for how they should act at meetings. They then quickly went over some First Aid things. I am excited about all he will be learning again this year. And he loves the time with his buddies! Lindsay was also happy to hang with the little sisters! 

Weekend Slow Down

So this past weekend we were able to slow down a tad which was so nice. Friday I went shopping at Target then came home to enjoy most of the day home by myself. It was lovely! It was much needed. That afternoon after picking up the kids we came home and first off worked on school stuff. Colby had a big science project due so we worked a bit on that. That evening I cooked spaghetti and we were able to eat dinner as a family. We got a little outdoor time in before movie night as well. Austin came home to do yard work. The weather has been amazing so that was nice. 
Saturday we woke up and had no where to rush off too. That was really great. It seems like lately we have been so busy that I think the kids and I just needed a leisure morning in our pjs. Once again Colby had homework to do so he and I worked on that a bit before getting dressed. We had a b-day party to attend at 12. I was in a way looking forward to the party b/c it was somewhere we could go to without being a major production but the kids weren't super excited so I felt like in a way I was dragging them off somewhere they didn't want to be. Well we ended up getting there and having a great time. It was for a little boy named Miles at our church. He and Lindsay are the same age...well he just turned 5 but they are both in kindergarten. They have known each other forever! Also he and his big brother I've taught in clubhouse and even started having the little brother Rett before I took a break. Anyway I knew it was a party we should go to. The party was nice and very low key. Which I loved! The kids mostly did their thing while I visited with some friends. We stayed about 2 hours. Colby was invited to another party that afternoon for a classmate but I knew we couldn't do 2 parties. I've always told the kids we just can't make every. single. birthday. party. Plus we were invited to Miles' b-day first. Anyway we came home and worked on Colby's project and relaxed. Austin was going up to Hattiesburg for the game so we had a chill night at home. I picked Chickfila up for the kids. It was nice just having some downtime. I enjoyed our trip last weekend but it takes so much out of me when we travel like that. Anyway we were able to get outside and even take a walk after dinner. 
Sunday Austin met us at church for the 1st service. After church we went to Ground Pattie to eat lunch before coming home. Again we relaxed and mainly worked on Colby's project. The kids spent some time outside again. We have been blessed with such lovely weather! 
It was really a good weekend and I am thankful we had the time to stop and relax some. I mean we had Colby's homework but because we worked on it all weekend we were able to sit down and work in little bits at a time. That's what works best for him. He gets overwhelmed and tired when its a lot at once. 

Back to the Busy Life

So we had a wonderful but busy Labor Day weekend. There wasn't much time to recover from that before we jumped straight into the craziness of the week and the start to many fall activities. 
Tuesday everyone was back to work/school. I had Bible study. I was glad to be back in that routine after missing the week before. The only thing I had to leave early so I felt a little on edge all morning. I missed most of the video which is always a bummer. The reason I had to leave is b/c I had a work thing. This was the Parent Coffee/Meet n Greet day at Aurora. I had been asked to help out. Well I ended up helping out in the 1 year old room. I stayed busy the whole hour. I mostly carried around this little boy who was 9 months old and played with Nolan who is the little brother of one of Lindsay's besties. It was fun but also exhausting. By the time I got home I was tired and hungry and wanted to relax. That evening we were busy with homework and such. I picked dinner up at Panera Bread for the kids b/c Austin had small group and I hadn't been to the grocery yet. The kids and I had a nice night in. We played outside a bunch and it was nice to have that slow down. 
Wednesday turned into quite a busy day for me. First off I had to do my grocery shopping. I really don't like going mid-week like that. Wednesdays are usually my free/quiet days! Anyway so I got that done then I only had about 2 hours from the point I put everything away until it was time for me to leave again. I did enjoy the 2 hours though! I had to leave though at 12 to go pick Lindsay up so she could go to her post-op appointment. My mom wanted to ride over with me so it was nice having her and some company along for the afternoon. We got to the hospital right about 1 and her appointment was at 1:30. By the time we made our way up to the clinic it was 1:15. I was hoping it would be quick but the waiting room was packed! I don't think we even got called back until 2. We got in the room and the nurse pulled her bandages off and looked at the scar, then a doc assistant/student came in, then FINALLY the surgeon. It was good to see him again! He's so sweet and friendly. Lindsay was pretty shy throughout. I think she would have been less clingy if my mom wouldn't have been there but oh well! So we headed home and got to our house around 3. Again it was fun having my mom around a little while. We visited and Lindsay did some art and I studied the lesson for church. My dad brought Colby home around 3:45. From there it was a quick turn around to get ready for church. I honestly had thought about skipping but we had missed the night before so I knew we really needed to go. We had a good night and I think the kids enjoyed themselves. Colby's little buddies haven't been there much lately but atleast he has Ella. Lindsay had Genevieve and Ebbie so she was happy about that! Our little class that night had 11-12 little girls in it. They are all so sweet and cute! I am really enjoying getting to know that age group. That night we got in and Colby still had some homework to do. They don't normally give homework on Wednesdays but due to the volume of homework Colby is having this year we usually end up working on something on Wednesday to just spread it out. 
Thursday was my "working day". I honestly was dreading getting back to this routine a bit. Its just so hard getting up on Thursdays after a busy Wednesday. Anyway I have to say though I really had a good time teaching though and the kids were great! I feel like things just "clicked" this year as well. We changed the room where we meet and so I loved this room a lot better. Its closer to the school and I don't feel so secluded for one thing. Its also cleaner feeling. They also got me these circle things I can use for the kids to sit on. That worked really well. It kept them from moving around the room and wanting to stand on top of each other. I had 4 classes this year instead of 3 which was a little more work. My voice felt like it was about gone by the time I finished! But it was nice to have smaller groups of kids this year. Once I got home I was so hungry and tired. I ate lunch and pretty much passed out on the couch. That afternoon was of course really busy as well. After homework it was a marathon to feed the kids and get to Scouts. This was our first meeting this fall. It was mostly a preview for the adults. I am looking forward to getting back to this even though it makes for an even crazier week, but Colby loves it so much. It was so fun seeing him and his buddy Nijel together. Since Nijel isn't at school this year and doesn't come to church as often he seems a little bummed a lot. So it was fun seeing them reunited. 
Once we were past Thursday night I felt like I could finally relax a little! I sure was looking forward to the weekend! 

Labor Day Weekend

After the week we had I was so glad it was the weekend and a LONG weekend at that. We had debated leaving Friday afternoon/evening to go to Hattiesburg but we ended up opting to leave early Saturday. Austin had a really busy day at work and with all we had going on here I felt like we all needed that extra night at home. When the kids got home from school I had them both sit down and do some math even though it was a Friday. It was quick and easy I just wanted them both to have a little extra practice. Colby just needs to build his confidence with math facts and work on taking his time and writing neatly. That night Austin picked up dinner for us which was nice. He brought home Chili's. We ate and then did movie night. We watched the Lion King. I was so happy to see that movie again! It had been forever!! 
Saturday we were up bright and early. In fact I had set my alarm for 6. We were wanting to get on the road since we were heading up for a football game. We got the kids up about 7 and got them dressed and loaded up the van and headed out right about 8. We stopped first at Chickfila for breakfast though. The car ride up went fast and the kids were great. We got to the apartment and unloaded and spent a few minutes visiting with my parents. Yes, they were already up there. We then went by to visit with Austin's mom. We could only stay about an hour though. We did get to see his sister's whole family and his mom which was nice. We left at 12 and went back to the apartment to freshen up and head out to the game. We got to the game a few minutes before 12. We got to see the Eagle walk and walk around a bit. From there my dad, myself, and Lindsay decided to go on up to the seats. We hung out and visited then ate our lunch. Colby and Austin went to find Austin's boss who was there tailgating with Kentucky people. We enjoyed the lunch provided in the club level. They had burgers, sausage, mac n cheese, potato salad, etc. The kids also love the popcorn mix and candy! The game didn't start until 3 so it felt like we had a lot of time to just hang out but it went by pretty fast. The game was a LONG game! It didn't end until about 7. They lost but it was still a good game. I was so proud of the kids how well they hung in there. The end was HOT! Our seats were right in the sun for the last quarter. We got back to the apartment and picked up sandwhiches to eat. I think we were all dead tired so we just took shifts in the bath and getting ready for bed. I think we all passed out that night! 
Sunday it felt good to sleep in! It was also nice to not be in a rush. We were going to church with Austin's mom but their church doesn't start until 11 so we had a relaxing morning. Austin picked up some pastries and coffee for us at Panera. I helped Colby with some of his social studies homework and we just hung out. We got to the church about 10:40. It wasn't long before Wendi and her family arrived. The kids did really good in church considering they hardly ever sit in church with us! It was neat being in a different atmosphere. I enjoyed the service but I also really missed my own church. After church we went with his mom to eat at Olive Garden. I think she enjoyed having us all in and part of her Sunday routine. After lunch we split ways and went back to the apartment to cool off and change clothes. We ended up hanging out and resting for about an hour and a half. We got up and ready and went to the ZOO about 3. The kids have been there a couple times and always enjoy it when we go. It was a little hot but not terrible in the shade. They had a blast checking out all the animals. Around 4:30 we decided to head back to his mom's house. Well she wasn't home so we went to the apartment to let the kids swim. I stayed in the apartment while Austin took them to the pool. I enjoyed the alone time and catching up on my Bible study. Austin's mom ended up coming there to watch them as well. We then picked up chicken and went to her house to have dinner and hang out. We stayed until about 7 but then we were all so tired we went to the apartment for the night. It had been a full 2 days! 
The next morning we set our alarms again at 6. We wanted to get home in plenty of time to have some time around the house. We left about 8. We stopped and had donuts at Krispy Kreme on the way out of town though. We got home about 10. Ofcourse there was lots to do. Well tempers got the best of us all and Austin and I ended up having a little fight. It was probably the worst we had had in awhile. I think we were both just tired/hungry and felt a lot of stress with all the upcoming things we have going on. Things finally calmed and we had lunch and then all took a rest. It was nice to be home and relax. That afternoon we went over to my parent's house for Labor Day celebrations with them. We had dinner with everyone. It was great visiting. I always love when we are all together. I guess the last time was Colby's b-day. It seemed like there was plenty of catching up. I feel bad b/c we never did get to take the kids swimming but I think we were all so tired and with it being in the evening it just seemed like too much. We had a nice time though. We got home in time for baths/bed. 
We had a great Labor Day weekend and I feel like we accomplished a lot! It wasn't relaxing but it was a nice change of pace. It was nice to get out of town and get away from "school" for a few days! Now we have a month until fall break so I know we will be ready again for another break when that rolls around!

A New Week and New Challenges

So this week has been a little challenging to say the least. But I know there are always going to be weeks like that and I try to always look at them as "life learning curves". So Monday Austin was off work and the kids went to school. Lindsay woke up that morning feeling a little under the weather and complaining of a sore throat. She asked to stay home but I took her temp and she had no fever and I gave her IBP and cough medicine. She seemed to perk up a bit before school so I figured she would be ok. I figured it was all due to the surgery. I encouraged her to try and go to school but if she didn't feel good to tell her teacher and we would come get her. This year with her being in kinder her attendance is a lot more important and with her missing Friday I didn't want her to fall too behind. So I went on to the grocery while Austin worked and did things around the house. I got home and he and I got ready to head across the river to run an errand to the Scout store. Well as soon as we crossed the bridge the school called and said Lindsay was in the office saying she didn't feel good. So we quickly turned around and came home. I felt so bad for her. We picked her up and all came home and ate lunch. Although she first wanted to do her homework. Sweet thing! Even sick she wasn't going to miss that! We ate and then all rested. I think the downtime was good for her. That afternoon she and Austin worked in the office. Colby had a dentist appointment that afternoon so I picked him up from school and he stayed home with Lindsay. 
Well Colby has been so apprehensive about this dental visit b/c he currently had a loose tooth. He even cried before getting there. I had hoped he would suck it up and be ok with it. Well he did awful...he wasn't rambunctious but he basically wouldn't allow them to get the cleaning done. They finally pretty much gave up and told him to come back after the tooth fell out! I wasn't really mad at him bc I know he's not trying to be bad. He really has some anxiety about losing teeth. Anyway we got home and started the homework train. Once again it was a long and busy hour of doing homework. Austin thankfully was home and cooked for us so that helped the night go a little smoother. 
Tuesday Austin was home again. We were also under Tropical Storm conditions, flood warnings, and tornado warnings. The kids still had school though. The weather was bad when I took them and I was worried I should have kept them in but it cleared up by 9 and was fine the rest of the day. Austin and I had a nice low key day at home. We worked in Lindsay's room most of the morning so it felt good to get that accomplished. We had lunch here and just enjoyed our downtime. We rode together to pick them up that afternoon. We once again did the homework and all. It wasn't as terrible and Austin left for his Men's Group. The kids and I took a walk and enjoyed a quiet night. I think it helped all of our spirits. 
Wednesday Austin was back at work. So all week Lindsay had started with a sore throat and hoarseness but I chalked it up to being from the tube in her throat for surgery. Well by Wednesday morning it was a full blown cough. She didn't seem to feel bad though I sent her off to school. Colby woke up super agitated with his loose tooth and wouldn't eat or drink anything for breakfast. I had breakfast with a friend and felt it would be a pretty good day overall. Little did I know! I had breakfast with a friend that morning and then went to shop at Hobby Lobby. I enjoyed the longer afternoon since my parents picked the kids up at school. Well all HELL broke loose when the kids got home. Colby was still upset about his tooth and had basically not eaten or drank anything all day! I ended up telling him to sit his butt down and pull the tooth or I was going to do it! Well he got it out thankfully. Well then he had homework to do. We had planned on just going up to church for dinner and coming out but due to Lindsay's bad coughing and Colby's bad attitude we opted to stay in. We completed Colby's homework in about an hour then I took them to pick up food for dinner. The night ended up not being so terrible after that. Our moods improved and we even took a walk. It felt good to just slow down and go to bed early that night. 
Thursday I had the morning to myself with no plans so I ended up going to Target. It was refreshing to shop by myself. I then came home and had the majority of the day home alone. I picked up the kids that afternoon and we of course went right to homework. They didn't have too much though which was a good thing. I cooked taco salad for dinner and Austin got home in time to eat with us. They had mentioned to me at carpool that Lindsay had complained about her stomach hurting and they were afraid it was the incision. I just keep wanting her to be back to normal. Its been so hard worrying about her all week. Even though deep down I know she's fine I feel like its just caused so much anxiety  b/c I have been told about 3 times about her having various "episodes" at school. 
Friday I had coffee plans with a friend. I was feeling very stressed and flustered with my kids so it was nice to just put a "pause" on life and have coffee with a friend. I met up with my friend Cindy. Once I got home I had to really get busy around the house. We were going out of town this weekend so I had to get everyone's suitcases out and packed. I got an email that morning from Colby's teacher saying he had "checked out" basically that day. He had failed a math test and wouldn't even try to re-take it. I know he's so burnt out and tired. I have been as well! School really is taking it out of us this year. I know we will get used to it and adjust but he's had so much work to do! I think his poor brain was on overload. I really couldn't be upset with him. Right now he has a D in math. He's doing well in all the other subjects. I feel confident he can pull it up. He used to do really well in math but starting in 2nd grade it began to be a struggle for him. This is why I make him do some extra work in the summer. That afternoon I had him come home and work on some math review. It was simple but I want to start with some easy stuff for him to re-gain his confidence. Anyway a long weekend away will be good for us all!