Saturday, March 30, 2013

Good Friday

Today has been a good day. Its the first day of Colby's Easter break. We had a slower paced morning then met some friends at the park. There is a family from church that we have been getting to know. Her husband is deployed and she has 5 children ages 6 and under. She has a son who just turned 5 who is in Colby's class at church. They have gotton to know each other and get along well. She also has a son in Lindsay's class. Anyway it was a beautiful day and we stayed at the park over an hour. I was a little dissapointed in my kid's moods but I guess you can never predict these things. Colby has been whiney today for some reason. I don't know if its the change in routine or he's tired or what. He whined about things the whole time we were there. He had moments where he looked like he was having fun but not like I thought he would have. Lindsay also didn't play as well as I thought she would but she was getting tired and hungry so she got really clingy towards the end! AH well I guess we tried. And atleast the weather was nice and we did get out the house so that's what counts!
We didn't get home until after noon b/c I also had to stop at the grocery for a couple things. The kids didn't nap as well as I had hoped so church tonight wil be interesting...Colby I don't think napped at all and Lindsay's nap was only about an hour and a half!
That evening we went to the Good Friday service at church. I think its so special that our church has chosen to do a service that night. Anyway it was nice b/c they had childcare during the service. In past years when we have gone to something of that nature I don't think they had that. Anyway it was nice...the service though didn't start until 6:30...I was a little worried how Lindsay would do considering she usually goes to sleep at 7. Anyway we got there a little early so we let the kids run around outside which they LOVED! It was a beautiful night. When it was time to go to class I said something about ok let's go to your class and Lindsay got up and started walking right to the building where she goes! I was so impressed! It seems like she is really starting to enjoy church. She doesn't cry as much when we leave her and she is always having a good time when we pick her up. Colby always seems to have a great time too! I miss our old church but I am so thankful for so many kids for our children to have around as friends. This was our hearts desire since Colby was a baby. Anyway the service was very meaningful. I am so thankful we were able to go. After the service they had Easter Egg hunts for all the age groups. The toddlers had their own hunt under the pavillion and the preschoolers had theirs on the little playground. Both kids seemed to love it! Lindsay totally knew what to do. I couldn't believe I didn't think to bring their Easter baskets though. Oh well next year I will know! They had a blast and Lindsay hung in their very well. We went back in the sanctuary to talk to Randall and Elizabeth and both enjoyed running around on stage. Its neat to see them do the exact stuff I did as a child. Anyway Lindsay was starting to get very tired although she wanted to keep on going. We got home and put her right to bed. Colby went home with my parents.
It was a long, busy day but a great day and a great start to Easter!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Colby's Easter Party





Colby had his Easter Party today at school. I was able to attend this party b/c this is the one I signed up for. I enjoyed the Easter Party so much last year I wanted to do it again! The way his school works is you sign up for 2 parties at the start of the year and those are the 2 you attend and help organize. I like it that way that you don't feel guilty having to go to each one.
Anyway this morning I went back to his school at 10:30. My parent's kept Lindsay. I could have brought her but I hate to take the focus off Colby and his class. I knew she would be running around like a crazy person. Plus Colby was really excited about me coming so I wanted him to be my focus. When I got there they were singing and then playing a Bingo Game. I went in and sat down by Colby and helped him and the kids by him with their Bingo Cards. Afterwards they lined up for the Egg Hunt. I didn't get to see Colby gather most of his eggs bc I stayed behind but I got out there and he did great! he found 10 really quickly! The kids were so cute and excited! I am always amazed though at how well behaved they are! After the egg hunt they came in to enjoy their snack. I made Easter Egg sugar cookies for them and the other mom brought grapes and graham crackers. They all seemed hungry! After snacktime she had them sit back down on the rug for their Bible Story. It was ofcourse the Easter story. But she does this every day and they are almost through the entire Bible. I love that he's not only hearing these stories at church but also at school. I can tell he's learning a lot too. He usually tells me what story they did. His teacher I can tell is really trying to teach them the Gospel and she used our Ressurection Eggs yesterday to even go through the story with them. I am so thankful for this!
I loved seeing my big boy in action! I will always treasure getting to be there for his special school events. I am so thankful to be a stay at home mom and can do this!
It was also bittersweet b/c this was his last holiday party for this little school. I know I am going to be so emotional that last week of school. Thankfully Lindsay will be there next year so its not like we are saying goodbye. Its a chapter though that is closing in Colby's life. Sure I am very excited about his kindergarten adventure ahead but since he's spent 3 years at this little school and has been with most of the same children for 3 years its sad seeing his "preschool" days come to an end. He loves that school and so do we! But thanfully we will have Lindsay there next year and will get to do it all again!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Linday's Big Day Out

So since Colby had school today and Austin was off and GymRompers was cancelled we decided to take Lindsay on her first big outting with just mommy & daddy. She is usually privaledged a couple times a month to go with us on errands and maybe a lunch but never a BIG outting just for her! I told Austin we should take her to the Children's Museum. She has been several times but never for just HER! I knew she would love the toddler room. The last time she went we let her crawl around but we were still with Colby and his friend so we had to spend more time in other areas. Today we stayed in the toddler room and devoted the whole time to her! She loved it! She was able to do so much more this time. she climbed and played. I am sure she loved having all the attention too. After the museum (we only stayed about an hour). Since she's still so young she was tired and hungry after that amount plus we wanted to eat an early lunch since Colby was in school until 2. We drove around the Quarter some and she got so excited when she saw the mules. She also liked the streetcars when we went down St. Charles. Now that she is getting older I have decided we need to do this more often. This is about the age we began taking Colby on big adventures!
We ate lunch at La Madeline. I think she liked it but it was a good thing we were able to eat quick b/c she gets quite antsy. She starts trying to stand up in the high chair and throws her food! Anyway we really enjoyed our time with our little girl! She doesn't get the spotlight often so these times are sweet! We missed the big boy and honestly I felt a little guitly about going and doing this without him knowing how much he loves the children's museum but I reminded myself how many trips he got alone to the museum!
The rest of the day was nice...we hung out at home and tried to get stuff done once Colby got home from school. We all went back up to church tonight. I love Wednesday night church and I am so glad we have gotton in the habit of going. I can see the kids love going too! Dinner is always yummy and its also great b/c I don't have to cook! After dinner we always go out and let the kids run and play which is nice too! Then Austin takes Lindsay home and Colby and I stay for our classes. He seems to really be enjoying his class and never wants to leave! We get home late and thats hard but I think its totally worth it!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Easter & Birthday






So today I am 31! Wow I can't believe that!
Anyway this is my birthday weekend. The weekend before Easter so ofcourse its busy! Yesterday was a very busy day! I had to go to Target while Colby was in school to get Easter basket goodies for the kids and also get some stuff for Colby's Easter party at school next week. By the time we got home it was almost time to feed Lindsay lunch then go back to pick Colby up. The days I bring him and pick him up seem so short! Not much gets done! I was worn out and the kids really didn't take great naps either. Which made for a hard afternoon. Everyone had the grumps. We finally turned on the movie Beethoven and the night improved! Austin brought home takeout...we have been doing great with our cooking during the week so Friday and Saturday are my days off =).
Saturday my actual birthday....the kids were invited to participate in MBC's Preschool Easter Event. My mom is in charge so that's the main reason we went. But it was nice to be back and see old friends. Colby was very excited about this. He still talks about Metairie or the Yellow Church. He misses his friends and old teachers. I think he had a pretty ok time but he kept wanting to go play in the nursery with the cars. I wouldn't let him b/c that's not what we were there for. He seemed to like the eating and finding eggs and the crafts at the beginning but then he seemed to get bored. Lindsay did great...my dad mostly handled her though. But she never once got fussy! Quite a change from last year! I am glad I was able to focus more on Colby though b/c last year I was so busy with Lindsay being an infant I didn't have much time for him!
The afternoon the kids and I rested. Austin came home around 4:30 which was great! The kids and I got dressed and we all went out for Mexican. This has been our "tradition" some years. Especially with 2 small kids we wanted a cheap, quick, family friendly place that we all love! I don't need fancy I just enjoyed time out with the family and not having to cook! Austin and I will go out next week alone though =) The kids seemed to enjoy their food! Colby ate a TON! Poor kid must have been starving! Lindsay did well too once she figured out how to eat with a fork! Afterwards we came home for cake and then put the kids to bed!
I had a wonderful birthday. Even though I spent it mostly doing mom things I wouldn't have it any other way. Austin and Colby made sure to make me feel special. I had many texts, calls, and fb messages from friends too! I am so thankful!

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Another Busy Week

So we have another full week ahead at our house! I guess its good though to stay busy!
Monday Colby had school so I got him to school then Lindsay and I went grocery shopping. We didn't have much time at home before I had to leave again to drop Lindsay off at my parent's house so I could pick Colby up from school and take him to his eye appointment. I took him to lunch first at McDonald's. His choice! I love going out to eat just me and him! He always acts so obediant and is a perfect gentleman! He talks more too when we are out like that then when we are at home. I think it makes him feel special to have that one on one time! The eye appointment went well and fast! The reason we brought him back before his scheduled 6 month appointment in May was b/c there was a slight concern with him again at his eye exam at school. Anyway thankfully we did bring him. They said one eye had gotton worse. He has one strong eye and one much weaker eye. They said this may lead to a lazy eye in which he would have to wear a patch but for now they can hopefully correct it with glasses. So since there was a change we had to drop the new prescription off at the mall. That took about 30+ minutes plus I promised him a cookie! We then still had to pick up Lindsay before heading home. By the end of all that I was exhausted! I came home and did a few things then let Colby watch a show and put Lindsay in her bed. Neither kid every fell asleep so it was a long exhausting day! That coupled with the fact that Austin didn't get home until after 8!
Tuesday again Colby had school and I had Bible Study. I am fortunate to have my parent's help on these days...I bring Colby and Lindsay to them at 8:30. They get Colby to school and keep Lindsay during the Bible Study. This semester we are doing a Beth Moore study called "His Inheritance" I am loving it so far. I love women's Bible study. I love getting to fellowship with women of all ages plus have that time during the week for JUST ME! Afterwards I picked Lindsay up. We came home to hang out. On Tuesdays most weeks my parents keep Colby in the afternoons. this is their special "hang out time". Plus our housekeeper was here so its just easier to have 1 kid making messes. Lindsay and I had a relaxful afternoon and Colby got home around 5. Then it gets hectic. Both kids are tired and hungry...I'm exhausted and Austin is still usually an hour away from leaving work. Its by far the hardest part of the day!
Wednesday- Sick again? This has been a totally stressful day for me. Well it started out fine. I got the kids ready and Colby off to school. This is Lindsay's GymRomper day so we were headed out to that. I called my mom and dad to touch base with them. They usually pick colby up on Wednesdays and bring him home b/c he's at schoo until 2. Picking him up at 2 would be right in the middle of Lindsay's nap. So when I called them my dad informs me my mom was sick all night...stomach bug sick! My stomach just sank! Really? I feel like we have been sick ALL winter! Now I am panicked b/c both of my kids were over there yesterday. I'm also worried about the rest of the week and what this will mean. So far the kids seem fine I think. Well Lindsay has had diarrhea the last few days so now I am starting to wonder if she has a touch of it. I just pray though that Colby stays well. He's had a rough year and he literally just got over this cough thing and has missed so much school I would just feel so bad for him...plus the stomach bug sent him to the ER in November! Anyway praying through this...its so hard though I feel like we have had one thing after another lately! All I can do is pray and wait! We are supossed to go to church tonight but now I am 2nd guessing that....at this point since Lindsay has had diarrhea I don't think she should be there at all. So I will see if Austin gets home early enough that Colby and I can still go. I hate for him to miss b/c he was so excited about going! So we will play it by ear! But if you are reading this please say a prayer for my mom to feel better and for Colby to not get sick. I think I could handle the rest of us but for his sake I want him to stay well! I trust God though and the reasoning for all of this. But its been a very hard year!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Weekend Fun

We are having a fun & and busy weekend!
Yesterday Colby had school. They had their St. Patty's day party. He seemed to really have a lot of fun. While he was in school Lindsay and I met Casee and Mason for coffee. I enjoy my morning coffee times with another mom and baby friend! We didn't get to stay long but it was nice to catch up over a cup of coffee! Lindsay and I spent the morning at home just trying to catch up on housework which took a backseat due to our busy week! That afternoon after the kids napped we enjoyed some outdoor time then watched some movies! Friday is our movie day!
Saturday Austin ended up being off work. His parents were in Waveland camping so we decided to drive up to see them! They have been wanting us to go camping since Colby was a toddler. Still not sure if we are ready for an "overnight" visit. Austin and Colby might be but Lindsay will have to be a few years older before I am ready to tackle that! Anyway with such a pretty day and it only being about an hour away we decided it would be fun to meet them. We ended up bringing Colby's friend Max with us too. Now that they are in different schools they don't get to hang out much! Colby misses him a lot. I figured this would be a fun time for them to hang out...it would also give his momma a break for a few hours on a Saturday! We had our hands full though! Two 4 year olds and a 15 month old! They were good though! When we got to the camp they wanted to play on the playground first thing! They had a blast! After chasing Lindsay around awhile we decided to load her up in the stroller and check out the park while the boys played with Austin's nieces. By the time we walked back they were back in the camper. By then everyone was getting hungry for lunch. The boys spent a lot of time riding bikes around. I chased Lindsay all over the campground! She is such a busy girl! I think she had fun and it was fun watching Colby and Max enjoy themselves but it was a little stressful for me. I feel like I had to watch Lindsay non-stop and spent the entire time chasing her around. Then she started getting cranky around lunchtime so it was hard to keep her happy. I am glad we got to experience what "camping" is like during the day though! Hopefully austin will get to bring Colby back soon! The drive home went well. The boys finished watching a movie and Lindsay slept! The movie ended and Lindsay woke up when we got in New Orleans east so we stopped to get everyone milkshakes! We rarely do anything like that so I figured it was a good treat! That afternoon we were all exhausted. We made the kids "rest" even though neither actually fell asleep. Austin and Colby did some stuff outside and we had takeout for dinner!
Sunday another extremely busy day but I was thankful to have Austin home for it! We had to be at church early b/c we are required to take a members class before joining Calvary. This was the first opportunity we had. Anyway it went well. It was kinda funny b/c we met with Mr. Ancil who I have known for YEARS b/c I wa great friends with his 3 kids! Anyway he gave us some info but it was also more of a "chat" session. After the class Austin went to the doc b/c of his bad cough and I went to worship service. I peeped in to check on Lindsay before I went into church and she was happily playing on the floor so I didn't disturb her! Austin ended up getting back about halfway through church! I was glad he didn't miss the whole service. After church we came home to eat lunch and rest. We had lifegroup that evening so it was a FULL day! I am so thankful though for Calvary! We have enjoyed getting involved and just enjoy church so much more!
It was a very fun, but busy weekend! I have a feeling I will be tired the rest of the week but that's ok! We had fun and created memories!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Getting Back to Normal

So after the craziness and sickness of last week we are working to get back to normal here. Ofcourse with the time change though I feel like we are still lagging behind some!
Well Monday started off normal. Colby woke up seeming to feel good and so I was going to take him to school. He was so anxious to get back to his friends. I was also anxious for some time to get back into routine! We knew he couldn't stay a full day so we were already going to pick him up at noon so he could rest and take a nap. Well on the way to school he started a really bad coughing spell. He said he was ok though and I told him to get water when he got inside. I also explained to his teacher what was going on. Well I set off to the grocery store with Lindsay. Only about 10 minutes after being there I got a call from their principal saying he was too sick and needed to be picked up! I freaked out. Well since I was in the middle of the grocery store and really needed to finish I called my mom and she went to get him. I was so worried...well my parents got him and I finished at the grocery and they brought him home. By the time he got home he seemed FINE! But in the mean time I had called Austin all freaked out so he went ahead and made him a doc appointment. He volunteered to even bring him. He knew how crazy the last week had been for me. So he got home, Colby got home, I got home! I stayed here with Lindsay while they went to the doc. Baiscally the doc said it was post-nasal drip causing him to cough. Wow well we were relieved but thinking school sent him home! So he got a note saying he could return the next day and was not contagious! That afternoon the kids and I just laid low. Austin worked until 10 so it was a LONG day for me!
Tuesday-Thankfully austin was off! We all needed a break! He kept Lindsay that morning while I brought Colby to school and went to Bible Study. I was so glad to return to my ladies' Bible study. Its such a nice break in the middle of the week! I think he enjoyed bonding with Lindsay as well! After Bible study I came home and he soon left to pick Colby up from school! That afternoon we rested then played outside. The weather has been gorgeous so we have all been trying to enjoy it!! It was so nice finally having Austin home with us! We even took a walk after dinner!
Wednesday- Another daddy day off but another busy day! I brought Colby to school then made a quick trip back to the house to pick up Lindsay for her GymRompers class. She enjoyed the new class again. I didn't think I would like switching classes but I think its been a blessing in disguise. The kids are more her age and the place is just nicer. Anyway we are happy with our choice to go on Wednesdays even though its probably an extra 15 min drive both ways. After her class we came home and ate lunch with Austin. He then left to pick up Colby to go to the dentist! Gosh I feel like between kids and animals someone always has an appointment! Austin said he didn't do well at the dentist. i hated to hear that b/c he's done so well the last couple of years. I should have brought him but on the other hand he needs to get used to doing stuff like that with daddy too! After the appointment everyone rested. Colby even took a long nap which was good b/c we had church that night. So we all went to church which was nice! We are really enjoying the Wednesday night dinners. The kids really seem to like it too! Austin always brings Lindsay home after dinner though. Had she taken a long nap that day we might have let her stay but getting home at 8 is still just too late for her! So Colby always stays with me. I think he really enjoys the class. I am also glad this gives him another chance to get to know some of the kids he will be in school with next year. He seems to really hit it off with the pastor's daughter Ella though!
Thursday- austin was off once again! Colby ofcourse had school. Its nice to be able to run some errands with just 1 child...feels less like a circus. So we went to the mall and bought Colby's Easter outfit and let Lindsay play on the play area before running some other errands before picking Colby up from school. Its nice now that she can stay awake longer to do all that! Colby seemed to have a great day at school. I think he's been happy to get back to that routine FINALLY! That afternoon we hung out at home. Its been great having Austin home on a week with such pretty weather. We have been able to take walks and let the kids play outside after dinner!