So I haven't posted in a few days. Nothing much has been going on. We had a pretty quiet weekend. The kids and I mostly relaxed. After a really busy weekend before I was ready for some downtime and I think the kids were too! we spent a lot of time playing and watching tv. Its been really hot here too so I think we also were out of energy from the heat!
Well Monday came and it was back to full BLOWN Busy again! I have decided to start waking up at 5am 2-3 days a week to walk/jog with a friend. I have always said I needed to do it b/c my time is so limited with kids at home. I hope when Lindsay starts school I can walk atleast one of those days but again my time is just so limited! This way we leave at 5:15 and walk until 6 then I come home and shower and get ready for my day. Today went really well. I know it will take awhile to make this a habit but I am going to try my best to keep it up! After bringing Colby to school Lindsay and I had an unexpected trip to my parent's house. My tire light came on so I was worried to drive all over without getting someone to check it and since Austin was at work I needed my dad! Anyway he aired them all up and couldn't find a source of a leak so we were on our way again! We stopped by the library, bank, and grocery! I hate it wasn't a "fun" day for Lindsay but we will have a few more of those before she heads off to school next week!
This week is looking pretty busy and we are going to MS this weekend so there will be lots to catch up on!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
ZOO Day
Another fun outting with our girl!! I know it seems like we are doing so much fun stuff without Colby but I am trying to soak up these preschool years I have left with her. I figure Colby had many many outtings to places with just us! Since Austin was off today I wanted to do something fun the 3 of us. Yes we did miss Colby but its so fun to see Lindsay's personality without the shadow of her big bro. Although she is more timid without him around!
Anyway we decided on the Zoo. We knew it would be hot but we figured it wouldn't be crowded and we didn't have to stay that long since we have a membership. We started the morning with a trip to PJ's. My girl loves coffee and breakfast there! Afterwards we went on to the Zoo. We really just took our time looking at things we thought she would enjoy. She loved the Sea Lions and almost didn't want to leave there! It was so cool b/c the zoo wasn't crowded at all so I really felt like you could linger at exhibits and just enjoy them! We weren't in any hurry. We then made our way to the old oak trees and the giraffes and zebras. She also loved feeding the ducks and turtles! We spent awhile in the swamp area and she loved the otters and even got to feed them! It was fun seeing her get so excited about the animals! I did miss my big boy though and wishing in some ways we were homeschooling so we could take field trips and do lessons in the zoo on non-crowded days!
After the zoo we ate lunch at Mahoney's po-boy shop! Our mission was to try a new place on Magazine. It def did not disappoint! It was fun just hanging out with our girl. She will start school in September 3 days a week and I know we won't have as many opportunities to take her out! She was completely smitten with Austin also today! He's been working on a really long stretch so I guess she really missed him! Anyway it was a fun day!
Anyway we decided on the Zoo. We knew it would be hot but we figured it wouldn't be crowded and we didn't have to stay that long since we have a membership. We started the morning with a trip to PJ's. My girl loves coffee and breakfast there! Afterwards we went on to the Zoo. We really just took our time looking at things we thought she would enjoy. She loved the Sea Lions and almost didn't want to leave there! It was so cool b/c the zoo wasn't crowded at all so I really felt like you could linger at exhibits and just enjoy them! We weren't in any hurry. We then made our way to the old oak trees and the giraffes and zebras. She also loved feeding the ducks and turtles! We spent awhile in the swamp area and she loved the otters and even got to feed them! It was fun seeing her get so excited about the animals! I did miss my big boy though and wishing in some ways we were homeschooling so we could take field trips and do lessons in the zoo on non-crowded days!
After the zoo we ate lunch at Mahoney's po-boy shop! Our mission was to try a new place on Magazine. It def did not disappoint! It was fun just hanging out with our girl. She will start school in September 3 days a week and I know we won't have as many opportunities to take her out! She was completely smitten with Austin also today! He's been working on a really long stretch so I guess she really missed him! Anyway it was a fun day!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Homework Blues
So first grade has started and we are in full homework force already! Last week was pretty easy no homework except Thursday when he had to write his Bible verse 5 times!! I thought that was crazy for a 6 year old. It was as hard on me as it was on him. Although I was proud of my man he plugged through and we got it done!
The next challenge has now come this week! Yesterday (Monday) He came home with TONS of homework!! He had to do a math page, write his Bible verse 3 times, type his spelling words, and read a book. I mean I love his being challenged and I don't mind any of these homework pieces by themselves but I am finding it a bit much for a barely 6 year old. The Bible and Math took us about 40 min so we took a break so I could cook dinner and he could play. I am firm believer in children should be able to PLAY after school. They don't get to PLAY enough in school so I hate we are also taking PLAY out of afterschool. Last year he had homework and on a bad night it probably took us 30 min but average it was about 10 min. I mean I knew 1st grade would be more but I guess I was thinking 25-30 min.
I don't want to sound like a complainer b/c I have been the new teacher and had parents be so mean to me. I am trying to show grace and trying to support this. I know he is going to learn so much but seriously?!? I feel like I am back in school! We also got a note saying they would have 3 tests on Friday. I hope that is not normal! I keep going back to when I taught. I didn't like giving homework even as a teacher. My kids usually only went home with maybe 2 things to do. I also only ever gave them 2 tests in a day. Bible and Spelling are pretty expected for Fridays but add Math too and that's a recipe for disaster! I am praying for my guy that this doesn't stress him out! I am trying to not complain in front of him. So far he's handled it well although last night he did cry while writing his Bible verses.
I just don't want him to ever hate school or hate learning. I am really trying to keep my focus on God and let him guide me through this. I know there is a lesson in it all. But seriously its making me contemplate homeschool. If it gets worse or if he gets to the point of being so upset I will not be afraid to take that route. He's 6 he should still be having fun and playing!! Last night we only got to play outside for 15 minutes but that's also my promise to him that I will never deprive him of outside. If I have to write a note to the teacher saying we didn't finish it all oh well!
So that's my 1st grade venting for now!!
Dear God,
Please help me to approach this year with grace and understanding. Its hard to see my boy frustrated. I want him to love learning and love school, yet I do want him to understand hard work and fulfilling commitments such as homework. I want him to respect his teacher and love her. Please help me to provide a comfort to him, but also be able to support him in getting his work done. I love him so much. Also help us to establish a sweet relationship with his teacher Ms. Wesseling. We don't know her story and so we also lift her up in prayer. I remember how overwhelming those first few weeks are as a new teacher. And she is also a student! Please help establish a bond and community in that sweet 1st grade class!
Amen
The next challenge has now come this week! Yesterday (Monday) He came home with TONS of homework!! He had to do a math page, write his Bible verse 3 times, type his spelling words, and read a book. I mean I love his being challenged and I don't mind any of these homework pieces by themselves but I am finding it a bit much for a barely 6 year old. The Bible and Math took us about 40 min so we took a break so I could cook dinner and he could play. I am firm believer in children should be able to PLAY after school. They don't get to PLAY enough in school so I hate we are also taking PLAY out of afterschool. Last year he had homework and on a bad night it probably took us 30 min but average it was about 10 min. I mean I knew 1st grade would be more but I guess I was thinking 25-30 min.
I don't want to sound like a complainer b/c I have been the new teacher and had parents be so mean to me. I am trying to show grace and trying to support this. I know he is going to learn so much but seriously?!? I feel like I am back in school! We also got a note saying they would have 3 tests on Friday. I hope that is not normal! I keep going back to when I taught. I didn't like giving homework even as a teacher. My kids usually only went home with maybe 2 things to do. I also only ever gave them 2 tests in a day. Bible and Spelling are pretty expected for Fridays but add Math too and that's a recipe for disaster! I am praying for my guy that this doesn't stress him out! I am trying to not complain in front of him. So far he's handled it well although last night he did cry while writing his Bible verses.
I just don't want him to ever hate school or hate learning. I am really trying to keep my focus on God and let him guide me through this. I know there is a lesson in it all. But seriously its making me contemplate homeschool. If it gets worse or if he gets to the point of being so upset I will not be afraid to take that route. He's 6 he should still be having fun and playing!! Last night we only got to play outside for 15 minutes but that's also my promise to him that I will never deprive him of outside. If I have to write a note to the teacher saying we didn't finish it all oh well!
So that's my 1st grade venting for now!!
Dear God,
Please help me to approach this year with grace and understanding. Its hard to see my boy frustrated. I want him to love learning and love school, yet I do want him to understand hard work and fulfilling commitments such as homework. I want him to respect his teacher and love her. Please help me to provide a comfort to him, but also be able to support him in getting his work done. I love him so much. Also help us to establish a sweet relationship with his teacher Ms. Wesseling. We don't know her story and so we also lift her up in prayer. I remember how overwhelming those first few weeks are as a new teacher. And she is also a student! Please help establish a bond and community in that sweet 1st grade class!
Amen
Monday, August 18, 2014
Another Girl's Day
We started our morning by going to the library. Its been FOREVER since I've taken the kids to library storytime. I hate I never get to bring Colby. Normally we go during the summer but our summer was just so crazy. Anyway I was also excited about checking out some books! My kids love new books and they have a ton but its also nice to pick up some from the library from time to time. Lindsay really enjoyed this part of picking out books! She did ok during the storytime she was quiet and attentive but she didn't quite get as into it as I thought she would. Maybe if I brought her more!! She did really though for the craft part and enjoyed that WAY more then Colby ever did!
Afterwards we met our friends Samantha and Josiah at chickfila. It was nice to visit with a friend and just take my girl out on a special lunch. We always eat at home so it was a treat for her! She was so excited when we pulled up!
She will start school in 2-3 weeks so I am soaking up this time with her. She will go 3 days a week now so I will surely miss her! It almost makes me just want to cancel preschool but I know she needs the social interaction and it will be good for her! I will miss her oh so much though!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Back 2 School Bash & Calvary School Celebration
So this Friday night our church hosted a Back to School Bash for the kindergarten-fifth grade students. It was open to the church kids and the school kids. I had been asked to come and help out which I figured I would stick around anyway. I enjoy helping out at these things b/c usually I am downstairs with the preschoolers on Sundays and Wednesdays so I don't always get to interact with Colby and his friends. It was from 6-10 pm so I knew we were going to be worn out when it was all said and done. Lindsay has been wanting to spend the night with my parents for a few weeks and so we figured this was the perfect time for her to do it! She has spent the night alone there a few times but it was mostly when she was a baby. She has also spent the night a few times with her brother. Since Austin was also working we figured it only made sense to let her stay over there. Since I was helping out we got to the church around 5:30. They put Colby and I to work in the kitchen. He was a HUGE help. Soon all the kids started arriving. They all gathered in the worship center. I am not sure what all they did during that time b/c once I walked Colby in there I went back to the kitchen.
They served the kids hamburgers and hotdogs. Colby ofcourse sat with his buddy Nijel. They are so cute! I love their little friendship. I tried to walk around and help any kids who looked like they needed help or were sitting alone. We were reminded about this time and being intentional with the children. I also did get to visit with some of the adults too. They gave the kids about 40 min to eat. Afterwards we all went outside to the playground. This time was a little more relaxed although I ended up walking a child to get a bee sting looked at so I missed a lot of it. I know Colby enjoyed running around on the playground though. They then went back into the church to have games, music, and worship time. I could tell Colby was getting restless by this time as were all the k and 1st graders!
They hung in there though. After all the group stuff they then split into smaller groups k and 1st, 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th. We tried playing a game with the kids but they were just WAYY too hyper so we let them go outside for a drink and a break. Afterwards they got the parachutes out which were a HUGE hit! They played that until it was time to go. By 9:30 Colby had had enough. Parents were starting to pick up kids so I asked Laekan if I could go ahead and bring Colby home.
Sunday there was more celebration to come. They were honoring/celebrating the school at church. This took place during the 2nd service. We changed our normal time around since I was working in preschool. I just couldn't imagine having my kids up there all day especially after Friday night. It ended up being a great turn out of school people. We had atleast 20 preschoolers! It was crazy but we improvised and made it all work. I took the younger preschoolers and we mostly played. We didn't accomplish as much of the curriculum as normal but it was just too hectic! Afterwards we went to our child's classroom. During this time they picked one kid from each class that won a gift card! And Guess what? Colby actually won! He never wins stuff like that so he was happy! They got to choose where they wanted the gift card too. He chose Target. Its only five dollars but I will let him pick out a toy =) After that they served lunch. I was a little stressed on how lunch would go since I was there by myself but they had it so organized. All we had to do was get our drinks and go sit down. That made it so much easier with 2 kids! We really enjoyed this weekend but boy are we tired!
I am so excited though about the upcoming year!! I love our church and school and its so great to see them united! I hope Colby has a great 2nd week of school!
They served the kids hamburgers and hotdogs. Colby ofcourse sat with his buddy Nijel. They are so cute! I love their little friendship. I tried to walk around and help any kids who looked like they needed help or were sitting alone. We were reminded about this time and being intentional with the children. I also did get to visit with some of the adults too. They gave the kids about 40 min to eat. Afterwards we all went outside to the playground. This time was a little more relaxed although I ended up walking a child to get a bee sting looked at so I missed a lot of it. I know Colby enjoyed running around on the playground though. They then went back into the church to have games, music, and worship time. I could tell Colby was getting restless by this time as were all the k and 1st graders!
They hung in there though. After all the group stuff they then split into smaller groups k and 1st, 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th. We tried playing a game with the kids but they were just WAYY too hyper so we let them go outside for a drink and a break. Afterwards they got the parachutes out which were a HUGE hit! They played that until it was time to go. By 9:30 Colby had had enough. Parents were starting to pick up kids so I asked Laekan if I could go ahead and bring Colby home.
Sunday there was more celebration to come. They were honoring/celebrating the school at church. This took place during the 2nd service. We changed our normal time around since I was working in preschool. I just couldn't imagine having my kids up there all day especially after Friday night. It ended up being a great turn out of school people. We had atleast 20 preschoolers! It was crazy but we improvised and made it all work. I took the younger preschoolers and we mostly played. We didn't accomplish as much of the curriculum as normal but it was just too hectic! Afterwards we went to our child's classroom. During this time they picked one kid from each class that won a gift card! And Guess what? Colby actually won! He never wins stuff like that so he was happy! They got to choose where they wanted the gift card too. He chose Target. Its only five dollars but I will let him pick out a toy =) After that they served lunch. I was a little stressed on how lunch would go since I was there by myself but they had it so organized. All we had to do was get our drinks and go sit down. That made it so much easier with 2 kids! We really enjoyed this weekend but boy are we tired!
I am so excited though about the upcoming year!! I love our church and school and its so great to see them united! I hope Colby has a great 2nd week of school!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
This One's For the Girls
Lindsay and I got there the same time as Katie and Callie so we hung out. I was impressed at how well the girls got along since they are 1 year apart. Last year we got together with them and Lindsay was still more like a baby and didn't interact much but this year she and Callie played so well together! Stella and her mom got there about an hour later. It was fun just chatting with the moms and letting the girls play. We were there from 9:30 until 11:30ish. Lindsay had a great time. We didn't stay in the toddler room very long which I hated b/c that's my fav but the girls had fun with all the other stuff! Again it was just great to have a little playdate like that with just her.
Today (Friday) Lindsay and I had another free day. I knew it wouldn't be quite as busy b/c Colby and I have a Back to School Bash at church tonight 6-10 so I didn't want to be gone long but we did have our normal PJ's coffee and breakfast this morning which I love!! We started this tradition last year and I just love taking her out for coffee. I hope we are still doing this in 10 years when she's 12 and then when she's 22!! After coffee we went to the park by her preschool. We don't go to that park much anymore b/c it just isn't well cared for and a lot of the play areas are worn and or broken. I wanted to stay close though so we went ahead to that one. It brought back so MANY memories of taking Colby to the park. That was one of the first parks we really brought him too and he and I visited it probably once a week when he was her age. It was fun just playing with her and enjoying these days. The rest of the day was low key and we tried to rest up for the B2SB!
Monday, August 11, 2014
First Day of 1st Grade
His teaching Ms. Wessling is new and I am looking forward to getting to know her and hopefully being a big help to her as this is her first year of teaching elementary school.
Today was just a half day so I am sure the rest of the week will be filled with a lot more learning and things! I think Lindsay was honestly glad to have him back at school although I know after a few days she will miss him. but right now she says she's glad he's back in school. I think she enjoys having all the toys in the house to herself!
I look forward to seeing what this year brings and pray that its as good of a year as last! I know he's already got buddies in his class from last year so that's awesome! I am glad he can start his year with a best friend!
It was nice having the quiet of 1 child. We took a walk and visited with neighbors. I hope to make this a routine with Lindsay. Austin was off today so we enjoyed his company and went to lunch at the mall before picking Colby up. Tomorrow will be grocery shopping and cleaning house so hopefully Lindsay is ready to be cooperative for those things! I will miss my little boy but it will be nice to get back to some order around here ;)!
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