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!

One of Those Weeks

So this has been one of those weeks...the weeks that all the little things happen and it just gets you down. I try not to let it bc I know they are little things but its been an emotionally tiring week.
Its not only had a few "trials" that have made it hard its been SUPER busy!!
Here's a run down:
Monday: Both kids had school. Austin was off and I went grocery shopping. It felt like a pretty productive day and we had a nice family dinner and walk that evening. Only downfall was Colby falling and hurting his knees.
Tuesday: Colby had Parent Visitation Day at school. My parents kept Lindsay and I went to his school. I enjoyed getting to hear from the principal about what has taken place so far and I loved going into his classroom to see what all he is learning. It was also nice to have that bonding time with him alone that I don't get too often. It did end on a little sour note but it was a learning time for us both. That evening we had lifegroup. There was no lesson this week so it was just a time of eating pizza and fellowship. It was a great time. Its hard sometimes getting out 2 nights a week but I think it does help me to just get to visit with other adults and Austin and I kinda get a night out since my parents keep the kids.
Wednesday: Oh Wednesday...both kids were supossed to be at school but Lindsay had a tummy ache and ended up having an accident in the car while waiting to go into school. I am thankful it happened with me though and not once I left her. We came home and had a pretty low key. I think having that quiet day is what helped me keep my sanity for the rest of the week! That night we had church. Again hard to get out but I always feel blessed after. The kids love it so much and I love my preschoolers I am teaching. We had 5. They were a little high strung but we were able to spend time outside so that was good!
Thursday: Both kids went to school. Lindsay doesn't normally go on Thursday but they had the Zoo Mobile coming so we planned on her going so she wouldn't miss out! I think she enjoyed it! While she was at school I went with Stephanie to the Farmer's Market! Wow really what my soul needed. It was such a refreshing moment with another mom.
Friday: My first day I have been able to come and enjoy the quiet of both kids at school! I am thankful for this time to get caught up on house stuff and have some down time. I am also excited its Friday. The kids and I look forward to our special Fast food night and movie night we have on Fridays!
The weekend should be pretty quiet and low key. Austin will be working so I am just looking forward to some quality time with the kids with no really big plans just church on Sunday! =)

ZOO Scavenger Hunt & The rest of the Weekend

So its been a lovely weekend. Friday night we did our usual fast food and movie night. The kids chose McDonald's and Beauty and the Beast. I love giving them this as a reward for their week. I hope to create a lifelong memory for them by doing this!

Saturday we had our church's Zoo Scavenger Hunt. I was excited that we got to do this as a family. The kids were so excited and Austin and I were too! Its rare that we go do a big even on Saturdays b/c usually Austin is working so the kids and I usually do something low key. We got to the Zoo a little before 10. It was awesome to see so many families from church attend this! I would say there was over 50 people there! It was fun seeing friends on a Saturday like this! Once we got into the zoo they passed out maps and our list of clues. We were assigned one other family to go through the Zoo with. I thought it was a neat idea to match us up with someone we probably wouldn't normally hang out with. We were matched with a mom and this little boy Joey. I have had Joey in Clubhouse so I was familiar with him. He promoted up this summer to Jump Start. He and Colby got along really well! I was glad we had someone that Colby could play/interact with. Lindsay had fun but she was mostly obssessed with snacking and making her daddy hold her. I know she had fun though! We went through the entire Zoo. We did stuff we don't normally do since we had to get to all of the clues! Colby was very cooperative and got into seeing all the animals and just running around outside! After the scavenger hunt we all met back at the entrance and walked over to Audubon Park for po-boys. Again another great part of the day! Food and fellowship with our church family. We sat by our friends Tammy & Clint and son Logan and Joey and his mom and Melissa and Eli. My kids were def surrounded by friends! Again Colby loved just running around and playing outside with friends which was so good to see!
That afternoon it was just the kids and I b/c Austin went up to Hattiesburg to see the Eagles play. I enjoyed our low key night again together.

Sunday we all went to church together which was fantastic. I taught the preschoolers. We had 12 which was awesome! To have so many they were all so well behaved too! Once again we split them up halfway through into 6 and 6. I took the younger ones into the modular so they could play and get some extra energy out. After church we ate lunch out then came home to watch the Saints game! Its once again been a nice low key family night and I have loved that! It will be another busy week so the downtime has been fabulous!

Fall Schedule in Full Swing

So our fall schedule is really picking up this week. I am excited about all the new opportunities but I have to tell myself to hold on b/c LIFE is about to get really busy!!
So in addition to Colby's 5 day a week school schedule and Lindsay's 3 day a week schedule:
Tuesdays I have started the Ladies Bible Study. This year it is Beth Moore's Children of the Day. I am super excited about getting back into the Word with other ladies. I feel the difference in my life when I am not plugged in like that! Today we had a great turnout over 25 ladies! It is nice to just have this outlet for me. My mom has committed to keeping Lindsay again this year. She kept her 2 years ago when she was still a baby and now this year again. Last year we all 3 attended Bible study together and I wanted my mom to have the choice but because of Lindsay going to school 3 days a week my mom didn't want her to be in "childcare" almost every day of the week. I am glad she is getting fun days with the grandparents while she is still young!
Tuesday evening we had lifegroup. We are going through a session on work and finances. It has been really good and made me start thinking a little harder about how I/we spend money. I wouldn't consider that we are frivelous but I know sometimes I can get carried away especially with clothes so I am trying to consider going to consignments and getting clothes from other people first before I go buy a bunch of stuff. It has always helped Austin to work through some work issues he's been facing.
Wednesday nights we have now started Fall Empowered. I am really excited about our new curriculum. I am once again working with the preschoolers. I am really excited. I think this will be my favorite semester yet. We are studying the book of Hebrews. This first week we had 7 kids. They were all very good...well we had one active one but I think honestly he was too young for the class. He had a very hard time following directions. The kids seemed to enjoy the first week. We took care of babies and learned about Jesus coming to earth as a baby. I know my kids are glad to be back on Wednesday nights. Colby has always loved dinner and the children's classes. Yes its a long day but they both did really well. I love that they have another time during the week to really learn and study God's word. Lindsay is ofcourse in my class and yes I love having her in there!
Our Thursdays and Fridays will now be low key I think. Lindsay will go to school on Friday but I think those 2 days will be mostly my days to re-fresh and re-coup after such business!
We are excited about this upcoming weekend though and a ZOO trip!

Friends + Growing Pains

So this weekend has been a pretty low key one in our house. Last week was pretty busy with both kids in school and I ran errands and got to visit with a couple of friends. I was ready for a restful weekend plus Austin was working so we don't usually do much on those weekends.
Friday night we did our kick off the weekend with chickfila for dinner and a post bath movie. This week was Toy Story 3. I enjoy this tradition with the littles and I think they like it too! Austin got home early enough to join in the fun which was also great!
Saturday the kids and I had a Target trip planned. I promised both a 5 dollar toy due to how well they were doing in school. I won't always reward with toys/money but I can tell Colby has been working really hard and he had all As on his interim report this week. They each enjoyed picking out a small happy. We had planned to visit a park or go swim but both fell through due to it raining. We came home to have a restful rest of the morning. During naptime we got a text from Nijel's mom if he could still come over. I honestly thought the playdate had been cancelled but I was ok with it b/c I knew since our other plans had fallen through it would be good for Colby. Well the visit was mostly good but Colby was a little whiney throughout. I felt like him and Nijel just didn't "click" as our other playdates. At the end of the visit too somehow Nijel also broke one of Colby's toys. It also happened to be the new one he just earned. He was crushed. I think Nijel was crushed too! I hated the day ended up on such a sour note. I felt so bad for them both. I do think they were both tired though. So I got the kids to bed pretty early and Austin and I watched football.
Sunday was church day. It was just the kids and I. I was off so I was able to sit in church...although going without Austin is sometimes weird. It was nice to sit in there though and get refreshed with God's Word and worship. I think the kids did well and enjoyed their classes. That afternoon we just watched the Saints game. Austin got home and we spent a little time outside before winding down and putting them to bed early again.
It was a very low low key weekend which I thik we all needed especially since this week all of our FALL activities start! So Tuesday and Wednesday will be super busy days!