All About Will & Elizabeth

Christmas Play

This past Sunday, Will participated in his first Christmas Play (Musical).  He was a little chick in "Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem?".  He and the other 4 year old had one line by themselves and then he had lines with all the other characters.  All the kids also sang 5 songs together. We rehearsed each week beginning in mid-October.  It was rough to get Will to participate and behave at rehearsals.  We had some bad rehearsals and some good ones.  The performance was about 50/50.  Half of the time he was distracted and half of the time he was participating.  He's pretty hilarious to watch when he's really into it.  All in all, we're proud of him :)

Click HERE for part one and HERE for part two of the musical.
 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was great!  We went to my parents' house on Wednesday night.  The kids absolutely LOVE being with their grandparents, so they were thrilled to spend several days there. 

Wednesday night:  We let the kids play for a short time and then bathed them and put them to bed.  They were pretty hyper and it took quite a while for them to get to sleep, but we got to watch a movie with my folks once they were asleep.  For some reason, I couldn't sleep that night and ended staying up watching tv and reading until 4 a.m.!!  That is very unusual for me.

Thursday:  My husband let me sleep in a little bit :)  Then I was up and helping in the kitchen to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.  My mom and I have cooked this meal together enough times now that we realized after it was over that we hadn't ever discussed the meal or preparations the entire day...we just got it done.  It was nice because that left us time to just chat.  Dinner was at 7:30 p.m. and it was delicious.  Even the kids ate some.  They were most excited about the "snow cake" that Gramma made (coconut cake).  Me, my dad and my husband watched the newest Star Trek movie that night.  I was pretty tired and was able to get a good night's sleep.

Friday:  We started the morning with the Christmas card photo shoot.  It is VERY difficult to get two kids to smile at the camera at the same time.  After about 100 pictures, we got at least 3 we liked.  Then after lunch, Mom and I went shopping!  We spent a long time at Target and some time at Toys'R'Us, but I couldn't find the two bigger gifts I wanted to buy the kids.  It's online shopping for me this year I guess.  When Mom and I got back, my husband and I had to go back home and the kids stayed with Gramma and Grandpa for the night.  My husband and I met up with the Praise Team at the church and we loaded equipment for our performance the next day.

Saturday:  My husband went out early to start putting up Christmas lights while I did church work.  Then we went to Hometown Christmas for our Praise Team performance.  I've had a bad cold and my voice was shot, but I got through it.  My husband covered all of my solos and did a great job!!  Then we came home for a short time and then left for a co-worker's wedding about an hour away.  It was a beautiful wedding and it ended with a 15 minute spectacular fireworks display!  Then we drove an hour to pick up the kids and went straight home to put them in bed.

I Love October

October is such a wonderful month.  I love that it finally begins to cool down.  I love that some of the leaves change color.  I love not having to run the air conditioner all month.  I love the colors of fall...the oranges, browns, yellows and reds.  The kids love it too!  We play outside more once October rolls in.  I make homemade pumpkin bread and we decorate Halloween cookies and pumpkins.  We watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.  And of course, the County Fair, Fall Festivals and Trick-or-Treating!

This year's October started out hot.  For the first 15 days, it was in the 80s and sometimes in the 90s!  But by October, 16, we finally had a blessed cool front.  For the first time since probably mid-March, I didn't have to run AC!  We had a smattering of warm days after that, (the weather was great for the County Fair) but it really cooled off tonight for Halloween.  It was about 64° when we left and it's now 51° at 10 p.m.  I loved it.

Now comes the mad rush of November and December.  I love these months as much, but they are definitely busier!

Here are some photos of fun things we did in October of 2009.

        

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Reading

Will is now truly reading.  I wanted to blog about it so we can remember, when he's much older, what his skills were at age 4 and 4 months.

Will has always loved letters.  At 18 months, he received a foam alphabet puzzle as a Christmas gift and fell in love with it.  He not only loved the puzzle part, but wanted to know the names of the letters.  By the end of the month, he knew 15 letters by sight (not in order).  By age 20 months, he knew all 26 letters in uppercase.  He was also recognizing letters in signs, books, magazines, etc. and not just from his puzzle.  At a few months after his 2nd birthday, he already knew many of his lower case letters.  Right after he turned 3, he could sound out three letter words like Cat, Dog, etc.  By age 3 years 2 months, he could do 25 piece puzzles without assistance and write his name "WiLL."  By the time he was 4, he could read very simple books with simple words.

Now, he's 4 years and 4 months old.  He can read over 100 sight words.  He can read level 1 (Step Into Reading, I Can Read, etc.) and some easier Level 2 books completely on his own with no help at all.  I'm talking about getting a brand new book he's never seen and reading it on his own without any help.  It's so cool!  So, I'd consider this as officially reading.

Elizabeth is starting to recognize her letters of the alphabet out of order now.  She also sings the alphabet song with all 26 letters in it.

Will's Trip

Will took a trip with Gramma and Grandpa this weekend.  I picked him up from school on Friday (10/9) and took him home where Gramma was waiting for him.  He was so excited he could barely eat his lunch.  We got him packed up and in Gramma and Grandpa's car.  He was in his car seat watching Wall-E as they drove out of sight.  That night, he got to eat at Cracker Barrel and stay in a mini-suite at a hotel.  He was VERY excited about the hotel.  Grandpa took him downstairs for the complimentary breakfast.  Will chose a cinnamon-raisin bagel and wanted to sit down.  He doesn't like raisins or bagels, so Grandpa scouted out some mini blueberry muffins.  He loved those!

Then they were on there way south to pick up Gramma and Grandpa's RV (we call it The Bus).  Will didn't know that The Bus could move.  So his eyes widened with delight when they drove it out of the RV park.  He was even more excited once they parked The Bus at an RV park further north and Gramma performed some "magic."  She told Will that she could make the bus bigger and he said, "No. That would be magic."  So she said, "Watch some magic!" and opened the bus compartments up (it widens the living room and bedroom by quite a bit).  Then they had a late lunch at Wendy's and then they all went to the movies to see "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs."

 

Will was GREAT at the theater.  He loved having a "kid pack" of a small pink lemonade, fruit snacks and popcorn.  At the end of the movie, when everyone was gone and the credits were running, Will got to boogie in the aisles.  I was told it was adorable.

Sunday was spent driving back home with a few stops for food.  Gramma and Grandpa said he could not have been better behaved!  I'm so happy and proud!

A Week of Bad Behavior

Oh my.  What a week...  On Tuesday, when I went to pick up Will from school, I walked in to see Will sitting in a chair and crying.  I looked at the teacher and asked if he was in time-out.  She said he was and then handed me a paper.  It was an incident report because my son had thrown a block at another child and hit him near his eye.  My first reaction was to see if the child was ok and he was.  My second was anger at my son for doing something like that.  He was freaking out, so I took him to the car before I really tried to talk to him.  I asked him why he hit another child and he said, "He wasn't cleaning up."  So, the reason he did this...the child wouldn't clean up during clean up time, so Will decided to enforce the rules by pegging him with a block.  So I tell him that it is NEVER ok to hit another person.  He say, "But he wouldn't clean up."  Like, it's ok to do whatever if the other person isn't doing the right thing.  We were finally able to talk some sense into him and told him to apologize to the child the next morning and to apologize to the teacher.  My husband dropped him off the next morning and when I went to pick him up, the first thing I asked the teacher was whether he apologized or not.  He had (and without an adult standing over him to force him).  The rest of the week: angelic behavior, whew!

The other problem this week was with Elizabeth.  We decided to take away her pacifier cold turkey last week on Thursday (9/17).  She did really good the first day.  Then, it got worse.  One night, she cried and screamed what seemed like all night.  Anyway, it seemed to be getting better this week, but on Thursday, she woke up very crabby.  She didn't want to get out of the car seat to pick up Will.  Then she didn't want to leave the school to get back in the car.  Then we went to Wal-Mart.  MISTAKE!!  She had the worst fit EVER.  We had gone through the Halloween aisle and the kids had each picked a book to look at while shopping, but not to buy.  We do this EVERY time we ever shop with no problems.  For some reason, she got a bur about this book.  It wasn't the content of the book, but the possession of it.  Will wanted to trade books with her (like they usually do) and she freaked out so bad about it, I decided to take both books away.  Will was fine with it.  Elizabeth was not.  She started screaming, "NO, NO, NO!" and crying and snot everywhere and then began hitting anything in her reach.  Then she starts throwing stuff out of the cart.  Oh my gosh!  I race to get the one item we were actually there for and got in a check-out line.  I probably would have just left the store, but hey, it's Wal-Mart.  There were many other kids having fits.  Of course my girl's was the worst.  I had a lot of those, "What's wrong with that parent/child" stares.  In the line, the older people in front and behind me were sympathetic, but she just got louder and worse.  She climbed out of the seat of the cart and I couldn't get her back in because of her kicking.  So, I put her in the basket of the cart.  She kept trying to climb out of that so I had one hand on her (being slapped) while I was trying to pay as quickly as possible.  She screamed the whole cart ride to the car.  I had to manhandle her into her car seat (again kicking and slapping).  She screamed the entire car ride home.  She screamed when I got her out of the car and wouldn't go inside.  When I dragged her in, she screamed at the front door to go back outside.  It was like she was possessed.  I had to change her diaper to put her to bed.  She was having such a fit with the diaper that she got a small smack on her backside.  She finally calmed down.  Who would have thought that would do it?  Anyway, I put her to bed and she slept great.  She's had several minor fits today.  I'm not sure why all of a sudden she's acting this way, but IT IS NOT FUN.  It'll get better, right?

First Day of School (Pre-K)

Well, it finally came:  Will's first day of school.  He started Pre-K at Roehm Pre-School this morning.  He will go 5 days a week from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. from today, August 24, 2009 through June 10, 2010.

I went to a parent orientation this past Friday.  The teacher went over the learning objectives for the year, sign-in and out procedures, etc.  I was doing great.  Then, she started talking about the first morning we drop the kids off.  She said that the kids could cry, but mostly it's the parents that are upset.  That made me start tearing up.  Once I got into the car, I cried.  I realized that Will is not a baby at all any more.  I also realized that Will is going to be in school for the next 14 years at MINIMUM!  I can't protect him from everything forever, but as a mother, I'd sure like to.

The whole family went to drop him off this morning.  Once we entered the school, Will was off like a rocket.  He wanted to see everything there was to see and to play and to meet the other kids.  I don't think we could leave fast enough for his taste.  The teacher put a name tag on him and he said, "Mama, the teacher gave me a big sticker with my name on it!!!"  Oh, and he told her thank you without my prompting (that made me proud!).  I was able to stop his playing long enough to get him to kiss his Daddy, sister and me.  When we got back in the car, I was fine.  I didn't feel the need to cry again.  I felt like Will would be happy at school and would be having a great time learning and playing.

 

Elizabeth and I had some time doing errands and then we went to the Lakeyard in town for some time on the swings, a nice long walk, and a short trip to our local library.  The weather was actually fairly cool this morning and we had a great time.  I've had time to play with her and do some housework and laundry.   

When we picked him up, Will did not want to leave school.  He loved it!  He wanted to know when we would be back.  They traced their names today and then wrote them, they made an apple puppet out of a paper sack, and they painted, played, and colored.  I just pray this enthusiasm lasts 14 years :)

Trip to Texas (July 2009)

We're back from our 10 day, 1800 mile trip to Texas and back.

Tuesday, July 14: We left at 9:20 a.m.  Lunched at Chick-Fil-A (I LOVE that place and so do the kids...awesome and clean playground).  Arrived in Clinton, MS kind of early, so we found a Target and shopped around until 7 p.m.  Then it was time to check-in to our little hotel and get some sleep.  The kids did pretty good in the hotel.  They were ramped up, but after a bath and some stories, they fell asleep around 9 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15: We got up for a delicious and free breakfast at our hotel and were on the road by 7:30 a.m.  We lunched at Chick-Fil-A again, lol.  Then we got to my brother and sis-in-law's house around 4:30 p.m.  It was nice to finally stop driving!  The kids were SO excited to see their three cousins and were pretty hyper.  We had a yummy spaghetti dinner and then I tried to get the kids in routine with a bath and some stories.  We had decided that Will would sleep on the couch in the open playroom upstairs and that Elizabeth would sleep in a Pack'n'Play in the baby's room with her cousin.  The kids went down pretty easy at 8 p.m., but at around 9:30 p.m., Elizabeth woke up in a night terror.  I quickly grabbed her up and brought her to my room (the guest room) where she literally SCREAMED for 30 minutes.  Night terrors are not fun.  She finally came out of it and I had her sleep in bed with me for the night.

Thursday, July 16:  My brother and I let my sis-in-law get an extra hour of sleep ;) and got up with the kids.  They did well playing together and eating together.  I had to leave right after the kids went down for naps to meet up with "the girls" for our fun "girls' night out/bachelorette fun."  Oh-and I decided Elizabeth should sleep in the playroom with Will.  It was a good idea and she did MUCH better being near her brother.  The night out was so much fun.  We first all went and got mani/pedis.  It was nice and relaxing and fun.  Then we went back to the mother of the bride's house to work on some wedding favors.  Then we went to Posados Mexican Restaurant.  I don't think I've ever eaten that much food, ever.  We had the most delicious fajitas and grilled shrimp and chips and salsa and homemade tortillas...you get the idea.  Then we all went to Dave & Busters to play some games.  We won enough tickets to buy the bride a silly prize.  It was a fun night.

Friday, July 17: I spent the day with the kids and family and then met everyone in the Wedding Party at the church in Dallas.  The rehearsal was fast, but we pretty much got what we were supposed to do :)  Then we caravaned to the Reception site for a yummy dinner and to decorate the hall for the wedding reception.

Saturday, July 18:  The Big Wedding Day!  I left the kids at 7:15 a.m. and went to pick up the girls.  We had our hair done at Toni & Guy where students spent over 2 hours working to make our hair beautiful.  Then we went to lunch at La Madeleine (so yummy) and then we rushed to the church to do make-up and get dressed.  The bride was BEAUTIFUL and the bridesmaids looked pretty good too ;)  The wedding went great...no problems, the music was amazingly beautiful and I loved seeing my great friend get married to such a wonderful guy.  The reception was a lot of fun and the food was yummy.  I stayed after for a while to help clean up and went back to my brother's house.  My brother and sis-in-law had crammed 5 carseats into their mini-van and taken all the kids to Planet Pizza (which is a small amusement park and pizza place for little kids).  Aren't they the best!?! 

Sunday, July 19:  I was pretty tired from the wedding, so we chilled all day with the kids.  I offered to get up with the kids on Monday morning so my sis-in-law could have a break...she'd had all 5 kids for most of the last 3 days!  What a trooper!  The five kids were ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6!!

Monday, July 20:  I got up with the kids.  They really did well for me, but I know I'm not cut out to have that many!  It's a LOT of work!  We spent the day hanging out and the kids playing.  We went over to my sis-in-laws parents' place for dinner that night and the kids had a blast playing in their back yard and eating grilled burgers and hot dogs.  The grown-ups watched a movie that night at my brother's house and then afterward, we ended up talking until 2 a.m.  What were we thinking?!

Tuesday, July 21:  I dragged myself up with the kids and fed them and then at about 9 a.m., I switched out with my sis-in-law so I could take a nap.  That evening, we went to Mama's Pizza for dinner (they have the BEST pizza!!) and then it was home for cake, ice-cream and presents for my niece who turned 1 that day.  The kids wanted her new toys, but they did ok and had a good time.

 

Wednesday, July 22:  We left around 8:30 a.m. and did lunch at Chick-Fil-A in Shreveport.  We met up with my parents (who were on their way to visit my brother and his family).  It was neat to meet up with them.  We got to Clinton a little early, so we went to Wendy's and then Wal-Mart and got to the hotel at around 7:45 p.m.  The kids were WIRED and finally fell asleep around 10 p.m.

Thursday, July 23:  We left around 8:30 a.m. and did lunch at a McDonald's near Mobile.  They had a great play place, but it was closed.  I only discovered this AFTER I had bought our food.  Imagine two kids who have been sitting for 2 days...they were not happy campers, but we made it through.  After we got through Pensacola, it started to DOWNPOUR!  You know, the kind of rain where you can't see 3 feet in front of you?  Anyway, we got home around 4 p.m. and I basically chilled out until Daddy came home at 6:30 p.m.

So now, we're all "back to normal" or whatever that means. :)

Leaving Tomorrow...

I leave with Will and Elizabeth tomorrow morning.  We're taking a 746.83 mile trip!  Tomorrow, Tuesday, we leave and drive half-way to Clinton,MS.  Then on Wednesday, we'll drive the rest of the way to McKinney,TX. Why are we doing this crazy trip?  Well, I'm in a good friend's wedding this Saturday (YAYAY) and we're going to visit with my wonderful brother and sister-in-law and their three ADORABLE children.  I haven't seen their youngest since she was born a year ago, so it will be great to catch up.  Also, my amazing (and maybe a little crazy) sister-in-law has volunteered to watch all five children (her three and my two) while I'm involved in wedding activities on Thursday, Friday and all day Saturday.  Fortunately, after the wedding, I get to spend three full days just hanging out with them and we get to celebrate the youngest child's 1st Birthday!  I'm definitely excited, but also a little nervous to drive so far with two children...and stay over night in a motel with two children...and have five children in one house together for seven days.  Oh, and their ages are: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 1/2.  Crazy!!

Below are pictures of the last time I saw my two nephews and neice.  I can't believe they're all a year older now!

 

4th of July in Alabama

We decided to pack up and head up to my parents' house for the 4th this year.  My parents have a great house on a huge lot with an awesome pool, so of course we went there :)

We went Friday night so we'd be able to have all day Saturday to play.  We started at 9 a.m. in the pool.  The kids (and me too) LOVE to swim.  We got slathered in sunscreen and put the requisite floaties and swim rings on and got to it.  After a short break for grape juice popsicles, we went swimming some more.

 

Then we went in, had lunch and then it was nap time.  Even Will fell asleep.

 

After naps, we had a small snack and headed out for more swimming fun.  We spent the rest of the afternoon in the pool, only stopping for a delicious dinner of grilled burgers.

 

After dinner and a quick clean-up, Daddy gave the kids a bath and then we went outside to set off some fireworks.  I had bought about $45 worth, but it turns out that even thought that seemed like a lot of money to me, that's really not great fireworks.  Fortunately, the neighbors all around my folks house were putting on HUGE displays, so we mostly watched theirs.  The kids were getting worn out around 9:30 p.m. when we broke out the Morning Glory sparklers, so they didn't have as much fun as I thought they would.  It was a good night though.  We left at 10 p.m., got home at 11 p.m. and the kids promptly passed out in bed.  It was a great 4th of July!