Oil and Water

That's what Jaelyn and I are together. I think a lot of it is that we are so much alike in the control area. Dan stands in the gap between us a lot. Last night and this morning were not fun. She won't listen or follow directions and when she does decide to follow directions, she moved at a snail's pace (literally, folks). It makes steam come out of my ears. I'm doing my hardest to keep it together, but I'm afraid I'm going to blow. I spent an hour on the treadmill last night and today I'm going to a balletone class (it's new, but I'm picturing slow stretches and deep breathing). She pitched a major pit again over her coat this morning. I'm thinking of a new sticker chart for "Following Directions the 1st time." That would cover everything from putting on pajamas to not jumping on my bed and brushing her teeth.

Any other ideas??? Prayers that I don't kill her (figuratively of course) or duct tape her to a wall (anyone have that picture anymore) would be much appreciated.

Made it Through Our First Weekend

The weekend actually wasn't too bad. We cried a little, laughed a lot, played games, finger painted, painted with brushes, played with play doh, red books, danced, colored and watched way too much TV. I was ever so thankful to put my two sweet girlies on the bus this morning so I could have a little break. Caden is so laid back and easy on his own.

I should be at the gym this morning working off the pan of brownies I baked and almost completely ate this weekend. Yikes. Instead, I've enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate while catching up on the news and emails. Maybe we'll go to the gym tonight.

The kids have really missed Danny. Resistant to change Allie is especially struggling. Yesterday, she decided Dan had been gone 4 days and we only had 3 to go (um no, honey, he's only been gone 2 days, 5 to go). She wouldn't hear me. The Daddy animals have been a big hit, especially at bedtime, I hear them when all is supposed to be quite. Jaelyn somehow messed hers up and recorded over it so I'm glad Dan will be home on Friday to rerecord her message for her because she is rather upset about it. They also have the build a bear animals from his last deployment so she still has daddy's recording. Caden misses Dan's bedtime "bump" routine, but he's letting me be a substitute. He's taught me how to knuckle bump, hand bump, elbow bump, knee bump, foot bump and leg bump. Silly Caden...Silly Daddy.

4 days to go.

Dancing in the Dark

For a little fun tonight, I dug out one of our favorite activities from Florida, only I added a little twist. In the evenings in an attempt to get the last bit of energy out of the kids, I used to turn on silly music and we'd dance around the playroom. We've only done it a few times in this house and tonight seemed like a good night to be silly and get some energy out before bed. I pulled out a pile of glow sticks from Dan's stash and gave them to the kids. We turned out the lights, turned the music up and had a blast dancing around in the basement. After that, I let the kids have a glow stick lit bath in the big tub (turns out the dancing charged them up instead of tiring them out, but the bath calmed them down). I put them to bed with glow stick night lights. Glow sticks are so versatile. It didn't take long and everyone is fast asleep. What do you think are the chances of them letting me sleep in tomorrow morning???

You Can Tell Dan Has Gone By...

...the fact that the refrigerator decided to be mean today. The kids tried to get water out of the front, but none came out. I tried the ice maker and nothing. I opened the doors and our fridge, stocked with groceries from Wednesday, was very dark. Oh no, but I know the drill. I checked the plug and then any GFI outlets in the kitchen. Next I trudged down the stairs to the basement. Sure enough, a breaker popped. I flipped it back and now the refrigerator is working fine. The big question, though, is why did it pop in the first place. It was nothing big today, but things always break when Dan first leaves. It's just how things work. It usually happens in 3s for some odd reason. Think I can count the fridge and get #1 out of the way???

Oh and BTW - I really needed to pull the fridge out today....yucky dust bunnies were multiplying exponentially under it and you all know how I feel about that. So that's my silver lining of the day!

Dentist Appointments

The kids had dentist appointments today and I LOVE the new pediatric dentist we are going to. I love the set up of the rooms, the staff, the dentist (there are 2 in the practice, but we've only seen 1). They put the kids in one room with 3 chairs set out in a triangle. There was a computer console in the middle that was turned depending on who's teeth were being worked on so the records went straight into the computer. The process was so fast, in 30 minutes they were all cleaned, polished, checked by the dentist and getting their prizes from the prize machine.

Everyone did great, even Jaelyn, who had x-rays for the first time. I talked with Dr. Neal about Jaelyn's teeth. We will do sealants on her 6 yr molars on our next visit (they aren't quite in all the way yet) and at that time, we'll talk about her crossbite. He wants her permanent laterals in first (boy are they loose). She has 1 central peaking through. If it doesn't start moving fast, she's going to have a huge hole on top. Caden's hurt tooth looks great. I just need to keep checking the ligaments.

All in all, a very positive experience for everyone! Who knows, maybe my kids will grow up to love dentist appointments as much as I do.

Ft. Benning Bound

Caden and I dropped Dan off this morning at the base. Someone will drive him to the airport (we couldn't because he has to take his M16 with him). He'll be at Ft. Benning for a week at CRC (I think that's the name of it) preparing for his deployment. While he's there, his parents are going to drive up to see him and have dinner. I know that'll make Miss Joanie happy ;-).

The kids and I will get a feel for what it's going to be like once he's really gone. I know we are going to be okay...it's just not going to be much fun. Dan will have a week with us and then he'll leave, leave on November 23rd. I'm not quite sure when he'll get to Iraq. He'll have several stops to make enroute to his base. His orders say November 19th and he's been told even though he's not leaving until the 23rd, the 270 days will start counting down on the 19th. Anyone want to count that for me??? Never mind, I goggled a calendar countdown...on or about Aug. 16th, I'll be throwing a party.

Oh Dear...Allie and Boys

The kids got off the bus yesterday running to tell me about Allie. One of the neighbor girls got to me first and was thrilled to get to spill the beans..."Allie has a boyfriend and she was holding his hand walking to the bus." Oh dear! We had the same boyfriend talk we had with Jaelyn last year. I must say that I'm concerned with Allie's taste. She likes "bad boys." She's been telling me about this kid, Raymond, since the beginning of school. He's gotten in trouble more than her and it seems spends most nap times in "the Butler's office" (aka Mrs. Buckler). And he's her boyfriend! I'm barely dealing with 5 and 6...can you imagine 15 and 16????

I Strongly Dislike Daylight Savings Adjustments

Why is it that adjusting to DST or from DST is so hard? The kids were doing awesome at sleeping. Two weeks ago, they were sleeping until almost 7:30 every morning. It made for a rush to get ready in the mornings and normally a drive to school instead of a bus ride, but who cares, they were sleeping until 7:30!!! So, time changed Saturday night and the kids have been getting up around 5 every morning since. I was expecting 6:30 with the hopes and moving it to 7, but instead of 1 hour, my kids have decided to wake up 2 1/2 hours early to play and play loudly at that! What is up with that???? It's driving me bonkers!

1st Quarter Parent/Teacher Conferences

I met with the girls' teachers this evening. Miss Burris had a wonderful report about Allie. She's made HUGE strides since starting school and received 6 Outstandings on her citizenship. She got Satisfactories in "star sitter," "listens attentively," and "self-control." The first week of school, every categories would have been marked "needs improvement." Miss Burris says she can really see the changes in Allie, especially in her work. She is paying more attention and taking the time to do it right. There is no more refusing to do work. Allie loves to help her friends and is always asking Miss Burris if there's anything she can do to help her. Miss Burris said everyone who meets Allie comments on how cute and funny she is. She does have quite the personality. As far as her reading and math, she is right where she should be. It was a really good meeting, especially when I remember the anxiety I had when school started. Allie is really going to make it!

Jaelyn is doing much better this year than she did last year. Mrs. Meerholz says that Jaelyn has no trouble focusing and staying on task. She's not the chatty cathy she was last year. Well, maybe a little in reading, but I was shocked to learn she is in a below average reading group. It makes no sense to me at all. I think she's doing great for 1st grade, but apparently, not as great as they expect. The reading groups are fluid and they retest often so if she continues the improvement the teachers and I are seeing, they'll move her up. Honestly, I've seen a huge improvement from September to now with her reading. In September, I had to make her read to me and she needed lots of help. Now, she'll pick up a book and just read. She's not stumbling over words or taking several minutes to sound out each word. She's on level or ahead in Math. On the math assessment, she scored 22 out of 24 (one of those she got the answer correct but she didn't do it their way - the directions said to circle a number of objects. She did, individually, instead of 1 big circle so she missed it.)

Overall, I'm happy with the progress Jaelyn and Allie have made. They've worked hard and I'm proud of them!!!

Hugs Back Home Animals

My dear friend, Kendra, used to run a non-profit organization to give build-a-bear type animals to children of deploying soldiers. She sent us a box full of animals in preparation of Dan's deployment and we stuffed the animals today.

Thank you, Kendra! I'm sure we will all enjoy hugging on our new lovies when we are sad and missing each other!

Family Games

I love playing games with the kids. Even Caden has gotten big enough that he can play with a little guidance. My limit is about 30 minutes before the kids get silly and stop listening, but we can usually play a couple of hands of uno or 1 game of Monopoly Jr. in that time period. I won by a landslide at Monopoly Jr. tonight. Allie seems to have lost her lucky touch and doesn't ALWAYS win every game anymore. That makes Jaelyn and Caden happy. Caden and I have been playing Sequence Jr in the day and I think he's starting to get it. I don't know if I blogged about it already, but Jaelyn can now beat me at Sequence. It's a little maddening to me, especially since she doesn't always know she's won. I'm proud of her though. She definitely has her own strategy when she plays!

Dear Santa...Love Jaelyn

Jaelyn has decided it's time to write Santa a letter. First we got online and found Santa's email address. She wrote him a letter and he sent a reply almost immediately. Next, she decided we should mail him a letter through the Post Office. Anyone know Santa's address? We've addressed the envelope: Santa Claus, North Pole, Arctic Circle. I sure hope it gets there ;). Here's the letter she's written. She erased the part where she told Santa she'd leave him cookies and leave carrots for his reindeer. My favorite part is the "d"unch of planet heroes she wants. I've told her if Santa brings a real pup or kitten, he's going to get a call to come pick them up!

Jaelyn also helped Caden write a letter. He says he wants a light saber and planet heroes along with a real pup and a real kitten. Again, that real pup and kitten won't be happening. I bet Santa can do something about the light saber and planet heroes; although Caden already has a light saber.

Bringing Back a Childhood Halloween Tradition

My mom hated Halloween while I was growing up. I'd have to ask her the exact reasons, but I think the dislike was mostly aimed at all the candy. Being the good dental hygienist my mom was, she once gave out toothbrushes and mini tubes of toothpaste. Can you imagine? I was too little to remember, but I've heard the stories. Anyway, my parents used to take my brother and I out to dinner. I can remember going to a buffet type place. Then they'd give us each $20 (which was a lot of money in the 70's) and take us to Target to buy a toy.

I have inherited my mom's dislike of Halloween. Not only is it unsafe, but who wants all of that candy in their house. Last year, the kids got 1 piece each and I threw the rest away. What a waste.

This year, I decided to restarted my Mom's tradition. Caden chose not to dress up, but Jaelyn dressed up as a tiger and Allie dressed up as a "lady" with a dress up dress and her hat. We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner, which is always good, and Jaelyn was beside herself with all the "what a cute cat" comments she got. I swear her head got at least 3 inches bigger. After dinner, we went to Walmart. I gave the kids each $10 (Too bad Baba wasn't here...I definitely won't be telling them I got $20 as a child). Caden started out with a light saber so Daddy could fight with him (we already have one), but put it down so he could buy a new Planet Hero - Gustus from Jupiter. He slept with Gustus last night. Jaelyn picked out 4 small horses complete with stables and Allie picked Jasmine and Belle Polly Pockets. The hit of the night, though, was the box of candy on the way out of Walmart. Everyone got 1 piece and all was right with the world.

Next Halloween, I guarantee we'll be continuing the tradition. Not only were the kids happy, but I didn't gain 5 pounds by eating candy that was meant to give out to trick or treaters!

This Week

TGIF!!! The kids are out of school for a teacher work day and it was really nice to lay in bed until almost 8:00. They don't have to go back to school until Wednesday so hopefully we'll have a few more days like this. Time change might mess me up, though!

This week, I've been to the gym once (need to work on that), Allie's been to dance class, Jaelyn and I decided together she doesn't need to take dance because of her melt-downs (which are still going strong everyday!) and I've spent quite a bit of time shopping for Christmas and figuring out what to get the kids. We listened to a Christmas CD in the car for the first time (Annie) and carved our two jack-o-lanterns. I've cleaned out toys in preparation for Christmas and Caden and I had our friends, Karon and Eric, over for lunch. Caden had a Halloween parade and party at school and Jaelyn is putting on her coat nicely. The kids put on a concert for me late one night. Dan has been spending his time on a new hobby...knife making...don't ask! I even managed to clean and vacuum out my car. All in all, I'd say it's been a good, productive week minus the tantrums.

I found a great deal on this mouse costume last weekend when I went out to dinner with my friend, Angie, for a girl's night out!

Zac likes to curl up in his toy basket now that it's getting colder.

Caden's Halloween parade.

The 2 Cadens marched together in the parade. I laugh evertime I think of this Incredible Hulk costume. I might have to hunt one down for my Caden.

Allie was the only one brave enough to stick her hand inside the pumpkin.Very rarely do I capture a picture where Allie is looking at the camera. I took 3 this week...a record!

Caden's pumpkin I carved for him.


Here's a silly video of our concert night. We named the kid's band "Lady and the Mousey Maters."

Caden Singing

For Those Who Say Caden Is Like Me

You are wrong...like father, like son!

Bedtime Reading

Dan and I take turns reading to the kids every night. We started about 15 months ago so we've read a ton of books. At one point, I had a list, but that's been a long time ago. I've restarted my list at the bottom of the sidebar starting with the book we just finished. I'm going to rate the books 1-5 stars. I'd love recommendations, especially for books that might not be so popular. We've read all my favorite books from my childhood. Now, I'm just wandering up and down the library rows looking for interesting books. Help me pick!

For You Mom - I'm Becoming You

My mom is a messy painter. Her painting clothes are covered in paint and she always has to wear a hat or she'd have paint all in her hair. I used to be a neat painter. My painting clothes were spotless. I carried a damp rag to wipe my hands on. It was my OCD working to its finest. I don't know what's happened to me, however. With each room I've painted in this house, I've gotten progressively messier. I'm not talking about the rooms, they are perfect, I'm talking about me. My painting clothes are now covered in paint. I had big globs of paint in my hair. I couldn't seem to keep it off me. I even had it on my feet where I walked in drips. I'm becoming my mom! Next thing you know, I'll be leaving dishes in the sink and not making up my bed. I told me mom she had better watch out or as I become her, she's going to become my grandmother and we don't want that :p!!!!

All About Allie

Allie has become a drama queen and it's hilarious. I have serious trouble being mad at her. Yesterday, she had a 4 block day. I asked her why she lost a block and she told me she yawned in reading. That's kind of odd...being told she can't yawn. I asked her to show me how she yawned and I got this way over dramatized yawn.

Even though Allie is losing blocks in reading (for yawning and other things like not sitting still - shocked, aren't you?), she's still learning and doing a really good job. She knows all of her site words and is doing great in math. Her work is getting neater and there's been no more refusing to do work. I'm really proud of that. We've talked a lot about how she has to be serious with her school work, but she can be silly with her drawing papers at home. She loves to add extra letters to her name and color over EVERYTHING.

Here's an example of her work from last month:

Here's her work from this week:

Allie is doing better with her emotional melt downs and sleep. There for the longest time, she would moan and cry in her sleep. I would have to get up 3 and 4 times to wake her up or calm her down. I don't know what the problem was, but she's stopped doing it and is sleeping peacefully these days. Her meltdowns are less frequent. I'm sure all the issues we had were related to starting school. It's nice to get settled into a schedule.

On a funny note, the "scary music man" is now Mr. Brunns and Allie loves him. She is constantly singing us new songs that he's taught them. I'm so proud that she conquered that fear!

All About Caden

My sweet Caden will be turning 4 in a few short months. I can't believe it. The time has flown and I'm not ready for my little boy to be the big boy he has become. Caden is smart and silly and is always making me laugh. He loves to tell me his "dream" when he wakes up. I don't think he actually dreamed the stories. I think he just likes to make them up. He's still a skinny little thing, but he's gotten a teeny tiny bit more adventurous with eating. He'll eat cheese quesodillas now and even tried 1 bite of a candied carrot the other night (carrots cooked with butter and brown sugar). I told him it was a candy stick. He actually asked for a bite and chewed it up and swallowed before deciding he didn't like it. His only real vegetable is green beans and he'll only eat 3-4 at a sitting.



His class took a field trip to the pumpkin patch on Tuesday. It was a lot of fun. Here's Caden jumping in a hay pile.Caden worked very hard to pick out the perfect pumpkin. It was a cold, cold day.

Here's a ladybug Caden found on a corn stalk.

Caden's photography 101 practice...a picture of me with his pumpkin.

They did a little craft project with the kids at the farm. Here's Caden sharing his pumpkin story.