John David did it!!!

John David performed tonight! Anyone who know John David knows he is known to be timid and not wanting to perform in front of others. He hasn't performed at 4-year old graduation, Spring concerts, etc. At the end of VBS our church has a musical and carnival. The four and five year olds perform two songs while the First through Sixth graders perform all of the songs. John David did the hand motions and sang! I got a little teary watching him. David and I were very impressed and proud of our little man. He did keep turning around to look at the choir loft to see all of the older kids singing.

John David had mentioned all afternoon that he didn't want to sing. As we talked, I told him that Dad and I would be watching my first grade students on the other side. We assured him we wouldn't watch him at all! When he class was lead in, David and I hid our faces so he wouldn't see us sitting in the front of the back section of pews. So to get the pictures, I had my girlfriends go up front to take his picture. Thanks, Mandi & Leslie! Leslie then offered to watch Drew in the foyer so we could watch John David perform his songs. We were very proud of him! When we told him we watched him, he wasn't happy about it.

After the musical, we went to the "circus" or carnival. He loved the tickets and bounced in the various bounce houses rather than play too many games. Here is a picture of him bowling. He wanted to go to another game but the water gun wasn't working. Drew was a quite the trooper tonight-staying up late, being held, and running around in the heat.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is this week at our church and it is called Outrigger Island. I am working with 7 friends of mine which is fun. I volunteered to be the director of 1st grade which is so far going pretty good. At least I think it is going well. ;) John David threw a fit with tears when I dropped him off Monday morning which is very unusual. He was better a few minutes later when I saw him in the opening assembly. It is weird to think he is growing up and participting in the opening assembly. Before long he'll be in elementary school or too old to participate but a working youth member in VBS. (Sniff, Sniff) Drew is still in the nursery having a great time, not knowing why he is at church everyday this week.

A funny thing that has happened this week is that our church called an Associate Children's Minister on Sunday. He started bright and early Monday morning! He joked with the Children's Minister about when his day off was this week. She laughed! He fully knew it wasn't going to happen! We have about 700 children this week enrolled and about half of them aren't members of our church!

Monday's breakfast was quite interesting. We were having leftover waffles from Sunday for breakfast. John David and I had strawberries, blueberries, and Redi-whip. Drew just got a waffle but then he wanted an oatmeal bar instead. So I gave him a oatmeal bar and a dallop of Redi-whip on his few bites of waffle he still hadn't eaten. He had more fun dipping the bar in the whipped topping & licking it off repeatedly. Silly boy!

Is this life with a 4 (almost 5) year old?

Do we have bones? Do cats have bones? Do wolves have bones? Where do cats sleep? Why aren't those people going to church? Where are we going? Are we going to someone's pool? Can we go swimming? Can we go to that park again? Can I go to Granny on the farm with Popaw? Why do we have bones? Why do we take naps? Is Dad home all day? Come here. When I am 13, Drew will be 10. Can I get my stool out to help stir? Are these clean underwear? Can I wear these PJ's? Why did Will move? Is Will going to be at church today? When will I see Will? Can I have a mint? Can I have a wrap? Why is Aunt CC spell her name with "C C"? What is a nickname? Who has a nickname? Is "Anna" your nickname? Does God sleep? Is God old?

Now imagine the word "Mommy" in front of those questons. Then imagine "Daddy" in front of those questions. Growing kids are so funny but sometimes can wear out ones ears. Am I crazy? Don't get me wrong, I love my boys dearly! John David can be timid except when it is David and I and then it seems he talks nonstop!

Saturday

We had a fun day on this hot weekend! This morning after breakfast, we headed to the gym for a workout before heading to the Farmer's Market. John David helped me pick out some onions, tomatoes, yellow zucchini, and a cucumber for dad. It wouldn't be a Saturday without a stop at Home Depot. We had a few things to pick both David and I. After lunch and a few of us napping, we had a surprise! John David talked nonstop & didn't take a nap because of it.

Today was the grand opening of Flower Mound's Community Activities Center. Admission was half-off which was affordable in my opinion (<$10). There is a cool pool outside with an awesome children's play area. It was a beach entry and about 1 foot deep which is where we mainly stayed. There was a "park" with different size slides, buckets that dumped when they filled up, water spouts, and water fountains that bubbled out of the ground. Part of it lead to a volleyball pool area or you could venture into the lazy river. There was also two slides that started about three stories tall.

John David had a great time! He couldn't get enough of the lazy river and the "park" in the water. Drew hated the first half-hour clinging to me for his life! After a while I just put him in the water covering his ankles and I sat a few inches away. He kept reaching for me trying to make me feel sorry for him by wimpering. He finally got used to the water and loved it! The bubbling fountains were fun as he tried to reach for them getting his face wet and then trying to cover them with his feet. Everyone else was covering them with their feet making the others shoot higher. When he figured out he could climb up the park and get me to slide with him, he wouldn't stop. We went down the slide several times together. John David and David were always at the bottom to watch and cheer for us. Usually John David had slid down right before us. Drew always had a smile as he slid! He didn't want to leave after being there for 1 1/2 hours!

Needless to say, the boys are sleeping well. We are enjoying a nice quiet evening at home. Next week will busy with VBS.

18 Months Old & still my baby

Drew is now 18 months old! We went to his doctor appointment today & he got three shots. :( We both cried. He now weighs 25 1/2 pounds which is in the 50-75th %. His length & head circumference were both in the 50-75%. The rest of the appointment went great! There was only good things to say. Of course I had concerns over his lack of eating. It is not that he doesn't eat, he only want to eat cheese even picking it off of a grilled cheese. Afterwards we all enjoyed snowcones.

Thank you God for a beautiful & healthy boy. It has been worth all of the tears & laughter so far. I am so grateful for a healthy family.

4 Kids in one day!!!

I had four kids today! Even though I doubled the amount of kids in one day, it wasn't as bad as I thought it could have been. Will & Julie came over today because they are moving away. We are so sad because John David and Will get along so well. They don't fight & keep themselves very occupied for long periods of time. Julie, Drew and I stuck together. Julie helped me make 5 sandwiches since the boys were playing. Julie and Drew were quick to fall asleep but the boys played for over an hour instead of sleeping. Oh well.

We ate popsicles, played on the "ship" while I sprayed everyone with the water hose, & also played cars/dinosaurs/blocks inside. Julie left just before dinner & Will stayed to spend the night. After dinner & David getting home, we played outside even more. I was shocked at the energy level the boys had running around & laughing hard. It took just under an hour for them to finally fall asleep.

It was sad to go to their house and see all the boxes being packed. It brought back many memories of my homes growing up being packed up while we were at school.

I wish Will, Julie, Christy, & Roy the best. I know this is a business move & I don't know why God is taking one of my son's good friends to another part of the state. These boys are only two weeks apart in age, we live close to each other now, and we met through church/school. I do know that we will still stay in contact. I know God is in control and he will bless their family as well as our family. Thank you, God, for bringing such a great family into our lives.

Father's Day

Sunday was Father's Day and we had a great day. John David climbed in bed in the morning excited to give Daddy his card and present. It was an Incredibles card that he had drawn a beautiful picture. He had even written "Daddy" & "John David" on the envelope. From me, David received tickets to see Jerry Seinfield in Dallas on Saturday, July 12th! He and I are very excited! I have had a hard time keeping things quiet ever since I bought the tickets.

Since I know my brother is a huge fan, I invited Joel & Christy. They decided that Joel & his best friend, Jeff, would be joining us. We are also excited & I get a date night with my hubby!

Surprisingly, we didn't go to Arby's at all on Sunday - we went to Jason's Deli instead. The boys loved the ice cream cones at the end of the meal. Drew even had to have his own cone! Eating out of a cup with a spoon wasn' good enough!

Here is a picture of all of my boys before church!

"They'll call me Uncle Joel"

John David got his summer haircut on Tuesday after a little bribing of a new toy. The initial cut is the hardest but isn't that hard to maintain. I think it is adorable! His first comment (after being very frustrated with me) was "They'll call me Uncle Joel." I was very impressed he remembered his favorite/only uncle has the same haircut. Of course, I didn't tell him Uncle Joel has that haircut due to the lack of hair. I love you, bro! Here is Uncle Joel & Aunt CC at Easter.

Drew

My littlest boy hasn't gotten his turn on the blog.

Here he is reading a book which he loves doing all of the time. Although he doesn't like to sit for the entire book, just the first few pages. I learned something new about him this morning. It looks like Drew will be left-handed just like his mom! As we signed our names to the grandfather's cards, he kept grabbing crayons in his left hand. Even when I tried to give him one in his right hand, he switched it to his left hand. I guess Drew, Aunt Darlene, and I will get to sit at the family dinner table together!

I have several friends who say he looks like me and even acts like me! Ang cracks up at each play date as he tries to run out of the children's play area at the mall. Drew usually looks back in time to giggle as I try to chase after him. As time goes on, I know Drew and I will have our disagreements. He is chatty and loud but adorable!

Swim Lessons

John David started swim lessons this week. He was a little nervous at first but is doing very well. Mrs. Davis is his teacher & was his teacher last summer, too. He is very proud of himself & even spoke up when he didn't get a turn! I knew he didn't get a turn but I wanted to see if he would speak up for himself. I was very proud of him since he has a tendency not to get up in front of others to perform. He takes a total of two weeks of lessons. He is the only boy in class!

MGM!

This past weekend was fabulous! It was the first trip of MGM (Moms Gone Mild) to Austin. We stayed in Lisa's in-law's home as they were out of the country. It was a beautiful 4 bedroom home, game room, pool, & spa! Three of us went down early on Friday to eat lunch with Granny and my sis, Leah, at Buzzard Billy's in Waco. After we got to the house in Austin, we visited for several hours by the pool before heading for a burger without kids. After some shopping, we returned to the house until the others got there at 11pm. We laughed & talked until 2 am! It was great to sleep in the next morning until 8:30 am. After a few more hours of visiting, it was time to hit the pool. I decided to take a walk before joining the others. We all laughed about the different music selections we had on ipods. Everyone contributed to several salads for lunch. It was about 4 pm when we decided we had enough sun and would get ready for dinner. For dinner, we went to Moonshine, a restaurant downtown. Saturday night we stayed up until only 1 am. We slept in again. About mid morning, two girls left to get home. The rest of left a little before lunch making a few stops including the Rockwall stores. We got home around 4:30pm.

It was funny to hear about the husbands & grandparents who were taking care of the kiddos over the weekend. Everyone survived. No bathing suit pics will be on the internet like I promised! I look forward to the next trip of MGM! Maybe we'll be better about applying more sunscreen!

Papa & Grammy Camp

John David, Drew, and I drove to Ardmore, Oklahoma today to meet dad for lunch. It is only about 1 1/2 hours for each of us without any traffic or construction. Afterwards, the boys went home with him until Sunday! :) What a quiet ride home today! Dad has already emailed saying the boys talked for a lot of the trip home but are taking naps at the moment. I am excited, a little nervous, but enjoying the time already.
David and I plan to see THE new chick movie tonight. We only have 2 nights together before I head to Austin for my MGM (Moms Gone Mild) weekend!

The Dentist

John David has never enjoyed the dentist and today things did not help. Before we even went into the building, we all three said a prayer in the truck. I knew we would need it. Drew went with us today and was his usual active self. We waited in the waiting room (playing) before we went back. The assistant was very calm and patient with all of us. John David wouldn't sit in the chair (even though there are TVs on the ceiling). He kept standing next to me while I held Drew who was squirming constantly. The assistant would show John David and then Drew all of the different tools she would use. Drew was fascinated and John David didn't want to have anything to do with it. She ended up holding him between her legs while trying to clean his teeth. I was holding his hands away from his mouth while Drew was still in my lap. She attempted to brush his teeth & then polish them. Thank goodness we didn't do x-rays! The dentist quickly came over to look at his teeth. The bottom right tooth hadn't gotten any better in the last year so he suggested a crown. I was afraid of this. I asked about pulling it instead. The dentist said this was the best fix or else the tooth that grows behind it would crowd out the permanent tooth that would grow in when he was about 12 years old. I decided we might as well do it today since we were there.

We left with a diazapan prescription for 1 pill. We waited the 45 minutes before returning to the dentist's office. Luckily I found a Veggie Tales movie in the truck that we watched. I tried to pick up trash in the truck. I also started calling any and everyone I knew somewhat close who I could get to watch Drew but with no luck. I was also talking to my mom & David. Mom was very comforting & reassuring. With new assurance and more talking to God, I knew we could all get through this. When I talked to David a second time, he said he had received a call from his mom. Gloria had a feeling that something wasn't right, so she called David to see if he was OK. David filled her in on John David's morning. WOW, God was with us today!

After we returned to the office, my dear friend Lisa called volunteering to come get Drew. Thank you, Lord! John David asked about all of the kids who came out with rolls of gauze in their mouth. A little while later it was John David's turn to go back. He didn't want to go & I wasn't allowed to go. After a little chasing around chairs, the nurse carried a kicking and crying little boy back. I was, of course, crying, too. After another prayer & talking to David, I read my book. About 30 minutes later, I asked a nurse to check on him & she remembered he had gone kicking. She reassured me he was done & asking for me. He had done fine & I had to get directions for the rest of the day. Pain relievers and soft foods. Call with any concerns. They opened the door so I could get him and I started crying. He looked sad and a little traumatized with his rolled gauze in his mouth.

We stopped by Sonic on the way to get Drew. Nothing is better than a blue slushy, mac'n cheese bites & grilled cheese from Sonic. Of course, I had my Dt. Dr. Pepper with vanilla, too. Both boys did fall asleep in the car for a few minutes.

We have now been home for an hour and Motrin was given a while ago. He is eating & watching Peter Pan. Nap time is now, too. I am sure he'll take a good one.

Tomorrow he and Papa can compare their silver teeth.

Blogging about Monday

Blogging is very interesting. I am constantly debating about what to write about. Do my friends and family want to hear my thoughts like a diary or the daily grind of the day?



We'll it has been an interesting day. Drew, John David, and I went to the gym like we do most Mondays for a weights class which is a favorite of mine. I usually shower at the gym afterwards because I can do it without any interruptions. For you fellow moms, you know what a quiet shower, blow drying my hair and putting on fresh make-up can do to a mom's confidence. We spent the latter part of the afternoon cleaning out several different closets and cabinets at church that has various MOPS articles for several years. How exhilarating to find things that were lost and condense stuff!



Dinner time is always frustrating but God had a hand in it tonight. As I was cutting up veggies & cooking chicken, Drew was fussing. I tried to feed him carrots that he has eaten for me before but those ended up thrown on the floor, as well as, the cup and spoon. I was very frustrated and losing my cool! (I forgot to mention that Drew was into everything at the church & fussed almost the whole way home.) The boys played for a little while before Drew was able to find the TV remote. I think Rachel Ray was cooking at the time. Drew started pressing buttons and John David started yelling at me that Drew had the remote. I looked up in time to see the TV switch to the worship channel which was playing beautiful music. I immediately thought that God had a hand in it. I could hear God telling me to calm down & not get so frustrated. After I said a little prayer in my head, I instantly felt better.



Thank you, God. I am so fortunate that I have a husband who comes in at night to play with the boys & takes them out of the kitchen after dinner so I can clean up the dishes. Thank you for reminding me to calm down. I was in a much better mood the rest of the evening.



Now as I get ready for tomorrow, please say a prayer of patience and calmness. John David is going to the dentist in the morning and he doesn't like going at all. John David is more terrified of the dentist than probably singing on stage. Drew is going too because I couldn't find a sitter. I know things will go well for all of us but I promise the morning will be covered in prayer!


I'll fill you in tomorrow about our day.