Easter-2009

So in most ways I'm not a planner but a procrastinator....so Easter..I kinda threw together. I had planned Easter crafts and baking in my head but never made it past the inner workings of my quirky brain so.........just decorated a little, resurrection eggs, and did egg coloring/dye but the kids didn't seem to mind or know what they were missing. Walker was up late the night before working his charm so the Easter bunny was late and only hid 4 eggs outside ( just enough so that the kids could see he had come but was going to hide the rest of the eggs in the yard once we got home from church ;). Unfort, my kids are eagle eyes..and they looked out the windows and wondered why the Easter bunny only hid 4 eggs..so I said well those are the ones you can see probably. Church was great until 5 min. before service we get a call from a friend in the nursery that Caleb has pink eye...we have a very efficient system in getting all 4 kids to church..esp. on Easter morning..surely we didn't overlook pink eye. So, I go back and see Caleb's very pink..starting to weep eye...our friend said "when i saw him I said that's a Wendl kid...he's the 4th. They just wet his hair down and throw him in the car"....sad but very close to the truth. So Caleb and I hung out in the foyer with all the other late people and tried to pretend he didn't have pink eye while keeping him away from all the other kids. My mom/dad, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and neighbor were over for the Easter egg hunt, lunch, and then we sat on the deck and visited all afternoon. Note to self...let my mom make the choc./coconut cake next year....jeez. I'm stealing this from Jen..I'm glad my family is here to share in life/daily events and not just to babysit. The kids all found the egg with their name on it..including Walker by himself..he was so tickled with the eggs/candy/money. Coleman told my mom on the phone with Zoey in the room " the Easter bunny came while we were in the front yard and hid alot of eggs..and then he told Zoey to leave the room and whispered to my mom....I know it's my mom and dad hiding the eggs.---my heart was sad :( but sweet for him not to ruin the fun for the little ones. Olivia thinks a rabbit isn't smart enough to hide egg/do baskets but that it's a real person dressed as a bunny doing it. The resurrection eggs were good...the kids listened, opened the eggs, answered the questions, and we tried to explain without sounding like "drink the kool-aid" parents of God's love for us and what Easter was about....we'll see. It was a fab. day.

Spring Break-2009

So we usually don't go anywhere for spring break b/c Paul is busy with tulip photo shoots but he had 3 days off so the kids (esp Olivia) always want to stay in a hotel...I guess b/c we hardly ever do...it's usually easier to rent a cabin or house to fit our needs (which after this trip only confirms that thought). We went to the No. Georgia Mtns. (helen) and the kids only criteria was it have an indoor pool. They were so excited and enjoyed every aspect of hotel life. We got 2 rooms ( 1 bedroom/and a living room). I let them jump on the beds/ back and forth. They stayed up late , watched alot of tv, and ate junk food-life was good in their little world. They loved the breakfast and making their own waffles but most of all loved the pool...they swam 2-3x a day. They loved the hike...well Walker didn't. He called my mom on the hike and told her "Walker can no like the woods. We are lost in the woods. Please come get me Nana" but he ended up being a trooper. The older kids told everyone about our 'vacation' and we were staying in a hotel with a pool. Now, I had fun b/c they had fun BUT Caleb didn't adjust well to his room and cried the first nite so of course we couldn't let him cry for long and the 2nd nite he went to bed fine but then was awake from midnight -4a.m....crying, playing on the floor, laughing...it was insane! Hotel life is not for me...i disinfected everything but we met several nice people but overall crowds annoy me :D. We were exhausted that morning..and I missed my coffee...kids were tired and ready to go home...but some good memories

Fire Station with Walker

Walker and I went to visit the fire station with our playgroup friends. I almost backed out because there was a terrible storm-pouring rain. But, Walker insisted we go see the firetrucks. Caleb fell asleep so I was able to leave him home with Paul/Stuart. Walker had a great time..asking endless questions about the truck and what everything was for. The firemen were very patient and kind but probably glad to see all the 2/3 yr olds go. Walker wanted them to drive the truck so he could ride in it. Later we followed a garbage truck (baa-bage truck)-as it picked up dumpsters and he was thrilled and so tickled. He bought a 2nd garbage truck with his birthday money- the 1st is green so he picked a blue garbage truck that picks up dumpsters.

end of March

Kids are making mud pies, volanoes, cookies- they come in caked with mud but have been creative so that's great. Caleb is pointing his finger back at you when you say "no, no"--and laughing. He is cutting all 4 front top teeth...with the 2 incisors ifurther out..looks like a vampire but oh the diapers. He still likes to throw his sippy cup off the his tray and starts throwing his food when he is done. Likes our food vs. toddler food. Walker...well so much to say...went to see our favorite pediatrician-Dr. Cabrera-who kept saying he's a character., I'm loving him, don't cut his hair=it's great. Constantly, asking Dr. Cabrera questions...what are you doing doctor?, are you going to hurt me?, no it's not my turn. We had to go back today b/c Walker woke up crying from his nap saying his ear was hurting....kept saying cut off my ear I want a new one...so we are on steroids for croup and antibiotics for ear infection. Always hold our hands in the parking lot....and reminds us if we don't. Coleman got the special plate tonight and we all said what we liked about Coleman....he's been so helpful, making good decisions, helping his sister, makes us laugh...he was excited to to have the plate. Olivia had it 2 nights ago...we appreciated she is a good listener at school and church, good friend, good at arts and crafts.. They feel so special when they get to use the plate. We are working on flashcards for both of them....I've been lax in doing them so we are behind. Tulips are out....very beautiful..i'll try to post some pics.

Walker's 3rd birthday party was today. He loved his construction truck cake. He looked at it all last night, first thing this morning, and showed everyone who came to the house. He was excited about every aspect of his birthday experience--his joy was great even though I didn't do as much as I did for the older kids. He loved his garbage truck, boat, and airplane and played with them all afternoon. We had a nice afternoon visiting on the deck until Coleman's baseball game. It was his first game and he had a good game..an out, some good throws, double, run...and he had a good time although it is getting more competitive so that of course makes me nervous. Nice that Nana, Poppa, April, Uncy, Zoey could make it. I worked at my old clinic Friday and liked it...of course it wasn't a stressful day so I may not have like it as much if had been one of those days....thinking about working there part-time if I can figure out child care of the kiddos. Enjoying the great weather...cool but been sitting on the deck doing homework with the kids. Paul took Olivia out on a date tonight...they went to the Artrageous Potter and painted a teddy bear and then went to her favorite Chinese restaurant and she ended up the night with me. Didn't do much for St. Patrick's Day...green pancakes (questionable ? but turned out OK) and St. Patrick's tattoos before school and of course green on....

March stuff

My mom took Walker for 2 days and I hate to admit that although I did sorta miss him....it was a glorious break! No one to say...you make my coffee now mommy and the general Napoleon-dictator tendencies that most 2/3 yrs. old have combined with Caleb's sense of mischief criminal behaviour lately...have made for some interesting moments. Although I complain, I am thankful to be able to stay at home with them. As I speak Caleb is throwing a fit ....he's smart now, he previously would throw himself backwards hitting his head on the floor but now he throws his head back half way and then leans forward until forehead hits the ground. If I "get on" to Walker he'll yell "Walker's in twouble" and throws himself on the timeout chair. Walker noticed my dad painted their front door "where's your white door Nana...it's black" He wants to live with Nana/Poppa...eats whatever he request even if he changes his mind she doesn't make him eat his 1st requesst, took an hour bath in the middle of the day just b/c he wanted to...I'm happy he has people who make him feel loved and special although did feel bad for him when i picked him up..he cried most of the way home.."me no want you...mommmy. Me want nana" over and over.....glad my self esteem doesn't rest with him :)

I'm glad Coleman and Olivia have each other..of course they fight but in general remind me of my brother and I growing up and playing together. Olivia just asked when is Coleman coming home from a sleepover?...not for an hr...what can i do without him for annnn hhrrr. Walker has been walking up to them and wacking them..Coleman does hit back...but said the other day "don't return evil for evil..." They each picked out a laundry basket...and i've started putting their clothes in it and they put them up...not quite like i would but it's a help...hopefully i'll be consistent with it. Caleb loves them both and they are able to make him happy while i'm cooking most days.

April is a baking wonder...it's a great trade...she uses the mixer I haven't used in 6-7 yrs. and she sends me baked goods...I think I got the better deal. Ok, Zoey is cracking me up....pic of pink/Dr. Seuss hair, and pregnant octomom picture...........priceless

Everything is starting to bloom. The cherry tree outside my kitchen window...is starting to have buds...looks like snow, my jane magnolia, I love it. Still enjoying Andy's sermon on hope....and the discussions that follow. Still praying for patience and wisdom

Fun run fundraiser was this week at the kids school. It's so cute to see them get so excited to run...they take their job very seriously.

Caleb has finally started to drink out of a sippy cup everyday...April sent a BAG of sippy cups so we have tried several.

Liv's Quiz-Age 6

Ask your child(ren) to answer the questions and type their answers in.
1. What is something mom always says to you? clean your room and i love you
2. What makes mom happy? when i kiss her and make her laugh
3. What makes mom sad? when I do something bad
4 How does your mom make you laugh? she dances a crazy dance
5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child? she played games with her brother and disturbed him
6. How old is your mom? 30-something...36, 33 ?
7. How tall is your mom? shrugged shoulders-don't know
8. What is her favorite thing to watch on TV? Dave Ramsey show
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? clean
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? only one who cleaned up
11. What is your mom really good at? feeding and taking care of me
12. What is your mom not very good at? not losing her temperature
13. What does your mom do for her job? takes care of us
14. What is your mom's favorite food? Mexican
15. What makes you proud of your mom? takes care of me
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, sister on lilo/stitch
17. What do you and your mom do together? crafts
18. How are you and your mom the same? curly hair
19. How are you and your mom different? taller/smaller
20. How do you know your mom loves you? b/c I love her
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? he's goes shopping alot for stuff so she can stay home
22. . Where is your mom's favorite place to go?stores