Sound of Music

Nothing makes me happier...than introducing my 2 younger boys to the Sound of Music and them loving it. It started with me singing ...these are a few of my fave things in my fab voice while making breakfast ......they wanted more so while they ate bfast I played Sounds of Music songs. They both were mesmerized and loved watching it on the computer. OFF to school but came home and watched the movie..mainly fast forwarding to the fun songs......love sound of music. :) Fave things, do-re-mi, and the goat herder/play song were their faves.

Boyscout Camping 2010

Well the original title was going to be "camping...I'm in h#$% "

so part of me wanted to blog like it was fine no problem that I was the ultimate boyscout camping mom... but it wouldn't be the truth. I'm pretty laid back in most situations unless it's a new situation and I've planned for it and the plan gets changed and I'm way out of my comfort zone...I tend to freak out a tad. I mean I have 3 boys...I've gotta get this camping thing down. We were assigned the the Adirondack campsite with this quaint little pseudo cabins that the men just thought were great..........but the women who had not arrived yet had previously warned me about these..dirty, cobwebby, old mattressy cabins. When I peaked into our cabin (which by the way slept 6 and I was informed it was crowded and we'd have to 'scooch"in and meet new people. ) I thought there is no way I'm sleeping in a cabin with strangers that is about 7x9..I started to hyperventilate and have an anxiety attack while trying to look like I was not freaking out to the excited fathers. In my defense, another mom from another den walked past me in a panic with the same look in her eyes...they ended up setting up a tent in the woods on a hill and slept at a slant-that's how bad these cabins looked! My dad saw my deer in the headlights look ( he was sick and graciously had agreed to accompany me when Stuart couldn't go at the last minute due to April/hospital so he was staying at a local inn at night). I won't lie...I offered my sick father a $100 to stay at camp and let me sneak out at nite and go back to the inn. And when that didn't work, I offered my Dad some $ to go get me some happy helper juice..my sweet deacon daddy..what can I say I was desperate...but came to my senses. I used to be a tomboy somewhat and enjoyed camping.....but it's been a long time for tent camping.....and I"m a sissy....but trying to look like I'm not. I brought bug spray..not the skin kind the Raid kind and fumigated my cabin. Another father came over and was laughing at me, and then BORROWED my bug spray-ha!

Olivia-the hula hoop champ

Coleman- a close 2nd

Walker and his buddy-vince

SO, we..mainly I ...survived the 2 nite camping trip with alot of fun had by all...campfire, ghost stories, hike in the rain, another hike in the rain with a 40# 4 yr old on my back which made me feel like a 2 pk 20yr smoker, roasting marshmallows, low country boil, hula hoop contest, marshmallows bows, and just hanging with the crew. I attempted cleanliness at first...but it was futile ...although I kept swabbing the kids with wipes...and don't get me started on the bathrooms. BUT I hated it so much, I'd do it again...and when it rained Sat. nite..the cabins rocked and we didn't get wet. The ear plugs helped with the desperate prayer for God to let nothing creepy crawly on me while I slept or at least to be oblivious.

Pinewood Derby

I don't have a pic of this yet but Coleman and his dad went to the Pinewood Derby. Coleman was so nervous since this was his first time. We were hoping the car stayed together and that he did OK so he had a good experience. He won first place! He was so proud and excited. He got his trophy at last weeks pack mtg.

caleb's hair cut

My goal was surfer boy...but now thinking it's WAY too long

Had to break out the sucker and by now she is

cutting Walker and Caleb's hair together in

between Caleb swatting her and squealing

Afro boy- mid shearing- so sweet

to let her cut his hair so Caleb wouldn't be afraid

Both younger boys got a haircut. Walker was so sweet to stand by the lady and let her run the razor through his hair so Caleb could see it and stop yelling...Caleb wanted the lady to do Walker's hair after every cut of his hair. Caleb's hair was so beautiful and i know I sound a little kooky saying that but the pit of my stomach hurt to watch his hair come off...even thought it was time...so much for me letting it grow to his shoulders. Another milestone reached...sigh but thankful he is reaching milestones after his not so easy delivery and the fear of me losing him.

syrup, baseball

25 min before leaving for school for the 2 younger boys I run to my room to finish getting ready. I swear it was less than.......ok i'm not sure but Walker very kindly says "I helped Caleb get more syrup for his waffle" As I'm walking into the kitchen I hear Caleb laughing and screeching as I see syrup dripping from his hands as he shampoos his hair with syrup......quick strip off clothes into the shower which apparently ended his party b/c he starts crying somewhat screaming..ok put him in the bath.

no, seriously it's sticky

Caleb loves "bay-ba" "baseball"...he's saying it better now. He loves to get Walker's kleats on, go get the tee, ball, bat and he will play forever putting the ball on the tee over and over and over. " I did it". He started at Christmas holding a stick with great form as if holding a bat and handing us a ball....he wants us to pitch the ball at him but then he just looks at it...no swing...again 3o min at a time. He wears Walker's kleats all the time and calls them "cayweb's keets"...eating, watching t.v., picking up the kids at school...kleats are on...along with the baseball hat. He is also my lap guy....loves to sit right next to me or sit in my lap.....loving it!

And it begins again

So proud of Coleman....has turned it around after a couple of questionable weeks and his teacher commented on his improved attitude and helpfulness, has the high math score .

Olivia....hate to say she is perfect but she's just a little lady (but she can burp her ABCS-just a delicate balance) but she is just a joy and I"m so thankful I"m her mom. I never worry about her behaviour at church or school. She loves for us to write a "word" on each others backs and guess. I wish I could tape their prayers at nite...so sweet

easter, painting toenails, pants on the ground

Don't know why this pic could make me cry.....

just want to freeze'em, their smells, chubby

arms, giggles, missing teeth, joy over simple things

ok, I'll stop there.

whew-love this one..could have 10 more

ok , maybe not..................

Fun at Nana and Poppa's House -love this girl- a very sweet spirit, thoughtful, she is a calm blesssing in our family-God know just what we needed in our family

-

Firebugs..thanks to Nana...started

when Coleman was 2

hilarity.......me trying to explain the crucifixtion/easter and not sound like a lunatic...somedays I wish I had gone to seminary for children..b/c I want to do the BEST job but I hear my words and it sounds like I'm saying "drink the Kool-aid", j/k

After painting Liv and Zoey's toenails for easter, I painted Caleb's toenails hot pink..he was just mesmerized sitting as close to me with his leg against mine and his little hand on my thigh while I'm trying to keep the girls' still and paint their toenails. He was not satisfied with the explanation of him not being a girl, and he wanted all of them painted not just his big toe....but I drew the line at his fingernails.

this one is all boy....but has a tenderheart to

others who need it and helpful to the younger

or less fortunate-thanks God

One of my children who will remain anonymous, got sent to the v-prin office for pulling his/her friends pants down while standing in line in the hallway(all the way down to the floor)....the excuse "well, he had pulled mine down twice ". "Child, do I really need to tell you that it's not approp. to pull someone's pants down at school?" "no, mom" " are you responsible for your decisions/behaviour?" "yes, mom" So he/she got 3 days in the "opportunity room" at lunch to have the opportunity to reflect on his /her actions. Ok, secretly I was laughing although wildy inapprop. it was...we've all gotten in trouble at school and I know which friend this was so it was just "boys being boys" or "girls being girls" But, seriously..."what were ya thinkin'?" On a positive note....the v.p (who I took the "opportunity" to introduce myself the next day on my volunteer day-nothing like a first time intro "hey i'm rebecca wendl...mom of coleman wendl..ya know..pants on the ground"..she didn't laugh. Although she complimented Coleman on his manners and said very few kids thank her but she showed him where the opportunity room was and he thanked her and used yes m'am so overall I was pleased...hopefully a character building lesson.

Olivia's gift

Just had to get this down..even though it's late...(seems to be a pattern with me.) Olivia had her Awana bucks and has purchased several items/toys at their "store" since last fall. She brought home a heart necklace /with earrings for me that cost her $15 of her Awana bucks and bought her older brother a car...whew was I so proud/about to cry. Believe me, she likes to buy for herself and rightly so after all her hard work memorizing verses. I catch a glimpse of "ok..they are getting it" in b/t all the chaos of life. I have worn that necklace/earrings several times a week....and it's actually simple and not tacky(i'd still wear it with pride if it was gaudy but it's a small blessing that I like it. :) ~the necklace, can't see the earrings very well~

and I"m always quick to thank her, and tell others about it when she is around. I pray it doesn't break or turn green b/c I plan on wearing it from now till i'm in the nursing home....it's amazing I know this but it's not the cost but the thought behind the gift. OH, and I've found my mother's day present........haha... a necklace with with 4 kids names on it...again simple. love those kids. P.s....I found myself another mother's day present ...a local Dahlonega potter (is that the right term) that is an awesome teacher and took time with my kids and is "local legend" around and his last name happens to be Walker..(kinda fittin') ...so I have my eye on some pottery to which Walker is obsessed with getting a big pottery mug/bowl for his cereal. Mr. Walker made an impression on Walker. :)