Our computer has been at the doctor. (yes, the Mac that Jeff insisted we get because our PC's were only making it a year or two only lasted less than 2 months....at least they are transferring ALL information and replacing it with a brand new one for nothing more than inconvenience)
Anyway. It's been frustrating because I couldn't blog because the laptop we are using in the mean time (not an iMac) wouldn't let me go to my blog page, but tonight I figured out a way around it. I still can't get to my blog but I came straight to a new post from blogger direct and it is lettting me (so far) stay here.
So much has happend. So many important milestones in our life! Most of them are documented in pictures and as soon as we get the new computer up and running again, I'll be sure to post several new ones.
Just wanted to touch base and write some things I wanted to post about:
Charleigh turned 1! (and I cannot possibly believe it)
Charleigh got a new tooth (and it is SO crooked already! ): ahhhhh)
Charleigh is starting to walk (and it's SOOOOOOO cute. )
Birthday Party
Field Trip/Bus Ride
Breakfast at school
Creighton is turning 4!
Charleigh is a biter! (and it hurts really bad)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Creighton and Football!
Creighton has gone to stay with all of the grandparents at one time or another, whether it be with her siblings or alone. However, within the last few months, she's developed this deep desire to be best buds with Grandma Debbie. She has gone now 2 or 3 different times for long stays (several days at a time) by herself. This past one was her longest at 5 days. It was WAY too long for me, but she seemed just fine!
Anyway, I am thinking you can tell she's spent quite a bit of time with Grandma Debbie, when you hear the following come out of her 3 year old self:
C: Do you know who the best football player is?
M: No, who?
C: Daddy is the best!
M: Oh, yes he is! (thinking that was sweet....and that'd be the end of the very random conversation*)
C: But do you know who the next best football player is?
M: No?
C: Brett Farve!
Seriously, his name has never been spoken in our home. We don't watch football really ever, but if it is on, it's Dallas. And as far as talking about football, the game, or the players, it just doesn't happen...at least when i am around.
So...she's officially been brainwashed! Thanks Debbie! :)
Now, it makes more sense that last time after she came home, I tried to get her to wear her brother's old Cowboys (Dallas) jersey and she said, "No, I want a purple one!" What have you done? :)
Anyway, I am thinking you can tell she's spent quite a bit of time with Grandma Debbie, when you hear the following come out of her 3 year old self:
C: Do you know who the best football player is?
M: No, who?
C: Daddy is the best!
M: Oh, yes he is! (thinking that was sweet....and that'd be the end of the very random conversation*)
C: But do you know who the next best football player is?
M: No?
C: Brett Farve!
Seriously, his name has never been spoken in our home. We don't watch football really ever, but if it is on, it's Dallas. And as far as talking about football, the game, or the players, it just doesn't happen...at least when i am around.
So...she's officially been brainwashed! Thanks Debbie! :)
Now, it makes more sense that last time after she came home, I tried to get her to wear her brother's old Cowboys (Dallas) jersey and she said, "No, I want a purple one!" What have you done? :)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Spook-a-rama
Jeff's parents came into town today to go with us to Spook-a-rama at the Kiddie Park. It's completely crazy that we go, but every year, even with the crowds, the kids have a blast...and so do I. Jeff decided to dress up as the fat Scot. These first three pics are the kids' reactions to seeing him.
Last year we all went as Batman. This was just a mere six days before Charleigh was brought into this world. Oh my, so much has changed in just a year! :) I just checked my blog history and apparently I never posted about Spookarama last year. It seemed I must not have gotten to it before our life got turned upside down *for the better. So here it is. One of our last pics as a family of 4.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Bikes, Life, and Mountains
The other day we all went for a bike ride downtown to the artfest at the Price Tower. It wasn't a bad ride at all going. I had a little energy (which was nice since I'd been sick for the previous 10 days) and it was gorgeous weather outside.
We had a decent time at the artfest and the kids were able to see and do neat things! Jackson's artwork was displayed from school and that was fun to see and get pictures. Side note: he was in a TERRIBLE mood that morning or I think artfest would have been amazing. :/
Anyway, on the way home, *on the way there was primarily downhill* it was primarily uphill the whole way. Several factors played into why it was even harder than normal. We chose a bad path, Jackson was on the tag along behind me, I was weaker than normal because of my sickness, and I am out of shape.
Anyway, I had analogies popping into my head right and left and I thought I might attempt to make them make sense outside of my head. Wish me luck...this endeavor is not always successful.
Jeff was up ahead of me because I was fatiguing quite quickly. The nice thing about that is you get to watch and learn from their mistakes. #1 It is such a great asset to have people in your life who have already walked the journey you are on, so that you can watch the way they live life, and learn from them, both in good and bad situations.
In watching Jeff struggle up the hills, (there were SOOOO many) *he had BOTH girls in a buggy and was probably much harder than me just pulling Jackson (who could also help peddle)* I realized #2 that if I worked hard before I got to the hill then I wouldn't struggle UP the hill. It didn't make the hill any less of a hill, but I was prepared and ready for it when I came to it. I think marriages have been on my mind lately as we are in the middle of counseling several couples in difficult situations and fighting for their marriages. So I just began thinking along those lines. The hills and very big mountains WILL come in your marriage. The key to making it up and over these hills and mountains is to be prepared AHEAD of time. You can see them coming if you are paying attention. The hill is not the problem, it's how you plan to get up it. At times Jeff would seem to come to a complete stop in the middle of the hill, because he physically couldn't pedal anymore. He was stuck literally trying to keep balanced and keep moving...and that's not an easy task! My philosophy of working hard before you get there paid off. I pedaled as fast as I could beforehand and gained speed, so when I got to the hill, although it was still tough, I made it up just fine (only very slightly out of breath)!
There were other times when the hill got so steep, we had to get off our bikes and walk up because it was seemingly impossible to make it up the way we had planned. #3 No matter how much you plan ahead, there will be mountains that just take time, extra effort, and thinking outside the box. But more than all that, it took prayer and determination. I wanted to give up. I wanted nothing more than to sit on the side of the road and wait for someone to come pick me up. I could.not.go.any.further. But yet, somewhere within me, I found strength to push more. I walked a lot. It was humbling as people were driving by (very fast I might add) and watching me walking a bike with a boy on the back of it. I felt like a "loser," but in reality, I didn't give up and so I didn't lose. Sometimes humbling yourself (I am SO prideful by nature) is the very best thing. It isn't always best to act like you have it all together, especially when you don't! Don't be afraid to let others see your weakness. It can be very powerful.
#4 This is kind of a random thought, but here goes anyway. Jeff and I both were carrying a lot of "baggage" with us behind our bikes. Our "baggage" happened to be our greatest blessings, but for the purpose of this analogy, I have to call them baggage. Had Jeff and I been riding alone on our bikes, just the two of us on two bikes with no kids, I KNOW it wouldn't have been nearly as difficult to go up those hills. Having the baggage is like gravity pulling you backwards, begging you to stop, physically not allowing you to move forward. Baggage in life and baggage in marriage is so difficult. A lot of times this baggage can be lightened if not completely eliminated by making positive choices ahead of time. Like staying pure in mind, heart and body, both before and after marriage. Spiritually, by reading the word, praying, applying it to your life. Physically, by eating healthy and working out to keep your body in shape. All these things add up and create really heavy baggage to carry around when poor choices are made. However, some things in life, happen to us, whether we make good choices or not. But not allowing that baggage to just fester and create heavier baggage, is a way in which we can lighten the load. Seek counseling. Getting through your issues and talking them out with a professional is such a positive step for you to lighten your load. (I love my babies and they are not baggage...but blessings, just to reiterate again) :)
We eventually made it home, not without many complaints, both silent and verbal, from me. I could barely make it in to the house fast enough before getting sick, and afterwards I was beat and fell asleep as if I were dead. But I had worked very hard and it felt good to rest. It had done me in for sure.
I think not only can these analogies apply to marriages, but really to all aspects of life. God tells us there will be trials in life. In order for our faith to mature and be complete, trials will come. I didn't pass the having "joy" IN my trial this time, but I can tell you that I did learn so much in hindsight...just as is promised. I love when God speaks in the day-to-day activities of life. He is so good to me. I am very blessed. I am still learning.
We had a decent time at the artfest and the kids were able to see and do neat things! Jackson's artwork was displayed from school and that was fun to see and get pictures. Side note: he was in a TERRIBLE mood that morning or I think artfest would have been amazing. :/
Anyway, on the way home, *on the way there was primarily downhill* it was primarily uphill the whole way. Several factors played into why it was even harder than normal. We chose a bad path, Jackson was on the tag along behind me, I was weaker than normal because of my sickness, and I am out of shape.
Anyway, I had analogies popping into my head right and left and I thought I might attempt to make them make sense outside of my head. Wish me luck...this endeavor is not always successful.
Jeff was up ahead of me because I was fatiguing quite quickly. The nice thing about that is you get to watch and learn from their mistakes. #1 It is such a great asset to have people in your life who have already walked the journey you are on, so that you can watch the way they live life, and learn from them, both in good and bad situations.
In watching Jeff struggle up the hills, (there were SOOOO many) *he had BOTH girls in a buggy and was probably much harder than me just pulling Jackson (who could also help peddle)* I realized #2 that if I worked hard before I got to the hill then I wouldn't struggle UP the hill. It didn't make the hill any less of a hill, but I was prepared and ready for it when I came to it. I think marriages have been on my mind lately as we are in the middle of counseling several couples in difficult situations and fighting for their marriages. So I just began thinking along those lines. The hills and very big mountains WILL come in your marriage. The key to making it up and over these hills and mountains is to be prepared AHEAD of time. You can see them coming if you are paying attention. The hill is not the problem, it's how you plan to get up it. At times Jeff would seem to come to a complete stop in the middle of the hill, because he physically couldn't pedal anymore. He was stuck literally trying to keep balanced and keep moving...and that's not an easy task! My philosophy of working hard before you get there paid off. I pedaled as fast as I could beforehand and gained speed, so when I got to the hill, although it was still tough, I made it up just fine (only very slightly out of breath)!
There were other times when the hill got so steep, we had to get off our bikes and walk up because it was seemingly impossible to make it up the way we had planned. #3 No matter how much you plan ahead, there will be mountains that just take time, extra effort, and thinking outside the box. But more than all that, it took prayer and determination. I wanted to give up. I wanted nothing more than to sit on the side of the road and wait for someone to come pick me up. I could.not.go.any.further. But yet, somewhere within me, I found strength to push more. I walked a lot. It was humbling as people were driving by (very fast I might add) and watching me walking a bike with a boy on the back of it. I felt like a "loser," but in reality, I didn't give up and so I didn't lose. Sometimes humbling yourself (I am SO prideful by nature) is the very best thing. It isn't always best to act like you have it all together, especially when you don't! Don't be afraid to let others see your weakness. It can be very powerful.
#4 This is kind of a random thought, but here goes anyway. Jeff and I both were carrying a lot of "baggage" with us behind our bikes. Our "baggage" happened to be our greatest blessings, but for the purpose of this analogy, I have to call them baggage. Had Jeff and I been riding alone on our bikes, just the two of us on two bikes with no kids, I KNOW it wouldn't have been nearly as difficult to go up those hills. Having the baggage is like gravity pulling you backwards, begging you to stop, physically not allowing you to move forward. Baggage in life and baggage in marriage is so difficult. A lot of times this baggage can be lightened if not completely eliminated by making positive choices ahead of time. Like staying pure in mind, heart and body, both before and after marriage. Spiritually, by reading the word, praying, applying it to your life. Physically, by eating healthy and working out to keep your body in shape. All these things add up and create really heavy baggage to carry around when poor choices are made. However, some things in life, happen to us, whether we make good choices or not. But not allowing that baggage to just fester and create heavier baggage, is a way in which we can lighten the load. Seek counseling. Getting through your issues and talking them out with a professional is such a positive step for you to lighten your load. (I love my babies and they are not baggage...but blessings, just to reiterate again) :)
We eventually made it home, not without many complaints, both silent and verbal, from me. I could barely make it in to the house fast enough before getting sick, and afterwards I was beat and fell asleep as if I were dead. But I had worked very hard and it felt good to rest. It had done me in for sure.
I think not only can these analogies apply to marriages, but really to all aspects of life. God tells us there will be trials in life. In order for our faith to mature and be complete, trials will come. I didn't pass the having "joy" IN my trial this time, but I can tell you that I did learn so much in hindsight...just as is promised. I love when God speaks in the day-to-day activities of life. He is so good to me. I am very blessed. I am still learning.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Meet the Monkeys
Sunday, September 26, 2010
*ville Cd Release Party
This would be the cutest little *ville mascot/fan ever! You can't really tell in any of the pictures, but she's wearing the *ville shirt as a dress, with a purple belt, tied up on the arms (because they were down to her wrists) and sporting first ever pig tails in the hair. She knows she's cute, too!
This is our oldest son, Taylor Michael. His littlest sister is his favorite and she loves "tay-tay" too!
This weekend was *ville's Cd Release Party and it was great. There were over 70 people in attendance. The boys (Chris Doe and Taylor) were amazing I think all had a good time.
My mom and dad drove up to support the boys and help me with Charleigh. Is she not adorable!?
Here is some of the crowd...
The boys again...Sunrise over Kansas!
You really should check them out. I obviously a little biased, but I am a pretty convinced they'll make it quite far...and that you will like them. Have a listen...
Wow
After the *ville CD Release Show, Charleigh was ready to go home with Nonna and Papaw and go to bed. This was her first night in pigtails. This is the aftermath of pigtails.
Oh wow. I just have laughs, no words. But I do love you with all of my heart Charleigh Tatum
Saturday, September 25, 2010
2010 Scottish Games
Last year we went to the Scottish Games in Tulsa. We went again this year. Here are some fun pics! It was SO blazing hot we were drenched in sweat from head to toe, but the kids loved it.
Jeff and Jackson in their matching kilts. Jackson had to have been the cutest little Scot there! LOVED it.
They have games for the kids and this year they were much more able to actually participate in them. Creighton struggled a little, but completed every task except the sack race. I don't think she understood what was expected and thus she face planted several times and gave up. Can't say I blame you baby!
This was a few hours after we'd arrived and we were READY to go. You can't tell because I am wearing black, but my shirt was wring-worthy. This was me at the end of the day. Creighton "couldn't" walk anymore and so I had been carrying her in the front only carrier on the back. It actually worked out ok. It didn't hurt my back nearly as bad to carry her on my back as it did to carry Charleigh in it on the front, go figure? But Charleigh wouldn't let anyone else carry her to the car, so I looked quite like the pack mule! :)
Everyone crashed in the car before we made it 5 miles. That was nice. We drove around for a little bit. Then we needed to get a few things at Target before we had dinner at the Steele's. Thankfully both the boys took off their kilts so we didn't stand out...ahhaha....as if that's possible. :)
I sure love these 4 people more than words can say!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Officially Official (Again!)
Charleigh's birth certificate came in recently which makes her even more officially a Berg! She has our name and that is just very fun to see. Documented!
Today I went to the Social Security Admin. and it was crazy. There were no seats so many people were in there! One lady had an anxiety attack while in there and that was just bizarre. Thankfully it wasn't long after that they FINALLY called me back.
Her SSN should arrive in 7-10 days and then she'll be USA official and we can finally report her on our taxes :) Yeah! Hooray!
We love you so much Charleigh Tatum Berg
Today I went to the Social Security Admin. and it was crazy. There were no seats so many people were in there! One lady had an anxiety attack while in there and that was just bizarre. Thankfully it wasn't long after that they FINALLY called me back.
Her SSN should arrive in 7-10 days and then she'll be USA official and we can finally report her on our taxes :) Yeah! Hooray!
We love you so much Charleigh Tatum Berg
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Hey There, Princess!
I ran across this blog post and thought it was worthy of sharing. It's great insight (to me)
Hey There, Princess!
Hey There, Princess!
My family and I just returned from a five day vacation to Disneyworld. It was amazing. There was great food, fun rides, entertaining shows and clean bathrooms (I found this one to be the most impressive!). It was a place that is self-described as “magical,” and they strive to impress and astound you at every turn. Nightly fireworks shows, electric light parades, and street vendors offering every possible confection, beverage and snack you could imagine. We had an absolute blast. There was really only one thing that gave me pause in this whirlwind of fun: The entitlement and worldliness that was not-so-subtly being pressed upon my children, especially my daughter.
There is apparently a policy for all Disney employees (they’re actually called Cast Members) that when they see a young girl, they are to stop what they’re doing, make eye contact, and address her as “princess.” All day every day, my Katherine was being treated by everyone in the park as though she were the most important thing. Greetings of “Hey there, Princess!” and, “Right this way, princess!” were commonplace. This of course made her feel great, and it was sweet to see so much attention being given to the enjoyment of their guests. Superficially, I really liked it. It felt good that we were getting treated so well, and that everything was so well taken care of. But when I stopped and really processed the reality of the philosophy that was being taught, it gave me great concern. They were teaching her (and the rest of us) that it’s all about us. Our desires, our comforts, our happiness, our enjoyment, and our peace of mind — it is these things that are paramount. We are the center of the universe. While that may be fun and it certainly feeds our selfish desires, it flies in the face of the reality that we find in Scripture:
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.(James 4:1-7)
This struggle is not only found at Disneyworld. If we look we will find that it is everywhere in our modern American society. Almost every meal we get our kids that isn’t home-cooked comes with a toy. Many places to eat or shop have playgrounds. The grocery store has candy and toys at every checkout lane. These things are screaming to us and our children that keeping them entertained is top priority.
The way I war against this in my family is that I try to initiate conversations with my children about these things as often as possible, and as close to the moment of temptation as possible. So when my kids beg and plead for a toy in the grocery store, I take a minute or two to remind them that this is something they want for themselves, and is ultimately a selfish desire. God provides us with all that we need, and he is faithful to provide us the fulfillment that we seek in these earthly things. It might go something like this:
“Daddy, can we pleeeeeeeease get one of these light-up pens?”
“No, we’re not getting a light-up pen.”
Both of their faces turn sullen. They feel like they should be able to get what they want, but they know not to argue or complain about my decision. So I continue:
“Kids, we have to remember that the Lord will provide for your needs. What you want isn’t always what you need – in fact, it usually isn’t. Sometimes we think that something new and fun will make us happy or give us joy. The truth is, if we get those light-up pens, they will only make you happy for a few minutes, or maybe a few hours. Then you’ll be right back to wanting something else. Only Jesus can give you the joy that your heart is looking for. We have to remember that we cannot try to find our joy in things that were created, but instead we must look for it in the one who created all things. I love you both, and I understand that you want the light-up pen. We’re not getting one today, so please take this chance to let the Holy Spirit give you self-control and peace about this.”
That speech takes a minute or so and that isn’t always convenient in a grocery store line. But putting these moments of entitlement in the light of truth is always worth our time as parents. The alternative is to simply say”‘no,” and let the kids try to work out the truth for themselves. I can assure you that the truth my kids come up with by themselves will be distorted and prideful.
Am I the fun police? Am I anti-Disney? Certainly not. I hope my family can return to Disneyworld someday and see the things we missed this time around. Sometimes in the grocery store I do get them the light-up pen. What I am advocating here is that we as parents are mindful of these things and speak to our children about them. There’s nothing inherently wrong with dressing up and being treated like a princess for a day. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a Happy Meal (except perhaps for the fat content). There is nothing inherently wrong with getting a toy from the store every once in a while. It is when we allow our children to believe that they, rather than Christ, are at the center of things that we cross the line into disobedience to the Lord’s call on us as parents. We are to raise our children in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord. This is a weighty task and we cannot take it lightly. We must engage our children with the truth of what the Scriptures teach – we need a Savior, and God has sent His Son.
So go to Disney if you have the desire and the means. Get your kid a toy at the grocery store on occasion. When you do, don’t leave out the most important part: Jesus. He is at the center, He is paramount, andHe is what is most valuable. I pray that we, parents, would be found faithful to teach our children these things so that Disney, toys and Happy Meals are seen for what they are: short-lived entertainments and momentary distractions. While we can rejoice that God has blessed people with the gifts to create these things, they should not be the source of our desires or where we find meaning – our desires and our meaning are only to be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Funny Boy!
Occasionally (rarely) Jackson has "homework" to do. Yesterday I didn't end up checking his bag till later in the evening on his way to bed. I noticed he had an assignment to cut out circles from a magazine. It wasn't due till Thursday, but I figured, oh well, let's do it.
So we sit down and begin looking for circles. He finds a picture of a man on a bike and wants to cut out the wheels for his circle. He starts and then says matter-of-factly, "Mom this looks like Daddy" pointing to the man ON the bike. I busted a gut laughing so hard because the man on the bike was LEBRON JAMES! Lebron James on bike
I was seriously not able to control my laughter, which I felt bad for because of course I didn't want Jackson to think I was laughing at him (just at his ridiculous comparison)
Jeff continued to ask him why he thought he looked like him. Finally he said because he had a helmet like Jeff does when he rides his bike....which makes it not funny, but at least I know my kid isn't totally blind :)
I was seriously not able to control my laughter, which I felt bad for because of course I didn't want Jackson to think I was laughing at him (
Jeff continued to ask him why he thought he looked like him. Finally he said because he had a helmet like Jeff does when he rides his bike....which makes it not funny, but at least I know my kid isn't totally blind :)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Creighton Teal
(she went on a daddy date to Pei Wei)
For the past 3.5 years Creighton and I have butted heads from the time she woke up till she went to sleep at night. A strange thing recently took place: Jackson is out of the house for 7 hours a day at school. She's a different kid. I have always loved her with every fiber of my being, it was the liking that sometimes was lacking. But I just can't get enough of her right now. She's like my best friend and vice versa. I really have enjoyed having her home with me, which, to be honest, I was somewhat dreading heading into August. She is just so strong willed and stubborn and high energy. She has proved me so wrong. It's been a blast (most moments) and I feel like I am getting to know her, and love her and like her all the more with every passing day.
(she really enjoys dressing herself, and has NO fashion sense (or care) at all)
She's so special. God created in her such passion and drive. She'll change the world one day for sure...and I'll be right there by her side as she does.
(this was her first day of Preschool this year, with her fave friend Marly)
I am so so so very thankful for these past 3 weeks. It's been a breath of fresh air. I think she's so competitively driven, like someone else I know well, that she was so busy competing for my attention that she wasn't being herself. She's pretty fun one-on-one...and yes, Charleigh is still here and we play well with her too! She's a great big sister to her, just a wee bit rough still. But she's learning. She just loves her to pieces...sometimes literally!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Ramblings
This has been an insanely crazy week. Jeff hasn't been feeling well. He spent his birthday and the next day couped up in the house and if you know him, at all, you know that it was bad for him to have done that. So anyway, we are all glad Daddy is feeling a little better these days.
Charleigh is teething terribly and has a little cough and a lot of snot to go with it. Poor baby is completely miserable! I feel so sorry for her, but all she wants is to be held and even then she still cries. There isn't enough Motrin in the world to keep the pain away it seems.
Jackson had a really great day at school today, which was nice, because just yesterday he didn't. It's strange really. He has has two of his very best days on Thursdays. That shocks me because Wednesday nights we are out later than every other night and it pushes bedtime late and so I assumed both times that he'd have harder days. Wondering if there is correlation there!?
Creighton is absolutely doing great in school and loves it. She doesn't ever want to leave. She's with her best pal Marly and also with Mrs. Morgan, who was Jackson's teacher last year. She's in heaven.
I got to spend most of the day today with JUST Creighton and that was so good. I rarely get to do that anymore. We ran errands, we went to the Pet Store, which she used to call the Puppet Shop, now its the Puppy Shop :) This alone should let this child know how much I love her. I can't stand pets of any kind and every time I go there I have to "hold" a puppy with her in the little room and EVERY time we do, the silly things pee and poop...literally EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I can't stand it! But I do it for her, because she LOVES it. Then we went to visit baby Evan and Kara again at the hospital and she loved that (and so did I). I'd hold a newborn any day :) Then we went to the library and that was fun. She met a new friend that will be in PreK next year at Ranch Heights. They played *loudly* but well together for quite some time. We came home, ate lunch with Daddy and Charleigh and then the two of us cuddled and took a nap together. I really enjoyed my time with her! She is a really great kid, especially when she's one-on-one! :)
I am one exhausted mom, wife and being. Goodnight!
Charleigh is teething terribly and has a little cough and a lot of snot to go with it. Poor baby is completely miserable! I feel so sorry for her, but all she wants is to be held and even then she still cries. There isn't enough Motrin in the world to keep the pain away it seems.
Jackson had a really great day at school today, which was nice, because just yesterday he didn't. It's strange really. He has has two of his very best days on Thursdays. That shocks me because Wednesday nights we are out later than every other night and it pushes bedtime late and so I assumed both times that he'd have harder days. Wondering if there is correlation there!?
Creighton is absolutely doing great in school and loves it. She doesn't ever want to leave. She's with her best pal Marly and also with Mrs. Morgan, who was Jackson's teacher last year. She's in heaven.
I got to spend most of the day today with JUST Creighton and that was so good. I rarely get to do that anymore. We ran errands, we went to the Pet Store, which she used to call the Puppet Shop, now its the Puppy Shop :) This alone should let this child know how much I love her. I can't stand pets of any kind and every time I go there I have to "hold" a puppy with her in the little room and EVERY time we do, the silly things pee and poop...literally EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I can't stand it! But I do it for her, because she LOVES it. Then we went to visit baby Evan and Kara again at the hospital and she loved that (and so did I). I'd hold a newborn any day :) Then we went to the library and that was fun. She met a new friend that will be in PreK next year at Ranch Heights. They played *loudly* but well together for quite some time. We came home, ate lunch with Daddy and Charleigh and then the two of us cuddled and took a nap together. I really enjoyed my time with her! She is a really great kid, especially when she's one-on-one! :)
I am one exhausted mom, wife and being. Goodnight!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Happy Birthday!
I love you Baby. Happy 31~you're old. :)
We had a small party (which I forgot to invite anyone too, hence the small) for him today after church. I got him a cake from Ann's Bakery in Tulsa and they did a fabulous job! I asked her to do a Yellow Jeep Wrangler and it looked incredible. :)
All parents were there and Chris Doe :) So fun.
We had a small party (which I forgot to invite anyone too, hence the small) for him today after church. I got him a cake from Ann's Bakery in Tulsa and they did a fabulous job! I asked her to do a Yellow Jeep Wrangler and it looked incredible. :)
All parents were there and Chris Doe :) So fun.
Anniversary
I realize I am a week late in getting this to post, but here I am, I call it a success, nonetheless :)
Jeff and I celebrated our anniversary, the big #7!, a little earlier this month. We dropped the kids off in Enid, and without looking back, drove straight to OKC. It was a fantastic time away from life, much much needed time together, time to relax, rest and celebrate.
Jeff's mom helped us out with an Anniversary Celebration Extravaganza package. It seriously was SWAAA-EEEEEEEET! And we also got a gift card to Olive Garden from Jeff's Dad and Debbie. I found a really great deal on Priceline (name your own price) for a Bricktown 3 1/2 or 4 star hotel. Once we had all of that settled then we began making plans, much of which included lots of down time.
We first started with a meal (Restaurant.com $2 gift certificate for $25 off) at Nancy's 57th Street Lighthouse. It was super yummy, but strange atmosphere for sure. The coupon made it worth it for sure. For a steak (Jeff) and coconut shrimp (me) dinner, we ended up only paying $14 I think. (I am all about saving money, getting good deals, and making a buck last!) We then went to our hotel to check in. It was the Sheraton downtown/Bricktown area. It was a super nice hotel, just minutes away from all the hoopla, although our actual room wasn't top notch, I felt like we got a "steal" on the deal (only $69/night) so it made up for it. *If you like SUPER soft beds, this is the place for you*
So we got all our stuff settled in and then walked around Bricktown. There was a baseball going on, plus a Reggaefest of some sort going on. It was loud and crowded but I love people watching, so it was great. Jeff and I have wanted to try one of those yogurt places for months and never had, but there is one in Btown and so we went in there and I surprisingly didn't care for ANY of the flavors (yes, I tasted MOST of them), except Cheesecake. Never would have thought of that! Anyway, I LOADED it with Butterfingers, Oreo, skittles, strawberries, & gummy bears. Since I don't like my food touching and that certainly CANNOT all go together I separated it all out within the bowl so it didn't touch. Needless to say, by the time I even got to the table with my 'masterpiece' Jeff had devoured his :) This was Friday
We got up the next day and Jeff let me sleep in, he's so good to me! We got up and did the lazy thing for a long time. I think we finally got up and went down to Bricktown late afternoon. We ate at the best BBQ place in my opinion (Earls) and then went to see Salt (with Angelina Jolie) with a gift card. I liked it! Then we got our car and drove over to Penn Square Mall and hung out there for a while and then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner & dessert! I was so full it hurt afterwards! (We had gift card there and even had some leftover for next time)!!! YEAH.
Sunday we got up and RUSHED out of the hotel to make it to Crossing Comm. Church on time. I tell Jeff often how lucky he is that he married someone that can get showered and dressed in 15 minutes for church. That was good to see a different church and the way they do things. After church we went up to Olive Garden (gift card!) for lunch and then walked around at Quail Springs Mall. I was given a JCPenney card earlier in the month and I spent it there! That was AWESOME. I got so many good deals and I love my new clothes! Afterwards we were able to go see my sweet friends from high school Molly & Blake and there sweet and precious 4! Their newest is only 2 months old and just as precious as can be. It was my first time to meet her! We had early dinner/snack (even though we couldn't have possibly been hungry) at Panera Bread (gift card!) where we also bought bagels for our hotel breakfast the next two mornings!
Afterwards we came back to Btown and went back to the movies (gift card again) to see Inception. Jeff LOVES this movie. I, on the other hand, can't stand when movies don't end up the way "they are suppose to." (that being in a picture perfect ending with all strings tied up in perfect knot). Anyway, it was well done and I appreciate the film, but certainly not enamored by it as most others. Then we got the wild kick to go drive around and find a dollar theater, so we did. We went to see Iron Man 2 which was worth the 1.50 each it cost us, but not much more than that. :)
Monday I was realizing that it was my last full day of childless vacation and so we lived it up :) We slept in! We went over to a place called Pole Position which I HIGHLY recommend if you have a love of go-carts, like I did. (I don't have the same love affair with them now, because I am certain I will never be able to ride a normal go cart again without feeling I am in a Flintstones car because of how slow they will feel after flying around corners at 35 mph.). Oh, and this was also nice because it might be the last time I ever get to do it because of how expensive it is to race. So we were thankful we had a certificate that entitled us to 3 races each for FREE :) Afterwards we ate (with a $25 off again) at a place called 1492 Latin Cuisine. It was exceptionally good and a nice atmosphere. We went to visit my brother and his wife, and see their cute little house for the first time afterwards. It was nice to spend time with them!
Tuesday we got a late checkout for 1 and lolly gagged around as long as possible before leaving. Then we headed back to get the kids, which was so fun to see them after 4 days. We headed straight back to Bartlesville from Enid, thus ending an amazing fun, food and relaxing-filled vacation.
So, thanks honey so much for the great vacation, for the amazing 7 years of marriage and for choosing me to be your bride. My answer would be a resounding YES again all over. I love you so very much! Oh yeah, and as I am typing this, you just turned 31, so happy birthday to my amazing man of 7 years as well! :) I love you with all that is within me. I can't wait to spend the next 50+ years of my life, or whatever God grants me, with YOU!
**we didn't take ONE picture :(
Jeff and I celebrated our anniversary, the big #7!, a little earlier this month. We dropped the kids off in Enid, and without looking back, drove straight to OKC. It was a fantastic time away from life, much much needed time together, time to relax, rest and celebrate.
Jeff's mom helped us out with an Anniversary Celebration Extravaganza package. It seriously was SWAAA-EEEEEEEET! And we also got a gift card to Olive Garden from Jeff's Dad and Debbie. I found a really great deal on Priceline (name your own price) for a Bricktown 3 1/2 or 4 star hotel. Once we had all of that settled then we began making plans, much of which included lots of down time.
We first started with a meal (Restaurant.com $2 gift certificate for $25 off) at Nancy's 57th Street Lighthouse. It was super yummy, but strange atmosphere for sure. The coupon made it worth it for sure. For a steak (Jeff) and coconut shrimp (me) dinner, we ended up only paying $14 I think. (I am all about saving money, getting good deals, and making a buck last!) We then went to our hotel to check in. It was the Sheraton downtown/Bricktown area. It was a super nice hotel, just minutes away from all the hoopla, although our actual room wasn't top notch, I felt like we got a "steal" on the deal (only $69/night) so it made up for it. *If you like SUPER soft beds, this is the place for you*
So we got all our stuff settled in and then walked around Bricktown. There was a baseball going on, plus a Reggaefest of some sort going on. It was loud and crowded but I love people watching, so it was great. Jeff and I have wanted to try one of those yogurt places for months and never had, but there is one in Btown and so we went in there and I surprisingly didn't care for ANY of the flavors (yes, I tasted MOST of them), except Cheesecake. Never would have thought of that! Anyway, I LOADED it with Butterfingers, Oreo, skittles, strawberries, & gummy bears. Since I don't like my food touching and that certainly CANNOT all go together I separated it all out within the bowl so it didn't touch. Needless to say, by the time I even got to the table with my 'masterpiece' Jeff had devoured his :) This was Friday
We got up the next day and Jeff let me sleep in, he's so good to me! We got up and did the lazy thing for a long time. I think we finally got up and went down to Bricktown late afternoon. We ate at the best BBQ place in my opinion (Earls) and then went to see Salt (with Angelina Jolie) with a gift card. I liked it! Then we got our car and drove over to Penn Square Mall and hung out there for a while and then went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner & dessert! I was so full it hurt afterwards! (We had gift card there and even had some leftover for next time)!!! YEAH.
Sunday we got up and RUSHED out of the hotel to make it to Crossing Comm. Church on time. I tell Jeff often how lucky he is that he married someone that can get showered and dressed in 15 minutes for church. That was good to see a different church and the way they do things. After church we went up to Olive Garden (gift card!) for lunch and then walked around at Quail Springs Mall. I was given a JCPenney card earlier in the month and I spent it there! That was AWESOME. I got so many good deals and I love my new clothes! Afterwards we were able to go see my sweet friends from high school Molly & Blake and there sweet and precious 4! Their newest is only 2 months old and just as precious as can be. It was my first time to meet her! We had early dinner/snack (even though we couldn't have possibly been hungry) at Panera Bread (gift card!) where we also bought bagels for our hotel breakfast the next two mornings!
Afterwards we came back to Btown and went back to the movies (gift card again) to see Inception. Jeff LOVES this movie. I, on the other hand, can't stand when movies don't end up the way "they are suppose to." (that being in a picture perfect ending with all strings tied up in perfect knot). Anyway, it was well done and I appreciate the film, but certainly not enamored by it as most others. Then we got the wild kick to go drive around and find a dollar theater, so we did. We went to see Iron Man 2 which was worth the 1.50 each it cost us, but not much more than that. :)
Monday I was realizing that it was my last full day of childless vacation and so we lived it up :) We slept in! We went over to a place called Pole Position which I HIGHLY recommend if you have a love of go-carts, like I did. (I don't have the same love affair with them now, because I am certain I will never be able to ride a normal go cart again without feeling I am in a Flintstones car because of how slow they will feel after flying around corners at 35 mph.). Oh, and this was also nice because it might be the last time I ever get to do it because of how expensive it is to race. So we were thankful we had a certificate that entitled us to 3 races each for FREE :) Afterwards we ate (with a $25 off again) at a place called 1492 Latin Cuisine. It was exceptionally good and a nice atmosphere. We went to visit my brother and his wife, and see their cute little house for the first time afterwards. It was nice to spend time with them!
Tuesday we got a late checkout for 1 and lolly gagged around as long as possible before leaving. Then we headed back to get the kids, which was so fun to see them after 4 days. We headed straight back to Bartlesville from Enid, thus ending an amazing fun, food and relaxing-filled vacation.
So, thanks honey so much for the great vacation, for the amazing 7 years of marriage and for choosing me to be your bride. My answer would be a resounding YES again all over. I love you so very much! Oh yeah, and as I am typing this, you just turned 31, so happy birthday to my amazing man of 7 years as well! :) I love you with all that is within me. I can't wait to spend the next 50+ years of my life, or whatever God grants me, with YOU!
**we didn't take ONE picture :(
Friday, August 20, 2010
Update on Pre-K
Jackson is doing a lot better. He hasn't hesitated to go back and after the meeting with his teacher, I feel much better. I got a list of all the kids in his class so we would know their first names and also a copy of their daily schedule so I can ask more specific questions from his day. We talked about a friend "match" for him and that same day they were fast friends, only so much so, that he and Austin never stopped talking, which was a win for friends and a lose for having to get onto them all day. I'll take it though. :)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Pre-K Day 6
The newness is gone. He was asking this morning when he didn't have to go to school anymore. I said in the summer time, to which he replied, "IT IS SUMMER!" Ahhh. I don't like this. He got in quite a bit of trouble yesterday. I hate that. I hate it for him, for his teacher, for his experience, for everything. He is acting out. One little boy "X" in his class must be a real troublemaker because it is the ONLY boy (or girl) that Jackson knows his name in the whole class. There are 23 kids and 2 teachers! :( Anyway, X got sent home yesterday from school for his poor behavior. I am worried that might be why Jackson is acting up so he can come home. It makes sense from his standpoint.
He just says no one will play with him. I don't know how they "all know each other" except for him, but I feel so sorry for him. I love him. I am biased. I think he is super cool! But I know he can be rough and he doesn't always know boundaries, especially personal space...but really, he is awesome. He just needs a friend. He says Colton plays with him but that is all and since they aren't in the same class, it's rare.
I want desperately for this to be a great experience! i have a meeting tomorrow at 8:30 (hopefully) to discuss how we can better prepare him and equip him for the classroom and to make friends, and of course, good choices! :)
He just says no one will play with him. I don't know how they "all know each other" except for him, but I feel so sorry for him. I love him. I am biased. I think he is super cool! But I know he can be rough and he doesn't always know boundaries, especially personal space...but really, he is awesome. He just needs a friend. He says Colton plays with him but that is all and since they aren't in the same class, it's rare.
I want desperately for this to be a great experience! i have a meeting tomorrow at 8:30 (hopefully) to discuss how we can better prepare him and equip him for the classroom and to make friends, and of course, good choices! :)
Funny Girl
Yesterday Creighton was in my drawers in the bathroom and pulled out my new toothpaste. It was Arm and Hammer brand. I have never gotten that brand before so it was all new to her. She looked at it as I was brushing my teeth with deep curiosity. Then asked what it was. I told her it was toothpaste. She told me it wasn't. I said, "yes it is, I just put it on my toothbrush and I am using it right now!" She said, "do you put it on your arm pit?" I just laughed. She saw the picture of the A&H brand and just assumed it was suppose to go on your arm pit. Funny kids
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