Date With Mommy

I've been feeling fairly "trapped" because Josh has been gone a lot.  I typically don't do much or go places much with both boys by myself because it can be stressful and more work than it is worth - but I finally decided to brave it and trust them and try again.  So, the boys and I went BY OURSELVES to Walmart.  They were actually well behaved for me, I couldn't believe it!  I decided to reward them by taking them to the park.  They liked that, of course!  They were STILL being good so I really pushed my luck and took them to DQ for lunch.  To my shock and surprise - they were amazing!  I can honestly say I actually ENJOYED our little date.  I think we all needed out of the house.  I have had baby on the brain a lot lately...and finally being able to get out of the house with both the kids by myself was so nice.  It's hard to fathom putting myself in the position that I can't do that again.  That's just my overthinking rambling mind for you though.  I tend to overthink everything to the point that it isn't even fun anymore.  Blah.  Anyway - that got off track. Mommy date = success!  We all had fun.  Yay..Supermom!

Year End Conference

I had a year end conference with Mrs. Hughes about Chase's progress this year.  As we know - she agreed and was happy to see his progress in his social skills.  That is the #1 concern we had with him when he started school and he seems to be improving by leaps and bounds.  Woohoo!  She went over his colors, ABC's, numbers, shapes - things like that with me too.  He does fairly well.  (I think great for his age!)  She told me when they were going over his shapes he called a rectangle a "door" and an oval an "egg".  : )  I just think that is too cute!  Over the summer she suggested I throw names of shapes into conversation so he is learning without even realizing it.  And to work on patterns with him.  She said to be sure to call it a "game" and not pound it into him.  I plan to do all that and MORE.  I am excited to help him grow and learn.  This is fun to me!  Chase has his own little relationship with Mrs. Hughes.  At the beginning of the year it made me slightly jealous, but as the year went on it made me happy that he had that sense of security with someone else when I wasn't around.  She was telling me that they have their own little sign language between the 2 of them.  I guess he'll be across the room and at random points throughout the morning he'll yell out her name and do the hand signal (asking her how much longer is left) and she doesn't even have to say anything and just give him the hand signal back using her fingers to show a big or little gap of "time".  I thought it was cute that they had their own little "thing" just the 2 of them.  He has become very close to her and I have really liked her - which is why I left the conference choking back tears...because when I asked if she'd be there next year she said no.  : (  All my insecurities just came flooding back in...and I instantly felt sad for Chase.  When I got home I had Josh come outside so Chase wouldn't see me bawling..and once I got my composure I went inside and we looked at his artwork from the year together.  Chase got excited showing us his stuff and it was so cute to hear what his descriptions of everything were.  : )  All in all, it was a GREAT first year for him...and we are SO PROUD!!

 "Santa's hat"

 Really, that is such a good cat drawing for a 4 year old!

 If you ask Chase what a cross is he always answers with "Jesus died on the cross".  : )

 Every morning she has slips with the kids' names on them laying out on a table when they get there.  They have to recognize their own name, find it and then trace it.  I liked this so much that I am going to continue it through the summer with him.  So simple, but such a great idea!

 This here is the "whole world".  : )

This is only a fraction of his art work..but, I love it all!

Stayin' Motivated

Life happiness, confidence and motivation is an ongoing and forever struggle for me.  I am learning to accept that I will just always be fighting this battle.  I had a pretty down on myself period again at the beginning of the month and am slowly working on digging myself out of it.  I am at least learning to not pack up and live in my slumps anymore.  So, that is good I guess.  I get discouraged a lot because my weight doesn't melt off like I feel it should for how hard I fight at it...but I can honestly say on the INSIDE I am healthier than I've ever been.  I guess that is what I am choosing to focus on..for now anyways.

Having my little men to go on walks with me keeps me motivated too.  They keep me company AND give me a never ending reason to get and stay healthy.

PJ Day

SPPS has penny wars between the classrooms as a fundraiser and fun activity for the kids.  The preschool class won and were rewarded with a pajama day.  These jammies have shorts to go with them and it was a chilly morning - so we just stuck some regular pants on him with his SUPER COOL Superman cape jammie shirt.  ; )  This boy was so excited!  I said SPPS didn't have to worry that day because Superman was in the house!  Haha.  When he got home from school he told me "my friends think I was cool".  Well, I think so too!  The COOLEST!

Vivi Turns 1

Little Miss Vivi Lu had her very first birthday!  I know we always say this when a baby turns 1 - but that year really did fly by!

She is a Grandma's girl all the way!

I went a couple hours early to help Colista pull everything together at the last minute.  She had big plans for an outdoor party and unfortunately the weather just DID NOT cooperate!  Bummer!  But, we made the best of it and set up inside and it all turned out really cute.  I made her the high chair banner like I had for my boys and she had painted an old high chair to match.  It was all just too adorable!  Little red head lady #2.  Such a petite little cutie!

So, Viv was standing there in front of Colista while Colista opened her gifts and I just could not get over her chunky short legs and butt.  So stinkin' cute!  I want one just like her one day!

Cedric also had friends over that evening for a sleepover for his birthday.  He opened a few gifts as well and was acknowledged for his big day of becoming a teenager!

Happy 1st birthday to Vivianne and 13th birthday to Cedric!

Surprise, Mom!

So, before Josh met us over at Mom and Dads for supper he came by home to "drop his bags off".  Haha.  These are some beautiful "bags"! ; )  I can honestly say that I was 100% surprised when I walked in the door.  He told me he didn't get me a card because the m&m's should tell me that he loves me.  Haha.

Red roses - Josh's go to flower to give.  This particular arrangement of them was different.  We both thought it was cool.

I got up Sunday morning and went to mass with Mom.  It was almost entertaining how many women were there with maxi dresses or maxi skirts and jean jackets.  I fit right in.  Haha.

The reasons I get to celebrate the day.  Obviously Daddy was being goofy when taking the picture.  ; )  Josh had them prepped to tell me Happy Mother's Day and give me hugs as soon as I walked in the door from church.  Very cute!

Baxter's had a food truck over there during lunch time so I sent Josh over to get lunch for us.  I love it when something new and different shines its face in Nauvoo - so we took advantage of it.  The food wasn't bad..and I didn't have to cook, so win win!  And who doesn't like trying something new?  It's a fun thing to me.

I got to do this.  One of the highlights of my day!  These moments with Milo while he still lets me rock him to sleep are so special.  Isn't he precious?!

We relaxed a while and then after nap time we headed outside to plant my flowers in pots.  Milo picked us flowers and wanted me to put it behind his ear.  So, I joined him.  Aren't we cute? ; )

Chase's very own plant.  I don't know what it is called.  It is one of those that closes up when you touch it.  Pretty proud of himself!

I was able to relax and take my time planting.  Josh willingly helped, the boys "helped", and the weather was great while we were out there.  I went with reds and yellows this year.  Very different for me.  I don't even really like red usually..but the hanging pot I got for my mailbox (that I didn't take a picture of) had those colors in it so I just went off of that.  I'll take pictures again once everything is more full.  After we were done we squeezed in a quick walk before a big rain shower.  It was a race against the clouds!  Haha. And we made it back right as it was starting to downpour.  Felt good to be home and cozy the rest of the evening after that.

I really had a great day.  Josh was the best and "delivered" exactly the perfect Mother's Day to me.  He was even down in the back all day and still managed to make me feel spoiled, loved, and everything was all about ME all day long.  It was great!  I really felt special and appreciated.  I have the best hubby and babies I could ever dream of!  Happy Mother's Day to me!

A week after Mother's day my roses started to die.  When we threw them out finally the table looked bare.  I kind of liked having something fresh on there - so I went outside and cut some of this awesomeness from my flower bed.  I honestly don't think there is a prettier color on earth.  I LOVE these flowers!

Mother's Day For Mom

The day before Mother's Day I had plans to get my flowers.  Mom and I were supposed to go together  as our time together for Mother's Day but it slipped her mind and she told Jeremy she could babysit, so she didn't get to go with me.  It made me super sad and bummed, honestly.  BUT I made the best of it and left Milo with her and took Chase as my sidekick.  So I at least got a little 1 on 1 date with my big boy.  This is the perfect example of a Saturday where when Josh is out of town and Mom is busy - I AM LONELY AS HELL!  It happens a lot.  I have been in a funk about it again lately.  I love my boys and spending time with them but adult interaction is necessary and desired too.

Anyways - Chase was so fun with me getting flowers.  He did a great job being my helper and was well behaved and everything.  I even let him pick out one of his own to bring home and plant.  : )  When we were leaving the greenhouse Tyson called and asked if I wanted to do supper at Mom and Dads that night - so Chase and I went on into Keokuk and grabbed a few things at the grocery store that we would need.

When we got back to Moms I had full intentions of picking up Milo and going home to give him a nap and shower (I felt super scurvy).  Well I was there for just a few minutes when Tyson showed up and brought in all of his groceries.  I hadn't really gotten to spend much time with him recently so I just stayed and hung out.  We ended up sitting together and prepping food all afternoon while Mom did the dishes.  Haha.  Mom said that it seemed "normal".  It was the best part of my day.  That I did enjoy.  Tyson and I went on a walk before Dad got home and then we cooked supper and chowed.  We had bacon wrapped chicken, cheesy potatoes, salad and strawberry shortcake.  Yum yum!  Jeremy and Colista missed out!  Haha.  ; )

Mom had gout in her foot for a few weeks and she was in a lot of pain.  Tyson told me at one point that he didn't realize how much pain Mom had been in.  She was a trooper!  I think after all the pain and stress she enjoyed having most of us there for the evening.  I know once my kids are grown nothing they buy for me will ever mean more to me than their time.

It actually ended up being a pretty good day.  Not what I had thought - but once I got over being bummed, it was good.  Josh made it home in time to eat with us too.  That is ALWAYS an exciting thing for me.  My life experiences are just better with him in them!

Grandma had been drinking water with lemon slices in it at her house all day.  When we got home Chase got in the fridge and grabbed a lemon and asked us to make him water like Grandma's.  Not a bad thing at all!  He thought he was cool stuff!  ; )

Happy Mother's Day Momma!  I love you!

Nature Walk

Milo was sleeping and Josh said he'd stay home so I could go on a walk.  I asked Bub if he'd go with me, and he did!  We were walking along and a car was coming so I said get over punkin butt.  I asked him "Are you punkin butt, is that your name?"  He said NO!  Then I said "are you Jolly Jee?"  He said NO! (with a giggle)  Then I asked him "are you Chasey P??"  He said YES with a big smile!  : )  Love it!  It was totally UNPLANNED but we were walking down Gordon street and I told him to turn onto the gravel road and I'd take him and show him some things.  So we turned and we went and checked out the field of baby corn and the grape vineyards.  A little learning while enjoying some one on one and sunshine.  So perfect!  I decided rather than go back to the road to walk home that we would just walk home through the grape vines.  He loved it and so did I!  We called it our nature walk, and what a good one it was!  (all pretty much in our back yard too!)  When we got home before going inside I asked him for a hug.  I gave him a hug and told him I liked getting to do that with him and he hugged me tight and genuinely said "me too".  Such a priceless moment!  Honestly one of my favorite Mommy experiences so far.  Spontaneous and fun!  Mommyhood is so rewarding!

Boo Boo's

I've been spending a little bit of time in the basement pricing yard sale stuff.  I am trying to get the majority of it done ahead of time so I'm not as overwhelmed when it comes up.  Chase snagged some of my stickers and started putting them on his train.  At first I started scolding him and then I stopped myself, because really it didn't matter.  He told me they were bandaids for the trains boo boo's.  : )  Pretty cute!

..and look who found himself a smaller train and smaller "bandaids".  : )  Sweet, sweet baby!

Milo

2 Milo tidbits for you:

1.  Milo pointed to the counter and begged saying "blue".  I could NOT figure out for the life of me what he was talking about.  He started to get whiny so I finally just picked him up and told him to show me what he wanted.  Well, what he really wanted was an ORANGE!  Haha!  Oh, this child is too adorable!  Lovin' the way that little mind is a workin'!

2.  He is saying more and more in a sentence now.  For example:  Milo hates to have clothes on...so a lot of times (almost every time, actually) after he goes potty he'll say "don't want my pants".  Well recently he has added the word "anymore" to the end of that statement - and he says it plain as day too!  He is getting easier to understand and he is using more words every day.  My baby is growin' up!

Fine Arts Night

SPPS has a fine arts night where each student has some of their art work displayed from throughout the year.  We weren't sure what it involved, but found out that it wasn't much.  Grandma Kelley came and saw Bubs art work too.  It was short and sweet.  They announced the preschool classroom will be moved to the caferteria next year - so that will be different.  The end of the school year is quickly approaching!

Just For Mommy

This is what Mrs. Hughes did with the pre-schoolers for their Mama's.  Pretty special!  ; )

My very first Mother's Day project from school.  I loved it!

...even though Chase insisted that it was for DADDY, not Mommy.  Haha!

Peanut Butter Cookies

Chase asked to make cookies.  I didn't really want to that day - so my excuse was that we didn't have any chocolate chips.  (and we really didn't)  Well, my smarty pants little man pipes back with "so let's make peanut butter then".  What?!  I didn't even know he realized peanut butter was a KIND of cookie.  Haha.  He always wants chocolate chip and normally chocolate chip are the only ones he eats - so I was shocked!  ..and just because he was so cute, while Milo napped that day - this big boy and I made some PEANUT BUTTER cookies.  He even did the criss crosses on the top all by himself! So proud!

Well Visits

I have been putting off taking the boys for their well visits since October.  I just don't like taking my perfectly healthy children in to get shots that could potentially make them sick - or to expose them to germs in the hospital itself.  I finally decided to just make appointments and get it DONE though.  One more thing off my mind!  Both boys are doing well.  Chase is in the 10th percentile for weight still.  Milo is in the 90th percentile for height.  Polar opposites, I'm tellin' ya!  In EVERY way!  I could have handled it myself but Josh was home to go with us, so that worked out well.  To our surprise and benefit - the boys did NOT end up getting sick.  No fevers or anything!  Woohoo!!  Milo played it out like he was hurt though.  Look at his fake pitiful feel sorry for me face.  Haha.  It's adorable, you can't deny that!!  Anywho - our kiddos are in the clear and right on track.  Well visits - CHECK!