Recap of March

Okay, I can't believe it's already March..... I will just do a recap, and try to add pictures later. 

• Well, Austin had his play.  He had 3 performances.  We did have a lot of family come to see Austin. Grandpa Rick, Grandma Gail, Dave, Em, Bilette, Paige, Maddy, Grandma Becky, Grandpa John, Jake, and Emily, and then us.  I Love, to see him doing things on stage, it's so cool.  I wonder what the play in the fall will be?  

• Well with me working, I have had to start all of the weeks, by sending Brad a weekly itinerary.  I tell him all the things that I am doing and all the things he is responsible for.  (these have to be done on a weekly basis, as I can't plan much beyond that.)  So, I had gotten into the habit of calling Brad to remind him of things.  And one day, I didn't.  That will teach me.  Brad and Colton missed going to Uniform distribution Night for Baseball.  So, Colton's Coach picked out his uniform.  Problem with that is his uniform doesn't fit at all!!!!  And there's no way of exchanging it.  So we'll have to get Colton new pants, and his shirt will just be a dress, and I will always go to uniform night myself.

• The kids took another trip up to Winter Park, with Brad.  Brad took the kids up on Saturday.  I got to stay home, and catch up on house work.  I am really behind on laundry, and the house in general.  Why is it that when Brad goes away on long weekends he gets to have fun.  And when I get a weekend to myself, I get to clean the house?  Is it just me or is that just not fair?

• We did have Uncle Dave come and visit us for the week.  He taught my kids a wonderful new game.  It has to do with making a hand sign, after you "pass gas".  The last person to make the sign, "ate it".  Oh, Dave.  Thanks for that one.  You're the Best Uncle Ever. 

• On the 17th, we had plans to go see the Music Man, at an area High School.  It is one of my kids favorite musicals.  And I really like having my kids experience the difference between movies, and plays.  Well, we misread the school signage.  The play was only at 2:00 for the students on that day.  And the rest of our week is booked.  So we missed the play.  We were really bummed.   

• Well, Brad and I started a new class this month.  In all of our years of parenting, we haven't really taken any classes, since Lamaze.  So, when our church offered up an Parent-Teen Class, we figured, we really should take a class on this subject.  Now, as many of you who know Austin, you know, we don't feel like we have anything to worry about with him.  He's the Best Kid Ever.  But, as he is entering his teen years, we are expecting changes in him.  And we just want to be prepared for what ever comes our way.  I will say, that will a teenager in the house, I just keep thinking back to all the things I did to my parents, and will any of those things come back to haunt me???  

• March 19th, a Spring Band Concert for Austin.  And Austin is becoming very involved in school.  He's in Drama Club, and Student Council, and some Tri M Club.  We're all really busy right now.  We are looking forward to Spring Break.

• SPRING BREAK*  Yeah, we did have a nice little trip planned, and I will do a better post on this later, once I download my cameras.  

• *BLIZZARD*  Oh Yeah, while we were on vacation, we missed yet another Blizzard.  We were really bummed;)

February

Well this year is flying by...

So here is a recap of February

• Our Friend Shelby Celebrated her 6th Birthday.  Lauren got to go to Chuck E Cheese for that

• Scarlett came to visit, while Grandma and Grandpa went to the Daytona 500, I have a feeling the boys will be taking a trip together there next year. 

• Being homeroom Mom, I had to plan the Valentine's Party for Lauren's class.  Since, this was a busy week at work, it was a very low key party.  We did make all of our Valentines, but they weren't as creative as in years past.

• Our Valentines, I had to work, and both Brad and I bought new jackets.  I found a great purple Columbia at Kohls.  And Brad needed a nice wool coat.  It hasn't been super cold or snowy, and I haven't even used my coat yet.  

• Lauren's teacher has started to let Lauren stay at school all day, one day a week.  So, I have been working on those days all day.  And when she gets home, as soon as she hits the couch, she's fast asleep.  Going to school all day wears her out.... But she has begun to break out of her shyness mode.  She has even started to say "Hi" to kids in the school parking lot as we walk up to school.  One day, she let go of my hand, and walked with a friend up to class!! 

• Brad, Austin, and Lauren had a weekend trip up to Winter Park.  They had a lot of fun, skiing, and sledding, and playing with Gary.... Dave and Em got a new goat, named Gary.  Lauren loves Gary.  Grandma and Grandpa also went up for the weekend.  Colton and I would of loved to of joined them.... But we had baseball tryouts.  

• So this same weekend, I had to work, so my Dad came up to help watch Colton, and take him to baseball tryouts.  There were 4 tryout sessions, 2 Saturday, and 2 Sunday.  The first one got cancelled, due to the field being wet.  (Once baseball season starts, you can be assured that winter is finally making an appearance.)   So Colton went to one tryout on Saturday, and this was to make the Majors.  So his competion is 10-13 year olds .  Now, as many of you know, Colton won't be 10, until April 20th, so he is one of the younger kids.  I didn't know how all of these tryouts worked.  But on Sunday, we went to the last afternoon tryout.  And he wasn't looking good.  After a few times to the bathroom, he yaked on the field in front of everyone, and didn't finish tryouts.  So, we kinda knew he wouldn't make the Majors this year.  

• Well, Colton had another assesment for his AAA baseball team.  We tried to get him on a team with some other kids that he knew, but this baseball league is kinda political.  And even at tryouts, I saw all the guys / coaches on the field working out who wants what kids.  I just hope he has a good year.

• Austin was asked to play a small part in the Spring Play at school.  It was for an old movie, called, Sorry Wrong Number.   So we are looking forward to it, and glad that Austin was asked to help out his teacher. 

• Brad had a trip to Florida, can you imagine why????  He had a lot of fun hanging out with his grandparents.  And got in a few rounds of golf in the mean time.  He really was hoping to catch a shuttle launch, but it didn't happen while he was there.....

• So have any of you ever heard of TWITTER???  Well, Brad is receiving tweets, from NASA.  It really is funny.  He will get updates, for every little thing that has to do with any Space Missions.  He thought it was a good idea, incase there was a launch while he was in FL.  But now, he has to turn off his phone at night, so he doesn't keep getting tweets.   

Sleep Over

Well tonight Lauren had a sleepover,  her friend from school.  And the girls were also in Preschool together.  I can't believe I didn't take any pictures...  But they had lots of fun.  I think they changed jammies 10 times, and it took a while for them to settle down and go to sleep.  She is already planning her next sleepover.  

Work

Well, as some of you know I have returned to work this year.  It's been very nice not having to be super busy from January to April.... But now, since Lauren will be in school all day next year, I have to find something to keep myself occupied.  YEAH RIGHT

Well I have enjoyed getting back into the swing of things with taxes.  It has been a tough year though.  There are a lot of issues with peoples taxes in this economy.  I have enjoyed seeing some of my old clients, and I do feel good when I help people.  I fear that next year, taxes are going to be more difficult.  Due to the new Stimulus, and plans from the new Administration.  

I have had my eyes opened, even early in the tax season.  I have put faces and names to people in our community who have lost their homes, who are going through a rough divorce, and those that are out of work.  That has been a little hard.  

I do hope that Brad and the kids will help out during this Tax Season.  It's a little hard, for Lauren, since she doesn't really remember me working.  And she doesn't really understand that Tax season is only until April 15th.  I really appreciate my Dad, and Bilette for helping me get some hours in.  Thanks

Inauguration Day

Well, today we had the whole world watching us, as we welcomed our 41st President.  I did record everything for the kids to watch.  And it was cool to see all of the places in Washington DC, since, I've been there.  It also confirmed to me that when Colton has his 6th grade trip, we will be taking him to DC.  

Well, the kids all watched the ceremony on TV at school.  I was a little surprised that even Lauren  watched it, I mean will she as a kindergartner remember it?  I did think it was very cool to see our entire country come together, and to see many people hopeful.  I think in addition to being hopeful, that there is a new generation of people who will now be involved with politics and policies.  Which that is a good thing.  I try so hard to explain to the kids that we are blessed to live in a country where we have choices.  I think it's awesome to see the books in both English and History that Austin is reading.  For some strange reason, he's reading a lot of Communist books, or books that were written in that era.  

 We will be closely watching every decision that President Obama makes.  

Best of Luck to President Obama

The long Weekend

Well, on Saturday, Lauren had her friend, Sabrina's Birthday party at Skate City.  She had a lot of fun.  After the party, Bilette and I made our way down to Castle Rock to the Outlet mall.  We had fun hanging out and shopping.   We called to invite Rebecca to dinner, but Grandpa John had just come home from traveling.  So, Bilette, Grace and I ate at Chilli's.

On Sunday, I was able to hit a movie, with my neighbor Rebecca, we saw, Bride Wars.  It was pretty funny.  Rebecca was good, and brought a healthy snack to the movies, so I didn't have any pop or popcorn.  When I came home and told Brad, that I went to the movies, and didn't have any bad snacks, he replied with, "You need to hang out with her more often."  After the movie we hit Starbucks, and did some catching up.    

On Monday, the kids didn't have school, and Grandma didn't have work, so she invited us down to Castle Rock to see a movie.  So we made it down, in time to have lunch with Grandpa, and then we went to see Mall Cop.  It was a pretty funny movie.  So yes, for the week, I made it to 3 movies, that will not ever happen again.  We stayed and had chili for dinner.  And Austin got his present from Grandma and Grandpa..... His very own camera.  I think it's good for him to have his own camera, so now, he doesn't have to keep asking to borrow mine.   He took tons of pictures, and even got out Grandpa's tripod to take sunset pictures.  What a good present!

Brad's New Toy

Well, Brad finally broke down and ordered a new phone.  There was a lot of debate, and research, and he finally decided on a CrackBerry, I mean BlackBerry.   Did you know there is actually a website that is named Crackberry??  Since he has picked up his phone he has been trying to figure it all out.  It took about a week, but now he absolutely loves it, and has wondered why he didn't get one sooner.  He has a picture of Titleist golf balls on the screen, and he has different ring tones, to include the theme song to the Office,  ESPN, and a favorite line from Caddyshack.   He is so funny.

Happy Birthday Austin

Austin got his own Walkie Talkies

Austin wanted a new BasketBall

Happy Birthday Austin

Well, today Austin is another year older, yes, he's now 14!!!  That's so crazy for me to wrap my mind around.  He had school, and we went to dinner, Olive Garden of course.  We came back home and Austin opened presents.  He got some new clothes, as his dress code at school just changed. 

I think he had a good day, and we hope that the future holds good things for him. 

(if I can get access to a picture scanner, I will add more photos to this post)

A Movie

Well, we were a little lazy today.  We did make our way to the movies, we saw Bedtime Stories.  It was a cute movie, for Adam Sandler.  There were some parts that were really funny.  

After that, Brad and Austin worked on studying, as Austin has a history test on Tuesday......And he probably won't have time tomorrow.  

And I started making a dent in the laundry.  Yeah!  I've decided that I don't mind doing laundry, it's putting it away.  And they kids are all growing.... So, I need to go through their closets.   And purge. 

Saturday

Well today, I had to go to work.... Brad is playing basketball with Church, and his game was early 8:00,  and I had to be in at 9:00.  So, this morning we were wondering why we stayed out so late.  Well, it wasn't that busy for me at work, so I'm just practicing getting familiar with the computer again.  Well, as lunch time came around, a coworker and I decided to go to lunch together.  So we walked next door to the Mexican restaurant.  As we were seated, I hear a little voice yell, "Hi Mom."  So, to my surprise, at the booth behind us, was Brad, Lauren, and some people he was meeting.  We were all looking at each other with surprise.  I told Brad, it's a good thing he didn't have his girlfriend with him, or he would of been BUSTED.  It was pretty funny.  

And the rest of the afternoon wasn't too, bad.  After dinner, Lauren and I had to go hunt down Austin's birthday presents, because Brad didn't have much luck........

So the boys watched a few movies... They first watched IronMan, and they liked it.  Then, they all were watching BatMan, the Dark Night.  And they started that movie at 9:00, so they went to bed pretty late.  

Hanging out w/Meyers

Well, Kelly and I had planned to go to a movie tonight.  We were going to go see Bride Wars.  Kelly thought we should all get together for dinner at their house first, and then she and I would dash out and leave Brad and BJ with all the kids: )  

Unfortunately, we had dinner, but didn't make it to the Movie, which was fine with me.  I really needed to just chill out.  We were able to do that, and catch up, since we hadn't seen each other since last year.  It was fun to hear about their Holiday travels.  

The boys brought Guitar Hero, and it was so funny to watch Annabelle, dancing, and Lauren joined in.  I love the entertainment from 18 month olds.  

Friday

The girls, courtesy of Michelle

Well, Lauren did work well on her address & phone numbers, she is now in the habit of coming home, and calling Dad.  (She got a new barbie phone, and it's in her room.)  She lets Daddy know how her day went.  But today, Lauren was really wanting to have a playdate.  When she got in the car, she asked if she could play with her friend Shelby.  And about 5 minutes later, Shelby's mom, called me and asked if Lauren could come over.  It's funny how things work out.  Lauren and Shelby had a good time.  And here is a picture of the girls. 

Colton's Friday

So, I asked Colton, when he got home, How was school today???  And in the most dramatic plea, Colton, told me how he had the worst day of his life!  Now, why is that I asked?  Everyone hated his glasses, and made fun of him.  The only nice kids were the kids with glasses.  Now, I have to admit, I did find some humor in Colton's reaction.  He was however very upset.  I tried to tell him, that it's worth having glasses, so that you can see better.  I'm not sure he's buying it.  So, I will have to check with his teacher and make sure he's wearing the glasses all day.   

Colton's New Glasses

Check out his new specs

Well Colton's new glasses came in today.... It was fun to see him excited about getting his glasses.  So, when we told the guy we were picking up his glasses, Colton sat down, and the guy told him to look into a different room, and stare at the map on the wall.  Then the guy put Colton's glasses on, and it was as if Colton were literally blind, and that with his glasses, he could see...... His first reaction was WOW!  Then he put the glasses down, and then put them back on, he did that a few times, and realized what it was like to see.  I however felt like an awful Mom... How long has he been blind?  He has had his eyes checked at school, and at Kaiser.  So the whole drive home, it was at though Colton was seeing everything for the first time, it was so funny to hear him in awe of the sky, the leaves, and branches on the trees.  

So the lesson learned here, even though your kids are seen at school, and the Dr., still take them to the Eye Doctor.

Name, Address and Phone Number

So, while on vacation, Emily pointed out to me that Lauren didn't know her address.  Which I found to be very interesting, since we worked on it before school started.  Lauren has learned how to be shy and withhold information, and act like she doesn't know.  So, when we got home I told her we were going to work on our address, my cell, and Brad's cell.  And as she returned to school this week, I told her she would be grounded from playdates, until she could recite all of the previous info, on her own.  It was real funny, how she learned her address, and 2 phone numbers in like an hour..... I told Brad the Lauren sandbagged Emily.  And she does that on a lot of things.  Very weird, she's just a crazy little girl.  

FaceBook

So, I got an invite from a friend today for a facebook account.  Not sure how it all works, and so I just signed up.  I'm not sure how often I will use it, as I have a hard enough time with just the blog.  But if any of you have a facebook, and have info, on what to do, please let me know.  Do you do anything, or do you just accept friends?  Thanks

New Year's 2009

The Heitmans

The Thimsens

Top: Kyle, Colton, Tyler, Christian, Austin

Middle: Kenzie, Lilly, Mollie, Ally

Bottom: Macie, Katelyn, Lauren

Well last night we went to our small group, we are a little behind, so we watched a lesson.  We are also doing the Truth Project.  My friend Rebecca is doing the same study, and I enjoy reading her blogs about it.  

After our lesson we played a game, I think Pick 5?   It was girls against guys, and the guys won.  But we'll play better next time.

  

On New Year's Day, we decided to have out good friends, from our original small group, from our previous church.  So we had the Thimsens, Heitmans and Lambertsons.  So, with all these families, the adults were out numbered.  There were 8 adults, and 12 kids.  Yes, it was just like the good old days.  It was lots of fun to see everyone, and catch up.  Man, all these kids have grown.  It's crazy!!!  I'm pretty sure, Austin added some new numbers to his phone, both Mollie's and Ally's.  Better be careful Austin.  And all the boys went outside and played football.