Monday, May 9, 2011

Errands

Today I needed to run to Michael's to pick up some glue on eyes for a school project tomorrow. Caleb chose to bring his teddy bear along. He also decided a few days ago that his teddy bear needs to be buckled in the seat. So, here he is sitting next to his teddy bear. 

Kendall is very proud of how long her legs are and was kicking the back of the seat. She thinks that it is pretty funny! As long as her shoes are not dirty, it doesn't bother me a bit...but obviously she doesn't realize it.

So, we made it to Michael's. The first thing the kids noticed were pails located in a bin outside of the store. They were only $1, and truthfully we need some new ones. So, I told them that if they behave they could have one. Caleb and Kendall each chose a blue pail. We then brought the pails inside. I actually though I was being clever...hands holding pails=hands not touching other things. Boy was I wrong! We went searching though the store for the eyes that I needed to buy. We found them, right next to the big bottles of glitter glue. In the time it took me to reach the eyes there were globs of blue glitter glue all over both of my children. We marched to the bathroom to clean up the best that I could, and the pails were put back into the bins. Of course, tantrums ensued. I think following through is so hard at times, but you just have to do it! So, we left with no pails, a bag of eyes, and glittery shirts.

Next we went to Jersey Mike's for dinner. The kids had some free coupons from an Easter Egg Hunt they attended and it was right around the corner. Kendall chose some chips as a side. We don't buy chips for the house, so she was thrilled!

My husband surprised the kids by meeting us there. Caleb literally fell off of his chair when he saw him. I mean really, he landed on his shoulder with people gasping around us. He jumped up and ran over to Terry. He seemed fine and had full movement of his arm. Perhaps, we should not surprise him like that in the future!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day Part 2

Today we went to visit the other Grandma. To differentiate the Grandmas the kids call my mom either Miss Grandma because she is a substitute teacher at Caleb's school or Grandma with Fonzie their old dog. They call this Grandma, Grandma with the crabs because she has hermit crabs. I find it pretty funny and they came up with it themselves. Grandma with the crabs broke her foot in a few different spots this week. Here she is showing off her purple walking cast.

Later this afternoon I took the kids mini golfing. Kendall really doesn't have the patience for it quite yet. So she would walk her ball down to the hole and place it as close to the hole as she could without it falling in. She would then tap the ball in and scream, "I win!" while jumping up and down.

This was Caleb's favorite hole because of the water feature. If you hit the ball into the water you could get a hole in one. After he played the hole he put the ball into the water over and over while waiting for the people ahead of us to finish.


We didn't keep score...although I did get two holes in ones! We had a great time. Afterwards we got treats at the treat stand. Caleb is allergic to wheat, so we don't keep wheat snacks in the house. So, Kendall chose goldfish which is a very special treat for her. Caleb chose ice cream. I got them a water to share...which was not a good idea. I didn't think about the back wash issue and now Caleb has hives. Oops...a bad mom moment, but an overall great day!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mother's Day Part 1

Today we went to Grandma's house to celebrate Mother's Day. It is always fun to see everyone. Caleb was very insistent that he wanted to get Grandma flowers. I had ordered some copies of the pictures that I had posted yesterday for her. So, we headed to Walgreens to pick them up, and then went to the grocery store to pick up veggies for a veggie platter that I shared and flowers. Both kids were very excited. The sang Happy Mother's Day to You...to the tune of Happy Birthday.  
 My kids LOVE their cousins. When I ask Caleb who he loves or who his favorite people are he always says, "Mommy, Daddy, baby Caroline, baby Isaac, and Kendall." Here is a picture of the kids with Aunt Rachel and Baby Caroline. It was about the fifth and best attempt.
Here are Baby Isaac with Caleb and Kendall. They are lounging on the bed for the picture. This actually really helped, since it forced everyone to be a little more still. Caleb and Kendall also played with my parent's next door neighbors. Caleb and his new friend had bike races while Kendall ran. Kendall beat the big boys on bikes 5 times in a row. I never realized what a great runner she is. She was very proud of herself.

On a seperate note, I got a call from Caleb's gymnastic teacher. He attends gymnastics while I am at work with his sitter. When I saw who it was on Caller ID, I braced myself for the worst, thinking what did he do now?!? Boy was I wrong.  He is doing such a good job, they want him to move up to the next level. I am one proud Mommy! Caleb is very proud of himself too.

Photo Shoots

So, today we went to my good friend's house to have dinner. She is amazing, and has started a photography business. She offered to take pictures of my kiddos for mother's day, and of course I had to say yes please, and thank you! Unfortunately, as with kids nothing goes as planned. 
We are having such a hard time with Caleb and his skin rashes. They are of course all over his face right now because of his allergies. He also had a few big scratches on his face. I actually think that Michelle did a wonderful job photo shopping this. But, this adorable smile is only in pictures where Caleb held his bear. He is missing his top lip in every other picture. 

Here Kendall is smelling tulips. But, she also had an allergic reaction. Do you see her eye? It swelled up, was red, and puffy. This is photo shopped and it looked much worse in real life...especially after the multiple melt downs that she had this day!

Here you can see the missing upper lip...Really, what is up with this!?!

I think this was the best picture of all. It was actually take while they were playing.

Here is the best picture of Kendall. All in all, not terrible, but not my favorites. I should add that Michelle has taken my favorite all time picture of  the kids.

Here it is. This is a terribly hard act to follow. I printed this on a huge canvas and it is hanging in my living room. I adore it. I feel like we are always going to be trying to top this one. I wonder if we can make it happen!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mother's Day Tea

Today Kendall had a Mother's Day Tea at her school. It was very sweet. The children sang three songs and then gave gifts that they had made for us. Kendall's eyes lit up when I walked in. I am a teacher, and only get two personal days a year. So, unfortunately I have to be very choosy on which activities that I go to. I always have someone go instead of me, but it isn't the same and I get that. Her teacher had a craft for us to do as well. It was a bug catcher jar that looked like a bee. Unfortunately, it had to be hot glued, so Kendall really just watched me make it, but she was still excited about it when it was done. I dropped her back with my sitter afterward the tea and raced to work afterwards. It was a very nice morning and wonderful to spend some much needed 1-on-1 time with Kendall.

Last night I worked late, and really didn't see the kids. The result was two children who needed a ton of attention this afternoon. So, we adventured out to a park about a mile from our house. Caleb rode his bike. Kendall and I walked. Caleb was so proud of himself that he made it all the way there and back. He is still very nervous while riding the bike. He muttered, "brake, steer, brake, steer..." when he went down hills. I am so excited for him. He is finally enjoying riding his bike as well. It is great progress!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

My Daughter the Poodle...

Shockingly, Kendall did keep those curlers in her hair all night long. I was really surprised. I can't imagine that she slept too well last night. She was so excited to take the rollers out and see her curls. Well, my lack of abilities shined through! I suppose I should have used bigger rollers because the best way to describe this is either a poodle doo, or an afro. She thought it was hilarious and we had a great laugh together. Tomorrow, is another day...hopefully I get this right before pictures on Saturday!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Mommy's Boy

Caleb has been all about Mommy lately.  It is really so sweet. Today I needed to run a few errands after work, and SURPRISE my husband was home early! So, I didn't need to drag both kids around, but Caleb really wanted to have some 1-on-1 time with me. He was so sweet in the car. Apparently he made a Mother's Day present at school today. This child was the gate keeper of the secret. He wouldn't even give me a clue about the present. He wants it to be a surprise. I am pretty impressed!

You may be wondering what is in Kendall's hair. They are rollers of course. Kendall has her first spring recital coming up in 2 weeks. Her costume is adorable and she is very excited. The only problem is that they want the girls hair curly and the front part pulled up. The interesting thing is that Kendall's hair actually has a bit of curl to it...curly in spots, wavy in spots, and straight in spots. It is pretty much a nightmare in my opinion. I think her hair looks best pulled back. So, we have been trying each night a new way to curl her hair. Tonight she actually agreed to sleep in rollers. I have NO idea how this is going to turn out. I mean, really what 3 year old will keep their hair in rollers all night? How uncomfy! Even if she does keep them in, who knows how this is going to even look in the morning. I guess I just have to wait and see what happens.