"I Must Have Done Something Good"

Most days I feel like a pretty lousy mother. I don't like getting on the floor to play, it actually hurts. I hate when they make big messes so I don't like play dough or slime, and summer is hot, so I'm not running around outside. I beat myself up all the time about everything I don't do, that I thought I would do, as a mom.

Sometimes though, on nights like tonight, I know that I'm not all bad. I have little, reassuring moments of validation that I am doing something right. Very right, I might say. 

I took Ayden out by himself tonight. It's important for me to spend some time alone with the kids. They don't get much 'mom' time on a day to day basis, and I love to take them away from the house and touch base with them. Sometimes we have very meaningful conversations and sometimes, it's just for fun. Well, it's always fun.

Ayden chose to eat at Panera. That kid is a hoot. He likes the noodle soup in a bread bowl. Then we went to the sporting goods store because he's been asking for sandals. I figured it would be a good time because they go on sale mid-summer. Ayden decided he would save his soda for Dillon and half his cookie too. I thought that was very sweet. Next we went to Five Below. If you've never heard of that place it's like a dollar store, but better. Everything is $5 or below so the quality of most of their stuff is better than a dollar store. As we got out of the car I told Ayden he could pick out one thing, anything, in the store. He informed me that he was going to get something for Dillon. I was so touched that he was going to give up his choice for his brother. I thought to myself, "Wow, I don't get down and dirty with my kids but, at the end of the day, they will be good people." And I'm ok with that.

Dillon and Ayden with their gumball machines from Five Below.

Go On Take the Money and Run

I don't know anyone that likes to be broke. I know it drives me crazy. I like to get out of the house and find fun things to do. Unfortunately, this usually requires dinero, even if just for gas. So far this summer I have been at home with no money. I splurged here and there - spending $1.05 at McDonald's on a soda to share with Ayden and Dillon while they played, going to the dollar store and getting a couple of 'treats' to give the kids, things like that. I even went really wild one day and got the kids one thing each off the dollar menu at McDonald's. You may ask, what else have I been doing to occupy my 'free' time? I read the horribly written novels off the free list on my nook, I sleep, I play Lego Harry Potter with Dillon, and I police the children so no one gets an injury we can't afford. None of this really satisfies the rambling urges I get honestly from my dad.

Here is the question for you - have you ever done something that you really can't afford to do? That you really shouldn't do? Well, I'm about to - tomorrow. Tomorrow I get paid. Tomorrow I take the kids to King's Dominion. Side story: Way back, for Christmas, we decided to buy season passes for the family again since it provided so much fun the previous year. We didn't get them last summer since we were taking a trip to Houston. When our income tax came we really could have used the money for other things, but it was a gift and a promise so we went ahead and got the passes. I took the kids over spring break when the park first opened and I haven't been back since. They are beyond excited for tomorrow.

This is the only photo I have from that day of all the kids since the older ones took off. 

Why is this such a bad idea? Yes, we have the passes, but the park costs money other than entry fees. The gas alone is a big problem. However, the joy on my kid's faces and the time we will spend together is beyond worth it to me. Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet, take the money and run! (But not like Billy Joe and Bobby Sue)

Enjoy viewing some more happy children during spring break!

Ayden loves the bumper cars.

Doesn't Dillon look like he's built for speed?

Help a Girl Out

Now that my kids are older and, well let's face it, boring, I have run out of ideas for the blog. Honestly - I am in such a slump when it comes to writing topics. I used to post all my pictures here for family to keep up with me. Now I have facebook where family can see all our obnoxiousness. So where does the cORRner go from there? Ask me a question, give me an idea! I need a jump start for my dead battery here! Because I pretty much feel like this lady:

I will tell you a story though. Get ready it's pretty freaky. Last night I dreamed I was in the next Star Wars movie. All the original cast were there in their original parts (who else would they play Heather?). I think the dream was inspired by this  and other similar rumors. As much as I love the first three Star Wars movies, I hope this isn't true. I'm afraid it would end up 'made for TV' movie quality and it would just be sad. Regardless, my parents were Luke and Leia, I know, figure that one out - gross. They came to visit me incognito because they were in hiding. Leia was like a jedi hippie and drove an x-wing car. Basically that means it looked like a white 80's corolla with a big flap on the driver's side. We set off to visit the grandparents and my real dad ended up pulling over to buy me a soda. Interpret that dream please! Or should I say nightmare. Of course there was more to the dream. I just can't remember it all since I was awoken at 6:30 am by a sick little boy.
Anyway, let the nightmares begin.....

http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/451627-star-wars

Getting Around To It

Finally! I keep looking at my blog, thinking about Christmas then getting pulled away by a sad child, a chore or a husband who wants on the big computer. It seems that today is finally the day I can get this done!

Christmas was wonderful. It always is even though each year I get nervous that it just won't be as nice as the year before. We opened family gifts on Christmas Eve since we had early morning plans on Christmas day. All the kids said that they got everything they wanted. They didn't, that is why the gift cards and cash from family came in handy, but they said they did.

Brooklyn asked for a pair of Sperry topsiders, I told her no way, too expensive...
Ayden did not ask for a Magna Doodle but since he's been coloring on everything Bobby figured he needed one - good call.
Oops, should've gotten one for Dillon too. He used some of his money for a little one for him.
"But this isn't what my brother has, I don't want it." I imagine that is what he was thinking...
Aunt Holly made sure to get Seth the book he asked for.
and the game Caleb asked for....
And the motorcycle Ayden likes...
Then she made these beautiful letters for Brooklyn's room.
And got a chew toy for the psuedopuppy of ours.
And because Bobby is, who he is, they all got games!
Papa and Grammy sent each child an afghan, made by Grammy and a book to snuggle up with. I forgot to get pictures of all those, they turned out so beautiful, but I will. Then Bobby and I got a surprise too!
A SNUGGIE!
Can you tell how thrilled Bobby is? He really loves it!!
And that was just Christmas Eve....

Christmas morning Ayden woke up quite early and he and I decided that we needed to wake the others up too! Come to find out the others were asleep because they were up at 3am, sneaking down to check out their gifts. This is the first year Ayden has been excited with anticipation for Christmas. When he woke up he knew Santa was supposed to have come and he couldn't wait to see if Santa brought him a truck, like he asked for. Dillon slept through most of the excitement, which was fine with us.
After going though stockings and eating beignets, we got in the car and headed to David and Kim's in West Virginia. It was a gorgeous drive. All the snow we'd had the week before was still on the ground. Everything looked beautiful under that soft white covering. Luckily too, the day was overcast so we didn't have to battle the sun reflecting off the snow. I wish I had brought a camera because there were many scenic moments. At David's the older kids played with one another, the two little ones explored and the adults were able to visit. Kim made a great dinner with turkey and ham! It was wonderful. We came back home exhausted but totally satisfied.

Brooklyn's concert and Seth's program

My two little actors had programs two weeks in a row. First, Brooklyn had one for choir. She donned her white, button-down shirt and black pants and was ready to sing her heart out. I took her to the school along with her friend, Grace. There was a bake sale and I bought them some treats and we settled in to enjoy the show. Brooklyn's choir was first and they sang three songs. She did a great job and smiled as she sang, no stage fright for my kid! These pictures aren't that great but it was the best I could get. She is the furthest on the right. She has no vest.
Seth had a program too. He was so excited. He got to make a top hat in art to wear for his dance! The fifth graders sang and each third grade class did a dance. Seth had a small speaking part and did such a good job! I was so proud of him. I brought my camera and as I turned it on I discovered that I had no memory card. Brilliant I know. Just imagine my little guy, with big eyes in a top hat that was a tad too big for him, grinning and dancing away!

Brooklyn's Birthday and a Visit

Brooklyn turned 11 on August 16th! Since her birthday fell on a Sunday we decided to have her party the next weekend. I'll will have to include more about that once she has her party. She was so excited to find out what her big present was this year. Bobby and I had bought it back before school was even out and I was excited to give it to her. I'm proud of Bobby for keeping it a secret so long! Anyone who knows Brooklyn knows that she wants to be a rock star. She always has. We bought her Sing It! It's a PS3 video game that has a microphone. It's a lot like karioke but it tracks your pitch and timing and gives you a score. The one we bought has Disney songs from movies like High School Musical, Camp Rock and other teen Disney stars. All of the kids have had so much fun with that game! I think I will get very tired of some of these songs so I'm already looking into the cost of other discs. I have to admit, it's pretty fun.
We gave her the gift early in the day. Then, I made chocolate chip pancakes - at her request. Everyone enjoyed that of course! My oldest friend (from age 8), Amy, was here visiting and she helped out with Brooklyn's cake. Brooklyn picked the Funfetti frosting and Amy used the sprinkles to write out the name Boo.
Then, we all sang Happy Birthday and Boo blew out her candles.
It was a good dinner and some delicious cake and the night was over. Brooklyn's dad and his girlfriend had sent Brooklyn a new comforter so she and I set up her bed with it's new, teen, look. It will be versitile and she'll be able to change up the color scheme when she gets tired of it instead of buying a whole new set. I found a rug at Wal-Mart that will match it perfectly and we'll buy that this weekend. Then we just need the lamp.

Aunt Holly bought her a new blue top and a matching purse from Justice. She looks all grown up and ready for school. Papa and Grammy bought her some cute new clothes too while she was in Houston. She wears them all the time.
I can't believe she is going on to middle school! Time does go by so quickly. Happy Birthday sweet girl.

A Sigh of Relief and a Surprise To Go With It!

SOL - that does not stand for something nice in my book. It's an abbreviation for a rather crude term. Here in Virginia is stands for something else entirely! It's their Standards Of Learning - their state test. For those of you used to Texas -it's the TAKS. I really wish that there was not so much emphasis placed on this test. As a teacher, I hate it. I don't see how one test can be created to measure the learning of every child. Honestly, the idea is absurd. Nevertheless, children have to take it and trickling down from the very top is the pressure to pass. Again, as a teacher, I am very mindful of what the results mean to the school system.

Brooklyn and Caleb took the SOL test in late May. Brooklyn felt very confident. She did well on all the exercises and practice tests. She was worried about social studies since Virginia history would be on the test and they studied that in fourth grade, when she was not here. The teacher worked hard to review with her and Brooklyn did her part by reading and studying. It must have sunk in. She was one point away from Pass/Advance on that part. She did pass/advance on math, reading and writing and made pass/proficient on science. That is a lot of testing for a kid and I am so proud of her! She worked very hard on her studies this year and did it, pretty much, independent of me. She did her homework with no prompting and only asked for help in studying for her tests.

Caleb was not so sure. He wasn't so worried either. He was not doing well on any of the practices or exercises. He told us that he didn't read everything on the test because it was just too much. I was worried. I was worried because without practicing for the test, giving it his best, he would not build the stamina he would need for the real one. He had to take four tests in third grade: Math, reading, science, history/social science. That seems like too many tests for someone in third grade. I encouraged Caleb to read everything. Bobby and I reminded him to take all the time he needed. Not only did Caleb pass every test but he made pass/advance on his history/social science! I think he is pretty proud of himself. He grinned and looked down and said, "I told you it was easy."

Way to go kids - good job!

Houston Vacation

Don't let the title fool you, I'm not going to Houston any time soon. I wish. My dad and Sheryl bought the three oldest kids tickets to Houston for a visit. They were so excited it was all they talked about for a month leading up to the trip. Funny, those weeks dragged by so slowly but as soon as school was out, the day for their departure was here before we knew it! I really wanted to take the camera to the airport with us but I completely forgot. Getting them to Baltimore went off without a hitch, really. We couldn't have asked for a better day and traffic was not even a problem. We got to the airport with time to spare, but not too much, and sat back and watched planes take off. The boys were so cute. Caleb and Seth pulled their bags behind them all over and sat by the large windows in the terminal. They hovered there in deep conversation. I wonder what they talk about. Brooklyn sat by me and jabbered about seeing all her friends and her plans with everyone. Ayden was so good and stuck close to Caleb and Seth watching planes and trucks. Brooklyn and I told Ayden that sissy was going to go bye bye on one of those planes. He looked at us with a pout and said, "No, it's my turn." Poor guy. They arrived in Houston twenty minutes early and my dad and Sheryl were there to pick them up. Aunt Holly came to visit that night and they've been super busy ever since. They even went to San Antonio for their cousin, Connor's birthday. Thanks for those pictures Wendi! I have some pictures that have been sent or that I snagged off my sister's blog. It looks like they're having a lot of fun!

What keeps me sane?

It's already been said that Ayden is not the easiest child. He is highly emotional and has an extremely strong will. I often just want to throw my hands in the air and give up. He has his moments though and they make up for the craziness.

Ayden letting Brooklyn sleep on him after her long nights and pool parties with friends. (Yes, we shaved his head again. I made a bet with Bobby and lost.)

Ayden decided to do the dishes. I turned the water on so it trickled and he had a blast. It kept him quiet and out of my hair for a while.



Dillon also helps keep it light around here. It's hard to get too upset with his big grin around.