Tommy & Daddy
More Silly Boys
Birthday Football
Tyler made these
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Catching Up
This morning I found myself wondering at what point I became as unreasonable as Rainbow in my time planning….no offense Rainbow. As I was telling my dear husband what I had scheduled, and what I wanted from him, I realized that he had every reason to be irritated with me. To his credit, he was wonderful and did everything I asked. I appreciate it so much that I gave him the option of skipping church tomorrow morning so he can go hunting with his brother. Naturally he jumped on that opportunity. I think hunting season is almost over for them.
Tyler will also be skipping church. He’s staying home with Amanda. I’m working in the church nursery tomorrow; Amanda doesn’t feel comfortable going to the service alone; Tyler doesn’t like being in services without at least one of his parents; and I don’t think I should have my entire family in the nursery with me. Travis has no problem sitting through the sermon without us, so he will represent the Bell family. Good for him.
We didn’t get much schooling done this week, it’s not worth fighting with the kids to do their paperwork while they are coughing, sneezing, and sleeping. However, Friday was a day I’ve been waiting years for. The kids were feeling well enough to pick at each other and argue constantly, so I suggested we do school. Immediately, Travis asked if we could do crafts instead. What???? We went through some ideas, and Travis settled on a crossword puzzle and simple fall decoration, Tyler started on an autumn mobile. I was shocked and impressed to see my boys willingly and happily working on their projects. Wow!
Quick overview of what we’ve been doing:
Monday: Scout night. We had a den meeting this week at Cub Scouts. Travis wasn’t feeling well, so he didn’t go to his patrol meeting. My mom stayed with the baby and Travis.
Tuesday: I was supposed to go to a parent’s meeting for the church youth group, didn’t make it. Kids were under the weather.
Wednesday: I was supposed to go to the kick-off for our Wednesday night kids program at church. I am supposed to be the registrar, but the kids still weren’t doing well, so I didn’t make it. Travis had put himself to bed at 3:00 in the afternoon, and Tyler fell asleep on the couch. I couldn’t see waking my 3 boys and dragging them out not feeling well.
Thursday: I got my mom to sit with the kids so I could attend a committee meeting for the Boy Scout Troop. I’m glad I went. It was important, and I learned a few things. One of the things I learned is that Travis has earned a new rank. I really should know this; I’m supposed to be the advancement chair person. One of my duties is supposed to be planning the Court of Honor, which we are having next month. I’m so glad somebody else is taking care of it right now. This is our first year, we will iron out the wrinkles.
Friday: Popcorn Sales started. I dropped Tommy off to my mom; then Travis, Tyler, and I went and stood outside of Albertson’s for 2 hours selling popcorn. We didn’t sell much.
Saturday: Took Tyler to Lowe’s to build a fire truck. We then priced the supplies for building a Cub mobile. Came home and asked Jeff to take Tyler back to buy the supplies. I cooked brunch for the family, then ushered Jeff and Tyler out the door. I only ironed the Scout uniforms and took care of Tommy for most of the day. Jeff took Tyler to buy his hardware and lumber, and then fixed my mom’s brake lights. At 4:30 he took Travis and Tyler down to Albertson’s for their shift selling popcorn. They did much better than we did yesterday. They came home at about 8. Then Kimberly came over to count the money and inventory the popcorn for tomorrow. After she left, I started dinner. I have 3 extra kids that we’re watching while their parents are out for the evening; which is why I had Jeff do popcorn today instead of me, I knew I would be getting the extra kids.
Sunday: Church in the morning, popcorn sales at Fred Meyer from 1:30-3:30, dinner and Luau at church from 5-7:00. It was totally exhausting. Amanda went with me to the Luau thing at church. She was a big help keeping an eye on Tommy.
Tonight: Pack meeting for Cub Scouts. Working on Barbie furniture.
More pictures coming soon.
Tyler will also be skipping church. He’s staying home with Amanda. I’m working in the church nursery tomorrow; Amanda doesn’t feel comfortable going to the service alone; Tyler doesn’t like being in services without at least one of his parents; and I don’t think I should have my entire family in the nursery with me. Travis has no problem sitting through the sermon without us, so he will represent the Bell family. Good for him.
We didn’t get much schooling done this week, it’s not worth fighting with the kids to do their paperwork while they are coughing, sneezing, and sleeping. However, Friday was a day I’ve been waiting years for. The kids were feeling well enough to pick at each other and argue constantly, so I suggested we do school. Immediately, Travis asked if we could do crafts instead. What???? We went through some ideas, and Travis settled on a crossword puzzle and simple fall decoration, Tyler started on an autumn mobile. I was shocked and impressed to see my boys willingly and happily working on their projects. Wow!
Quick overview of what we’ve been doing:
Monday: Scout night. We had a den meeting this week at Cub Scouts. Travis wasn’t feeling well, so he didn’t go to his patrol meeting. My mom stayed with the baby and Travis.
Tuesday: I was supposed to go to a parent’s meeting for the church youth group, didn’t make it. Kids were under the weather.
Wednesday: I was supposed to go to the kick-off for our Wednesday night kids program at church. I am supposed to be the registrar, but the kids still weren’t doing well, so I didn’t make it. Travis had put himself to bed at 3:00 in the afternoon, and Tyler fell asleep on the couch. I couldn’t see waking my 3 boys and dragging them out not feeling well.
Thursday: I got my mom to sit with the kids so I could attend a committee meeting for the Boy Scout Troop. I’m glad I went. It was important, and I learned a few things. One of the things I learned is that Travis has earned a new rank. I really should know this; I’m supposed to be the advancement chair person. One of my duties is supposed to be planning the Court of Honor, which we are having next month. I’m so glad somebody else is taking care of it right now. This is our first year, we will iron out the wrinkles.
Friday: Popcorn Sales started. I dropped Tommy off to my mom; then Travis, Tyler, and I went and stood outside of Albertson’s for 2 hours selling popcorn. We didn’t sell much.
Saturday: Took Tyler to Lowe’s to build a fire truck. We then priced the supplies for building a Cub mobile. Came home and asked Jeff to take Tyler back to buy the supplies. I cooked brunch for the family, then ushered Jeff and Tyler out the door. I only ironed the Scout uniforms and took care of Tommy for most of the day. Jeff took Tyler to buy his hardware and lumber, and then fixed my mom’s brake lights. At 4:30 he took Travis and Tyler down to Albertson’s for their shift selling popcorn. They did much better than we did yesterday. They came home at about 8. Then Kimberly came over to count the money and inventory the popcorn for tomorrow. After she left, I started dinner. I have 3 extra kids that we’re watching while their parents are out for the evening; which is why I had Jeff do popcorn today instead of me, I knew I would be getting the extra kids.
Sunday: Church in the morning, popcorn sales at Fred Meyer from 1:30-3:30, dinner and Luau at church from 5-7:00. It was totally exhausting. Amanda went with me to the Luau thing at church. She was a big help keeping an eye on Tommy.
Tonight: Pack meeting for Cub Scouts. Working on Barbie furniture.
More pictures coming soon.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
1st Birthday Pics, Cake
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I'm Back
It has been a really long week, I haven't been able to find time to sit down at the computer for any length of time. The kids are a little under the weather, and cranky this week.
I do have pictures to post, and will do that soon. Right now, it's after midnight and I need to get some sleep while the boys do. For now, here's a teaser photo of the proud birthday boy!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Long Day
I'm tired. I didn't get much sleep last night, and Tyler was a challenge today. He went back to taking 5 hours to complete a math assignment. I would've let him sit there until he was done, but I had to go do my walk and drop Travis off at a friend's house for awhile. I don't know what to do about this...I faced the same challenge with Timothy, and with Travis, so it must be common for the age.
I am so absolutely thrilled for Melissa! She is proud of herself, and she should be. Her weight loss journey has been successful thus far. I seem to have hit another plateau. I lost 15 pounds, then nothing for awhile, lost another 15, and I'm stuck again. Urgh! Oh well, at least I can expect to lose another 15 once I break the plane. LOL.
Alright, time to try to sleep. Let's pray tomorrow goes better.
I am so absolutely thrilled for Melissa! She is proud of herself, and she should be. Her weight loss journey has been successful thus far. I seem to have hit another plateau. I lost 15 pounds, then nothing for awhile, lost another 15, and I'm stuck again. Urgh! Oh well, at least I can expect to lose another 15 once I break the plane. LOL.
Alright, time to try to sleep. Let's pray tomorrow goes better.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Busy Couple of Days
We started school this week. It's going pretty good so far. We're just easing into it, getting back into the rhythm of things. We start with breakfast amd morning chores, move into Mad Minute
Math followed by a standard math assignment, some reading time, then move onto something more fun.
Yesterday we did a crossword puzzle, then ran off to the lake for swimming time in the 80 degree weather (thank you, Mom, for watching Tommy on the shore). Today, we did a word search puzzle and word game, both with a back to school theme. We ended things with a scavenger hunt and prizes. They had to find things to fit different categories, but they had to start with the letters that spell fall. Things like: part of the body, F--finger. State or City, L--Louisiana. I liked it for an assignment,because they had to look for answers in different resources: encyclopedias, maps, magazines, the refrigerator, wandering around the house. It was really a reminder of how to find answers. Travis finished first, and earned a $1 prize, Tyler finished second and won a bottle of bubbles. They were both happy with their prizes, and we headed out on our daily walk to the store.
Monday, yesterday, was our Cub Scout opening night event. I hadn't really intended to be "in charge", but ended up that way for most of the meeting. It was really just running games, mostly relays, which I have had plenty of practice with when I ran gym time at church. I did end up a little hoarse for awhile. The kids seemed to have a good time, and Tyler just kept going on and on about his favorite parts.
Travis was at his Boy Scout meeting during this time, and when I asked him how he went he seemed to have genuinely enjoyed his time. They are working on first aid this month, and are going on a hike this weekend.
My mom took a couple pictures of us, all in uniform. Don't laugh! Actually, I had several people comment on my scarf. They all said they like it, but they were all men dressed in the same style and color uniform shirt. Also, for the record, I was the only woman in uniform.
Tommy is sure trying to talk. I swear he said "brother" today. He says "Mama", "Dada", "Bye-Bye", "Go!", "ler" (for Tyler), "avis" (for Travis), and his favorite word, "uh-oh!" He also makes the cutest car noises I have ever heard, but I could be biased.
Okay, I will post the pics, and head off to bed. Good Night!
Math followed by a standard math assignment, some reading time, then move onto something more fun.
Yesterday we did a crossword puzzle, then ran off to the lake for swimming time in the 80 degree weather (thank you, Mom, for watching Tommy on the shore). Today, we did a word search puzzle and word game, both with a back to school theme. We ended things with a scavenger hunt and prizes. They had to find things to fit different categories, but they had to start with the letters that spell fall. Things like: part of the body, F--finger. State or City, L--Louisiana. I liked it for an assignment,because they had to look for answers in different resources: encyclopedias, maps, magazines, the refrigerator, wandering around the house. It was really a reminder of how to find answers. Travis finished first, and earned a $1 prize, Tyler finished second and won a bottle of bubbles. They were both happy with their prizes, and we headed out on our daily walk to the store.
Monday, yesterday, was our Cub Scout opening night event. I hadn't really intended to be "in charge", but ended up that way for most of the meeting. It was really just running games, mostly relays, which I have had plenty of practice with when I ran gym time at church. I did end up a little hoarse for awhile. The kids seemed to have a good time, and Tyler just kept going on and on about his favorite parts.
Travis was at his Boy Scout meeting during this time, and when I asked him how he went he seemed to have genuinely enjoyed his time. They are working on first aid this month, and are going on a hike this weekend.
My mom took a couple pictures of us, all in uniform. Don't laugh! Actually, I had several people comment on my scarf. They all said they like it, but they were all men dressed in the same style and color uniform shirt. Also, for the record, I was the only woman in uniform.
Tommy is sure trying to talk. I swear he said "brother" today. He says "Mama", "Dada", "Bye-Bye", "Go!", "ler" (for Tyler), "avis" (for Travis), and his favorite word, "uh-oh!" He also makes the cutest car noises I have ever heard, but I could be biased.
Okay, I will post the pics, and head off to bed. Good Night!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
I'm Sad.
Leora has gone on to heaven. I may have to change the time of Tommy's birthday party, because her memorial service is going to be on the 2oth. I won't know until they decide on the time of the service.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Home from the Game
Our team won! 44-6 was the final score. The boys had a lot of fun, and even Tyler was getting into it by the 4th quarter. He was yelling "get him down!" They clapped along and chanted with the cheerleaders too.
I was disappointed with the crowd though. I can't believe they would boo high school kids. They booed the other team for getting a touchdown. When did that become socially acceptable behavior? I was glad to see the cheerleaders were trying to stop the booing.
After the game I took the boys to Shari's for desert. 3 hot chocolates and turtle brownie sundaes. Talk about blowing the diet plan, yikes! But we don't get to go out that often. Now they are all tucked into their beds, and I'm headed that way too.
Good Night!
I was disappointed with the crowd though. I can't believe they would boo high school kids. They booed the other team for getting a touchdown. When did that become socially acceptable behavior? I was glad to see the cheerleaders were trying to stop the booing.
After the game I took the boys to Shari's for desert. 3 hot chocolates and turtle brownie sundaes. Talk about blowing the diet plan, yikes! But we don't get to go out that often. Now they are all tucked into their beds, and I'm headed that way too.
Good Night!
Friday, September 5, 2008
More Pics
Smile for Travis
Where's Tyler?
This was taken last April.
I'm so cute!
Do you want a cracker?
No, you can't ride too!
I didn't get these posted last night. Obviously. I'm taking the time to do it right now, before my mom gets here to babysit. I'm taking the older boys to the high school football game tonight.
Those Hives
Don't these look terrible?
They just came and went sporadically for a few days.
We are so glad they are gone.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The day got better...
The boys did get their room cleaned, and vacuumed. We had a day with no video games, just because nobody seemed interested. We did go on our mile walk this evening, after Baby Boy's nap. We read several stories together, and then.....all 3 boys went to bed at the same time! For the 3rd night in a row! It's an amazing thought, but we may actually be establishing a schedule that allows me an hour of alone time before I have to go to bed. Wow!
Tommy is growing into the somewhat annoying stage....unfolding all the folded laundry and throwing it on the floor. Slapping and nipping to see what reaction he gets. Dumping out all of his toys in the living room, over and over and over again. I know he is learning every day, and hope some of this passes soon.
Travis may have a visit from the police in the next few days. A boy down the road took a girl's cell phone w/o permission. When he gave it back to her, the battery was missing. The boy claims he gave Travis the cell phone for a minute and that Travis and Travis's guest did something behind their backs before they gave the phone back to the 1st boy. I asked Travis, I searched Travis, I asked Travis's guest....I believe he never touched the phone. The girl believes Travis never touched the phone, the girl's mother believes Travis never touched the phone. However, the other boy keeps insisting Travis had the phone. So, the mother came down to forewarn us that she may (or may not) report this incident to the police, and because the other boy is blaming Travis the police may want to question him. I think the situation is unfortunate, and understand the batteries aren't cheap, but think calling the police over this is a little bit of overkill. However, kids do need to learn about consequences.
Tyler seems to be going through something. He was very upset last night about missing grandma. Today he crawled up in my lap and fell asleep right after I put Tommy down for his nap. I joked with Travis, asking if he was planning to fall asleep in my lap too. I think Ty is feeling insecure, and I'm not sure how to help him through it other than just being here for him.
There's always something. I better get those pictures uploaded, so I can tidy up and go to bed.
Tommy is growing into the somewhat annoying stage....unfolding all the folded laundry and throwing it on the floor. Slapping and nipping to see what reaction he gets. Dumping out all of his toys in the living room, over and over and over again. I know he is learning every day, and hope some of this passes soon.
Travis may have a visit from the police in the next few days. A boy down the road took a girl's cell phone w/o permission. When he gave it back to her, the battery was missing. The boy claims he gave Travis the cell phone for a minute and that Travis and Travis's guest did something behind their backs before they gave the phone back to the 1st boy. I asked Travis, I searched Travis, I asked Travis's guest....I believe he never touched the phone. The girl believes Travis never touched the phone, the girl's mother believes Travis never touched the phone. However, the other boy keeps insisting Travis had the phone. So, the mother came down to forewarn us that she may (or may not) report this incident to the police, and because the other boy is blaming Travis the police may want to question him. I think the situation is unfortunate, and understand the batteries aren't cheap, but think calling the police over this is a little bit of overkill. However, kids do need to learn about consequences.
Tyler seems to be going through something. He was very upset last night about missing grandma. Today he crawled up in my lap and fell asleep right after I put Tommy down for his nap. I joked with Travis, asking if he was planning to fall asleep in my lap too. I think Ty is feeling insecure, and I'm not sure how to help him through it other than just being here for him.
There's always something. I better get those pictures uploaded, so I can tidy up and go to bed.
Kids really do say the darndest things...
This morning I have retreated to my bedroom and my computer for a few minutes peace. Travis and Tyler have been quarreling all day. It's bad enough that I started to tell them we would just start school early, and to sit down and start math. Then I reconsidered. I told them that I don't want school to be a punishment, I want them to enjoy their education. Instead, their punishment is spending time with each other in their room. They have to work together to get it cleaned up again. I told them I don't want to see or hear them until their room is clean and they are getting along.
Yeah right!
So, I loaded Tommy into his stroller and went for a 1-1/2 mile walk. That took about 20 minutes, and nobody even noticed we had left. I burned off the rest of my frustration with 20 minutes of Turbo Jam. Then I woke Jeff, showered, and started dinner. I had just come in to my computer when Tyler came in, complaining about Travis.
"Travis says telling lies is speaking the devil's language. Is that true?" he asked, half whining. I had to try not to giggle, and not to sound too proud. "Well, that's what Pastor Ken in his sermon last Sunday. I can see that Travis was listening." was my reply.
I am amazed that Travis was actually listening enough to be able to quote the sermon. I am even more amazed that he found a way to apply it in real life.
Well, I hear Tommy calling at the door, and the vacuum running in the other room. I should go check on dinner. I'm making chicken and dumplings.
I plan to add some more pictures later this evening. Have a nice day!
Yeah right!
So, I loaded Tommy into his stroller and went for a 1-1/2 mile walk. That took about 20 minutes, and nobody even noticed we had left. I burned off the rest of my frustration with 20 minutes of Turbo Jam. Then I woke Jeff, showered, and started dinner. I had just come in to my computer when Tyler came in, complaining about Travis.
"Travis says telling lies is speaking the devil's language. Is that true?" he asked, half whining. I had to try not to giggle, and not to sound too proud. "Well, that's what Pastor Ken in his sermon last Sunday. I can see that Travis was listening." was my reply.
I am amazed that Travis was actually listening enough to be able to quote the sermon. I am even more amazed that he found a way to apply it in real life.
Well, I hear Tommy calling at the door, and the vacuum running in the other room. I should go check on dinner. I'm making chicken and dumplings.
I plan to add some more pictures later this evening. Have a nice day!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Prayer Please
I just received an email telling me that a wonderful woman at our church has had a massive stroke and isn't expected to survive. She has family that aren't nearby, a son who is out of the country. Please pray that they will make it home before she passes, so they may be with her. Also, please pray for their comfort, for her (Leora) courage, and that she won't suffer.
Leora came into my life when I was pregnant with Tyler, and her kindness and generosity have touched me deeply. Melissa, you may remember the African violet that used to sit in my windowsill at Coho, that was from her. If she doesn't make it, I'm going to miss her.
This is hitting me really hard, possibly because a week from today will be the first anniversary of my grandmother's death.
Anyway, please pray.
Leora came into my life when I was pregnant with Tyler, and her kindness and generosity have touched me deeply. Melissa, you may remember the African violet that used to sit in my windowsill at Coho, that was from her. If she doesn't make it, I'm going to miss her.
This is hitting me really hard, possibly because a week from today will be the first anniversary of my grandmother's death.
Anyway, please pray.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
What a Whirlwind!
Okay, this turned out to be a busy few days. Wow!
Let's see, Saturday the boys had a friend spend the night. Jeff and I played Rock Band for awhile. It was really pretty tame.
Sunday morning we went to church. After church we invited a family to come over and hang out for awhile. We ordered pizza, they brought chips and soda. After awhile my brother-in-law and sister-in-law came over. Well, we all must have had a really good time, because everybody stuck around for almost eight hours. The kids all ran around the neighborhood, the adults all played video games. It was great! Exhausting, but great.
Monday was the first day of hunting season. Jeff and Scott were out by 5:30 a.m. Amanda hung out here until they came back later in the morning. That evening we all BBQ'd burgers, and then Jeff, Scott, & Amanda went out for an evening hunt while Josh stayed here with us. We played some Rock Band, and then we went for a walk up to the store, to get some fresh air & exercise.
This morning I had my TOPS meeting, popped in to the grocery store for some apples and salad, and came home. When I got here, I blew my top over how trashed the house was and the fact that a Scout mom was coming over to help me plan our opening event. Everybody jumped to, and cleaned up, mostly.
This evening we got the plans finalized, and I don't have much to do to prep. Our biggest challenge may be finding volunteers to blow up over 100 balloons for some of the games we have planned.
Scott, Amanda, & Josh stopped in for a cup of coffee and a little small talk. Actually, they left something here and stopped by to pick it up. They left around 9, Josh has school in the morning.
It may not sound like a lot, but I sure feel like I have been busy, busy, busy. All the public schools around here start up tomorrow. We're holding off and starting next Monday. I told the boys we could throw a "not going back to school" party tomorrow.
Now it looks like I need to fold some laundry before I can climb in bed. Oh well!
Good Night!
Let's see, Saturday the boys had a friend spend the night. Jeff and I played Rock Band for awhile. It was really pretty tame.
Sunday morning we went to church. After church we invited a family to come over and hang out for awhile. We ordered pizza, they brought chips and soda. After awhile my brother-in-law and sister-in-law came over. Well, we all must have had a really good time, because everybody stuck around for almost eight hours. The kids all ran around the neighborhood, the adults all played video games. It was great! Exhausting, but great.
Monday was the first day of hunting season. Jeff and Scott were out by 5:30 a.m. Amanda hung out here until they came back later in the morning. That evening we all BBQ'd burgers, and then Jeff, Scott, & Amanda went out for an evening hunt while Josh stayed here with us. We played some Rock Band, and then we went for a walk up to the store, to get some fresh air & exercise.
This morning I had my TOPS meeting, popped in to the grocery store for some apples and salad, and came home. When I got here, I blew my top over how trashed the house was and the fact that a Scout mom was coming over to help me plan our opening event. Everybody jumped to, and cleaned up, mostly.
This evening we got the plans finalized, and I don't have much to do to prep. Our biggest challenge may be finding volunteers to blow up over 100 balloons for some of the games we have planned.
Scott, Amanda, & Josh stopped in for a cup of coffee and a little small talk. Actually, they left something here and stopped by to pick it up. They left around 9, Josh has school in the morning.
It may not sound like a lot, but I sure feel like I have been busy, busy, busy. All the public schools around here start up tomorrow. We're holding off and starting next Monday. I told the boys we could throw a "not going back to school" party tomorrow.
Now it looks like I need to fold some laundry before I can climb in bed. Oh well!
Good Night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)