Boys...Gotta Love'em!

Got up this morning to that oh so annoying sound of the alarm clock.  Ugh...I really really dislike that sound SO MUCH!  Even when I hear it in a movie, or ANYwhere else...my whole body just shudders.  Worst...sound...EVER.

Finally pulled myself out of bed...why is getting up so hard??  If I've said it once, I've said it a million times...I am NOT a morning person...but more so, I've come to realize, I'm just not a "getting out of bed person".  It is just who I am.  Always have been this way. 

Got Frost dropped off at work...came back home, and really really thought about climbing back into bed.  After all, one of my cute boys were snoozing in there...would have made some good snuggle time with him.  But I opted to put the coffee on...and work on finding and organizing some free resources for our learning.

When Zach woke up, I started on some breakfast for him and Liam.  Liam is NOT an easy one to get out of bed...takes after his mother, I guess.  But once I finally got them both to the table with food in front of them, we watched a story being read by Ravi from the Disney show Jessie {I always liked Ravi...he was so funny!}...Zach really enjoyed the story.  He thought it was funny, and really liked that it was Ravi reading it!  Liam was still in that "I just had to get up" kinda mood...so he said it was, "Eh".

www.storylineonline.net/

One of my new favorites that we have used 2 morning in a row now is Wonderopolis!!  It has a new "wonder" everyday!  Wednesday was about pizza, and Thursday was about toothpaste.   On Wednesday we added getting pizza for lunch, and today I added an extra youtube video...one of the "How It Was Made", all about toothpaste.  The kids seem to like it...from the youngest up to the oldest.

www.wonderopolis.org/

I've been TRYING so hard to start a new routine with the boys...I've been struggling.  I'm so NOT any good with "routines" or "schedules" or other things of the like.  So this is quite the challenge for me!  The idea is for Zach to have 20 mins playing on the Kinect...one of our dance games or the Kinect Adventures...which those keep him moving.  Then I would have some time to work on some learn-y stuff with Liam...well, this morning, Liam wasn't ready...he just wanted to play with his Bioncles...so I said, "OK"...because I wouldn't have gotten much out of him if I would have forced him.

After his 20 mins of movement...he is to go take a bath {he is STILL not ready for a shower...he says it feels like the room is filling up with water...sensory issues are so much fun...yeah...NOT.}  Then I'm "suppose to" have my tablet ready to play 5 of his favorite songs while he's in the bath...well, today, my tablet was D*E*A*D.  So that part didn't work out as planned.   While Zach is in the bath...Liam is doing his own Kinect time.  He doesn't really enjoy it as much as Zach does...I should probably just send him outside to run around...he would like that much better, I think.


When Zach does get to get some movement in, sit in a tub full of calming water, and listen to his favorite songs...he says he feels "GREAT!" afterward.  Which is why I'm trying so hard to make this new routine stick for us!!  I'm also HOPING it helps with his focusing as well...over time!  :)  Fingers are crossed!!

A little while later...both the boys went outside together.  I saw THIS out my window:

They were OUTSIDE....TOGETHER...NOT FIGHTING!!  This is SUCH a wonderful thing!!  I love these rare glimpses that show that these two personalities can actually LIKE each other!   They were working on getting more leaves into the pile Arlee started the other day.  After, they came in and was just hanging out together...I was LOVING it!!  They even got on my computer and played some games...together....and took turns!! 

But, as we know...all good things must come to an end.  And the way this one ended was this evening when Zach decided he had to use the bathroom...and Liam THEN, at the EXACT same time, decided HE had to use the bathroom WORSE than Zach did...and tried to cut in front of him  {yep...we usually have a line}.  And the fighting returned. {deep sigh}.

I'm not quite sure why they fight so much with each other.  I don't like it at all.  I guess it is just their personalities...but it makes me so sad.

Monday Musings on a Tuesday...

Since it's been awhile since I last posted, I thought this might be a fun one to do...


Outside my window...  it is a very nice fall day today.  A light breeze, just enough to hear the leaves in the trees.  Look at all those leaves on the ground...they are just begging to be raked up into a pile and jumped in!

I am thinking... that my coffee tastes really good this morning!!  I was up REALLY late last night surfing around the net for new things to share with the boys that I thought they might enjoy looking into...like I didn't head to bed until after 3am!!  This is my beautiful mug that Arlee got me when she visited Washington DC with her now Boyfriend & his family!  :)

From the learning rooms... Arlee is still plugging away trying to finish up her "High School Credits".  So proud of how she gets up REALLY early in the morning and works on her lessons.  For the boys...oh, I'm not sure.  Is that not sad??  I've been at this for a long time...but finding something that really works for each of them has proved to be such a challenge.  Still searching though!!

I am thankful for... Well since this is my first...I guess I'm good to start off with my four prides & joys, right!?!?   Here are their pics from our homeschool group's Halloween Dance...they all looked AMAZING!!

 

From the kitchen...Not much going on so far today.  Guess I will have to figure out what we are having for dinner tonight.  Hmmmmm....probably some pizza pasta...nice & easy!!

I am wearing... My jammies...of course!!  :)

I am reading... well, I started a book called, "The Unnaturalists", and I picked up the book, "Nonverbal Learning Disabilities at Home:  A Parent's Guide".

I am hoping... to find more time to sit and read the books I have!!

I am creating...  still working on knitting some fingerless gloves & scarf for a Christmas present.

I am hearing... listening to my YouTube Playlist...right now it is Christina Perri, "Distance"

Around the house... there is so much that NEEDS done!!  Having Frosty's girlfriend over tomorrow...so there WILL be cleaning done TODAY!!  :)


A few plans for the rest of the week...  not much this week...have to REALLY watch the budget.  But we do still have Arlee volunteering at the library, Theater Club, Frost working, & building a  Haunted Gingerbread House at a library program.  This the older kids & Danny are trying to plan a trip to KI, too!  :)  Okay, it still sounds like A LOT, but it is REALLY a slow week this week for sure!!


Here is a picture I wanted to share with you.. 

This is from a park that our family really loves to visit...this is me & my oldest two kiddos hanging out on a swinging bench they have there...

"The Impossible"

Last Friday night, I found myself with the opportunity to be able to watch a movie by myself.  Now...some may think this as a chance of good luck...not having to agree with others on what to watch.  But Danny & I like to watch movies that fall under our favorite genres together....so that knocks out anything that would be considered: horror, sci fi, comedy, and comic-book-goes-to-the-big-screen.   That's a big chunk of the movies out there!!  Then I'm kinda picky when it comes to "chic flix".  And, on this particular night, I wasn't finding any romantic-like movies that really caught my attention.

Then I stumbled upon this one...."The Impossible".   I hesitated because I wasn't sure if Danny would like this kind of movie or not...well, I just went for it, and decided to go ahead and watch it myself.  It was a REALLY good movie!!  Here is a very brief description:

IN 2004, A DEVASTATING TSUNAMI HIT
SOUTHEAST ASIA.THIS IS THE AMAZING
TRUE STORY OF ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY
OF HOPE AND SURVIVAL.

The family was vacationing when the tsunami hit.  The family is separated during the storm.  It is so hard to imagine going thru something like this. It was intense to watch.    

There are trailers for the movie on the movies official website here: 

www.theimpossible-movie.com/

And here is one I found on youtube....

Here is the link to the Parents Guide on the IMDB website....for any who would like to read thru it before watching it themselves or with their families:  www.imdb.com/title/tt1649419/parentalguide?ref_=tt_ql_7



Found a video from The View that has the REAL Maria Belon {the mom} being interviewed....if you'd like to check it out.   There are other videos, I'm sure, you could find on YouTube, as well.

I would definitely recommend this movie!  Although quite emotional...because, of course, you begin to imagine yourself, and your family in this same situation....definitely have some tissues nearby!!

1 Year Anniversary at First Job ~ Silly & Slimey Science

Our days can seem so busy these days.   Especially with the older two kiddos working.  I think it is so amazing that they have had the opportunity to have work available for them to do.  What great learning experiences for the two of them! 

Today, I am especially proud of our oldest boy, Frost.  TODAY....{well, yesterday by the time this will post...June 5th} was his 1 year anniversary working at Royal Kennels.   This is his first job...and he started it...has loved it...has stuck with it...and has worked really hard.  Pam {his boss} tells us all the time what a great worker he is...no matter what it is she needs him to do, he is always ready and willing to jump in and just get it done. 

For this entire year of him working at the Kennel, when he gets paid, he gives 1/2 of his earnings to us for his "savings"....the other 1/2 is his to save/spend however he wants.   He has bought himself his own tablet,  paintball gun, and Kings Island passes...a few bigger things that he had to save up for a while for to be able to buy them.   And of course he splurges on things like his crazy hats or spoiling his girlfriend when he can.  :)   But now that the year is up...he will receive his savings, and get to decide what he wants to do with it.   He has saved up a little over $1,000 this passed year!!  Plus, starting today...he gets to keep his whole pay!!

Pam also let him know that if he starts a savings account, which I'm hoping we can get to the bank and get it all set up for him sometime THIS month, that she will start a sort of 401K plan with him!!  She will match up to $50 a month of whatever he puts into it.   What a great learning opportunity she is giving him!!   I love it!! 

Today, Frost gets the extra treat of grooming our Black Lab, Cooper, too!! 

Frost is planning on a special lunch out with Danny tomorrow to celebrate his 1 year...you know, the two "working men" of the family!  :)


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Yesterday we went to a special library program....Silly & Slimey Science.

First off they did the "Will it Sink or Float?"   The librarian had a bucket full of different objects, and each child got to come up and pick one....guess if it would Sink or Float...then try it out in the big bowl of water.

 They also did the milk/food coloring/dish detergent experiment.   We've done this one before, and the kids really like it!! 

BE SURE THE FOOD COLORING DOES NOT MIX WHEN YOU PUT INTO THE MILK. 

When you put the Qtip into the milk BE SURE NOT TO STIR...you poke it in, and just HOLD IT STILL.

There is "science" behind it....something to do with the "fat" in the milk...but basically, the pretty colors MOVE and swirl together!!  If it works right...it creates a sort of Tye-Dye look in the milk...

Here's a YouTube Video that explains how to do it, too....AAAAAND it even explains the "Science Stuff"!! 

After they were done with the program...I let them play on the computers for a bit while I looked around and picked out some books & movies.   We had a little time to kill before we had to pick up Frost from work.  

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Talked Danny into running to pick up some S'mores Blizzards before we went to pick up Arlee from work!!  Oh My Word were they SO YUMMY!!   Highly recommend them!!  I love S'mores anything....but this was just divine!!   A *HUGE* Thank You to my Hubby for spoiling me!!  :)

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Update on Me/Our Weekend/Just Hanging Out

UPDATE ON ME:

The last few days have been WONDERFUL!!  I have been pain free since FRIDAY!!  Thank goodness!!  It has made such a HUGE difference NOT having all that joint pain & body aches.  {Deep deep sigh of relief inserted HERE!} My rash/hives/red spots are still visible, but are MUCH smoother & lighter than they were.  That swollen spot on my hand is almost all gone...no pain, just a little puffy.  I've been tired...I think my body is finally getting the help that it needs, and is able to calm itself a bit...and now is just worn out from being so out of control for the past couple weeks. 

OUR WEEKEND:

YARD SALES!!!  On Saturday, we went to go visit our friends at the Days of Wonder School since they were having a HUGE 15-Family Yard Sale to help raise funds for their school.  We found some good treasures there...along with a couple others we stopped at on our way home as well!  It was fun!  I think this was really Zach & Liam's first experience with shopping at Yard Sales.  We must learn that even though we don't find things that interest us...we need to still be patient while others are looking.  It's a work in progress!!

I found some really pretty glass bottles!  Not sure where I'm going to put them....but can't wait to put them there!  Zach & Liam, both, got new fishing poles!!   At one yard sale, the lady let each of them pick out TWO board games for $2 total!  Arlee got a big box of craft stuff & such, plus a bag of fabric.

We headed back home for some lunch.  After, while Danny started mowing the lawn, Arlee & I headed out to Goodwill to do some more shopping!  We found some good deals...and some cute clothes!  I was SO tired by the time I got back home!  Whew!!

Sunday, I had to drop off Arlee & Frost to help out at the Days of Wonder Yard Sale, so we ended up picking up even more stuff!!  Our good friend Amy was giving the boys some REALLY good deals!!  :) 

After leaving, I decided to treat the boys!!  We were all H*O*T....so some frozen yogurt sounded REALLY good!!

 

First time the boys have been here....myself, too....it was fun, and they really enjoyed it!  :)  It was YUMMY!!

Once we got back home, we cleaned up our living room, then played one of the new games that Zach got.  It is called SpaceQuest...it is from like 1986....a sort of Monopoly game with some differences.  We kinda did our own version of it....to make it easier.   They liked playing it...Liam is a Monopoly Guru, let me tell you what!!!


JUST HANGING OUT:

Monday...After dropping Arlee off at work, the boys and I ran over to Salvation Army to look around.  Found myself 3 new shirts, Frost & Zach both a shirt, a bunch of puzzles for the kids to do {Liam found a States puzzle here the other day, and has put it together like 3 times, and is interested in doing MORE!   And apparently, while at the store, Frost offered to do puzzles with him!!  Sounded good to me!!}  Frost found a couple older computer games...hoping they are compatible with our computers.  I also found this really cute old travel case...I'm looking forward to filling it up with my hair things, nail polish, and make up!!

We ended up being a little late {okay, like 40 mins late} to our next thing...TOTALLY my fault for having to try on clothes at the store!!  We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging with friends!  It was really nice.  I haven't done much of it over the last couple weeks because of all the icky sicky stuff I've been dealing with...it was really really good to see my friends and get to talk face to face with them!!  I miss them!!

Frost worked on this K'Nex Ferris Wheel...that even after like 3 hours, still couldn't get it to spin right.  :/   Liam played outside riding his bike....before deciding to come in and bug the older boys would be more fun.   Zach played on his tablet & Wii with his friends.

Around 5pm, we started to leave.   Could definitely tell we'd already had a full day {for us, I guess} because Liam was MOODY!!  Oh my!!   We were planning on a couple other stops before heading home....but by the time we were ONLY around the corner, that plan changed to JUST GOING HOME!!   Which worked out find for me...I was pretty hungry, so I'm thinking my boys were too...got home and made a quick lunch.   I think everyone felt much better after that!!

Frost started working on one of his 1000 piece puzzles he picked up today.  We have discovered that Liam likes puzzles, but apparently the pieces have to be a certain size.  He did not like the look of the small pieces of the ones we got at the store.  So he decided to go back and put together his trusted States puzzle again.  And Zach took a nap...we had to have a talk about hitting.  Found out he had hit his brother while we were out today, so he was not able to play his time on the Xbox...so what else is there to do??  Just go to sleep. 

For dinner Frost grilled out hamburgers and these Buffalo Cheese Mets I picked up from Aldi last week....THEY WERE SO GOOD!!  I made pasta salad to go along with it.   YUMMY!!

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I am so excited that I'm feeling better...I'm really looking forward to doing more stuff with the kids, getting out and doing stuff as a family, spending time with our friends....just being able to enjoy the beautiful summer weather!!

Ugh Sickness Stinks...especially when no one knows what it is!

So around May 14th'ish...I started getting this REALLY bad, my whole head, headache.  It was bad.   Lasted for about 2 to 3 days.   I would hide away in my bedroom...where it was dark, and the quietest place in the house...and would just try and sleep it out.   I also developed a low grade fever.  By the weekend, certain joints began aching, and this strange rash/hives/splotches/bumps started appearing around my neck & arms, across my forehead, and near my elbows.  Each areas spots looked different.

Sunday was Arlee's last piano/voice recital.  I was so embarrassed to go out looking like I had some weird skin disease.  I wore my hair down, so I could pull it over 1/2 of my face.   I had Danny help me pin my shirt just right to cover the spots on my neck.  I did have a fever that morning, and was very stiff & sore....so I took some of my leftover "good" ibuprofen from when I last threw my back out really bad...and THANKFULLY not only did it bring my fever down, and helped with the pain....it at least made the lumps on my forehead not so bright red!!  Whew!!   I know I still, I'm sure, looked "sick" and just wiped out though.

Called on Monday and got an appointment with the "nurse practitioner" at our Dr's office.  She was stumped...said she had NEVER seen anything like it before.  It seemed to me she was MORE focused on just the rashes {or whatever it all was} than the joint pain or fever, but she did write me a 'script for some steroids.   Only 40mg, and only a 5 day supply.   It did take away the pain & fever {THANKFULLY}, and the bumps on my head went away...and the large "welt" looking lumps around my elbows turned into bruises and didn't hurt anymore.  But the stuff around my neck/arms only got worse.

By Sunday night or Monday....I'm assuming because the steroids were out of my system by then...my fever was back, and so was the body aches and joint pains.   And it came back with a vengeance!!  101.8 fever...and unable to function without having one of my "good" ibuprofen to lessen the pain....mind you not get rid of all of it, just make it so I could walk and function at about 75% of "normal"....if that.   I was tired so often...I slept A LOT.

Back to the dr on Tuesday...saw the "nurse" again.  She is STILL stumped.  Labs came back...everything was normal, except one thing that was just a LITTLE on the high side...she said which could suggest infection, but not sure if it was really high enough for it.  She had 4 other drs/residents come in to "check me out"...they brought books in to look things up to compare me with the pictures in the book.  None of them had a clue what it could be.

Regular lady who does the blood draw was out to lunch...so they had this other lady come in to "attempt" it.  She stuck me twice trying to find my vein...then went to get someone else who also stabbed me trying to find my vein....then asked if I didn't mind hanging around until the other lady got back from lunch.  "Sure...no problem, I just have these two boys who have already been here for almost an hour!  What's 10 more mins!!"   Got in with her...finally....and first try...no problems...quick and easy.   And since I was gawked over, stuck in the back of the throat twice for the throat culture, and stabbed numerous time...plus the boys were actually very good being trapped in a tiny room for so long...we treated ourselves to lunch at Big Boys!!

I kept sharing about how a few years ago my body was a "carrier" for Strep...but my body decided it was a good idea to attack itself instead of the infection....and it resulted in some MAJOR joint pain....and I kept thinking it MIGHT be something similar, just manifesting in a different way.   They kind of dismissed it.   Although they did want to do a throat culture to be sure it wasn't strep.  Wrote me a 'script for a cream to put on the spots, and a referral to a dermatologist.  That evening I noticed a new spot....on my left hand, between my first and second knuckle...it was red and slightly swollen.



Wednesday....REALLY early morning...PAIN all over, a definite fever although I didn't check it, but I for sure felt it!!  Tried to wait until it was time for Danny to get up for work...but that was a couple or so hours away...there was NO way!!  Had to wake Danny up to get me something to drink and my meds.  I was miserable.

Thursday...I woke up sore and achy...again  My hand was SO swollen.  Fever.   So I called over to the dr's office to leave a message for the nurse to tell her the joint pain & body aches are BAD when I don't have an ibuprofen in my system...something needed fixed....and about my hand.

Waited....waited....waited.  Tried to so some cleaning in the kitchen, but it was painful.   I had to sit down frequently to get some relief.  I was in tears and weepy.  My hand was only getting more and more swollen...it was taking over about 1/2 the back of my hand...it was VERY red, hard, and hot...and HURT!!   More red splotches were showing up on my arms...some on my legs...a small swollen spot on my ankle area which made it so I couldn't bend my foot  up at times.   Joints were aching...wrists, elbows, ankles, knees.  Still no call back from the drs office.

Started Googling!  Danny offered to go pick up some Vitamin C and Garlic Pills to help boost my immune system...in case it is just some infection wreaking havoc on my body...or whatever it is...just HOPING it will help out!!   Also went ahead and took another ibuprofen...was waiting to kinda hear back from the dr...but just couldn't take it anymore!! 

6pm rolls around...still nothing.  Danny calls...they "say" the nurse already called something in, and asked if I had called the dermatologist yet.   So we call to Kroger....NO 'script called in.   Call BACK to the dr's office..."we'll send a note back to the nurse".   Called Kroger back again at 8pm...NO 'script called in.

Got woke up this morning around 8:30'ish from the dr's office...someone asking if I would be willing to come in to see the actual Dr.  Had to tell them I would call them back so we could figure out day out.  Got a plan in place...then called them back...she said that was fine, and would send in the 'script that didn't get sent the day before.   Worked it out so Danny {the the little boys}could go along with me.   This time Dr looked over all my spots...had another dr come and and look over them all....we talked a lot about the fever, pain, aches, etc.   He finally came in with a book...turned to a picture of what he thought looks like the main rash stuff I have.  And decided to put me back on steroids...double the dose....for longer....told me to stop using the cream....and I am suppose to go back in next Wednesday for a follow up.

Oh...and I forgot to mention...my swollen hand was down about 1/2 it's size!!  And all the red sore splotches that showed up the day before were gone.  And I actually felt pretty good when I got out of bed that morning....I'm totally giving the credit to the mass dose of Vitamin C I took the day before!!

Got back home....after picking up our 'Script {noting that they NEVER did call in the one they said they were going to}....took my meds....and another Vitamin C...ate a snack...relaxed for a bit...and then I got SO tired!!  My arms started hurting....I think I was just worn out from going out today!!   Went to take a nap...got up a little later in even worse pain.  Limping my way out of my bedroom because of a new spot on my lower leg.   Took an ibuprofen to help me threw until HOPEFULLY the steroids will kick in and take care of it!

So anyway...I know this a lonnnnnng entry.  Wanted it so I could just keep track of what we've been thru so far....and to share with others what has been going on with me.   I've had to miss a few outings and such...which I've hated, but I just couldn't with all the pain and stuff....plus I just hate for anyone to see all these horrible looking spots all over me, too!  :/    Resting LOTS....so I know I have been on fb a lot less than normal, too.   I'm REALLY looking forward to HOPEFULLY these steroids being enough to kick this stuff out of my system....and getting back to our "normal" around here!! 

Just Us Weekend

Had so much fun out with my AMAZING Hubby for our "Just Us" Weekend!  We dropped the kids...all four of them...off with my IL's Wednesday evening...and had alone time together until Saturday evening!!  We haven't taken time for ourselves like that since our honeymoon...which was...wow...going on 12 years ago this summer!  Loooong overdue!

Our first evening together, after dropping off the kids, we headed to Kroger to pick up some steaks, sushi, drinks, and a few other things.   While picking out the sushi...Danny found these...

Although we did NOT get them...they were definitely the most interesting thing we found at Kroger that night!!  :)  Mini octopus. 

While we were looking for some beer and coolers, Danny came across a beer that he used to drink all the time when he was stationed down in Texas in the Air Force...it was his FAVORITE, and he hasn't had it since he left Texas!  He was pretty excited about getting to have it again!!

Since it was pretty late by the time we dropped off the kids...we decided to just eat a quick dinner out...we opted for Burger King this night.  It was really good!  I really like their burgers & onion rings {with the spicy sauce they have}.  Mmmm!


On Thursday, we mostly just hung around home.  It was very relaxing!  Until we decided to head out to do some shopping.  When Danny was in the shower, and it was just me...it was SO quiet in the house.  I wasn't really sure what to do with myself.  I think I got a little bored there for a minute!! 

We had to run and pick up some things for our Guinea Pigs at the pet store, and went to go look around at WalMart for a bit.  Tried to not take too too long...then headed back home to grill up some steaks!!  I made some au gratin potatoes {out of a box}, and some brownies {planned on brownies with strawberry ice cream on top...it was really good!!}.  The steaks were so yummy...my Hubby REALLY knows how to grill them up tasty!!  :)


Friday was the day we were really excited for!  We headed over to Newport on the Levee!  We were pretty hungry when we got there...so we started off with some good food!!  We decided to go to the Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant ...and I'm so glad we did!  We had never been before...and it was MARVELOUS!!  We would definitely recommend it to anyone!  The food was fabulous...it had such a wonderful atmosphere...there were all these little nook & crannies where tables/booths were...our waitress was great...they had this "tomato jam", which is sorta like a homemade ketchup, it was to die for...we LOVED it!!  It was a wonderful experience!

This was my meal for the evening....there in that little cup is the tomato jam....delicious!!

Danny had Fish & Chips {same fries as mine}....he said his was REALLY good, too!  Commented that the tarter sauce that came with his Fish wasn't like "regular" tarter sauce...he said it tasted much better!  :)

Here are a couple shots from INSIDE the restaurant....

After we finished our meal...we headed out to the Riverwalk to take in the scenery.  It was pretty windy at this point...so we didn't last long out there.

We still had a while before our movie started...so we headed into Barnes & Noble.   We found a couple things that we were interested in reading...grabbed a table...and just hung out for awhile.  Ended up getting some coffee from the Starbucks inside the book store.  Then, when it was close to time for our movie to start...we headed out.

We saw the "300: Rise of and Empire" movie.  It was REALLY good!  We both really liked the first "300" movie, too....so we were pretty anxious to see this one.  We would definitely recommend seeing it in 3D...we did not, but wish we would have.  It looks like it was MADE for 3D.  It was very bloody...body parts getting chopped off here, there, and everywhere...epic battle scenes...yeah...it was a "guy flick"...and it was AWESOME!  :)

Saturday...our last day of it being "just us"....we went to Five Guys for lunch, picked up some food for dinner from the store, then went to pick up the kiddos!   Zach & Liam ran to us when they saw us pull into the driveway.  Zachary started crying saying how much he missed us...hugging us so tightly...which, of course, in turn makes ME cry as well!  That boy has such strong emotions!

We had an amazing time just hanging out, chit chatting, & reconnecting with each other!  I recommend a weekend "away" to ANY one!!   It is REALLY nice to recharge those batteries every once in awhile!  And when you get to hang out with just your Husband...no worries about anything else...it is AMAZING!! 

We did, very much so, miss our children though!!  The house is just not the same without the whole family together!  :)

A Day in the Life of the Conn Family

Was this a "typical" day for us....well...I would have to say....NOPE.   Nothing "typical" happens around here!!  But it was what THIS day looked like for us.

So our day begins by getting up early to take Frost to work.  He just loves his job at the kennel...which has just worked out so wonderfully for him!  His boss is AMAZING, he works so hard, and he's able to make some pocket money!

I came back home...started some coffee, check my fb & email, finalized my "what I would really like to be able to go over with the boys today, but probably won't be able to do this much" list, started some laundry, and read an article or two online.



I'm not totally sure what all Arlee did today...I pretty much leave her to do her own thing.  I did hear her recording one of her stories...I'm pretty sure she was working on some ears to wear tonight...she was re-learning her crocheting, too...and she did have me print out a Math worksheet {not sure if that was for today, or later this week}...and she took a pre-test on a website we're checking out...but beyond that, I haven't a clue.  :)  She's really good about doing "school-like stuff" on her own though.


Arlee asked me if I could help her put on one of her sparkle tattoos.  Of course I said "SURE!"...who doesn't love getting to play in glitter!!  She decided on putting her's on her neck, kinda behind her ear...

Then she asked if I wanted one...I hesitated at first, not really sure why, but then said..."why not!?!"  I'm loving my stars!!

Here are the ears she made.  I'm loving these things!  She makes them out of material fur, felt, and a headband.  This girl is so talented!

Do you see her thought bubble above her head??  LOL!  Wonder what she's thinking??


I thought the diamonds on THIS ear looked so pretty!!!

For Zachary  we are going to be trying out the Easy Peasy Homeschool.  What an AMAZING resource!!  Have you heard of it??  It is an online curriculum, all put together by a fellow homeschooling mama, and offered for ANYONE to use it free of charge!!  How great is that!?!?  Here is the link if you'd like to check it out...there is PreK/Elementary/Middle School & she's getting started on High School as well!




http://allinonehomeschool.com/



http://allinonehighschool.com/




So we did "Reading" this morning with a couple poems, discussing the poems, and going over "stanzas" and "rhyming scheme".  He also had to write one of the stanzas for "handwriting".  

I also found a free resources with a TON of great quotes for Copy Work...124 to be exact:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B00m3Pm7t-e-RkhHZXZNRFlCVE0/edit?pli=1

Then I enter the quotes into this website, to create a worksheet that they have to copy over the letters:
http://www.worksheetworks.com/english/writing/handwriting/handwriting-print-trace-old.html

My plan is to switch out during the week between journaling, copywork, letter writing, story writing, etc.


Today I introduced to the boys the idea I'm stealing from the DOW School!!  I will be offering "payment" for extra Math, English/Reading/Lang Arts, and Handwriting worksheets they do.  .05 for Math & English, etc.... .10 for Handwriting.   Liam did FOUR handwriting pages {which is HUGE...he HATES doing them!!  But he diligently sat and completed them all with NO complaints!!}  And Zach did TWO Math pages!!   And with these worksheets, with both boys, they WANTED to do them!!  This will be ALL UP TO THEM...if they WANT to do them, and complete them, they will get their payment...if not, then that's fine, too, with me.



Have you seen these funny "Daily Odd Compliments"??  Oh...they can REALLY hit my funny bone!  I had fun sending a few of them to Danny over IM today!  You can find them on Pinterest...here are a couple that I really liked:

 It was great getting that time to "chat" back and forth with Danny during the day!  And we shared some giggles with these great "compliments"!!  :)



When I went to go pick Frost up from work, I had Arlee make sure the two younger boys finished up getting ready themselves.  When Frost & I got back, we really didn't have too much time to spare.  He had to shower and get ready...and I definitely needed a freshening up!  Finally got everyone loaded up into the car...the kids don't like taking the car because we are all squished in there...but since I was just running the older kids to be dropped off with friends, I thought we could all suck it up so we could save some gas money today!  :)  

Frost was heading over to hang out with his girlfriend and her family.  Arlee was going out with her friend and his family.  We were planning that I would catch up with them all at the High School Hangout that was planned for the evening. 

After dropping the two older kiddos off...we went to get Liam's hair cut.  If you've seen us recently...you have seen that he is WAY overdue for one!!

And this was after a shower...so it's not as "fluffy" as it usually is!!  LOL!  Poor guy!

He was starting to help me read "Go Dogs Go" while we were waiting for his turn to get his hair cut, but then he wanted me to just read.   I think he talked to the wonderful lady who cut his hair the ENTIRE time he was in her chair!  Finishing up with telling her that he wanted to be an assassin when he grows up.  Oh boy!  I think she whispered in his ear that that would mean he had to kill people...and he was just like...."yeah".   My eyes are closed and I'm shaking my head at this point.  But he does come back with the fact that he will be a hero and only kill those who do wrong.  Good save...sorta.  Way to get out there and socialize, Liam!!  :)

Then it was over to McD's for a treat!  The boys have been chomping at the bit to use some Valentine Coupons that our friend Julie gave to them...so they FINALLY got to use them today!

 Zach got a free hamburger, and bought himself {with lost tooth money} a bacon buffalo chicken sandwich.  I love it when they get to get up there at the counter, with their own money, order, pay...just like the big boys they are becoming!!  Liam got a free ice cream cone, and an onion burger...he ordered his, but I had to pay since he didn't have enough of his own money with him today.  :)

I was not going to miss out on a treat myself!!  SO I got one of the Chocolate Strawberry Frappes!!  OH they are so good!!  I also got one of the buffalo ranch chicken sandwiches, too.  YUM!!

 

Poor Zach I think was disappointed in picking the hamburger coupon for today after watching Liam enjoying his ice cream cone.  Once Liam got about 1/2 way done...he asked Zach if he wanted the rest.  It was such a wonderfully proud moment!!

I believe he may just be singing into his ice cream cone. 

I let them play for just a little bit before we left, and headed back home.

I'm not totally sure if we were completely in the door yet before they started playing a couple games of Magic together.  With Zach being SO patient while teaching Liam how to use his cards.  Liam struggles because he can not read the cards himself yet...so it is frustrating for whoever is playing against him...but I was so proud of Zach who just took his time helping his brother.

I had come back home with the intention of doing some "school-like" stuff with Liam...but we never did get to it!  We'll try again tomorrow!


We did, however, move a couple things around in our living room, which freed up a wall...we have now turned it into "Liam's Word Wall".  With him now showing interest in learning to read...I wanted to show him just how many words he is learning!  I have these cards with sight words on them, and some that I had previously printed out...so far we have like 16 words up there...he has to KNOW them, not sounding out, no struggle, be able to look at it, and read it in a snap to get it posted on the wall...those 16 were all we had time to go thru, and get taped up before I had to get going to pick the older two up from the bowling ally.  I'm looking forward to filling up our wall with all the words he is learning!!

I had to stop on the way to pick up Frosty's new Depakote 'script...and OH MY...these pills are H*U*G*E!!  And he has to take FOUR of them each evening.  Whew!!

The two older kids both had a great time today hanging out with their "other families".  :)  And they both had a really good time hanging out with some of the other Teens from our homeschool group at the Bowling Ally.  

We got to catch up on our way home.  Talked about what they did with their other families that day.  When we got home...I shared some of the pics I had taken at the bowling ally with Danny...some of those kids are SO funny!!  We made some hamburgers for dinner...then attempted to start getting ready for bed...which is usually like a 3 hour event around here!  LOL!   Liam was the only one still awake for a quick bedtime story.  I hung out on my computer for a bit longer, even wrote a love note to Danny before I headed to bed around 2am.

I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into our life here at the Conn Homestead!  ;)

Little Things...High Priority

Was reading over my last post...the one at the end of December...the one where I was all so excited about the prospect of the New Year that was upcoming.  {Deep sigh}  It didn't last long...sadly.  A couple big set backs, plus the ongoing frustrating stresses that have cursed our family for awhile now....all just within the first couple months....I mean...shoot...we are only at mid-February and I've already been to that point that I was ready to throw in the towel for 2014...that this year is going to be no different than the past few for us.

But...within the last couple weeks...I think I've figured out, at least, what I've been missing.  Although, my Husband and I are immensely close, quite affectionate with each other, and love each other very very much...we have slipped a bit from where we were even just 5 years ago.  With so much stuff going on around here...the homeschooling, the house chores, the homeschool group, the bills, the working, the diagnoses, the meds, the this, the that, and so on and so forth!  There is just so much!!  So much distracting us from what is undeniably important!!

While talking with Danny about this...which he agreed about what I was feeling as well...he pointed out in all of our efforts to make sure our kids were well socialized, we forgot to keep social with each other.  We went out on January 29th...for "our 29th" {It is where we go out each month on the 29th to celebrate our marriage...since we got married on June *29th*...we started this a couple years ago, we did it for the entire year of our 10th Wedding Anniversary...but then it got put on the back burner afterward}...and before that, I couldn't remember the last time we "officially" and purposely had a "date". 

I am hopeful that if we REALLY start connecting again...like we used to...it will bring enough energy between us to start things surly rolling in the RIGHT direction for us!!

We are beginning by making sure we make a point to truly connect with each other EVERY day...SEVERAL times a day!!  Making ALL of these "little" things "HIGH" priority....like...phone calls, IM's over fb, taking the time to welcome him home at the end of his workday, having fun together, lots of snuggles & kisses, etc.  And...it has been AMAZING!!

I love my Husband with every piece of my being.  He IS my soul mate...he IS my everything...he IS my love & my heart.  All I want to do is to make him happy, to love him, and to be loved by him.  He deserves to have a good, loving wife...and that is who I want to be for him, always!!  I will be working toward putting those "little things" back to their rightful place of "HIGH PRIORITY", just where they belong.